Engagement Approach Research Articles

Safety, feasibility and effectiveness of the remotely delivered Pulmonary Hypertension and Home-Based (PHAHB) physical activity intervention.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition, associated with a high symptom burden and a substantial loss of exercise capacity. Despite prior safety concerns regarding physical exertion, exercise training as a supportive therapy is now recommended for PH patients. Currently, most programmes are hospital-based, which limits accessibility. There is a need to provide alternative approaches for physical activity engagement for PH patients. The aim of this research was to develop, implement and evaluate the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of home-based physical activity intervention for PH. An entirely remotely delivered home-based physical activity intervention underpinned by behaviour change theory and informed by end-users, was assessed using a single-arm feasibility study design. Participants (n=19; 80% female) with a mean±sd age of 49.9±15.9 years with a diagnosis of PH undertook a 10-week, home-based physical activity intervention with induction training, support materials, telecommunication support, health coaching, exercise training and assessments, all remotely delivered. Training involved respiratory training along with a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises. The intervention was deemed safe as no adverse events were reported. A high level of feasibility was demonstrated as the protocol was implemented as intended, sustained a high level of engagement and adherence and was well accepted by participants in terms of enjoyment and utility. There was a significant improvement in functional capacity, physical activity, exercise self-efficacy and quality of life, between baseline and post-training. The study demonstrates that an entirely remotely delivered home-based physical activity programme is safe, feasible and effective in improving functional capacity, physical activity and quality of life in PH patients.

TB NOTIFICATION IN CHILDREN: THE EXPERIENCE OF TARGETED COMMUNITY DEMAND CREATION AMIDST INSECURITY IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

This paper explores the challenges and successes of tuberculosis (TB) notification in children amidst a backdrop of insecurity in Imo State, Nigeria. Emphasizing targeted community demand creation strategies, the study investigates the intricate relationship between insecurity, community engagement, and pediatric TB detection. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review, this research delves into the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of TB in children, the ramifications of insecurity on healthcare access in Imo State, and effective community engagement strategies in healthcare initiatives. The literature findings underscore the substantial burden of TB among children and the distinct hurdles faced in environments characterized by insecurity. The prevailing insecurity in Imo State significantly disrupts healthcare services, leading to delays in TB diagnosis and treatment initiation. Nevertheless, the review identifies community engagement approaches as a promising avenue for bolstering TB notification rates in pediatric populations. These approaches empower local communities to actively participate in the identification and management of TB cases, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of pediatric TB notification. A conceptual framework, derived from amalgamated literature, elucidates the intricate interplay between insecurity, community engagement, and TB notification. This study highlights the pivotal role of community-driven interventions in mitigating the challenges posed by insecurity in Imo State, Nigeria, and presents actionable recommendations for the development of healthcare policies and programs tailored to the region. This research not only augments our comprehension of TB notification among children within insecure contexts but also provides valuable insights into the broader domain of community-based healthcare interventions. It underscores the exigency for customized strategies to address TB in pediatric populations in regions marked by insecurity, ultimately contributing to the amelioration of health outcomes for children in Imo State, Nigeria, and analogous settings
 Keywords: TB, Children, Community, Nigeria.

Community engagement and financial arrangements: Navigating institutional change.

Despite their documented benefits, the widespread adoption of community-engaged and participatory approaches among health researchers remains limited. Institutional practices and policies influence the uptake of community engagement and participatory approaches. We examine the role of financial arrangements between university researchers and community partners, by exploring efforts to bridge the gap between research administration and researchers at two research-intensive institutions. The type of financial arrangement a researcher has with a community partner plays an important role in setting the stage for the structure of the partnership as it relates to shared decision-making and ownership of the research. Continued efforts to clarify and streamline subcontracting processes are needed as is infrastructure to support community partners and researchers as they navigate financial arrangements if progress is to be made.

Enhancing student competencies through entrepreneurship and cultural collaboration: A community engagement approach

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in the global economy, Driving job creation, fostering innovation, and contributing to economic growth. However, Indonesia faces challenges in increasing the number of entrepreneurs and enhancing economic productivity. This article presents a case study on the Faculty of Economics and Business at Syiah Kuala University's community engagement activities aimed at developing students' entrepreneurial and cross-cultural competencies. The activities encompass experiential learning, mentorship, networking, and cultural collaboration, aligning with achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through experiential learning, students gain practical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a global mindset, equipping them for entrepreneurship and business. Collaborative initiatives with international partners, such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and interactions with Indonesian diaspora entrepreneurs in Singapore enhance students' cross-cultural competence. They learn to respect diversity, adapt to different cultural norms, and collaborate effectively across cultures. The activities also facilitate networking and collaboration, enabling students to establish connections with diaspora entrepreneurs and international peers. These connections can lead to future partnerships and collaborative efforts. The community engagement activities empower students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspective necessary to excel as entrepreneurs and positively impact the achievement of SDGs. The emphasis on economically viable, culturally sensitive, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible entrepreneurship aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development, contributing to the development of sustainable entrepreneurship in higher education.

DISP-04. EXPLORING ENGAGEMENT IN LOW GRADE GLIOMA GENOMIC RESEARCH: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THREE APPROACHES

Abstract BACKGROUND Engaging patients and care partners in research planning and conduct improves equity and patient-centeredness of research. Determining the most effective engagement methods remains challenging. This study evaluated participation and experience using three engagement methods with the Low Grade Glioma (LGG) Registry’s OPTIMUM project, part of the Participant Engagement in Cancer Genome Sequencing (PE-CGS) Network. METHODS We evaluated participation and experience among participants in LGG Registry Research Advisory Council (RAC) meetings, Twitter (“tweet chats”), and Facebook discussions across four engagement activities. Participants completed validated engagement experience surveys, including the Public & Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET), Research Engagement Survey Tool (REST), Patient Engagement in Research Scale (PEIRS-22), and the Trust in Medical Researchers scale. Researchers recorded discussions and performed qualitative analyses across groups. RESULTS RAC engagements involved 25 unique participants representing diverse backgrounds, while tweet chats and Facebook discussions had 197 and 133 participants, respectively. Post-engagement surveys (n = 52 post-engagement 1; n = 40 post-engagement 4) showed no statistically significant differences between engagement approaches in the overall meaningfulness of engagement on PEIRS-22 or REST scales, nor were there differences in post-engagement 1 trust. RAC members rated PEIRS-22 procedural requirements more positively and reported recalling a wide range of expressed views more than social media participants. Conversely, RAC members gave less positive ratings on PPEET items related to feeling heard. Qualitative findings highlighted differences in the nature of interactions across groups, but agreement around trust and similar recommendations for promoting participation in genomic research across engagement methods.

Abstract 15517: Physician-Patient Engagement to Improve Ambulatory Systolic Blood Pressure

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life-years globally. Using implementation science of the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for High Blood Pressure (BP) in Adults, we posited a quality improvement (QI) project targeting physician education and multidisciplinary patient engagement in two large urban ambulatory clinics to improve patient blood pressures. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that direct physician and patient education and engagement improves achievement of hypertension goals within ambulatory clinics. Methods: A QI initiative consisting of a half-day of resident hypertension education, patient access to home BP monitors, and direct patient engagement via physician outreach was conducted. Patients not at BP goal defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >130 mmHg were followed over 8 months via multidisciplinary approach to ensure adequate follow-up appointments. Data was collected after 8-months and compared descriptively. BP ranges at month 0: Group A <130 mmHg, Group B 130-139 mmHg, Group C 140-159 mmHg, Group D >=160 mmHg. Emphasis was placed on Groups C and D. Results: A total of 6,030 patients had follow-up visits in the 8-month study window. At month 0, 874 patients fell within Group C and 301 within Group D. Of those in Group C, 29.5% achieved SBP goal (<130 mmHg), 27.5% improved BP to 130-139 mmHg, and 34.4% remained within 140-159 mmHg at month 8. In Group D, 20.9% achieved goal SBP <130 mmHg, 17.6% reached 130-139 mmHg, and 34.6% improved to 140-159 mmHg. (Figure 1). Limitations included patients without access to BP cuff during telehealth visits. Conclusions: Direct physician engagement and multidisciplinary approach to hypertension management led to decreased SBP readings. Further investigation is warranted to determine how these interventions affect long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Key mechanisms of a gender and socially inclusive community engagement and participatory design approach in the RISE program in Makassar, Indonesia and Suva, Fiji

Globally, more than one billion people live in urban informal settlements and experience suboptimal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Participatory approaches are increasingly being promoted in WASH interventions, but the key elements of these approaches are not well-defined. The Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program launched in 2017 uses a participatory approach to co-design water-sensitive infrastructure with residents of 24 urban informal settlements in Makassar, Indonesia and Suva, Fiji. Our objective was to identify key mechanisms of a gender and socially inclusive participatory approach for engaging diverse people in RISE. We conducted and analysed semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 49 RISE program staff; IDIs with 29 residents from RISE settlements in Indonesia and Fiji; and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) with RISE residents in Fiji in 2020–2021, after participatory design activities were complete. Resident participants were purposively selected for representation of women and men; high and low participation in RISE; and different levels of disability/impairment. The question guides were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), which defines 39 constructs (grouped into five domains) that describe an intervention. The IDI and FGD transcripts were analysed thematically with deductive codes based on the CFIR. For each of the five CFIR domains, the construct that was most relevant to mechanisms for the engagement of diverse people was used for the final analysis. The findings identified several key mechanisms for engaging diverse residents in programs like RISE. Four of these are recommended for future implementation and scale-ups of RISE and similar programs: engaging with residents at the household level (and potentially the individual level); incorporating flexibility and adaptability throughout the program; having a diverse team; and maintaining regular contact and positive rapport between the staff and participants.

Pengembangan Aplikasi Mobile untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Mental di Kalangan Remaja


 
 
 
 This research focuses on the development of a mobile application aimed at improving mental health among adolescents. The study recognizes the importance of addressing mental health issues in the adolescent population and the potential of mobile technology in providing accessible and effective interventions. The mobile application incorporates features such as mood tracking, relaxation exercises, mental health information, and access to support resources. Through a community engagement approach, the application was developed and evaluated in collaboration with adolescents. The results indicate that the mobile application provided valuable support for adolescents in managing their mental health and resulted in positive changes in their well-being. The findings highlight the significance of integrating technology-based interventions into existing mental health services for a holistic approach in promoting adolescent mental health.
 
 
 

Illocutionary Act Analisys Of The Main Character In Emancipation Movie And Its Contribution In Teaching Speaking

In this research, the main focus is on illocutionary acts in the movie "Emancipation," analyzing the utterances of the main character, played by Will Smith as Peter. Five types of illocutionary acts, namely representatives, directives, commissive, expressive, and declarative, are examined and their frequencies are determined. The results reveal that representatives dominate the illocutionary acts, with 36% of the total utterances, followed by directives (23%), expressive (18%), commissive (14%), and declarative (9%). The research highlights the value of teaching illocutionary acts in speaking classes and suggests that using movies as teaching materials can be an engaging and effective approach. However, it is essential to choose appropriate instructional methods to ensure students' engagement and effective learning in the speaking skill. Ultimately, the study provides insights into how analyzing illocutionary acts in movies like "Emancipation" can contribute to enhancing students' speaking abilities.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey's Community Outreach and Engagement Approach to Cancer Prevention.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (New Brunswick, NJ) is committed to providing cancer prevention education, outreach, and clinical services in our catchment area (CA). Our approach to cancer prevention includes ongoing surveillance to better understand the CA cancer burden and opportunities for intervention, leveraging community partnerships, and vigorously engaging diverse communities to understand and address their needs. This approach considers individual, sociocultural, environmental, biologic, system, and policy-level factors with an equity lens. Rutgers Cancer Institute has had substantial impact on cancer prevention (risk reduction, screening, and early detection) over the past five years, including the development of a CA data dashboard advancing implementation of evidence-based cancer control actions by leveraging 357 healthcare and community partners (with 522 partner sites). Furthermore, we provided professional education (attendance 19,397), technical assistance to community organizations (1,875 support sessions), educational outreach for community members (87,000+ through direct education), facilitated access to preventive services (e.g., 60,000+ screenings resulting in the detection of >2,000 malignant and premalignant lesions), contributed to advances in health policy and population-level improvements in risk reduction behaviors, screening, and incidence. With longer-term data, we will assess the impact of our cancer prevention efforts on cancer incidence, downward shifts in stage at diagnosis, mortality, and disparities.

Understanding The Reasons for High Rates of Caesarean Section Deliveries in Telangana, South India: An Explorative Study

Background: Telangana continues to top the list of the highest number of caesarean section (C-section) deliveries in the country for the financial year 2019-2020. As per NFHS-5 it is about 60.7% deliveries out of the total number of all institutionalized childbirths. This study aims to address the crucial research gap by qualitatively exploring the reasons for the high rates of unnecessary C-section rates in the state of Telangana. Methodology: A purposive sampling was done across the health care facilities and geographies in the State & the districts were selected based on high, medium and low CS rates. A 360-degree stakeholder engagement approach was taken for a qualitative exploration to find out the reasons. Results: Medical, behavioural, cultural, and infrastructure including health system related factors have contributed to the rise of C-sections, particularly unnecessary elective C-sections. Limited trained personnel for doing normal deliveries in the public sector, infrastructure and safety issues for mother and child, and a preference for painless deliveries, and prior CS delivery stood out. Conclusions: As per the study's findings, it can be said that non-medical reasons account for a high percentage of C-sections in Telangana.

Patient-centered collaborative research: Exploring perspectives on clinical meaningfulness in metastatic breast cancer with clinicians, patients, and caregivers.

338 Background: In metastatic breast cancer (mBC), treatment decision-making is informed by many factors including patient values, preferences, and care goals. Important to treatment decision-making is clinical meaningfulness, or the degree to which a treatment for mBC results in a meaningful change in the patient’s daily life, and clinically meaningful outcomes that are relevant to patients (e.g., survival, quality of life). However, patient and clinician perspectives and alignment on these concepts have not been well elucidated. Engaging patients and other key stakeholders as research collaborators is vital to guiding the delivery of high-quality cancer care focused on outcomes that patients considered meaningful. The aim of this work is to describe the implementation of an innovative multi-collaborator engagement with patient advocates and professional oncology societies to support a study examining perspectives on clinical meaningfulness in mBC treatment among clinicians, patients, and caregivers in the United States. Methods: This mixed-methods study utilizes qualitative semi-structured in-person and virtual focus groups to inform the development of collaborator-specific surveys on clinical meaningfulness in mBC. A multi-collaborator engagement approach was selected to support the conception, implementation, and completion of this study. Specifically, we have convened a collaboration with patient advocacy groups and professional membership organizations to engage researchers, patients, caregivers, and clinicians. The collaboration is designed to: i) facilitate the development of study protocols and key data collection documents; ii) review and reflect on findings and salience for relevant populations; and iii) participate in dissemination activities whereby collaborators co-create, co-present and discuss findings and their impact on clinical practice. Results: To date, we have partnered with four breast cancer patient advocacy groups representing sociodemographic diverse constituencies throughout the US and three oncology professional membership organizations. By describing how to implement these partnerships, we seek to present a collaboration roadmap that can be replicated and adapted to similar studies in oncology care delivery. Such a comprehensive and rigorous approach aims to enhance the quality of data collection and interpretation, generating evidence that will optimally improve patient-centered mBC care delivery and meaningful patient outcomes. Conclusions: Engaging patients and other key collaborators in research is important to generate clinically meaningful evidence to those involved in mBC treatment decision-making. This study offers a robust methodological approach for gaining insights into the delivery of patient-centered cancer care.

Moving towards social inclusion: Engaging rural voices in priority setting for health.

Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of limited resources will require prioritising the most vulnerable and ensuring health policies and services are responsive to their needs. One way of addressing this is through the engagement of marginalised voices in the priority setting process. Public engagement approaches that enable group level deliberation as well as individual level preference capturing might be valuable in this regard, but there are limited examples of their practical application, and gaps in understanding their outcomes, especially with rural populations. To address this gap, we implemented a modified priority setting tool (Choosing All Together-CHAT) that enables individuals and groups to make trade-offs to demonstrate the type of health services packages that may be acceptable to a rural population. The paper presents the findings from the individual choices as compared to the group choices, as well as the differences among the individual choices using this tool. Participants worked in groups and as individuals to allocate stickers representing the available budget to different health topics and interventions using the CHAT tool. The allocations were recorded at each stage of the study. We calculated the median and interquartile range across study participants for the topic totals. To examine differences in individual choices, we performed Wilcoxon rank sum tests. The results show that individual interests were mostly aligned with societal ones, and there were no statistically significant differences between the individual and group choices. However, there were some statistically significant differences between individual priorities based on demographic characteristics like age. The study demonstrates that giving individuals greater control and agency in designing health services packages can increase their participation in the priority setting process, align individual and community priorities, and potentially enhance the legitimacy and acceptability of priority setting. Methods that enable group level deliberation and individual level priority setting may be necessary to reconcile plurality. The paper also highlights the importance of capturing the details of public engagement processes and transparently reporting on these details to ensure valuable outcomes. The facilitator of the CHAT groups was a member from the community and underwent training from the research team. The fieldworkers were also from the community and were trained and paid to capture the data. The participants were all members of the rural community- the study represents their priorities.

Community engagement for pandemic preparedness and response in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Abstract Background Community participation in epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response activities is key for the successful implementation of infection control activities. However, the strategies and approaches used by health authorities and service providers to engage communities is not well documented This scoping review aimed to summarize approaches, and strategies for community engagement for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the methodological framework for scoping review from Arksey and O'Malley (2005) was used to guide the review. Peer -reviewed, primary research was retrieved from databases including EMBASE, EBSCO-host, PubMed, Global Health, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Web of science. Grey literature was retrieved from websites of international organisations, and of Ministries of Health in African countries. A total of 124 articles were included in the review, and data was extracted and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Community engagement strategies varied widely across different contexts. Four broad categories of approaches were identified: (1) community mobilization, (2) community-based surveillance, (3) social and behavior change communication, and (4) community participation in decision-making. The review also identified key enablers and barriers to community engagement, including factors such as trust, cultural norms, and resource availability. Conclusions Effective community engagement for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response requires a tailored approach that is responsive to the local context, and that addresses the specific needs and concerns of different communities. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on strategies for community engagement in sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the need for further research and evaluation of community engagement approaches in this context.

Addiction prevention & mental health support in Hungarian elementary schools: a mixed-methods study

Abstract Substance and behavioural addictions are growing problems of children and adolescents, and prevention requires reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors, such as mental health support (MHS). The current Hungarian policy emphasises the role of schools in addiction prevention (AP), but few data exist on school-level implementation. This was a mixed-methods study supported by the Scientific Foundations of Education Research Program of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, investigating the implementation of AP and MHS in Hungarian elementary schools (N = 2892) with a nationwide cross-sectional survey-based study and by focus groups on teachers’ views about such programmes and ways to improve them (37 teachers from 21 schools). Schools covered the topics of tobacco (74%), drugs (71%), alcohol (62%), and electronic devices (61%) most commonly. Of schools, 55% had regular MHS programmes, and this differed significantly by school type and size. More addiction-, and mental health-related topics were covered with greater diversity of implementers (p < 0.001). A school environment conducive of MHS was more prevalent with higher frequency of community building within the teaching staff (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that school type, support for teachers’ work, and diversity of implementers were significantly associated with the quality of implementation of AP and MHS. Six themes emerged from the focus groups: development of addictions and mental health, health education, role of teachers in addiction prevention, cooperation, factors hindering addiction prevention at schools, and factors supporting it. Teachers claimed that they can do the most for children's health at school, but they need support for effective implementation. Our results indicate the importance of school characteristics in AP implementation and call for the support and empowerment of teachers and greater organisational capacity to ensure the effectiveness of school-based AP and MHS. Key messages • Multistakeholder engagement approaches are necessary to address a wider, more diverse range of addiction-related topics in the school curricula. • The training and mental health support of teachers and their collectives are important intervention points that should be invested in to increase the effectiveness of addiction prevention.

Social Commerce for Optimal Marketing Performance Improvement: A Customer Engagement Approach

Purpose – The study explores the social commerce capabilities and examining the relationship between social commerce, customer engagement, and marketing performance. Design/methodology/approach – This study focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship between two variables in food and beverage production in Solo, Semarang, Kudus, and Jepara. It uses primary and secondary data from 265 entrepreneurs, using structural equation modeling and AMOS data processing software. Findings – The study's findings demonstrated that social commerce does not have direct effect on Marketing performance, which contradicts other studies conducted by other researcher. Research limitations/implications – The study reveals that social media-based consumer engagement mediates between social commerce capacity and marketing performance, with significant positive correlation values. Practical implications – The study suggests that SMEs in the food and beverage industry can use social media to develop effective marketing strategies. It recommends managing Instagram accounts and Facebook pages, generating sales, and updating channels. Originality/value – This study provides a new perspective on how to manage social commerce capabilities in order to improve marketing performance in SMEs.

Improving patient safety governance andsystems through learning from successes andfailures: qualitative surveys andinterviews with international experts.

Patient harm is a leading cause of global disease burden with considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic impacts for individuals, families, and wider society. Large bodies of evidence exist for strategies to improve safety and reduce harm. However, it is not clear which patient safety issues are being addressed globally, and which factors are the most (or least) important contributors to patient safety improvements. We aimed to explore the perspectives of international patient safety experts to identify: (1) the nature and range of patient safety issues being addressed, and (2) aspects of patient safety governance and systems that are perceived to provide value (or not) in improving patient outcomes. English-speaking Fellows and Experts of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare participated in a web-based survey and in-depth semistructured interview, discussing their experience in implementing interventions to improve patient safety. Data collection focused on understanding the elements of patient safety governance that influence outcomes. Demographic survey data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were coded, analysed thematically (inductive approach), and mapped deductively to the System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes framework. Findings are presented as themes and a patient safety governance model. The study was approved by the University of South Australia Human Research Ethics Committee. Twenty-seven experts (59% female) participated. Most hailed from Africa (n = 6, 22%), Australasia, and the Middle East (n = 5, 19% each). The majority were employed in hospital settings (n = 23, 85%), and reported blended experience across healthcare improvement (89%), accreditation (76%), organizational operations (64%), and policy (60%). The number and range of patient safety issues within our sample varied widely with 14 topics being addressed. Thematically, 532 textual segments were grouped into 90 codes (n = 44 barriers, n = 46 facilitators) and used to identify and arrange key patient safety governance actors and factors as a 'system' within the System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes framework. Four themes for improved patient safety governance were identified: (1) 'safety culture' in healthcare organizations, (2) 'policies and procedures' to investigate, implement, and demonstrate impact from patient safety initiatives, (3) 'supporting staff' to upskill and share learnings, and (4) 'patient engagement, experiences, and expectations'. For sustainable patient safety governance, experts highlighted the importance of safety culture in healthcare organizations, national patient safety policies and regulatory standards, continuing education for staff, and meaningful patient engagement approaches. Our proposed 'patient safety governance model' provides policymakers and researchers with a framework to develop data-driven patient safety policy.

Representations of Gender Based Violence in Kenyan Soaps and their Reverberation on Audience attitudes, perceptions and Behaviour

This research study adopted an analytical design to examine the representations of gender-based violence in Kenyan soap operas and their reverberation on viewer attitudes, perceptions, and behaviour. Grounded in media representation, framing theory, and social constructivism, the study explored the multifaceted depictions of gender-based violence within these popular television dramas. Employing content analysis and focus group discussions as research methods, the study aimed to uncover patterns, themes, and underlying messages pertaining to gender-based violence in the selected soap operas. Through content analysis, the research analyzed the portrayal of gender-based violence, while focus group discussions provided a platform to delve into viewer perspectives, interpretations, and responses to these representations. By combining these research methods, this study endeavored to illuminate the impact and consequences of these media portrayals on viewer attitudes, perceptions, and behaviour. The findings of this study will contribute valuable insights to media policy and practice, social intervention strategies, and audience engagement approaches.

“We Must Sit Like This and Discuss”: Introducing Needs Ranking as an Innovative Qualitative Methodology for Engaging Disengaged Youth

Giving a voice to youth and promoting their health and well-being is essential for successful future communities. However, millions of youth, particularly in low-to middle-income countries, are misunderstood, lack a voice, and face many challenges, which maintains their disengagement. As approaches for youth engagement evolve, this paper presents an innovative, qualitative methodology to engage vulnerable youth (NEETs – acronym for youth who are Not in Education, Employment or Training) in identifying and ranking their needs and giving them a voice to contribute to prevention programming. Drawing on principles of empowerment theory, the paper expands on the popular youth-adult partnerships’ literature by injecting a new engagement approach that focuses on (i) using a literature-based community needs assessment, (ii) engaging vulnerable youth in small group discussion to rank their needs, (iii) comparing rankings between groups, (iv) creating spaces for youth to include other pressing issues not identified in the literature, and (iv) comparing rankings across surrounding communities. The ideas presented demonstrate that the Needs Ranking activity, as an engagement and data collection tool, may be particularly relevant in gathering viewpoints and opinions of underserved youth. These youth are traditionally not well represented through the more conventional and common methods currently employed in research and community development such as local government community development board meetings and needs assessments, and research interviews. The paper also creates awareness around the Needs Ranking activity as a viable and verifiable qualitative approach in youth engagement.

Biotic assessment of crowdsourced data defines four ecoregions in Thar: A novel approach for community engagement in conservation

Biotic assessment of crowdsourced data defines four ecoregions in Thar: A novel approach for community engagement in conservation