Empowerment Participation Research Articles

Influence of User Involvement on the Personal Empowerment of Participants

ABSTRACT Older adults are increasingly involved in technology developments. At the same time, little is known about the extent to which the people involved can benefit from user involvement. The aim of this study was to record the subjective experiences of older adults in user-centered app development and thus to investigate the impact of user involvement on the participants at an individual level. To this end, problem-centered individual interviews were conducted with four adults: Two volunteers and two older adults living in a nursing home. The results show that typical empowerment-related outcomes such as increased competence, recovery of existing interests and competences, a more positive attitude toward life and even encouragement for further social engagement were generated. However, there are differences between the volunteers and the older adults living in the nursing home that reinforce the context-dependency of personal empowerment. The results of this study confirm the findings of other studies that older people, including those living in nursing homes, can participate in user involvement. At the same time, the results show that it is important to recognize that people react differently to user involvement and have different needs depending on the context in which they live.

Navigating ethics in HIV data and biomaterial management within Black, African, and Caribbean communities in Canada

BackgroundThis study explored the ethical issues associated with community-based HIV testing among African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) populations in Canada, focusing on their perceptions of consent, privacy, and the management of HIV-related data and bio-samples.MethodsA qualitative community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was employed to actively engage ACB community members in shaping the research process. The design included in-depth qualitative interviews with 33 ACB community members in Manitoba, Canada. The study was guided by a Community Guiding Circle, which contributed to study design, data analysis, and interpretation. A diverse sample was recruited through community agencies, social media, and flyers, with considerations for variations in age, gender, sexual orientation, and geographical location. The study employed iterative inductive thematic data analysis.FindingsParticipants expressed significant concerns about the collection, sharing, and use of HIV data from healthcare encounters, revealing mistrust towards institutions like police, child welfare, and immigration accessing their health information. Their worries centered on the handling of biological samples, data misuse, potential human rights violations, HIV criminalization, deportations, challenging consent, privacy, and bodily autonomy principles. While open to contributing to medical research, they unanimously demanded greater transparency, informed consent, and control over the secondary use of their health data.ConclusionsThe study underscores the need for culturally safe approaches in HIV testing and ethical governance in healthcare for ACB communities. It highlights the importance of prioritizing participant empowerment, ensuring transparency, practicing informed consent, and implementing robust data security measures to balance effective HIV information management with the protection of individual rights.

An evaluation theory for participatory design: Design Empowerment Framework (DEF)

ABSTRACT Participatory Design (PD) emerged alongside the push for democracy during the technological advancements of the 1960s. Despite its frequent application, the literature lacks sufficient studies addressing the ‘what’, ‘how much’, and ‘how’ PD contributes in terms of both processes and outcomes – leaving a gap in supporting the arguments for its use. This study seeks to address this gap by explicitly exploring PD as an intervention leading to participant empowerment. It extends its scope by examining how empowerment occurs in existing PD projects through the lens of Theory-Based Evaluation. The proposed framework guides researchers to design, manage, and evaluate PD projects, offering valuable feedback on how the process functions for stakeholders providing project resources. It raises awareness among participants about their role, how they can contribute, and the benefits they can derive from their involvement.

What’s in a name? Participants’ pseudonym choices as a practice of empowerment and epistemic justice

ABSTRACT In qualitative research, using pseudonyms for participants is a common practice. This paper examines how inviting participants to choose their pseudonyms contributes to epistemic justice in the research process. We highlight the transformative potential of participant agency in the research journey by exploring data derived from a large qualitative study of 40 participants from diverse cultural identities who shared their experiences of their doctoral journeys at Western universities (predominantly in Australia). Participants were invited to choose pseudonyms for themselves and their institutions. Employing a narrative inquiry research methodology, data were analyzed via a three-stage iterative process, focusing on participants’ pseudonym selection and the contextual explanations provided for their choices. Our findings reveal that when participants choose their pseudonyms, they are able to present their narratives with greater authenticity, capturing the richness of their lived experiences and cultural contexts, thereby advancing epistemic justice. This practice not only created a space of empowerment for participants but also fostered trust and collaboration between researchers and participants. Thus, we argue that recognizing and inviting the agency of participants in terms of naming can be considered a critical method, shifting traditional power dynamics in research by recognizing participants as experts on their own experiences.

The Impact Between Self-Efficacy and Community Engagement on Psychological Empowerment in a Gender-Focused Tourism Curriculum: Insights from the WTIDcamp 2023 Program

In numerous studies, psychological empowerment is considered crucial for assessing the extent to which individuals perceive their ability to shape their roles and overcome job difficulties (Speitzer, 1995). As an industry, tourism stands out as one of the sectors predominantly occupied by women, accounting for as much as 55% (UN Women, 2020), thus frequently utilized as a tool for empowerment by various stakeholders (Staudt, 1990; Scheyvens, 2000; Chevalier, 2023). Consequently, it is intriguing to examine how psychological empowerment is construed by tourism workers. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of self-efficacy and community engagement on the psychological empowerment of participants in the WTID Camp 2023. WTID Camp 2023 is a program initiated by Women in Tourism Indonesia aimed at raising awareness among tourism students and fresh graduates regarding the importance of gender equality in the Indonesian tourism industry workforce. This study employed quantitative research using multiple linear regression analysis (Sugiyono, 2010), where multiple linear regression aimed to predict the fluctuations in the dependent variable when two or more independent variables were manipulated (increased or decreased in value). There were 56 samples comprising tourism students participating in the WTID Camp 2023, aged between 18 and 24 years. Data were obtained through questionnaires constructed using Likert scales. The results indicate that community engagement significantly influences psychological empowerment. Similarly, self-efficacy significantly influences community engagement. However, self-efficacy does not significantly influence psychological empowerment.

Model Pemberdayaan Kesehatan Masyarakat melalui Taman Gizi Hismawati Perguruan Islam Mathali’ul Falah Kajen Margoyoso Pati

The community health empowerment model is an approach that aims to improve community welfare in the health sector. Community empowerment can be carried out by various parties, one of which is through school-based organizations, namely Taman Gizi of HISMAWATI, Mathali'ul Falah Islamic School, Kajen Margoyoso Pati. This organization focuses on community health empowerment through its programs. This research aims to determine the model of community health empowerment carried out by Taman Gizi of HISMAWATI. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative with the type of field research, data collection techniques using interviews and documentation, while data analysis techniques use the theory of Miles and Huberman which consists of data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The research results show that the model of community health empowerment implemented by Taman Gizi of HISMAWATI is school-based participatory empowerment. Based on Jim Ife's empowerment theory used in this research, the concept of community health empowerment carried out by Taman Gizi of HISMAWATI is providing resources, opportunities, knowledge and skills in the form of facilitating the Kajen Village community and PIM female students through its programs. In this model, the objectives of empowerment include four improvements, namely institutional improvement, business improvement, environmental improvement and life improvement. The empowerment strategy used include the empowerment level, namely the micro level and the empowerment approach which including five approaches, namely the enabling, strengthening, protection, support and maintenance. Meanwhile, the empowerment principles used include four principles, namely the principle of equality, the principle of participation, the principle of independence and the principle of sustainability.

Komunikasi partisipatif masyarakat Suku Akit kepada pemerintah dalam pengelolaan hutan mangrove di Kecamatan Bantan Kabupaten Bengkalis

This study examines the participatory communication between the village government and the Akit Tribe community in managing mangrove forests in Bantan District, Bengkalis Regency. The research focuses on the role of dialogue, voice empowerment, and emancipatory education in encouraging community participation. Prior research emphasizes that active community involvement in natural resource management is crucial for environmental sustainability. This study aims to analyze how dialogue, voice empowerment, and emancipatory education are applied by the Akit Tribe in managing mangrove forests. A qualitative approach with a case study design was used, collecting data through observation and in-depth interviews. The findings show that the dialogue process has been effective, though communication barriers persist. The indigenous community also utilizes media for information sharing and community activities, while emancipatory education plays a key role in empowering the Akit Tribe in managing mangrove forests.

Enhancing Empowerment Among the Bajo Soropia: Exploring Psychological Dynamics and Tribal Engagement in Konawe Regency's Development

The Bajo tribe is a tribe that lives on the coast and sea and leads a nomadic life from one area to another. As time goes by, some Bajo people who initially remained silent are now starting to open up to the social unrest that is occurring in their environment. As a maritime community, the Bajo tribe tends to choose to avoid conflict, including in terms of development participation. Infrastructure development in Bajo residential areas often presents problems with psychological disorders. This research examines the role of psychological empowerment in encouraging development participation in the Bajo Soropia ethnic community in the Konawe Regency. The research sample was 251 Bajo people who were determined using Proportional Cluster Random Sampling. Data collection through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. After the data was collected, data analysis was carried out using the MCMI IV application and continued with descriptive statistics using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). It was found that psychological factors have a significant influence on community involvement in regional development projects. Key factors include self-confidence, motivation, and understanding of the role of development. The study also identifies external elements such as government support and access to resources, and highlights their impact on empowerment and participation. These findings provide valuable insights for crafting inclusive development policies and underscore the importance of psychological empowerment in engaging marginalized indigenous communities. In a broader context, this research provides valuable insight into the motivations of marginalized communities to be more actively involved in development

Pemberdayaan Pembudidaya Ikan di Desa Bukit Bamba melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan “Pahesang” Pakan Herbal Daun Sangkareho (Callicarpa longifolia Lam.)

In freshwater fish cultivation, information and technology on alternative feed, namely feed mixed with herbs, has developed rapidly, one of which is artificial herbal feed from the medicinal plant Sangkareho (Callicarpa longifolia Lam.). This medicinal plant is a typical plant of Central Kalimantan. The aim of implementing this activity is to increase the knowledge and skills of partners or the fish-cultivating community regarding techniques for making herbal feed for fish cultivation with nutritional content formulations that suit the needs of cultivated fish. This activity will be carried out in Bukit Bamba Village, Central Kahayan District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan with the target partners being fish farmers in Bukit Bamba Village. The method used to achieve this goal is active participatory empowerment of the community through collaboration with partners, namely the transfer of knowledge and technology through training activities on techniques for making herbal feed for cultivating fish in the form of pellets using local forest products, namely Sangkareho leaves, through direct assistance in the field starting from the process of taking and selecting raw materials to the production of herbal feed.

Developing the pakisjajar community through a livestock compost processing

This research aims to assist the government in the development process which is centered on empowering village communities. The concept of participatory empowerment was adopted to increase village communities’ economic growth. This concept is applied in Pakisjajar Village, Malang Regency in the process of processing both (solid and liquid) cow waste into compost. This research uses a qualitative method with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Researchers have a role as facilitators and are considered very important in developing the Pakisjajar village community. The development of a PAR approach model can help communities or organizations meet basic needs and become a tool to increase the income of the Pakisjajar village community in the long term.

Exploring Empowerment of Young Participants of Social Housing Youth Innovation Project in Taipei from Advisory Team's Perspectives

<p>本文是從青創戶輔導團隊的觀點，加以探討臺北市社會住宅青創計畫的培力運用。本文依據三個方向進行分析：（一）輔導團隊的工作重點；（二）培力青創戶的模式；以及（三）培力青創戶對社宅的影響。首先。建置各社宅的輔導窗口，及規劃推動社宅的業務內容都是工作重點。第二是培力模式，共分為七大面向包括：初期說明會與工作坊、分組社區活動執行及社區行政事務、學習與轉化社區工作的know-how、個別輔導、團體輔導、成果檢核的輔導等。第三是對社宅的影響，社區內部的網絡開始發展，鄰避效應的問題也開始降低，同時，經濟／社會弱勢者參加社區活動的機會也增加。最後，社宅的青創戶政策可視為一種創新的社區工作模式，提供未來社區工作的參考。</p> <p> </p><p>The analysis framework of this study includes: the main focuses of the advisory team, the empowerment model, and the social impacts of this project. The important findings are as followings. Firstly, the advisory team learned lessons and accumulated experiences by try and error. The establishment of advisory staff in each social housing, and development of community activities were the focal tasks of the advisory team. Secondly, the operations of empowerment contained: the implementations of orientations and workshops, the labor divisions of young participants, the transformations and practices of know-how learned from the advisory team, individual and group consultations, as well as the review of outcome evaluation. The thirdly, some positive impacts of this project had been identified for the residents of social hosing and near-by areas. Finally, the empowerment model of social Housing for Youth Innovation project provided some valuable insights for the development of community work.</p> <p> </p>

The The Influence of Program Participation on The Empowerment of Sustainable Food Program Participants During The Pandemic Era

The imposition of large-scale social restrictions has an impact on decreasing participation in empowerment. On the other hand, participation is one of the principles of empowerment. The application of this principle will consequently make the community empowered. Through these stages of empowerment, the community can get out of its powerless condition. If empowerment is realized, the program deserves to be called an empowerment program. This study aims to analyze the influence of program participation on empowerment. The study used the census method on 35 respondents and was supported by qualitative data. Based on the research results, program participation in the planning stage has a positive influence on power within, power to, and power with. Program participation in the decision-making stage has a positive influence on power over. Program participation in the implementation phase has a positive influence on power within, power to, and power with. Monitoring and evaluation have a positive influence on power. Program participation in the outcome utilization stage has a positive influence on power within and power to.

Regulating vulnerability: policy approaches for preventing violence and abuse of people with disability in Australian service provision settings

This article analyses policy frameworks designed to protect people with disability from harm in service provision settings and respond to their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with a focus on the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The creation of a new disability services market has facilitated greater choice and empowerment for NDIS participants, but has also exposed them to new risks and vulnerabilities. Drawing on feminist vulnerability theory, a policy audit, and qualitative research with seventeen key stakeholders, the article reflects on the need to incorporate more nuanced understandings of vulnerability in safeguarding policy and respond to the situational and pathogenic vulnerability created by the way systems and structures operate. It identifies opportunities to enhance the personal autonomy of people with disability through accessible pathways for complaints and justice, and greater focus on natural and mainstream safeguarding systems in complementing disability-specific systems.

Nurturing the Seeds of Participation: Unveiling the Foundational Path for Understanding Aging in Place Barriers and Facilitators From the Perspective of Older Adults Using Mixed Methods and Translational Science.

Participation in society is a cornerstone for quality of life, active aging, and aging in place. While the majority of older adults prefer aging in place, health and financial challenges can hinder this vision. Conducted in suburban South Jersey, this study utilized mixed methods, including surveys and interviews with older adult participants. Surveys indicated that satisfaction with participation in the community is influenced by functional ability, healthcare service availability, and information access. Interviewees identified suggestions to overcome barriers (e.g., improve access to community and address ageism). Combined results provide a theory of change which suggests older adults' empowerment in community participation hinges on home living support, participation options aligning with ability and interest, and accessible information on community events. This person-centered planning approach emphasizes the importance of older adult and stakeholder participation in foundational community planning, offering translational foundational tools for evidence-based strategies to engage them in future community action plans (CAPs).

Empowering Former Women Migrant Workers: Enhancing Socio-Economic Opportunities and Inclusion for Sustainable Development

This research aims to design and implement participatory empowerment programs for former migrant workers, with a focus on non-formal socio-economic initiatives. Utilizing the Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) method in Cilacap Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia, the study collected data through observations, dialogues, and Participatory Decision-Making (PDM). Purposive sampling involved selecting subjects from the village government, community leaders, and former women migrant workers belonging to entrepreneurial groups. The participatory analysis approach was used to identify, categorize, and prioritize essential and strategic initiatives. The research findings led to the development of non-formal education programs for former women migrant workers, aimed at fostering creativity and innovation in entrepreneurship, administrative management, digital accounting, product quality improvement, product innovation, labeling and packaging, and promotion management with digital marketing. Collaborative efforts between village and district governments, academics, and the community of former women migrant workers were emphasized in planning and implementing these creative socio-economic non-formal education programs. The programs were tailored to address the unique problems, needs, and local resources of the community of former women migrant workers, providing them with the knowledge, motivation, and skills to independently operate economic ventures and improve the well-being of their families.
 
 Received: 1 September 2023 / Accepted: 26 November 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024

“. . . Without It I Would Not Have Thought I Had Changed”: Phenomenological Case Study Research as a Methodology for Change

Purpose: This paper discusses how phenomenological research can be used as a tool to support reflection. It draws upon the methodology of a study exploring the lived experiences of eight primary physical education specialists in their first year of teaching in England and their teacher identity. Method: The study used interviews and participants’ visual representations of themselves as a discussion focus. Participants engaged in a reflective activity at the end of the study, which analyzed their experiences of the research study. Results: Results are presented as an example vignette produced from the interviews, written in the first person to represent the participants’ accounts alongside their visual representations and a thematic analysis of the interviews. Discussion/Conclusion: This paper will present both the methodological considerations and a summary of the findings from the original study. This paper advocates phenomenological research as an impetus for reflection and empowerment for participants.

Measuring the Level of Job Satisfaction and Opportunities for Participation Empowerment of Health Workers in the Aseer Region

Background and Aims: This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Saudi Arabian healthcare workers in the Aseer region. Specifically, the focus was on employee satisfaction and work environment variables to contribute to the existing literature on employee well-being and organizational behavior. The study utilized variable frequencies and percentages to provide a comprehensive summary of the experiences of healthcare workers in the region. Methods: The study involved 543 participants from various healthcare institutions, including Primary Health Centers (PHCs), secondary and tertiary hospitals, and other relevant establishments. These participants completed a survey consisting of multiple-choice questions concerning employee satisfaction and the workplace. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed to discern employee perceptions by computing variable frequencies and percentages. Results: The majority of the participants were Saudi nationals (90%) with a significant representation of male respondents (67.8%). The age group between 30 and 40 years constituted the largest portion of the participants (57.6%). Among the workplaces, hospitals were the most common, employing 70.5% of the respondents. Overall, the study found positive perceptions regarding head support, appreciation, training and development opportunities, and promotional prospects. However, areas such as benefits, job description compatibility, and equipment availability exhibited room for improvement. Conclusions: The study presents valuable insights into the perspectives of healthcare workers in diverse workplaces within Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region. To enhance staff satisfaction and well-being, it is essential to focus on improving training and development opportunities, benefits, equipment availability, and cluster effectiveness. The study’s findings enable organizations to assess their current operations and make necessary changes to boost employee happiness and morale. Future research should address the identified discrepancies in employee perception and job satisfaction.

Youth in Local Level Planning Processes: Review of Local Impressions

Federalisation is one of the leading political setups for the participatory involvement of all citizens in and accountability for governance; it generally offers numerous opportunities to engage in planning, policy-making, decision-making, and implementation in development initiatives and social movements. On the one hand, Nepal has a youth population, and youths are considered both products and producers of the settings in which they engage. These reciprocal processes provide a basis for self-development and others in the community. On the other hand, not much effort has been put into enhancing the youth’s capacity for meaningful participation in the development process, especially in the new federal setup. Given the background, this paper presents a critical reflection of planners and decision-makers on policies and programmes related to youth, economic empowerment of young women and youth participation in the planning process at state and local levels. Data were collected from five local governments focusing on all planning levels, from Tole consultation to Ward Assembly to Rural Municipality/Municipality to State and Federal levels. Primary data were collected at the grassroots level, where the perspective of youths, especially those from marginalised groups, about their involvement in planning processes, was captured through eight focused group discussions. Also, eight key informants, at least two elected representatives, were interviewed from the same study area.

Health Protocol Education and Improvement of TPA Baitul Iman Mosque Malangan Bantul

Abstract. This service program aims to increase children's interest in learning religion and culture in Indonesia. TPA provides religious education and also education on the 5M health protocol, so the attending students can increase their spiritual intelligence based on religion and local wisdom, and improve awareness to comply with the health protocols. By using a participatory empowerment method in a partnership with the mosque organizers and youth at the Baitul Iman mosque in Bantul, this community service had successfully carried out a series of activities which include education on 5 M health protocols, counselling for students’ parents, training for TPA teachers, teaching in TPA using learning modules and media through fairy tales with interesting stories, group exercise and traditional games, equipping the TPA facilities with 5M health protocol facilities and infrastructure, and maintaining the sustainability of the program with the formation of TPA administrators at Al Huda Mosque. Baitul Iman Malangan Bantul has succeeded in increasing children's interest in learning, religious understanding, and local wisdom, as well as successfully increasing the discipline of the students in implementing the Covid 19 health protocol by implementing the health protocol properly and correctly according to the guidelines from the government.
 
 

Health Protocol Education and Improvement of TPA Al Huda Tegalrejo Tegalsari Mosque, Bantul

Abstract. This service program aims to increase children's interest in learning religion and culture in Indonesia. TPA provides religious education and also education on the 5M health protocol, so the attending students can increase their spiritual intelligence based on religion and local wisdom, and improve awareness to comply with the health protocols. By using a participatory empowerment method in a partnership with the mosque organizers and youth at the Al Huda mosque in Bantul, this community service had successfully carried out a series of activities which include education on 5 M health protocols, counselling for students’ parents, training for TPA teachers, teaching in TPA using learning modules and media through fairy tales with interesting stories, group exercise and traditional games, equipping the TPA facilities with 5M health protocol facilities and infrastructure, and maintaining the sustainability of the program with the formation of TPA administrators at Al Huda Mosque Tegalrejo, Tegalsari, Bantul. Al Huda TPA has succeeded in increasing children's interest in learning, religious understanding, and local wisdom, as well as successfully increasing the discipline of the students in implementing the Covid 19 health protocol by implementing the health protocol properly and correctly according to the guidelines from the government.