Free Interviews Research Articles

Daily Life of Adolescent Girls who Experienced Early Motherhood in the City of Kinshasa

The aim of our study was to understand the daily experience of adolescent girls in the Congo district who had experienced early childbearing in order to contribute to improving the sexual reproductive health of adolescent girls. This is a qualitative study approached in a phenomenological approach and it falls within the field of reproductive health. The method used for this study was the phenomenological survey and the free individual interview of 15 to 20 minutes. Our sample was 9 teenagers who had granted their availability to participate in the study. After reading our transcripts of interviews recorded with 9 respondents. Adolescent girls perceive early childbearing as an act of dishonor to family and society. Regarding the consequences of early childbearing, adolescents cited bad reputation in society, abandonment by the family and lack of support for the burden of pregnancy. In their experience as victims of early motherhood, these teenage girls used the following means to overcome difficulties: Courage and advice from people, as well as Resourcefulness and help from parents. As for the methods used by adolescents to prevent a new pregnancy, they resort to abstinence, respect for the menstrual cycle, and the use of condoms and implants. With regard to the expectation of adolescent girls who are victims of early childbearing, they seek moral and financial support from the parents and the hope of a marriage from the sexual partner.

Influence of the sociodemographic profile of hunters on the knowledge and use of faunistic resources

BackgroundHunting wild animals is essential for nutrition, clothing, predator control and disease treatment. As part of a system based on food choices and uses, it is influenced by ecological, economic and sociocultural patterns. In this context, the aim is to identify the game fauna of interest in the Brazilian semiarid region; indicate the methods, uses, patterns of choices and cultural importance of the fauna and identify which sociodemographic variables influence the knowledge and use of faunal resources.MethodsInformation on hunting and fauna use was obtained through semi-structured interviews, complemented with free interviews and informal conversations. The cultural importance of the species was calculated through the current use value. The generalized linear model was created to verify whether the sociodemographic profile of hunters influences the knowledge and use of game species.ResultsThe results showed a representativeness of 56 species. The group of birds was the most representative in terms of taxonomic richness (48.2%), followed by the group of mammals (26.8%), reptiles (21.4%) and amphibians (3.6%). The animals mentioned are used for food, trade, control hunting (slaughter of animals considered invaders of property or harmful to humans), pets, zootherapy and ornamentation. Sociodemographic variables shaped the knowledge of faunal resources, in which the age of hunters showed a negative correlation with the number of known species.ConclusionsThe meaning and forms of use attributed to each species depend on ecological, economic and sociocultural factors, which dictate the relationship between human communities and natural resources. Socioeconomic variables shape hunting patterns in all its aspects, whether in perception that hunters have of the resources, forms of use and utilization of hunting strategies.

ANALYSE DU BUDGET D’EXPLOITATION ET SON INCIDENCE SUR LA GESTION D’UN ETABLISSEMENT SCOLAIRE

The major concern that prompted us to carry out this research is to analyze the operating budgets of the Tuungane School Complex in order to identify its impact on management. Taking this concern into account, we formulated the following question: Are the operating budgets drawn up at the Tuungane School Complex managed in accordance with the budget lines provided for when they were drawn up? Thus, to carry out this research successfully, we resorted to descriptive, comparative and systemic methods. These were supported by documentary and free interview techniques for data collection as well as the statistical technique for processing these data. 
 From the analysis of the results resulting from the processing of our data, we noted that the decision-makers of this school establishment did not respect the budget lines planned during the three years retained for our analyses, because the commitments of expenditure for certain headings n were not executed as originally planned. This is the case for the ''Personnel'' heading, because during these three years, it is observed that the employees do not benefit from the remuneration of their services for the last month of each school year. The managers of this School Complex, justify this inconvenience by the insolvency of some students; and yet other headings are not well served, even partially.

Beyond the medical encounter: can the free association narrative interview method extend psychosocial understandings of non-epileptic attack disorder?

This exploratory interdisciplinary study was devised to explore how using the free association narrative interview (FANI) method might extend understanding of non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD) within a psychosocial framework. NEAD is the medical definition of what can be described as embodied events that resemble epilepsy, but which are not associated with the abnormal electrical discharges in the brain found in epilepsy. They are the most frequent ‘functional’ disorder or medically unexplained symptom (MUS) seen by neurologists. While NEAD is associated with trauma, distress and negative life events, a significant minority of patients report no trauma history. The FANI method, we argue, produced narratives which shed light on events that patients have not acknowledged as traumatic, but which might be considered as such, and we explore what aspects of the method may facilitate this process. Previous work has highlighted that a diagnosis of NEAD is often experienced as deeply troubling and contentious to both give and to receive. We thus reflect on the need for patients to feel a sense of legitimacy and how the challenges of living with a NEAD diagnosis are negotiated. Drawing on the work of Benjamin (2004) on ‘thirdness’, we suggest that the FANI method can allow the research interview to become a space that facilitates novel ways of engaging around NEAD. We conclude that the method may be a powerful tool for studying NEAD, and that further studies should be undertaken using this approach since it may have broader utility in understanding the landscape of functional neurological disorders.

Traditional knowledge of edible plants used as flavoring for fish-grilling in Southeast Guizhou, China

BackgroundThe local Dong people in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, with rich biocultural diversity, have developed the traditional rice-duckweed-fish-duck agroecosystem (RDFDA) to support biodiversity conservation and to meet food and cultural needs. However, there is still not much research on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in this area. In particular, there is a lack of traditional knowledge of edible plants used by the Dong people as flavoring to grill fish (Cyprinus carpio) collected from RDFDA, which is extremely valuable in their traditional culture. The study focused on documenting plant species used in grilling fish and analyzing the status of its TEK.MethodsTwenty-one sampling points of three Dong minority villages in Qiandongnan were selected for the research. The local TEK associated with plant resources for fish-grilling was recorded through free listing and semi-structured interviews. Fidelity level (FL) and ethnoecological importance value (EIV) indicators were designed to determine the socioeconomic influence of TEK. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) method was used to evaluate the differentiation of edible plant species distribution in dissimilar accessibility types.ResultsA total of 430 people were interviewed about grilled fish, of whom 75% were men and 85% were farmers. Thirty-four edible plants were documented for fish-grilling in three Dong villages. They belong to 16 plant families, such as Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. The life forms included herbaceous (76%), shrubs (18%) and trees (6%). Leaves are the most commonly used part of for grilling fish, followed by aerial parts, and whole plants. Among these edible plants, Allium hookeri, A. macrostemon and Houttuynia cordata with the highest fidelity level (100%) were cited as edible plants for grilling fish by all informants. The NMDS showed different accessibility types of collection sites, with different importance values. Paddy rice field edge (2.03) has the highest value, followed by forest-farming ecotone (1.74), streamsides (1.71) and woodland (0.48).ConclusionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the traditional knowledge of edible plant materials used by the Dong people for grilling fish. The results demonstrate the strong connection between local people, the bio-environment and agroecosystem services. The survey and comparative analysis revealed that plant species with high FL values may be potential sources of natural flavors.

Ethnoornithology and Bird Conservation in Afro-descendant Communities in the Brazilian Caatinga

This paper investigates relationships between birds and the inhabitants of Afro-descendant communities in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil, paying particular attention to conservation. Near the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre da Serra do Giz wildlife reserve, we interviewed 55 residents using semi-structured forms combined with free interviews and informal conversations. Residents reported 121 species in 43 families and 21 orders. They recounted what they knew about nesting, reproductive and social behaviors, diet, and bird conservation. The lack of reporting on several species of birds known from the Serra do Giz was probably because those birds are absent due to hunting and habitat destruction. This study demonstrates the importance of conducting ethnobiological studies for bird conservation and to record local traditional knowledge.

Traditional fish processing in Odisha, India

The present study documents the traditional fish drying techniques used by the fisher folk communities of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. Information on local knowledge and the use of different fish drying methods within the study area was collected from 72 fisher folk through semi-structured questionnaires, free interviews, informal conversations and direct observations. The results showed that sun drying was the most extensively used method for fish preservation. About 19.4% of the informants preferred to spread the fishes directly on earth, 34.8% on the mat, 5.5% on palm leaves, 29.2 % over bamboo bars and 11.2% followed interlocking of snouts/jaws on bamboo sticks. Almost all the fish drying devices are handmade with bamboo, wooden pole and sometimes nylon threads following traditional technologies. The quality of the dry fish could be improved by educating fishermen on hygiene, sanitation, use of good water quality and raw materials for processing. In this context, the low-cost solar dryer can be constructed by using locally available materials, thus preventing contamination and dependence on weather conditions. The dry fish production can play a crucial role in socio-economic upliftment, employment generation and poverty alleviation particularly to women as they depend on it directly for their livelihoods.

Perception of malaria and cultural diversity of antimalarial plants in three sympatric communities: Agni, Akyé and Gwa in the District of Alépé, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract. Diop AL, Malan DF, Kougbo MD. 2021. Perception of malaria and cultural diversity of antimalarial plants in three sympatric communities: Agni, Akyé and Gwa in the District of Alépé, Côte d’Ivoire. Asian J Ethnobiol 4: 1-11. Each ethnic group has developed its own culture expressed through traditional health care systems. This study aimed to determine how the communities with different histories perceive and manage malaria, a disease with a high prevalence rate in the Sub-Saharan region. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in 10 Agni, Akyé and Gwa communities villages. Two surveys were conducted: a house-to-house survey based on free lists interviews and an individual walk-in-the-woods interview. Frequency of quotation and Smith’s index was used to assess antimalarial plants’ knowledge level. The Venn diagram, hierarchical clustering, and Spearman correlation test compared malaria perception and the antimalarial plants among the three communities. In the studied communities, six forms of malaria were recognized with various symptoms. Seventy-seven antimalarial plants were used to cure these forms. The proportion of antimalarial plants specific to each community was quite low. This study has revealed the differences and similarities between the antimalarial plants used by the communities living in the same geographical area. This study has also highlighted new plants in the study area that could treat malaria. Finally, awareness must be made in the studied communities on different forms of malaria for a better understanding of this disease.

SWOT ANALYSIS IN IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF TEACHING AND EDUCATION AT IAIN PONTIANAK

An overview of the problem of this study is to analyze the performance of IAIN Pontianak sourced from Tri Dharma college. The purpose of this study is: reveal how to maximize strengths, analyze how to minimize weaknesses, reveal how to take advantage of opportunities, and analyze how to anticipate threats to the performance of IAIN Pontianak Education and teaching. This research is descriptive research with a SWOT analysis approach(Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Data collection techniques used in the form of free interviews guided to several related informants and documentation techniques in the form of documents and images that are considered important. This study resulted in potential findings and problems in the performance of IAIN Pontianak starting from 2015-2019. From the results of the identification of potential and problems in the performance of IAIN Pontianak, then studied and analyzed through SWOT analysis. The results obtained, namely: 1) The strengths that must be maximized so that the performance of IAIN Pontianak increases such as MoU, human resources educators and education personnel, reference collections, communication systems and technology. 2) Weaknesses that must be minimized by IAIN Pontianak, such as the high high high school enthusiasts from Aliyah or pesantren, low curriculum quality, graduation rate has not been maximized Graduation productivity levels are still not maximal and the placement and management of educators that need to be improved. 3) Opportunities that must be utilized by IAIN Pontianak, such as the interest of SLTA graduates entering IAIN, terse he is a source of research funding from UNDP, Diktis, DIPA IAIN Pontianak, the establishment of cooperation opportunities between IAIN Pontianak with other universities, the current regulations allow the change of IAIN status to UIN . 4) The threats that must be anticipated are the proliferation of religious universities, campus promos outside Kalimantan are more attractive, limited funds for the development of sapras and lack of participation of lecturers and education personnel in competency certification and trainings, spmi functions are less maximal, quotas for receiving research grant funds are few, limited quota of publication of research results.Keywords: SWOT, Teaching, Education, Improving, IAIN Pontianak.

Attracting the Enthusiasm of Young Talents on Campus to Cultivate Interest in Doing Research

This research is about giving students an understanding that research is not a burden for them on campus. Indeed this is the last assignment before graduation which looks very burdensome for them to get a bachelor's degree. But what is it exactly? And why do we need to do it before graduating? In the research that has been done, I included students from several private universities in Bali. Based on the interviews conducted, it was found that several problems faced by students were found to be obstacles in completing the writing of the scientific paper. Collecting data in this study using unstructured interviews which are free interviews where researchers do not use interview guidelines that have been arranged systematically and completely for data collection. Researchers discussed with students the concept of a multimodal method that can help see the problem from a visual, auditory perspective or can be shaped like a story; maybe it can increase the enthusiasm of young researchers. Sometimes scientific language that is difficult to understand makes it appear that it requires a high IQ. For successful research "other factors are more important than a high IQ". Enthusiasm and persistence are two prime examples. Making the concept of storytelling, having fun, and realizing that this skill is needed for everyday life. So the main point is how we can increase the enthusiasm of young talents on campus to grow their interest in research, because basically all problems, whether looking for causes or solutions, require a research analysis concept.

The Strategy to Implement Work-Based Learning through Field Work Practices in Vocational High Schools (Multiple Case Studies in Malang Regency and Blitar City)

This study aims to identify and describe the strategy for implementing work-based learning through fieldwork practices in vocational high schools which include (1) WBL-FWP implementation strategy planning; (2) WBL-FWP implementation strategy; (3) Evaluation of the WBL-FWP implementation strategy; (4) Supporting and inhibiting factors for WBL-FWP Implementation, and (5) Impact on WBL-FWP implementation. This study uses a qualitative approach and the type of research is Multi Cases, the research was conducted at VHS Turen and VHS Islam 1 Blitar. Sources of data were obtained from the principal, vice-principal for public relations, the Chair of the WBL-FWP Working Group, the WBL-FWP Supervisor, and the WBL-FWP Instructor. Collecting data using free and in-depth interviews, study documentation, and observation. The findings show that: (1) WBL-FWP implementation strategy planning is carried out by MoU with linear industry, WBL-FWP supporting industrial practice equipment, and student preparation with WBL-FWP program socialization and debriefing; (2) The WBL-FWP implementation strategy is carried out structurally, the WBL-FWP is implemented for 6 months and there is a pick-up after students complete the WBL-FWP; (3) Evaluation of the WBL-FWP implementation strategy includes the assessment of industrial work results and the assessment of supervisors; (4) The supporting and implementing factors of WBL-FWP are the enthusiasm and full support of all school residents and the limitations of the industry as the location of WBL-FWP, the presence of students to improve products, teachers gain experience and apply learning in schools, and students gain competence in industry; (5) The impact of the existence of WBL-FWP is that the name of VHS will be better known, and students will also gain knowledge outside and know more about how to communicate, socialize with those around them.

School-based Psychosocial Support: Asset-based Approach for Positioning Guidance and Counselling as a Core Component

The necessity for school-based psychosocial support (SBPSS) provision has become a fundamental issue in global education systems. However, for many schools in Lesotho, and in other Sub-Saharan countries, there seem to be no clarity on the position of guidance and counselling (GC) in school psychosocial support (PSS) undertakings. This paper considers G/C as an essential component of psychosocial support provision in schools, and argues that G/C should be well positioned so that it becomes the core component of PSS activities. The paper intents to address issues raised by international research that against the backdrop of ever increasing complex societal challenges that impact negatively on school going population and school life in general, there is need strengthen G/C as part of PSS activities. The interplay of the various challenges often makes the adverse experiences more complex, subsequently causing adjustment disorders among students. Underpinned by asset-based approach and relational leadership theory, this study employed qualitative semi-structured questionnaires, online free attitude interviews and focus group discussions to explore teachers’ perspectives on possibilities for positioning GC as the core component of SBPSS. This study uncovered various factors contributing to undecided position of GC. The study concluded that schools need to tap into asset-based approach to strategically position GC in SBPSS undertakings.

Cultural importance of wild edible plants in three sympatric communities: Agni, Akyé and Gwa in the Department of Alépé (Southeast of Côte d’Ivoire)

Background: Wild plants are plants that are neither cultivated nor domesticated by humans. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level about wild edible plants used in the communities living in the same area. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in ten different villages which are parts of three studied communities. Two sets of surveys were used. The first type was a house-to-house based survey on free lists interviews. The second type of survey was a walk-in-the woods with some key informants identified by the communities. Frequency of quotation, Smith’s index and cultural importance index were used to estimate the knowledge level of the communities. Venn diagram, Jaccard similarity index and the hierarchical clustering were used to compare the distribution of the knowledge in the communities. Whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test were used to assess the significance of difference in plants used by the communities. Results: Through the studied communities, 43 wild edible plants were collected. Myrianthus arboreus, Dacryodes klaineana, Elaeis guineensis, Piper guineense and Spondias mombin were the most salient. Twenty-two plants are shared by these communities. There is a significant difference concerning wild edible plants shared simultaneously by the three studied communities whereas there is no significant difference about the usage-category. Wild edible plants are used mainly as fruits and vegetables in the studied communities. Conclusion: The three communities have a high knowledge of wild edible plants. Moreover, fruits and vegetables are the most important usage categories. Finally, the interactions between the three communities bring about the sharing of the knowledge. Keywords: Alépé, Côte d’Ivoire, Dacryodes klaineana, fruit, Myrianthus arboreus, quantitative ethnobotany, vegetables

The work values and professional expectations of the second cohort of Generation Z

Introduction: The people born since the year 2000 (Generation Z) are now dynamically entering the labour market. This presents a range of challenges for employers, such as how to make their workplace attractive to young employees, how to entice talent and above all, how to retain it for longer. The aim of the following work was to identify the primary work values and professional expectations of representatives from Generation Z. Method: The study included 236 final-year students (129 girls and 107 boys) from vocational and comprehensive schools. The most highly-rated work values were identified using the “Moja Kariera” (My Career) questionnaire by Schein (adapted by Paszkowska-Rogacz) together with a free interview, providing a deeper insight into the work values and professional expectations of the group. Results: The predominant values expressed by the study group were associated with security and stability, as well as lifestyle; however, the main expectations regarding the employer comprised a high salary, clear working conditions and clearly-defined professional responsibilities. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the members of Generation Z regard an attractive employer as one whose organisation cares about work-life balance, ensures secure employment, based on a contract of employment (e.g. on a permanent basis) and stable (constant) earnings.

THE INTERNET AS A COMMUNICATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ITS POLITICAL VALUE

The work presents some results obtained in the process of implementing two sociological studies of the consciousness of students in the South of Russia, conducted by the research team of the Southern Federal University in the period of 2014-2016 and 2018-2019. Methodologically, both studies included a series of free group interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. Analysis of the data obtained shows a significant shift in the sentiments of student youth towards greater opposition to the current government: if in 2015 less than two-thirds of the respondents (60.6%) believed that radical changes in Russia were impossible, then in 2019 more than two-thirds of respondents expected serious shocks (72.4%). Among the key reasons for the growing tension in Russian society, students name socio-economic (42.2%) and internal politics (50.0%). But the greatest resonance in the student mind is caused by the attempts of the Russian authorities to control the Internet. Thus, according to a survey conducted in 2019, 37.4% of respondents consider the Internet the most important source of information, and another third (29.5%) point to the anti-constitutional nature of these laws. Therefore, Internet restrictions may well become an annoying factor: 39.7% of those surveyed declared their readiness to take part in protests, if there are any. The analysis shows that the communicative value of the Internet is at a much deeper level of the cognitive structures of student consciousness than traditional political values. The value of Internet freedom turns out to be one of the most basic values for today's youth, comparable to fundamental values such as social connections, recognition, identity, etc.

SAR AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON BIODIVE RESOURCES CONSERVATION IN WASUR NATIONAL PARK AREA, PAPUA

The landscape ethnoecological study approach also explores the significance of local systems in understanding ecological sustainability, including its implementation in biocultural conservation education. In this view, a study has been carried out on the traditions of the indigenous people of Wasur Village in Wasur National Park, regarding the practice of sar rituals and their relationship with education in Wasur National Park for biodiversity conservation to obtain an initial view from a biological perspective. This study uses an ethnological study approach with data collection through free interview techniques to key informants, library surveys, and free lists. The results of interviews with key informants revealed that the sar tradition is a ritual of respecting relatives who have died through a prohibition on the use of all forms of resources on family land that was left behind for a thousand days of mourning. Based on the literature survey, it was found that the period of a thousand days can support the regeneration of several specific macropod species in the Trans Fly area such as Dorcopsis spp, Macropus agile, and Thylogale spp. Sar is an example of a sasi system known by several tribes on the north coast of Papua which is promoted as culture-based conservation

627 Trauma & Orthopaedic National Selection – What Is Really Going Through the Mind of Applicants?

Abstract Aim Obtaining a training number in Trauma & Orthopaedics (T&O) remains highly competitive. This study aims to provide an insight into applicant’s perceptions and preparation for the T&O national selection interview. Method 162 junior doctors applying to T&O national selection in 2021 were sent questionnaires using SurveyMonkey in December 2020. Applicants were identified from those attending the annual OrthoRevision ‘ST3 Core Knowledge Interview Course’. In total, 74 junior doctors (45.7%) covering all 16 surgical training regions in the UK completed feedback. Results There were wide variations in how much applicants would spend on preparation for the interview (e.g., books, revision websites, courses): 45.9% spend £100 - £500; 21.6% spend £500-£1,000; and 6.8% spend >£1,000. Most start preparation 3 months prior to the interview (42.5%) with the preferred method being practice with colleagues (49.3%). Almost all candidates (80.2%) use the ‘OrthoInterview’ question bank. Free mock interview courses were only available to 27% with candidates strongly in favour (78%) of the study budget covering preparatory courses in addition to study leave being granted to attend these courses (86%). At the first attempt at obtaining a training number, 69.9% were selective about where they would accept a job; in subsequent years candidates would be more willing to accept a job in any deanery (40.3%). Conclusions For the first time, we present the perceptions of applicants to T&O national training in the UK. Many candidates dedicate a large amount of time and money to the process and are initially more selective about where they apply.

Building Clinical Skills Teaching Materials: A Study of Cognitive Task Analysis Versus Free Recall Instruction to Teach Canine Indirect Ophthalmoscopy.

Ophthalmoscopy is a core component of a complete ophthalmic examination. Due to its complex technical aspects and patients becoming uncooperative if the procedure is prolonged, it can be a difficult skill for a novice to learn and develop proficiency in. Skills instruction is typically provided by subject matter experts (SMEs) through free recall without an agreed-upon instructional framework. This can lead to unintentional omission of essential steps and knowledge required to perform skills correctly. Cognitive task analysis (CTA) allows for construction of standardized instructional protocols that encompass the knowledge and skills experts apply when performing tasks. The objectives of this study were to (a) develop a CTA-based teaching protocol for canine indirect ophthalmoscopy and (b) compare the steps verbalized or demonstrated by SMEs during free recall instruction versus those ultimately identified by CTA. Four SMEs participated in free recall instructional sessions and interviews used for the development of a CTA-based teaching protocol for novice learners. The CTA-based protocol identified 66 steps and sub-steps considered essential for successfully performing canine indirect ophthalmoscopy. During instructional sessions, SMEs on average failed to verbalize 57.1% of clinical knowledge steps, did not verbalize or demonstrate 68.3% and 9.5% of action steps, and did not verbalize or demonstrate 73.2% and 40.4% of decision steps, respectively. This study demonstrates that SMEs teaching indirect ophthalmoscopy by free recall may unintentionally omit important steps, suggesting that compared with free recall, CTA may generate more comprehensive and thus potentially more effective instructional materials for teaching technical skills in veterinary medicine.

Research activities of graduate students of Russian universities: problems and solutions

At present, a new stage of reforming postgraduate studies as the third stage of higher education has been identified. All measures taken by the state are aimed at increasing the number of defenses of dissertations for the degree of candidate of sciences at the end of graduate school. However, the percentage of PhD graduates who have defended their dissertations has been steadily declining every year. +e purpose of the study is to identify the problems of research activities of graduate students of Russian universities and propose ways to solve them. +e following methods were used to collect data: analysis of official documents, online survey and free interview. 386 postgraduate students from 42 Russian universities took part in the survey. As a result of the study, the main problems of research activities of postgraduate students of Russian universities were identified: low performance of postgraduate studies (in 2019, only 10,5% of graduate students defended their dissertations); lack of necessary resources (financial, material and technical, etc.) for conducting empirical research, experiment, this problem is especially relevant for representatives of technical specialties; low publication activity of graduate students; insufficient support of the research activities of graduate students by the scientific supervisor, the graduate department and other structures of the university; the need to combine work with graduate school; insufficient level of financial support for research activities of graduate students from the state and the university; lack of the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities among postgraduates to carry out research activities and write a dissertation for the degree of candidate of sciences; problems in the organization of the educational process in graduate school. Based on the results of the study, proposals were made that can contribute to solving the identified problems in the selection of graduate students, the development of the educational component of postgraduate programs, state final attestation, publication activity and financial support for graduate students.

Cultural adaptation of a scalable psychological intervention for Burundian refugee adolescents in Tanzania: a qualitative study

BackgroundThere is an urgent need for evidence-based, scalable, psychological interventions to improve the mental health of adolescents affected by adversity in low-resource settings. Early Adolescents Skills for Emotions (EASE) was developed by the WHO as a brief, transdiagnostic, group intervention for early adolescents exhibiting internalising problems, delivered by trained and supervised lay providers. This study describes the cultural adaptation of EASE for Burundian adolescents living in Mtendeli refugee camps in Tanzania.MethodsA phased approach to adaptation of the EASE intervention and its implementation, was adopted and comprised of: (1) a desk review to synthesize existing research on mental health issues in conflict-affected Burundian communities, (2) a rapid qualitative assessment involving free listing and key informant interviews with multiple stakeholders, (3) cognitive interviews with end users, and (4) a two-part adaptation workshop involving the implementing partner staff, members of the refugee community and mental health experts. We applied the Bernal framework to systematically document and track adaptations across eight dimensions of the intervention.ResultsProblems associated with worry, stress, sadness, shame and fear were identified as amongst the most critical mental health concerns, alongside a range of experiences of different forms of violence (such as gender-based violence, violence when fleeing from their homes) and associated problems. Problems associated with violence that included past experiences of fleeing as well as ongoing problems of gender-based violence in the camp. The most significant adaptations that were required included providing options for low literacy of participants, safety planning to address the high prevalence of sexual violence, simplification of strategies for the benefit of the end users and of lay facilitators, and implementation changes to consider involvement of refugee incentive workers. A majority of changes were across dimensions of language, people, metaphors, content, methods and context, while there were fewer changes regarding the goals and concepts of EASE.ConclusionsThe approach to adaptation of a psychological intervention suggested both minor and major required changes. Adaptations based on the findings of this study are anticipated to enhance relevance and acceptability of the EASE intervention and its delivery for camp-residing Burundian refugees in Tanzania.