Engage Community Members Research Articles

Nurturing care assets for food security: a community asset mapping approach

BackgroundZip codes classified by the Food Insecurity Index with moderate and high food insecurity (FI) risk can be a threat to the health and well-being of children during the first 1,000 days (from pregnancy to 2 years). The presence of nurturing care assets (i.e., stable environments that promote health and nutrition, learning opportunities, security and safety, and responsive relationships) can contribute to supporting families and their communities, and ultimately reduce systemic barriers to food security. We aimed to identify and characterize nurturing care assets in under-resourced communities with moderate and high FI risk.MethodsFour steps were used to conduct a Community Asset Mapping (CAM): (1) review of community documents across five zip codes in Clark County, Nevada (2), engagement of community members in identifying community assets (3), definition of the assets providing nurturing care services, and (4) classification of assets to nurturing care components, i.e., good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, opportunities for early learning, and responsive caregiving. The Food Insecurity Index was used to determine FI risk in each zip code. Analyses explored whether disparities in nurturing care assets across zip codes with moderate and high FI exist.ResultsWe identified 353 nurturing care assets across zip codes. A more significant number of nurturing care assets were present in zip codes with high FI risk. The adequate nutrition component had the most assets overall (n = 218, 61.8%), while the responsive caregiving category had the least (n = 26, 7.4%). Most of the adequate nutrition resources consisted of convenience stores (n = 96), food pantries (n = 33), and grocery stores (n = 33). Disparities in the number and type of good health, early learning, and security and safety assets were identified within zip codes with high FI risk compared to moderate FI risk.ConclusionsThe quantity and type of nurturing care assets can exacerbate existing demographic disparities across zip codes, which are tied to barriers to access to food in under-resourced communities in Clark County, Nevada. Co-creating a nurturing care asset-based zip code strategy to address high FI risk will require strengthening systems across existing nurturing care assets.

Exploring the Role and Participation of Community Members in Crime Prevention in Lesotho

Exploring the Role and Participation of Community Members in Crime Prevention in Lesotho

The Community is the Cure: How African American Washington, DC Residents Informed Opioid Treatment Engagement

Abstract: Background: Recent data indicate rising opioid overdose deaths among African American residents of Washington, DC. Objectives: We highlight a community-informed approach to assessing attitudes toward opioid use disorder treatment among DC residents (February 2019 to March 2020). Methods: A listening tour with trusted community leaders led to the formation of a Community Advisory Board (CAB). When the COVID-19 pandemic commenced in March 2020, community dialogues became exclusively virtual. The CAB partnered with academic leaders to co-create project mission and values and center the community’s concerns related to opioid use and its causes, treatment structure, and facilitators of effective engagement. Results: Interview guides were created for the engagement of community members, using values highlighted by the CAB. The CAB underscored that in addition to opioid problems, effective engagement must address community experience, collective strengths/resilience, and the role of indigenous leadership. Conclusions: Engaging community prior to project implementation and maintaining alignment with community values facilitated opioid use disorder assessments. Community-informed assessments may be critical to building community trust.

Design of a Mobile App Interface That Engages Community Members in a Food System Pilot Study.

Supermarkets are scarce in many under-resourced urban communities, and small independently owned retail stores often carry few fresh or healthy items. The Baltimore Urban food Distribution (BUD) mobile application (app) was previously developed to address supply-side challenges in moving healthy foods from local suppliers to retailers. In-app opportunities for consumers to indicate demand for these foods are crucial, but remain absent. We sought to understand community members' perspectives on the overall role, function and features of a proposed consumer-engagement module (BUDConnect) to expand the BUD app. A series of initial high-fidelity wireframe mockups were developed based on formative research. In-depth interviews (n = 20) were conducted and thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti Web. Participants revealed a desire for real-time crowd-sourced information to navigate their food environments safely and effectively, functionality to help build community and social networks among store owners and their customers, opportunities to share positive reviews and ratings of store quality and offerings, and interoperability with existing apps. Rewards and referral systems resulting in the discounted purchasing of promoted healthy items were suggested to increase adoption and sustained app use. Wireframe mockups were further refined for future development and integration into the BUD app, the program and policy implications of which are discussed.

ANALISIS STRATEGI KOMISI PEMILIHAN UMUM (KPU) JAWA TIMUR UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PARTISIPASI POLITIK MASYARAKAT DALAM MENGHADAPI PEMILU TAHUN 2024

ABSTRACT With the introduction of technology and information systems, this also has an impact on public institutions, especially the General Election Commission (KPU), which utilizes digital media as a means of carrying out communication and outreach strategies to increase people's political participation in the participation of community members in the 2024 General Election (Pemilu). In order to achieve successful community involvement, implementing a well-structured plan such as a management strategy is necessary. The role of the General Election Commission (KPU), especially the East Java Province KPU is guided by KPU Decree Number 10 of 2018 concerning Socialization, Voter Education, Community Participation in the Implementation of General Elections. The aim of this research is to analyze the strategy of the East Java General Election Commission (KPU) to increase public participation in facing the 2024 elections. The methodology used in this research is a qualitative research method with a descriptive method where the data collection process is in the form of interviews, observation, documentation and literature study obtained through articles, books, information and so on related to the topic being discussed. Based on the research findings, it can be seen that the strategy implemented by the East Java KPU can be said to have worked well, as evidenced by the existence of several agendas of socialization activities that have been carried out such as the Election Carnival, showing the film "Kejarlah Janji" and receiving visits from external parties. Keywords : Strategy; Election; Participation

Contribution of Community Member Participation in Promoting Sustainability of Water Development Projects at Kikwe in Meru District, Arusha Region in Tanzania.

Contribution of Community Member Participation in Promoting Sustainability of Water Development Projects at Kikwe in Meru District, Arusha Region in Tanzania.

Power and participation: A systematic review of marine protected area engagement through participatory science Methods

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a critical part of the marine resource management community’s toolbox in seeking a sustainable and vibrant global ocean system. The processes of community engagement with MPAs, however, are rooted in pre-existing power dynamics inherent in environmental governance systems and influenced by historical contexts of colonialism. Marine governance has historically operated in a top-down manner, imposing exclusionary forms of conservation on local communities without affording them equitable power in the process. Meaningful engagement of community members in MPAs has been suggested as one of the key enabling conditions that drive successful marine protection. Specifically, participatory science methods have the potential to engage local communities, elevate local voices and expertise, and strengthen both local communities and scientific learning. This systematic scoping review assesses the peer-reviewed literature to understand the quality and nature of participatory science methods that have been used to engage communities in MPAs. The review highlights that, while participatory science methods are not uncommon in MPAs, they seldom challenge existing power dynamics. The results of this review show that power in MPA processes related to participatory science is generally retained by conventional researchers and MPA managers. Based on these findings, the authors provide recommendations to marine resource management researchers and practitioners to help the ocean governance community support greater power sharing with local communities through equitable and locally appropriate participatory science methods.

247 Virtual community and partner-engaged panels - We can do them, but should we?

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We describe the transition of ShAred Resource Panels (ShARPs) within the Center for Community Health (CCH) at Northwestern University’s Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute to virtual sessions and explore ongoing practices. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Restrictions placed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in community-engaged health equity research, such as the transition of community and partner-engaged panels from in-person to virtual. ShARPs have occurred since December 2015. The model includes research team members, community members, community co-facilitator, and CCH staff. These custom panels bring together 8-10 community members familiar with a research topic or community of focus, offering feedback on adaptations that can improve research relevance and feasibility. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, all ShARPs were conducted in person. From March 2020 to January 2023, panels occurred virtually. From 2023, the option of virtual or in-person ShARPs has been available. Count data and informal interview data were reviewed. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The number of ShARPs peaked in 2019 and has remained stable. The first virtual ShARP occurred on April 22, 2020, and all subsequent sessions have been virtual. As of October 2023, 6 ShARPs have occurred, with no research teams pursuing an in-person session despite its availability. Participants described virtual ShARPs as convenient and accessible. Academic teams cited concern about low community member participation should they opt for an in-person session. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: It is feasible to conduct ShARPs virtually and is the current preferred modality. Whether virtual ShARPs enhance, neutralize, or detract from the effectiveness of the session is unknown and guides our future work. More research is needed, including discussion, and learning from our CTSA colleagues.

Applying an Evidence-Based Community Organizing Approach to Strengthen HIV Prevention for Cisgender Women in US South: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Most new HIV diagnoses among cisgender women in the United States occur in the South. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a cornerstone of the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative, remains underused by cisgender women who may benefit. Awareness and access to PrEP remain low among cisgender women. Moreover, improving PrEP reach among cisgender women requires effectively engaging communities in the development of appropriate and acceptable patient-centered PrEP care approaches to support uptake. In a community-clinic-academic collaboration, this protocol applies an evidence-based community organizing approach (COA) to increase PrEP awareness and reach among cisgender women in Atlanta. The aim of this study is to use and evaluate a COA for engaging community members across 4 Atlanta counties with high-priority EHE designation, to increase PrEP awareness, interest, and connection to PrEP care among cisgender women. The COA, consisting of 6 stages, will systematically develop the skills of community members to become leaders and advocates for HIV prevention inclusive of PrEP for cisgender women in their communities. We will use the evidence-based COA to develop and implement a PrEP-specific action plan to create broader community change by raising awareness and interest in PrEP, reducing stigma associated with HIV or PrEP, and connecting women to sexual health clinics providing PrEP services. In the first 4 stages, to prepare for and develop action plans, we will gather data from one-on-one interviews with up to 100 individuals across Atlanta to capture attitudes, motivations, and influences related to women's sexual health with a focus on HIV prevention and PrEP. Informed by the community interviews, we will revise a sexual health curriculum inclusive of PrEP and community-centered engagement. We will then recruit and train community action team members to develop action plans to implement the curriculum during community-located events. In the last 2 stages, we will implement and evaluate COA's effect on PrEP awareness, interest, HIV or PrEP stigma, and connection to PrEP care among cisgender women community members. This project was funded by the National Institutes of Health and approved by the Emory University institutional review board in July 2021. Data collection began in December 2021 and is ongoing. COA stage 1 of the study is complete with 70 participants enrolled. Community events commenced in November 2023, and data collection will be completed by November 2025. Stage 1 qualitative data analysis is complete with results to be published in 2024. Full study results are anticipated to be reported in 2026. Through a community-clinic-academic collaboration, this protocol proposes to mount a coordinated approach across diverse Atlanta counties to strengthen HIV prevention for cisgender women and to create a sustainable systems approach to move new sexual health innovations more quickly to cisgender women. DERR1-10.2196/56293.

The role of a community conversation intervention in reducing stigma related to lower limb lymphoedema in Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundStigma related to lower-limb lymphoedema poses a major psychosocial burden to affected persons and acts as a barrier to them accessing morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services. Community Conversation (CC), which actively engages community members and disseminates health information amongst them, is believed to break the vicious cycle of stigma by enhancing disease-related health literacy at the community level.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted in Northern Ethiopia to assess the role of the CC intervention in reducing stigma. In two control districts, a comprehensive and holistic MMDP care package was implemented that included physical health, mental health and psychosocial interventions, whilst in the intervention district the CC intervention was added to the MMDP care package. A total of 289 persons affected by lymphoedema and 1659 community members without lymphoedema were included in the study.ResultsOver the course of the intervention, in all sites, community members’ knowledge about the causes of lymphoedema increased, and perceived social distance and stigmatizing attitudes towards people with lymphoedema decreased in the community, whilst experienced and internalized stigma decreased amongst affected persons. There were no significant changes for perceived social support. However, the changes were greater in the control sites overall, i.e. those districts in which the holistic care package was implemented without CC.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the CC intervention provides no additional stigma reduction when used alongside a holistic MMDP care package. Provision of comprehensive and holistic MMDP services may be adequate and appropriate to tackle stigma related to lower-limb lymphoedema in a resource-constrained setting like Ethiopia.

Elevating low-effort engagement to cultivate stronger community commitment: A study of social capital within Instagram's brand community

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the role of social capital in enhancing the engagement of community members, specifically transitioning them from low-effort participation to higher levels of commitment toward the community.Design/methodology: This study presents the results derived from a quantitative analysis of 483 participants across diverse automotive brand communities found on Instagram.Findings: Based on the foundation of social capital theory, this research enquires into the effects of shared relational elements of social capital on the commitment of members to communities. The results indicate that when members perceive an adequate degree of social trust and adhere to a recognized norm of reciprocity, there is a notable influence on the potential for heightened commitment to the community.Research limitations/implications: This study solely focused on a specific type of social media, underscoring the prominent role of visual presentation style as the primary approach in content creation. As a result, this has a notable impact on the mechanism of social interaction among users.Originality/value: In visually oriented settings such as Instagram, the barriers to participating in social interactions are noticeably reduced. Consequently, activities that require only minimal engagement effort have a higher probability of evolving into more profound and intensified forms of social exchange among community members. This, in turn, greatly facilitates the cultivation of social trust and the establishment of a norm of reciprocity.

Perceptions and experiences of intravenous iron treatment for anaemia in pregnancy in Malawi: a formative qualitative study

Background The study objective was to explore opinions, identify experiences, and describe perspectives on the acceptability of intravenous (IV) iron to treat anaemia in pregnancy and identify potential barriers and facilitators of introducing IV iron in the Malawian healthcare system. Methods We conducted 15 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with pregnant women, and seven in-depth interviews with health workers at a community-based health centre in Blantyre and a tertiary hospital in Zomba. Results Most women who used IV iron treatment during the second trimester of pregnancy reported feeling better and stronger after receiving the intervention. Women perceived that IV iron treatment worked faster than oral iron tablets and increased their haemoglobin count. However, cultural beliefs that IV iron treatment will cause miscarriage and the perception that study procedures involved Satanism and vampirism practices were barriers to acceptability. Health workers found IV iron treatment easy to administer because it is a single-dose treatment, simultaneously reducing the burden for pregnant women taking daily oral iron tablets. However, health workers expressed concerns about the costs and the need to train health workers before the large-scale implementation and integration of IV iron treatment into Malawi’s routine care. Conclusions Despite the perceived concerns and challenges experienced in participating in the first IV iron infusion trial in Malawi, participants’ reflections suggest that IV iron infusion is acceptable for treating iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Participant advocate groups can offer a peer-to-peer education approach to sensitize and engage community members on the benefits of treatment and dispel concerns when the country contemplates integrating IV iron infusion for treating anaemia in pregnancy in Malawi.

Community Participation in Village Tourism Development

Community participation in tourism development is the participation and equality of community members in a particular activity. Raharjana (2012) believes that the community plays an important role in supporting tourism development, especially in controlling the direction of tourism development so that it can minimize the negative impact of tourism activities. One of the well-known tourist villages in West Lombok Regency is Senggigi Village. This location became a research location with the title "Community Participation in Tourism Village Development (Senggigi Village Study, Batu Layar District, West Lombok Regency). This research examines community participation in the development of tourist villages using a qualitative approach. Apart from that, in this research data collection used interview, observation and documentation methods. The collected data will be analyzed descriptively qualitatively. Meanwhile, the theories used are Max Weber's theory of participation and social action. It was found that the participation of community members, especially those around the beach, was very good. The impact of community participation on development greatly helps the local economy.

Engaging African American Faith Leaders as Partners in Ethical Research

This paper outlines an initiative to adapt the Community Partnered Research Ethics Training (CPRET) for the cultural context of the CHURCH (Congregation as Healers Uniting to Restore Community Health) project. The CHURCH project is a community-partnered participatory research project that seeks to promote the mental well-being of African American populations by developing, implementing, and evaluating a mental health training curriculum for faith leaders in Black churches. Participatory research, in which community stakeholders collaborate with researchers as equal partners to address problems impacting marginalized communities, has recently become more popular in academia. Training is necessary to equip community partners with the skills and knowledge required for full research participation. Community partners frequently encounter ethical issues in participatory research, but limited training resources are available to proactively prevent and address such issues. The CPRET was developed through a collaboration between the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Human Research Protection Office and Community Research Advisory Board at the University of Pittsburgh. It surveys research processes and core research ethics principles, and it stimulates discussion regarding best practices by engaging participants in scenario-based exercises in which they identify ethical and unethical research. By describing how we utilized the CPRET in the CHURCH project and presenting a summary of participant feedback, we aim to build resources for community-engaged scholars seeking to engage community members in ethical research.

Metode multisensori untuk meningkatkan kemampuan membaca siswa kelas awal di SDN 1 Rubung Buyung

Indonesian subjects are very important subjects that are taught at all levels of education. It includes four skills that teachers must develop to their students. The four abilities are listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The ability to read is very important in this regard. The problem in the field is that students have low reading skills. On the basis of this problem, the study began. According to data collected from SDN 1 Rubung Buyung students, this study will use multisensory methods to improve their reading skills. This research uses the PAR research method, which is a type of research that involves the participation of community members in doing something or getting something desired.

Socialization and Training of Aromatic Candle Processing from Used Cooking Oil for Urban Residents

This article highlights a community initiative aimed at promoting sustainable household liquid waste management in Kediri City, Indonesia. The problem identified was the insufficient attention given to liquid waste, particularly used cooking oil, which often leads to environmental pollution and infrastructure damage. The objective of the activity was to raise awareness among residents about the proper disposal and recycling of used cooking oil. The proposed approach involved conducting workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate community members about the environmental impacts of improper disposal and the benefits of recycling used cooking oil into aromatic candles. Major findings revealed that through collaborative efforts with local officials and community organizations, the initiative successfully engaged community members and fostered a sense of responsibility towards waste management. The training programs empowered participants with practical skills to convert used cooking oil into aromatic candles, promoting the repurposing of waste while creating a pleasant atmosphere. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of community participation and public awareness in ensuring sustainable liquid waste management. The initiative showcased the feasibility of recycling used cooking oil and highlighted the potential for broader adoption of similar practices in other regions. Overall, the activity underscored the significance of individual actions in collectively addressing environmental challenges and encouraged the adoption of responsible waste management practices at the household level.

Strategies to Improve Access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Among Displaced Populations in Ethiopia

Background: In 2021, more than 23 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia, including four million internally displaced persons and returnees. Displaced populations face an elevated risk of mental health and psychosocial problems, yet they often have limited access to mental health and psychosocial support. Objective: This study aimed to assess: 1) the mental health and psychosocial needs and resources among displaced persons in Ethiopia; and 2) examine barriers, and facilitators, and identify strategies to improve access to culturally appropriate mental health and psychosocial support in this population and context. Methods: We conducted a sequential mixed-methods assessment of mental health and psychosocial needs and resources. First, we conducted 16 key informant interviews with those who had experience and knowledge regarding the mental health situation of displaced persons in Ethiopia, including mental health providers and humanitarian practitioners. Second, we conducted an assessment of available mental health services in 15 internally displaced persons (IDP) sites in Ethiopia along with 28 key informant interviews in this context to explore some of the challenges and strategies to improving access to mental health and psychosocial support. Results: Access to mental health services was limited in IDP sites. Participants identified numerous barriers to accessing services that ranged from limited supply and fragmentation of existing mental health services to an incongruence between formal mental health services and explanatory models of mental illness. Strategies to address these barriers included engagement of community members and key stakeholders (e.g., traditional and religious healers), improving mental health literacy, strengthening referral systems and mental health capacity, and improving coordination and integration of mental health within the national health system. Conclusion: This study highlights several challenges and opportunities for improving access to mental health and psychosocial support among displaced persons in Ethiopia. Efforts to bridge gaps in access to mental health and psychosocial support must consider both systems-level factors that influence availability as well as community factors influencing perceptions and acceptability of services within this context.

Artistic Means and Therapeutic Effects in Sri Lankan Healing Rituals

Artistic expressions in the realms of mutually integrated sound culture and visual culture count as the essential elements of the traditional healing rituals in Sri Lanka. While music has a key role in the therapeutic process, visual ingredients provide the ritual setting with a glamour that exceeds the day-to-day domestic environment experience. Made for the occasion, a decorated ritual setting is the first sign to publicly announce the event and to create visual excitement. Its main aim is to welcome the invisible supernatural beings responsible for a disease. The sound produced by voices (chants, incantations, blessings, poetry, dialogues) and musical instruments (drums, handbells, hand cymbals, conch shells, anklets) aims to assure participation of community members and to act as a medium of connecting supernatural beings with the human world. Besides the visual and aural stimuli, the main roles in Sri Lankan healing rituals are given to unity thinking ,community caring, and community setup .Lessons learned from traditional healing rituals which integrate music, dance, visual arts, crafts ,and drama for the sake of individual comfort and the community’s wellbeing, have potential to benefit a variety of disciplines with a focus on artistic and/or therapeutic practices and outcomes such as medical and applied ethnomusicology and anthropology, psychomusicology, sociomusicology, visual arts, music therapy, including community music therapy and ethnomusic therapy, dance/movement therapy, psychotherapy, drama therapy, and more. The author’s arguments are expected to contribute to knowledge and understanding of holistic healing practices of Sri Lanka as non-pharmacological treatments marked by mutually interrelated artistic means and therapeutic effects.

Mengoptimalkan Penggunaan Teknologi untuk Pemasaran Aksesoris HP Anggota ONC Melalui Platform Digital

This Community Service (PKM) project aims to optimize the use of technology in marketing cellphone accessories carried out by members of the Ngunut Community Outlet (ONC) via digital platforms. ONC, as a local business forum, has great potential to utilize advances in information technology to increase product visibility and competitiveness in an increasingly digital market. Through an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the project engages ONC members in intensive training to improve their technology skills, especially in managing social media and e-commerce platforms. Project stages include identifying community needs and potential, technology skills training, market analysis, digital platform development, and marketing of attractive digital content. By utilizing collaboration with local digital marketing experts, this project aims to achieve a significant increase in sales of HP accessories through digital platforms. The results of this project are expected to not only include ONC business growth but also have a positive impact on the economic empowerment of local community members. Through technology integration and active participation of community members, this project seeks to realize digital marketing that is sustainable and competitive, in line with developing business trends in the digital era.

Collective Asset Sharing Mechanisms for PV and BESS in Renewable Energy Communities

The energy sector transition to more decentralized and renewable structures requires greater participation by local consumers, which may be enabled by innovative models such as the setup of renewable energy communities (RECs). To maximize the self-consumption of local renewable energy generated by assets normally connected to the low voltage distribution grid, these RECs typically involve jointly owned assets such as collective photovoltaic solar panels (CPVs) and collective energy storage systems (CESS). This work proposes a novel mathematical model for a REC, accounting for three distinct economic approaches to the redistribution of collective benefits among community members. The main objective of this study is to understand how the participation of community members in collective assets (CAs) can help increase the fairness and equity of RECs. An illustrative REC case comprising members with individual and collective ownership of the assets is used to assess the proposed economic approaches. Extracting several answers, among them that the most advantageous configuration comes from agents with quotas in the CESS and CPV. An important conclusion is that depending on the selected economic approach, the social welfare and agent’s revenue vary significantly. In any case, CESSs increase equity among REC members.