Local Cultural Context Research Articles

Scoping Review Peran Konteks Sosial dalam Pemberian ASI Ekslusif

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life has been proven to provide significant benefits, both in terms of health and developmental outcomes. However, in many countries, including Indonesia, the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding remains very low, contributing to high rates of malnutrition, including stunting. This scoping review was conducted to identify and analyze the social factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, with the aim of informing more effective intervention strategies. The study employed a scoping review methodology, involving a comprehensive literature search across three major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2014 to 2024. Of the 401 articles identified, 7 were selected for analysis following a rigorous selection process. The review findings indicate that support from husbands, extended family, and the broader social environment are key factors in the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Identified barriers include a lack of family support, the influence of local cultural beliefs, misinformation about breastfeeding, and misconceptions regarding infant needs. These factors significantly affect mothers' decisions to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, the role of healthcare professionals in providing accurate education to mothers and families is crucial in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates. In conclusion, to enhance the success of exclusive breastfeeding, a comprehensive approach involving the entire family and considering local cultural contexts is required. Policy support, intensive educational campaigns, and improved access to lactation counseling services should be prioritized to achieve higher exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia.

Conceptualising nursing theory and practice within a local cultural and professional context: a methodological example to inform theory development

Background: Nursing theories are crucial toward orienting the development of knowledge and practice. However, there is a persistent debate in the literature regarding the gap between theory and practice. Theories and conceptual models developed in Anglo-Saxon countries are often proposed within diverse educational and clinical contexts in other countries, generating challenges in their application in practice. Aim: This study aimed to develop and propose a methodology to promote the advancement of nursing theorising, considering local cultural and professional contexts. Methods: This analysis was conducted within Italy, which served as a local cultural and professional context exemplar for this investigation. A Scoping Review was used to map local nursing knowledge related to nursing practice. Fawcett’s metaparadigm was used as a general orienting frame for the literature analysis. Results: In light of the analysis conducted, the four disciplinary concepts related to the local (Italian) cultural and professional context were described (person, environment, health, nursing). Conclusion: This investigation aimed to present an example of how an inductive reflective approach can be used as a way to map nursing practice and define disciplinary concepts that can guide conceptual/theory development. The knowledge that was generated can orient initiatives to promote local nursing theory development.

Commentary: Conceptualising nursing theory and practice within a local cultural and professional context: a methodological example to inform theory development

Commentary: Conceptualising nursing theory and practice within a local cultural and professional context: a methodological example to inform theory development

Exploring challenges and politics of knowledge production in the global South - Evidence from Bangladesh’s aid and development sector

This article takes Bangladesh as a case study and explores the motivations (or lack of), challenges, and politics of knowledge production with a particular focus on development scholarship and practice. This piece is based on qualitative research methods and draws from 25 semi structured interviews with highly experienced and senior Bangladeshi development practitioners and academics. Empirical evidence and consequent analysis presented in this work contribute to the debates around the schism in access to resources, politics of aid, and power over knowledge production. This article also reveals local cultural contexts as consultancy works are perceived to be more financially rewarding. This is manifested through current practices that have created a condition where local researchers and practitioners feel they have no time (or incentive and motivation) to engage in knowledge production. Moreover, this article explores whether one’s race and/or nationality play any role in knowledge production, and how the respondents reflect about these issues based on their lived experience. In doing so, findings of this study further the arguments of structural inequality and colour-blind approach within aid and global development landscape. This article offers a rich account of how existing practices favour staff members from the donor countries and exclude Bangladeshi researchers and practitioners from knowledge production processes. This article also brings forward an important issue which highlights that, as perceived by the respondents of this study, one’s institutional affiliation with prestigious Western institutions might matter more in knowledge production (as we know it) than the content, ideas and credibility of knowledge that are generated in the global South. This article contends that by excluding, rejecting, side-lining, and subjugating knowledges produced in the global South development policies and practices will continue to manufacture a particular type of knowledge that will circumvent equity in knowledge production and perpetuate Western hegemony.

Impact of Augmented Reality-Based Learning on Preparing Children for Creative Reading Skills in Childhood Education Stage

This study investigated the impact of augmented reality (AR)-based learning on developing creative reading skills in early childhood education. Using validated instruments, including an AR-based learning guide, and a creative reading skills test, the study involved 254 primary school children from northern Jordan. The sample of the study was divided into an experimental group of 127 children who engaged with AR technology, and a control group of 127 children who received traditional teaching. Findings indicated that the experimental group scored significantly higher on the creative reading skills test than the control group. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed these differences as significant, underscoring the effectiveness of AR-based learning in improving creative reading skills. These results suggest that AR technology holds potential to develop learning outcomes in early childhood settings. Based on these findings, it is recommended to integrate AR technology into early childhood curricula to better support children’s creative reading abilities. As an engaging and interactive tool, AR can nurture creative thinking and cognitive skills that go beyond traditional teaching. Additionally, AR transforms learning into a stimulating, multidimensional experience that enhances children’s motivation to engage actively in the educational process. By creating virtual environments with interactive elements, AR aligns learning closely with real-world contexts, promoting innovative approaches to reading skill development. Further research should explore AR applications in other early childhood education areas, and expand AR-based educational tools, with an emphasis on adapting content to local cultural contexts to achieve effective, impactful results in children’s skills development.

Analisis Teologi Inkulturasi Lukisan Perjamuan Kana dan Gerakan Sego Mubeng Gereja St Antonius Kotabaru Yogyakarta

Inculturation in the context of religious life extends beyond mere adaptation in liturgical practices to permeate various aspects of human existence. This process involves the integration of cultural elements with spiritual values, fostering a harmonious unity between spirituality and everyday human reality. Two concrete examples of inculturation are explored: the Painting of the Wedding at Cana and the social movement of Sego Mubeng at St. Antonius Kotabaru Church, Yogyakarta. Through an in-depth analysis of these manifestations, the close relationship between art, daily life, and spirituality is highlighted. The painting serves as a medium to reflect religious values within the local cultural context, while Sego Mubeng demonstrates that inculturation extends beyond religious rituals into everyday activities, particularly in providing food assistance to those in need. This research enhances our understanding of how inculturation bridges the spiritual and earthly dimensions, as well as the complexity of its role in shaping worldviews and human behavior.

Religious Experience Of Sapta Darma Followers In The Temple Centre Sapta Rengga Yogyakarta City

This research aims to understand the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents through the theoretical perspective of Joachim Wach. Sapta Darma believers are a group of believers who have spiritual views and practices that are 'unique' in Indonesia. In this study, researchers used Joachim Wach's theoretical framework, religious experiences were analyzed through three main components: experience dimensions, expression dimensions, and consequence dimensions. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach to explore the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with believers and participant observation of their religious rituals and practices. The results of the research show that the religious experience of Sapta Darma Sanggar Sanggar Candi Sapta Rengga, Yogyakarta City includes religious experiences which are often experienced through prostration, digging and special rituals. The expression dimension is seen in the form of prayers, mantras and symbols used in religious practices. Meanwhile, the consequence dimension includes changes in behavior and outlook on life of Sapta Darma adherents. Analysis based on Joachim Wach's theory reveals that the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents not only provide meaning and purpose in their lives but also form a strong spiritual identity. This study provides insight into how religious experiences can be articulated and internalized in local cultural contexts.

Comparative dimensions of COVID-19 visual health literacy: social media news imagery in Germany and China

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments worldwide to utilise social media news platforms for disseminating critical public health information and safety protocols. Visual aids, including photographs, videos, charts, and infographics, played a key role in conveying health-related messages. However, there are variations in visual communication practices across countries, influenced by local health communication habits and cultural contexts. This study examines these variations in the visual health discourse that emerged in China and Germany during the pandemic, focusing on metaphorical mapping as a central analytical tool. We introduce the concept of “visual dataset fingerprints,” outlining the distinct composition of public health visuals on eight social news media platforms in Germany and China. Our descriptive analysis encompasses over 3700 digital visual media posts related to COVID-19, shared by leading national news media accounts in German, English, and Mandarin on microblogs in 2022. As a preliminary outcome of our study, we observe differences in image use based on the analysis of 1678 media posts by four Chinese outlets and 1329 media posts by four German outlets. These differences may reflect variations in how public opinion, perceptions, and attitudes toward COVID-19 policies are shaped across languages and cultures. Through its comparative visual analysis, our pilot study offers the potential for a new research approach to global healthcare communication in social news media and digital visual cultures.

Enlightening Faith Nurturing Strategies in Contextualization in Damarwulan Village

This research is motivated by the challenges of preserving and developing faith in Damarwulan Village, which boasts a rich and unique cultural and traditional heritage. Several issues have been identified, including nominalism, formalism in worship, and a lack of contextual approaches in faith preservation. The aim of this study is to explore effective strategies for nurturing the Christian faith, making it relevant to the local cultural and traditional context. The methodology employed is a case study with a qualitative approach, analyzing the process of faith revitalization through interviews and observations of the local congregation. The findings indicate that contextual renewal and preservation of faith can address the challenges of nominalism and formalism in worship, providing a solid foundation for deeper and more sustainable faith development. In conclusion, maintaining and growing faith that is aligned with the local cultural and traditional context is essential for strengthening the spiritual life of Christians in Damarwulan Village. This research also offers practical guidance for implementing faith-building strategies that are relevant to this specific context.

Ghana Citizenship Education: A Review from the Perspective of National Education Policy and Learning Models

This study aims to find out the perspective of national education policy and learning model of civic education in Ghana. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The references in this study are divided into two, first, primary, namely journal articles that have high validity. Second, secondary, namely books and documents as an effort to minimize errors that are conceptual, procedural and praxis. Data analysis is gradual, namely, reduction, data display and verification. Civic education in Ghana begins at the primary level and continues through to tertiary education. The government of Ghana considers civic education an integral part of the national education system and has introduced policies and programs to strengthen civic teaching and learning throughout the education system. At the primary level, civic education is taught through social studies subjects, while at the secondary and tertiary levels it is provided as a separate subject. The Ghanaian government has also developed teaching materials and curricula dedicated to civic education, as well as conducted teacher training in integrating civic teaching into the curriculum and classroom activities. The teaching and learning model of Civic Education in Ghana emphasizes the local peaceful cultural and social context. The aim is to strengthen the values of cultural traditions and local wisdom that exist there.

Insights from a State Islamic University on Arabic Education as a Catalyst for Religious Moderation in Indonesia

This research aims to investigate the integration of religious moderation in Arabic language learning at a state Islamic university. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data was gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The study emphasizes a tourism-based approach that incorporates local wisdom and pluralism into the Kalam course, aimed at enhancing students' Arabic communication skills. The findings indicate that embedding religious moderation within the Arabic curriculum promotes tolerance, inclusivity, and a moderate outlook among students, which, in turn, contributes to social and religious harmony in Indonesia. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of local cultural contexts in shaping student behavior. The study suggests further exploration of internal and external factors that influence the implementation of religious moderation in Arabic education at a state Islamic university. It also recommends adopting a mixed-method approach in future research to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamics and enhance the effectiveness of religious moderation efforts.

Building bridges: enhancing cultural understanding and community engagement in the CHAMPS program—experience sought from Gobe Challa Village, Ethiopia

Public health programs’ successful implementation often requires a thorough consideration ⁠ of local cultural contexts and effective community engagement. The complexities and obstacles that public health initiatives may face in culturally ⁠ diverse communities are highlighted by our case study, offering valuable insights. ‍ This article focuses on analyzing a particular incident that occurred in Gobe Challa Village, connected ⁠ to the implementation of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program. In Gobe Challa Village, an incident occurred that centered on discord within the community and religious fears, resulting ⁠ from misunderstandings surrounding and a general lack of comprehension about the CHAMPS program. Our resolution process involved engaging the community, and religious leaders in constructive dialogue. Throughout this involvement, we delivered extensive elucidation on the aims and ⁠ protocols of the CHAMPS program, mitigating conflicts within the community. The community successfully achieved acceptance of the CHAMPS program by directly ⁠ and respectfully addressing misconceptions and fears, fostering a common understanding. This study emphasizes the significance of effective communication, community engagement, and ⁠ consideration of cultural customs when implementing public health programs. The experiences derived from this incident can act as a practical ⁠ manual for future public health initiatives encountering analogous cultural and societal dynamics. The main emphasis is on highlighting how a proactive, sensitive, and inclusive approach can ⁠ alleviate potential conflicts while also promoting program acceptance and encouraging community engagement. These discoveries have relevance to various public health initiatives and emphasize the significance ⁠ of a culturally conscious, community-involved approach in executing global health programs. ‍

국제개발협력과 로컬라이제이션: 이론적 변천과 실천적 적용

Purpose: By introducing localisation and exploring its key issues, this study aims to raise awareness of localisation within the context of international development cooperation in Korea and derive implications. Originality: Localisation is an approach for promoting sustainable development by strengthening local capacities and expanding the use of locally available resources, with its necessity being increasingly highlighted amid the global economic crisis and various international challenges. Methodology: This study analyzes key discourses of international development cooperation, the theoretical background and major concepts of localisation, as well as evaluation frameworks and issues, through a literature review. Result: Localisation is regarded as a key paradigm in international development cooperation, as it enhances the autonomy of partner countries and incorporates the local social and cultural context. Moreover, it has been identified as playing a significant role in reshaping power dynamics between donors and local actors, while fostering the active participation of local communities. Conclusion and Implication: The successful implementation of localisation necessitates equitable partnerships, active engagement of local communities, resolution of conflicts over control between donors and local entities, and a development approach that prioritizes sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires establishing a forum for dialogue grounded in mutual trust and cooperation between donors and local actors, thereby enhancing the sustainability of international development cooperation.

Integrating Javanese in Social Studies at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Muhammadiyah Bulak

The fundamental reason for this research is the need to enhance students’ understanding of the subject matter while preserving and strengthening local cultural identity amidst globalization. This study aims to analyze the implementation and impact of using the Javanese language in Social Studies (IPS) instruction at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Muhammadiyah Bulak, Gondangrejo District, Karanganyar Regency. The research method used is qualitative, with a case study approach involving classroom observations, in-depth interviews with teachers and the headmaster, and document analysis. The research results show that the use of the Javanese language in social studies instruction varies at each grade level and is adapted to the student’s cognitive levels. This approach has proven effective in enhancing students’ understanding of Social Studies material, especially concepts related to the local socio-cultural context. The use of the Javanese language also plays a crucial role in language preservation and strengthening students’ cultural identity. Despite challenges in its implementation, such as balancing with the Indonesian language, this strategy overall creates holistic learning, improves academic understanding, and strengthens students’ social skills. These findings have significant implications for the development of curricula and learning strategies that are responsive to the local cultural context.

Beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices toward wildlife among different ethnicities in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces, Thailand

This concurrent qualitative study was carried out with the main objective to determine wildlife beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices among ten ethnic groups in four communities in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces of Thailand from November 2020 to January 2021. We also gathered comprehensive information on study respondents’ knowledge related to potential risk behaviors that could lead to zoonotic disease transmission and infection. Furthermore, we intended to use the study’s findings to develop communication strategies and health literacy improvement interventions for mitigating risky behaviors, with a focus on ethnic groups and particular individuals who live in close proximity to forests and wildlife, to prevent future pandemics. Sixty-five respondents were purposively selected based on their extensive knowledge, active participation in local cultural contexts, beliefs, and exposure to wildlife contact or consuming game animals. Twenty (30.8%) participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs), while 45 (69.2%) participated in eight focused group discussions (FGDs). The results revealed that the characteristics of wildlife contact are similar and distinct based on their beliefs and taboos among various ethnic groups and study locations, which are influenced by cultural backgrounds and traditions. Although some ethnic groups do not have explicit restrictions on the consumption of wildlife, others adhere to specific beliefs and taboos that forbid the consumption or killing of specific wild animals. These beliefs frequently correspond with conservation initiatives, thereby facilitating the preservation of threatened species. The study also revealed a lack of appropriate health knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding wildlife contact and consumption. As a result, it is recommended that public health officials and local governments develop and execute communication and education initiatives. These campaigns should aim to increase health literacy and promote safe handling, preparation, and cooking practices to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and infection effectively. Moreover, it is necessary to design and implement wildlife conservation education and outreach activities. The programs should promote environmental stewardship while considering the cultural contexts, beliefs, and practices of various ethnic groups. The activities should involve diverse stakeholders, including local leaders, religious influencers, community members, schoolteachers, students, health professionals, village health volunteers, and civil society organizations.

Twenty Years Later: Community Policing and Its Impact on Local Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Twenty years after the introduction of the first community policing projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a need to evaluate the results achieved. This paper aims to identify the key challenges in implementing community policing and analyze its impact on the safety of local communities. This study employed a qualitative research approach, including semi-structured indepth interviews and secondary data analysis. Police officers from various agencies across Bosnia and Herzegovina were interviewed. International actors were pivotal in introducing the concept of community policing. Our findings highlight serious issues and the failure to adapt Western practices to the local cultural context. Despite the initial enthusiasm of international actors, community policing has not been fully integrated into the operational practices of local police forces, with only fragments of the concept being adopted. The decline of community policing, coupled with the erosion of effective policing practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has negatively impacted the efficiency of police work and, undoubtedly, the safety of local communities

Mental health of the Pacific Island Nation communities: What the rest in the world can contribute to and learn from?

Creating Futures initiative has established a network of mental health professionals, researchers, and community members from the Pacific Island Nations (PIN), Australia, and New Zealand to address the growing challenges of mental health conditions compounded by the climate change crisis. The enormous amount of work done in Global Mental Health can be particularly helpful to improve population-level mental health. However, translation of this evidence base into practice poses several challenges. This perspective paper discusses the role of local culture and health systems context in determining the feasibility and acceptability of implementing and scaling up evidence-based interventions designed in an American-European context. The paper also advocates development (and evaluation) of mental health interventions in the PIN communities particularly and Global South generally and exporting these interventions to the rest of the world. COVID-19 crisis underlined the role of global cooperation as well as national level 'self-reliance'. In this post COVID-19 world, it will be desirable for the mental health community to cooperate and collaborate to scale up evidence-based interventions through rigorous contextualization and at the same time main-stream mental health interventions developed in the Global South by incorporating them in the Global Mental Health discourse.

The Reception of Hamka's Tafsir Al-Azhar within Social Religious Issues in the Malay World

This study explores the reception and impact of Hamka's Tafsir Al-Azhar across the Malay world, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. Tafsir Al-Azhar, written by the renowned Malay scholar Hamka, is a significant work of Qur'anic exegesis that has influenced Islamic thought in Southeast Asia. By employing a qualitative research method, specifically a case study with phenomenological analysis, this research investigates how Tafsir Al-Azhar has been received, interpreted, and utilized by various Muslim communities in these regions. The study examines the historical context in which Hamka's work was produced, focusing on its dissemination and its pivotal role in addressing socio-religious issues from the mid-20th century to the present day. By applying reception theory, the analysis highlights the dynamic interaction between the text and its readers, revealing how interpretations of Tafsir Al-Azhar have evolved in response to shifting social, political, and cultural landscapes. The research also explores the influence of external religious streams, modernity, and globalization on the Malay Muslim identity, and how these factors have shaped the adaptation and reception of traditional tafsir practices. The findings suggest that while Tafsir Al-Azhar has become a central reference in the religious life of Malay Muslims, its reception varies significantly across different countries. These variations are influenced by local cultural, religious, and political contexts, as well as by Hamka's personal interactions with these communities. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Qur'anic interpretation in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing tafsir to address the diverse needs and challenges of Muslim communities in the region.

Socio-cultural adaptation of Mental Health First Aid to insular religious communities: the case of ultra-Orthodox society in Israel

ABSTRACT Objective The introduction of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Israel has required a dynamic adaptation of the curriculum to the local social, cultural and religious context. The adaptation to the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community has been particularly rigorous and challenging. This article aims to analyse this process, its principles and steps, as well as the challenges and dilemmas it entails. Method The article employs a qualitative case study design, specifically, the instrumental case study. The adaptation procedure includes five steps: engaging local experts, organising focus groups, collaboration with communities, pilot testing in diverse communities, and iterative feedback loops. The article draws primarily on the perspectives of 45 community members, rabbis and health professionals who participated in four focus groups. Results The adaptation in ultra-Orthodox society addressed stigmatisation, silencing and concealment of mental health issues; gender segregation; educational gaps; and cultural misunderstandings of healthcare approaches. We demonstrate the need to modify the language, scenarios and examples in the curriculum, and engage with religious leaders and educational institutions. This process raises professional and ethical dilemmas, such as how MHFA should approach topics that remain unspoken in ultra-Orthodox communities. Discussion This case demonstrates that cultural adaptation is vital but may be insufficient. Attention should also be paid to social and structural forces, such as social hierarchies and systemic discrimination. A structurally competent approach should be adopted. This is the first case of accommodating MHFA for an insular religious group. It can contribute to adapting MHFA to other insular, encompassing, high-tension religious communities worldwide.

Common good in the urban context – insights from theoretical frameworks

The objective of the study is to analyse the role of the concept of common good in the contemporary field of urban studies. Through an interdisciplinary literature review, the basic explanation of the concept or common good is presented with a focus on common good in the urban environment. This work examines how urban commons became significant in scientific and public debates, translatable into tangible projects. The research results prove the academic and policy discussions focus on urban commons both in theoretical and engaged implementation of experiments in local urban governance. The notion of common good in the urban context, applied in territorial governance practices as commons, has an expanded international geographical reach, popularised within theoretical and more empirical approaches. The findings reveal a correlation between the discourse on urban commons and the proliferation of thematic debates and models; grassroots projects, demonstrating varied impacts by local social, cultural and policy contexts. In conclusion to the study of consecutive contemporary theories, the need to provide accurate elaboration on an urban commoning framework can be stated. This is a gap to bridge for enabling practical sustainable applications.