Paired Interviews Research Articles

Tensions between risk, coping and support: young people with intellectual disability in Sweden and Internet-related support

Young people with intellectual disability seem to be more vulnerable on the Internet than youth in general. Therefore, it is important to investigate not only their strategies for managing negative online experiences but also how they experience Internet-related support. This study applies a qualitative and interpretative approach drawing on individual and pair interviews with pupils in upper secondary special programme schools in Sweden. A thematic analysis resulted in the following themes: ‘a lesson to be learned’, ‘the important role of siblings’, ‘the dilemma of support’ and ‘negotiation of control’. With regard to negative online experiences, strategies for managing privacy, safety and risky situations are understood as problem-focused coping and efforts to manage external/internal demands. The central role of social networks is emphasised with regard to Internet-related support. It is concluded that online restrictions may discourage open dialogue. A perspective of positive risk-taking, focusing on opportunities rather than risks, is advocated. Points of interest This article investigates the participants’ perspectives in their own words. The key contribution of the paper is finding out how young people with intellectual disability in Sweden handle negative online experiences and how they experience Internet-related support. The study highlights a range of themes from lessons learned and sibling relationships to problems of support and control that reflect many social and individual characteristics. The participants use different coping strategies to handle negative online experiences. They seem to manage privacy and safety on their own and refuse control in risky situations. With regard to Internet-related support, the participants prefer turning to their social network (family and friends) rather than public authorities (teachers in school). This type of research is important because it focuses on young people with intellectual disability and their vulnerability online as well as the development opportunities for Internet-related support.

Code-Switching as a Communicative Strategy among Malay Students Learning Japanese in Malaysia Higher Education Institution

Code-switching is an effective communicative strategy in learning Japanese as a foreign language in Malaysia Higher Education Institution. The tendency in code-switching is a common practice while communicating among the bilingual and multilingual Malaysian society. Furthermore, the setting of Malaysia is a perfect example where code-switching is a common phenomenon among its people, due to its multilingual and diversified cultural communities. This study aims to identify and analyse code-switching as a communicative strategy among ten Malay students who learn the Japanese language as a foreign language at MARA-OISCA Japanese Language Centre in Beranang, Malaysia. The theoretical frameworks adopted in the study used Hymes's internal code-switching and external code-switching framework model to discuss the types of code-switching patterns in analysing the data. The data were collected through pair discussion activities, recorded observation, and interviews. The findings revealed that participants used more internal code-switching compared to external code-switching. The findings also show that among the reasons that prompt Malaysian Japanese language learners in code-switching were four factors that can be resolved as the origin of the occurrence of code-switching, namely the social hierarchy, the relationship between speakers, lack of vocabulary knowledge and clear clarification of intended information. In addition, it was found that most Malaysian Japanese language learners use code-switching frequently and subconsciously.

Patient perspective: diagnosis and prognosis of acute spinal cord injuries.

Qualitative study. The purpose of this study is to understand the patient perspective after diagnosis of an acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Discussing the diagnosis and prognosis of a tSCI with a patient can be a challenging experience for both the patient and the physician. As such, this paper attempts to better understand the patient experience to improve communication when discussing this life-altering injury. Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This study is a qualitative study utilizing grounded theory and semi-structured interviews. The interview transcripts were manually coded using manifest and latent content analysis. Major and minor codes were identified and discussed. In total, 17 interviews were conducted, fifteen individuals with tSCI who received acute care at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and eleven family members were interviewed. Patient participants were interviewed individually or in a paired interview with a participating family member. Patient participants had varying spinal cord injuries from AIS A-D. Two major themes were identified from the interviews. The first major theme was physician demeanor (general approach and attitude towards patients) and the second major theme was delivery of information (content, timing, and source). This study summarizes the preferences of patients who sustained a tSCI discussions regarding their diagnosis and prognosis in the acute care setting. The goal of this study is to help guide physician interactions at this difficult and vulnerable time for patients with hopes to improve patient care through effective communication.

“I had a big bias”: disrupting children's biases, stereotypes through studying cultures

PurposeThis article describes a study examining the influence of a curricular intervention on 25 third-graders' stereotypes and biases related to world cultures and the people who embody them.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative study focused on privileging student voice through an inductive analytical approach. Triangulated data sources include focus group and paired interviews, recorded lessons, student and teacher curricular documents, as well as field notes.FindingsResults—primarily reported through the children's own thoughts and voices—describe students' initial ideas about world cultures and people prior to experiencing the curriculum, and afterward, documenting shifts in stereotypical beliefs and biased attitudes. Findings indicate many students made positive changes, altering incorrect assumptions about other cultures and people. In addition, some children became able to recognize stereotypes and biases, generalize what they learned to other situations beyond those addressed in the curriculum and identify their own bias.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into an understudied topic and population in social studies education. It presents evidence that young children are capable of successfully engaging with the complex topics of bias and stereotypes in meaningful ways, thus providing a rationale for addressing stereotypes and bias concerning world cultures in elementary classrooms.

Experience and impact of crystal pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) from a patient and caregiver perspective: A qualitative exploration from the OMERACT CPPD working group

ObjectiveTo explore the lived experience of people with calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease and the impact of this condition on their daily lives. MethodsPatients with CPPD and their caregivers were invited to take part in a one-to-one (patient only) or paired (patient and caregiver) semi-structured interview. Interviews covered patients’ diagnosis and treatment experiences, and the impact of CPPD on their daily lives. Transcribed interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results28 patient interviews, six of which included a caregiver, were conducted across five countries. Acute CPP crystal arthritis flares resulted in temporary but profound disability for most patients, disrupting their ability to go about day-to-day activities, and they sought immediate medical attention. CPPD+OA and chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis presented patients with longer term limitations in daily lives. Patients and their caregivers described these disruptions and limitations, which included a reduced ability or inability to complete household and self-care tasks, exercise, socialise, work and drive. They also described how arthritis pain and resulting limitations adversely impacted upon patients’ psychological wellbeing. Delays in referral to specialists and diagnostic uncertainty were described by many. Lack of appropriate treatment or access to treatments only upon worsening of symptoms impacted upon the length of time some patients spent in pain and with functional limitations. ConclusionThis study is the first to demonstrate the wide-ranging impact of CPPD, and highlights the need for improved diagnosis, physician training, as well as greater emphasis upon finding targeted therapies to specifically treat CPPD.

The Nordic Paradox. Professionals’ Discussions about Gender Equality and Intimate Partner Violence against Women in Sweden

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a global public health issue often assumed to be associated with gender inequality. The so-called Nordic Paradox, the apparently contradictory co-existence of high levels of IPVAW and of gender equality in Nordic countries, has not been adequately explained. This study explores discussions about how this apparent paradox can be understood among 30 IPVAW professionals working in southern Sweden, through a thematic analysis of focus groups and individual and paired interviews. The analysis highlights complexities of gender (in)equality and its links with IPVAW in Sweden, of relevance for the addressing and prevention of IPVAW.

Individual differences in intra-speaker variation: t-glottalling in England and Scotland

Abstract This paper explores stylistic variation in the use of word-medial and word-final released and glottalled /t/ in London and Edinburgh. Specifically, it investigates the extent to which the social salience of a linguistic feature constrains individual differences in the degree and direction of intra-individual variation. Variation in the social salience of t-glottalling is explored in two linguistic contexts: word-medially, where it is high in London and somewhat lower in Edinburgh, and word-finally, where it is lower than in medial position in both places. Data is based on paired sociolinguistic interviews of 24 London-born adolescents and 21 Edinburgh-born adolescents. Results suggest that while style-shifting norms from speech to reading differ between London and Edinburgh adolescents, they are similar within the communities. However, there are many individual differences in the degree and direction of style-shifting and the latter are more pronounced in final position, where the social salience is weaker. There is also a somewhat large number of Edinburgh adolescents who diverge from the majority norm in medial position and who do not style-shift at all.

Unseen? A qualitative study on how mothers and fathers living with a visual impairment experience parenthood

It is barely taken into account that a visually impaired child might one day become a parent. Research on the insider perspectives of parents on parenting with a visual impairment is scarce. This exploratory study reports on how six mothers and seven fathers living with a visual impairment experience parenthood. An individual or paired open interview, followed by qualitative content analysis, captured their multi-layered and personal lived experiences on parenting. Analysis of the data collected revealed three themes: the actual practices of daily parenting as an exploration of a personal and unique toolbox for each parent; a parental urge to prove themselves to overcome extra doubts, pressure and othering; and the relational work of parents with their partner and child(ren).

Peer-to-Peer Sharing of Social Media Messages on Sexual Health in a School-Based Intervention: Opportunities and Challenges Identified in the STASH Feasibility Trial.

BackgroundThere is a strong interest in the use of social media to spread positive sexual health messages through social networks of young people. However, research suggests that this potential may be limited by a reluctance to be visibly associated with sexual health content on the web or social media and by the lack of trust in the veracity of peer sources.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate opportunities and challenges of using social media to facilitate peer-to-peer sharing of sexual health messages within the context of STASH (Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Health), a secondary school-based and peer-led sexual health intervention.MethodsFollowing training, and as a part of their role, student-nominated peer supporters (aged 14-16 years) invited school friends to trainer-monitored, private Facebook groups. Peer supporters posted curated educational sex and relationship content within these groups. Data came from a feasibility study of the STASH intervention in 6 UK schools. To understand student experiences of the social media component, we used data from 11 semistructured paired and group interviews with peer supporters and their friends (collectively termed students; n=42, aged 14-16 years), a web-based postintervention questionnaire administered to peer supporters (n=88), and baseline and follow-up questionnaires administered to students in the intervention year group (n=680 and n=603, respectively). We carried out a thematic analysis of qualitative data and a descriptive analysis of quantitative data.ResultsMessage sharing by peer supporters was hindered by variable engagement with Facebook. The trainer-monitored and private Facebook groups were acceptable to student members (peer supporters and their friends) and reassuring to peer supporters but led to engagement that ran parallel to—rather than embedded in—their routine social media use. The offline context of a school-based intervention helped legitimate and augment Facebook posts; however, even where friends were receptive to STASH messages, they did not necessarily engage visibly on social media. Preferences for content design varied; however, humor, color, and text brevity were important. Preferences for social media versus offline message sharing varied.ConclusionsInvitation-only social media groups formed around peer supporters’ existing friendship networks hold potential for diffusing messages in peer-based sexual health interventions. Ideally, interactive opportunities should not be limited to single social media platforms and should run alongside offline conversations. There are tensions between offering young people autonomy to engage flexibly and authentically and the need for adult oversight of activities for information accuracy and safeguarding.

Impact of sustainability-focused learning intervention on teachers’ agency to teach for sustainable development

ABSTRACT Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been identified as a key enabler of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Considering the vital role of ESD, a framework ‘ESD for 2030ʹ has been prepared by UNESCO to take the 2030 Agenda forward. Since teachers are the key players in the successful implementation of ESD, many teacher preparation programmes across the world integrate different aspects of ESD in the existing courses to develop pre-service teachers’ capacities as ESD educators. The current study was an attempt to investigate the impact of integrating ESD (in an existing course) on pre-service teachers’ agency to act as ESD educators in schools. As a part of the course ‘Research Methods in Education’, pre-service teachers were engaged in a pedagogical intervention (sustainability-focused undergraduate research) for a period of 11–13 weeks. The research projects were related to gender inequality, environmental consciousness, and economic disparities. The data were collected from 38 paired observations (before and after participating in sustainability-focused undergraduate research) and interviews of 44 participants. The data indicated that the sustainability-focused pedagogical intervention was partially effective in helping pre-service teachers to act as sustainability educators. The findings indicate a need of including dedicated, standalone courses on ESD in teacher preparation programmes in order to empower the pre-service teachers as ESD educators.

Organization of training by cooperation / competition method in foreign language classes

The article is devoted to the description of the organization of training in a foreign language according to the method of rivalry / cooperation. The author investigated the possibilities of the practical application of such forms as cooperation and rivalry and their impact on the educational process. The relevance of this problem is due to the need for the search for new ways, methods, techniques for effective training of foreign students, the need to develop optimal technologies for the process of learning a foreign language by using cooperation and rivalry strategies; a lack of fundamental theoretical research and practical developments on the application of cooperation and rivalry in teaching foreign languages. The author studies examples of interactive games that students find most interesting and entertaining and shows various ways of organizing work in small groups. Among the most effective forms of pair and group work are internal (external) circles, brainstorm, zigzag reading, opinion exchange, paired interviews. Technologies of rivalry and cooperation should be used in the educational process in a complementary manner. To successfully form the abilities of oral professional communication, it is necessary to systematically use the entire arsenal of funds and techniques that implement strategies for cooperation and rivalry. The author describes the impact of these methods on the educational process, namely the stimulation of personal, intellectual activity, development of cognitive processes, formation of competencies that the future specialist should have.

Development of an antimicrobial stewardship implementation model involving collaboration between general practitioners and pharmacists: GPPAS study in Australian primary care.

Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in primary care is a growing concern and a threat to community health. The rise of AMR can be slowed down if general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists (CPs) could work as a team to implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs for optimal use of antimicrobial(s). However, the evidence supporting a GP pharmacist collaborative AMS implementation model (GPPAS) in primary care remains limited. With an aim to design a GPPAS model in Australia, this paper outlines how this model will be developed. This exploratory study undertakes a systematic review, a scoping review, nationwide surveys, and qualitative interviews to design the model. Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and Normalization Process Theory are utilized as guides. Reviews will identify the list of effective GPPAS interventions. Two AMS surveys and paired interviews of GPs and CPs across Australia will explore their convergent and divergent views about the GPPAS interventions, attitudes towards collaboration in AMS and the perceived challenges of implementing GPPAS interventions. Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS 2.0) model and factor analyses will guide the structure of GPPAS model through identifying the determinants of GPPAS uptake. The implementable GPPAS strategies will be selected based on empirical feasibility assessment by AMS stakeholders using the APEASE (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects and safety, Equity) criteria. The GPPAS model might have potential implications to inform how to better involve GPs and CPs in AMS, and, to improve collaborative services to optimize antimicrobial use and reduce AMR in primary care.

Taking part in the community occupational therapy in dementia UK intervention from the perspective of people with dementia, family carers and occupational therapists: A qualitative study.

Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia (COTiD-UK) is a manualised intervention delivered to the person with dementia and their identified family carer primarily in their own home. The focus is on enabling both the person with dementia and their family carer to engage in personally meaningful activities. This qualitative study examines the experiences of people with mild to moderate dementia, their family carers and occupational therapists, of taking part in the COTiD-UK intervention. A purposive sample of 22 pairs of people with dementia and a family carer and seven occupational therapists took part in semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded, transcribed and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Themes from the occupational therapist interviews relate to the COTiD-UK intervention philosophy and content, aspects of delivering it in practice and thinking ahead to it becoming usual practice. Themes from the pair interviews relate to the focus of COTiD-UK sessions on meaningful occupation and working together and a sense of being able to plan to live well with dementia in the short- and longer-term as a result of the intervention. This person-centred occupation-focussed intervention was highly valued by people with dementia and their family carers and the occupational therapists delivering it.

\u201cStanding on common ground\u201d - a qualitative study of self-management support for patients with multimorbidity in primary health care

BackgroundMultimorbidity, the co-existence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, is present in most patients over 65 years. Primary health care (PHC) is uniquely positioned to provide the holistic and continual care recommended for this group of patients, including support for self-management. The aim of this study was to explore professionals’, patients’, and family caregivers’ perspectives on how PHC professionals should support self-management in patients with multimorbidity. This study also includes experiences of using telemedicine to support self-management.MethodsA mixed qualitative method was used to explore regular self-management support and telemedicine as a tool to support self-management. A total of 42 participants (20 physicians, 3 registered nurses, 12 patients, and 7 family caregivers) were interviewed using focus group interviews (PHC professionals), pair interviews (patients and family caregivers), and individual interviews (registered nurses, patients, and family caregivers). The study was performed in urban areas in central Sweden and rural areas in southern Sweden between April 2018 and October 2019. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe main theme that emerged was “Standing on common ground enables individualized support.” To achieve such support, professionals needed to understand their own views on who bears the primary responsibility for patients’ self-management, as well as patients’ self-management abilities, needs, and perspectives. Personal continuity and trustful relationships facilitated this understanding. The findings also indicated that professionals should be accessible for patients with multimorbidity, function as knowledge translators (help patients understand their symptoms and how the symptoms correlated with diseases), and coordinate between levels of care. Telemedicine supported continual monitoring and facilitated patient access to PHC professionals.ConclusionThrough personal continuity and patient-centered consultations, professionals could collaborate with patients to individualize self-management support. For some patients, this means that PHC professionals are in control and monitor symptoms. For others, PHC professionals play a less controlling role, empowering patients’ self-management. Development and improvement of eHealth tools for patients with multimorbidity should focus on improving the ability to set mutual goals, strengthening patients’ inner motivation, and including multiple caregivers to enhance information-sharing and care coordination.

Teaching English Speaking Skill through Pair and Group Interview Techniques

The problem that the participants face in the speaking class teaching is very low confident in speaking English in the class. The research aims are to find the effectiveness the pair and group interview techniques to enhance the participants’ speaking skill. The experimental study consisting 100 participants at fourth semester of Educational English Department Bosowa University and 40 participants have been chosen randomly as a sample which divided into the treatment class and control class. The treatment class was divided into pairs and groups in conducting the three types of interview techniques in which, one participant asking the four participants and four participants asking one student. The study reveals that the participants felt free and brave expressed their language skill through the small group both pairs and groups of interview techniques. Moreover, these result also was identified that these techniques effective stimulating the participants to speak English actively, confidently, and fluently than the traditional teaching model. In which, all the treatment class, most the participants speaking English actively, whereas the control class is only 60 percent participants speaking English actively and some of the participants only kept silent in the class.

Acceptability of a Hypothetical Zika Vaccine among Women from Colombia and Spain Exposed to ZIKV: A Qualitative Study.

Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause pregnancy loss and congenital Zika syndrome, among other poor health outcomes. The ZIKV epidemic in 2015–2017 disproportionately affected pregnant women in poor-resource settings. We aimed to understand perceptions and attitudes towards a hypothetical ZIKV vaccine, women’s willingness to be vaccinated, and potential barriers and facilitators for vaccine acceptance in 1) migrant women living in Spain who travelled to their countries of origin and were diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and their healthcare providers, and 2) women living in Colombia who delivered a child with microcephaly. An exploratory qualitative study based on phenomenology and grounded theory was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth, paired and semi-structured interviews. Overall, women from both sites were willing to receive a hypothetical ZIKV vaccine. However, some expressed concerns of being vaccinated during pregnancy, yet they would accept it if the vaccine was recommended by a healthcare professional they trust. Main fears towards vaccination were related to vaccine safety and potential adverse effects on child’s health. Women reported feeling hesitant to participate in a ZIKV vaccine trial. These results may contribute to guiding the effective delivery of future ZIKV vaccines among populations most at risk and particularly vulnerable.

Family Matters: Negotiating Intergenerational Mixed Identities among Eurasian Families in Singapore

This paper tracks and explores the generational changes in the dynamics of racial identity and identification of Eurasians in Singapore, as reflected in family life. Eurasians are a historic mixed-descent community originating in the mixing of European and Asian cultures in the region since the 16th century. By analysing the embodied enactment and negotiation of mixed identities intergenerationally in the spheres of marriage and language choices, the paper reveals how families express and construct what it means to be Eurasian in the Singaporean context. This study draws on 30 interviews with self-identified Eurasians over two generations, including six paired intra-family interviews, illustrating intergenerational identity shifts. While the boundedness of racial identification appeared to be the norm for earlier generations, a tempering of race as a boundary marker and an openness to changing familial rhythms have served to encourage a lowering of race consciousness among younger Eurasians in Singapore.

A Novel Auditory-Cognitive Training App for Delaying or Preventing the Onset of Dementia: Participatory Design With Stakeholders.

BackgroundMultiple gaming apps exist under the dementia umbrella for skills such as navigation; however, an app to specifically investigate the role of hearing loss in the process of cognitive decline is yet to be designed. There is a demonstrable gap in the utilization of games to further the knowledge of the potential relationship between hearing loss and dementia.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the needs, facilitators, and barriers in designing a novel auditory-cognitive training gaming app.MethodsA participatory design approach was used to engage key stakeholders across audiology and cognitive disorder specialties. Two rounds, including paired semistructured interviews and focus groups, were completed and thematically analyzed.ResultsA total of 18 stakeholders participated, and 6 themes were identified to inform the next stage of app development. These included congruence with hobbies, life getting in the way, motivational challenge, accessibility, addictive competition, and realism.ConclusionsThe findings can now be implemented in the development of the app. The app will be evaluated against outcome measures of speech listening in noise, cognitive and attentional tasks, quality of life, and usability.

Qualitative Thematic Analysis of Knowledge and Practices of Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Background: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) refers to the utilization of antibiotic agents for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSI), to prevent SSI-associated morbidity and mortality, reduce duration and cost of healthcare, and cause minimal adverse drug effects. The adherence rate among surgeons for the available international and national guidelines and optimal practice remains considerably low in many hospitals, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and compliance rate for SAP guidelines among various surgical specialties and those involved in providing SAP. Methods: An institution-based exploratory, multi-specialty, collective, mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used to assess the knowledge and compliance rate for SAP guidelines among the consultants and residents of surgical specialties. Quantitative analysis was performed using a pre-tested questionnaire. For qualitative analysis, focus group discussions were conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model. Results: Twenty-eight focus groups and 16 paired interviews were undertaken. On thematic analysis six significant themes were noted and mapped to the COM-B model, and subthemes mapped to the relevant TDF domains in a combined framework. Key themes recognized were: (1) solitary focus on surgical skills; (2) following the hierarchy is more important than guideline compliance; (3) doubts and overcautious attitude of surgeons hinders appropriate SAP prescribing; (4) non-availability in-hospital supply of antimicrobial agents; (5) patient characteristics and type of surgery play a role in prescribing SAP; and (6) lack of national and local guidelines. Conclusions: The knowledge and attitudes of surgeons toward appropriate SAP prescribing are crucial factors for execution of guidelines. Including them in policy making decisions can help in strong execution of the same.

Uncertainties, Fear and Stigma: Perceptions of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women in Spain.

Similar to other epidemics, knowledge about Zika virus (ZIKV) relies upon information often coming from outside the health system. This study aimed to explore views, perceptions and attitudes towards ZIKV among migrant women from Central and South America, diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and to comprehend healthcare professionals’ perceptions of ZIKV. An exploratory qualitative study, based on phenomenology and grounded theory, was conducted in Barcelona, Spain. Data were collected through in-depth and paired interviews with women diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals. Women showed good level of awareness of ZIKV, despite some knowledge gaps. The most consulted source of information about ZIKV was the Internet. Women expressed they suffered from anxiety and depression due to potential effects of ZIKV on their babies. They conveyed their sources of support came primarily from their partners and relatives, as well as healthcare professionals. This study stresses the dramatic health, social and emotional burden that the epidemic imposed on migrant women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. These results may help guide psychosocial support and health measures for pregnant women and their children as part of the public health emergency response in emergent epidemics.