Increased Community Engagement Research Articles

Mpox Vaccine Acceptance, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We report general acceptance (61.0%) of an mpox vaccine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo among 5,226 survey respondents. Healthcare workers and respondents in historic mpox-endemic regions had higher acceptance rates. These data highlight the need for increased community engagement and sensitization before widespread deployment of mpox vaccines.

Impact of sports sponsorship on early career athlete performance: Czech case study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between sponsorship and the performance and development of early career athletes transitioning from junior level to professional sports, because this issue has not been fully explored in the Czech Republic. The reason is the almost absolute absence of financial or material support for such early-career athletes, when their transition from junior categories and the entire junior category is almost always exclusively financed and supported by their parents and families. We also emphasise the absolute absence of legislative provisions that would give supporters of such athletes at least a tax or other advantage. The research is based on research of Cardenas (2023), Hong and Fraser (2023) and Moolman and Shuttleworth (2023) and aims to assess how financial and material support provided by sponsors can enhance an athlete’s performance and long-term career trajectory. A mixed method approach was adopted, combining quantitative analysis through surveys and performance data with qualitative interviews. Data from 173 early career athletes from various disciplines were analysed using t-tests and ANOVA statistical methods to assess financial stability, access to better training, and community participation. Results indicate that sponsorship significantly contributes to better performance metrics, with sponsored athletes showing a 20% improvement in competition results compared to nonsponsored athletes. Furthermore, sponsorship financial support improved training opportunities and access to elite facilities, which was shown to increase athletes’ performance by 15%. However, some challenges related to sponsorship obligations, such as marketing commitments, were highlighted by athletes, underscoring the pressures that sponsorship can introduce. The implications of this study suggest that effective sponsorship strategies can play a vital role in an athlete’s career development, offering not only financial stability but also opportunities for personal branding and increased community engagement. Another implication is a possible consideration for legislators in the context of preparing a legislative framework enabling tax or other benefits for companies and organisations sponsoring or supporting these young athletes. More research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of sponsorship on athlete mental health and career sustainability, as well as the differences in sponsorship effects across various sports disciplines.

Communication Channels, Community Engagement and Access to Healthcare Services in Tanzania

Abstract This study assessed the impact of different communication channels on community engagement and healthcare access in Tanzania. It was conducted in Makambako District Council in Njombe Region. The study employed a mixed methods approach with data collected from 503 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The communication channels analyzed included mobile phones, community health workers, peer educators, radio, village meetings, TV, and social media. Findings indicate that these channels have significantly increased community engagement and access to health services. The study further found that these channels facilitate the dissemination of health information and promote healthy behaviors by providing educational resources and community outreach programs. These findings offer valuable insights into the effective use of various communication channels to improve community engagement and access to health care services in Tanzania, providing a model that can be replicated or adapted globally in similar contexts.

Applying Bourdieu’s Theory to Public Perceptions of Water Scarcity during El Niño: A Case Study of Santa Marta, Colombia

This study investigated the sociological dimensions informing public perceptions of water scarcity during the El Niño drought period in Colombia. We conducted this study in Santa Marta, Colombia, and surveyed 405 urban and rural residents to understand their perceptions of water scarcity, management, and the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. The survey used a Likert scale to measure responses and employed a multivariate analysis of variance to analyze the data while considering factors such as location (urban versus rural) and gender. The study results indicated that urban residents often experience an irregular water supply all year, whereas most rural respondents noted a more consistent availability of water. The perception of water scarcity also differed notably between urban and rural areas due to their different historical and cultural experiences (habitus). Urban respondents mostly recognized the presence of water, while rural perspectives were less conclusive, likely influenced by their direct access to natural water sources. Participants across various demographics consistently reported that poor management by local, regional, and national governments contributes to the water scarcity crisis, highlighting the importance of improving communication about climate events like El Niño and water management to increase community engagement in public policies. Our research suggests that better understanding the social foundations of such perceptions using Bourdieu’s concepts of social fields, habitus, and capital forms can significantly enhance water management strategies.

Analysis of BUMDes Business Development Program Implementation for Village Prosperity

The general background implementation of village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) is essential for promoting village prosperity through sustainable business development. The specific background this study specifically examines the operational effectiveness of BUMDes Sinar Mitra Gemilang within a local context. The knowledge gap despite the establishment of various business units, limited research evaluates the implementation strategies and outcomes of BUMDes programs, particularly regarding the challenges encountered during execution. The aims the aim of this study is to analyze the implementation of the BUMDes business development program, focusing on the factors influencing its success and the obstacles that hinder optimal performance. The results findings reveal that communication between BUMDes and the community is inadequate, human resources lack quantity despite being qualified, and community participation requires improvement. Additionally, the organizational structure is ineffective due to insufficient human resources. The novelty this study contributes to existing literature by applying Edward III's policy implementation theory and utilizing qualitative methods to provide insights into the practical aspects of BUMDes operations. The implications the implications highlight the need for enhanced communication, increased community engagement, and a stronger organizational framework to improve the overall effectiveness of BUMDes programs, ultimately aiming to enhance community welfare and ensure business sustainability. Highlights: Communication improves program effectiveness. Resource quality and quantity affect operations. Local government support enhances community engagement. Keywords: BUMDes, Implementation, Community Participation, Organizational Structure, Communication

Kegiatan Program Pengabdian Masyarakat Kelompok 073 Berbasis Masjid Di Kelurahan Jenggalu

This community service program, conducted by Group 073 of UINFAS Bengkulu, aimed to address several key issues in Kelurahan Jenggalu, including mosque cleanliness, religious education, and disaster relief. The primary objectives were to enhance mosque facilities, promote religious learning through regular Quranic studies, and provide support to flood victims. The program employed a participatory approach involving activities such as mosque cleaning, Quranic education sessions, a Muharram competition, health exercises, and assistance for flood-affected families. Data was collected through direct observation, questionnaires, and interviews with participants and mosque officials. The results indicated a significant improvement in mosque cleanliness, increased community engagement in religious activities, and positive feedback on disaster relief efforts. The activities successfully fostered greater community involvement and addressed the pressing needs of the local population, demonstrating the effectiveness of mosque-based community programs in enhancing social welfare.

The Role of Community Nurses in Improving Public Health: Strategies and Implementation of Educational Programs

Community nurses play an important role in improving community health through the implementation of educational strategies and programmes tailored to local needs. This study aims to explore the role of community nurses in designing, implementing and evaluating health education programmes to improve the quality of community health. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and case study analysis of several communities that have adopted such programmes. The results showed that community nurses contribute significantly to improving health awareness, knowledge and behaviours, resulting in improved quality of life and reduced incidence of preventable diseases. Effective education programmes are designed using interactive learning methods, such as workshops, group discussions and individual counselling, tailored to the characteristics of the local community. The success of the programme relies heavily on a collaborative approach between nurses, communities and local health stakeholders. Ongoing support through professional training and increased community engagement are key factors for long-term success. This study concludes that the role of community nurses extends beyond basic medical care to include functioning as change agents in sustainable health promotion. Recommendations include strengthening the capacity of community nurses through ongoing training and developing policies that support the integration of this role in a holistic public health system.

Community Acceptance of SIKESAL: An UTAUT Model Approach in E-Government Services in Jambi City

Purpose: This research examines the factors influencing public acceptance of e-government services, particularly the Sikesal system in Jambi City. The urgency of this research lies in its potential to improve the quality of public services, increase community engagement, and support digital transformation goals in Jambi City. This study contributes to understanding how local communities perceive and utilize e-government services, providing insights to improve service design and Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, we evaluated variables including Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions. The study utilized a quantitative approach, collecting data through questionnaires distributed to 100 respondents, selected using the Slovin formula. Result: Results indicate that Effort Expectancy significantly impacts the use of e-government services (T value of 18.339, P value of 0.000), highlighting the importance of user-friendliness. However, performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions did not significantly impact. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in its localized examination of e-government acceptance, providing insights for targeted improvements in service design and implementation.

Impact of community-driven biogas initiatives on waste vegetable reduction for energy sustainability in developing countries

This research investigates the management of waste vegetables in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This study explores existing waste management practices and assesses their effectiveness through a mixed-method approach combining quantitative data collection on waste volumes and qualitative interviews with stakeholders. Significant findings indicate a steady increase in waste vegetable generation in Lagos, from 120,000 tons in 2016 to 140,000 tons in 2020. Current management practices primarily involve landfilling, with minimal recycling. However, pilot projects on composting and biogas production show promising results in reducing landfill use and providing renewable energy. For instance, composting initiatives have successfully decreased landfill usage from 100% in 2019 to 60% in 2024, and community participation in waste management programs has grown from 10% to 85% over the same period. The study concludes that while Lagos faces significant waste management challenges, sustainable practices like composting and biogas production can effectively address these issues. The research underscores the need for policy support and increased community engagement to expand these initiatives, suggesting a potential model for other developing cities with similar challenges.

Dengue in Wardha City: Addressing Social and Clinical Challenges

Dengue fever, a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical areas, is a critical issue in Wardha city. The purpose of this study was to analyze Wardha inhabitants’ awareness, knowledge, and habits about dengue illness. The survey, which took place between November 2023 and April 2024, used a structured questionnaire and was delivered to a representative sample of 50 participants from various wards of the city. The questionnaire inquired about respondents’ knowledge of dengue symptoms, mechanisms of transmission, preventative measures, and attitudes toward local dengue control initiatives. Preliminary data show that, while many locals are aware of dengue and its symptoms, there are significant gaps in knowledge about effective preventative techniques, as well as widespread misunderstandings regarding transmission. The poll also preventative measures. Furthermore, the survey found diverse degrees of community engagement in dengue management operations, with many respondents advocating for more thorough and accessible teaching campaigns. These findings show the critical need for targeted educational initiatives and increased community engagement in Wardha city to improve dengue prevention and control. Public health experts and politicians are encouraged to use these findings to create and execute more effective, context-specific dengue control measures.

The Effectiveness And Challenges Of E-Government Implementation Through The Media Center In The City Of Palangka Raya

Public administration is crucial for government operations and public welfare as mandated by the 1945 Constitution of Indonesia. Technology, especially E-Government, has made public services more efficient. Since Presidential Instruction No. 3 of 2003, various government agencies, including local governments, have adopted E-Government to improve services. However, challenges such as isolated information systems, security issues, data inconsistency, and inadequate infrastructure require standardization. The Palangka Raya City Government utilizes information technology through the Media Center, supported by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, to enhance information dissemination and networking between local, provincial, and central governments. This study analyzes the effectiveness of the Media Center in Palangka Raya, identifying challenges such as a lack of competent human resources, outdated facilities, limited internet access in remote areas, and insufficient administrative budgets. Data were collected through documentation, observation, and interviews, and analyzed qualitatively. The findings highlight major challenges and suggest improvements for electronic public services, ultimately contributing to increased community engagement and welfare.

Trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage in 41 low- and middle- income countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000-2030.

Routine immunization programs have focused on increasing vaccination coverage, which is equally important for decreasing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated the trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage at the regional and national levels, as well as place of residence and wealth index in LMICs. In total, 174 nationally representative household surveys from 2000 to 2020 from 41 LMICs were included in this study. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used to estimate trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination. The trend in coverage of age-appropriate Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), third dose of polio (polio3), and measles-containing vaccine (MCV) increased rapidly from 2000 to 2020 in LMICs. Findings indicate substantial increases at the regional and national levels, and by area of residence and socioeconomic status between 2000 and 2030. The largest rise was observed in East Africa, followed by South and Southeast Asia. However, out of the 41 countries, only 10 countries are estimated to achieve 90% coverage of the BCG vaccine by 2030, five of DTP3, three of polio3, and none of MCV. Additionally, by 2030, wider pro-urban and -rich inequalities are expected in several African countries. Significant progress in age-appropriate vaccination coverage has been made in LMICs from 2000 to 2020. Despite this, projections show many countries will not meet the 2030 coverage goals, with persistent urban-rural and socioeconomic disparities. Therefore, LMICs must prioritize underperforming areas and reduce inequalities through stronger health systems and increased community engagement to ensure high coverage and equitable vaccine access.

Location-Specificity and Relocation Incentive Programs for Remote Workers

The precipitous growth of remote work has given rise to a new phenomenon: the emergence of relocation incentive programs that localities use to compete for the physical presence of remote workers. Remote workers with high general human capital may create value for their new destinations and reverse net talent outflow from smaller cities in middle America and globally. However, localities seeking to attract, retain, and create value from remote workers face significant challenges because such workers may have a low attachment to their new destination. Analogizing these challenges to the problem of creating and capturing value from workers with general human capital, we argue that localities can benefit from using relocation incentive program by leveraging location-specific attributes that create value for the individual and the locality. We examined these ideas in the context of Tulsa Remote, a program that provides relocation incentives and a bundle of services to increase engagement and embeddedness in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We found that Tulsa Remote increased community engagement, real income, and entrepreneurship of remote workers, benefiting both the community and the individual. Tulsa Remote increased the worker’s willingness to stay, and local community engagement is a key driver of this relationship. This work thus suggests that location specificity enables localities to both create and capture value from remote workers. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.17712 .

Community participation and effective water management: A study on water user organizations (WUOs) in Thailand

This study examines the factors enhancing the effectiveness of Water User Organizations (WUOs) in Thailand, spotlighting the integration of geo-informatics and community involvement in water management. Employing a community-based participatory research approach, we assessed the impact of advanced technological tools and increased community engagement on WUOs' operations and sustainability. Our methodology included surveys, interviews, and an analysis of water management practices before and after geo-informatics implementation. Findings reveal a significant increase in community participation and an improvement in water management knowledge. The use of geo-informatics led to notable advancements in water allocation efficiency and conflict resolution, directly contributing to the financial sustainability of WUOs. Specifically, the application of geo-informatics facilitated more accurate and timely water resource allocation, evidenced by enhanced community engagement metrics and the resolution of longstanding conflicts. These results underscore the value of combining geo-informatics with community-driven approaches to water management, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners. The study advocates for policies that support the adoption of technological innovations and promote community-centric governance, providing a scalable model for sustainable water resource management. This approach not only improves the functionality and sustainability of WUOs but also sets a precedent for holistic water governance practices globally.

Redesigning Tourism Community Participation Management: Integrating Digital Technology with the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) Approach

The soft systems methodology (SSM) method is used in this study to address the perspective of community collective engagement (Participation with the community) in the context of tourist awareness groups. This study aims to develop a new model that can increase community engagement in the use of digital technology for tourist objectives. This research examines difficulties and formulates novel digital technology solutions through case studies on tourist awareness groups. The findings of this study suggest that the SSM method may give a comprehensive picture and enable the building of relevant and successful models. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of how to improve community engagement in technology-based tourist situations

Increased community engagement of Indigenous Peoples in dementia research leads to higher context relevance of results.

Health research that focuses on Indigenous Peoples must ensure that the community in question is actively engaged, and that the results have context relevance for Indigenous Peoples. Context relevance is "the benefits, usability, and respectful conduct of research from the perspective of Indigenous communities." The purpose of this study was to apply two tools within an already-published scoping review of 76 articles featuring research on cognitive impairment and dementia among Indigenous Peoples worldwide. One tool assessed levels of community engagement reported in the corpus, and the other tool assessed the context relevance of recommendations in the corpus. We hypothesized that research with higher levels of reported community engagement would produce recommendations with greater context relevance for Indigenous Peoples. We employed semi-structured deductive coding using two novel tools assessing levels of reported community engagement and context relevance of recommendations based on studies included in the existing scoping review. Application of the two tools revealed a positive relationship between increasing community engagement and greater context relevance. Community engagement primarily occurred in studies conducted with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations in Canada and with Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Research with Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian Peoples in the USA stood out for its comparative lack of meaningful community engagement. There is opportunity to utilize these tools, and the results of this assessment, to enhance training and mentorship for researchers who work with Indigenous populations. There is a need to increase investigator capacity to involve communities throughout all phases of research, particularly in the pre-research stages.

Connecting art and development: studying the role of city art on bridges in forwarding urban sustainability

ABSTRACT Bridges are important physical structures in a cityscape. With spaces in urban areas, becoming increasingly precious and important, even the bridges and their columns have gained a significant role in voicing city stories. Art on bridges are cultural expressions of urban narratives. The presence of artwork on the bridges also reduces the chances of these sheltered places from becoming hubs for antisocial activities. The study analyses the role of art on three important bridges in Chennai expounding on the communicative city theory. Coming up after infrastructural developments in the city, the artwork on these bridges serves as representatives of urban narratives. They include stories of social equity, environmental awareness and city activities, thereby promoting a positive city identity. The study also denotes the importance of increased community engagement to advance individual and community based participation in creating sustainable cities and diverse city communities.

Pengaruh Partisipasi Masyarakat Dan Kearifan Lokal Terhadap Minat Berkunjung Di Desa Wisata Kandri Kota Semarang

This study examines the impact of local community engagement and traditional values on the desire to visit Kandri Tourism Village in Semarang, emphasizing the importance of local wisdom and community involvement as key factors. Utilizing quantitative methods and a questionnaire-based survey to collect data from visitors, this research analyzes the influence through multiple linear regression analysis techniques. Findings indicate that both community participation and local wisdom have a positive and significant impact on visiting interest, affirming that improvements in these aspects enhance the desire to visit. The study suggests that the management of tourism villages should focus on active community involvement and the preservation of traditional values to attract more visitors. It offers practical recommendations for destination managers and local authorities to increase community engagement and promote local wisdom as strategies to boost visits to Kandri Tourism Village, showing that synergy between community involvement and traditional values is essential for the successful development and marketing of community-based tourism destinations.

EXPLORING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THARU AND NON-THARU STUDENTS IN BIHAR

This study examines the academic achievement of Tharu and Non-Tharu adolescents in the Bagaha (sub division of west Champa ran) Bihar, with a particular focus on gender differences and tribal identity. The educational landscape in India is marked by significant disparities, especially among marginalized communities, where socio-economic factors and cultural influences play crucial roles in shaping academic outcomes. This paper aims to explore the academic performance of Tharu and non-Tharu adolescents’ students of Bagaha (sub division of west Champaran) Bihar. Sample consisted of 400 adolescent’s students randomly selected from the school. Academic achievement was obtained from the schools. Gender wise and category wise comparisons were done using, Mean, S.D. and independent t-test. The results indicate that Tharu students, despite facing cultural and infrastructural challenges, perform relatively well compared to non-Tharu students. Additionally, female adolescents consistently outperform their male counterparts in both tribal and non-tribal categories. This finding aligns with existing literature that suggests gender dynamics significantly impact educational performance, with girls often exhibiting higher academic motivation and support. Furthermore, the study reveals a substantial difference in academic achievement between tribal male and female students, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by tribal communities.By contributing to the understanding of educational disparities in the Bagaha, this research underscores the importance of inclusive educational policies and culturally relevant curricula. The findings call for increased community engagement and support systems to enhance academic outcomes for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Ultimately, this study aims to inform policymakers and educators about the necessity of addressing the intersectionality of gender and tribal identity in educational planning and implementation.

Operational Challenges in Conducting a Subnational TB Prevalence Survey in India: Lessons Learned for Resource-Limited, High-Burden Settings.

Estimating the burden of TB at the subnational level is critical to planning and prioritizing resources for TB control activities according to the local epidemiological situation. We report the experiences and operational challenges of implementing a TB prevalence survey at the subnational level in India. Information was collected from research reports that gathered data from periodic meetings, informal discussions with study teams, letters of communication, and various site visit reports. During the implementation of the survey, several challenges were encountered, including frequent turnover in human resources, lack of survey participation and community engagement, breakdown of X-ray machines, laboratory issues that delayed sputum sample testing, delays in X-ray reading, and network and Internet connectivity issues that impeded data management. To help ensure the survey was implemented in a timely manner, we developed several solutions, including planning ahead to anticipate challenges, ensuring timely communication, having a high commitment from all stakeholders, having strong team motivation, providing repetitive hands-on training, and involving local leaders to increase community engagement. This experience may help future states and countries that plan to conduct TB prevalence surveys to address these anticipated challenges and develop alternative strategies well in advance.