Conducted Focus Groups Research Articles

How to communicate with older adults about climate change: a systematic review.

Although older adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, they seem to be overall less concerned about it, and less inclined to support climate policies. The study aims to identify the communication strategies that have been evaluated in promoting awareness and/or climate friendly behaviors in older adults. We searched multiple electronic databases for studies that evaluated the effects of any interventions aimed at communicating climate change to older persons (over 65 years) and assessed the results as awareness and /or behavioral changes. We selected quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies, and we also included systematic reviews for cross-referencing. Risk of bias of included studies was evaluated using different tools according to the study design. From a total of 5,486 articles, only 3 studies were included. One mixed-method study engaged older adults to assess the community vulnerability to climate change and to develop adaptation recommendations based on their perspectives; one qualitative study conducted focus groups to identify the more effective language, values and themes based on participants' responses to narratives; one quantitative study utilized a 360-degree audio-visual platform allowing users to engage with immersive visualizations of sea-level rise scenarios. Despite the paucity of literature, this review demonstrates the potential for different strategies to increase the awareness of older persons about climate change. The involvement of older adults in the communication process, the identification of their priorities, and the integration of technology in their daily lives are promising approaches but more research, including both quantitative and qualitative studies is recommended on this topic. For further details about the protocol, this systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO on July 1, 2023 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023438256).

Conducting collage elicitation research online: what happens when we remove the scissors and glue?

PurposeThis autoethnographic article presents the adaptation of collage—an arts-based method traditionally used in face-to-face settings—into an online research tool. It emphasizes the increased relevance of such a transition in the wake of the digital shift and the Covid-19 pandemic. The work aims to reveal how digital collages can facilitate in-depth participant responses in a time when conventional research settings are inaccessible.Design/methodology/approachThe article incorporates autoethnographic vignettes, which are identified in italics, that offer insights into my personal reflections on the transition and adaptation to an online mode. Firstly, I review how collage can be a valuable tool to include in focus groups and for elicitation during semi-structured interviews. Secondly, I review the challenges I experienced when conducting focus groups online to create the collages. Thirdly, I explore, in more detail, three examples of collages that reflect the diverse ranges that were produced and the insightful discussions that emerged from the participants describing the visual elements of their collages. Finally, the reflective nature of my autoethnographic vignettes provides an insight into the world of the researcher during this turbulent time.FindingsFindings show that collage, whether physical or digital, remains an effective tool for eliciting nuanced understandings from participants. The research contributes to the arts-based research narrative by showcasing how the digital adaptation of collage methods can yield profound insights into participants' perspectives, therefore enriching the data beyond what traditional interviews could unveil.Originality/valueThese observations can provide support for other researchers who are contemplating the adoption of online arts-based research methods. Understanding how traditionally face-to-face arts-based research methods can be adapted for the digitally evolving landscape is important for shaping the future of online research.

Seeking Validation and Creating Meaningful Interactions: Perceptions of a Parent-Mediated Infant Intervention.

Infancy, a formative period for development, has been identified as an advantageous time to provide family-centered support for children with delays. Families should be included as stakeholders during development of such interventions to ensure social value. We describe a preliminary randomized controlled trial evaluating Infant Achievements (IA), an 8-week (16-session) parent-mediated intervention for parents of infants 8-12 months old with social communication delays. This study reports our qualitative examination of the intervention's social validity. We conducted focus groups with 7 IA parent participants and analyzed their responses using conventional content analysis. Five themes emerged: (a) difficulty identifying resources to address concerns, (b) seeking validation of concerns, (c) seeking support to enhance children's development, (d) experiencing a supportive coaching relationship, and (e) creating meaningful interactions to support children's communication and social skills. Our results emphasize the necessity of partnering with families in the development of evidence-based family-centered interventions for infants with developmental delays to maximize their social value.

133 Research in Action: Engaging Clinicians to Advance the Academic Learning Health System

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Research in Action is an on-demand, interactive curriculum designed to increase the ability of clinicians to advance the Academic Learning Health System (aLHS). The 7-module course provides clinicians with the knowledge and skills to lead rigorous quality improvement (QI) projects, translating research evidence into practice. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We engaged nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers (APPs) working in the health system to participate in focus group and advise us in the creation of the curriculum. We conducted focus groups with these stakeholders on the proposed learning objectives, course content, and mode of delivery (in person, virtual, hybrid). Informed by the focus groups, the course was designed for hybrid format so participants could either (1) access the modules on-demand, or (2) learners could participate in a facilitator moderated course where the modules served as the curriculum to guide development of a QI project. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice was the framework for curriculum development. Upon completion of the modules, stakeholders reviewed each module and provided feedback for improvement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Research in Action is a 7-module course, with modules addressing the following topics: (1) Introduction to Quality Improvement, (2) Identify the Problem and Write a Purpose Statement, (3) Form a Team, (4) Appraise and Synthesize the Literature, (5) Design and Pilot the Project, (6) Integrate and Sustain Practice Change, (7) Disseminate the Results. The curriculum is being piloted with multiple clinician groups in the health system. In the next phase of development, a facilitator guide will be created to guide a cohort of clinicians to apply knowledge through discussion sessions and completion of a QI project in the healthcare setting. We anticipate scaling the program for spread to diverse clinician groups in the health system. Pre- and post-implementation data are being collected from current pilot sites. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The aLHS is an essential means for improving healthcare delivery. Research in Action, a hybrid training curriculum, engages frontline clinicians in creating and leading QI projects that implement research evidence into practice to solve problems commonly encountered in the healthcare setting; thus, supporting the advancement of the aLHS.

Ameliorating the profound gender wage gap in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry among the APEC members: The could and should

This research aims to discover the challenges and propose effective strategies to empower women by ameliorating the gender wage gap in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry among the APEC members. The study applied document review analysis and conducted focus group discussions, where thirty female professionals in the AEC industry from APEC participated. The results report four challenges contributing to the gender wage gap, namely gender bias and stereotyping, work-family conflicts, physical strength and lack of transparency. Based on the challenges, the study suggests several key strategies focusing on women's participation in the AEC industry, encouraging genderfriendly workplaces, healthy and safe workplaces, and fair career development opportunities to reduce the gender wage gap effectively. The findings suggest that by increasing awareness of the value of women's involvement in the AEC industry, pragmatic policies should be formulated for APEC members to break down the barriers to the gender wage gap.

Ecoliteracy Sampah Pembalut Sekali Pakai pada Santri Pondok Pesantren Annuqayah Guluk-Guluk Sumenep

The modern community's alarming waste issue is single-use sanitary pads. Every day, 26 tons of sanitary pad waste are generated in Indonesia. Over a year, each person is estimated to produce 300 sanitary pad wastes, totaling around 11,000 wastes throughout their lifetime. In Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), this sanitary pad waste problem also needs immediate attention. At Annuqayah Islamic Boarding School, with a total of 3,468 female students, there is a potential of producing 1,040,400 single-use sanitary pad wastes annually. Hence, reducing sanitary pad waste is crucial. This community service activity aims to reduce single-use sanitary pad waste through minimizing their usage. The method employed in this activity was through the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, where students were encouraged to be more environmentally conscious and gradually abandon the use of single-use sanitary pads. The strategies involved in the activity include conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Environmental Film Discussions, Environmental Seminars, training on making environmentally friendly sanitary pads, establishing an environmentally friendly sanitary pad production house, FGDs on policy formulation regarding the implementation of environmentally friendly sanitary pads, and mentoring on the implementation of environmentally friendly sanitary pads in the pesantren. The results of the community service show that this activity successfully increased students' awareness and concern for the environment, enhanced students' knowledge about single-use sanitary pads, provided life skills training on making environmentally friendly sanitary pads, established regulations prohibiting the use of single-use sanitary pads in the pesantren, and implemented the use of environmentally friendly sanitary pads at Annuqayah Islamic Boarding School

장애대학생이 경험한 교육복지지원 실태 및 개선 요구

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the actual status of educational welfare support and the experiences and perceptions related to support needs experienced by college students with disabilities and, based on this, to suggest ways and implications to strengthen educational welfare support for college students with disabilities. Method: This study used qualitative research method and conducted focus group interviews with 10 college students with disabilities who participated in the study. As a result of the analysis, a total of 2 categories, 5 super-topics, and 15 sub-topics were derived. Results: As a result of the study, it was classified into categories such as meaning of educational welfare support, experience and improvement plan for each area of ​​educational welfare support. Conclusion: Based on the research results, measures and implications for strengthening educational welfare support for college students with disabilities were discussed.

Young carers' experiences of services and support: What is helpful and how can support be improved?

Globally, many children and young people provide support to family members who have poor physical or mental health, are disabled, or misuse drugs and alcohol. These young carers are at higher risk of poorer education, employment, health, and social participation outcomes compared to their peers without caring responsibilities. In the UK, awareness of the challenges faced by young carers, and a framework of their legal rights, are relatively well-developed. However, it is unclear how support can most effectively be provided. Taking a qualitative approach we explored experiences and views of young carers (aged 9-25), conducting focus groups or interviews with 133 young carers and 17 parent care recipients. We explored what aspects of services and support are seen as helpful, valued, and acceptable to young people, and what could be improved. A reflexive, thematic analysis was conducted. Valued support came from: young carers groups (including peer support), school-based and mental health support, and support for the care recipient. Helpful aspects of support included someone who listens and understands, and can be trusted not to break confidentiality; involving the young person in information, decision-making and planning (sometimes including regarding the care recipient); and finding and linking to other services. There was a difficult balance for practitioners between being perceived as proactive, persistent or intrusive when offering support to a young carer, but it was important to allow opportunities for young carers, and those they care for, to change their minds about when and whether to access support. Many interactions were perceived as unhelpful or threatening to the family, and there was often not enough of the type of support that was valued. Sharing of positive experiences can be beneficial for both people seeking support and those delivering it; key messages on what is helpful from the perspective of young carers can help support and shape practice approaches.

Preferences for mHealth Intervention to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nepal: Qualitative Study.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by poor mental health. Despite the increasing burden, evidence-based interventions for MSM are largely nonexistent in Nepal. This study explored mental health concerns, contributing factors, barriers to mental health care and support, and preferred interventions to improve access to and use of mental health support services among MSM in Nepal. We conducted focus groups with MSM in Kathmandu, Nepal, in January 2023. In total, 28 participants took part in 5 focus group sessions. Participants discussed several topics related to the mental health issues they experienced, factors contributing to these issues, and their suggestions for potential interventions to address existing barriers. The discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Dedoose (version 9.0.54; SocioCultural Research Consultants, LLC) software for thematic analysis. Participants reported substantial mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and behaviors. Contributing factors included family rejection, isolation, bullying, stigma, discrimination, and fear of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Barriers to accessing services included cost, lack of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTIQA+)-friendly providers, and the stigma associated with mental health and sexuality. Participants suggested a smartphone app with features such as a mental health screening tool, digital consultation, helpline number, directory of LGBTIQA+-friendly providers, mental health resources, and a discussion forum for peer support as potential solutions. Participants emphasized the importance of privacy and confidentiality to ensure mobile apps are safe and accessible. The findings of this study have potential transferability to other low-resource settings facing similar challenges. Intervention developers can use these findings to design tailored mobile apps to facilitate mental health care delivery and support for MSM and other marginalized groups.

School children's perceptions about being offered the HPV vaccination - A focus group study.

There is limited knowledge about the perceptions of HPV vaccination in middle-school children. This qualitative study aimed to explore their views. We conducted focus group interviews with children, 10-11 years of age, who had been offered HPV vaccination through the school health services in mid-north Sweden in spring of 2023. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. This study included six focus group interviews with 49 children (boys n = 29; girls n = 20), mean of 11 years of age. Participating children expressed the need to feel safe to be of utmost importance and the means to do so was to be prepared and informed by someone the child trusted. The school nurse was perceived as the expert, best suited to provide factual information, support and motivation, both to children and their parents. We confirm that healthcare providers' recommendations are crucial for HPV vaccine acceptance also from the child's perspective. Improved information about HPV vaccination to children is necessary. Children's right to participate on their own terms is not fulfilled today. Vaccine promotion, both to children and parents, should be actively managed by the school nurse.

A smart KPI system for reinforcing sustainable urban mobility plans under pandemic crises

The latest worldwide application of social distancing measures highlighted dramatic effects on the daily life, mobility, well-being, mental health, and economic activity of citizens during the pandemic. Unfortunately, societies were unprepared to confront a pandemic and applied movement restriction measures, often harsh and unbalanced, creating confusion, uncertainty, and annoyance to communities. In this paper, we reviewed a wide array of databases to categorise the mobility management measures implemented internationally in response to the social distancing restrictions that had to be taken during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, to comprehensively assess the measures implemented to contain the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of the local community, we conducted focus group interviews with specific population groups that may have been affected to a greater extent. These groups consisted of vulnerable road users, such as mobility-impaired people and people who are facing severe health problems, representatives of the local economy and businesses and representatives of institutional stakeholders and policymakers. Our research showed that in the post-pandemic era, accessibility and not mobility should be at the heart of economic and social welfare. At the same time, the assurance of physical activity, which is strongly associated with the mental health of citizens, and the protection of the local economy are issues of outermost importance. However, local authorities were unprepared to manage these issues and often made fragmented and punitive decisions. By recognising the need for a regional or metropolitan emergency mechanism, this study aims to introduce a new system of indicators specifically adapted to the particularities and challenges encountered during the pandemic, accounts for local communities' unique needs and requirements, and complies with the general principles of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). In the future, the SUMP methodology should be revised to be able to handle and manage mobility systems under pandemic conditions.

Balancing the uncertain and unpredictable nature of possible zoonotic disease transmission with the value placed on animals: Findings from a qualitative study in Guinea.

Zoonoses, or diseases that pass between animals and humans, represent a major threat to global health and global economies. In Guinea, zoonotic diseases (e.g. rabies, Lassa fever) have been at the forefront due to recent outbreaks and government priorities. Much like many other diseases, zoonotic disease prevention demands a thorough and culturally nuanced understanding of the factors that influence preventive behaviors. To gain this knowledge and enhance risk communication for priority zoonotic diseases, this qualitative study conducted focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observations in three Guinean prefectures. Study participants included individuals who interact with animals or influence human-animal interactions, (e.g., veterinarians, local leaders, human health providers, butchers, hunters, general population). A total of 229 individuals participated in the study. Data analysis, which combined deductive and inductive coding, found that although individuals generally had basic knowledge about zoonotic diseases, a gap existed between knowledge and practice. In exploring possible reasons behind this gap, several key themes arose, the two most novel being the focus of this paper. First, participants described living in an uncertain world where they lack control over the behaviors of others. Many participants described uncertainty over the vaccine status of stray dogs or even those of their neighbors, making them feel powerless over rabies. Second, animals serve as a main source of livelihood (income, investment, or savings) for individuals. The value placed on livestock may, in turn, drive and impede prevention behaviors such as vaccinating animals or avoiding the sale of unsafe meat. Given that the Guinean government's list of priority zoonotic diseases continues to evolve, the need to discover ways to effectively promote multiple related prevention behaviors remains pertinent. The insights from this study can inform existing and future programs for the prevention, control, and surveillance of zoonotic disease in Guinea and other similar countries.

Implementation of The Convergence Program to Accelerate Stunting Reduction in Sibolga City

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>Sibolga City is one of the priority cities in the effort to accelerate stunting reduction. Sibolga City implements an accelerated stunting prevalence reduction program that involves cross-sectors, better known as the convergence action to accelerate stunting reduction. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the convergence program to accelerate stunting reduction in Sibolga City. This research is a qualitative study involving 18 informants from </em> <em>Regional Work U</em><em>nits</em><em> that are members of the Sibolga City </em> <em>S</em><em>tunting Reduction Acceleration Team. This research was conducted in November 2023 in Sibolga City, which consists of 4 sub-districts and 17 villages. Data were collected by conducting Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews. Furthermore, Data is analyzed through triangulation of methods, sources, and between researchers. The results of the analysis of the effectiveness of the program show that the quality of human resources and financing sources is good enough to reduce the stunting rate in the kelurahan which is the locus of stunting. Likewise, the results of the analysis of the program implementation process. The program planning that was prepared was in accordance with the problems obtained in the situation analysis and had targeted the locus villages determined in the situation analysis. The implementation and evaluation process has also been carried out well, which ultimately has an impact on reducing the stunting prevalence rate by 11.3%. As an effort to encourage a greater reduction in stunting prevalence, we recommend that the Sibolga City Government increase human resource capacity and funding, encourage the involvement of various parties including the private sector in accelerating stunting reduction programs in Sibolga City, improve coordination between </em><em>Regional Work Units</em><em> in the planning, implementation and evaluation processes and encourage the availability of a quality and sustainable data management system in each village</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keywords:</em></strong><em> <strong>Accelerate, Convergence, Reduction, </strong><strong>Prevalence, Stunting</strong></em>

Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study

ABSTRACT Information and resources on cybersecurity in non-English languages are non-existent or very limited. There is also a dearth of research on cyber victimization involving samples of limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals. We surveyed a convenience sample of LEP Internet users and examined the effects of demographic characteristics on cyber hygiene practices and cyber hygiene practices on cyber victimization. We also conducted focus groups to explore participants’ knowledge about cyber safety and their perceptions of the availability of cybersecurity information and resources in languages other than English. We found the demographic measures of age, sex, marital status, education level, and employment status to be significantly related to seven cyber hygiene practices (having antivirus software, using strong passwords, not sharing passwords, not using public Wi-Fi, not accepting stranger requests, checking e-mail source, and not downloading unverified files). We also found the cyber hygiene measures predicted eight types of cyber victimization (phishing, computer virus infection, online harassment and scams, and e-mail, social media, shopping, and other accounts hacking). From the focus groups, we uncovered that although the participants exhibited inadequate knowledge concerning the recommended cyber hygiene practices, they appeared to be motivated to adopt them. The policy implications of our study are discussed.

‘We love sharing your land’: Children’s understandings of Acknowledgement to Country practices and Aboriginal knowledges in early learning centres

This paper explores children’s understandings of Acknowledgement to Country practices and Aboriginal knowledges. Guided by the relational lenses of respect, responsibility and reciprocity, we conducted focus groups with children across five Australian early education centres. We found that Acknowledgement practices were evident through recitation of their Acknowledgement to Country, engaging with artefacts, and/or discussion of artworks. Secondly, children demonstrated emerging understandings about place names, the symbolic use of flags for places and people, and Australian plants and animals. Thirdly, Aboriginal cultures as living cultures were evident in temporal discussions about people and culture. Finally, imaginative play implied efforts to make sense of Aboriginal concepts and language. Across the study, children were active in experimenting with ideas in their own meaning making. Acknowledgement to Country was not a moment in the day; rather, it was embedded throughout the day through routines, storytelling, play and creative activities, all designed to foster learning.

Development of Nurse-led Self-Management Education Instruments for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and outline the Nurse-Led Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management Education (Nu-DiMENTION) program, aimed at improving knowledge and behavior change among type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Given the challenges faced by these patients in managing their disease effectively, including risks of complications such as diabetic foot ulcers, retinopathy, and ketoacidosis, there is a pressing need for tailored self-management education programs. The study seeks to address this need by creating a web-based nurse-led educational intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in increasing patient knowledge and promoting positive behavior change. Methods: The research adopts a research and development (R&D) approach to outline the development process of Nu-DiMENTION. Drawing upon theory, existing research evidence, international guidelines, and qualitative data from target users, the study identifies determinants of self-management and defines the content to be included in the program. The development process involves multiple stages, including evaluating existing educational instruments, conducting focus groups with relevant stakeholders (e.g., healthcare professionals and type 2 DM patients), and assessing item validity through expert evaluation. Results and discussion: The initial evaluation of 19 diabetes mellitus educational instruments revealed inadequacies in terms of goals, targets, content, methods, media, time, and evaluation. Subsequent focus groups involving healthcare professionals and type 2 DM patients provided valuable insights into strategic issues and innovation plans for the Nu-DiMENTION program. The assessment of item validity conducted by diabetes mellitus education experts confirmed the validity and reliability of the developed instruments, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.834 indicating good internal consistency. Implications of the research: The development of Nu-DiMENTION holds significant implications for improving the self-management capabilities of type 2 DM patients and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. By providing accessible, web-based nurse-led education, the program has the potential to empower patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their condition. Moreover, the rigorous development process, including expert validation, ensures the quality and reliability of the program, enhancing its suitability for implementation in clinical settings. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by outlining the development process and subject matter of Nu-DiMENTION, a novel web-based nurse-led self-management education program for type 2 DM patients. By synthesizing theory, existing evidence, and stakeholder insights, the program offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the educational needs of this patient population. Furthermore, the emphasis on item validity assessment ensures the program's reliability and effectiveness, adding to its value as a practical intervention for improving diabetes self-management. Overall, Nu-DiMENTION represents an innovative and valuable contribution to diabetes care and patient education.

Exploring different health care providers´ perceptions on the management of diarrhoea in cholera hotspots in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A qualitative content analysis.

Global cholera guidelines support wider healthcare system strengthening interventions, alongside vertical outbreak responses, to end cholera. Well-trained healthcare providers are essential for a resilient health system and can create synergies with childhood diarrhoea, which has higher mortality. We explored how the main provider groups for diarrhoea in cholera hotspots interact, decide on treatment, and reflect on possible limiting factors and opportunities to improve prevention and treatment. We conducted focus group discussions in September 2022 with different healthcare provider types in two urban and two rural cholera hotspots in the North Kivu and Tanganyika provinces in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Content analysis was used with the same coding applied to all providers. In total 15 focus group discussions with medical doctors (n = 3), nurses (n = 4), drug shop vendors (n = 4), and traditional health practitioners (n = 4) were performed. Four categories were derived from the analysis. (i) Provider dynamics: scepticism between all cadres was prominent, whilst also acknowledging the important role all provider groups have in current case management. (ii) Choice of treatment: affordability and strong caregiver demands shaped by cultural beliefs strongly affected choice. (iii) Financial consideration on access: empathy was strong, with providers finding innovative ways to create access to treatment. Concurrently, financial incentives were important, and providers asked for this to be considered when subsiding treatment. (iv) How to improve: the current cholera outbreak response approach was appreciated however there was a strong wish for broader long-term interventions targeting root causes, particularly community access to potable water. Drug shops and traditional health practitioners should be considered for inclusion in health policies for cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. Financial incentives for the provider to improve access to low-cost treatment and investment in access to potable water should furthermore be considered.

Abstract P364: A County Community Health Fair Served as a Strategy to Encourage Participation in Research Study

Background: The voice of the community is powerful in suggesting strategies for engaging in research. Members of Oktibbeha and Panola County, Mississippi Advisory Boards affiliated with the Risks Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Study suggested that a health fair would spread the word throughout their communities about participating in the Study. The objective is to tell the story of how a County-wide community health fair can encourage those who attend to consider participating or not participating in the RURAL Study. The RURAL Study is an observational, population-based study focusing on heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in 10 rural counties in four southern states: Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi. Methods: To engage the communities with the RURAL Study, Health Fairs were implemented in Panola and Oktibbeha Counties in Mississippi. Following the Health Fairs, Investigators conducted focus group interviews with four groups of attendees in each County to explore the success of the Health Fair and the attendees’ willingness to participate or not participate in the RURAL Study. Focus group interviewees were RURAL Study Community Advisory Board (CAB) members, local community engagement consultants, men, and participants at-large. Investigators conducted focus group interviews following the June 11, 2022, Oktibbeha County Community Health Fair and following the Panola County Community Health Fair held on April 29, 2023. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty-two individuals were interviewed representing Oktibbeha (17) and Panola (15) counties. Two main themes arose from the focus group interviews: giving and gathering information/getting the word out and enlightened awareness of requirements for and benefits of participation. Giving and gathering information/getting the word out included dissemination of information through promotional material, word of mouth, social media, flyers to churches, and presentations by the RURAL Study Principal Investigator. Attendees could gather information and be assisted in signing up to be a participant. Enlightened awareness of the requirements for and the benefits of participation included the realization that participation in the RURAL Study provides free screening, allows participants to keep up with their health, helps the individual participant and his/her kids, and benefits the community. Health Fair attendees who didn’t know that they could participate learned that they could. Conclusions: Providing detailed information through many channels and engaging the community can help to promote interest in a research study. A County Community Health Fair served as a community engagement strategy to encourage attendees to consider participating in the RURAL Study.

Understanding the Perceptions of School Engagement of Parents of Students With Autism

Family–school engagement is integral to the success of students with autism. However, limited research has examined the conceptualization of family–school engagement from the perspective of parents of children with autism. With this in mind, we conducted focus groups with 22 parents of school-age children (ages 3–21) with autism. Using qualitative analysis, the authors identified seven types of engagement, each of which requires specific supports and has different barriers that may limit their use. These included: (a) collaborative partnership, (b) home-school communication, (c) advocacy, (d) school-based participation, (e) home-based participation, (f) service coordination, and (g) classroom observation. Adding two novel types of family engagement to the existing literature, findings contribute to a conceptualization of school engagement that incorporates the preferences and experiences of diverse parents of children with autism. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Beyond Translation: Increasing Accessibility to Nutrition Education for Foreign-Born Latine Adults

About 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Latine. To engage these audiences, many Extension nutrition education programs have translated curricula and other resources into Spanish. Culturally responsive programs need to move beyond translation and address critical issues and needs specific to Latine audiences. We conducted focus groups with 118 foreign-born Latine adults across one state. Participants were interested in nutrition education programs involving the entire family including children offered by bilingual educators. They also wanted programs that focused on healthy meals that included foods from their culture of origin with common US foods.