Convergent Mixed Methods Approach Research Articles

Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers having Infants (Aged 0-6 Months) in the Pastoral Community of Sawena District, Bale Zone Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding method for infants due to its ease, health benefits, and cost-effectiveness. However, there is limited understanding of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) in pastoral communities, such as the Sawena district in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with EBF among mothers with infants (aged 0-6 months) in pastoral communities in Southeast Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study design with a convergent mixed-method approach was employed from March 01 to April 2023 G.C and involved 631 women selected through random sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using statistical software. Variables with a p < 0.25 in the analysis were included in the logistic regression model. Results: Out of 631 eligible mothers, 625 participated in the study, resulting in 53.8% (95% CI; 49.8%-57.4%). prevalence of EBF in the study area. Factors significantly associated with EBF included household food security [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI (1.1-2.2)], ANC follow-up during pregnancy, [AOR = 5.3, 95% CI (2.4-11.9)], counselling about EBF during ANC visits [AOR = 5; 95% CI (2.1-11.7)], number of children [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI (1.1-2.3)] and attitudes toward EBF [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI (1.4-2.6)]. The qualitative findings revealed reasons for not practicing EBF, such as concerns about insufficient breast milk, concerns about the baby becoming thirsty, refusing solid foods later, or being negatively affected. Conclusion: The prevalence of EBF in the Sawena district was lower than recommended. The influential factors include household food security, ANC follow-up, counselling during ANC, number of children, and attitudes toward EBF.

Developing care behaviors and ethical attitude in nursing education

AimThis study aims to determine the effect of education based on the Theory of Human Caring on nursing students' caring behaviors and ethical attitudes. BackgroundIt is crucial to plan nursing education holistically, addressing cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains for the comprehensive development of caring behaviors and ethical attitudes. DesignThis study employed a convergent mixed-methods approach with randomized pretest-posttest comparisons and qualitative analysis. MethodsThis study was conducted with third-year nursing students at a state university in Ankara, Turkey, in 2021. It comprised a total of 95 participants, with 47 students in the case group and 48 students in the video group. Theoretical education based on the Theory of Human Caring was simultaneously provided to both groups. Following this, one group received practical training using a video-supported teaching method, while the other group received it through a case analysis method. The research used the 'Descriptive Characteristics Form', 'Caring Nurse Patient Interaction Scale (CNPIS)', 'Scale for Attitudes of Ethical Principles (SAEP)' and 'Student Opinion Form on Care Behaviors Education' to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon paired two-sample tests and Linear Regression Analysis, with a significance level of p<0.05. Qualitative data were evaluated through document analysis. Permissions were obtained before the research. ResultsAfter the education provided, significant differences were found between the pre-test and post-test scores of both groups (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a statistically significant, positive and generally moderate relationship between the caring behaviors and ethical attitudes of the students. Additionally, participating students reported that they were satisfied with the education provided, stating that the teaching methods increased their motivation and positively influenced their perspectives on caring and its ethical dimensions. ConclusionsThe research findings show significant improvements in nursing students' care behaviors and ethical attitudes following education based on the Human Care Theory, with both case analysis and video-supported teaching methods yielding notable results. Integration of care theories into the nursing undergraduate curriculum, alongside the use of holistic teaching methods, is recommended, along with further randomized controlled trials to assess teaching effectiveness.

Baseline Sociodemographic Characteristics and Mental Health Status of Primary Caregivers and Children Attending Schools on the Navajo Nation During COVID-19.

Despite historical and contemporary trauma, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN; Indigenous) communities responded with resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, AIANs experienced disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalization, death, and reduced life expectancy. School closures exacerbated disparities, leading to learning loss, economic instability, and mental health challenges among AIAN youth. The Project SafeSchools cohort study employed a comprehensive longitudinal convergent mixed-methods approach, integrating community-based participatory research principles. The study enrolled Navajo Nation caregivers whose children were eligible to attend local reservation-based schools. We conducted an analysis of caregiver self-report baseline data collected between August 2021 and May 2022. A total of 242 caregivers completed at least part of the baseline assessment and were included in data analysis. Caregivers were primarily female (88.7%), non-Hispanic (97%), and Indigenous (97%). Most caregivers were in their late 30s (mean age 38), with varying educational backgrounds and employment statuses. Children were evenly split between males and females and distributed across different age groups. Most children attended school at baseline in various formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online-only settings. Caregivers reported a range of psychosocial and behavioral risks, including general mental distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety for themselves and their children. Furthermore, caregivers and children exhibited various protective factors, such as strong cultural identity, resilience, and academic self-efficacy. This study highlights the higher rates of mental health distress among participating caregivers and children compared to national averages. Despite these challenges, cultural protective factors remained strong and should guide future crisis response efforts.

Perceived Emotional Invalidation and Its Impact on Self-Efficacy of Selected Teenagers in the City of Cabuyao

This study investigates the impact of perceived emotional invalidation on the self-efficacy of teenagers in Cabuyao, Laguna, employing a mixed-method approach (Convergent mixed method approach). Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews provide insights into teenagers' perceptions. While perceived emotional invalidation is moderate and self-efficacy is high, a weak correlation between them is found. Qualitative findings reveal multifaceted challenges and coping strategies. The study sheds light on the importance of addressing emotional invalidation for adolescent well-being, offering implications for intervention and support. This abstract explores aspects of Filipino culture that affect individual emotions and communication styles. It highlights how collective values sometimes disregard personal feelings, but embracing one's true self can be empowering and promote acceptance. It emphasizes the importance of being diplomatic and humble when communicating with Filipinos, who often use indirect communication to maintain harmony.

Experiences of seeking diabetic eye care among patients with diabetes in China: a community-based convergent mixed methods study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize the most updated utilization of eye care services and obtain a holistic understanding of barriers among patients with diabetes in China. Study designThis was a convergent mixed methods study. MethodsA convergent triangulation mixed methods approach was used, with a quantitative cross-sectional survey of patients with diabetes and semistructured interviews involving patients and health workers. Following the conceptual framework of the World Health Organization Determinants of Health Behaviours, multivariate logistic regression for quantitative analysis and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used to examine barriers to seeking eye care among patients with diabetes. Triangulation was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative results. ResultsAmong 1167 surveyed patients who participated in the quantitative component, 29.1% had undergone eye examinations within the last 12 months, and 9.3% had received eye surgery. Awareness that diabetes causes eye diseases (P < 0.001) and knowing laser treatment can treat diabetic retinopathy (DR; P < 0.001) were associated with higher examination rates. In the qualitative component, involving 20 patients and 11 health workers, barriers were identified from individual, social, and cultural environmental factors. Integration of data highlighted the complex interplay of these factors in shaping care-seeking behaviors and the importance of non-economic factors, including patients' information about costs of DR services and cultural environmental factors. ConclusionsDiabetic eye care utilization remains suboptimal in China, emphasizing the impact of cultural and contextual factors. Comprehensive education strategies, along with training for primary health workers and task-shifting, are likely to enhance eye care service utilization in underserved settings.

Visual perception and user satisfaction in video see-through head-mounted displays: a mixed-methods evaluation

ObjectiveOur study addresses the challenges limiting the adoption of Extended Reality (XR) Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), mainly focusing on device quality and cybersickness. We aim to investigate the impact of hardware and software on user experience and task performance while wearing Video See-Through (VST) HMDs. We employ a novel methodology designed to bridge the gaps identified in previous research.MethodsThis study uses a convergent mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data in a within-subjects evaluation involving 20 participants. This comprehensive evaluation examines visual perception, visual quality, and user experience through a range of tasks. Usability, comfort, and cybersickness are assessed, with insights derived from both user performance metrics and subjective measures collected through in-depth interviews and comments. The study includes three distinct HMDs—two prototypes (PD1 and PD2) and one commercial device (CD1)—to provide a broad analysis of the technology.FindingsOur findings reveal that while participants were generally satisfied with VST mode, their preferences varied across devices. CD1 was preferred for its realistic color representation and superior reading task performance due to its high-resolution display and camera. However, visual disturbances and temporal issues differed across devices, with CD1 exhibiting fewer artifacts when stationary but showing more disturbances when participants were moving. Participants found PD1 and PD2 more comfortable for extended use and fewer cybersickness symptoms, but they highlighted color and display resolution issues. These variations underscore the importance of considering both qualitative and quantitative measures in HMD evaluations.ConclusionThis mixed-methods evaluation emphasizes the limitations of relying solely on visual perception performance measures for VST HMDs. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative insights, we offer a more detailed evaluation framework to identify design flaws and user experience issues that quantitative metrics alone might miss. This methodology contributes to the field by illustrating how a mixed-methods approach provides a broader perspective on XR technology, guiding future improvements and enhancing VST adoption in future applications.

'If I Don't Have My Support Worker in the Room…': A Multi-perspective Mixed Methods Study of Remote Daily Living Support for Neurodivergent Young Adults.

Information technology is increasingly being employed for providing support and interventions in disability and health service contexts. This study aimed to investigate service users' and support workers' perspectives on remote support in daily living for young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions. Using a convergent mixed methods approach, we integrated qualitative and quantitative findings from survey responses and focus groups. Young service users (aged 18 to 29) diagnosed with ADHD and/or autism (n = 35) and support workers (n = 64) from four municipalities in Sweden responded to a survey designed to tap into their lived experiences and views. The topic was explored further in focus groups with young service users (n = 7) and support workers (n = 3). Open-ended survey questions were analyzed using qualitative content analyses and complemented with information from the focus groups, while closed survey questions were summarized descriptively. Inferences were merged in a joint display. While participants reported having access to digital devices, service routines for remote contact were not in place. Service users were more hesitant than support workers in endorsing remote support, expressing concerns that this approach would be inferior to in-person support (e.g., owing to miscommunications and insufficient social and emotional contact). Still, both groups expressed that remote contact may at times be a beneficial complement to in-person meetings, increasing accessibility and user choice. Service providers planning to implement remote support elements should explore the demand, acceptability, and organizational readiness for this approach. Moving forward, user engagement will be crucial to meet individual preferences, values, and needs.

Navigating the Complexity of Generative AI Adoption in Software Engineering

This article explores the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the domain of software engineering, focusing on the influencing factors at the individual, technological, and social levels. We applied a convergent mixed-methods approach to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI adoption dynamics. We initially conducted a questionnaire survey with 100 software engineers, drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model, the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and the Social Cognitive Theory as guiding theoretical frameworks. Employing the Gioia methodology, we derived a theoretical model of AI adoption in software engineering: the Human-AI Collaboration and Adaptation Framework. This model was then validated using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling based on data from 183 software engineers. Findings indicate that at this early stage of AI integration, the compatibility of AI tools within existing development workflows predominantly drives their adoption, challenging conventional technology acceptance theories. The impact of perceived usefulness, social factors, and personal innovativeness seems less pronounced than expected. The study provides crucial insights for future AI tool design and offers a framework for developing effective organizational implementation strategies.

“I just don’t find it interesting”: academic major and timing of enrollment predict motivation in an introductory biology course

ABSTRACT Situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT) posits that students’ expectancies for success, task values, and perceived costs affect their performance in STEM courses. Less is known about how students’ majors and timing of course completion affect motivational processes. Using the SEVT framework, this study utilised a convergent mixed methods approach to investigate academic motivation among students (N = 646) who enrolled in introductory biology at a large public university. Survey data revealed that students majoring in Biology were more motivated than students from other majors, although academic major was not directly associated with final grade. Upper-level students reported significantly lower competence-related beliefs and task values and perceived higher effort cost compared to first-year students. Upper-level students also earned significantly lower grades than first-year students. Both academic major and year in college had significant indirect effects on final course grades. Interviews with students (N = 31) helped explain and extend quantitative results. This study demonstrates that understudied factors (i.e. academic major and year in college) are important predictors of motivation in a gateway biology course and identifies themes that contribute to student motivation in this context.

Clinical Utility and Usability of the Digital Box and Block Test: Mixed Methods Study.

The Box and Block Test (BBT) is a clinical tool used to measure hand dexterity, which is often used for tracking disease progression or the effectiveness of therapy, particularly benefiting older adults and those with neurological conditions. Digitizing the measurement of hand function may enhance the quality of data collection. We have developed and validated a prototype that digitizes this test, known as the digital BBT (dBBT), which automatically measures time and determines and displays the test result. This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility and usability of the newly developed dBBT and to collect suggestions for future improvements. A total of 4 occupational therapists participated in our study. To evaluate the clinical utility, we compared the dBBT to the BBT across dimensions such as acceptance, portability, energy and effort, time, and costs. We observed therapists using the dBBT as a dexterity measurement tool and conducted a quantitative usability questionnaire using the System Usability Scale (SUS), along with a focus group. Evaluative, structured, and qualitative content analysis was used for the qualitative data, whereas quantitative analysis was applied to questionnaire data. The qualitative and quantitative data were merged and analyzed using a convergent mixed methods approach. Overall, the results of the evaluative content analysis suggested that the dBBT had a better clinical utility than the original BBT, with ratings of all collected participant statements for the dBBT being 45% (45/99) equal to, 48% (48/99) better than, and 6% (6/99) lesser than the BBT. Particularly in the subcategories "acceptance," "time required for evaluation," and "purchase costs," the dBBT was rated as being better than the original BBT. The dBBT achieved a mean SUS score of 83 (95% CI 76-96). Additionally, several suggested changes to the system were identified. The study demonstrated an overall positive evaluation of the clinical utility and usability of the dBBT. Valuable insights were gathered for future system iterations. These pioneering results highlight the potential of digitizing hand dexterity assessments.

Working To-Get-There: Student and teacher relationship towards a meaningful teaching and learning Experience

The enhancement of a meaningful learning experience becomes more pronounced when positive relationships exist between teachers and students. Student-teacher relationships (STR) are intricately tied to the everyday scenarios prevalent in the current generation. They exert significant effects on student engagement, encompass common challenges that may impede the establishment of positive rapport, and are perceived to influence the actualization of a meaningful teaching and learning experience. Employing a convergent mixed-method approach, the study utilized an expert-validated interview protocol and survey questionnaire. Audio-taped semi-structured interviews and surveys among purposively selected (n=16) and randomly picked (n=250) Grade 10 students and teacher-participants computed through the Raosoft sample size calculator in Southville 5A Integrated National High School were performed. Based on the descriptive statistical tools and thematic analysis with themes validation through focus group discussion, the most common STR situations relate to collaborative, encouraging, and respectful affairs among students and teachers. The most common effects of STR on students’ engagement are linked to active participation, increased interest to learn, and improved self-confidence. Meanwhile, factors that hinder positive STR correlate with ineffective communication, poor classroom environment, and high teacher expectations. Further, positive STR impacts authentic learning, the realization of equity and equality, and the idea of learning from setbacks. To-Get-There and successfully achieve meaningful teaching-and-learning experiences, the study recommends ways to foster positive STR, addressing challenges, establishing effective communication including expectations, consistent provision of equal and equity opportunities, and the nurture of values among students and teachers such as empathy, respect, self-growth, and reflective thinking. Keywords: Convergent-parallel mixed research approach, Meaningful teaching-and-learning experiences, Student-teacher relationships, Binan City, Laguna, Philippine

The Effect of Reflective Journal Writing on Moroccan EFL Master Students’ Reflective Thinking: A Mixed Methods Study

Reflective thinking is one of the transferable skills necessary for academic and professional success. Therefore, stimulating English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ reflective skills is undoubtedly important. Reflective journal writing is a pedagogical strategy proposed to help students build their reflective potential. Although previous research investigated the effect of this strategy on the development of students’ reflective skills, there are inconsistent conclusions regarding its effectiveness. Also, limited research has investigated this issue in relation to EFL students in the Moroccan context, specifically in higher education. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of reflective journal writing in improving EFL master students reflective thinking. A convergent mixed methods approach associated with a quasi-experimental design was adopted. To collect quantitative and qualitative data, Kember, Leung, et al (2000) Reflective Thinking Questionnaire and reflective journal writing were used, respectively. A purposive sample of 69 EFL master students, including two intact groups, took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 39) and control groups (n = 30). Quantitative results and qualitative findings revealed that the experimental group, after using reflective journals, has significantly developed reflective thinking compared to the control group. Also, a statistically significant change over time in the experimental group level of reflective thinking was observed. As it can be inferred, reflective journal writing is an effective strategy which could be used to help EFL students engage in a reflective reasoning. Accordingly, the results of this study encourage the formalization of reflective practice as a didactic approach to stimulate EFL students’ reflective thinking at the tertiary level.

PERSEPSI PEMERINTAH DAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PELESTARIAN CAGAR BUDAYA: STUDI KASUS KAWASAN CAGAR BUDAYA PUSAT PEMERINTAHAN KESULTANAN SIAK SRI INDRAPURA

This study discusses the interpretation of the importance of government versus community in the preservation and potential use of the Siak Sri Indrapura Cultural Heritage Area. Efforts for preservation in accordance with the law are not easy, since in practice various problems arise, especially those related to their use. The purpose of this study is to combine the interpretation of important values of government and society in the preservation of cultural heritage areas and their potential use by taking into account socio-cultural and economic values. This study was designed using a convergent qualitative and quantitative approach (convergent mixed methods approach), where data collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches are analyzed separately, then the results of the analysis are compared whether the findings of the data in the form of mutual information become normalized, or vice versa do not normalize each other. The result of study found the need for community participation in compiling significant values and the similarity between government interpretation and public perception in aspects of sosio-cultural and economic values.

Resilience Development of Swiss Adolescents: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Approach

Introduction: We applied a convergent mixed-methods research design, focusing on data from Swiss students to identify patterns of resilience development in high school. Method: The study consisted of an online longitudinal survey conducted in two waves, in autumn 2019 (n = 377 grade seven) and spring 2021 (n = 257 grade eight). By combining latent transition analysis (LTA), a person-oriented quantitative method, and qualitative content analysis, we detected four resilience patterns. Results: The longitudinal survey revealed a decrease in the “blooming” pattern (students who displayed high levels of individual and social support indicators as well as satisfaction with their grades and academic success measures) over time and, on the other hand, an increase in the “challenged” pattern, suggesting larger numbers of students with low levels of social support and academic success. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with four students from the sample. These interviews provided insights into the stressors; coping experiences, skills, processes, and resources; and outcomes related to resilience. Discussion: The analysis revealed key factors contributing to resilience, including empowering experiences, supportive individuals, self-help as a prioritized resource, and a positive school environment. Merging the data has elicited various claims such as improving both home and school environments, along with focusing on elaborating their interplay, is the most efficacious approach to bolstering resilience.

Young Adults’ Essential Food Skills and Cooking Perceptions: A mixed method study

Our purpose in this research study was to examine perceptions of food and nutrition educators (FNEs, i.e., Registered Dietitians Nutritionists and Family and Consumer Science teachers) and young adults (ages 18–25) on the status of cooking and food skills among young adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design, FNEs (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 93) and college-attending young adults (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 270) in the United States completed electronic surveys. The qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using a convergent mixed-methods approach. The qualitative data from open-ended survey responses collected from young adults and FNEs were analyzed using &lt;em&gt;coding reliability thematic analysis&lt;/em&gt;. The quantitative data used Fisher’s Exact Test to compare the importance of food skills between FNEs and young adults. In the quantitative data, young adults and FNE reported the top five food skills essential for young adults with slight variations between the two groups. For young adults, “cooking meat and poultry” was their top skill while FNEs chose “reading and following a recipe” as the top food skill. Three themes were constructed through coding reliability thematic analysis: (1) definition of cooking, (2) perceptions of the purpose of cooking, and (3) young adults’ autonomy in cooking. We concluded that young adults understood the benefits of cooking and eating healthily, but many felt overwhelmed by it. While educational food skill interventions should focus on foundational skills, cooking should be taught with consideration of young adults in mind (e.g., time and money limitations) to make the skills practical and enduring.

Lactation support in neonatal intensive care units in Germany from the mothers’ perspective – a mixed-method study of the current status and needs

BackgroundEstablishing successful lactation in mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500g) infants requires structured lactation support. Little is known about mothers’ perspectives on lactation support in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).MethodsThis paper features a convergent mixed-method approach that includes a retrospective, cross-sectional questionnaire and interview data to showcase mothers’ perceptions of lactation support in NICUs. Content analysis of the interviews (n = 12) and a descriptive analysis of quantitative data (n = 533) were performed to illustrate the current status and need for lactation support in German NICUs.ResultsThe results show that lactation support in German NICUs is often inadequate and does not comply with recommendations based on the existing literature to encourage pumping and breastfeeding in mothers. The data imply that even if lactation is successfully initiated in most cases, it is often not maintained over time, which may be due to a lack of personal support and consistent information.ConclusionThe overall structures and institutional guidelines for lactation support should be encouraged to promote nutrition with mother´s own milk in German NICUs.

Students satisfaction, self-efficacy and achievement in an emergency online learning course

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an emergency online learning course on students’ satisfaction, self-efficacy and achievement. This study used a convergent mixed methods approach with an action research design to explore students’ experiences and outcomes in an emergency online science course. This study involved 25 voluntary participants from a private college in Manila, Philippines, who were enrolled in the Science, Technology and Society online course during the 2019–2020 academic year. Data were collected using a variety of instruments, including questionnaires, reflective journals and semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the developed emergency online learning course positively impacted students’ satisfaction, efficacy and achievement. Students were satisfied with their interactions with classmates and teachers and the course content. They also expressed confidence in their ability to perform online tasks independently and master the subject through pre-recorded videos. This study suggests that effective student-teacher interaction, peer relationships, relevant and relatable course content, well-designed lesson materials, clear assessment tasks, differentiated tasks to meet individual learning preferences and teacher creativity are essential factors for student satisfaction, efficacy and achievement in emergency online learning courses.

TransfOrming Transnational intErcultural sensitivity for Midwifery students through an inclusive mobility model: A mixed-method evaluation of the TOTEMM project

BackgroundContemporary midwifery curricula require that student midwives have insight and understanding of global health practice and intercultural sensitivity. The current mobility model excludes large numbers of students from engaging in transnational learning. Objectives1) to evaluate midwifery students' experiences of blended mobility; 2) to investigate if the combination of virtual and physical mobility activities supported development of intercultural sensitivity and soft skills. DesignMulti-centre mixed-methods study. SettingsFour European Higher Education Institutions located in England, Italy, Estonia and The Netherlands. ParticipantsSixty-four midwifery students studying in one of the four partner institutions selected as study sites and who participated in the TOTEMM blended mobility scheme took part in the evaluation. MethodsData were collected through two online surveys, face-to-face focus groups and learning analytics. Descriptive summary statistical analysis of survey data was undertaken. Focus group discussions were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings from the quantitative survey and qualitative focus groups were merged using a convergent mixed methods approach. Learning Analytics were interpreted as complementary to the above components, to further triangulate the findings. ResultsBoth virtual and physical components were evaluated positively by students, with high engagement confirmed by learning analytics. A statistically significant increase in the mean of the Total Intercultural Sensitivity Scale score was seen between the pre- and post-mobility surveys, indicating participation in the TOTEMM mobility model was associated with enhanced intercultural sensitivity. Positive effects on confidence, open-mindedness, empathy, interaction and non-judgment were shared by participants. ConclusionsTOTEMM is an innovative inclusive approach to enable a diverse student group to benefit from transnational learning, including the development of intercultural sensitivity. The TOTEMM blended mobility model has potential for integration into future midwifery curricula and programmes in the four partner settings involved in TOTEMM and utility for the wider European context.

SDG 16 at a Glance: Exploring Moral Values and Service Dedication among Aspiring Law Enforcers in a State University of the Cordilleras, Philippines

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and ethical issues in law enforcement are global concerns, yet studies contextualizing these issues in educational sectors still need to be made available. This study addresses this gap and acknowledges the role of education as a foundation of peace and justice and ensuring strong institutions by assessing the aspiring law enforcers’ moral values and service dedication at a college within a state university in the Cordilleras, Philippines. The study employed a convergent mixed methods approach. Graduating students and recent graduates (n = 280) completed the survey, while faculty and staff (n = 6) participated in one-on-one interviews to triangulate the data. Quantitative findings reveal occasional moral values and service dedication manifestations across five dimensions. Qualitative findings highlight factors influencing these manifestations, which include financial limitations, disinterest in social and political issues, personal weaknesses, conflicting interests, limited understanding of humanitarian law enforcement, reluctance to discuss ethical issues, procrastination, and delayed decision-making. Converging the data emphasizes the importance of enhancing ethics in education within law enforcement curricula to ensure socially conscious and ethically responsible future law enforcers. Future research could explore localized learning outcomes to inform broader policies like SDGs.

The association of HIV-related stigma and psychosocial factors and HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana: A mixed-methods study.

Stigma and discrimination have been identified as significant barriers to HIV treatment among people living with HIV (PLWH). HIV stigma affects decision to seek HIV testing and early treatment. Evidence shows that HIV stigma undermines antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence by affecting the psychological process such as adjusting and coping with social support. In Ghana, stigma toward PLWH occurs in many ways including rejection by their communities and family members, ostracism, and refusal to engage in social interactions such as eating, sharing a bed, or shaking hands. Therefore. we examined PLWH's experiences with different forms of HIV-related stigma and the impact on HIV treatment outcome in the Volta region of Ghana. We employed a convergent mixed-method approach consisting of a survey with 181 PLWH, four focus group discussions with 24 survey respondents, and in-depth interviews with six providers. We performed independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test to test associations in bivariate analysis and analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. In all, 49% of survey respondents reported experiencing high internalized stigma, which was associated with high social support and depression (p<0.001). In qualitative interviews, anticipated stigma was the most salient concern of PLWH, followed by internalized and enacted stigma, which all negatively impacted HIV treatment and care. Stigma was experienced on multiple levels and affected psychosocial and treatment outcomes. Findings suggest urgent need for HIV-stigma reduction intervention among PLWH and their family, providers, and community members.