Community Engagement Activities Research Articles

“If I die for touching him, let me die”: a rapid ethnographic assessment of cultural practices and Ebola transmission in high-risk border regions of Tanzania

BackgroundEbola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare but contagious disease caused by Ebola Virus (EBOV). The first Ebola outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before subsequent reported cases in Western and East African countries, including Uganda, which borders Tanzania. Proximity to EVD-infected countries raises the prospect of cross-border transmission, raising alarm in Tanzania. This study aimed to explore the cultural practices likely to prevent or escalate EVD transmission in the event of its outbreak in the country.MethodsThis rapid ethnographic assessment employed observation, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect data from people with diverse characteristics in five regions of Tanzania Mainland namely, Kagera, Kigoma, Mwanza and Songwe regions and Zanzibar Island. The qualitative data was then subjected to thematic analysis.FindingsCultural practices may escalate the transmission of EVD and hinder its prevention and control. These cultural practices include caring sick people at home, confirmation of death, mourning, and body preparation for burial. Communal life, ceremonies, and social gatherings were other aspects observed to have the potential for compounding EVD transmission and hindering its containment in case of an outbreak.ConclusionCultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of an outbreak.

Empowering community participation for sustainable rural water supply: Navigating water scarcity in Karak district Pakistan

In the tapestry of life, water is the essential thread weaving through our existence. Imagine this thread not just as a simple element, but as the very pulse that sustains our communities. This study unravels the nuanced interplay between community engagement and sustainable water solutions in District Karak, shining a spotlight on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of rural water programs. Employing the theoretical framework of Social Capital Theory by Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu, our research investigates the interconnected relationship between community participation and the long-term viability of water supply initiatives. Focusing randomly on three selected water supply schemes, we employed a sampling technique and collected data from 330 respondents through interviews. Community members, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and executing agencies were sampled to analyze the extent and impact of engagement across program phases. The findings underscore the pivotal role of participatory approaches facilitated by CBOs and executing agencies, revealing active community engagement as a linchpin for sustained water supply success. Results of the study reveal that the synergy of community satisfaction and engagement paves the way for a resilient water future, offering a blueprint for District Karak and similar regions to pursue a more secure water future and mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity through the promotion of community participation.

Review of the Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus in Small and Medium Drinking Water Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

Water is a critical resource for human life and plays a vital role in energy production. Energy is equally essential in water supplies but generates carbon emissions to the atmosphere depending on the energy source. Appraising water, energy, and carbon nexus is essential for promoting sustainable drinking water systems (DWSs) in the case of small- and medium-sized utilities, representing a significant portion of the water supply in many countries. Smaller utilities face unique challenges, such as insufficient funding, aging infrastructure, and higher operational costs. This paper examines over 100 studies to identify and comprehensively understand how source type and location, raw water quality, water consumption patterns, system size, land use, population density, topography, infrastructure age, and system losses and maintenance impact energy consumption in small and medium DWSs. The review also identified more than 40 indicators related to energy and carbon from the literature, providing advanced information in this area. Findings suggest a gap in understanding how energy and carbon indicators relate to the utility's operational performance. By analyzing the challenges and opportunities smaller utilities face in optimizing water, energy, and carbon nexus, this paper highlights the necessity of shifting towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the environmental impacts. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach that integrates technological advancements, regulatory guidelines, and active community engagement to achieve decarbonization in DWSs. The present study aims to inform policymakers, water management professionals, and broader stakeholders about the essential components of sustainable and resilient small and medium DWSs

Influence of Government Policy, Community Ecological Awareness, and Adoption of New Technology on Successful Forest Management in Kalimantan

Forest management is a critical concern in Kalimantan, Indonesia, where rapid deforestation and ecological degradation pose significant environmental challenges. This study explores the influence of government policy, community ecological awareness, and new technology adoption on successful forest management. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 170 respondents, including government officials, community leaders, and forest management professionals. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Squares (PLS) was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that government policy, community ecological awareness, and new technology adoption significantly impact forest management success. Government policy emerged as the most influential factor, followed by new technology adoption and community ecological awareness. These results underscore the importance of an integrated approach that combines robust policies, active community engagement, and advanced technologies to enhance forest management outcomes. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in developing effective strategies for sustainable forest management in Kalimantan and similar regions.

The Walter Reed Project, Kisumu Field Station: Impact of Research on Malaria Policy, Management, and Prevention.

The Walter Reed Project is a collaboration between the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research of the United States Department of Defense and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. The Kisumu field station, comprising four campuses, has until recently been devoted primarily to research on malaria countermeasures. The Kombewa Clinical Research Center is dedicated to conducting regulated clinical trials of therapeutic and vaccine candidates in development. The center's robust population-based surveillance platform, along with an active community engagement strategy, guarantees consistent recruitment and retention of participants in clinical trials. The Malaria Diagnostic Center, backed by WHO-certified microscopists and a large malaria blood film collection, champions high-quality malaria diagnosis and strict quality assurance through standardized microscopy trainings. The Malaria Drug Resistance Laboratory leverages cutting-edge technology such as real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to conduct comprehensive research on resistance markers and obtain information on drug efficacy. The laboratory has been working on validating artemisinin resistance markers and improving tracking methods for current and future antimalarial compounds. Finally, the Basic Science Laboratory employs advanced genomic technology to examine endpoints such as immunogenicity and genomic fingerprinting for candidate drugs and vaccine efficacy. Herein, we examine the site's significant contributions to malaria policy, management, and prevention practices in Kenya and around the world.

The Role of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) In the Socioeconomic Development of Perlis State Through a Social Entrepreneurship Approach

This study examine the role of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) in leveraging social entrepreneurship as an approach to drive sustainable socioeconomic development within the state of Perlis, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the region. While previous studies have recognized the potential of social entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable development, there is a need for more context-specific research examining the unique challenges and opportunities faced by individual institutions and regions. The case of UniMAP in Perlis presents an opportunity to contribute to this body of knowledge and provide practical insights. The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing document analysis, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observational techniques. Data analysis involves thematic analysis, content analysis, and triangulation approaches to ensure credibility and validity of findings. The findings reveal UniMAP's multifaceted community engagement activities, including outreach programs like the "Jom Belajar" program supporting over 500 underprivileged students, service-learning projects such as the solar-powered water purification system, research collaborations like the "Perlis Padi Wangi" project introducing a high-quality rice variety to 150 farmers, social enterprise incubation supporting ventures like "EduKampung" providing over 10,000 hours of online tutoring, and partnerships with local stakeholders and the state government addressing socioeconomic challenges in Perlis. The study underscores UniMAP's vital role in driving socioeconomic development in Perlis through social entrepreneurship, aligning with the state's development goals like the "Perlis Agropreneurship Vision 2025" and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides a model for other Malaysian universities and contributes to the broader understanding of integrating social entrepreneurship within higher education for sustainable development.

The Impact of Public Art Installations on Urban Recreation Spaces

Purpose: This study sought to examine the impact of public art installations on urban recreation sports. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to public art installations on urban recreation sports. Preliminary empirical review revealed that public art installations significantly enhanced the aesthetic appeal, social cohesion, cultural vibrancy, and economic vitality of urban recreation spaces. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature and empirical studies, it was found that artworks such as sculptures, murals, and interactive installations transformed urban environments into dynamic and engaging settings, fostering a sense of place and community identity. Moreover, public art installations promoted social interaction, community engagement, and economic activity, attracting visitors and stimulating commercial development. The study emphasized the importance of sustainable and inclusive approaches to public art planning and programming to maximize its positive impact on urban environments. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental Psychology theory, Placemaking theory and Cultural Ecosysem Services theory may be used to anchor future studies on public art installations. The study suggested further research to deepen theoretical understanding and interdisciplinary frameworks for analyzing the role of public art. Practical implications included integrating public art into placemaking strategies, prioritizing community engagement, and adopting sustainable practices. Policy recommendations called for supportive frameworks, resource allocation, and awareness-building efforts to promote the social, cultural, and economic benefits of public art. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of evaluation, community capacity building, and professional development to strengthen the implementation and impact of public art initiatives in urban recreation spaces.

Enhancing Housing Awareness and Knowledge: The Malaysia Indigenous Community Outreach Project

This research examines the housing challenges faced by the Indigenous community in Malaysia and implements an outreach initiative implemented by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The aim of this project is to improve living conditions and address issues such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of essential amenities through educational programs and active community engagement. By closely collaborating with local leaders and members, this program offers specialized courses on residency rights, sustainable practices, and practical skills. Furthermore, it sheds light on economic barriers, health risks, and cultural assimilation challenges experienced by these communities. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy measures that integrate economic empowerment with residential improvements while reinforcing legal support for land ownership and residential rights to promote culturally sensitive development policies.

Water-Energy-Food Nexus for Climate Change Mitigation in Jordan

In Jordan, the struggle for survival hinges on balancing water, energy, and food security. This arid nation, acutely vulnerable to climate change, holds the Water- Energy- Food (WEF) Nexus approach - weaving water, energy, and food systems into a resilient tapestry. This Abstract delves into Jordan's intricate WEF Nexus, revealing a parched landscape dependent on groundwater, reliant on imported energy, and clinging to agriculture under a harsh sun. However, amidst these challenges lie glimmers of hope: existing initiatives addressing individual sectors and promising interventions leveraging the Nexus approach. The key to a sustainable future is scaling up renewable energy for desalination and efficiency, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and fostering regional resource management. Nevertheless, navigating this complex tapestry demands more than just interventions. Robust governance, empowered stakeholders, and active community engagement are the needles and threads that bind the WEF Nexus together, stitching Jordan's path toward a future where water, energy, and food security sing in harmony. Jordan's narrative is not just about climate vulnerability but about resilience. By embracing the WEF Nexus and its inherent interconnectedness, this nation can transform itself from a thirsty landscape into a beacon of hope, showcasing how climate resilience can develop even in arid regions

Tanzania's first Marburg Viral Disease outbreak response: Describing the roles of FELTP graduates and residents.

Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Outbreak presents a significant public health threat, requiring a timely, robust, and well-coordinated response. This paper aims to describe the roles of the Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP) graduates and residents in responding to Tanzania's first Marburg Viral Disease (MVD) outbreak. We performed a secondary data analysis using a range of documents, such as rosters of deployed responders and the TFELTP graduate and resident database, to count and describe them. Additionally, we conducted an exploratory textual analysis of field deployment reports and outbreak situational reports to delineate the roles played by the residents and graduates within each response pillar. A total of 70 TFELTP graduates and residents from different regions were involved in supporting the response efforts. TFELTP graduates and residents actively participated in several interventions, including contact tracing and follow up, sensitising clinicians on surveillance tools such as standard case definitions, alert management, supporting the National and Kagera Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, active case search, risk communication, and community engagement, coordination of logistics, passenger screening at points of entry, and conducting Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) assessments and orientations in 144 Health Facilities. The successes achieved and lessons learned from the MVD response lay a foundation for sustained investment in skilled workforce development. FELTP Training is a key strategy for enhancing global health security and strengthening outbreak response capabilities in Tanzania and beyond.

The Development of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) Vegetables Using a Hydroponic System in Narrow Home Gardens in Tanamodindi Sub-District, Palu City, Central Sulawesi

This community engagement activity was conducted on Merpati Street, Tanamodindi Sub-District, Palu City, Central Sulawesi Province, in collaboration with Internship Students (MBKM) from Tadulako University. The village faces issues regarding the utilization of narrow home gardens. The objectives of this community engagement are: 1) to enhance the knowledge of the surrounding community regarding the utilization of narrow home gardens to create added value for household income; 2) to promote vegetables as a nutritious source for consumption; 3) to increase the knowledge of both the community and students about effective hydroponic farming methods suitable for narrow home gardens. The method used in this activity was a participatory approach, where the team, MBKM students, and the surrounding community actively engaged in cooperative efforts. The primary targets of this training were students and community members involved in hydroponic vegetable cultivation in narrow home gardens on Merpati Street, Tanamodindi Sub-District, Palu City Central Sulawesi Province. The results of this community engagement activity include increased knowledge regarding using narrow home gardens for additional income generation and promoting nutritious vegetables for human consumption Education.

Identifying villages and breeding habitats for dengue transmission in Thailand: insights from long-term larval surveys

BackgroundIn Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) regularly performs visual larval surveys throughout the country to monitor dengue fever outbreaks. Since 2016, the DDC switched from a paper-based to a digital-based larval survey process. The significant amount of larval survey data collected digitally presents a valuable opportunity to precisely identify the villages and breeding habitats that are vulnerable to dengue transmission.MethodsThe study used digitally collected larval survey data from 2017 to 2019. It employed larval indices to evaluate the risk of dengue transmission in villages based on seasonal, regional, and categorical perspectives. Furthermore, the study comprehensively scrutinized each container category by employing different measures to determine its breeding preference ratio.ResultsThe result showed that villages with a very high-risk of dengue transmission were present year-round in all regions, with the highest proportion during the rainy season. The Southern region had more high-risk villages during the winter season due to rainfall. Slums and residential communities were more vulnerable to dengue than commercial areas. All container categories could potentially serve as breeding habitats for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, with abandoned containers being the most significant breeding sites.ConclusionsThe risk of dengue transmission was present year-round throughout Thailand. This underscores the importance of community and government initiatives, along with sustained public awareness campaigns and active community engagement, to efficiently and permanently eradicate mosquito breeding habitats. It should be noted that larval indices may not strongly correlate with dengue cases, as indicated by the preliminary analysis. However, they offer valuable insights into potential breeding sites for targeted preventive measures.

Strategies for Effective Capacity-Building in the Fight Against Commercial Tobacco.

The Center for Black Health & Equity's approach to addressing health inequities relies on the inherent ability within community-based organizations to respond to public health priorities while addressing the political and social determinants of health. By using Dr. Robert Robinson's Community Development Model as a foundational framework, communities can address systemic barriers that impede optimal health outcomes. The model includes community engagement and mobilization activities that motivate communities to achieve equity-centered policy change and offers milestones that show progress made toward their goals and objectives. We operationalized the Community Development Model into the Community Capacity Building Curriculum to train community partners to form a multicultural coalition through asset mapping as a tool for community mobilization. This curriculum is both cost effective and efficient because it enables communities to address health disparities beyond tobacco control, such as food and nutrition, housing, and environmental issues. Coalitions are prepared to identify and make recommendations to address policies that perpetuate health disparities. Facing off against a powerful tobacco industry giant is challenging for small grassroots organizations advocating for stricter tobacco regulations and policies. Such organizations struggle for resources; however, their passion and dedication to the mission of saving Black lives can promote change.

Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective.

Insect monitoring is pivotal for assessing biodiversity and informing conservation strategies. This study delves into the complex realm of insect monitoring in the Global South-world developing and least-developed countries as identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development-highlighting challenges and proposing strategic solutions. An analysis of publications from 1990 to 2024 reveals an imbalance in research contributions between the Global North and South, highlighting disparities in entomological research and the scarcity of taxonomic expertise in the Global South. We discuss the socio-economic factors that exacerbate the issues, including funding disparities, challenges in collaboration, infrastructure deficits, information technology obstacles and the impact of local currency devaluation. In addition, we emphasize the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping insect diversity, particularly in tropical regions facing multiple challenges including climate change, urbanization, pollution and various anthropogenic activities. We also stress the need for entomologists to advocate for ecosystem services provided by insects in addressing environmental issues. To enhance monitoring capacity, we propose strategies such as community engagement, outreach programmes and cultural activities to instill biodiversity appreciation. Further, language inclusivity and social media use are emphasized for effective communication. More collaborations with Global North counterparts, particularly in areas of molecular biology and remote sensing, are suggested for technological advancements. In conclusion, advocating for these strategies-global collaborations, a diverse entomological community and the integration of transverse disciplines-aims to address challenges and foster inclusive, sustainable insect monitoring in the Global South, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and overall ecosystem health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.

Community Engagement, Jurisdictional Experience, and Previous Tobacco-Related Ordinances in Neighboring Communities as Drivers of Flavored Tobacco Bans in Los Angeles County.

We examined whether a community engagement approach and jurisdictional attributes were associated with local action to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Los Angeles County during 2019-2022. We estimated crude and adjusted risk ratios to examine these associations. Jurisdictions that used an active community engagement approach to adopt a flavored tobacco ban ordinance, those with previous experience adopting other tobacco-related ordinances, and those located next to communities that have an existing tobacco retail license ordinance were more likely than jurisdictions without these attributes to adopt a new ordinance to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products. Efforts to adopt such an ordinance were generally more successful in jurisdictions where community members were engaged and policy makers were familiar with the adoption of public health ordinances.

A Translational Case Study of a Multisite COVID-19 Public Health Intervention Across Sequenced Research Trials: Embedding Implementation in a Community Engagement Phased Framework.

Through a COVID-19 public health intervention implemented across sequenced research trials, we present a community engagement phased framework that embeds intervention implementation: (1) consultation and preparation, (2) collaboration and implementation, and (3) partnership and sustainment. Intervention effects included mitigation of psychological distress and a 0.28 increase in the Latinx population tested for SARS-CoV-2. We summarize community engagement activities and implementation strategies that took place across the trials to illustrate the value of the framework for public health practice and research. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S5):S396-S401. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307669).

COVID 19 Vaccination implementation among preparatory school students in Akaki Kality Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has affected 229 countries and territories. Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent and slow down transmission of COVID 19. Since students in school setting share teaching rooms, sport facilities, and other facilities like toilet and cafeteria, and have a higher number of social contacts, this study aimed to assess implementation of Vaccination against COVID 19 among preparatory school selected secondary preparatory schools in Akaki Kality Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive cross sectional study design using multistage random sampling technique was conducted among secondary school students in Akaki Kality sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 01 – 25, 2023. A total of 349 students proportionally allocated to five schools in Akaki Kality sub city were interviewed and focus group discussion were conducted with five catchment health center immunization focal persons. In this study, preparatory students had 44.6% knowledge and 17.5% practice regarding COVID 19 vaccination. Religion, residence, and the educational level of students’ parent were found associated with students’ knowledge on vaccination against COVID 19. Previous COVID 19 illness and knowledge of students were found to be associated with students’ vaccination practice against COVID 19. In comparison to other studies, relatively limited knowledge and poor practice were observed. Knowledge was found to be associated with students’ practices indicating the need for strengthening behavioral, risk communication and community engagement activities using religious leaders and different communication platforms. Additionally, to address vaccine related shortages, partnerships should be strengthened at different levels to enable direct purchases, utilization of group financing and donation options.

Readiness of primary care centres for a community-based intervention to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases in the Caribbean: A participatory, mixed-methods study.

Epidemiological transition to NCDs is a challenge for fragile health systems in the Caribbean. The Congregations Taking Action against NCDs (CONTACT) Study intervention proposes that trained health advocates (HAs) from places of worship (PoWs), supervised by nurses at nearby primary healthcare centres (PHCs), could facilitate access to primary care among vulnerable communities. Drawing on participatory and systems thinking, we explored the capacity of local PHCs in three Caribbean countries to support this intervention. Communities in Jamaica (rural, urban), Guyana (rural) and Dominica (Indigenous Kalinago Territory) were selected for CONTACT because of their differing socio-economic, cultural, religious and health system contexts. Through mixed-method concept mapping, we co-developed a list of perceived actionable priorities (possible intervention points ranked highly for feasibility and importance) with 48 policy actors, healthcare practitioners and civic society representatives. Guided in part by the concept mapping findings, we assessed the readiness of 12 purposefully selected PHCs for the intervention, using a staff questionnaire and an observation checklist to identify enablers and constrainers. Concept mapping illustrated stakeholder optimism for the intervention, but revealed perceptions of inadequate primary healthcare service capacity, resources and staff training to support implementation. Readiness assessments of PHCs identified potential enablers and constrainers that were consistent with concept mapping results. Staff support was evident. Constraints included under-staffing, which could hinder supervision of HAs; and inadequate essential NCD medicines, training in NCDs and financial and policy support for embedding community interventions. Despite a history of socio-political disadvantage, the most enabling context was found in the Kalinago Territory, where ongoing community engagement activities could support joint development of programmes between churches and PHCs. Multi-sectoral stakeholder consultation and direct PHC assessments revealed viability of the proposed POW-PHC partnership for NCD prevention and control. However, structural and policy support will be key for implementing change.

Service-learning: An Empirically Driven and Transformational Pedagogy to Develop Psychologically Literate Citizens for Contemporary Challenges

Service-learning can produce timely paradigmatic shifts in the psychology curriculum and in teaching practices. This innovative pedagogy enhances students’ academic learning, personal growth, civic development, and professional development. Service-learning pedagogy also has the potential of enhancing students’ understanding of, and commitment to, “glocal” (global-local) issues as expressed in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Service-learning is defined and proffered to transform the undergraduate psychology curriculum by engaging the department faculty to align course outcomes and scaffold community-engaged activities from the introductory to capstone courses. This transformation is illustrated with a major contemporary challenge: climate change.

Global health systems strengthening: FIGO's strategic view on reducing maternal and newborn mortality worldwide.

To demonstrate that successful health systems strengthening (HSS) projects have addressed disparities and inequities in maternal and perinatal care in low-income countries. A comprehensive literature review covered the period between 1980 and 2022, focusing on successful HSS interventions within health systems' seven core components that improved maternal and perinatal care. The findings highlight the importance of integrating quality interventions into robust health systems, as this has been shown to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. However, several challenges, including service delivery gaps, poor data use, and funding deficits, continue to hinder the delivery of quality care. To improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, a comprehensive HSS strategy is essential, which should include infrastructure enhancement, workforce skill development, access to essential medicines, and active community engagement. Effective health systems, leadership, and community engagement are crucial for a comprehensive HSS approach to catalyze progress toward universal health coverage and global improvements in maternal and newborn health.