Interview Guides Research Articles

Collaborative Strategies for Enhancing Child Protection Practices in Pre-Primary Schools: A Case Study of Kira Municipality, Uganda

Child protection practices are measures and interventions intended to safeguard children against violence in school. These practices create safe environments that enable children to thrive. Some of these include the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Child protection agencies’ collaboration is a partnership that supports children’s well-being. This study investigated the contribution of child protection agencies’ collaboration on protection practices in Pre-primary schools in Kira Municipality, which has continued to be challenging. This study was informed by the social capital theory emphasizing the significance of social relationships, trust, and mutuality. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, and data was collected using quantitative and qualitative tools. These included document analysis checklists, interview guides, observation checklists, and questionnaires. The respondents included headteachers, Centre Management Committee members, parents, Local Council members, and Probation officers. The results indicated that schools rarely collaborated with child protection agencies to ensure that protection practices were implemented in pre-primary schools. In contrast, the probation officers reported that the schools didn’t involve them during the planning, though it was when they would know the areas for collaboration. Four significant recommendations for improving child protection practices are given. Child protection workers need to jointly develop plans that promote child safety and protection, train and build the capacity of educators on issues of child protection, increase resources and financial support to promote child safety and protection, and finally, advocate for laws and policies that promote children’s rights.

Collaborative Strategies for Enhancing Child Protection Practices in Pre-Primary Schools: A Case Study of Kira Municipality, Uganda

Child protection practices are measures and interventions intended to safeguard children against violence in school. These practices create safe environments that enable children to thrive. Some of these include the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Child protection agencies’ collaboration is a partnership that supports children’s well-being. This study investigated the contribution of child protection agencies’ collaboration on protection practices in Pre-primary schools in Kira Municipality, which has continued to be challenging. This study was informed by the social capital theory emphasizing the significance of social relationships, trust, and mutuality. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, and data was collected using quantitative and qualitative tools. These included document analysis checklists, interview guides, observation checklists, and questionnaires. The respondents included headteachers, Centre Management Committee members, parents, Local Council members, and Probation officers. The results indicated that schools rarely collaborated with child protection agencies to ensure that protection practices were implemented in pre-primary schools. In contrast, the probation officers reported that the schools didn’t involve them during the planning, though it was when they would know the areas for collaboration. Four significant recommendations for improving child protection practices are given. Child protection workers need to jointly develop plans that promote child safety and protection, train and build the capacity of educators on issues of child protection, increase resources and financial support to promote child safety and protection, and finally, advocate for laws and policies that promote children’s rights.

Extent of Parents Involvement in Enhancing Public Secondary School Students' Discipline in Siha District, Tanzania

Abstract: This study investigated the extent to which parent involvement can enhance the discipline of public secondary school students in Siha District. The study employed a convergent design under a mixed-method approach. The targeted population of 17 public secondary schools contains 17 heads of schools, 17 discipline teachers, and 7553 students from public secondary schools in Siha District. A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 380 students from 15 schools, and a total population purposive sampling technique was used for 15 heads of schools and 15 discipline teachers to form a sample of 410 respondents. The study utilised questionnaires and interview guides for data collection, with instrument validation done by experts in educational planning and admiration at Mwenge Catholic University. The established reliability coefficients for students Likert items found in questionnaires were 0.842. The reliability of qualitative research tools was established through triangulation. The qualitative data were presented in narrative form and direct quotations and analysed thematically. The quantitative data were presented in a table and summarised in frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Rigorous adherence to ethical concerns all over the study. The study found that, to a large extent, parent involvement enhances discipline among public secondary school students. The study concluded that parental involvement is crucial in improving student discipline in public secondary schools. The study recommends prioritising parental involvement in addressing student discipline issues rather than resorting to other strategies.

Practicality of Case Study Assessment Practice in Enhancing Students’ Active Learning in English Subject in Public Secondary Schools in Same District, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to investigate practicality of case study assessment practice in enhancing students’ English active learning in English subject in public secondary schools in Same district, Tanzania. The study was guided by Discovery learning theory. The study employed mixed methods approach whereby convergent research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data in one phase. Target population for this study included District Quality Assurance Officers, public Secondary School English language teachers, heads of language departments and form three students in public Secondary School in Same District. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques were used to determine the study sample that consisted of 402 respondents. The study used questionnaires and interview guides in data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of percentages, frequencies and mean scores whereas qualitative data from the interview guides was analyzed thematically by transcribing information, coding them and generating themes according to the research questions. The researcher considered research ethics such as confidentiality and anonymity. The study found that teachers in public secondary schools in Same district use to a low extent flipped classroom in assessment processes. The study revealed that, project-based assessment practices are rarely used in public Secondary Schools in Same district. Thus, the study concluded that case studies assessment practices were used public Secondary Schools of Same district by small number of teachers. The study recommends the government should prioritize more on resources, and teacher training to improve case studies assessment practices, ensuring practicality and supporting schools in promoting student active learning.

University Education in Kenya: Stakeholder Perspectives on Assessment Quality

Industry demand for skills whose application is dependent on changing technological innovations has been on the rise in Kenya. This has put a spotlight on professionals engaged in higher education and training roles. Society expects higher education institutions to not only provide opportunities for learning, but to deliver education in forms that are relevant to socio-economic productive processes. Decisions on teaching and examinations which were previously accepted on the basis of competence and professional discretion are now being challenged, based on the dynamic demands of the labour market. Universities are required to legitimize and communicate results of their activities to the public, which effectively means transferring control of education to a larger stakeholder constituency. Of interest to this research therefore, was the role of facilities and the effectiveness of internal institutional mechanisms for assuring assessment quality to stakeholders. This study sought to explore the extent to which universities in Kenya have embraced reforms to meet demand for increased quality and accountability in education assessment. A sample of 524 respondents from both public and private universities was selected for use in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Qualitative data was transcribed, and presented in themes. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (percentages, means, Chi square (X2)) to determine the effectiveness of quality assessment processes. All statistical inferences were done at α = 0.05, This study stands to benefit university managers by providing evidence on the state of assessment quality at institutional level. This can help empower students, and other stakeholders involved in supporting university education, to consider quality among criteria for support, and to help foster competition among institutions

Implementation and Impact of Intimate Partner Violence Screening Expansion in the Veterans Health Administration: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Evaluation.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem with far-reaching consequences. The health care system plays an integral role in the detection of and response to IPV. Historically, the majority of IPV screening initiatives have targeted women of reproductive age, with little known about men's IPV screening experiences or the impact of screening on men's health care. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has called for an expansion of IPV screening, providing a unique opportunity for a large-scale evaluation of IPV screening and response across all patient populations. In this protocol paper, we describe the recently funded Partnered Evaluation of Relationship Health Innovations and Services through Mixed Methods (PRISM) initiative, aiming to evaluate the implementation and impact of the VHA's IPV screening and response expansion, with a particular focus on identifying potential gender differences. The PRISM Initiative is guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) frameworks. We will use mixed methods data from 139 VHA facilities to evaluate the IPV screening expansion, including electronic health record data and qualitative interviews with patients, clinicians, and national IPV program leadership. Quantitative data will be analyzed using a longitudinal observational design with repeated measurement periods at baseline (T0), year 1 (T1), and year 2 (T2). Qualitative interviews will focus on identifying multilevel factors, including potential implementation barriers and facilitators critical to IPV screening and response expansion, and examining the impact of screening on patients and clinicians. The PRISM initiative was funded in October 2023. We have developed the qualitative interview guides, obtained institutional review board approval, extracted quantitative data for baseline analyses, and began recruitment for qualitative interviews. Reports of progress and results will be made available to evaluation partners and funders through quarterly and end-of-year reports. All data collection and analyses across time points are expected to be completed in June 2026. Findings from this mixed methods evaluation will provide a comprehensive understanding of IPV screening expansion at the VHA, including the implementation and impact of screening and the scope of IPV detected in the VHA patient population. Moreover, data generated by this initiative have critical policy and clinical practice implications in a national health care system. PRR1-10.2196/59918.

Advancing medical laboratory practice in Pakistan: insights from a focus group study on technologists’ training needs

BackgroundThe realm of medical laboratory technology (MLT) training and education is unstructured in Pakistan. The primary challenge currently confronting the workforce in MLT is the absence of standardized curricula and assessments in education and training. This was an exploratory study aiming to inquire experiences of trainees, alumni and teaching coordinators regarding the technologist training program in a single institute at Pakistan.MethodsTo gain an in depth understanding of MLT program, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were held at Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Pakistan during Feb-April 2024. A team of pathologists and educationists developed interview guides for FGDs in English. Interviews were bilingual, transcribed verbatim and coded using thematic analysis. Participants included current trainees, alumni, teaching and learning coordinators and moderators for the interview.ResultsA total of 29 participants were engaged; these included current MLT trainees (n = 10), alumni (n = 10), and teaching/learning coordinators and sectional supervisors (n = 9). Five main themes emerged from the analysis of FGDs: (Scott MG, Rifai N, Smith B, Oellerich M, Panteghini M, Apple F et al. The changing face of laboratory medicine: a more service and less academically oriented profession? 2015;61(2):322-9.) Recognition of key features of the MTT program, (Ferraro S, Braga F, Panteghini MJCC, Medicine L. Lab Med new Healthc Environ. 2016;54(4):523–33.) Evaluating curriculum design, (Waheed U, Ahmad M, Wazeer A, Saeed M, Saba N, Rasheed FJMJMS. Medical laboratory science education; shaping competent and skilled healthcare professionals. 2023;1(1):58–63.) Teaching and learning strategies, (Ned-Sykes R, Johnson C, Ridderhof JC, Perlman E, Pollock A, DeBoy JM. Competency guidelines for public health laboratory professionals. 2015.) Addressing the need to improve assessment methods, and (Linder RJJM, Education B. Educating medical laboratory technologists: revisiting our assumptions in the current economic and health-care environment. 2012;13(2):150-4.) Navigating the transition from a trainee to a competent technologist.ConclusionOur investigation demonstrated its potential as a valuable needs assessment study, highlighting key strengths, drawbacks, and challenges of the existing MTT program. Importantly, these findings at our institute can inform further research efforts to design competency-based MLT education and training programs in Pakistan.

Identifying barriers and facilitators to follow-up after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR): Qualitative study design and protocol

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is now first line therapy for most patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) as it reduces perioperative morbidity and mortality compared to open surgery. However, up to 40 % of patients do not undergo recommended follow-up, increasing risk of subsequent rupture. Risk factors for loss to follow-up have been studied retrospectively, however, qualitative studies assessing perceived barriers and facilitators to follow-up have not been performed and there are few qualitative protocols within the vascular surgery literature. This article presents a qualitative descriptive study protocol aimed at understanding and improving post-operative follow-up adherence after EVAR developed through an iterative process based on the Theoretical Domains Framework of behavior change. Steps include:•Selection of target behavior and study design•Development of study materials, sampling/recruitment strategy, and data collection•Qualitative data analysis and reporting findingsWe demonstrate the feasibility of this study by pilot testing of the semi-structured interview guides on a small group of patients, healthcare providers, and key personnel. This protocol aims to describe key stakeholder experiences within the healthcare system that will ultimately serve as the basis for future multi-institutional research piloting intervention strategies to improve EVAR follow-up.

Facilitators and barriers to monitoring and evaluation at syringe service programs

BackgroundSyringe services programs (SSPs) provide harm reduction supplies and services to people who use drugs and are often required by funders or partners to collect data from program participants. SSPs can use these data during monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to inform programmatic decision making, however little is known about facilitators and barriers to collecting and using data at SSPs.MethodsUsing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted 12 key informant interviews with SSP staff to describe the overall landscape of data systems at SSPs, understand facilitators and barriers to data collection and use at SSPs, and generate recommendations for best practices for data collection at SSPs. We used 30 CFIR constructs to develop individual interview guides, guide data analysis, and interpret study findings.ResultsFour main themes emerged from our analysis: SSP M&E systems are primarily designed to be responsive to perceived SSP client needs and preferences; SSP staffing capacity influences the likelihood of modifying M&E systems; external funding frequently forces changes to M&E systems; and strong M&E systems are often a necessary precursor for accessing funding.ConclusionsOur findings highlight that SSPs are not resistant to data collection and M&E, but face substantial barriers to implementation, including lack of funding and disjointed data reporting requirements. There is a need to expand M&E-focused funding opportunities, harmonize quantitative indicators collected across funders, and minimize data collection to essential data points for SSPs.

Health care needs and barriers to care among the transgender population: a study from western Rajasthan

BackgroundTransgender people comprise an estimated 0.3–0.5% (25 million) of the global population. The public health agenda focuses on understanding and improving the health and well-being of gender minorities. Transgender (TG) persons often have complex healthcare needs and suffer significant health disparities in multiple arenas. The international literature suggests that this community is at a higher risk of depression, and other mental health problems, including HIV. Many transgender people experience gender dysphoria and seek specific medical needs such as sex reassignment surgeries, implants, hormonal therapies, etc., but are unable to access these services due to financial or social reasons. The objective of this study was to assess the healthcare needs and associated barriers experienced by transgender people in Western Rajasthan. Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out in which multilevel stakeholder interviews were conducted using interview and focus group discussion guides. Data was analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis technique. Results: Findings reveal that transgender people have expressed their need to access health services for general health needs, including but not limited to mental health, non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases. Barriers to healthcare services were identified on 3 levels: health system, social and personal. Health system barriers include policy, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability issues. Social factors such as inadequate housing, education, and job opportunities also play an important role in affecting the individual’s health-seeking behavior. The knowledge of healthcare providers in this context was also limited in context of health insurance schemes, package of services available for transgenders and the importance of gender sensitive healthcare. Conclusion: Transgender people expressed the need for mental health services, programs targeting nutritional improvement, gender-affirmation procedures besides regular screening of non-communicable diseases as operational for males and females. Levels of barriers have been identified at various levels ranging from absence of targeted policies to individual behavior.

Strategies used to reduce harms associated with fentanyl exposure among rural people who use drugs: multi-site qualitative findings from the rural opioid initiative

AimIllicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogs are the primary drivers of opioid overdose deaths in the United States (U.S.). People who use drugs may be exposed to fentanyl or its analogs intentionally or unintentionally. This study sought to identify strategies used by rural people who use drugs to reduce harms associated with unintentional fentanyl exposure.MethodsThis analysis focused on 349 semi-structured qualitative interviews across 10 states and 58 rural counties in the U.S conducted between 2018 and 2020. Interview guides were collaboratively standardized across sites and included questions about drug use history (including drugs currently used, frequency of use, mode of administration) and questions specific to fentanyl. Deductive coding was used to code all data, then inductive coding of overdose and fentanyl codes was conducted by an interdisciplinary writing team.ResultsParticipants described being concerned that fentanyl had saturated the drug market, in both stimulant and opioid supplies. Participants utilized strategies including: (1) avoiding drugs that were perceived to contain fentanyl, (2) buying drugs from trusted sources, (3) using fentanyl test strips, 4) using small doses and non-injection routes, (5) using with other people, (6) tasting, smelling, and looking at drugs before use, and (7) carrying and using naloxone. Most people who used drugs used a combination of these strategies as there was an overwhelming fear of fatal overdose.ConclusionPeople who use drugs living in rural areas of the U.S. are aware that fentanyl is in their drug supply and use several strategies to prevent associated harms, including fatal overdose. Increasing access to harm reduction tools (e.g., fentanyl test strips, naloxone) and services (e.g., community drug checking, syringe services programs, overdose prevention centers) should be prioritized to address the polysubstance-involved overdose crisis. These efforts should target persons who use opioids and other drugs that may contain fentanyl.

Barriers to the adoption of routine surgical video recording: a mixed-methods qualitative study of a real-world implementation of a video recording platform

BackgroundRoutine surgical video recording has multiple benefits. Video acts as an objective record of the operative record, allows video-based coaching and is integral to the development of digital technologies. Despite these benefits, adoption is not widespread. To date, only questionnaire studies have explored this failure in adoption. This study aims to determine the barriers and provide recommendations for the implementation of routine surgical video recording.Materials and methodsA pre- and post-pilot questionnaire surrounding a real-world implementation of a C-SATS©, an educational recording and surgical analytics platform, was conducted in a university teaching hospital trust. Usage metrics from the pilot study and descriptive analyses of questionnaire responses were used with the non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, sustainability (NASSS) framework to create topic guides for semi-structured interviews. Transcripts of interviews were evaluated in an inductive thematic analysis.ResultsEngagement with the C-SATS© platform failed to reach consistent levels with only 57 videos uploaded. Three attending surgeons, four surgical residents, one scrub nurse, three patients, one lawyer, and one industry representative were interviewed, all of which perceived value in recording. Barriers of ‘change,’ ‘resource,’ and ‘governance,’ were identified as the main themes. Resistance was centred on patient misinterpretation of videos. Participants believed availability of infrastructure would facilitate adoption but integration into surgical workflow is required. Regulatory uncertainty was centred around anonymity and data ownership.ConclusionBarriers to the adoption of routine surgical video recording exist beyond technological barriers alone. Priorities for implementation include integration recording into the patient record, engaging all stakeholders to ensure buy-in, and formalising consent processes to establish patient trust.

Tukutendereze: Contextualizing Salvation in Kigezi Sub-Region

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to contextualize the concept of salvation among the Anglican Christians in the Kigezi Sub-region. It takes time to investigate whether the salvation that Jesus offers is not enough in solving the Christians’ problems in the Kigezi sub-region and if the subjective theory of salvation that the East African revival movement espoused is relevant to the Bakiga Christians today. Methodology: The researcher employed qualitative research approach. This study was conducted in the geographical jurisdiction of Kigezi Sub-region in the present-day dioceses of Kigezi, North Kigezi, Kinkizi and Muhabura. These were the cradle of revival movement in 1930s. The population for this research was the Bakiga who are the adherents to the Anglican faith in Kigezi Sub-region. the researcher used the purposive sampling technique. The key respondents in total were 8 people who included the surviving members of 1930s and 1950s Revival movement in Kigezi Sub-region, the church leaders and ordinary Christians who are only adherents to Anglican faith. The researcher used the questionnaires and interview guides. The data was analyzed by the researcher in a descriptive way Findings: The study argues that Contextualization is central to any attempt to weave the gospel to cultures together. The context in which theology takes place shapes the form and influences the contents of the theology. All people, whether they realize it or not, are shaped by the culture in which they live. Culture even shapes a person’s reception of the Christian faith. This study asserts that no one ever meets universal Christianity in itself: we only ever meet Christianity in a local form and that means a historically, culturally conditioned form. The study concludes that there is nothing wrong in having local forms of Christianity if we remember that they are local. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that, when crisis strikes, believers should not deny the existence and potency of demonic spirits, but they should not yield to them. Instead, believers should affirm their radical commitment to the sovereign Lord. There is need for all Christians to address their cultural postulated reality of crises pastorally with seriousness, sensitivity, and respect.

Post Crisis Communication Strategies Used in Crises Preparedness in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Naivasha Sub-County

Purpose: This study sought to evaluate the post-crisis communication strategies used in crises preparedness in the tourism and hospitality industry in Naivasha Sub-County in Nakuru County of Kenya. Methodology: Mixed research methodology was used in the study, particularly the dominant-less dominant parallel/simultaneous (QUAL + quan) design. A quantitative sample of 362 and a qualitative sample of the key informants was drawn from a population of 1092 employees using the multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques, respectively. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires for survey of the 362 respondents and interview guides for the key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and were subjected to regression analysis using SPSS software whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings: The study found that various post-crisis communication strategies were used in crises preparedness in tourism and hospitality industry on Naivasha subcounty. A communication strategy that emphasizes protection of the reputation of the organization was popular among a larger portion of the respondents 60% (n=177). The study also revealed that as a post-crisis communication strategy, the management in the hotels was keen to give information that focuses on coping psychologically with a crisis situation. The hotels also ensured that keeping the image of the hotels through communication strategies would enhance crises preparedness. The findings in post-crisis communication strategies included the messaging that focuses more on rebuilding of the organization’s profitability. This was found to be strongly and positively associated with restoration of the hotel’s image (r=.610). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The situational crisis communication theory guided the study. The study recommends that the Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Tourism develop policies that spell and guide crisis management plans that acknowledge effective crisis communication strategies in hotels in the country. This study findings will inform academia and be a base for scholars in mass communication in carrying out further studies in communicative strategies used in crises preparedness. The study will also inform the hotel and hospitality management on the importance of allocating adequate resources on communicative strategies to be prepared for crises.

The Impact of Code Switching and Code Mixing on Learning of English Language in Lower Secondary School level: A Case Study of Selected Schools in Rubavu District, Rwanda

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, making it essential for effective global communication. This is why individuals who aspire to thrive in today's global society must possess proficiency in English. This study focuses on how the use of code switching (CS) and code mixing (CM) affect the learning of the English language in G. S. Bisizi and G. S. Gikombe of Rubavu District in Rwanda. The study was conducted with the aim to: (1) identify reasons for code switching and code mixing in lower secondary schools; (2) assess the impact of CS and CM on students’ performance in learning English; and (3) establish strategies to adopt in order to avoid CS and CM in English language classrooms. It was conducted based on the matrix language frame and sequential theories. A descriptive research design was used. The researchers employed a mixed method for data collection, analysis, and presentation. Its total population is comprised of 726 individuals, including 716 students, 6 teachers, and 4 school leaders from both schools. The sample size is 85 respondents (75 students, 6 teachers, and 4 school leaders) got by use of simple random sampling (students) and purposive sampling techniques (teachers and school leaders). During the collection of primary data, questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists were used as convenient tools, while documentation was used in collecting secondary data. The findings indicated that the lack of vocabulary, emphasizing a particular topic while teaching and learning English, and the intention to clarify the speech content are the major reasons for using CS and CM. They also reveal that CS and CM contribute to students’ failure in learning English, as both create a lack of their confidence in speaking, limit students’ practice in speaking English, retard their ability to master English, and lead to a low understanding and mastery of English. In addition, the study revealed that teachers are the main source for CS and CM in their classes. Finally, this research recommends that school leaders and English language teachers should reinstate a policy of speaking English in the school premises and make an effective follow-up to ensure students do not violate it. Teachers should also act as role models in their language classes by avoiding CS and CM, whereas the decision makers in education should initiate a short-term professional program and special ways to avoid CS among teachers to help students effectively learn English language.

Approaches in care for people with variations of sex characteristics—focus groups in the European context on the strengths and challenges of multidisciplinary teams

Abstract Background New guidelines in the Consensus Statement on Management of Intersex Disorders by the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society/European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Consensus Group 2006 introduced multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to provide care that involves collaboration between healthcare professionals, parents, and children with variations of sex characteristics (VSC). Aim The aim of this study was to examine a neglected but important field of collaboration among healthcare professionals and peer support groups who provide care for people with VSC. Outcomes The study outcome was the information obtained regarding the actual composition and collaboration of the multidisciplinary teams caring for children with VSC, including their collaboration with parents, peer support groups, and other care providers. Methods In this study we used an exploratory qualitative design based on mixed focus groups (in terms of professional background) and reflexive thematic analysis. Semi-structured focus group interview guides were used to obtain information about the participants’ viewpoints on the composition and challenges of, and collaboration between, peer support groups and members of multidisciplinary teams working to care for children with VSC and their parents. Seven focus groups were conducted with healthcare professionals and peer support groups in care teams in Central, Northern, and Western Europe. The data from the focus groups were examined using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The participants in the focus groups provided information regarding the use of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary child- and family-oriented approaches and the strengths and challenges of collaboration and peer support groups. The results showed that the teams used a predominantly multidisciplinary approach and suffered from a lack of psychosocial providers, poor collaboration with peer support groups, and poor implementation of shared decision-making to address the clinical uncertainty of parents and people with VSC. Clinical Implications Clinicians should provide more psychosocial support and improve collaboration with peer support groups and nonmedical professionals. Strengths and Limitations This study is one of the first qualitative studies to provide information on the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams working to provide care for children with VSC and collaborate with their parents in the European context. However, due to language barriers, the dropout rate of participants, and the under-representation of peer support groups in the sample there was a lack of information on collaboration among healthcare professionals and peer support groups. Conclusions The collaboration between MDTs and parents does not involve adequate psychosocial and peer support or shared decision-making to address the uncertainty experienced by children and families when faced with information about variations of sex characteristics.

An Interview Guide for Assessing Change, Innovation, and Risk Management within the Food System in Response to COVID-19

An Interview Guide for Assessing Change, Innovation, and Risk Management within the Food System in Response to COVID-19

The Effects of Sheng’ Vocabulary Usage in the Learning of Kiswahili Grammar in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya

Purpose: Sheng’ is a linguistic code based primarily on the Kiswahili structure and grammar with the lexicon drawn from Kiswahili, English and the various ethnic languages of Kenya; that are mostly spoken in towns and other urban areas. The purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of Sheng’ vocabulary on the learning of Kiswahili grammar in public secondary schools in Kenya. Methodology: Krejcie & Morgan sampling table was used to sample the schools. Stratified random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive strategy were used to sample the public secondary schools to participate. Krejcie and Morgan sampling table was used to sample 55 teachers of Kiswahili and 360 students to take part in the study. Data was collected using observation schedules, focused group discussion guides and a writing task for students. Questionnaires and interview guides were used for teachers of Kiswahili. Qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically to generate information that was summarized in graphics and discussed in narrative form. Quantitative data was analyzed with the help of Statistical package for social Studies. Findings: The findings of the study further revealed that Sheng’ vocabulary influenced written Kiswahili grammar as learners wrote Sheng’ words whereas they were expected to write standard Kiswahili. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: School administrators should come up with a school-based language policy so as to control learners’ language environment. The ministry of education should encourage the culture of drama, music and debate competition among schools. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should also ensure language use is stipulated in Kiswahili curriculum and Sheng’ be considered as an independent language code in the country.

The Extent to Which Teachers Perceive Open Performance Appraisal System in Enhancing Work Commitment in Public Secondary Schools in Moshi District, Tanzania

The study investigated the extent to which teachers perceive OPRAS in enhancing their work commitment in public secondary schools in Moshi District, Tanzania. The study was guided by one research question for which the researcher searched for a response. The study was guided by the Management by Objectives theory (MBO), which was propounded by Peter Drucker in 1954. Convergent Research Design under Mixed Research Methods was adopted. The target population was 1239 teachers, 10 heads of schools, one DSEO and one TCS secretary. The study used total population and stratified random sampling techniques to determine the study sample, which consisted of 136 respondents. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires and In-depth interview guides. Face and content validity was ensured by three MWECAU research experts. Pilot testing was done in two public secondary schools. The reliability was aided by the Likert-items type, which was estimated using Cronbach's Alpha, whereby the results obtained from the teachers' questionnaire were 0.74. Triangulation and peer debriefing were used to ensure the reliability of the interview guide. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data in frequencies, means and percentages and presented in tables with the aid of SPSS version 22. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. The study found that teachers in public secondary schools perceive negatively that OPRAS enhance work commitment in public secondary schools. Some teachers do not believe that OPRAS effectively enhances their overall job dedication and engagement. This negative perception highlights a gap between teachers who had expectations and those who perceived the effectiveness of the OPRAS system. The study recommends that the government should come up with practical mechanisms to ensure that all teachers work effectively and efficiently in order to improve general organizational performance.

KOMPETENSI DALAM PENGOLAHAN LIMBAH RUMAH TANGGA MENJADI PUPUK ORAGNIK DI KOTA KENDARI

The quantity of waste generated by households is on the rise, yet the capacity of Kendari City to manage existing waste is diminishing. In order to facilitate the implementation of suitable measures for the processing of waste, it is essential to ensure that the community possesses the requisite competence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the competence of the processing of household waste into organic fertilizer in Kendari City. This study employs a qualitative research methodology. The research informants were selected using the purposive sampling technique, resulting in a total of one informant. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis with the assistance of interview guides created for this purpose. The data were analyzed qualitatively using the theory proposed by Miles & Huberman, namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that competence in processing household waste into organic fertilizer in Kendari City is evident in the knowledge, attitudes, and skills possessed by the community in managing household waste into a useful and beneficial product such as organic fertilizer (search and solid). Effective waste management can facilitate a comprehensive and efficient approach that can positively impact the community in terms of health and the environment. Furthermore, it has the potential to serve as a source of income for the community. The processing of organic waste into organic fertilizer comprises six stages: collection and chopping of organic waste, mixing of organic waste into a composter, addition of MOL, closure of the composter, addition of organic waste and a second MOL, and sitting/fermentation of organic waste for 7 to 12 days.