Low Literacy Research Articles

Revolutionizing Elementary Education: The Family Literacy Module - Boosting Reading Interest and Skills

Literacy is a crucial indicator of educational success. Despite its importance, literacy skills in Indonesia remain suboptimal, as evidenced by various studies and surveys. This research aims to develop a family literacy module designed to enhance elementary school students' interest and reading skills. This study employed the Research and Development (RD) framework using the Borg Gall ten-stage model. Participants included 69 parents and 28 students. Data were collected through observations, questionnaires, and tests to evaluate the module's effectiveness. The developed family literacy module significantly improved students' reading interests and abilities, demonstrating its effectiveness as an educational tool. The study's findings indicate that the family literacy module provides a practical solution for addressing low literacy levels among elementary school students. By engaging both students and parents, the module fosters a supportive reading environment, which is essential for literacy improvement. The family literacy module effectively enhances elementary school students' reading interests and skills, offering a promising strategy for literacy development in Indonesia. Future research should investigate the broader application of this module and assess its long-term impacts on literacy enhancement.

Development and validation of a high school agricultural literacy assessment

The National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes (NALOs) are knowledge benchmarks for school-aged youth and are used to improve agricultural literacy (NAITC, 2014; NCAL, 2017). Despite educational efforts, prior research indicated that high school populations remained at low or deficient literacy levels. Additionally, no agricultural literacy assessment instruments using the NALOs as a standardization tool have been developed for the 9-12th grades. The purpose of the study was to validate a summative NALO-centered assessment that could provide baseline data on agricultural literacy following the completion of secondary education (12th grade). The study followed the framework established by Longhurst et al. (2020) for similar assessments in elementary grades. A Delphi team produced 45 items for validation that were reviewed using a convenience sample of [University] undergraduate students. Those items were evaluated using factor, item, and discriminant analysis. Results finalized two 15-item assessments and determined both had acceptable reliability, were adequate for model fit, and were valid for the NALOs and the three proficiency levels. The instruments are critical tools for providing a standardized approach to evaluation efforts. Researchers and educators should use these instruments to provide comparable agricultural literacy data across populations to better identify trends, program needs, and meaningful inferences.

Creative virtual engagement: Successes and challenges supporting people with serious mental illness in hybrid Clubhouse environments.

This study examines adaptations, successes, and persistent challenges engaging members in virtual or hybrid community-based psychosocial rehabilitation centers called Clubhouses. Fifteen members and staff from five Clubhouses across two Hawaiian Islands participated in a virtual Photovoice process. Results illustrated several unexpected positive outcomes from the transition to hybrid or virtual formats including opportunities for growth, learning new technology, cross-Clubhouse collaborations, deepened relationships, and better access to some hard-to-reach members. Persistent challenges included members reporting "something missing" in the socioemotional quality of virtual engagement and losing members who had low digital literacy or who preferred in-person engagement. Overall, participants described that virtual Clubhouse supported their wellness by fostering a sense of purpose, companionship, and potential, despite sustained uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they also made clear that virtual and hybrid formats should be a complement to, not a replacement for, in-person Clubhouse services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Trading Gamification and Investor Behavior

We study the effect of gamification on retail traders’ behavior using a randomized online experiment. Participants with lower financial literacy prefer platforms with hedonic gamification elements, such as confetti and achievement badges. On average, hedonic gamification increases trading volume by 5.17%. However, the difference in trading activity between gamified and nongamified platforms is driven primarily by self-selection (70%) rather than gamification (30%). Participants who prefer hedonic gamification exhibit noisy trading strategies, whereas those favoring nongamified platforms display stronger contrarian behavior. Further, price trend notifications enhance learning for investors with accurate beliefs, but they reinforce trading mistakes for those with incorrect beliefs. This paper has been This paper was accepted by Jean-Edouard Colliard for the special issue on the human-algorithm connection. Funding: P. Chapkovski acknowledges funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Germany’s Excellence Strategy—EXC 2126/1-390838866]. M. Khapko and M. Zoican acknowledge the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Insight Development Grant 430-2018-00125] and the Canadian Securities Institute Research Foundation [research grant]. M. Zoican acknowledges financial support from the Quantitative Management Research Initiative (QMI) under the aegis of the Fondation du Risque, a joint initiative by Université Paris-Dauphine, l’École Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Administration ParisTech, and LFIS, France. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02650 .

Knowledge and utilization of iodized salt among expectant mothers in Harar City's public health facilities: a multicenter study in Eastern Ethiopia.

Insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy can result in abortion, stillbirths, neonatal mortality, cretinism and permanent cognitive impairment. Even although iodized salt is widely accessible in Ethiopia, pregnant women still experience persistent problems related to iodine deficiency disorders. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 573 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care services at public health facilities. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used, and independent predictors were determined based on adjusted ORs with 95% CIs and p<0.05. Knowledge and practice of pregnant women on iodized utilization were 35.6% (95% CI 31.8 to 39.6%) and 37.7% (95% CI 32.1 to 42.9%), respectively. Living in urban areas (adjusted OR [AOR]=1.976, 95% CI 1.136 to 3.435) and having a higher level of education (AOR=2.018, 95% CI 1.037 to 3.930) were associated with having adequate knowledge. Having a diploma or higher education (AOR=2.684, 95% CI 1.137 to 6.340) and adequate knowledge about iodized salt utilization (AOR=2.095, 95% CI 1.273 to 3.447) were significantly associated with good practice. The current study highlights the level of knowledge and practices of pregnant women on iodized salt. It emphasizes the necessity for targeted programs about the benefits of iodized salt and how to use it correctly, particularly for those with low literacy levels and those living in rural areas.

PEMANFAATAN MEDIA WORDWALL UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATA PELAJARAN BAHASA INDONESIA

In the junior high school level, Indonesian language subjects, students consider text and literature-based learning to have a high level of saturation. Especially when in an environment students have low literacy. In reality, language and literature learning is a subject that requires concentration and astuteness in understanding the meaning of texts, both fiction and non-fiction. This research aims to analyze the influence of Wordwall learning media in improving Indonesian language learning outcomes for students in class VIII A of SMP Negeri 1 Slogohimo. The subjects of this research were 24 students in class VIII A of SMP Negeri 1 Slogohimo. The research method uses a quantitative and qualitative approach (mixed method). The type of research is classroom action research with research stages consisting of planning, implementing actions, observing and reflecting. Research instruments with tests, observations and questionnaires. Research data obtained from the pretest and posttest is in the form of a percentage of each respondent's total score and the average. The research results show that there is an increase in learning outcomes with the application of Wordwall media

Barriers to mental health service utilization among Arab society in Israel: Perspectives from service providers

This study attempted to identify the barriers to the utilization of mental health services among the Arab society in Israel, as perceived by professionals working with this population. Twenty-seven therapists from community mental health services participated in structured in-depth interviews with at least 5 years of experience. Five main types of barriers to the utilization of mental health services were discovered: barriers related to attitudes and perceptions regarding mental disorders and their treatment, low literacy in the field of mental health, exposure and stigma, family characteristics and cultural values, and instrumental barriers. Flexibility and sensitivity to the socio-cultural context of the target population while allocating resources to create equality in access to mental health care may increase the utilization of mental health services in a traditional society such as the Arab society in Israel.

Simplifying informed consent as a universal precaution

One barrier to participating in clinical research is that patients with low literacy skills (1 in 5 US adults) may struggle to understand the informed consent document (ICD). Writing consents using health literacy and plain language guidelines including simplified syntax and semantics can increase understandability and facilitate inclusivity of research populations with literacy challenges. Our study aim was to evaluate a simplified ICD for understandability while considering factors known to relate to comprehension (reading skills and working memory). We performed an on-line survey of 192 adults ages 18–77 in Georgia. Participants performed significantly better on the simplified ICD test. We built an additional model with all version x measure interactions (i.e., age, sex, race, urbanicity, GMVT, WM). This model did not significantly improve model fit, F < 1.00, suggesting that individual differences did not moderate the effect of simplification. Our findings suggest that using plain language and simplified syntax and semantics in ICD as a universal precaution may reduce cognitive reading burden for adults regardless of differences in reading skill or working memory. Increasing understandability in ICD may help improve targets for clinical trial enrollment.

It's about time! Exploring time allocation patterns of adults with lower literacy skills on a digital assessment.

Despite the necessity for adults with lower literacy skills to undergo and succeed in high-stakes computer-administered assessments (e.g., GED, HiSET), there remains a gap in understanding their engagement with digital literacy assessments. This study analyzed process data, specifically time allocation data, from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), to investigate adult respondents' patterns of engagement across all proficiency levels on nine digital literacy items. We used cluster analysis to identify distinct groups with similar time allocation patterns among adults scoring lower on the digital literacy assessment. Finally, we employed logistic regression to examine whether the groups varied by demographic factors, in particular individual (e.g., race/ethnicity, age) and contextual factors (e.g., skills-use at home). Adults with lower literacy skills spent significantly less time on many of the items than adults with higher literacy skills. Among adults with lower literacy skills, two groups of time allocation patterns emerged: one group (Cluster 1) exhibited significantly longer engagement times, whereas the other group (Cluster 2) demonstrated comparatively shorter durations. Finally, we found that adults who had a higher probability of Cluster 1 membership (spending more time) exhibited relatively higher literacy scores, higher self-reported engagement in writing skills at home, were older, unemployed, and self-identified as Black. These findings emphasize differences in digital literacy engagement among adults with varying proficiency levels. Additionally, this study provides insights for the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving digital literacy assessment outcomes for adults with lower literacy skills.

The historical development of english as a foreign language teaching in brazilian schools: methods and legal documents

This bibliographical article delves into the historical trajectory that culminate in the contemporary challenges of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction in Brazilian schools. It elucidates the evolution of language teaching methods, from traditional approaches to modern pedagogies, such as the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach and postmethod pedagogy. Moreover, it traces the development of legal frameworks guiding EFL education in Brazilian schools, from colonial times to the present day, highlighting significant policy shifts and implementation challenges. Despite recent efforts for English as a foreign language education in Brazil, practical barriers persist, including low literacy rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited teacher training programs. The article emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the social contexts and historical developments that shape EFL instruction in Brazil and advocates for tailored teacher development activities to address the unique needs of Brazilian EFL educators. By contextualizing the challenges and complexities of EFL teaching in Brazil, this article may offer insights for enhancing language education practices and policies in the country, with an emphasis on teacher education.

Developing a multimedia patient-reported outcomes measure for low literacy patients with a human-centered design approach.

Almost all patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) are text-based, which impedes accurate completion by low and limited literacy patients. Few PROMs are designed or validated to be self-administered, either in clinical or research settings, by patients of all literacy levels. We aimed to adapt the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Short Form (PROMIS-UE) to a multimedia version (mPROMIS-UE) that can be self-administered by hand and upper extremity patients of all literacy levels. Our study in which we applied the Multimedia Adaptation Protocol included seven phases completed in a serial, iterative fashion: planning with our community advisory board; direct observation; discovery interviews with patients, caregivers, and clinic staff; ideation; prototyping; member-checking interviews; and feedback. Direct observations were documented in memos that underwent rapid thematic analysis. Interviews were audio-recorded and documented using analytic memos; a rapid, framework-guided thematic analysis with both inductive and deductive themes was performed. Themes were distilled into design challenges to guide ideation and prototyping that involved our multidisciplinary research team. To assess completeness, credibility, and acceptability we completed additional interviews with member-checking of initial findings and consulted our community advisory board. We conducted 12 hours of observations. We interviewed 17 adult English-speaking participants (12 patients, 3 caregivers, 2 staff) of mixed literacy. Our interviews revealed two distinct user personas and three distinct literacy personas; we developed the mPROMIS-UE with these personas in mind. Themes from interviews were distilled into four broad design challenges surrounding literacy, customizability, convenience, and shame. We identified features (audio, animations, icons, avatars, progress indicator, illustrated response scale) that addressed the design challenges. The last 6 interviews included member-checking; participants felt that the themes, design challenges, and corresponding features resonated with them. These features were synthesized into an mPROMIS-UE prototype that underwent rounds of iterative refinement, the last of which was guided by recommendations from our community advisory board. We successfully adapted the PROMIS-UE to an mPROMIS-UE that addresses the challenges identified by a mixed literacy hand and upper extremity patient cohort. This demonstrates the feasibility of adapting PROMs to multimedia versions. Future research will include back adaptation, usability testing via qualitative evaluation, and psychometric validation of the mPROMIS-UE. A validated mPROMIS-UE will expand clinicians' and investigators' ability to capture patient-reported outcomes in mixed literacy populations.

Fostering Decolonization, Reading and Multilingualism through Book Donation: A Case Study of One Primary School in South Africa

Despite the UNESCO declaration of literacy and access to primary education as a fundamental human right, many developing countries still face low literacy levels, limited access to reading material and poor reading culture. This can arguably be used to explain why children from developing countries are (according to large-scale studies such as Progress in International Reading Competency Study) performing below the expected standard compared to those from developed countries. While the low literacy levels are not solely attributed to limited access to reading material, the researchers argue that exploring the positive impacts of book donation will, in one way or the other, subvert the issue around low reading competency levels, and advance multilingualism as well as curriculum decolonization. This paper, therefore, discusses how decolonialism, reading and multilingualism are concurrently developed and realized through book donation. Using the decolonial thought theory as a lens, a qualitative design and case study approach were followed to explore how teachers used donated books to foster decolonization and advance reading as well as multilingualism in their classrooms. Three teachers from one rural primary school participated in the semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that the donated books written by university students empowered teachers to decolonize lesson presentations. In addition, the study found that the different languages in which the donated books were written promoted multilingualism. Finally, teachers reported learners’ interest in reading the donated books written by university students. This study concluded that it is important to evaluate the practice of book donation considering the current debates around decolonization, low reading competencies and multilingualism. Keywords: Book Donation; Decolonization, Primary Schools, Rural, Multilingualism

Assessment of Patient Awareness Regarding Chronic Kidney Disease Management in Santhal Parganas

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, and effective self-management is crucial for optimal outcomes. Assessing the prevailing knowledge about CKD in patients can help strategies information education communication program to better manage the disease. This study evaluated the current knowledge of self-management of CKD among patients suffering from CKD in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand state in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India from June to December 2023. Patients suffering from CKD were enrolled for this study from the Outpatient Department. The Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Management Knowledge Tool (CKD-SMKT) was used to measure patients’ knowledge through face-to-face interviews conducted by a trained local surveyor. Results: A total of 228 patients with a mean age of 52.63±10.65 years (men 136 [59.65%], women 92 [40.35%]) participated in the survey. All the patients (100%) gained knowledge about CKD from doctors, followed by other patients (63.6%) and relatives (41.23%). On average, 53.61% did not have proper knowledge about overall kidney disease. Correct knowledge about maintaining kidney health was among 38.1% of patients with 36.59% unsure about their knowledge and 25.31% declaring their lack of knowledge. Conclusion: A low level of knowledge about kidney health was found among the patients suffering from CKD in Santhal Parganas, a region with a tribal population with a low literacy rate. The identified knowledge gap emphasizes the need for a tailored educational program for CKD patients by doctors and patients relative.

Strategi Humas Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Maluku Tenggara dalam Pengelolaan Informasi Publik

The Department of Communication and Informatics (Diskominfo) of Southeast Maluku Regency plays a crucial role in supporting local governance and development. They focus on ensuring easy access to information for the public, especially in areas with limited internet coverage or low literacy rates. Diskominfo employs various strategies, including social media, digital platforms, as well as subscription-based radio and television stations. They are also responsible for providing public information services through various online platforms and seven public service applications. The information management process involves stages of collection, clarification, documentation, and distribution with principles of accurate news writing. Despite efforts to improve information access and public services, Diskominfo still faces several challenges such as telecommunication network blank spots, limited infrastructure, and the public's lack of knowledge about government information. To address these challenges, strategic issues such as expanding networks in blank spot areas, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, implementing electronic-based public service systems, and improving human resource capacity must be considered. Diskominfo of Southeast Maluku Regency continues to strive to ensure relevant and accurate information is available to the public, with the hope of supporting the development and empowerment of all layers of society in the region. Keywords: Strategies, Information Management System, Online, Diskominfo.

Educational intervention to facilitate clinician-patient discussions of lung cancer biomarker testing at safety net and non-safety net centers.

9023 Background: Biomarker testing is critical for optimal therapy selection in non small cell lung cancer, but it takes time and may delay treatment, causing patient anxiety and dissatisfaction. Patients want to understand the necessity and timing of biomarker testing and therapy decisions, but clinicians find these discussions challenging, especially with lower health literacy patients. As a solution, we deployed 4R Oncology model (4R = Right Info/Care/Patient/Time) at 10 centers (4 safety net, 6 non safety net). Under 4R, clinicians discuss with patients a Care Sequence, a predeveloped care checklist with visual timing of care, emphasizing biomarker testing within the overall care plan. It includes social and supportive care to address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Methods: Interviews with clinicians to examine whether / how Care Sequence helped discuss the need and timing for biomarker testing with patients, including lower health literacy patients. The cohort of clinicians (N=18) included oncologists, fellows and nurses; 10 worked at safety net centers. Results: All clinicians reported that Care Sequence helped explain timing of biomarker testing and the need to wait for results (Table). The majority reported that it helped discussions with lower literacy patients and to train fellows how to discuss these issues and place related referrals. These benefits and most of the rationale were reported at a similar rate by safety net and non safety net clinicians. Conclusions: The 4R Care Sequence is a promising educational tool that helps clinicians, including fellows, manage patients’ awareness and expectations for timing of biomarker testing and therapy decisions in lung cancer. The benefits in discussions with lower health literacy patients at both safety net and non safety net centers suggest that 4R can address disparities in patients’ understanding of these complex issues and may reduce anxiety while awaiting treatment. [Table: see text]

Hubungan Keterampilan Literasi Awal dengan Kemampuan Bahasa Ekspresif Tingkat Kata pada Anak Usia Prasekolah di RA Sunan Ampel Al-Jauhar Ngawi

Abstract Background: The education of children of preschool age is closely related to the development of children's literacy skills. The lack of readiness of early literacy skills will affect the child's success in communicating and speaking with their environment. Based on a survey conducted by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019. Indonesia ranks 62nd out of 70 countries related to literacy rate, or is in the bottom 10 countries that have low literacy levels. Objectives: analyze the Corellation of Early Literacy Skills with Word-Level Expressive Language Skills in Preschool-Age Children at RA Sunan Ampel Al-Jauhar Ngawi. Methods: This study was a quantitative study using an observational analytic research design with a cross sectional approach. The sample size of this study was 32 respondents aged 3–6 years (preschool). The statistical test used in this study was the Kendall Tau test. Results: The Kendall's tau test results revealed that a significance value of 0.000 was obtained with corellation coefficient or a r value of 0.603 which means that the correlation value is strong and positive, so Alternative hypotheses is accepted. This means that there is a strong relationship between early literacy skills and word-level expressive language skills. The better the early literacy skills, the better the expressive language skills of children is, and vice versa. Conclusion: There is a strong and positive correlation between early literacy skills and expressive language skills in preschool children. Keywords: Early literacy skills, expressive language skills, preschoolers

Feasibility and satisfaction level of caregivers with telemedicine in childhood cancer: A mixed-methods study.

1549 Background: Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial solution to addressing health care disparities, especially in countries like India where healthcare disparities are pronounced and specialist care is concentrated in urban areas. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study among caregivers of children with cancer who had utilised telemedicine in the past 6 months. Telephonic quantitative interviews collected information on diagnosis, current treatment status, residence and socio-economic parameters. A logistic regression model was created to assess patient and caregiver related factors associated with satisfaction with telemedicine. In-depths interviews were conducted in a sub-set of participants followed by thematic analysis. Results: Caregiver of 465 patients [median (range) age: 8 (0.1-18) years; 70.04% male; 82.54% with haematological malignancy] participated in this study. Patients had a median (range) of 2 (1-30) telemedicine in the past year, with parents being the most common care giver being involved [n=326 (70.10%)]. Telemedicine was reported to be more convenient than in-person visits and helpful in saving time and money by 90.54% (n=421) patients and 88.6% (n=421) patients reported easier follow up and access to care using telemedicine. Difficulty in explaining issues over telephones or emails was the reason for dissatisfaction for 47.53% (n=221) patients, additionally 22.37% (n=104) patients felt they received inadequate attention during telemedicine. Majority of the patients (85.38%, n=397) planned to continue teleconsultation and 88.39% (n=411) would recommend teleconsultation to others. Socioeconomic status of upper and upper-middle class upper and upper-middle socioeconomic status [OR (95%CI): 2.14 (1.38-3.32), p: &lt;0.001; aOR (95%CI): 2.11 (1.35 - 3.31), p: 0.001] was significantly associated with caregiver satisfaction with telemedicine. Qualitative interview showed themes of monetary and time savings with telemedicine, ease of consultations for minor complaints, delay in responsiveness of doctors, language barriers and difficulty in using telemedicine platforms due to low literacy levels. Conclusions: Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for paediatric cancer care offering convenience and accessibility. While most caregivers expressed satisfaction, challenges remain in communication and limited access among caregiver of lower socio-economic strata. Further studies should aim at developing more patient friendly telemedicine platforms.

Neonatal mortality rate and determinants among births of mothers at extreme ages of reproductive life in low and middle income countries

Neonatal mortality, which refers to the death of neonates during the first 28 completed days of life, is a critical global public health concern. The neonatal period is widely recognized as one of the most precarious phases in human life. Research has indicated that maternal extreme ages during reproductive years significantly impact neonatal survival, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the neonatal mortality rate and determinants among neonates born to mothers at extreme reproductive ages within these countries. A secondary analysis of demographic and health surveys conducted between 2015 and 2022 in 43 low- and middle-income countries was performed. The study included a total sample of 151,685 live births. Researchers utilized a multilevel mixed-effects model to identify determinants of neonatal mortality. The measures of association were evaluated using the adjusted odds ratio within a 95% confidence interval. The neonatal mortality rate among neonates born to mothers at extreme ages of reproductive life in low- and middle-income countries was 28.96 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births (95% CI 28.13–29.82). Factors associated with higher rates of neonatal mortality include male gender, low and high birth weight, maternal education (no or low), home deliveries, multiple births, short preceding birth intervals, lack of postnatal checkups, and countries with high fertility and low literacy rates. This study sheds light on the neonatal mortality rates among neonates born to mothers at extreme ages of reproductive life in low- and middle-income countries. Notably, we found that neonatal mortality was significantly higher in this group compared to neonatal mortality rates reported regardless of maternal ages. Male babies, low and high birth-weighted babies, those born to mothers with no or low education, delivered at home, singletons, babies born with a small preceding birth interval, and those without postnatal checkups faced elevated risks of neonatal mortality. Additionally, neonates born in countries with high fertility and low literacy rates were also vulnerable. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions tailored to mothers at extreme ages. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize strategies that address specific risk factors prevalent in these vulnerable populations. By doing so, we can improve neonatal outcomes and ensure the survival of these newborns during the critical neonatal period.

Local Council Oversight and Executives Accountability in Amhara Region

Abstract Local councils are the core units of decentralised governments. They represent the people, and make the executive accountable. Effective council enhances the government’s legitimacy by increasing its responsiveness, inclusiveness, and representativeness. This study assessed the effectiveness of the council’s oversight over the executive in Amhara region. Three Zones, five Worerdas, and ten Kebeles were selected. Data was collected from the Woreda and Kebele council members, members of the executive, council speakers, and council standing committee members. A total of 405 council members were used to collect the survey data. Data was also collected using key-informant interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that the local council both at Kebele and Woreda levels less influencing the executive. Low literacy levels and party affiliation in the councils’ are the critical challenges of council oversight. Due to this, the needs and interests of the community are less represented.

Digital marketing and financial inclusion; a study of Orba modern market in Udenu local government area, Enugu State

The study explored digital marketing's role in fostering financial inclusion in Orba Main Market, Udenu Local Government, Enugu State, using a mixed-method approach. While residents displayed varying levels of awareness and adoption of digital financial services, many actively utilized them despite facing challenges such as language barriers, low literacy, and poor internet connectivity. Educational attainment positively influenced awareness, while age negatively impacted perceptions. The findings underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance digital literacy, trust, and infrastructure, aiming to boost market participation and economic empowerment in rural areas. Recommendations included tailored awareness campaigns, improved accessibility, and stakeholder collaboration to address these barriers effectively.