Interview Schedule Research Articles

Transformation towards Organic Cassava Production in Yasothon Province, Thailand

With the marked increase in consumer and commercial demand for organic foods and products, organic cassava production has become a viable alternative for small growers because it can lead to the sustainability of the agriculture and food production system. However, few studies have been conducted to enable a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the transformation from chemical into organic cassava production systems. This study quantitatively aimed to identify socioeconomic, cassava profitability, and institutional factors that influence the cultural practice transformation towards organic cassava production in a district of Yasothon province, Thailand. We used a structured interview schedule to collect data from 283 sampled cassava growers comprising 236 chemical cassava growers and 47 organic cassava growers in the district during the period from August 2020 to November 2020. Quantitatively, we used the binary logistic regression method to identify the positive and negative factors contributing to the transformation of cassava production systems including growers’ motivations for the transformation. The study findings indicated that income from organic cassava was taken as the main motivation for growers’ decisions to transform (40.3%). We found that organic cassava farm gate price, access to formal credit, labor used and membership in growers’ organizations were positive significant factors that affected the cultural practice transformation. Finally, small cassava growers as well as stakeholders should systemically be considered by policymakers and in strategic intervention through relevant institutions.

Behavioral Insights into Farmers Adoption of Improved Rapeseed-mustard Cultivation Practices in North Bank Plain Zone of Assam, India

The study examines the adoption behavior of farmers regarding improved rapeseed-mustard cultivation practices in the North Bank Plain Zone of Assam. The primary objective was to analyze the socio-economic factors and adoption levels associated with technological interventions in rapeseed-mustard farming. A purposive simple random sampling method was employed, selecting 240 respondents from four districts. Data were collected using pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and correlation coefficient. Results revealed that 67.50 per cent of farmers demonstrated a medium level of adoption, while 21.67 per cent had a high adoption level. Socio-economic factors such as age, education, landholding, annual income, mass media exposure, and risk-bearing ability significantly influenced adoption behavior. Farmers with higher risk-bearing ability (42.92%) and medium to high achievement motivation (70.83%) adopted practices more effectively. Key barriers included inadequate awareness of advanced techniques and limited resources. The findings suggest that targeted extension services like delivering personalized advice, training, and resources that address the specific challenges faced by farmers in adopting improved practices of this crop, knowledge dissemination, and access to resources can enhance adoption levels. Encouraging risk-taking and achievement motivation through capacity-building programs can further improve the adoption of improved cultivation practices.

Deepening the participation of neurodivergent youth in qualitative mental health research: Co‐development of a general approach and the evaluation of its implementation in a study on emotion

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing expectation that neurodivergent young people, such as those with diagnoses of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism, should play a central role in shaping research on neurodevelopmental conditions. However, currently, their involvement is typically limited to arms‐length advice. To address this, the Regulating Emotions‐Strengthening Adolescent Resilience (RE‐STAR) programme has co‐developed a framework for deepening the involvement of neurodivergent participants in translational research. Here we apply this to build, implement and evaluate a new approach to participatory qualitative research.MethodsDevelopment – Building on the track record of successful collaboration between RE‐STAR academic researchers (ARs) and its Youth Researcher Panel (Y‐RP), a cycle of meetings was convened to co‐develop a collaborative protocol for the participatory approach. Implementation – ARs and Y‐RPers applied the general protocol to study a specific topic. This involved co‐designing and co‐delivering an interview schedule to study the emotional experiences of 12 adolescents with diagnoses of ADHD and/or autism and then co‐analysing the interviews. Evaluation – ARs, Y‐RPers and interviewees shared their reflections on the participatory approach and its implementation, during interviews (N = 36) and short open‐ended surveys (N = 22).ResultsDevelopment ‐ The protocol for the participatory approach gave detailed advice on how to engage Y‐RP members (or equivalent) in the co‐design, co‐delivery and co‐analysis of interviews. Implementation ‐ The approach was successfully implemented by ARs and Y‐RPers working together to co‐design an interview to study the emotional lives of adolescents with diagnoses of ADHD and/or autism, co‐deliver it and then co‐analyse the interview scripts. Evaluation ‐ The implementation experience of the Y‐RP, ARs and interviewees was characterised by common themes relating to (a) adapting research methods and making practical adjustments; (b) taking on new roles, adding value to research and (c) valuing neurodivergent characteristics.ConclusionsThis new RE‐STAR protocol proved feasible to implement in a way that was generally perceived, from multiple perspectives, to add depth and authenticity to research into the experiences of neurodivergent young people.

Constraints Encountered by Groundnut Growers in Adopting Recommended TNAU Groundnut Production Technologies in Villupuram District

Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a vital crop for the agricultural economy in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. Despite the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s (TNAU) recommended production technologies aimed at improving yield and sustainability, adoption rates among groundnut growers remain low. This study investigates the challenges faced by these farmers in adopting these technologies. Methods: The study employs an ex-post facto research design, focusing on Melmalayanur and Vallam blocks within Villupuram district. A total of 120 groundnut growers were randomly selected from four villages. Primary data was collected using a structured interview schedule, while secondary data was sourced from relevant agricultural reports and publications. Constraints faced by farmers were analyzed using Garrett’s ranking technique. Result: The study identified key constraints impacting technology adoption, ranked by severity. Non-sremunerative prices and price fluctuations emerged as the most significant barrier, followed by high input costs and inadequate credit facilities. Other notable challenges included a lack of timely and appropriate extension services, insufficient technical know-howand pest and disease infestations. Scarcity and high wages of labor, inadequate processing machinesand delays in the availability of inputs further hindered adoption rates.

Fatigue and recovery in ballet: Exploring the experiences of professional South African ballet dancers

BackgroundProfessional South African ballet dancers face a higher risk of overuse injuries and overtraining syndrome as compared to dancers from other countries; especially towards the end of a ballet season. Fatigue is a major factor leading to overtraining syndrome and injuries in professional ballet dancers. The study aimed to explore the fatigue and recovery experiences of South African ballet dancers, highlighting how they navigate these aspects and the strategies they employ for recovery.MethodsSnowball sampling was employed to recruit ten professional South African ballet dancers. Between March and June 2023, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted online using Microsoft Teams. The interview schedule, informed by previous research, delved into the dancers’ fatigue and recovery experiences. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsSeven main themes were developed from the data. Participants distinguished between mental and physical fatigue, highlighting the impact of mental fatigue on their well-being. They identified factors contributing to fatigue, including high external pressure, motivated behaviours, and expectations from audiences and management. These contributors often resulted in injuries, mandatory breaks, and sub-optimal performance. Participants accepted fatigue as inherent to their profession, emphasising mental resilience. Recovery practices included psychological, nutritional, and active strategies. The COVID-19 lockdown provided a respite from external pressures, allowing for improved recovery, but participants faced challenges upon returning to work. Gradually increasing practice time and exposure to external pressures assisted ballet dancers in effectively managing fatigue and enhancing their recovery as they returned to work.ConclusionThis study offers a perspective of fatigue and recovery in a sample of professional ballet dancers in South Africa. It emphasises the ongoing significance of fatigue and recovery and the necessity for effective strategies by arts organisations, mental health professionals, and academic researchers to support artists. The insights gained from this research could be crucial in redesigning training programs for dancers, adjusting training intensity and volume to enhance performance, and promoting recovery. Furthermore, this information serves as a strong rationale for adopting a holistic approach to fatigue and recovery, emphasising the importance of a collaborative effort to address these aspects effectively.

Determinants of Agricultural Land Fallowing in Kerala, India: Insights and Implications

Kerala's land use dynamics have undergone significant transformations, with increasing fallows emerged as a key concern amid changing land utilization patterns. The study explores key factors contributing to the fallowing of agricultural land in Kerala. The research was conducted across three districts selected based on implementation of fallow land development schemes representing the northern, central, and southern regions of the state. A total of 360 farmers were surveyed, comprising 180 farmers with owned fallow land and 180 beneficiaries of fallow land development schemes. Data were collected using a pretested interview schedule, developed through extensive literature review and expert inputs. Factor analysis was employed to identify key determinants. Six major factors with eigenvalues greater than one were extracted, explaining 58.95% of the cumulative variance. These factors include perspectives on fallowing, socio-economic attributes, land use experience, risk contingencies, personal traits, and economic and agro-ecological features. The findings highlight that perspectives on fallowing contribute the largest variance (21.96%), emphasizing the importance of farmers' perception on causes and consequences of fallowing. Socio-economic attributes (11.25%) underline the role of family size, subsidiary enterprises, land value, and wage rate in influencing land use decisions. Land use experience (9.06%) reflects farming experience and preceding crop cultivated. Risk contingencies (6.22%) emphasize challenges like wild animal attacks and distance of farm land from road. Personal traits (5.50%) comprise of age and personal reason for fallowing. Economic and agro-ecological features (4.96%) including income, extreme weather events and land fragmentation, also emerged as critical determinants. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-dimensional factors driving agricultural land fallowing in Kerala, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders to design targeted interventions to promote sustainable land use.

Understanding the Meaning of Loneliness and Social Engagement for the Workings of a Social Network Intervention Connecting People to Resources and Valued Activities.

Addressing loneliness, which is associated with poor mental and physical health, implicates the need for connectivity to a broad set of situated relationships and activities in the contexts of people's everyday lives. Social engagement has been identified as a relevant psychosocial mechanism mediating health and wellness and is central to addressing loneliness. The aim here is to explore the way in which people identified as lonely conceptualise their experiences of loneliness and social engagement for the purposes of incorporating these into the design and workings of an intervention that allows people to map their social networks and connect them to community-based valued activities. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 participants, aged 21-82 years old (mean age 59.7) nested within a pragmatic, community-based randomised controlled trial in the north and south of England. Participants had wide-ranging social network sizes (from 1 to 10 individuals) and reported variable impact of loneliness on their lives. Loneliness consisted as an absence of intimacy in the face of being surrounded by others, a sense of entrapment and boredom, lacking access to meaningful activities and difficulties in relating to others. The analysis highlighted the role that important relationships have in mediating loneliness. Individual readiness, skills and confidence in forming new connections and engaging with new activities are important barriers that exist in overcoming loneliness. For many, wider socio-political factors, such as transport provision, availability of resources and costs associated with social engagement are also important barriers which are difficult to overcome. Exploring the link between feelings, experiences and meaning of loneliness and the way in which a network intervention can be incorporated offers a focus for mediating the richness and opportunities that arise from locality-based connections and collective activities in the broader social environment. However, any intervention seeking to address loneliness requires a further focus on both individual and relational factors which might contribute to addressing loneliness and increasing a sense of wellness. The study team worked closely with community partner organisations in all aspects of this research, including, the submission of the funding proposal, development of the study protocol and procedures, recruitment, intervention deployment and assessment of implementation. PPI representatives provided advice on participant materials and interview schedules, and project management throughout and contributed to management and steering committee meetings.

Factors influencing adherence to dietary recommendations for type 2 diabetes mellitus and their impact on disease control: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, with current estimates by the IDF (International Diabetes Federation) suggesting nationwide prevalence rates of 9.2% among Indians aged 20–79 years. An appropriate dietary pattern is widely accepted as a cornerstone of treatment among diabetes patients. However, motivating patients to achieve dietary self-care behaviors is challenging and requires ongoing efforts between patients and multidisciplinary teams. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the level of adherence to the diet, to find out the association between dietary practices and disease profile, and to explore the reasons behind not adhering to the recommended diet. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetic patients visiting the NCD clinic in a tertiary care hospital and three CHCs in Jamnagar district. The final sample size was 450. A structured interview schedule containing sociodemographic profiles, details regarding diabetes mellitus, and dietary details was developed. Dietary assessment was done using the UKDDQ. Result: In a study of 450 participants, 44.88% were aged 61–70 years. The majority were Hindu (88%), with 69.3% residing in urban areas and 30.7% in rural areas. Using the UKDDQ dietary score, 71.55% had a healthy diet. This score was negatively correlated with BMI, HbA1c, and RBS. Factors such as family type, area of residence, family history of diabetes mellitus, duration of diabetes, mode of treatment, HbA1c, and complications of diabetes were significantly associated with the dietary score. Conclusion: The study found that poor dietary scores were linked to worse disease outcomes in type 2 diabetes. Identifying and addressing barriers to dietary adherence is crucial for improving outcomes and modifying recommendations accordingly.

“Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Adults Of Selected Rural Community At Siliguri, West Bengal.”

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions. More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely. Since there are not many studies on these rural communities to identify the prevalence rate and associated risk factors, so the investigators have selected this study for proper risk identification, assessing the prevalence rate and educating and motivating adults on appropriate screening, prevention, and treatment. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in a rural community in West Bengal, India. Total 100 numbers of adults were selected for the study. The prevalence rate and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases were assessed using the structured interview schedule and physical measurements. Results: The result reveals that regarding behavioural risk factors of Cardiovascular diseases, among the 100 participants, 60(60%) consume Tobacco products and 81 (81%) consume Alcohol, Adequate consumption of Fruits and vegetables is only 10(10%) i.e. more than 5 times in a week, 19(19%) perform sufficient physical activity/exercise i.e more than 150 minutes/week. Regarding physical assessments, the overweight was 19(19%) and obesity was 9(9%), the abdominal obesity in males was 31(31%), and in females was 35 (35%). The prevalence rate of Hypertension was 23(23%), Stroke was 2(2%), Coronary Heart Disease was 7(7%), High blood cholesterol was 2(2%), and Diabetes Mellitus was 11(11%). Conclusion: The study demonstrated the high burden of fatal CVDs and identified the impact of CVDs risk factors such as hypertension, self-reported diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol, and abdominal obesity. The significant incidence of CVDs risk factors in the rural communities, particularly among those who are overweight or obese, necessitates early clinical identification, referral and appropriate management of clients in primary health care settings

Assessing the Economic Viability and Market Efficiency of Tomato Cultivation under Polyhouse Farming in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

This study was carried out to explore the economic and marketing dynamics of tomatoes and to highlight constraints confronted by cultivators in the production and marketing of tomato crop under polyhouse farming within three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur) of Kathmandu valley of Nepal. A pre-tested interview schedule was employed to survey 174 randomly selected respondents from different levels of marketing functionaries of tomato value chain. The overall cost (Cost C3) of tomato production under poly-house was observed highest in Kathmandu district (NRs. 1893130.63 per hectare) followed by Bhaktapur and Lalitpur which was found NRs. 1787896.50 and NRs. 1672117.91 per hectare, respectively. In terms of total production in kg per hectare, Kathmandu averages 79091.78, Lalitpur stands at 62267.78 and Bhaktapur records 64941.10. The B-C ratio was found to be 2.82 of Kathmandu, 2.32 of Lalitpur, 2.49 of Bhaktapur. Marketing efficiency of channel I, II, III and IV of Kathmandu district was found 708.5, 2.46, 1.90 and 1.62, respectively for Lalitpur, it was found 685.5, 2.23, 1.69 and 1.41 and for Bhaktapur the marketing efficiency was found 749, 2.12, 1.53 and 1.31 for respective channels. Construction material not being timely available was found to be major constraint faced by farmers in construction of polyhouse with a mean score of 66.2 and high infestation of disease and pest was found to be most significant problemstated by cultivators in production and marketing of polyhouse tomatoes followed by low quality of seed, fluctuation in market price which was the other constraints faced by cultivators.. KEYWORDS :Tomato, Polyhouse, Cost concept, B-C ratio, Marketing cost, Marketing margin, Marketing efficiency.

Assessment of services provided by urban ASHAs to mothers of urban slums in Lucknow district – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Context: Maternal and child health is an important public health issue which indicates the level of socioeconomic development in any country. Urban accredited social health activist (U-ASHA) workers in India are the main front-line urban health workers in primary health care delivery for slum and urban poor. Aims: To assess the services provided by U-ASHA workers to mothers of urban slums for antenatal and postnatal care. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study in urban slums of Lucknow where recently delivered women (up to 2 years) were selected. Methods and Material: To include the desired sample size of 320 recently delivered women (RDW), the U-ASHAs of the selected slums were contacted and a list of RDWs was made for each slum. By simple random sampling, 20 RDWs were selected from each slum. A predesigned and pretested interview schedule was used for data collection. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS-version-26 was used. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The registered pregnancies were 95%. Only 43.1% of RDW had at least four ANC visits. The institutional delivery was 84.7%. Only 27.7% of RDW visited health facilities for PNC services. About 39.4% received Janani Suraksha Yojana incentives. Contraceptive users were only 41.9%. Counseling by U-ASHA workers regarding all the ANC and PNC services had better utilization among counseled RDW except for child-care counseling. Conclusions: Counseling services regarding ANC and PNC services have a significant impact on their utilization. Better results can be achieved if the counseling by U-ASHA is enhanced to reach out more beneficiaries.

Sustainable Naga King Chilli Cultivation: Factors Influencing Technical Knowledge and its use Among Farmers

Sustainability in agricultural production has become a dire necessity for the availability of sufficient food, assured employment to growing populations and conservation of natural resources. Naga king chilli with GI tag, is a crop of economic importance and is generally grown under natural conditions in Nagaland. The study aimed to evaluate farmers' technical knowledge towards sustainable Naga king chilli cultivation practices and to determine the variables that conditioned their knowledge level. Ex-post-facto research design was adopted for the study. Peren, Dimapur and Mon districts of Nagaland were purposively selected. Two Rural Development (RD) blocks were randomly selected from each of the districts and two villages were selected randomly from each block making a total of twelve villages. A sample size of 250 respondents was selected based on a proportionate random sampling procedure. Primary data were obtained using a structured interview schedule. The study found that 60.40 per cent of the respondents had a medium level of knowledge of sustainable king chilli farming technology. Variables like size of land under Naga king chilli, farming experience, training exposure, information source utilization, family size and economic motivation showed significant relation towards farmers' knowledge of sustainable cultivation practices of Naga king chilli. The findings suggested organizing capacity-building programmes on sustainable Naga king chilli cultivation practices and appropriate integration of traditional knowledge with location-specific improved sustainable agricultural practices is vital for the economic generation of the farmers while addressing the global issue of food security and ecological sustainability.. KEYWORDS :Naga King chilli, Knowledge, Nagaland, Sustainability, Cultivation.

Development of the First Patient-Reported Experience Measure (PREM) for Hearing Loss in Audiology Care-My Hearing PREM.

Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) provide important insights into the challenges experienced when living with a chronic condition. Although patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) exist in audiology, there are no validated PREMs to help clinicians understand patient perspectives and identify areas where patients may need additional support or interventions. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate content for the new 'My Hearing PREM', which captures lived experiences of hearing loss from patients' perspectives. My Hearing PREM was developed and tested in two key phases. Phase 1 involved generating the PREM prototype in accordance with our conceptual model of the lived experience of hearing loss. In Phase 2, cognitive interviews were conducted with adults with hearing loss to appraise the content of the PREM (relevance, clarity, acceptability and comprehensiveness) and assess its respondent burden. Key stakeholders (e.g., adults with hearing loss, patient and public representatives, clinicians and researchers) were consulted throughout Phases 1 and 2 to review and refine the PREM. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. Sixteen participants (aged 16 years and over) with hearing loss took part in cognitive interviews, recruited from UK audiology departments and non-clinical settings (e.g., lip-reading classes, national charity links and social media). Most PREM items were found to be relevant, clear, acceptable and comprehensive. Several problems were identified, including items not working well with the response scale options, irrelevant questions and a lack of clarity about terms (e.g., healthcare professionals) and whether questions should be answered based on the use of hearing aids (or not). The PREM was amended accordingly. Currently, no hearing loss-specific PREMs exist in audiology. Involving multiple stakeholders in the development of the PREM helped to ensure that the items were relevant, clear, acceptable and comprehensive. The PREM is undergoing further evaluation and refinement in preparation for investigating the feasibility of implementing it into clinical practice. Ongoing Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) with key groups (South Asian Women's groups, young people's groups, learning disability networks and student populations) was integral to the study. PPIE members reviewed patient information sheets and consent forms, advised on recruitment, reviewed the interview schedule and checked coding and analysis procedures. PPIE members provided feedback on the PREM's comprehensibility. Members of the public, including adults attending lip-reading classes and hearing aid users from the South Asian community, provided feedback on iterative PREM drafts.

Barriers to Health Care Access among Rural Women: A Qualitative Study in a Village of Bangladesh

Rural women's health inequalities have an extensive discussion on both a global and regional scale. Access to health care is a universal challenge, but the task is even harder for rural people, particularly women. This paper attempts to assess critical barriers to rural women’s health. In this regard, a qualitative approach has been followed using a case study method. The respondents were selected from Kosha Raniganj village of Pirganj Upazila under the district of Thakurgaon in the division of Rangpur, Bangladesh, and data were collected in two consecutive months, i.e., May and June 2024. 20 rural women were interviewed through face-to-face communication, with the help of an unstructured interview schedule, to obtain the necessary data. The research findings showed that the health care coverage for rural women remains low because of multifaceted and interwoven barriers. These are: Economic Barriers, Geographic barriers, Socio-cultural barriers, Shortages of workforce and Healthcare Infrastructure, Educational and Awareness Gaps. Of these barriers, economic challenges were considered to have the greatest impounding effect on the health care access of women in rural areas. The findings of this work are useful in understanding how to reduce health disparities and increase the health care services for rural females.

Need for travel health clinic: A cross-sectional study among international travellers availing yellow fever vaccination in a teaching institution

ABSTRACT Background: Traveller’s health is one of the factors determining the success of his or her visit to the destination. The health aspects before, during and after travel are often neglected which may lead to untoward incidences during or after travel. Also, with the increase in national and international travel many emerging and re-emerging diseases are on the rise. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge and practices of the travellers and to find out the need for travel health clinics. Methodology: A cross-sectional study among adults attending the Outpatient Department of International Travellers vaccination was conducted for 3 months. Data was collected regarding the awareness, knowledge and practices of 216 travellers by using a pre-validated interview schedule. Systematic random sampling was used to select these travellers. Analysis was performed after entering the data in Microsoft Excel and SPSS software wherein frequency percentages were calculated and the association was found between the awareness and felt need for a travel health clinic. Result: The purpose of most of the travellers was job-related, the majority being males. As the study was conducted in a yellow fever vaccination centre majority knew only this as a travel-related preventable disease condition. The awareness regarding travel-related diseases was found to be less and which led to a felt need by the travellers for pre-travel counselling with a doctor. Conclusion: Travel medicine is an emerging area for health care providers and there is a felt need for a travel health clinic with the increase in the domestic as well as international travel.

Financial Literacy among the Students of Junagadh Agricultural University

Financial Literacy has become one of the top priorities for most of the world today as it is directly proportional to the economic growth of a country. This is alarming to know that the financial literacy rate in India is way behind other countries, so a study was carried out to measure the financial literacy of students of Junagadh Agricultural University during 2021-2023. The data was collected from 600 students, 300 from Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) each using a structured interview schedule. Financial Literacy Index and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used for the study purpose. The study revealed that, there is a low level of financial literacy especially in terms of financial knowledge among the students. Financial knowledge, behavior, and attitude have significant positive effects on the financial literacy of students hence it is suggested that to enhance the financial literacy of students, training should be imparted on financial attitude, financial behavior, and especially financial knowledge as low level is more prevalent in this area of financial literacy.

Influence of Language Skills on Biology Instructional Process in Secondary Schools in Kenya

Biology as a core science subject enables learners to conceptualize fundamental concepts such as genetics, evolution and cellular processes that underpin all living entities. Biological knowledge is also applied in addressing global challenges in fields such as medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. However, despite its significance, there has been a dismal performance in Biology in the country and Imenti-Central Sub-county for the last five years. Student performance in the subject not only depends on content mastery but also on language proficiency. Language serves as a primary medium for communicating the subject matter making good language skills essential for comprehension and expression of Biological content. However, minimal research has been conducted on the influence of language skills on Biology instructional process thus the need to undertake this study. The study investigated the influence of language skills on Biology instructional process in secondary schools in Imenti-Central Sub-county, Meru County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was adopted for data collection and analysis. The study sampled 352 participants from a population of 2950 participants using Yamane’s formula. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentages and frequencies and inferentially using Chi-square test with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 computer software. Findings indicated that language skills had a significant influence on Biology instructional process. Students’ language skills were therefore essential for effective Biology instruction. Based on the findings, the study recommended establishment of language development activities to enhance students’ language skills and varied teaching methods to demystify complex Biological terms.

Influence of Risk Acceptance on Implementation of KeRRA Road Construction Projects in Migori County, Kenya

Implementation of Government of Kenya (KeRRA) road construction projects face high levels of risks, but often these risks are not dealt with adequately, which is reflected in low quality of work as well as cost and time overruns. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of risk acceptance on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects in Migori County. Implementation was measured as a function of project completion within the set time frame and being within budget. This study was anchored on Risk Management theory which offer a foundation for interrogating the influence of the variables under study. The research philosophy was based on pragmatism. Concurrent triangulation research design was used as it factors in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of research study. The target population for the study consisted of 92 contractors, 459 constituency roads committee members (CRCs) and 2 Consultant Engineers. Through a sampling size formula, a total of 39 contractors and 193 CRC members were selected using simple random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to contractors and CRC members. Validity of research instruments was obtained through piloting and expert evaluation while reliability was tested using test retest method. Inferential statistics of Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the influence of risk management strategies on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects by testing the hypotheses for the study. Statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05. Qualitative data obtained from the interview schedules was analysed using content analysis. The study found out that risk acceptance accounted for 70.0% of change in implementation of KeRRA road construction projects. The study concluded that risk acceptance influenced implementation of KeRRA road construction projects significantly (p<0.05). The study recommends that there is need for effective system for risk based identification, analysis and management needs to be activated and KeRRA should ensure that all manpower and machinery used in road constructions are insured and properly certified in accordance with occupational health and safety standards policies.

Exploring Parental Involvement in Providing Education to Children with Disabilities in Nepal

This study aims to explore parental involvement in community schools for providing education to children with disabilities. It is based on qualitative with phenomenological research design. Three schools conducted with resource classes were chosen purposively from the Nawalparasi district. Interviews and questionnaires were used as research instruments to collect the data. The semi-structured interview schedule was applied for resource teachers and parents; whereas, questionnaire forms were used for teachers. The results demonstrate that parents’ attitudes toward these children are gradually moving positively; and they accept, respect and value their differences. Further, the results show that schools have not adequately involved parents in activities such as planning, monitoring and decision-making processes. Parents are less familiar with inclusive education policy and legal instruments. Although they are supportive of providing education for their children, their efforts are hindered by knowledge gap, poverty and inaccessibility of schools from their residence. Finally, Epstein's framework of parental involvement partially fits with the parental involvement in community schools in Nepal. This study is equally important for policymakers and programmes designers at the federal, provincial and local level to ensure parents involvement in school education.

A Correlation between Hidden Educational Costs and Students’ Transition Rate in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Kenya

Grade to grade transition in secondary education is a crucial element which enables students to advance to higher levels of learning. To achieve this milestone, countries, Kenya inclusive have engaged in enormous funding to the sector. Nevertheless, a worrying number of students who join secondary schools do not complete this level. This study was therefore set up to assess the correlation between hidden educational costs and student transition rate in public boarding secondary schools in Uasin GIshu County, Kenya. The Education Production Function model laid the theoretical framework for this study. This study used a Convergent Mixed Methods Approach. 34 heads of schools with 3,917 parents formed the target audience. All the 34 purposively selected principals and 362 parents acquired with the help of Yamane's Simplified formulae were included in the sample. Data was obtained through interview schedules, questionnaires, and content analysis of educational documents. Thematic analysis suited the qualitative data as inferential and descriptive statistics served for the quantitative data. The results of the study show that hidden costs of education predict student transition rates in public boarding schools. They make up to 36.5% of the variance. The cost of uniforms contributes the highest proportion (10.0%) while the motivation fee had the lowest effect (0.1%). This research indeed established that hidden educational expenditures have a statistically negative correlation with students’ transition rates in public boarding schools. This means that students’ transition rate is affected by the hidden costs of education. The study recommends the government prioritize prompt disbursement of funds allocated to schools to prevent principals from diverting the costs to students/parents, the principals to source school uniforms from well-wishers and sponsors to ease the cost obligation on parents and thus improve student transition and finally, a similar study should be replicated in private boarding secondary schools for triangulation