Focus Group Discussion Method Research Articles

Pengembangan Kurikulum Sosiologi Agama sebagai Model dalam Pelaksanaan Merdeka Belajar bagi Mahasiswa Institut Agama Kristen Negeri Tarutung

The rapid development of the times no longer allows the world of education to be comfortable with the applicable curriculum. Responding to this challenge, the Ministry of Education and Culture launched the Independent Learning Campus policy. The Sociology of Religion Study Program at IAKN Tarutung chose one of the eight Merdeka Learning programs, namely internships. The chosen internship is an internship with a structured form, with the hope that students can actualize their knowledge at the internship location. This study aims to determine the implementation of the sociology of religion curriculum development as a model for the implementation of independent learning internships at IAKN Tarutung. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The methods of observation, interviews, document studies and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The results showed that the Independent Learning internship was going well, as evidenced by the learning outcomes of the apprenticeship courses and the soft skills of students in four villages in the Toba Caldera geosite area which is the location of the internship, where the majority of students received satisfactory grades from course lecturers and field supervisors. from partners. This study also evaluates the results of the internship implementation using a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) so that the implementation of internship activities will increase in the future.

PENYULUHAN HIPERTENSI PADA LANSIA DI DESA PALAS KECAMATAN PALAS

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, visual impairment and kidney disease. Diet is a person's way of eating related to eating habits every day. The factor of consuming foods high in fat, cholesterol, and excessive salt, or lack of control of eating patterns results in the high number of elderly people suffering from various diseases due to these factors. The purpose of this program is to increase the knowledge of the elderly about hypertension management. Hypertension counseling to the elderly in Palas Village, Palas District was carried out using the FGD (Focus Group Discussion) method. This activity uses an outreach method with supporting media. Hypertension counseling in the elderly uses counseling methods with interpersonal/two-way communication. After the counseling program was carried out, the results were in the form of an increase and understanding of the elderly regarding the management of hypertension.

Social Dynamics of Frequent Clashes in Rural Bangladesh: A Study on Brahmanbaria District

Rural conflicts are becoming more intensive in recent years, predominantly political conflicts are increasing in Bangladesh. Recently, few clashes in Brahmanbaria districts gained widespread momentum in the whole country. According to a report, a total of 1437 clashes occurred in the last 2 years, which caused 151 death and many injuries. Some conflicts were assumed to be clan-based (ghosti) and strengthened by the aim of establishing supremacy in the area by local elites. No study has been conducted on this issue previously concerning the causes and consequences of this frequent violence. So, the study aims to explore the nature and pattern of frequent clashes and provide some recommendations based on the findings. The present study adopted qualitative methods. Primary data were collected from five selected villages from Sarail Upazila where conflicts broke out the most. Initially, the researchers used the participant observation method for understanding the issue and locating the respondents for the interview. Then, data were collected using in-depth interviews, Key informant interviews, and Focus group discussion methods. Findings of the study suggest that conflicts in Brahmanbaria are a deep-rooted problem. There are no specific causes or patterns of these clashes, yet the participation of people in these clashes increasing. Conflict breaks out for a minimal matter, later local clans and villagers join in the mob. Often, these clashes end with mutual agreement mediated by the village headman, but the animosity between or among groups remains the same which causes further clashes.

Implementation of telepsychiatry in Kenya: acceptability study.

COVID-19-related restrictions on in-person contact in healthcare, increasing psychiatric illness during the pandemic and pre-existing shortages of mental healthcare providers have led to the emergence of telepsychiatry as an attractive option for the delivery of care. Telepsychiatry has been promoted as economical and effective, but its acceptance in low- and middle-income countries is poorly understood. To explore the acceptance, experiences and perspectives of patients and healthcare providers in the uptake of telepsychiatry services in a middle-income country. Focus group discussions were conducted on the WhatsApp platform with patients and care providers who have engaged in telepsychiatry. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Three main themes emerged from the five focus groups: (a) technical access, (b) user experience and (c) perceived effectiveness compared with face-to-face (in-person) interactions. Care providers reported challenges establishing rapport with the patient, particularly for initial sessions, maintaining privacy during sessions and detecting non-verbal cues on video. Patients cited internet connectivity problems, difficulty finding private space to have their sessions and cost as major challenges. Patients also felt in-person sessions were better for initial visits. Both patients and providers reported difficulties making insurance payment claims for telepsychiatry services. Overall, participants were mostly positive about telepsychiatry, citing its convenience and overall perceived effectiveness compared with in-person sessions. Telepsychiatry is an acceptable platform for delivery of out-patient psychiatric services in a middle-income country. Patients and providers appreciate the convenience it offers and would like it integrated as a routine mode of delivery of care.

OBTAINING PREFERENCES FROM A HYBRID LEARNING SYSTEM TO PROMOTE ENGLISH-SPEAKING ABILITY THROUGH FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

In the new normal era, the learning system has changed from online learning to hybrid learning. This learning system is widely applied in many universities. Thus surfacing students and lecturers’ voices is of absolute importance in obtaining preferences for best practices in English language teaching. In the EFL context, speaking fluency is one of the elements of speaking that have many difficulties to be mastered by students. This study was conducted to derive suggestions and preferences for best practices in hybrid learning systems for English-speaking ability through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method. From the FGD, we draw transcripts, back-to-back translations, field notes and activity artefacts to demonstrate the process of the discussion. The information gathered was examined using thematic analysis and an interpretative description approach. The participants of this study were Non-English majors and English lecturers. The result revealed that college students faced speaking challenges during hybrid learning to hone their speaking fluency. Emerging themes were identified wherein in a hybrid learning system, the lecturer utilized multifaceted learning, digital resources and communication tools to improve students' speaking fluency. As for the implementation, technical support and mental readiness for hybrid learning are the reasons for the possibility of hybrid learning that affects students' speaking fluency.

Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: Students’ Experiences, Perceptions and Lessons for Higher Education Institutes

A sudden shift to complete online teaching and learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for educational institutes, their administrators, teachers and students. This study investigated students’ online teaching experiences with the intention to shape higher education institutes’ (HEI) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration policies and practices. A mixed-method research approach was used to collect data. The quantitative data were collected using a survey questionnaire and focus group discussion method was used to gather qualitative data. The students’ views of their instructors’ online instructional and assessment strategies revealed that teachers confined themselves to the university guidelines and used the recommended learning management system (LMS) and digital tools but lacked the training to utilise many of the features available in the recommended LMS and digital tools that could be integrated with the LMS due to poor knowledge and ICT skills. This study suggests that HEIs should invest in research to understand students’ choices of digital tools and train teachers to maximise the use of the LMS.

Edukasi Kompleksitas dan Permasalahan Perasuransian di Propinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

The purpose of implementing community service activities (PkM) is to educate on the complexity of insurance, then evaluate and analyze insurance problems. This PkM implementation method uses lecture and discussion techniques, which are generally known as the focus group discussion (FGD) method. Activity partners are determined by purposive sampling technique (deliberately) based on the organizational structure consisting of the insurance assignment area. Based on this, the participants are determined by quota sampling technique, namely, the PkM activity participants are the direct leaders of the organization with the highest rank/position/class, ± 7 Heads or Organizational Directors. In addition, this FGD involved customers from each insurance industry with a quota of ± 1 person. Thus the participants who took part in this PkM activity were ± 21 people. The urgency of implementing this PkM is to educate participants regarding the complexities of insurance and provide new experiences to participants regarding techniques for evaluating and analyzing insurance problems. The final result of this FGD reconstructed a strategy to overcome the complexity and problems of the insurance industry, namely the need to create a Policy Guarantee Institution (LPP).

A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BASED ON PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES: A CASE STUDY IN THE KEDUNG OMBO TOURISM AREA-INDONESIA

This research aims to find an alternative policy framework on tourism development Kedung Ombo-Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach by applying Multipol analysis method. Collecting data uses a focus group discussion method. The research participants are stakeholders of the area, such as local governments, reservoir managers, forest directors, and society. The result shows that an institutional development policy supported by good governance development programs is the best policy in the integrated scenario. Meanwhile, tourism development policies supported by developing public facilities, tourism convenience, tourism interest, marketing and promotion, and service quality are the best policy in the individual scenario.

Reviewing Tree Risk Inventory Model for Tropical Urban Trees by Malaysian Experts

The study aims to develop a new framework of tree assessment that is suitable for Malaysia’s tropical urban trees. A focus group discussion (FGD) method was conducted with Malaysian experts regarding the criteria needed to assess a tree's condition starting from the juvenile stage. Found that 92% of the participants agree with the preliminary framework presented. Additional components were added to the preliminary framework based on the data collected. The study could increase the relevant organizations' knowledge of managing urban trees and decrease the deterioration and decline of urban trees in Malaysia. Keywords: hazardous trees; tree monitoring; urban forestry, tree assessment eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3264

Women's autonomy and food security: Connecting the dots from the perspective of Indigenous women in rural Colombia

There is a growing consensus that women's autonomy is positively related to food security. However, the evidence is inconsistent, and the nature of the pathways connecting the two factors remains unclear. ObjectiveTo analyze the connection between women's autonomy and food security drawing from the perspective of rural Indigenous women in Nariño, Colombia. MethodsFocus group discussions and photovoice were conducted with 24 women. ResultsWomen elucidated numerous economic, social, cultural, and political constraints affecting their autonomy and limiting their ability to ensure a nutritionally adequate diet for their households. Economically, key constraints include the lack of remuneration for women's work, a lack of education, and restrictive gender roles and discrimination in the agricultural realm. Social constraints center around the inadequate recognition and valuation of women's work, gender stereotypical roles, and gender-based violence. With regard to the cultural domain, the women identified a lack of traditional knowledge transfer, a shift in the agricultural landscape, and environmental degradation as critical constraints. Further, they asserted that the dearth of political representation and participation of rural Indigenous women has direct implications for food security and facilitates the legitimization and institutionalization of the constraints identified across other areas. ConclusionsThis study offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities linking food insecurity, autonomy, gender-inequality, discrimination, and poverty, while examining how intersectionality impacts these dynamic processes by recognizing women's points of view and perspectives—in this case—of one of the most vulnerable underserved, and under-researched segments of the Colombian population – Indigenous women.

Garbage Sorting as an Important Rural Problem: Descriptive Study of Priority Health Problems in Pantai Cermin Village, Langkat Regency

In planning efforts to improve public health degrees, it is necessary to plan the first steps to find out what health problems are prioritized to be addressed effectively, efficiently, and on target. This community service, therefore, aim to to find health problems in order to find the right intervention so that the health problems contained in Teladan Hamlet do not become serious problems that cause other health problems. This research was conducted in Teladan hamlet of Pantai Cermin Village, Tanjung Pura Subdistrict using descriptive research methods, univariate analysis was conducted to determine the priority of health problems from the results of self-aware surveys. Prioritization of health problems was carried out qualitatively using the Focus Group Discussion method with USG (Urgency, Seriousness, Growth) criteria scoring. The nine highest health problems found were the low number of couples who did not use contraception, low infant weight, itching, hypertension, national health insurance, smoking behavior, kitchen waste disposal, garbage sorting, and eradication of mosquito nests. The results of the Focus Group Discussion agreed that the priority of health problems in Teladan hamlet is the low behavior of waste sorting, so that interventions are carried out in the form of counseling and provision of facilities and infrastructure in the form of garbage cans in some public places in order to increase public knowledge and community behavior in sorting waste. Efforts that can be made by local governments are to support and supervise the community to implement good and correct waste sorting and processing behavior in a sustainable manner

Understanding social critique in graffiti art from a (non-)Western perspective: Chinese students comparing Banksy and Zato through photo-elicitation

Although obvious in Western Europe and the US, the controversy about graffiti is not as pronounced in mainland China. While the creative/destructive act of vandalising public spaces and even private property brings with it certain issues and notions attributed to culture jamming, protest action, and subversive aesthetics, this is not necessarily how graffiti thrived within the leftist context of China. Unfortunately, since graffiti practice in China is still an understudied area, many questions would soon be left unanswered as this street art form swiftly vanishes under the communist country’s rapid development in pursuit of globalisation. With the aim of demonstrating why graffiti culture in China functions quite differently from graffiti practices in the UK (and similar ‘Western’ cultures), we investigate how the art of graffiti is understood and defined by Chinese students who participated in our comparative study. The participants contrasted Banksy’s art with the works of Zato, who is quite popular in China’s contemporary graffiti scene. Through a blended method of visual ethnography, photo-elicitation, and focus group discussions conducted via video conferencing, we visualised the two graffitists against a backdrop of clashing social constructs and political contexts. Our findings provide valuable insights into persisting issues surrounding the differences between Western and Chinese graffiti practices. Graffiti art in the UK and in China may have proven comparable in terms of medium but incommensurable as to message. Due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, the images included in this article and cited throughout the study were all sourced online.

Post-Pandemic Concert: What Would Have Changed For Orchestral Performance in Indonesia

The pre-pandemic era has been established the settled living ecosystem for orchestral musician in Indonesia, nevertheless, due to the government's policy to combat the virus since March 2020 which is applying the social restriction on a large scale, those within creative sectors have totally ceased their activities. As time goes by, online-virtual-concert has enlivened musical creating and performing. It spread globally and was responded as an opportunity by the state representation so did by the private sectors who have developed the platforms to accommodate the musician rights as brought by UNESCO discourses, one of formulated as follows “musicians can express themselves through music and get fair remuneration from it.” The developed platforms had played a big role as a leverage, both during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic as has predicted and discussed in a two-way Focus Group Discussion methods (FGD), it taken from any webinars sessions involved the expert, officials, and the practitioners which concluded that instead of waiting a crisis assumed just taken place for a moment while waiting for the usual state return, it has been realized globally as an evidence as well as a signs that the new living ecosystem for orchestral musicians in Indonesia have just begun to change.

Inquiry-Based Learning on Climate Change in Upper Secondary Education: A Design-Based Approach

Education is of great importance in the context of climate change, as it can promote pro-environmental behaviour. However, climate change education is accompanied by didactic and pedagogical challenges because, among other reasons, climate change is a complex phenomenon and many people have a psychological distance to the topic. A promising approach to face these challenges is inquiry-based learning (IBL), as several studies show. To date, however, there are barely any empirically tested instructional designs, especially for close-to-science IBL, focusing on climate change. The study presented here therefore addresses the question of how a science propaedeutic seminar for upper secondary schools on the regional implications of climate change should be designed to ensure successful learning processes. Based on the design-based research approach, qualitative research methods (focus group discussions, semi-standardised written teacher surveys, and participant observations) were used to identify target-oriented design guidelines and implementation principles for such seminars. In the seminars, 769 students have so far researched different aspects of climate change in their own regions. The identified design guidelines and implementation principles were further operationalised for teaching practice, so that the research generated both a contribution to theory building and an applicable concept for schools.

Impact of Social Media on Agricultural Extension in Afghanistan – A Case of Ahmad Aba District

This study aimed to find out the impact of social media on agricultural extension among farmers of Ahmad Aba district and the overall status of social media users in the study area. The area has been selected for its accessibility and familiarity with topography, culture, and languages. This study has been conducted through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion methods. This study revealed that 56 % of the respondent were using the internet regularly, roughly 30 % were using some time while 9.5 % were not using ore rarely due to the high service charge, poor network connection, and lack of personal interest. Facebook was the leading platform among other social media platforms. Moreover, 71 % of the respondents were using social media on their smartphones, 23.5 5 on tablets and only 5.5 percent were using through the computer. Some Facebook pages which are sharing agricultural information have a huge audience compared to other platforms.

Challenges and Barriers in Disaster Mitigation Education in Banyumas Regency

BACKGROUND: Indonesia has very huge natural disaster potential risks. To reduce the impacts of disaster, proper and massive mitigation education toward society is very imperative. Disaster mitigation education has been carried out in both formal and non-formal sectors. While National Disaster Management Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana) has educated the public massively, in formal sector there has been only regulation and guidance from the Ministry of Education. However, its implementation in local areas still encountered many obstacles and challenges, especially in Banyumas regency. AIM: This study aims to explore disaster mitigation process education in Banyumas Regency. METHODS: This qualitative study recruited 11 participants who involved in disaster mitigation process using purposive sampling method. A focus-group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview method were adopted to explore data regarding disaster education. Researchers used a semi-structured interview form consisting of ten questions during the data collection process. Literatures related to disaster mitigation regulations were also critically analyzed. Data were recorded, trancripted, discussed, and categorized manually. RESULTS: As a result, the study revealed two main themes in disaster mitigation education: lack of law enforcement in implementing disaster education and lack of people’s awareness for disaster education. The categories under the themes are disaster education regulation, lack of standardized disaster guideline and curriculum, and lack of disaster education awareness and education approach. CONCLUSION: Educating disaster mitigation through formal education from the early stage is very significant. Substantial matters need to be well constracted are guidelines for implementing disaster education in schools as well as curriculum based on the concepts and implementation, correct construct, and subject matter. Encouraging the awareness of disaster preparedness since an early age is important to instill the right techniques.

Pelatihan dan Pendampingan Kader tentang Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) dalam Upaya Deteksi Dini dan Menciptakan Warga Bebas DM

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a health problem globally and in Indonesia. One of the pillars of diabetes management is health education. One of the health education materials that can be given is how to measure blood sugar levels independently, known as Self onitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG). This training and assistance are intended primarily for health cadres, DM patients, or those at risk of developing DM. The service team's assessment results showed that health cadres, patients, and families of DM patients in Padukuhan Gondang Legi, Wedomartani Village, had never received health education about SMBG training. Therefore, the health education material provided is training and assistance in measuring blood sugar levels independently or Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG). The purpose of this service is to improve the knowledge and skills of cadres, DM patients, and residents in measuring blood sugar levels independently so that residents can carry out early detection (screening) or monitor their blood sugar levels independently. The service is carried out in 3 stages in September – November 2021 in Padukuhan Gondang Legi, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman. The service is conducted in education using the focus group discussion (FGD) method and direct demonstration of blood sugar levels to cadres, DM patients, and families. The provision of education and training increases the understanding of cadres and residents about SMBG. The change in the average knowledge score from 38.3 before education to 88.7 after education with an average difference of 50.4 Assistance and education to cadres and residents need to be carried out intensively and continuously to increase knowledge, which will impact changing attitudes and behavior of residents in efforts to control and prevent DM.

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT VCT PADA WANITA PEKERJA SEKS DI PUSKESMAS KABUPATEN PEMALANG DALAM SAAT PANDEMI COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) program for female sex workers (WPS) as evidenced by a decrease in the use of VCT in FSW. Therefore, the existence of COVID-19 requires adaptation to program sustainability (adaptive management). The purpose of this study was to find out adaptive management VCT in female sex workers at the Pemalang District Health Center in the Covid-19 pandemic situation. This type of qualitative research uses the focus group discussion (FGD) method to collect data related to the adaptive VCT on female sex workers at the primary health care in the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Participants involved in the FGDs were stakeholders in the management of the VCT HIV program for female sex workers. Data analysis using content analysis method (content analysis). The results showed that the adaptive carried out is not doing mobile VCT, VCT at the primary health care with health protocols, delivering test results via SMS, not doing post-test counseling. Challenges and obstacles in adapting to VCT at the primary health care are the interest of women sex workers to do VCT at the primary health care still low, the counseling provided is limited, women sex workers do not understand the test results, and the risk of messages being not opened. Design improvements based on ideas and ideas are through health promotion with social media, some from the community of female sex workers being role models, owners (pimps) requiring regular VCT FSW at the primary health care, running mobile VCT (6 months) with a health protocol, counselors must be able to provide information that is easy to understand, clear and concise, can use the telephone to convey test results.

Strengthening digital-based ecotourism through the development of iconic spots in Selorejo Village, Malang Regency

Community service activities in the form of strengthening digital ecotourism through iconic spots are carried out to increase tourists' numbers, mostly visits by the millennial generation, which are identical to selfies and social media. This activity is intended for managers and the community of Wana Wisata Bedengan, which are located in Selorejo Village, Malang Regency, totaling ten people. Activities were carried out by using the Focus Group Discussion method to socialize and prepare for development, then assist in implementing the construction of iconic photo spots and evaluation of the implementation of the iconic photo spots. In its implementation, the focus group with the manager plays the leading role because the manager provides directions for the location to be added to the iconic photo spot. Community service contributes in the form of physical development of photo spots in the form of iconic main gates, iconic love lights, and iconic life circles. This activity provides conclusions: the number of tourists visiting is increasing, and the prestige of these tourist attractions will be increasingly famous on social media, especially among the millennial generation.

A qualitative exploration of perceived needs and barriers of individuals with schizophrenia, caregivers and clinicians in using mental health applications in Madhya Pradesh, India

IntroductionAbout 3.5 million people are living with schizophrenia in India, with most failing to receive minimally adequate care. Digital mental health applications could potentially decrease this treatment gap; however, these applications should be tailored to meet the needs and overcoming barriers of its end-users to ensure their adoption and sustained usage. Few studies in India have explored the perspectives of target stakeholders to understand how digital tools could be viable for supporting care. Therefore, this study explores the perceived needs and barriers of patients with schizophrenia, caregivers and clinicians in using digital mental health applications. MethodsFocus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with patients having schizophrenia attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary hospital, and their caregivers, and mental health clinicians in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. FGDs were audio-recorded and coded. Framework analysis was employed to guide the analysis, involving deductive and inductive generation of themes, data triangulation and comparison of perspectives between participant groups. ResultsSix FGDs were conducted with individuals with schizophrenia (n ​= ​11), their caregivers (n ​= ​14), and mental health clinicians (n ​= ​19). Four a priori themes were established: a) Prior experiences with health applications; b) Content of a mental health application; c) Involvement of caregivers in mental health application usage and d) Supporting doctors’ work through mental health applications. Additionally, two themes were generated inductively: a) Qualities of a mental health application and b) Data privacy and confidentiality. ConclusionExploration of stakeholder perspectives on the content, features, and uses of mental health applications is crucial to yield initial insights about the use of these digital programs in India. This study generated a multitude of suggestions on app functionality and components, which can guide ongoing efforts to develop and deliver digital mental health applications for patients living with schizophrenia in low-resource settings, with limited access to mental health services.