Participants For In-depth Interviews Research Articles

Understanding Preferences for Visualized New and Future HIV Prevention Products Among Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Southern United States: A Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACT Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Although daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV among MSM, its usage remains low. We conducted virtual in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus groups (FGs) with Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White MSM consisting of current PrEP users and those aware of but not currently using PrEP. We delved into their preferences regarding six emerging PrEP products: a weekly oral pill, event-driven oral pills, anal douche/enema, anal suppository, long-acting injection, and a skin implant. Our mixed methods analysis involved inductive content analysis of transcripts for thematic identification and calculations of preferences. Among the sample (n = 98), the weekly oral pill emerged as the favored option among both PrEP Users and PrEP Aware IDI participants. Ranking exercises during FGs also corroborated this preference, with the weekly oral pill being most preferred. However, PrEP Users in FGs leaned toward the long-acting injectable. Conversely, the anal suppository and douche/enema were the least preferred products. Overall, participants were open to emerging PrEP products and valued flexibility but expressed concerns about limited protection for products designed solely for receptive sex. Public health practitioners should tailor recommendations based on individuals’ current sexual behaviors and long-term vulnerability to infection.

Discrimination and disparities experienced among LGBTQ+ young adult cancer survivors (22-39) and adult cancer survivors (40+): A mixed-method study.

1517 Background: Americans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other sexual and/or gender expansive identities (LGBTQ+) represent approximately 24.2 million (7.2%) people, living in the United States. Those who identify as LGBTQ+ face distinct barriers to preventing and treating cancer. In a recently convened ASCO steering committee meeting, reducing LGBTQ+ discrimination both within and outside the healthcare setting was discussed as a high priority area. Across generations, adults who openly identify as LGBTQ+ has increased, with nearly 20% of younger generations identifying as LGBTQ+. This shift in willingness to openly identify as LGBTQ+ may result from decreased discrimination felt by younger generations. Decreasing discrimination may ultimately help improve cancer-care engagement among people who identify as LGBTQ+. Methods: Utilizing a mixed method sequential approach, we examined a national sample of 60 LGBTQ+ cancer survivors’ online quantitative survey data including experiences of discrimination. We performed a t-test to compare young adults (22-39 years old) to adults (40+ years old). Next, we conducted in-depth interviews with ten individuals from as a subset of the 60 cancer survivors. The transcribed data was analyzed using constant comparative methods and sorted into themes. Results: Among the 60 survey respondents, 31 (51.7%) were 40+ years old. Majority of the survey respondents were White (n = 55, 88.3%), ciswomen (n = 40, 66.7%), and identified as bisexual (n = 20, 33.3%). The subset of in-depth interview participants shared similar demographics. Quantitative: The adult cancer survivors reported experiencing higher levels of discrimination than younger adult cancer survivors (Mean Difference = 5.82, 95% CI [1.11, 10.54]). Qualitative: Among the adult cancer survivors (k = 8), three endorsed the theme of “discrimination”. While one of the young adult cancer survivors (k = 2), endorsed the theme of “identity pride” defined as satisfaction from and immersion within their LGBTQ+ identity. Mixed Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that adult cancer survivors experienced significant differences in discrimination compared to the younger adult cancer survivors. Within the adult cancer survivor interviews, historical experiences such as the AIDS epidemic led to discriminatory experiences and ongoing medical mistrust. Among younger adult cancer survivors, openly embracing their identities and engaging with the healthcare system was described. These disparities may explain the variation in levels of reported discrimination. Conclusions: Research shows discrimination has a profound impact on whether a person identifying as LGBTQ+ will seek out cancer-related care. Therefore, reducing discrimination for people who identify as LGBTQ+ is crucial to reducing cancer disparities.

Priorities for contraceptive method and service delivery attributes among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya: a qualitative study.

Despite increasing global commitment to meeting the family planning needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), there is limited research on how they prioritize contraceptive method and service delivery characteristics. In this qualitative study, we examine the specific elements that drive the contraceptive choices of Kenyan AGYW, and apply our findings to the development of attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Our four-stage approach included data collection, data reduction, removing inappropriate attributes, and optimizing wording. Between June-October 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 sexually-active 15-24 year-old AGYW in Kisumu county, Kenya who were non-pregnant and desired to delay pregnancy. Interviews focused on priorities for contraceptive attributes, how AGYW make trade-offs between among these attributes, and the influences of preferences on contraceptive choice. Translated transcripts were qualitatively coded and analyzed with a constant comparative approach to identify key concepts. We developed and iteratively revised a list of attributes and levels, and pre-tested draft DCE choice tasks using cognitive interviews with an additional 15 AGYW to optimize comprehension and relevance. In-depth interview participants' median age was 18, 70% were current students, and 93% had a primary sexual partner. AGYW named a variety of priorities and preferences related to choosing and accessing contraceptive methods, which we distilled into six key themes: side effects; effectiveness; user control; privacy; source of services; and cost. Bleeding pattern was top of mind for participants; amenorrhea was generally considered an intolerable side effect. Many participants felt more strongly about privacy than effectiveness, though some prioritized duration of use and minimizing chance of pregnancy above other contraceptive characteristics. Most AGYW preferred a clinic setting for access, as they desired contraceptive counseling from a provider, but pharmacies were considered preferable for reasons of privacy. We selected, refined, and pre-tested 7 DCE attributes, each with 2-4 levels. Identifying AGYW preferences for contraceptive method and service delivery characteristics is essential to developing innovative strategies to meet their unique SRH needs. DCE methods may provide valuable quantitative perspectives to guide and tailor contraceptive counseling and service delivery interventions for AGYW who want to use contraception.

Between lookism and bodily capital: Understanding female personal trainers’ appearance in occupational socialization

Between lookism and bodily capital: Understanding female personal trainers’ appearance in occupational socialization

Health professionals’ perspectives on the role of obstetric ultrasonography in maternity care in rural eastern Ethiopia: a qualitative descriptive study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this exploratory study was to assess healthcare providers’ perspectives on maternity care following the introduction of ultrasound services in the area.DesignThe qualitative descriptive study.Study settingThis study was...

The Teaching-Learning Process in Madrasah Multigrade Classes During the Pandemic: A Phenomenological Investigation

This qualitative study, employing a phenomenological approach, seeks to illuminate the experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of Madrasah multigrade teachers during the pandemic. The study involved 14 participants in in-depth interviews and 8 participants in a focus-group discussion. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the responses. The research uncovered three fundamental themes in their lived experiences, focusing on establishing flexible teaching practices, adaptive instruction, and continuous assessment for enhanced learning. It also unveiled challenges at different levels, notably the three essential themes: Azatids-related challenges, Madrasah-level challenges, and Kalangkapan-level challenges. Despite these hurdles, the participants demonstrated their resilience through coping mechanisms, including spending own money, religious obligations, displaying positive attitude, praying, and self-reward. The study's conclusion underscores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Madrasah multigrade teachers, emphasizing their ability to persist, adapt, and effectively cope with unprecedented changes.

Exploring community behaviours and stakeholder challenges in engaging communities with dengue prevention behaviour in Malaysia: implementation research for a qualitative study with a community-based participatory research design

ObjectivesTo use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design to explore local community behaviours and stakeholders’ challenges in engaging communities in dengue prevention behaviours in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.DesignThis CBPR design...

Community perceptions and experiences on caring for the premature babies in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site, southern Ethiopia: Interpretive Husserlian phenomenological study.

Premature birth is the leading cause of under-5 child mortality, accounting for 18%. More attention is needed for premature babies. Myths, misconceptions, and negative attitudes stigmatize premature births and slow prevention and care efforts. In Ethiopia, studies have been conducted on premature birth and its risk factors. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the perceived causes of premature birth, caring aspects, and community challenges. This qualitative study aims to address these research gaps. This interpretive Husserlian phenomenological study was conducted from January 1-30, 2022. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 32 participants for focus group discussions and 10 participants for in-depth interviews. Participants included women, grandmothers, grandfathers, men, traditional birth attendants, and traditional healers. Interview and focus group data were analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus software and a thematic content analysis approach. In this study, the participants recognized premature babies by physical features such as transparent and bloody bodies, small and weak bodies, a limited range of motion, and bizarre behaviors. They perceived the causes of premature birth to be being young, carrying heavily loaded materials, accidents, illnesses, sin, social influence, and witchcraft. Participants provide warmth to premature babies by wearing cotton wool, making skin-to-skin contact, exposing to sunlight, and wrapping them in clothes. They also feed them boiled alcohol, muk, and formula, as well as fresh cow milk and butter. They frequently bathe the babies, wash and change their clothes, limit visits, and provide physical protection. The main challenges that the women faced were difficulty feeding and bathing the babies, limited social participation, psychosocial and economic impact, spirituality, and husband negligence. The community has a gap in providing care for premature babies, and women with premature babies face many challenges. Therefore, we need to raise awareness of accurate information about the causes and care of premature babies, and we need to support women who have premature babies.

Understanding the role of ceremonial activities in fostering organizational identification in Chinese university libraries

This study investigated the relationship between Ceremonial Activities and Organizational Identification among librarians in a university library and the associated influencing factors in China. Data were gathered through interviews, and 30 librarians in Chinese university libraries were selected as participants for in-depth interviews to identify the role of ceremonial activities and the organizational identification of university libraries. The study findings contribute to a conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between ceremonial activities and organizational identification among librarians in a university library and reveal three main factors of ceremonial activities that influenced librarians' organizational identification of Chinese University Libraries: Symbols of ceremonial activities–self-identification, landscape of ceremonial activities–Library Identification, Procedure of ceremonial activities–Value Identification. These results provide valuable insights for research on the management of ceremonial library activities.

Addressing discrimination and violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) persons from Brazil: a mobile health intervention

BackgroundSexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience higher rates of discrimination and violence when compared to cis, heterosexual peers. However, violent crimes and other hate incidents against SGM persons are consistently not reported and prosecuted because of chronic distrust between the SGM community and police. Brazil is one of the most dangerous countries for SGM persons globally. Herein, we describe the development of a mobile health intervention to address the rampant violence against this population, the Rainbow Resistance—Dandarah app.MethodsWe conducted community-based participatory research (CBPR) between 2019 and 2020. The study started with in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with representatives of the SGM community from Brazil. Descriptive qualitative data analysis included the plotting of a ‘word cloud’, to visually represent word frequency, data coding and analysis of more frequent themes related to app acceptability, usability, and feasibility. A sub-sample of SGM tested the app and suggested improvements, and the final version was launched in December 2019.ResultsSince the app was launched in December 2019, the app recorded 4,114 active SGM users. Most participants are cisgender men (50.9%), self-identified as gay (43.5%), White (47.3%), and aged 29 or less (60.9%). FGDs and IDIs participants discussed the importance of the app in the context of widespread violence toward SGM persons. Study participants perceived this mHealth strategy as an important, effective, and accessible for SGM surviving violence. The CBPR design was highlighted as a key strategy that allowed SGM persons to collaborate in the design of this intervention actively. Some users reported how the panic button saved their lives during violent attacks.ConclusionsRainbow Resistance—Dandarah app was endorsed as a powerful tool for enhancing reporting episodes of violence/discrimination against SGM persons and a key strategy to connect users with a safe network of supportive services. Results indicate that the app is an engaging, acceptable, and potentially effective mHealth intervention. Participants reported many advantages of using it, such as being able to report harassment and violence, connect with a safe network and receive immediate support.

Community knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs associated with persistence of malaria transmission in North-western and Southern regions of Tanzania

BackgroundDespite significant decline in the past two decades, malaria is still a major public health concern in Tanzania; with over 93% of the population still at risk. Community knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), and beliefs are key in enhancing uptake and utilization of malaria control interventions, but there is a lack of information on their contribution to effective control of the disease. This study was undertaken to determine KAP and beliefs of community members and service providers on malaria, and how they might be associated with increased risk and persistence of the disease burden in North-western and Southern regions of Tanzania.MethodsThis was an exploratory study that used qualitative methods including 16 in-depth interviews (IDI) and 32 focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data from health service providers and community members, respectively. The study was conducted from September to October 2017 and covered 16 villages within eight districts from four regions of mainland Tanzania (Geita, Kigoma, Mtwara and Ruvuma) with persistently high malaria transmission for more than two decades.ResultsMost of the participants had good knowledge of malaria and how it is transmitted but some FGD participants did not know the actual cause of malaria, and thought that it is caused by bathing and drinking un-boiled water, or consuming contaminated food that has malaria parasites without warming it. Reported barriers to malaria prevention and control (by FGD and IDI participants) included shortage of qualified health workers, inefficient health financing, low care-seeking behaviour, consulting traditional healers, use of local herbs to treat malaria, poverty, increased breeding sites by socio-economic activities and misconceptions related to the use of bed nets and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Among the misconceptions, some participants believed that bed nets provided for free by the government came with bedbugs while others reported that free bed nets caused impotence among men.ConclusionDespite good knowledge of malaria, several risk factors, such as socio-economic and behavioural issues, and misconceptions related to the use of bed nets and IRS were reported. Other key factors included unavailability or limited access to health services, poor health financing and economic activities that potentially contributed to persistence of malaria burden in these regions. Relevant policies and targeted malaria interventions, focusing on understanding socio-cultural factors, should be implemented to reduce and finally eliminate the disease in the study regions and others with persistent transmission.

Sociocultural and Economic Barriers to Land Ownership Among Widows in Rural Western Kenya

Background Widows still face immense barriers in owning land and get inferior reliable rights to land than males across most Kenyan communities. The objective of this study, therefore, was to establish the sociocultural and economic factors that continue to bar widows from owning land in rural Western Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study employing qualitative data collection methods was adopted in this study where six widows participated in Case Narratives (CN), and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) each with five widows and one FGD comprising eight men were conducted. In addition, six widows were identified from the FGD participants for in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 10 key informant interviews with stakeholders were carried out. Data from the qualitative interviews were transcribed for coding and analysis. The thematic content analysis method was used to identify themes related to sociocultural and economic factors hindering women from land ownership. Results Economic marginalisation, traditional land ownership structures, and practices such as the skewed land inheritance that disfavour women due to the deep-rooted patriarchy, low level of education and lack of awareness of existing land laws were found to be the major hindrances to land ownership by widows. In addition, the tedious process of accessing land documents and widow inheritance is also to blame. Conclusion The study concludes that the existence of a legal regime that accords women and widows the right to own land may not be sufficient in realising the intended gains for women if it is not backed up with an effective implementation and awareness creation on the laws as well as economic empowerment of the widows through targeted social protection schemes.

Acceptability and feasibility of the BEMPU TempWatch for hypothermia monitoring in neonatal care in Ghana: a qualitative study of clinicians’ perspectives

ObjectiveTo identify factors influencing the acceptability and feasibility of using the BEMPU TempWatch bracelet in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods and analysisWe conducted in-depth interviews with 21 clinicians at...

Physical, mental and social status after COVID-19 recovery in Nepal: A mixed method study.

Nepal has been devastated by an unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, affecting people emotionally, physically, and socially, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately 10% of COVID-19 affected people have symptoms that last more than 3-4 weeks and experience numerous symptoms causing an impact on everyday functioning, social, and cognitive function. Thus, it is vital to know about the recovered patient's health status and undertake rigorous examinations to detect and treat infections. Hence, this study aims to assess the health status of COVID-19 post-recovery patients in Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted in all seven provinces of Nepal. A total of 552 interviews were conducted for the quantitative study, and 25 in-depth interviews were conducted for the qualitative study among above 18 years COVID-19-recovered patients. The data was gathered over the phone through the purposive sampling method The results of a descriptive and thematic analysis were interpreted. The majority (more than 80%) of the recovered patients could routinely perform household duties, activities outside the home, and financial job accounting. However, a few of them required assistance in carrying out all of those tasks. Prior and then after COVID-19 infection, smoking habits reduced by about one-tenth and alcohol intake decreased by a twelve percent. A qualitative finding revealed that the majority of COVID-19 symptomatic patients experienced a variety of physical symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, fatigue, tiredness, sore throat, cough, loss of taste, loss of smell, sneezing, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing, while others felt completely fine after being recovered. Furthermore, there was no variation in the daily functional activities of the majority of the recovered patients, while a few were found conducting fewer activities than usual because they were concerned about their health. For social health, quantitative data indicated that more than half of the participants' social health was severely impacted. According to the IDI, the majority of the interviewees perceived society's ignorance and misbehavior. Family members were the most often solicited sources of support. Some participants got care and assistance, but the majority did not get affection or love from their relatives. Moreover, regarding mental health, 15 percent of participants had repeated disturbing and unwanted thoughts about COVID-19 after being recovered, 16 percent tried to avoid information on COVID-19 and 7 .7 percent of people had unfavorable ideas or sentiments about themselves. More than 16 percent of participants reported feeling some level of stress related to the workplace and home. While in-depth interviews participants revealed that COVID-infected patients who were asymptomatic didn't experience any emotional change in them but recovered patients who are symptomatic symptoms had anxiety and still being conscious of COVID-19 in fear of getting infected again Additionally, it was discovered that participants' mental health is influenced by ignorance of society, as well as by fake news posted to social media. COVID-19 infection has had an impact on physical, mental, and social well-being. Hence, to aid in the early recovery of COVID-19 patients, provision of evaluating and reporting the clinical features, early detection and management of long COVID case is needed from the local and provincial and central government of Nepal.

Exploring issues of online hate speech against minority religious groups in Bangladesh

Purpose Online hate speech (OHS) is becoming a serious problem worldwide including in Bangladesh. This study aims to understand the nature of OHS against religious groups and explore its impact on their social life and mental health. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was followed and 11 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with the selected OHS victims. This study conducted a semi-structural interview using Google Form following the design questionnaire for selecting IDIs participants. Findings This study found that religious minorities experience online hatred through online media by the major religious group in Bangladesh. Natures of OHS are commenting on social media posts, sharing hateful memes and sending private messages using slang language targeting religious identity, religious food habits and ethnic identities. Victims were offended, abused and bullied by unknown persons, their university friends and colleagues. Victims of OHS did not take any action against it due to fear of insecurity. Victims of OHS felt low-minded, helpless and anxious after the experience of OHS; they felt more insecure and vulnerable socially and mentally. Originality/value The findings of this study suggest that policymakers identify the nature of OHS and take proper steps for reducing the frequency of OHS in Bangladesh. To combat the OHS, authorities have to make legal enforcement equal for everyone.

중학교 음악교사의 원격수업 실행에 관한 질적 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the music teachers’ stories about ‘how to teach regular middle school music curriculum and what to experience’ in the situation of the COVID-19 Pandemic and to suggest the implications for how to improve the online music class.
 Methods Based on the narrative inquiry method, this study focused on exploring the meaning, that is, knowledge, created by collecting stories about non-face-to-face remote classes of middle school music teachers. For this study, three middle school music teachers in Seoul, who are guiding the music curriculum of the revised 2015 curriculum in middle schools, were selected as study participants. Although it was difficult to select research participants for in-depth interviews with middle school music remote classes, the selection of research participants was centered on experienced teachers with a lot of educational experience. In-depth interviews were conducted as a qualitative research method of Hatch, and the results were analyzed.
 Results First, the music teachers said that they taught students music theory and music appreciation-oriented learning contents, one-way online classes, and reduced evaluation. Second, the stories about what music teachers experienced showed the difficulties in the urgent and rough music online class environment, using unfamiliar music platforms and making learning contents and frequently changed academic schedules.
 Conclusions Through this study, we can derive suggestions on how to improve the online music class of middle school music teachers as follows: First, music teachers should enhance technological capabilities for Digital·AI devices. Second, Music teachers should be able to produce music content for feedback and cooperative communication. Third, music teachers should develop evaluation content tools centered on each student's development process.

The reality of embedded drug purchasing practices: Understanding the sociocultural and economic aspects of the use of medicines in Bangladesh.

Purchasing drugs with or without prescription from retail drug shops is common practice in Bangladesh. However, what actually takes place between the drug seller and customer during the transaction is under-researched. This study explores the drug purchasing practices which underlie the socio-cultural and economic aspects of a Bangladeshi city. Adopting ethnographic methods, we conducted thirty in-depth interviews (IDIs) with customers, patients, and sales assistants, and ten key informant interviews (KIIs) with drug sellers, experienced sales assistants and pharmaceutical company representatives. Thirty hours were spent observing drug sellers' and buyers' conversations and interactions for medicine. A total of 40 heterogeneous participants were purposively selected from three drug stores. Transcribed data were coded, and analyzed thematically. We found through thematic analysis that some individuals visited the drug store with fixed ideas about the name, brand, and dose of the drugs they wanted. Among the 30 IDIs participants, most individuals come without any preconceived ideas, describe their symptoms, and negotiate purchases with the expectation of quick remedies. Cultural practices of buying medicines in full or partial course of doses, with or without prescription, trust in sellers, and positive previous experiences of medications shape the drug purchasing behavior, regardless of any preconceived ideas concerning brand name, and dose. Few customers (n = 7) sought drugs by trade name, but most drug sellers often offered a generic substitute because selling non-brand drugs is more profitable. Notably, many of the clients (n = 13) bought drugs through installment payments and with loans. Community people choose and purchase the most necessary medicines in a self-medicated way from shortly trained drug sellers that can harm individuals' health and reduce the effectiveness of medication. In addition, the results of buying medicine through installments and loans suggest further research on the financial burden of consumers' purchasing behavior. Policymakers, regulators, and healthcare professionals might implicate the study findings to deliver practical information on the rational use of medicines to sellers and customers.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Collection at an Urban HIV Clinic Associated With a Historically Black Medical College in the Southern United States: Qualitative Interview Study Among Patients With HIV.

Black Americans, particularly in the southern United States, are disproportionately affected by the US HIV epidemic. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collection can improve patient outcomes and provide oft-overlooked data on mental health, substance use, and patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy. We piloted the use of an electronic tablet to collect PRO data on social and behavioral determinants of health among people with HIV at the Meharry Community Wellness Center, an HIV clinic affiliated with a Historically Black Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Our primary objective was to better understand patients' experiences and comfort with using an electronic PRO tool through patient interviews. We enrolled 100 people with HIV in care at the Meharry Community Wellness Center consecutively to completely validate PRO tools using the Research Electronic Data Capture platform on a hand-held tablet. Using a purposive sampling strategy, we enrolled 20 of the 100 participants in an in-depth interview (IDI). Interview guide development was grounded in the cognitive-behavioral model, in which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interrelated. IDIs were audio recorded, transcribed, deidentified, and formatted for coding. A hierarchical coding system was developed and refined using an inductive-deductive approach. Among the 100 people with HIV enrolled, the median age was 50 (IQR 42-54) years; 89% (n=89) were Black, 60% (n=60) were male, and 82% (n=82) were living below 100% of the federal poverty level in 2016. Five major interview themes emerged: overall experience, question content, sensitive topics, clinic visit impact, and future recommendations. IDI participants felt that the tablet was easy to use and that the question content was meaningful. Question content related to trauma, sexual and drug use behaviors, mental health, stigma, and discrimination elicited uncomfortable or distressing feelings in some participants. Patients expressed a strong desire to be truthful, and most would complete these surveys without compensation at future visits if offered. The use of an electronic tablet to complete PRO data collection was well received by this cohort of vulnerable persons in HIV care in the southern United States. Despite some discomfort related to question content, our cohort overwhelmingly believed this was a meaningful part of their medical experience and expressed a high desire for truthfulness. Future research will focus on scaling up the implementation and evaluation of PRO data collection in a contextually appropriate manner while obtaining input from providers and staff to ensure that the collected data are both applicable and actionable.

Perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a qualitative study of community members and health workers in Zambia

ObjectiveSince introduction of the programme in April 2021, COVID-19 vaccine uptake has been low at less than 20%. This study explored community members’ and health workers’ perspectives on the COVID-19...

Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse in South Africa: Assessing the Role of Parents, Community Leaders, Educators, and Social Workers

Child sexual abuse is a global problem and is prevalent in South Africa. Child sexual abuse significantly harms the victims. This study looked at child sexual abuse prevention, focusing on the community, school system, and social workers. A mixed methods research method was used. Data were collected from 115 questionnaire respondents, of which 15 in-depth interview participants were selected. The sample was selected using purposive sampling and stratified random sampling techniques. Low reporting of incidents is hindering the effective response to child sexual abuse. The study revealed the significant role parents and community members could play in preventing child sexual abuse. The results also show that the school system plays a crucial role in educating children about inappropriate touches, discussing prevention skills with children, and encouraging children to report incidents of child sexual abuse. The study found that limited training for educators was a significant obstacle in the school system. Social workers play their part through advocacy and awareness campaigns and assisting the police during investigations. The study recommends a multi-sectorial approach to encourage reporting of child sexual abuse cases and training educators on responding to child sexual abuse.