Local Community Organizations Research Articles

An exploration of barriers to access to healthcare in Hancock County, Tennessee: A qualitative study.

Explore barriers to healthcare access in Hancock County, Tennessee using a conceptual framework for access to healthcare. We collected data from 30 participants in Hancock County during 1 week in April 2023 using a combination of network and purposive sampling. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis and the conceptual framework of healthcare access. All dimensions of the conceptual framework of healthcare access presented barriers to healthcare access for participants of the study. A lack of acceptability of local healthcare among participants manifested in a perceived lack of availability of healthcare. This resulted in participants travelling or considering it necessary to travel long distances for care, even in a life-threatening emergency, despite the local availability of a hospital with an emergency department. A lack of acceptability can create healthcare access barriers similar to a lack of availability of healthcare facilities. The research team met several times with the leader of a local community organization to discuss this research in Hancock County. These conversations helped to inform the study design and provided necessary background to conduct in-depth interviews. Members of the community organization helped identify individuals to interview and provide access to Remote Area Medical clinic patients. The research team discussed the final themes with the primary community collaborator.

Exploring the association between park size and crime

ABSTRACT This study explored the link between park size and crime risk in Alabama, analyzing 564 parks across 73 cities with populations over 10,000. Park dimensions were measured using Google Earth Pro, and crime data, covering violent and property crimes, were sourced from Applied Geographic Solutions. Additional data on population density, mental health prevalence, social vulnerability, and alcohol expenditure (indicative of affluence) were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, CDC, and ESRI. A multiple regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between park size and crime risk, meaning that larger park sizes tended to have lower crime rates. Key covariates—mental health, social vulnerability, and alcohol spending— were also significantly related to crime rates. Our findings have policy implications for local governments and community organizations seeking to reduce crime rates.

268 The role of family and filial piety in serious illness and end-of-life decision making in the Chinese diaspora: an exploratory qualitative study

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The process of decision making in serious illness and end-of-life care needs to be culturally appropriate, relevant, and equitable. For Chinese Americans, family and filial piety have been shown to impact this process, yet it remains poorly understood how. The purpose of our study is to explore this decision-making process qualitatively. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We created semi-structure interview guides, based on a literature review of values salient to serious illness and end of life care for Chinese Americans. The guides will be used to conduct three focus groups, each with ten participants who identify as Chinese American stratified by highest attained familial role (grandparents, parents, and adult children). This will be done in partnership with Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, a local community organization, in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin using our interview guides with live interpretation. Focus groups will be audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis and modified grounded theory. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate that we will identify how, by whom, and why Chinese Americans in Boston’s Chinatown make decisions during serious illness and end-of-life. We anticipate that we will clarify cultural values, the balance between individual and collective values, intergenerational processes, individual and family suffering, and themes salient to this process. We expect to elucidate the role of family and filial piety during serious illness and end-of-life decision making and compare how these processes differ by generation and familial role for this population. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Using the family as a unit of investigation and focusing on intergenerational processes represent a novel approach to understanding decision making during serious illness and end of life care for Chinese Americans.

Underrepresented and Underserved Populations in Neurological Research.

Underserved and underrepresented populations have historically been excluded from neurological research. This lack of representation has implications for translation of research findings into clinical practice given the impact of social determinants of health on neurological disease risk, progression, and outcomes. Lack of inclusion in research is driven by individual-, investigator-, and study-level barriers as well as larger systemic injustices (e.g., structural racism, discriminatory practices). Although strategies to increase inclusion of underserved and underrepresented populations have been put forth, numerous questions remain about the most effective methodology. In this article, we highlight inclusivity patterns and gaps among the most common neurological conditions and propose best practices informed by our own experiences in engagement of local community organizations and collaboration efforts to increase underserved and underrepresented population participation in neurological research.

The role of summer markets in promoting authenticity and social sustainability of the regions: The case of La Santa market (Catalonia, Spain)

The greatest challenge for tourist destinations is to make themselves unique, to bet on cultural identity, with ethical values and sustainability, and to be successful over time. This is of particular interest in sun and beach tourism areas. Otherwise, in recent years, seasonal food and leisure markets have undergone significant growth as a strategy to promote regional authenticity and participation in local communities. The management of this ephemeral food markets tend to be associated to social sustainability, with a focus on issues such as the welfare of the local population; the conservation of cultural heritage; community participation in the development and planning of tourism; and health, hygiene and safety. This paper analyzes the relevance of these social sustainability matters to La Santa Market, a summer food and leisure event located in a beach and sun town in La Costa Brava (Catalonia). Using non-probability purposive sampling, the qualitative methodology is based on semi-structured interviews with 20 different stakeholders in this event. Secondary data on the economic situation and “grey” literature on this market are also used. The results reveal constant, positive involvement of the local community and private organizations in enhancing the La Santa Market experience, which is now an essential item on their summer agendas. This paper contributes to the literature acknowledging the potential of summer food markets to boost the economic and social sustainability of a coastal community. The results are useful for helping public and private sectors in the region to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of the role of local food products at summer markets to thus reinforce their authenticity and sociocultural value.

Evaluating the Alaska Blocking Index as an indicator of wildfire potential in Alaska's central eastern interior

AbstractIncreased Arctic air temperatures and evaporative fluxes have coincided with more frequent and destructive high‐latitude wildfires. Arctic fires impact ecosystems and people, especially at the community‐level by degrading air quality, destroying agriculture, and threatening life and property. Central Eastern Interior (CEI) Alaska is one such region that has recently experienced the effects of wildfire activity related to warming air temperatures. To improve our ability to identify fire weather events and assess their potential for extreme outbreaks at actionable lead times relevant to fire weather forecasters and managers, new metrics and approaches need to be established and applied toward understanding the physical mechanisms underlying such wildland fire characteristics. Our study uses a new, regional atmospheric circulation metric, the Alaska Blocking Index (ABI), to describe midtropospheric air pressure around Alaska, which is subsequently related to CEI fire weather conditions at the Predictive Service Area (PSA) scale in climatological and extreme events frameworks. Of note, during years of high fire activity, Build‐Up Index (BUI) values tend to be anomalously high during the duff and drought phases across the CEI PSAs, though comparatively lower BUI values are still associated with high fire activity in the Tanana Zone‐South (AK03S) PSA. Likewise, extreme BUI values are strongly tied to high ABI values and well‐defined upper‐air ridging circulation patterns in the duff and drought periods. The statistical skill of mean daily ABI values in the 6–10 day period preceding extreme duff period BUI values is modest (τ2 > 14%) in the Upper Yukon Valley (AK02) PSA, a hotbed of wildland fire activity. Extremes in ABI and CEI BUI often occur in tandem, yielding regional predictability of upper‐air weather patterns and extremes and underlying surface weather conditions, by statistical and/or dynamical forecast models, imperative for local community and governmental organizations to effectively manage and allocate Alaska's fire weather resources.

THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRACTICES OF SOCIO-ARTISTIC EDUCATION AT PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITIES OF RUSSIA AND CHINA

This scientific article is devoted to a comparative analysis of pedagogical higher educational institutions in China and Russia in the field of art education and social practice. The main purpose of the study is to identify similarities and differences between the educational systems of the two countries, their approaches to teaching contemporary art, as well as interaction with the artistic community and the social environment. The article provides an overview of the existing research in the field of socio-artistic education at pedagogical universities in Russia and China. The key aspects and practices are analysed, such as the organisation of the educational process, inclusion of students in art projects and practices, interaction with the local art community and social organisations. The results of the study help to identify similarities and differences in the approaches to socio-artistic education in educational institutions in Russia and China. The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each system and gives recommendations for improving the practice of socio-artistic education in pedagogical higher educational institutions of both countries. The research is of interest to educators, scientists and specialists in the field of art education, as well as those who are interested in comparative analysis of educational practices of art in different countries. The results of the work can be used to develop training programmes and improve the quality of socio-artistic education at pedagogical universities.

Adopting Data to Care to Identify and Address Gaps in Services for Children and Adolescents Living With HIV in Mozambique.

The Data to Care (D2C) strategy uses multiple sources of complementary data on HIV clients and related services to identify individuals with gaps in HIV treatment. Although D2C has been widely used in the United States, there is no evidence on its use in other settings, such as countries most affected by the epidemic. The D2C strategy was implemented within the context of a project that provided community-based support to children and adolescents living with HIV (C/ALHIV) in Mozambique. A data tracking tool and a standard operating procedure manual for local partner community organizations and health care facilities were developed to support the effort. Project staff met with local project implementing partners to discuss and coordinate the intervention in pilot health facilities. The project initiated a pilot D2C intervention in 2019, working with 14 health facilities across 5 additional districts within 1 province. COVida project data were compared with clinical data from facilities serving C/ALHIV. The D2C intervention identified gaps in HIV treatment for a substantial number of C/ALHIV, and targeted support services were provided to address those gaps. Viral load (VL) monitoring was added in March 2020. Before the intervention, 71% of C/ALHIV reported to be on HIV treatment by their caregivers were documented as on treatment in health facilities. Support interventions targeted those not on treatment, and this proportion increased to 96% within 1 year of implementation. Additionally, 12 months later, the proportion of C/ALHIV with a documented VL test increased from 52% to 72%. Introducing the D2C pilot intervention was associated with substantial improvements in HIV treatment for C/ALHIV, including increased linkage to and continuity in treatment and increased VL testing. D2C may be a useful approach to improve health outcomes for C/ALHIV in settings outside of the United States.

Patient characteristics, surgery outcomes, presumed aetiology and other characteristics of fistula surgeries and related procedures supported by Fistula Foundation from 2019 to 2021: a multicentre, retrospective observational study

ObjectivesObstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury primarily caused by prolonged, obstructed labour. It leaves women incontinent, severely stigmatised and isolated. Fistula repair surgery can restore a woman’s health and...

The Implementation of The Social Role of Sociology Teachers in The Community (Study of Teachers in North Lombok)

This research aims to describe the implementation of the social role of high school sociology teachers in North Lombok within the community and the influencing factors. This is a qualitative descriptive study. The research subjects are high school sociology teachers in North Lombok. The informants are community leaders in the areas where the research subjects reside. Data were collected using interview techniques, observation, and documentary study. Data analysis was conducted through qualitative analysis steps, including data reduction, data presentation, verification/conclusion drawing. The results of the research show that the implementation of the social role of high school sociology teachers in North Lombok in the community includes: (1) as leaders in the community, both formal leaders and informal leaders. Formal leaders serve as village heads, while informal leaders serve as heads of local community organizations, women's groups, and mosque/musalla construction committees. (2) as facilitators in finding donors to support public facility development. (3) as mediators connecting youth with local community leaders to communicate various programs initiated by the youth. (4) as initiators of various activities, including initiating the establishment of Islamic schools, initiating the creation of Quranic reading centers, initiating the renovation of mosques and musallahs, and initiating social service activities. (5) as participants, with sociology teachers actively participating in various community activities, such as community work groups, community cleanup, reforestation, social service activities, sports events, and local community competitions. Factors influencing the implementation of the social role of high school sociology teachers in North Lombok within the community include supporting factors and hindering factors. Supporting factors consist of family support and local community solidarity. Hindering factors include the busyness of the community with unpredictable work schedules and the relatively low level of education in the local community, which makes it challenging to build understanding and awareness among the local population.

지역사회 통합돌봄의 지속 가능한 발전을 위한 지역 내 기관 협력과 대학의 역할에 대한 탐색적 연구

The purpose of this study is to explore ways to cooperate among local community organization and, above all, the role of universities ahead of the expansion of community care policies for the super-aged society. Through purposive sampling, non-face-to-face focus group interviews and additional face-to-face interviews were conducted for workers in public and private elderly care sites, and the data of the interview were analyzed through a qualitative content analysis method. The results of the study were compiled into four categories and 13 subcategories, focusing on the large subjects of ‘the integrated care policy for the community in preparation for the super-aged society is very important, and the capacity of care workers is essential for the policy to be settled properly, and the role of universities in fostering professional personnel and providing services and cooperation with community organizations are important’. Based on the results of the study, suggestions necessary for implementing the sustainable community care policy were presented.

The development of a recovery coaching training curriculum to facilitate linkage to and increase retention on medications for opioid use disorder.

Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) decreases opioid overdose risk and is the standard of care for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). Recovery coach (RC)-led programs and associated training curriculums to improve outcomes around MOUD are limited. We describe our comprehensive training curriculum including instruction and pedagogy for novel RC-led MOUD linkage and retention programs and report on its feasibility. The Kentucky HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-termSM) Communities Study (HCS) created the Linkage and Retention RC Programs with a local recovery community organization, Voices of Hope-Lexington. RCs worked to reduce participant barriers to entering or continuing MOUD, destigmatize and educate on MOUD and harm reduction (e.g., safe injection practices), increase recovery capital, and provide opioid overdose education with naloxone distribution (OEND). An extensive hybrid (in-person and online, both synchronous and asynchronous), inclusive learning-focused curriculum to support the programs (e.g., motivational interviewing sessions, role plays, MOUD competency assessment, etc.,) was created to ensure RCs developed the necessary skills and could demonstrate competency before deployment in the field. The curriculum, pedagogy, learning environment, and numbers of RCs trained and community venues receiving a trained RC are reported, along with interviews from three RCs about the training program experience. The curriculum provides approximately 150 h of training to RCs. From December 2020 to February 2023, 93 RCs and 16 supervisors completed the training program; two were unable to pass a final competency check. RCs were deployed at 45 agencies in eight Kentucky HCS counties. Most agencies (72%) sustained RC services after the study period ended through other funding sources. RCs interviewed reported that the training helped them better explain and dispel myths around MOUD. Our novel training and MOUD programs met a current unmet need for the RC workforce and for community agencies. We were able to train and deploy RCs successfully in these new programs aimed at saving lives through improving MOUD linkage and retention. This paper addresses a need to enhance the training requirements around MOUD for peer support specialists.

Post-displacement placemaking to reconnect social capital after the 3.11 earthquake and tsunami in Arahama, Japan

The growing number of natural hazards cause an increase in displacement and disconnections of affected population from their pre-disaster environments. People affected by the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (3.11) faced similar issues. By efforts of Japanese national and local governments, community organizations and individuals, land use restrictions were implemented, and houses and communities were rebuilt. Consequently, original affected lands were emptied, and former residents’ social capital became more disconnected. In response, placemakers took diverse initiatives to recover hazardous areas, reconnect displaced communities, and promote community resilience. This study examined post-3.11 placemaking efforts from the Arahama area of Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture through different perspectives of land-use transformation, placelessness, place attachment, and reconnecting social capital. Our findings show that post-disaster long-term placemaking projects that have people-based approaches successfully created “third places” with a strong sense of attachment. In these cases, placemakers collectively preserved valuable pre-disaster meanings of places while creating new meaning of places for users and themselves, actively enhanced dimensions of social capital, and reconnected displaced social capital. This research also found that placemaking processes offered dynamic functions, activities, and interventions, resulting in enhanced sense of place.

Socialization and Training of Aromatic Candle Processing from Used Cooking Oil for Urban Residents

This article highlights a community initiative aimed at promoting sustainable household liquid waste management in Kediri City, Indonesia. The problem identified was the insufficient attention given to liquid waste, particularly used cooking oil, which often leads to environmental pollution and infrastructure damage. The objective of the activity was to raise awareness among residents about the proper disposal and recycling of used cooking oil. The proposed approach involved conducting workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate community members about the environmental impacts of improper disposal and the benefits of recycling used cooking oil into aromatic candles. Major findings revealed that through collaborative efforts with local officials and community organizations, the initiative successfully engaged community members and fostered a sense of responsibility towards waste management. The training programs empowered participants with practical skills to convert used cooking oil into aromatic candles, promoting the repurposing of waste while creating a pleasant atmosphere. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of community participation and public awareness in ensuring sustainable liquid waste management. The initiative showcased the feasibility of recycling used cooking oil and highlighted the potential for broader adoption of similar practices in other regions. Overall, the activity underscored the significance of individual actions in collectively addressing environmental challenges and encouraged the adoption of responsible waste management practices at the household level.

Transformational Leadership Qualities of Effective Grassroots Refugee-Led Organizations

This qualitative study investigates the behaviors and strategies of effective leadership teams within ethnic community-based organizations (ECBOs) operating in the United States that consist of leaders who are themselves former refugees. Through analysis of four focus group interviews, each with three to five leaders from local Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, and Syrian communities, we identified ways in which these leaders exhibit transformational leadership behaviors proposed by established frameworks. Results reveal that effective ECBO leaders exhibit strong transformational leadership qualities, such as empowering community members, modeling behavior, and projecting a community vision. The study emphasizes the unique context of ECBOs and their leaders, showcasing their thoughtfulness, competency, and profound awareness of community members’ backgrounds. The implications include recognizing and valuing the skills of ECBO leaders and considering formal support mechanisms. This study contributes insights into the leadership exhibited within local community organizations serving refugee populations—enhancing our understanding of quality leadership among grassroots refugee organizations.

Integrating a Gamified Digital Application in Naturebased Settings to Improve Physical Activity and Health Outcomes Among Central Pennsylvanians: Using a Socioecological, Cross-disciplinary Guiding Framework

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of a community-facilitated, digital application intervention at increasing physical activity in central Pennsylvania. Methods: We employed a game-based digital application within partnership- guided, nature-based programming to encourage physical activity. Partnerships with local healthcare and park/ recreation entities were established to facilitate recruitment and intervention sustenance. Self-reported psychological and physiological changes were evaluated in a repeated-measures design, contextualized by thematic coding of qualitative responses, and interpreted via the Park Prescription Theory of Change. Results: Partnerships were formed among 3 local healthcare entities, Berks Nature, and community organizations to conduct the intervention. There were increases in physical activity duration and time spent outdoors. We identified positive, consistent trends in perceptions of healthful behaviors and quality of life, health satisfaction, and perceived accessibility and barriers. There were low rates of allergies or wheezing. The game-based application improved sentiments of belongingness and familial engagement. These findings mostly aligned with the Park Prescription Theory of Change. Conclusions: An innovative, cross-disciplinary means to improve physical activity can inform approaches at the regional or national level, as well as guide legislative efforts in public health, environmental policy, and urban planning.

Mamu: trans indigenous and two-spirit youth coming together to define their needs and to take action

Youth who are both trans and Indigenous, whether or not they identify as Two-Spirit experience multiple forms of structural violence at the intersection of gender and Indigeneity. Whether these young people live on or off reserve, the studies have highlighted specific challenges experienced in particular in connection with self-identification, conditions of significant poverty, violence, and lack of access to health care. health. This paper presents the results of an action research project using Talking Circles co-facilitated by an Elder and two Two-Spirit young people. Developed in collaboration with a local community organization the Talking Circles took place over a period of 21 meetings held between September 2021 and April 2022, in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) and online. The participants of the Talking Circles discussed their most pressing issues, the underlying causes of these issues, and possible solutions to address them. This paper examines the themes uncovered during the projects as well as three main issues that emerged from the discussions: the lack of access to safe spaces, the lack of representation and the lack of education. The article also discusses their resilience and how they take action to change the world around them.

Short Term Experiences in Global Health (STEGH)

Short Term Experiences in Global Health (STEGH) are becoming increasingly prevalent, where students and volunteers predominately from high income countries travel to lower income countries to work with local community organizations. Although the benefits of STEGHs have been touted, they have also been increasingly criticized as representing a new form of colonialism and have been shown to harm host communities in a number of ways. Can the enterprise of STEGHs be ethically justified? We argue that STEGHs must incorporate principles of bi-directionality, continuity, cultural humility and decolonization in order to be equitable and sustainable.

Politics and civil society in regional waste management

Indonesia, like the majority of countries throughout the world, is grappling growing waste management issues. On a national or regional level. As a result, an effective program to limit garbage disposed of in landfills is required. Collaboration between municipal government and civic society is one option. This study examines the pattern of synergy between local government and community organizations in enhancing trash management through the case of coordinating waste management in Garut Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. We modified the Collaborative Governance Framework and performed in-depth interviews with stakeholders, as well as a search for documentary sources and transect tracing. We gathered qualitative information from stakeholders about their experiences and perceptions of synergy patterns between sub-district trash bank administrators and district governments. The data was analyzed in three stages: data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The collaborative governance paradigm of Anshell and Alison is applied to data analysis. As a result, it was discovered that the Garut Regency waste bank WhatsApp group offered sub-district waste bank administrators with an effective waste management communication space. Waste managers might be subject to a variety of local government laws. However, because the number of Waste Bank management members is still restricted, it is insufficient to address regional waste management issues.

Understanding Enabling Factors for Community-Led Coral Reef Health Monitoring and Early Warning System through Participatory Action Research

Coral reefs are under pressure from climate change and various factors, putting them at risk of a decline in resilience. This heightened vulnerability increases the likelihood of reaching a tipping point with the next shock or stressor. Identifying early warning indicators for tipping points is crucial for proactive coral reef management. Therefore, this study aims to comprehend the coral reef health parameters considered important and feasible for collection by local stakeholders, as well as identify factors facilitating the implementation of a community-based monitoring and early warning system in a fishers-dominated community. The approach used was Participatory Action Research. The results reveal twelve priority parameters deemed necessary by the local community and feasible for collection by local stakeholders, including the local community, university, and non-governmental organization. The identified parameters are: coral bleaching, visibility, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, current, coral percent cover, fish community, macroalgal canopy cover and composition, benthic composition, and plankton. Interpretive structural model and MICMAC analysis show nine enabling factors supporting the development of a community-led coral reef health monitoring and early warning system. These factors include team motivation, training and team capacity, connection with government, connection with university, facilitation by NGOs, supporting regulations, operational funds, access to equipment, and operation and maintenance of equipment. Team motivation stands out as the most influential factor, with strong driving power and dependence, making it crucial to manage as actions on it will have ripple effects on other factors.