Community Leaders Research Articles

HeatReady Neighborhoods: A Planning Rubric for Extreme Heat

Problem, research strategy, and findings Rising temperatures and prolonged heat waves present significant challenges for all communities and are further exacerbated by socioeconomic and spatial vulnerabilities. Extreme heat impacts are amplified in areas with historic underinvestment in infrastructure, discriminatory redlining practices, and limited access to cooling amenities. To ethically mitigate and adapt to these impacts, holistically addressing urban heat impacts and coping strategies at the neighborhood level is crucial. Here we present the development of a HeatReady Neighborhoods planning rubric, co-created with community members and academic partners. The rubric evaluated overall HeatReady performance levels based on community-specific values and served as a modular template for assessing heat readiness using the Phoenix (AZ) metropolitan region as a case study. Takeaway for Practice By prioritizing hyperlocal, neighborhood-scale needs, the planning rubric can enable communities to optimize their social, physical, and natural assets for improved resilience to extreme heat and other slow-moving natural hazards. This adaptable model can guide planners, city officials, and community leaders in co-creating strategies with neighborhoods to effectively identify, mitigate, and build adaptation to the adverse effects of extreme heat, filling a gap in mainstream, agency-led heat action planning.

Advancing Holistic Human Capital Development: A Perspective on the Presidential Amnesty Programme

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) was a policy thrust to tackle the intractable agitations and youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region due to utter neglect of the development of the region despite the enormous contributions to the national treasury from its rich-oil deposits and gas resources. Accordingly, this study uncovers human capital development in the Niger Delta states from the lens of the PAP. The study applied a quantitative research strategy with a structured questionnaire. A sample of 574 respondents was drawn through a multi-stage sampling design from 13,254 chiefs, community leaders, youths and the staff of the amnesty office, which served as the target population of the study. From the primary and secondary data collected and analysed, the findings demonstrated that the Presidential Amnesty Programme had a positive significant effect on vocational skills acquisition, there was a positive relationship between PAP and university educational advancement, and there was a positive relationship between budgetary provision and human capital development among others. We concluded that the PAP has contributed to the human capital development of youths in the region. We recommended inter alia that the amnesty programme of the federal government of Nigeria should be committed to exposing ex-militants to vocational skill acquisition scheme to ensure self-reliance, and also should improve on the university educational advancement for ex-militants to acquire professional certification in the Niger Delta States.

Indigenous knowledge and sugar sweetened beverages: Qualitative adaptations towards chronic disease prevention and intervention

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are a concern for Indigenous populations and are associated with multiple chronic diseases. To address this concern, we culturally tailored and tested the feasibility of an evidence-based SSB-reducing curriculum. The modified curriculum was designed for Indigenous men and is thematically based on traditional values, ancestral teachings, and community strengths while promoting healthy lifestyles. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to develop an interview guide using an Indigenous-centered theoretical framework. Two Indigenous content experts conducted both individual and focus group interviews (n = 14) with urban community leaders and athletes. Two Indigenous qualitative scientists analyzed the data with the support of an inter-tribal community advisory board. Results included imagery utilization, the importance of water, marketing, taste, and building routine. These findings guided the development of 6-month Indigenous focused SSB intervention consisting of 12 in-person intervention sessions and 27 short messaging service (SMS) messages.

A Study of digital literacy among the marginalizes in Thailand: Issues, challenges for implementation and the way forward

The concerns about digital literacy in Thailand especially relevant to fake news, disinformation, and misinformation keep increasing and creating a multifaceted challenges to various sectors of Thai society i.e. financial, commercial, politics, society, and health-related. Among the areas identified include digital contents creation, dissemination, and social media enabling various information with complex challenges such as the proliferation of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation affected more kinds of negative effects currently. This study employs mixed-research method quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (Focus group discussion, observation, interview) data collection and analysis. A total of 315 samples and key informants were involved as well as grouped under 5 categories: marginal youths, elderly, community leaders, teachers, also government workers focusing on digital literacy knowledge and skills relevant to fake news. It also highlights the relevant contexts i.e. regulatory frameworks and mechanisms driven by key agencies in Thailand. Two main results were revealed that reflected the objectives of the study accordingly: The first objective is (1) overview of digital literacy and how to achieve it. The findings summarized from survey questionnaire include 1.1) even regulations exist found inadequate enforcement and low public awareness call for more effective and collaborative communication from all partners starting from the government agencies; 1.2) urgent need for public awareness communication campaigns emphasizing all the marginalized groups. Youths expressed in the interviews about their contribution to help reduce all kinds of fake news; 1.3) support more friendly ICT context provision such as availability, affordability, accessibility, usability, and useful information. The second objective is (2) mechanism for digital skills empowerment. The feedback from key informants include: 2.1) strengthening digital literacy skills among all marginalized groups to be a smart citizen then can help protecting themselves, their families and their communities; 2.2) all agencies from policy to local i.e. community leaders, educational institutions, private sectors, social media companies, civil society, and others must synergized more contributions; 2.3) educational institutions must design digital literacy academy with digital new-skills for the marginalizes, ensuring them for their safety and future job demands; 2.4) private sectors should support and co-designing digital products and services that address all current needs; 2.5) local government, and all partners should take an active collaboration and enforcement. The study concluded with implications and suggestions for future research in line with SDGs.

Potential associations between Schistosoma mansoni infection and physico-chemical characteristics and water-related human activities in Côte d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study.

Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is intimately connected to poverty and environmental factors. Our research was readily embedded into a multi-country schistosomiasis oversampling study. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and to investigate the role of water body characteristics and water-related human activities in disease transmission. In August and September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the western part of Côte d'Ivoire. Stool and urine samples were collected from 1602 and 1729 children aged 5-14years, respectively, in 65 villages in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba. Additionally, data were collected from direct observation of water-related activities at water bodies and interviews conducted with community leaders and health workers. The prevalence and risk factors for Schistosoma infection were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. The prevalence ofS.mansoni and S.haematobium were 27.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-34.3%) and 0.1% (95% CI 0.03-0.5%), respectively. Low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was observed with 2.4%, 0.4% and 0.2% for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. At the health district level, we found S.mansoni prevalence of 34.4% (95% CI 25.0-45.3%), 34.3% (95% CI 24.0-46.2%) and 16.3% (95% CI 9.5-26.6%) for Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba, respectively. Female and male participants were at a similar risk of infection (29.0% vs. 26.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% CI 0.92-1.50). Children aged 9-14years showed a higher prevalence than their younger counterparts aged 5-8years (34.5% vs. 22.7%, OR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.42-2.27). High infection prevalence was observed in villages where children were washing clothes and dishes at open surface water sites and pursued recreational activities (e.g. swimming and playing in the water). The temperature, total dissolved solids and pH of water samples showed no significant association with S.mansoni infection at the village unit. Human water-related activities such as washing clothes and playing in the water are risk factors for S.mansoni transmission. Hence, preventive chemotherapy should be combined with information, education and communication to avoid or reduce the frequency of water exposure in children as part of a comprehensive package of interventions towards elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

Effectiveness of Antileishmanial Treatments in Three Endemic Areas of Colombia: A Community-Based Cohort Study.

The effectiveness of treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in rural settings remains underexplored. This study assessed the effectiveness of standard antileishmanial treatments using a community-based approach supported by mobile health (mHealth) in three rural areas of Colombia. From January 2018 to September 2021, we assessed treatment outcomes, adherence, and adverse drug reactions in CL patients, with the support of the Guaral+ST app. Treatment decisions were made by providers at health facilities at each site in accordance with national guidelines, whereas treatment follow-up and presumptive case identification were made by trained community leaders and health agents at the community level. In total, 231 participants received antileishmanial treatment (63 received miltefosine, 110 meglumine antimoniate, and 58 pentamidine). Disease presentation was mild (median number of lesions = 1, interquartile range [IQR]: 1-2) and of short duration (1.5 months, IQR: 1-3). The strategy yielded information on the therapeutic outcomes in 81% of study participants. Effectiveness, measured as the proportion of cure at 90 to 180 days, was 86.3% (95% CI: 73.3-93.48) for miltefosine; 77.6% (67.5-85.3) for meglumine antimoniate, and 73.1% (59.0-83.6) for pentamidine. The effectiveness of pentamidine in children ≤10 years old was 79.4% (61.6-90.3). This is one of the few reports of effectiveness of pentamidine in children with prospective data collection in the Americas. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 32% of patients, most frequently with meglumine antimoniate. Our findings demonstrate that standard antileishmanial treatments are effective in rural areas where the disease is endemic and that mHealth has a pivotal role in improving patient follow-up and data collection on therapeutic outcomes.

Islamic Educational Values ​​in the Patuq Tradition:a Local Culture of Kuta Village, Central Lombok

This study examines the values ​​of Islamic religious education in a tradition called Patuq which is carried out after the death ceremony. With a qualitative approach and case study type, this research was conducted. Data were obtained from primary sources in the form of community leaders and family members, while supporting data were obtained from experts who are familiar with Lombok culture and religious institutions. The data collection used observation, interview and documentation techniques. While the analysis used the Miles and Huberman model. For data validity, triangulation of sources and methods was used. The results of this study show the values ​​of Islamic education in the Patuq tradition including; Shadaqah values, cooperation and solidarity, respect for the deceased, holiness and purity. The moral lessons that can be learned from this tradition are Patience, Obedience, Togetherness, Gratitude, Simplicity, and Self-Control. Each of these values ​​contributes to the development of character and spiritual understanding of the community, in line with broader Islamic teachings. Research on the Patuq tradition highlights the integration of social and cultural values ​​in Islamic education. This approach emphasizes cooperation, community involvement, and the importance of charitable practices. By connecting religious teachings with local customs, educators can strengthen students’ cultural and religious identities while promoting empathy and social responsibility. This approach encourages collaborative learning, deepens understanding of the afterlife, and instills values ​​of cleanliness and purity, as well as fostering well-rounded individuals who embody Islamic ethics in their interactions.

DETERMINANTS OF ZAKAT PAYMENT: THE VIEWPOINT OF STAKEHOLDERS IN SEREMBAN

Islamic countries widely recognize zakat as a significant means to promote equity in sharing wealth among Muslims. Despite the obligation of Muslims to pay zakat, the total amount collected is considerably lower than the amount acquired through taxes. Thus, this study aims to identify the determinants influencing zakat payment among Muslims in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. It will provide a better understanding of the factors that shape zakat payment behavior in this district. The data collection method involved a quantitative survey using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 400 Muslim residents in Seremban. The study utilized a range of statistical analysis techniques, including correlation and regression to examine the relationships between the determinants and zakat payment practice. The study found that convenience is the most significant determinant motivating individuals to pay zakat through zakat agencies. This finding provides valuable insights for zakat agencies, policymakers, and religious authorities in Malaysia to develop targeted strategies to increase zakat compliance behavior among Muslims. These may include improving religious education programs, implementing transparent reporting mechanisms, developing tailored outreach programs, leveraging technology to simplify and streamline the zakat payment process, and collaborating with community leaders to reinforce positive social norms in paying zakat.

Impact of local sports policies in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease: An assessment with spatial data analysis

According to the World Health Organization, 17 million people die every year of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly heart attacks and strokes. More than half of all deaths across the Europe are caused by CVDs. 80 % of premature deaths from these causes could be avoided by controlling the main risk factors: tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.Local authorities provide sport and recreation facilities to their communities. They also have a central role in forging partnerships with public and private sector to enhance the local sport delivery system.The present paper consists of an empirical exercise about the statistical relationship between the financial effort of Portuguese municipalities in the implementation of sports policies and the prevalence of CVDs. The estimation of a Spatial Autocorrelation Model confirms the strong spatial dependence between neighbouring municipalities and validates the existence of a positive impact of local sports policies on mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases. The results raise the need to reinforce local policies to promote active living based on holistic approaches to combating heart disease and promoting healthy lifestyles in partnerships with health professionals, educators, and community leaders.

Strategic Management Model in Achieving Presidential Regulation on Electronic-Based Government System in Medan City Government

This research aims to determine the quality of public services through the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE), as well as to know and analyze the Implementation of Strategies for Achieving PERPRES No. 95 of 2018 concerning SPBE in the Medan City Government. This research is important to obtain a Strategic Management Model in Achieving PERPRES No.95 of 2018 concerning SPBE in the Medan City Government. The research paradigm used is Constructivist Paradigm, with Qualitative Research Method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, discussions with several informants from the Medan City Office, DPRD, UPT Kecamatan, and community leaders. In addition, data was also collected through literature study, document study, and secondary data. The results showed the following: First, there is coordination between agencies in the development of application services. The coordination is conducted by the Diskominfo of Medan City Government. A number of Departments used external consultants in the development of SPBE. Diskominfo made new rules to address ICT service issues. The services use external programmers and experts and if an error occurs, the City Government is not responsible for the service. Secondly, Medan City Government conducted a Memorandum of Understanding with Tangerang City to collaborate and share resources through the innovation of E-Files application for correspondence needs. The use of shared correspondence applications by the Government in Tangerang City was adjusted based on the specific needs of each city. The platform used is the same, but with different application names, E-Files in Tangerang and Sarana in Medan. Third, there are 3 SPBE service providers in Medan City Government, including: Telkom (PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia) for Kelurahan/Kecamatan, GDS (Global Digital Solusi) for Diskominfo and other OPDs, and TNC (Telemedia Network Cakrawala) for Medan City Office. Fourth, Medan City Government uses a Strategic Management Model that combines the Environmental Model with the Collaboration Model in developing the Achievement of PERPRES No.95/2018 on SPBE in Medan City Government. The Environmental Model/Flow emphasizes vertical and horizontal coordination between work units in Medan City Government. The Collaboration Model develops a strategy of collaborative cooperation with other local governments or state-owned/private enterprises.

Sex panic and robots: a critical discourse analysis of the banned Texan robotic brothel

ABSTRACT This study examines the unique relationship between panic, technology, and sexuality using a sex panic framework. Sex panic, a derivative of moral panic theory, focuses on fears related to or because of sexuality or sexual practices. Inextricably tied to emotion, sex panic events are often scripted and based on performativity. In Texas, a sex robot “testing center” attempted to open as a storefront in the suburbs of Houston. Local officials and community leaders condemned the brothel announcement. A critical discourse analysis of sixty news articles and videos, Houston City Council meeting minutes, and the subsequent city ordinances were evaluated to explore the controversy of the ultimately banned brothel. Through this analysis, prevalent discursive themes on the protection of women and children, fears about sex robot users, and concerns over how the Houston community would be viewed were found. Discursive tactics centered on creating panic around issues of rape, dehumanization, and moral standards. This study contributes to the critical scholarship on sex robots and their effects on public discourse.

Determinants of Willingness to Pay for Community-Based Health Insurance in Ethiopia: National Household Survey

The existing evidence on households' participation in Ethiopia's community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme is limited, lacks representativeness, and lacks disaggregation. Thus, this study aims to assess households' willingness to pay (WTP) for CBHI membership and identify the factors that influence their decision to enroll. From February to May 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional household survey was conducted involving CBHI member and non-member households. The primary theories that informed this study were utility theory, social capital theory, and the health belief model. Sample included 5,976 households from 166 EAs—118 in CBHI regions and 48 in non-CBHI regions. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling used to select enumeration areas (EAs) and households from within these areas. The maximum amount of money at which participants responded "yes" in the bidding game exercise was used to measure WTP. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 16. Household expenditure was adjusted for key factors. Analyses explored WTP for CBHI by region, membership, and livelihood, with WTP based on mean maximum values. Linear regression identified influencing factors. The findings reveal that 30.9% of participants were active CBHI members. The average WTP increased with each additional family member, both in rural (AMD = 9.3 [6.8, 11.9]) and urban areas (AMD = 7.2 [1.0, 13.4]). In urban areas, WTP was also positively associated with the ability to pay (ATP) for CBHI (AMD = 64.1 [6.3, 121.8]). Male respondents and those who were literate in urban areas had higher mean WTP values of AMD = 39.8 [13.1, 66.4] and AMD = 56.8 [26.1, 87.4], respectively. Additionally, holding leadership positions in health and women's development initiatives positively influenced WTP. The study found that 30.9% of participants were active CBHI members. WTP for CBHI was higher among larger families. In urban areas, WTP was positively associated with the ability to pay (ATP) for CBHI, particularly among male and literate respondents. Community leadership roles in health and women's development also positively influenced WTP. To improve the CBHI scheme, adjustments should be made to premiums based on households' ability to pay. Community engagement should be strengthened, service quality enhanced, regional disparities addressed, and performance regularly monitored.

Creating spaces for dialogue and learning to build collective empowerment: A qualitative study on community leadership development in Midwest America communities

ABSTRACT The complexity of today’s community challenges calls for innovative approaches that promote leadership of diverse community members and institutions working collaboratively with communities. This study reports on an evaluation of two neighborhood leadership development programs that examined the impact of programs on participants and their communities. 41 interviews were conducted with 33 program participants and eight facilitators. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants expressed that they were motivated to participate in the leadership program(s) because they saw the need to help others in their communities and wanted to learn how to do that well. Others reported scaling up their capacity and capabilities in doing community work through engaging and empowering others toward achieving shared community development goals. Insights from the study suggest that building communities that are well resourced, equitable, and thriving places, require sustainable investment in hands-on, relational leadership training at the local level.

Empowerment Model for Persons with Disabilites: Application Village Inclusion for Incumbent Disability in the Village Mangliawan Pakis District, Malang Regency

Disability is a condition that restricts an individual’s ability to fully participate in social, economic, and political activities, whether physically, mentally, or sensorily. Disability groups, especially people with disabilities, are vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization due to a lack of support, facilities, and adequate opportunities. The empowerment model of people with disabilities is an approach aimed at enhancing their independence, social participation, and quality of life. This article discusses the empowerment model of people with disabilities, including the benefits and challenges in its implementation. Disability empowerment is focused on enabling them to reach their full potential and participate equally in society by overcoming everyday barriers. Mangliawan Village, a rural area in the Pakis District, Malang Regency, Indonesia, faces similar challenges. Despite the lack of resources and adequate support for people with disabilities, Mangliawan Village has taken significant steps by implementing the principles and goals of Inclusive Village. The implementation of the Inclusive Village in Mangliawan Village begins with an assessment of the needs and challenges of people with disabilities involving local stakeholders, including people with disabilities, families, community leaders, and government officials. The results of this assessment form the basis for developing a comprehensive plan to enhance accessibility and inclusion in Mangliawan Village. This article highlights Mangliawan Village’s efforts to create a more inclusive environment and inspires the development of similar programs in other rural areas. Keywords: empowerment, persons disabilities, social inclusion, participation, training skills

Unveiling the failure: a comprehensive analysis of Bangladesh’s war on drugs

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate public perceptions of illegal drug availability in Bangladesh amid the ongoing war on drugs while comparing the efficacy of crackdowns with traditional law enforcement strategies.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative approach, the research analyzes data gathered from 400 participants, including law enforcement officials, students, politicians, community leaders and journalists.FindingsThe findings reveal that illegal drugs continue to be widely accessible in Bangladesh, with 50.15% of respondents acknowledging this despite the government's intensified efforts against drug dealers since 2015. Perceptions of availability are notably higher among those identifying as “other” (66.67%), younger individuals aged 18–28 (55.26%), participants with lower educational levels (76.67% for those with less than SSC education), unmarried respondents (58.86%) and students (60.55%). When assessing enforcement methods, a substantial majority (65.6%) prefer regular law enforcement over violent crackdowns. The survey indicates that all respondents identifying as “other,” along with 73.23% of females, 65.6% of males, 81.82% of participants aged 58–68 and individuals from Khulna (92.65%), Rangpur (96.92%) and Dhaka (51.43%), overwhelmingly favor regular law enforcement compared to crackdowns.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes the urgent need to address the shortcomings of violent anti-drug measures and advocates for a more holistic approach that considers the complex interplay of social, economic and health factors in combating drug abuse in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis study offers a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between demographic factors and perceptions of drug availability and the effectiveness of violent crackdowns vs regular law enforcement, revealing new insights into this complex sociocultural issue.

Analisis Dampak Pernyataan Kementrian Agama yang menjadikan KUA sebagai Tempat Pernikahan semua Agama

Statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) regarding the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) as a place for marriages of all religions is an issue widely discussed by scholars and religious leaders. KUA is a government institution responsible for carrying out some of the tasks related to Islamic religious affairs in Indonesia. However, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has prepared KUA to become a place for marriages of all religions, with regulations, infrastructure, human resources, and cross-religious marriage counseling programs in place. There are legal regulatory obstacles in implementing Kemenag's proposal, but efforts are underway to prepare infrastructure and programs to maximize supervision of marriage registration, especially for non-Muslims. KUA not only plays a role in conducting marriages for Muslims, but cross-religious marriage counseling programs have also been practiced in several KUAs, such as in Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, and Bangka Belitung. The purpose of this research is to analyze the issues surrounding KUA becoming a place for marriages of all religions. The research method used is qualitative research accompanied by field research at the Office of Religious Affairs in the city of Semarang . The results of this research include the discrepancies between the issues created by some news on television or social media not aligning with the regulatory planning as intended. KUA will only be used as a place for registering marriages of all religions; beyond that, various perspectives emerge from the community, community leaders, and KUA officials who oppose the policy if it were to be fully realized.

Pengaruh Sumber Daya Manusia dan Pemanfaatan Teknologi Informasi Pada Sistem Keuangan Desa

The rapid development in the development of accounting information systems, such as Siskeudes, was initially not integrated online with the local government. However, it was later adapted to be integrated online. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of human resources and the use of information technology on the village financial system. The population in this study were village heads, village secretaries, village treasurers, IT operators, BPD, LPM, and community leaders in the city of Denpasar who made financial reports, namely 27 villages. The sample collection used was the purposive sampling method. The sample in this study was determined as many as 4 respondents in each of the 27 villages, so that 102 respondents were obtained. The data analysis technique used was Descriptive Statistics analysis, classical assumption tests and multiple regression analysis. The results of the analysis showed that Human resources have a significant positive effect on the village financial system in Denpasar City, having an impact on improving the village financial system in Denpasar City. The second result of the use of information technology has a significant positive effect on the village financial system in Denpasar City. The increasing use of information technology will have an impact on improving the village financial system in Denpasar City. The implications of this study are that the villages in Denpasar City in terms of human resources are expected to be able to improve their human resources by providing technical training to improve skills in preparing financial reports so that village officials can carry out their duties and can rely on appropriate technological knowledge and will improve the village financial system. In terms of the use of information technology, it is expected to maximize the use of existing information technology, and use software that is in accordance with applicable government regulations so that it can facilitate existing work and ultimately maximize the village financial system in Denpasar City.

Leveraging investments, promoting transparency and mobilising communities: a qualitative analysis of news articles about how the Ebola outbreak informed COVID-19 response in five African countries

BackgroundThe WHO declared the novel COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in March 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, prior experiences with diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome, severe acute...

Study of Malay Marriage Customs: Acculturation and Islamic Communication Values in Riau Malay Society

<p><em>The qualitative research employed by the author examines the acculturation of Islamic communication values in Riau Malay marriage customs, observing events at various stages of the marriage process. Data is gathered through the Riau Malay Customary Institute (LAM Riau), using interviews and documentation and observing traditional marriage ceremonies. Additional data is collected from Riau community leaders involved in the marriage process. The research spans approximately 16 months. Findings indicate that Riau Malay traditional weddings are meticulously organized to affirm Malay identity and fulfill societal roles, with customs regulating life aspects at the national and state levels. Islamic communication strengthens individual religious identity. Secondly, values in Islamic communication, guided by the Quran and Hadith, are integral to traditional Malay wedding ceremonies, encompassing pre-wedding, marriage process, and post-wedding stages. Thirdly, the acculturation of Islam in Malay marriage customs dates back to the 15th century, marked by trade, intermarriages between Arab traders and locals, and the Islamization of Malay rulers, based on the Quran and As-Sunnah, the primary sources of Islamic teachings.</em></p>

Barriers and facilitators to skin cancer prevention among Hispanics: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn the past two decades, melanoma incidence among Hispanic people has risen greatly. This qualitative study explored Hispanic people’s perceived barriers and facilitators to skin cancer-related preventive behaviors.MethodsFive focus groups among Hispanic people (2 in Spanish and 3 in English; n = 34; 11 Spanish-preferring and 23 English-preferring) were conducted, where participants discussed their perceptions and behaviors relating to skin cancer, sun protection, and skin self-examination. Additionally, healthcare providers (n = 9) and Hispanic community leaders (n = 6) were recruited for individual interviews to complement the results of focus groups. A thematic analysis was conducted on all transcripts.ResultsPerceived barriers to sun protection included: 1) Low levels of knowledge and awareness/misperception; 2) low perceived importance or not a priority, 3) economic issues or limited access, 4) downsides/concerns about engaging in sun protection behaviors, and 5) Hispanic cultural norms (e.g., machismo). Facilitators to sun protection included: 1) relevance/care for family, 2) negative consequences of sun exposure, and 3) Hispanic cultural norms (e.g., familismo). Barriers to skin examination included: 1) low levels of knowledge and awareness, 2) lack of insurance coverage or access, and 3) difficulty or discomfort associated with practicing skin self-examination. Facilitators to skin examination included: 1) relevance/previous experience and 2) having insurance coverage or access.ConclusionsFuture interventions should focus on individual, community, and system-level strategies to address misperceptions in the Hispanic community, increase knowledge and awareness, address perceptions of cultures regarding skin cancer preventive activities, and emphasize the importance or priority of health issues related to skin cancer.