Focus Group Discussion Method Research Articles

Reaching people and managing membership in community-based dementia support groups: the Get Real with Meeting Centres realist evaluation part 1

Objectives There is a need to improve the provision and reach of community services for people living with dementia, a goal in which community-based support groups can play a key role. The Get Real with Meeting Centres project aimed to explore factors involved in the success and sustainability of Meeting Centres (MCs) a form of community-based support proliferating in the UK. This is the first of two linked articles outlining learning from this realist evaluation of MCs, which focusses on findings around reach and membership. Method Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 77 participants across three case study MC sites in England and Wales, including people living with dementia, informal carers, staff, volunteers, trustees, and supporting professionals/practitioners. Data were themed, then analysed using both soft systems methodology and realist logic of analysis. Results Fifty-two ‘context-mechanism-outcome’ statements were generated, explaining how background circumstances might trigger responses/processes to produce wanted or unwanted outcomes regarding four key areas for MC sustainability: Referrals and the dementia care pathway; Reaching people and membership; Carer engagement and benefit; and Venue and location. Conclusion Strong links with formal services and a well-functioning dementia care pathway are essential to sustaining community-based group support such as MCs; group support is also well-placed to assist work to improve pathway issues. Clarity of offer (including benefit to carers), and a wide range of activities, are key to appeal and reach; transport to, and use of, venue are challenges, as are pressures to support people with more advanced dementia.

Pengembangan Sistem Evaluasi OSCE Berbasis Aplikasi Ponsel untuk Mahasiswa Kedokteran di Indonesia

Pengembangan Sistem Evaluasi OSCE Berbasis Aplikasi Ponsel untuk Mahasiswa Kedokteran di Indonesia

Ex-ante priority setting in crop breeding: Towards inclusive innovation for impact

CONTEXTCrop breeding teams should ideally work a-priori to rank research priorities and varietal product concepts to make decisions considering social, environmental, production and market conditions that an improved crop variety will be entering upon release. Frequently, this research prioritization is guided by a cost-benefit optimization framing, which leaves the potential derived by alternative approaches, such as inclusive innovation, unexplored. OBJECTIVEIn this study, we apply PEEP (Participatory Ex-ante framework for Plant breeding), a new methodological framework for ex-ante participatory priority setting for plant breeding programs. This framework explores how, given a set of hypothetical crop varieties (varietal product concepts) it is possible to assess which will have the highest potential to deliver research impacts. PEEP is designed to support crop breeders to understand the impact potential of a new varietal product concept, and strategically make decisions based on this. METHODSPEEP ranks varietal product concepts across five impact domains: breeding, processing, marketing, climate, and cross-cutting themes. This paper reports on how an interdisciplinary breeding team from the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) in Burkina Faso working on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) applied PEEP and discusses the results from this application. We chose cowpea as a crop focus, based on prior research that showed that gender and social differences shape roles, responsibilities, and benefits from its cultivation in Burkina Faso. We engaged 650 stakeholders using tools and methods (choice experiment, surveys and focus group discussions) tailored to collect information according to their spheres of knowledge. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSWe present a reflection on the application process, results, and feedback from the INERA cowpea breeding team on these. We show that breeders and farmers ranked the potential impact of the varietal product concepts differently. We also show that differences in evaluation of impact from varietal product concepts vary based on market orientation, agroecological zones, farming systems and gender. SIGNIFICANCEWe demonstrate that PEEP contributes to inclusive agricultural innovation as a feasible method to consider the knowledge and preferences of diverse stakeholders. We show that it is informative to include diverse groups when conceptualizing new varieties before investing in varietal development. Making such research prioritization decisions early on enables breeding programs to avoid “missing the mark” on assumed impacts on smallholder women and men farmers and increases their visibility and voice in these upstream decisions.

Decolonising neo-colonial hegemonies in Africa: A comparative case for socialist realism in the drama and law of Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa

Through a comparative investigation of the function of socialist realism in the drama and law of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, this research investigates the decolonization of neo-colonial hegemonies in Africa. Using the drama and legal systems of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa as comparative case studies, the research explores how African societies can challenge and demolish oppressive systems of domination sustained by colonial legacies and contemporary neo-colonial forces. Relying on the Socialist Realism and Critical Postcolonial theoretical frameworks which both support literary and artistic genre that encourages social and political transformation, the research deploys the case study analysis, comparative literature analysis and focused group discussion methods. Data obtained are subjected to content and thematic analysis. The study emphasizes how important the relationship between the legal and artistic worlds is to the fight against neo-colonialism. It further reveals the transformational potential of socialist realism as a catalyst for social change by looking at themes of resistance, social justice, and the amplifying of disadvantaged voices in drama and legal discourse. The research contributes to ongoing discussions about de-neo-colonization through this comparative case study, and emphasizes the role socialist realism plays in overthrowing neo-colonial hegemonies. The study sheds light on the distinct difficulties and opportunities these nations—and indeed, all of Africa—face in their pursuit of decolonial justice by examining the experiences of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Factors Influencing the Use of E-Assessment in Engineering Education During Emergency Remote Teaching: A Qualitative Approach

The study aims to investigate engineering education instructors' observations and experiences with e-assessment challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic's Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) period. The study employed a focus group discussion method with a criterion sample of seven instructors from engineering education in a higher education institution. The data gathered was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed four major themes: benefits, challenges, different types of remote assessment, and recommendations and guidelines for future better practice. The study's findings offer insights into the challenges faced by engineering education instructors during the ERT period, as well as recommendations for future better e-assessment practices.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on gender based violence: a study on TMSS microcredit members

The present study was aimed at investigating if the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on gender-based violence (GBV) among TMSS microcredit users. The study was designed to gather data using both quantitative (individual interviews) and qualitative (Focus Group Discussion) method. One hundred and eighty-five married women of Bogura district made up the sample. The sample included 159 microcredit members and 26 non-members. Majority of the participants experienced financial hardships during the COVID-19 epidemic, according to quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data showed that a significant portion of microcredit participants (56%) experienced physical, mental, or both types of violence from their husbands during the lockdown. However, the TMSS Microcredit members had greater exposure to GBV than non-members, according to qualitative findings. The same factors—such as income loss, staying at home constantly, and concern about providing for family needs—were highlighted by both microcredit members and non-members as probable causes for the rise in violence during lockdown. But microcredit members mentioned that the lack of microcredit loans and the pressure to make loan payments also resulted in violence against women during lockdown. Quantitative data also indicated that women who experienced violence from their husbands had trouble accessing medical care and law enforcement support. The present study recommended that during emergency situation the microcredit providers should take different policies to help people cope with their financial crisis and government and non-government organizations should take safeguards to prevent gender based violence. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(1): 57-65, 2024 (January)

Understanding how socioecological factors affect COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among adolescents: qualitative evidence from seven high-, middle- and low-income countries

Background The number of studies examining family, community, institutional and policy factors on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions is limited, with most concentrating on high-income countries and using predominantly quantitative methods. To address this gap, the goal of this manuscript is to qualitatively explore these factors and how they shape adolescents’ perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines across diverse contexts. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted among adolescent populations (13 - 18 years) across seven countries: Ghent, Belgium; Sao Paulo, Brazil, Shanghai; China, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Semarang and Denpasar, Indonesia; Blantyre, Malawi and New Orleans, United States of America (USA). An inductive thematic analytical approach was used to understand the emerging themes across the different countries based on the study’s objectives. Results The study found that all influences were inter-connected and contributed towards vaccine perceptions among adolescents, which were largely positive except in the two African countries and to an extent in the USA. Family and community influences played a large role in vaccine perceptions, however, this differed by context. Our findings suggest adolescents’ perceptions about vaccines were more positive in countries with higher vaccination rates, i.e. China and Indonesia versus countries with lower vaccination rates i.e. Malawi and DRC. Vaccine mandates within schools, offices, and public places were also discussed with varying perceptions based on government trust. Conclusions Adolescents’ perceptions of the Covid-19 vaccine are based on a variety of elements, such as families, community, institutions, and policies. Prioritizing one or another path may not be sufficient to improve vaccine adherence during future pandemics, as we experienced with Covid-19. Strategies to make vaccine perceptions more positive among urban poor adolescents should address both family and community perceptions. However, policies and robust programs around immunization are still needed.

Experiential Narratives of Factors Limiting and Boosting Access to Support Services for Women with Obstetric Fistula in Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACT Purpose Obstetric fistula is a chronic health condition that leaves affected women battered and traumatized, thereby exposing them to social recluse life as a result of associated discomfort and odor. Support services to those with challenging health conditions are reputed to help cushion the adverse effects on them; thus women with fistula and other chronic diseases receiving adequate support will help them to cope and recuperate from such illnesses. This study explores the factors limiting and boosting access to support services for those with obstetric fistulainNigeria. Materials and Method Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were employed to obtain data from 44 participants. The thematic data analysis method was deployed in analyzing the data collected. Results Factors like the limited number of fistula specialist doctors, poor funding, withdrawal from seeking help, long distance, and discrimination limit patients’ access to support services and adequate fistula care. The study highlighted that community involvement in fistula care, adequate funding, training, and retraining of professionals will boost support services for fistula patients. Conclusion The study recommends the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of obstetric fistula patients including the involvement of not only medical personnel but also social workers, families, groups, and community leaders.

The Effect of Problem Based Learning Model with Focus Group Discussion Method on Students' Learning Outcomes in Basic Vocational Subjects at SMK Negeri 1 Sumatera Barat

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the problem-based learning (PBL) model with the focus group discussion (FGD) method on students’ learning outcomes in the basic vocational subjects at SMK Negeri 1 Sumatera Barat. We employed a quasi-experimental research method, utilizing two sample groups: the experimental group (class X E2), which implemented the PBL model with the FGD method, and the control group (class X E1), which received direct instruction. We collected learning outcome data through pretest and posttest assessments and analyzed the mean differences between the two groups using a t-test. The study’s results revealed a significant improvement in students’ learning outcomes in the experimental group, with a mean posttest score of 87.48, compared to the control group, which scored 78.48. The hypothesis test showed a significant difference between the two groups, with a calculated t-value (4.086) exceeding the critical t-value (1.66). This indicates that the implementation of the PBL model with the FGD method has a positive influence on students’ learning outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of the PBL model as an effective instructional strategy for enhancing students’ learning outcomes and provide a foundation for further developments in education.

Challenges Facing Secondary School Teachers in Achieving Effective Job Performance: A Case Study of Meru District Council, Arusha Region

This study examines the challenges facing secondary school teachers in executing their duties for effective job performance through a qualitative case study design. The study participants were secondary school teachers, heads of schools, and the District Education Officer. A total of 111 respondents were involved, including 100 teachers, 10 heads of schools, and 1 District Education Officer. In collecting data, interview and focus group discussion (FGD) methods of data collection were used for the purpose of this study. The data were analyzed through content and thematic analysis. The study found teachers are burdened with several challenges, including but not limited to an unfriendly working environment, a shortage of teaching and learning materials, low achievement of students in science subjects, poor cooperation between parents and teachers, poor cooperation accorded by employers, a lack of overtime and/or housing allowances, and political influences on teaching and learning processes. The study concluded that teaching, apart from being a noble profession that prepares not only leaders but also champions of various fields, has grown to be forgotten. Thus, it is recommended that there are significant needs to shift priorities and attention towards the teaching profession. One key aspect highlighted is the need for better compensation and entitlements for teachers, including salaries, subsistence allowances, extra-time allowances, and access to teaching and learning materials. Moreover, addressing these challenges requires comprehensive support and tailored interventions from educational institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Element Of Skill Mastery In Steward Leadership Towards Asset And Store Control For Effective School Financial Governance

This study was conducted to explore the element of skill mastery in the steward leadership practice of headteachers in elementary schools who have successfully strengthened the employees’ skills in asset and store control until the school has successfully achieved excellent audit reportss. This study is based on the Steward Leadership Practice Framework that was proposed by April, Peters, and Kukard in 2013. In this study, a total of seven study participants were selected, namely seven elementary school headteachers in public schools. This study uses a fully qualitative approach and the focus group discussion method as the main data collection method. The data obtained was analyzed using Nvivo 12. The findings show that headteachers’ practice in the mentoring category is to defend the employees’ rights and identify their background. Besides, in the category of personal mastery, the practices done by headteachers are to collaborate with mentors and respect abilities. Finally, for the risk-taking and experimenting category, the practice of tolerating mistakes was applied. These practices are done to ensure that the control of assets and stores under General Treasury Instructions 1.1 can be carried out effectively, thus all the asset and stock can be used safely by students in public elementary schools. Thus, the activities of acceptance rules, registration, asset labeling, asset use, asset inspection, stock calculation, stock inspection, store verification, and disposal of assets and low-value stock can be carried out properly and aligned to the correct procedures and laws. Researchers suggest that a follow-up study be carried out, focussing on other aspect of internal control involving study participants from secondary public schools or any other educational institutions that received excellent audit reports for comprehensive and deeper interpretation and understanding.

Occupational identity and police officers’ social relations in Ibadan City, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Despite the abundance of studies on the public perception of the Nigeria Police Force and the policing operations of officials of the law enforcement agency, there is a paucity of empirical research on the life and lived experiences of police officers as it concerns their occupational identity. Thus, this study investigated the impact of occupational identity on the social relations of police officers in Ibadan City, Nigeria. Symbolic interactionism theory guided the research, while data were elicited from serving and retired police officers through the combination of in-depth interview, key informant interview and focus group discussion methods. All the respondents affirmed that their work-related experiences in Nigeria over the years have consistently shown that most members of the society typically attached negativity to the police occupation. Nevertheless, there was a consensus amongst them that their involvement in police occupation conferred on them certain benefits in society. Respondents recognised the negative impact of their occupational identity on their social relations and were adopting different measures to mitigate it. There is a need for the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to design a functional roadmap through which the existing police-public gap can be systematically bridged by periodically organising public outreach and social programmes that will be strategically tailored towards systematically bringing together police officials and members of the public in a relaxed non-professional setting.

Challenges of Mobility and Access to Transport for People with Visual Impairment and Blindness: An Exploratory Study

The ability to move around to get things done to fulfil one’s wants, and needs is critical for independent living, irrespective of his or her age or existence of impairments or disabilities. Safe and efficient mobility with confidence is widely recognized as influential factors of the positive wellbeing of persons with visual impairment and blindness. Inability to confidently move around pushes persons with visual impairment and blindness to a risk of social exclusion. Even though research into this area is significant, such research in developing countries like Sri Lanka is quite limited. While aiming at bridging the said knowledge gap, this research intended to explore challenges and obstacles of mobility and transport experienced by people with visual impairment and blindness in Sri Lanka. This study adopted a qualitative method through in-depth interviews. Fifteen persons with visual impairment and blindness were purposively chosen to represent a wide range of social and economic boundaries and interviewed in May-August 2021. With the prior consent of respondents, interviews were recorded and transcribed. The interview transcriptions were analyzed using a thematic approach. Data triangulation was done through focus group discussion and observation methods. The results confirmed that persons with visual impairment and blindness confronted challenges and obstacles in mobility and transport that is discussed in six themes: deficient infrastructure, access to information, improper attitudes of sighted persons, service provider issues, personal attitudes, and support. The findings urge the importance of implementing the existing provisions while introducing relevant public policies and social awareness. Keywords: Access to transport, Blindness, Mobility.

Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Prospective Interventional Study among Schoolteachers from Andhra Pradesh.

To assess the awareness of schoolteachers from Andhra Pradesh towards child abuse and neglect (CAN) through pre- and post-educational intervention (audiovisual aid) questionnaires. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 schoolteachers using a 12-item questionnaire that was created using the standard focus group discussion method. Baseline awareness of CAN was assessed using the questionnaire. Subsequently, all the schoolteachers were educated regarding the various types of CAN and the process of reporting CAN using an audiovisual aid. The same questionnaire was re-administered to all the teachers immediately after the intervention and after three months. The data were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test to compare the frequency and distribution of responses among the study participants at various intervals. A statistically significant difference (p value < 0.05) was observed in the awareness of the schoolteachers regarding CAN compared to the baseline and immediately after the intervention. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p value > 0.05) between immediately after the intervention and three months. There is a need to have awareness among schoolteachers concerning CAN. However, after education through audiovisual aids, teachers' awareness of CAN has been improved.

Development and validation of the inquiry-based nature of science and argumentation: A new instructional model on students’ scientific argumentation ability

One of the important goals of science education is to improve scientific argumentation ability which is part of the core practice of science. The main goals of this research are to develop and validate the inquiry-based nature of science and argumentation (IB-NOSA) instructional model which is designed to improve scientific argumentation ability. The research design in this study is Research and Development (R&amp;D) using the steps proposed by Borg &amp; Gall. The feasibility test of the IB-NOSA instructional model was assessed using the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method, an assessment of the IB-NOSA model book, and an instrument test of scientific argumentation ability involving four experts. The practicality test was assessed by a lower secondary school science teacher. The data were analyzed using quantitative methods, and the validity and reliability indexes were calculated. The results of the study show that the IB-NOSA instructional model is feasible and practical. Meanwhile, the validation results of the scientific argumentation ability test instrument show that each item is in the range of 0.92 to 1. This indicates that each item is valid for further use. Therefore, it can be concluded that the IB-NOSA instructional model has feasibility and practicality for use in science learning and for developing the scientific argumentation ability of lower secondary school students.

“There is only one motive … fun.” Perspectives of participants and providers of physical exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease

Purpose To explore the perspectives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and exercise providers regarding facilitating factors, barriers, needs, and demands relating to physical exercise for people with PD. Materials and Methods Focus group discussions or telephone interviews of 30 people with PD (with or without an active sports history) and 13 providers were conducted and analyzed using structuring content analysis. Results Factors facilitating participation in physical exercise included motivation-enhancing elements (enjoyment, group training environment) and providers with sufficient qualifications in PD-specific training demands. Identified barriers were lack of motivation, physical limitations, poor service accessibility, and inadequate matching of intervention groups based on capability or age. Providers found it difficult to design and conduct group trainings for people with PD with varying physical limitations. Having an active sports history before PD-onset was described as generally beneficial, though a competitive mindset could lead to frustration. People with PD reported needing their physicians to provide better education regarding physical exercise. Conclusion Enjoyment of physical exercise is a key aspect of maintaining physical activity engagement, which should be considered more in research and clinical practice. Developing qualifications for providers could help to broaden and enhance the dissemination of PD-specific exercise approaches. Physicians should be trained to encourage physical exercise. Implications for rehabilitation Physicians should highlight the benefits and be knowledgeable regarding the availability of physical exercise interventions for people with PD. Additional physical exercise providers should become qualified to work with people with PD. The joyfulness of physical exercise interventions is a key aspect of maintaining physical activity engagement for people with PD.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Masyarakat untuk Pengelolaan Air Secara Berkelanjutan di Desa Pucangan Kabupaten Sukoharjo

This community service aims to increase community knowledge in sustainable water management in Pucangan Village, Kartasura District, Sukoharjo Regency. The service activities are carried out through workshops and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods targeting PKK mothers (family welfare development). Pre-tests and post-tests with questionnaires were carried out to measure the level of understanding of PKK mothers in managing water. The results of this community service show that there has been an increase in community knowledge about sustainable shallow groundwater management by an average of 8.8%, which consists of measuring water quality, management, and processing of groundwater.

Disaster Mitigation for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Children with intellectual disabilities in Batu still find it difficult to understand the disaster mitigation process. In fact, in Batu itself, natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and tornadoes often occur. Teachers and parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities are the closest people who also experience difficulties when a disaster occurs, especially in the process of education and disaster evacuation. The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of emergency evacuation and early warning of natural disasters for children with intellectual disabilities among parents, teachers, and BPBD using psychoeducation and focus group discussion (FGD) methods. This research was attended by foure people from BPBD Kota Batu, seven teachers from SLBN 1 Kota Batu, and six parents of children with intellectual disabilities. The results of the study showed an increase in parents’ and teachers’ understanding of disaster mitigation. This increased understanding made the subject carry out a process of simulating disaster evacuation activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.&#x0D; Keywords: focus group discussion, intellectual disability, mitigation, natural disasters

Extreme heat, pregnancy and women’s well-being in Burkina Faso: an ethnographical study

Climate change is an increasing threat to the health of populations in Africa, with a shift in seasonal temperatures towards more extreme heat exposures. In Burkina Faso, like other countries...

Women’s experience of childbirth care in health facilities: a qualitative assessment of respectful maternity care in Afghanistan

BackgroundRespectful maternity care (RMC) remains a key challenge in Afghanistan, despite progress on improving maternal and newborn health during 2001—2021. A qualitative study was conducted in 2018 to provide evidence on the situation of RMC in health facilities in Afghanistan. The results are useful to inform strategies to provide RMC in Afghanistan in spite of the humanitarian crisis due to Taliban’s takeover in 2021.MethodsFocus group discussions were conducted with women (4 groups, 43 women) who had used health facilities for giving birth and with providers (4 groups, 21 providers) who worked in these health facilities. Twenty key informant interviews were conducted with health managers and health policy makers. Motivators for, deterrents from using, awareness about and experiences of maternity care in health facilities were explored.ResultsWomen gave birth in facilities for availability of maternity care and skilled providers, while various verbal and physical forms of mistreatment were identified as deterrents from facility use by women, providers and key informants. Low awareness, lack of resources and excessive workload were identified among the reasons for violation of RMC.ConclusionViolation of RMC is unacceptable. Awareness of women and providers about the rights of women to respectful maternity care, training of providers on the subject, monitoring of care to prevent mistreatment, and conditioning any future technical and financial assistance to commitments to RMC is recommended.