Interpretive Methodology Research Articles

Understanding the experiences of autistic high school students and neurodivergent job coaches in a summer employment program: an interpretive description study

Purpose This study explores the experiences of autistic youth and neurodivergent job coaches during a job training program. Methods Interpretive Description methodology guided this study. Two researchers facilitated virtual focus groups with autistic students and neurodivergent job coaches separately before (n = 14) and after (n = 12) the program. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify codes and develop themes. Results Seven themes were developed, which included both autistic high school students and neurodivergent job coaches’ perspectives about JTP: JTP surprised students; unexpected experience of working, students experienced a sense of community support in transitioning to work, students built rapport with neurodivergent job coaches, neurodivergent job coaches were buffers to students, building trusting connection; neurodivergent job coaches’ interactions with students, unexpected reality and a sense of community in coaching autistic students, and neurodivergent job coaches’ personal growth and the evolving role of coaching. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that positive work experiences and relationships between neurodivergent job coaches and students occurred within a specific program that recommended clear communication about expectations, roles, and support preferences. The findings can guide future community partnerships to promote workplace participation and facilitate accommodations based on the needs of neurodivergent population, including autistic individuals.

Fostering the Physical-Literacy Development of Individuals Experiencing Disability Through the Use of PLayTubs: A Pilot Study.

Physical literacy (PL) is increasingly being implemented as a means for holistic development for children and youth. Despite this, children experiencing disabilities and their families continue to face barriers that impede participation in physical activities and subsequent PL development. To empower families to actively engage in their PL development, this study sought to provide an accessible, home- and play-based, parent-facilitated intervention, namely, PLayTubs. The purpose was to explore parents' subjective understanding, involvement, and attitudes toward facilitating physical activity opportunities contributing to PL development through this intervention. Four parents with a child (<12years old) diagnosed with a developmental impairment participated in a 10-week PLayTub experience. Data were collected via semistructured interviews with parents and their children. Making use of an interpretive description methodology and an ecological-dynamics conceptual framework, this study resulted in three themes: (a)a catalyst for autonomy, (b)more than just movement, and (c)an accessible alternative. Parents found that PLayTubs fostered autonomous participation and individual agency, enhanced connections and togetherness, and allowed for the creation of meaningful experiences with physical activity. These positive insights demonstrate the benefit of home-based interventions for this population and highlight the need for larger studies in the future.

Hidden Factors of Limited Time and Busyness: A Qualitative, Multicentre Study of the Reasons for Missed Nursing Care.

To explore nurses' perceptions of reasons for missed nursing care. A multicentre qualitative descriptive study was undertaken from August 2022 to January 2023. Interpretive description methodology was used. Individual interviews were conducted with 36 registered nurses and eight licensed practical nurses working in medical, surgical and intensive care units at three public university hospitals in Denmark. Using a semi-structured interview guide, nurses were asked to share their perceptions of reasons for missed care. The analysis was guided by an inductive thematic approach. The nurses' immediate responses to reasons for missed nursing care circulated around limited time and busyness. However, further analysis unfolded layers of reasons described within three themes: being challenged by workload and patients' diverse care needs; falling short on competencies; and being governed by organisational structures and decisions. The study underlines that reasons for missed nursing care are multiple and complex and extend from an individual to an organisational level. They can therefore not be seen nor targeted isolated. Furthermore, there is a need to draw attention to organisation of care and nurses' clinical decision-making to ensure that patient's fundamental care needs are met. Reducing missed nursing care calls for interventions that require nurses to change their working practices, roles and value perceptions. This study provides valuable insight into nurses' perspectives on reasons for missed nursing care, which is pertinent for designing interventions targeting missed nursing care. The study provides insight into nurses' perceptions on reasons for missed nursing care within hospital settings. The findings of the study show that reasons for missed nursing care are multiple and complex and cannot be limited to time and busyness. The findings can be used to inform future interventions aimed at reducing missed nursing care. The reporting of the study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. No patient or public contribution.

"Missing Mobility": Perspectives of North American Firefighters on the Risks and Causes of Work-Related Shoulder Disorders: A Qualitative Study.

Firefighters are routinely exposed to significant work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) which can sometimes be career-ending due to the workplace stressors and the physical demands of the job. Shoulder disorders are the third most frequent WRMSDs that cause pain, disability, and morbidity in the general working population. However, little is known about the task-specific causes and risk factors for work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs) among firefighters (FFs). To explore the perspectives of FFs who experienced WSDs with respect to the following: (a) risk factors of WSDs; and (b) causative factors for WSDs. Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we purposefully sampled for age and occupational diversity. Twelve FFs (males, 8 and females, 4) between 26 and 63years, who experienced WSDs during their career ranging from 3 to 33years were recruited. One-on-one interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide were conducted via an online Zoom platform and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The WSDs reported by FFs included rotator cuff tears, labral tears and muscle sprains or strains. Three themes were identified as risk factors for WSDs: (1) too much or too little shoulder exercises is a risk for shoulder injuries; (2) internal contextual factors can increase the risk of shoulder injurie; and (3) personal factors such as age and sex mediate the risk of shoulder injuries. Three themes were reported by FFs as the causative factors of WSDs: (1) unpredictable hazards in harsh environmental conditions can lead to traumatic shoulder injuries; (2) maneuvering heavy equipment in non-ergonomic positions can lead to shoulder strains; and (3) routine firefighting tasks can lead to gradual onset of shoulder injuries. Our results emphasized the inter-related and multifaceted nature of the risks and causative factors that increase the risk of traumatic or gradual onset WSDs among FFs. There is a need for a comprehensive prevention and self-management program that addresses fire-specific prevention and treatment program that addresses modifiable environmental, behavioral and personal risks factors.

Balancing Growth and Preservation: Strategic Pathways for Sustainable Rural Tourism in China’s Environmental Landscape

Sustainable rural tourism development is paramount for the socio-economic advancement of rural regions in China. This study systematically prioritizes the key drivers essential for the successful implementation of sustainable rural tourism development by employing the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis methodologies. Through an extensive literature review and expert consultations, we identify and categorize the critical drivers influencing sustainable rural tourism. Utilizing the ISM approach, we construct a hierarchical structure to elucidate the interrelationships among these drivers. Following this, MICMAC analysis is applied to assess their driving and dependence power. We find that government policy and support is the most powerful driver forming the basis for sustainable rural tourism development. Moreover, our findings uncover a complex network of interdependencies, with several drivers emerging as crucial for effective implementation. This research provides invaluable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners, offering a robust framework to inform strategic decision-making in fostering sustainable rural tourism development in China.

CARING FOR CANCER PATIENTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: CHALLENGES AND WAYS FORWARD

Abstract The purpose of this study is to address the inequity of care outcomes for patients living with both cancer and dementia through exploring current challenges and barriers, with the goals of creating dementia-friendly cancer care practice recommendations and education. Cancer patients also living with dementia have been found to experience poor outcomes, receiving less cancer screening, staging, and curative treatment than patients without dementia, thus they are typically diagnosed at later stage cancers with lower survival rates. We are conducting a qualitative applied health study drawing on Interpretive Description methodology underpinned by a person-centred philosophy. Phase one of the study has involved conducting interviews with patients, their care-givers, and cancer care providers. In this presentation we are focusing on the findings from our interviews with cancer care providers. Our sample includes 15 RNs, and 15 participants including physicians, therapists, and counsellors. Although they are experts in cancer, care providers often lack confidence and knowledge regarding dementia-care. Findings from their interviews led to themes reflecting both challenges and barriers to providing care. Specific themes related to care challenges include: Difficulty Following Instructions; Balancing Treatment Risks with QOL; Including Care-givers; and Ethical Dilemmas. Additionally, specific themes related to barriers include: Lack of Communication Processes; Lack of Continuity of Care; Lack of Resources; and Lack of Dementia Education. These themes will inform Phase two of the study which will involve creating dementia aware education and recommendations for dementia-friendly policies and processes to better tailor cancer care for patients living with dementia ensuring equity.

Kotekan Technique As An Idea For The Creative Process In Music Creation

The creative process in the creation of musical works is a multifaceted journey that begins with the acquisition of ideas or inspirations. These ideas are transformed into musical concepts, which are then meticulously developed into compositions that are played using a variety of instruments, each representing the unique vision of the creator or composer. This transformation reaches its conclusion in the realisation of the compositions in the form of live performances, which may be experienced as both audio-visual experiences and music recordings. It is also noteworthy that this creative process has the additional function of serving educational purposes. Such activities have the potential to encourage collective action and community engagement, thereby strengthening social solidarity among participants. This research employs an interpretative qualitative methodology, drawing upon literature studies, audio-visual sources, and the empirical experiences of the researcher as both a musician and educator in the field of music. This interpretative approach entails a meticulous examination of selected and organized data through the triangulation of multiple sources. The interpretative phase is enhanced by a synthesis of creative processes and theoretical frameworks, thereby facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between musical creation and its cultural implications. This study illuminates the significance of the creative process in both individual and communal contexts, demonstrating its capacity to shape musical identity and foster social connections.

Inclusive artistic space: a professional development environment based on collaboration between schools and artistic institutions

PurposeThis study, part of an international effort to bring art and culture closer to everyone, aims to analyze interprofessional collaboration between schools and artistic institutions in the development of inclusive artistic spaces. It focuses on identifying opportunities for professional development and student learning.Design/methodology/approachFrom the theoretical framework of collaboration and professional development, this study follows a qualitative case study design. It analyses the design, implementation and evaluation of three inclusive artistic projects in Barcelona. An interpretive qualitative methodology is used to collect and analyze data from 30 professionals from artistic institutions and schools, and 85 students. Data were obtained through video recordings, field notes and group and individual interviews.FindingsThe results demonstrated a strengthening and stimulation of interprofessional collaboration networks, providing the community with new learning spaces that are more open, flexible and inclusive. Furthermore, sharing knowledge and methodological strategies not only promotes professional development but also positively impacts students’ outcomes. Inclusive artistic spaces serve as a crucial platform for this purpose, offering an environment where artistic expression and cultural engagement intersect with educational goals.Practical implicationsThe findings have two clear practical implications: firstly, to build inclusive artistic spaces in the community based on collaboration between schools and artistic institutions; and secondly, to generate a reference framework for professional development among different types of community institutions.Originality/valueThis paper adopts a practice theory approach to study interprofessional collaboration between schools and artistic institutions, giving voice not only to professionals but also to students.

The Contribution of Environmental Diplomacy to Disaster Risk Reduction

This study critically examines the contribution of environmental diplomacy in disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing its importance in mitigating the impacts of natural hazards exacerbated by climate change. As global environmental challenges increase, the intersection of international diplomatic efforts and DRR becomes essential for promoting resilience and reducing vulnerabilities. Through a comprehensive analysis of the UNDRR Frameworks, this research investigates how environmental diplomacy contributes to DRR by facilitating international cooperation, enhancing resource allocation, and fostering knowledge dissemination. The study employs an interpretive qualitative inductive methodology, incorporating case studies to identify best practices and challenges in aligning environmental diplomacy with DRR objectives. Findings reveal that robust environmental diplomacy significantly enhances disaster preparedness by promoting cross-border collaboration, accelerating access to climate finance, and integrating local capacities into global frameworks. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of implementation gaps, accessibility to financial resources, and the representation of vulnerable nations in decision-making processes. Key recommendations include strengthening international diplomatic engagements, streamlining climate finance mechanisms, and promoting regional cooperation to address shared risks. Additionally, the study advocates for integrating DRR into national development policies, enhancing community-based resilience efforts, and improving monitoring and evaluation systems to track DRR progress. The research concludes that by reinforcing the synergies between environmental diplomacy and DRR, the global community can better address the increasing risks posed by climate-related disasters and build more sustainable, resilient societies

Understanding Turkey’s return to the Horn of Africa: historical legacies and their influence on current relations

ABSTRACT This study examines the relations between Turkey and the Horn of Africa, focusing on historical legacies and their impact on relationships. The examination of Turkey’s relations to the Horn of Africa can be categorized into three stages. The initial stage might be characterized as a period of active involvement during which the Ottomans emerged as a prominent participant in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea areas. The historical legacies of this particular period play a significant role in enhancing our understanding of the opportunities and challenges that shaped Turkey’s subsequent interactions with the Horn region. The subsequent period, spanning from 1923 to 1998 can be characterized as an era of active withdrawal and shrinking from Empire to Statist Republicanism, during which Turkey’s engagement and relations with the Horn countries were constrained. The third phase, which has its origins in the Open to Africa document from 1998 and materialized in 2002 with the rise of AKP, can be interpreted as a period characterized by Turkey’s revitalized efforts to foster comprehensive collaborations with the countries in the Horn region. The research utilizes an analytical and interpretive methodology to examine various documents and secondary sources of literature.

Enhancing Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Preparation: A Qualitative Study of Current Practices and the Role of Virtual Reality Tools.

How children prepare for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help reduce the need for sedation and improve access to pediatric health care. Embedding virtual reality (VR) tools within routine preparation for MRI may support this process. The aim of this study was to qualitatively describe the process of preparing a child for MRI in a tertiary health care setting. We sought to understand the roles of health care workers, parents, and special equipment, such as VR, in preparing children for a successful and a high-quality diagnostic scan. There were 29 participants (13 children, 13 caregivers, and 3 health professionals). Children scheduled for clinically indicated noncontrast head MRI scans were recorded on video throughout routine MRI preparation with their parents and health care professionals, with VR included as part of standard care. Interviews with children and caregivers were completed on arrival, immediately before MRI, and post MRI. Using an interpretive description methodology, we integrated coded data from the audio and video to identify themes within an attachment theory framework. Our qualitative analysis of child MRI preparation strategies revealed 2 main categories: (1) strategies that support self-efficacy and (2) a sense of agency. Strategies employed by child life therapists and caregivers included providing opportunities for accomplishment, practicing sensations, and fostering relational connections through play and collaboration. VR tools enhanced the children's sense of agency and confidence and offer additional educational and coaching possibilities. MRI preparation methods emphasized attachment between child, caregiver, staff, and MR environment by enhancing the child's self-efficacy and sense of agency. VR offers a platform for MR education and building trust between the child, staff, and MRI setting, with potential utility in underserved medical settings.

“Blended Placement: A Balancing Act”

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated healthcare practice education placement shortages. In Ireland, four occupational therapy programmes developed the blended onsite/offsite practice education placement model to increase placement capacity. Offsite learning included projects, supervision and telehealth, while clinical contact was prioritised when onsite. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of practice educators (PEs) who had supervised students using this model. The study used a qualitative interpretive methodology. PEs with experience of supervising a blended placement took part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to explore themes in the data. PEs felt the model benefitted students’ self-directed learning and independence. The study found that PEs valued the time apart from the student to be able to manage their own workload. Some were concerned about reduced clinical contact and operational challenges. Overall PEs were positive about the model’s use beyond COVID-19. Participants in this study value ongoing use of the blended onsite/offsite placement model. The flexibility of the model for the practice educator is key to its sustainability. Information gathered in this study facilitated the development of a Blended Onsite/Offsite Model (BOOM) Planning Tool, applicable to other health and social care professions. There is a need to promote this model as part of a wider strategy to address placement capacity challenges.

Human reproductive rights in the practice of the European Court of Human Rights: impact on law enforcement practice and constitutional legal doctrine in Ukraine

The article is devoted to the issues of reproductive human rights in the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and their impact on the practice of law enforcement and constitutional-legal doctrine in Ukraine. It emphasizes that personal reproductive rights are an important element of the system of fundamental human rights. Judicial practice, including the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, has a significant impact on the regulation and implementation of reproductive rights. A priority area for the development of Ukrainian legislation is the study of the possibilities of using judicial practice in the fiel of protection and safeguarding reproductive rights. A key issue in this regard is the scope of the regulating influence of precedential rulings concerning reproductive rights, as reflected in the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. It is noted that referring to this practice is becoming a common legal practice among participants in judicial and administrative procedures. At the same time, a problem arises in applying judicial practice to relationships that are not independently regulated by law in Ukraine due to the absence of a separate legal act governing assisted reproductive technologies. It is emphasized that such a national legal act should adhere to the principles outlined in the precedential decisions of the European Court of Human Rights related to reproductive rights. The current law enforcement practice of the European Court of Human Rights demonstrates its use of a well-developed methodology for interpretation based on the consensus (legal harmonization) method, i.e., combining the interpretation of international acts and agreements with the practice of member states’ national legal systems. At the same time, the analysis of constitutional interpretations reflected in national legal systems is also important. At the level of constitutional-legal doctrine, it becomes important to form theoretical approaches to understanding the interpretative mechanisms for applying the precedent law of the European Court of Human Rights, specifically in the area of reproductive rights.

Tafsir Ayat Al-Quran sebagai Pendidik

This study examines the role of interpretation of Qur'anic verses as an educational instrument in the context of contemporary Islamic learning. Through literature analysis and case studies, this study explores how the interpretation of Quranic verses can serve as an effective pedagogical tool in transmitting moral, ethical, and spiritual values to students. The main focus is given on the methodology of interpretation that is relevant to the needs of modern education, as well as its impact on the understanding and internalization of Islamic teachings by the younger generation. The results of the study show that a contextual and integrative interpretation approach has significant potential in increasing the effectiveness of Islamic education. These findings highlight the importance of adapting traditional interpretation methods to contemporary pedagogical approaches to create more meaningful and relevant learning experiences. The implications of this research include recommendations for the development of a more holistic and responsive Islamic education curriculum to the challenges of the times, as well as teacher training in using the interpretation of the Quran as a dynamic and transformative educational tool.

An explainable predictive model for anxiety symptoms risk among Chinese older adults with abdominal obesity using a machine learning and SHapley Additive exPlanations approach

BackgroundEarly detection of anxiety symptoms can support early intervention and may help reduce the burden of disease in later life in the elderly with abdominal obesity, thereby increasing the chances of healthy aging. The objective of this research is to formulate and validate a predictive model that forecasts the probability of developing anxiety symptoms in elderly Chinese individuals with abdominal obesity.MethodThis research’s model development and internal validation encompassed 2,427 participants from the 2017-2018 Study of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Forty-six variables were defined based on the Health Ecology Model (HEM) theoretical framework. Key variables were screened using LASSO regression, and the XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) model was further introduced to forecast the risk of developing anxiety symptoms in the elderly with abdominal obesity. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was adopted to further interpret and show how the eigenvalues contributed to the model predictions.ResultsA total of 240 participants (9.89%) with anxiety symptoms out of 2,427 participants were included. LASSO regression identified nine key variables: looking on the bright side, self-reported economic status, self-reported quality of life, self-reported health status, watching TV or listening to the radio, feeling energetic, feeling ashamed/regretful/guilty, feeling angry, and fresh fruits. All the evaluation indicators of the XGBoost model showed good predictive efficacy. Based on the significance of the features identified by SHAP (Model Interpretation Methodology), the feature ‘looking on the bright side’ was the most important, and the feature ‘self-reported quality of life’ was the least important. The SHAP beeswarm plot illustrated the impacts of features affected by XGBoost.ConclusionUtilizing machine learning techniques, our predictive model can precisely evaluate the risk of anxiety symptoms among elderly individuals with abdominal obesity, facilitating the timely adoption of targeted intervention measures. The integration of XGBoost and SHAP offers transparent interpretations for customized risk forecasts.

Derivative Recognition and Intersystemic Interpretation

Abstract In intersystemic cases, a court applies the law of a foreign system. Scholars have argued that the court ought to use the interpretive methodology of the foreign system’s courts. I argue against that intuitive position. First, interpretive methodology is not bound up with primary rights and duties such that it constitutes substantive law for conflict of laws purposes. Second, although interpretive methodology has epistemic value and may affect case outcomes, a given methodology might not have the same epistemic value or the same effect on outcomes for differently situated interpreters. Further, the approach that the foreign judges take to interpreting their own law is necessarily anchored to the foreign system’s rule of recognition, which is not true of the approach of external judges. Descriptive facts might align such that external interpreters would have to use the internal methodology to identify the applicable law, but that’s an empirical question the answer to which will vary from case to case.

“Do I need to reinvent myself?” Stigmatization of sport-related identities of Chinese students

ObjectivesWhile many studies have shown that student-athletes are a stigmatized group and topics related to them have received increasing attention, few studies have focused on the current situation of Chinese sports students (tiyu sheng) with the same dual identity as student-athletes. Thus, this study aims to understand and recognize the negative perceptions that students with sports identities experience in the Chinese educational and cultural context and the impact of these perceptions on them.MethodsThis qualitative study used an interpretive description methodology to collect data through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted by the researcher with 11 sports students, 4 regular students, 3 teachers, and 2 parents. Then, the interview data was analyzed using reflective thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were eventually extracted: (1) The onset and development of stigma, (2) Stigma factors in the spotlight, and (3) the Response to stigmatization by sports students.ConclusionFindings indicated that sports students are subjected to various stigmas under the negative filters of society. The stigmas suffered by sports students vary across school years and levels, and their perceptions of stigmas may also change over time and in different environments. In addition, being subjected to stereotype threat and self-stigma may have hurt some participants. The study’s results also provide evidence that the Internet plays a vital role in exacerbating the development of stigmatization among sports students, which needs to be determined by further research. These findings will contribute to subsequent research on the de-stigmatization of sports students.

Lived experiences of medical students during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative research

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted medical students worldwide. Considering the uniqueness of the situation, capturing the real-life experiences of individuals could enhance our understanding of the situation. The present study aimed to get an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of medical students amid the COVID-19 crisis. Methods: This qualitative study employed an interpretative phenomenological methodology. Participants were chosen using purposive sampling, which was continued until data saturation was achieved. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen medical students of Tabriz Islamic Azad University to gather data. The collected data were then analyzed utilizing Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis approach. Results: The data analysis revealed two overarching themes and ten associated subthemes. The first main theme, "opportunity for growth," was broken down into four subthemes: communication, adaptation, reflection, and pride. The second primary theme, "suffering and fear," was characterized by five subthemes: aggression, anxiety, grief, uncertainty, and isolation. These subthemes reflect the positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the participants. Conclusion: The pandemic has brought about numerous challenges for medical students, necessitating the active intervention of universities to mitigate potential long-term repercussions. Addressing these dual aspects requires a multifaceted approach.

Making knowledge management transparent: a new perspective on KM processes integration in the organizational framework

PurposeWhile scholars agree on the complexity of knowledge management processes (KMPs), achieving a comprehensive understanding of these processes and how they integrate into the core organizational processes still proves challenging. In response to this research gap, this study presents a pioneering, inductive exploration into the views of chief knowledge officers (CKOs).Design/methodology/approachWe employed an interpretative multiple-case study methodology, conducting semi-structured interviews with 28 CKOs across diverse industry sectors. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data.FindingsThe CKOs’ insights reveal that the degree of “superposition and overlap” between KMPs and business processes is pivotal to the effectiveness of both knowledge management (KM) and business operations. The study introduces the concept of “transparent KM,” where KM becomes an imperceptible yet indispensable element of the organizational structure. This challenges the conventional notion of KM as an isolated discipline and highlights the dangers of artificially segregating KMPs from core business processes, which can result in employee disengagement and managerial doubts about the value of KM.Originality/valueThis research contributes to a novel vision of KM, advocating for the seamless integration of KMPs into organizational processes. It suggests that KM should be considered a ubiquitous force that naturally enhances organizational workflows. Scholars, practitioners and company leaders, in designing business processes, should take into consideration their KM implications and, in turn, potentially reshaping the strategic role of KM in organizations.

Functional assessment of major salivary glands using scintigraphy

To demonstrate a methodology of scintigraphy imaging interpretation considering pixel intensity values in groups of patients presenting lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS), SS associated to systemic lupus erythematosus, parotiditis, drug-induced sialorrhea and salivary glands disease-free. Material and methods: A total of 36 salivary gland scintigraphy images that were from patients with lupus erythematosus, SS, SS combined lupus, parotiditis, and drug-induced sialorrhea were assessed. The pixel intensity of the scintigrams was also evaluated using the standardized grayscale at 8 bits, Images were analyzed under a region of interest (ROI) of 2 cm2 at maximum uptake using ImageJ. Results: Significant differences between the groups were obtained both for parotid (p=0.026) and submandibular glands (p=0.0952). Statistical significant differences were observed in post-hoc tests between Lupus combined with SS patients, for parotid and submandibular glands, when compared to normal group (p=0.04 and p=0.03 respectively). Pixel values were higher for Lupus combined with SS patients, representing a lower uptake. Conclusion: The pixel intensity assessment was able to differentiate and point to lower salivary flow rates for the systemic lupus erythematosus combined with SS patients when compared to other disorders affecting the salivary gland function.