Participatory Research Research Articles

Age-related characteristics of sedation in pediatric patients and their correlated adverse events: a cohort study

ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to examine the features and potential hazards of sedation in children of varying ages. Additionally, the study aimed to comprehend these variations to enhance the safety and efficacy of clinical applications.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on case data involving pediatric patients who underwent imaging procedures in outpatient settings and necessitated procedural sedation from 2022 to 2024. The research participants were categorized into three age groups: ≤1 year, 1–3 years, and 3–12 years. The primary sedative agents administered were oral midazolam in conjunction with intranasal dexmedetomidine. We examined the effects of sedation and the occurrence of adverse events across various age groups. Additionally, we applied multivariate logistic regression to identify factors linked to these adverse events.ResultsThe study observed 2,194 children, with 879 (40.1%) being ≤1-year-old. The ≤1-year-old group achieved faster sleep onset at 18.7 ± 0.3 min, with no significant variance in awakening time and length of stay among the groups. The incidence of adverse events varied significantly by age, with the highest rate of 12.2% in the ≤1-year-old group and the lowest rate of 9.7% in the 3–12-year-old group. Multivariate analysis revealed age as an independent factor affecting adverse event occurrence, with a relative risk ratio (AOR) of 2.21 (95% CI: 1.31–3.75) for delayed awakening in children ≤1-year-old, 15.03 (95% CI: 1.92–117.61) for hypoglycemia, and a relative risk ratio (AOR) of 4.58 (95% CI: 2.22–9.42) for receiving a significant intervention.ConclusionsSignificant variations in sedation reactions and adverse events were observed across the different age groups. Specifically, children aged ≤1 year exhibited a higher susceptibility to adverse events such as delayed awakening and hypoglycemia. Clinical Trial Registrationchictr.org.cn identifier (ChiCTR2400082774).

Using concept mapping methods to evaluate overdose data to action program efforts in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

The Pitt Public Health evaluation team used a mixed-methods, community-based participatory research method of concept mapping to evaluate factors affecting the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) opioid overdose surveillance and prevention project outcomes for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. In June 2021 we developed the focal prompt: "What factors work to help or limit OD2A program outcomes at the individual, community, and or/system level?"Community partners participated in three phases: Brainstorming, Sorting and Rating, and Interpretation. Using concept mapping software, we applied multidimensional scaling to visualize a point map displaying factors and their relative relationships, and hierarchical cluster analysis to generate concept maps displaying clusters of factors. During the brainstorming phase community partners (N = 18) generated 69 unique statements describing factors impacting OD2A work and community partners (N = 16) sorted and rated statements using concept mapping software. In the interpretation community partners (N = 26) selected the 10-cluster map as the most salient cluster solution. Using this cluster map and cluster ratings, we identified Stigma, Criminalization and Marginalization, and Racial Equity as factors of highest importance to overdose prevention success but lowest in success thus far. Using concept mapping to evaluate factors affecting OD2A outcomes was a successful method of engaging community partners in considering opportunities to strengthen OD2A and future overdose prevention efforts.

Normative Ranges for Oculomotor and Reaction Time Tests in U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans.

Oculomotor and reaction time tests are frequently used assessments of vestibular symptoms, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other neurological disorders in both clinical and research contexts. When interpreting these tests it is important to have a reference interval (RI) as a comparison for what constitutes a typical/expected response; however, the current body of research has only limited information regarding normative ranges calculated according to established standards or for a military-specific sample. The purpose of the present study was to describe RIs for oculomotor and reaction time tests in a cohort of service members and veterans (SMVs) for use as comparators by clinicians and scientists. Descriptive. Participants were prospectively enrolled in the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center-Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence 15-year Longitudinal Traumatic Brain Injury Study. Only SMVs without a history of TBI or blast exposure were included in the RI calculations. The test paradigms included in this analysis were: smooth pursuit, prosaccades, antisaccades, saccades and reaction time, predictive saccades, optokinetic nystagmus, auditory reaction time, and visual reaction time. Nonparametric methods, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recognized consensus standards, were used to calculate 95% RIs. A comparison between the calculated RIs and those available from previously published research is provided. Summary statistics and RIs were calculated for 47 outcome parameters from 13 oculomotor and reaction time tests. Sample sizes and age ranges varied across outcome parameters depending on the availability of reference values for RI calculations. The sample sizes used to calculate RIs ranged from 51 to 69. The age of SMVs included in each RI ranged from 19 to 61 years with mean ages ranging from 37 to 39 years. Similarities/differences between the RIs in the present study and those in previously published research are highly dependent on the outcome parameter; however, in general, the RIs in the present study tended to be somewhat wider. The RIs provided in this paper can serve as comparisons for clinicians and scientists who are utilizing these oculomotor and reaction time testing paradigms in similar cohorts of patients or research participants.

Enhancing Rigor, Quality, and Patient Engagement in Qualitative Research: A Step-By-Step Guide to Applying Reflexive Thematic Analysis to the Experience-Based Co-Design Methodology.

Experience-based co-design (EBCD) is a qualitative form of participatory action research supported by a toolkit providing guidance and recommendations. The toolkit is intentionally non-prescriptive, allowing EBCD practitioners the freedom to flex the approach to cater to the needs of their specific populations and contexts. For less experienced researchers, the lack of specificity can be a challenge when navigating activities such as data analysis, particularly as wider literature provides limited insights to methods, processes, methodological critique, and lessons learned. Despite increasing use of EBCD, few practitioners publish details of their methods, processes, or decision-making for how they adapt EBCD for their studies, focusing more often on findings and outcomes. This can impact understanding and development of rigor in EBCD literature. In this methodology paper, we respond to this gap by providing a case example and step-by-step guide for application of reflexive thematic analysis to EBCD, with consideration of reflexivity, a conceptual framing for interpreting experiences, opportunities for greater participant involvement, and strengths and challenges of using reflexive thematic analysis within EBCD.

Behavioral interventions for Black male students: A systematic review.

Educators use behavioral interventions to help children with behavioral concerns in school settings. Research on these interventions has shown that they can be effective in reducing concerning behaviors in students of different ages, educational settings, and behavioral topographies. However, Black male students continue to be disproportionately punished in schools. Although various factors (e.g., systemic racism) likely contributed to this issue, a review of the research participants of evidence-based interventions reported by the What Works Clearinghouse found a lack of representation of Black children in the studies. Without research on the effectiveness of interventions for Black male students, educators and researchers may perpetuate the current problem. This necessitates examining their representation in such research to inform effective behavioral interventions at schools. The criteria for inclusion were as follows: (a) journal articles and unpublished dissertations or theses, (b) participants who were children aged 3-18 years, (c) interventions targeting behavioral modification to reduce problem behaviors, (d) studies conducted in school settings, and (e) research utilizing single-subject designs. The results of the review included 15 studies with a total of 34 Black male participants. Of the studies reviewed, the majority were not function-based and did not meet the What Works Clearinghouse's design standards without reservations. Limitations and practical implications within a cultural context are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Parental Divorce: Challenges and Opportunities for Adolescent

Divorce can have a significant impact on family dynamics. Adolescents with divorced parents show unique characteristics as they navigate the transition to adulthood and adjust to altered family dynamics. This study aims to see how the post-divorce parenting impacts on adolescents. The research used convenience sampling to select four adolescents with divorced parents as participants. Parenting is viewed based on the pattern of parental responsiveness and demandingness in adolescents. The data collection process was done using a qualitative approach, which involved interviews with four research participants. The interview data were then processed using thematic analysis, yielding several themes presented descriptively to answer the research questions. The results of this study found that adolescents with divorced parents have positive and negative experiences, meanings, and impacts from their parents' divorce. This is significantly influenced by the role of parents in parenting their teenagers after divorce. Parents can be risk factors and protective factors for adolescents whose parents are divorced. This study's data is crucial for divorced or divorcing parents and the Indonesian government, especially religious courts, as it provides psychoeducation on the impact of parental divorce on adolescents and the importance of appropriate post-divorce parenting.

Exploring epistemological prospect of proximity tourism in refugeedom through the creative lens of poetic inquiry

ABSTRACT In this article, the author explores the epistemological prospect of proximity tourism in refugeedom through the creative lens of poetic inquiry (PI). With spoken word poetry at its core, the author portrays an unsung refugee’s journey during resettlement and articulates the importance of PI and creative analytic practice in doing so. Given that ‘creativity’ can lead to concerns about research reliability and antipathy toward research participants, the author emphasizes the importance of academically informed approaches in mitigating such risks in this article. This exploratory article illustrates the author’s evolution as a researcher actively involved in refugeedom and tourism, underscoring the relevance of PI as a creative, analytical conduit. He emphasizes incorporating PI into research while carefully balancing creative sensibilities and academic rigour.

Factors influencing community intensive care unit research participation: a qualitative descriptive study.

Community hospitals account for 90% of hospitals in Canada, but clinical research is mainly conducted in academic hospitals. Increasing community hospital research participation can improve generalizability of study results, while alsoaccelerating study recruitment and increasing staff engagement. We aimed to identify and describe the factors that influence community intensive care unit (ICU) research participation and the development, implementation, and sustainability of a community ICU research program. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews. Between April 2022 and May 2023, we interviewed a purposeful sample of individuals interested or involved in community hospital research in Canadian community ICUs. We analyzed qualitative data using both conventional content analysis and rapid qualitative analysis. Findings were deductively mapped out using the Ecological Model of Health Behavior. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants included 23 health care workers, ten research staff, and five hospital administrators (n = 38) from 20 community hospitals across six provinces in Canada. The main factors associated with community ICU research participation were 1) infrastructure, 2) personnel characteristics, 3) key relationships and connections, and 4) the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative descriptive study, participants identified the physical resources, skills, and relationships required to start and sustain a clinical research program in a Canadian community ICU. Our findings suggest that all levels of the Canadian health care system need to invest in strengthening community hospital research capacity to increase research participation.

Decreased urinary excretion of norepinephrine and dopamine in autonomic synucleinopathies.

Autonomic synucleinopathies feature autonomic failure and intracellular deposition of the protein alpha-synuclein. Three such conditions are the Lewy body diseases (LBDs) Parkinson's disease (PD) and pure autonomic failure (PAF) and the non-LBD synucleinopathy multiple system atrophy (MSA). These diseases all entail catecholaminergic abnormalities in the brain, sympathetically innervated organs, or both; however, little is known about renal catecholaminergic functions in autonomic synucleinopathies. We measured urinary excretion rates of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine, the hormone epinephrine, the autocrine-paracrine substance dopamine, the catecholamine precursor 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG, the main neuronal metabolite of norepinephrine), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC, a major dopamine metabolite), in PD, PAF, and MSA groups and controls. Data were reviewed from all research participants who had urine collections (usually 3.5 h) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center from 1995 to 2024. The control cohort had neither autonomic failure nor a movement disorder. Norepinephrine excretion rates were decreased compared with controls in PD (p = 0.0001), PAF (p < 0.0001), and MSA (p < 0.0001). Dopamine excretion was also decreased in the three groups (PD: p = 0.0136, PAF: p = 0.0027, MSA: p = 0.0344). DHPG excretion was decreased in PD (p = 0.0004) and PAF (p = 0.0004) but not in MSA. DOPA and epinephrine excretion did not differ among the study groups. Autonomic synucleinopathies involve decreased urinary excretion rates of norepinephrine and dopamine. Since virtually all ofurinary dopamine in humans is derived from circulating DOPA, the low rates of urinary norepinephrine and dopamine excretion may reflect dysfunctions in the renal sympathetic noradrenergic system, the DOPA-dopamine autocrine-paracrine system, or both systems.

The relational model of sense of coherence: explaining refugees’ mental health and well-being in Austria

Purpose This paper aims to construct a model explaining migrant health and well-being from a salutogenic perspective. Accounting for the relational, interactional factors impacting on the health of forced migrants, the “Relational Model of Sense of Coherence” combines elements from Antonovsky’s theory of salutogenesis with elements from Honneth’s theory of recognition. Design/methodology/approach The model has been developed from the empirical findings of a two-year qualitative study with 28 forced migrants in Austria. Besides initial and final surveys on the participants’ perception of health, health literacy and participation, data were gathered in a qualitative, participatory action research setting and analysed by the method of interpretative case reconstruction. The model is applied to the case reconstruction of a female refugee from Iraq explaining the dimensions impacting on her self-perceived status of health and well-being. Findings Next to consistency/comprehensibility and load balance/manageability persons need to experience participation/controllability as well as relatedness/self-confidence, recognition of rights/self-respect and social recognition/self-esteem to develop and/or maintain a strong, relational sense of coherence. All six dimensions contribute to feelings of meaningfulness; all components are necessary for a move towards the healthy end of the health-ease/dis-ease continuum. Originality/value The paper contributes to theory building in the fields of salutogenesis and recognition by developing a model based on an in-depth, participatory qualitative study with a vulnerable target group.

Environmental Expectations, Socioeconomic Demands and Sustainability of the Zapatosa Marsh, Colombia: Perspectives from Local Stakeholders

The Zapatosa Marsh Complex (ZMC) is a strategic ecosystem in Colombia, under threat from human-driven factors such as population growth and subsistence extraction activities. Local residents experience high poverty levels and low educational attainment, exacerbating conflicts between their socio-economic needs and marsh conservation efforts. This study aimed to present a participatory approach to prioritize actions for sustainable development in Chimichagua, the municipality encompassing the largest part of the ZMC. We identified and characterized local stakeholders, engaging them in a participatory action research project to determine barriers and opportunities for economic growth and food security. The insights gathered were collaboratively used to formulate actions that balance the sustainability of the ZMC with local economic development. Stakeholders identified the ZMC as an opportunity for employment and raw materials, while pointing to poor support from territorial entities as the central barrier. A prioritized action was the construction of a concentrate feed production plant utilizing local raw materials. This work offers a methodological contribution that could be applied to address socio-economic and environmental conflicts in other strategic ecosystems.

Exploring Transportation Challenges and Opportunities for Mobility-Vulnerable Populations Through the Social-Ecological Model.

Community mobility is a vital activity of daily living. Mobility-vulnerable populations-individuals with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and older adults-face transit disparities. Advanced technologies (e.g., ride-sharing) may mitigate transportation inequities, but limited evidence considers mobility-vulnerable populations. Utilizing the social-ecological model, the team examined challenges and opportunities associated with transportation availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and adaptability among two socioeconomic communities. Four focus groups were conducted using community-based participatory research principles. Community advisory boards informed focus group development and implementation. A thematic analysis was performed using the social-ecological model. Participants (N = 23) experienced transportation challenges and opportunities at all levels of the social-ecological model-individual (e.g., bus availability), relationship (e.g., peer support), community (e.g., safety), and societal (e.g., social isolation). Findings indicate the importance of looking beyond individual factors and exploring relationships, community, and societal impacts on transportation use.

Mediating digital literacies across transnational refugee networks: language and resilience inside and outside Syria

ABSTRACT The challenges encountered by refugees in resource-low settings has led to increased calls for new approaches to understanding the role of digital literacies in enhancing resilience by building on the experiences of refugees in the Global South. Moreover, there have been repeated calls from within academic circles and the humanitarian sector for more inclusive approaches which de-centre outsider assumptions about refugees’ lived experience. This paper addresses these gaps in the current landscape of migration studies with an account of refugee-led participatory research with a focus on how language as a source of capital is used to enhance resilience across refugee networks when mediating health literacies. Drawing on concepts from critical multilingualism which deconstruct and decentre otherwise privileged language practices, the study illustrates how refugee family members outside Syria mediate complex health literacies as part of their everyday digital literacies for non-refugee members inside Syria, thereby enhancing the resilience of transnational family members across the network. The findings reveal how refugee-led research is best facilitated when refugees’ own language practices are a priority in research design. Working in this way illustrates how research teams negotiate power relations in their research by foregrounding research dynamics and structural hierarchies within interdisciplinary research.

The Effect Of Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Method On Visual Programming Knowledge Outcomes In Educational Technology Students

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) method on differences in student knowledge outcomes in the Visual Programming course in the Educational Technology Study Program. This study used a quasi-experimental design with two groups, namely the experimental class that applied the PAL method vertically and the control class that used conventional learning methods. The research participants totaled 50 students, drawn from the four class offerings randomly and divided into 2 class groups of 25 learners each. Data were collected through learning motivation questionnaire and knowledge test measured by Likert scale and Bloom's Taxonomy-based test on cognitive domain. Results of statistical analysis with Two-Way Anova test showed that there was no significant difference in knowledge outcomes with a value of 0.331&gt;0.05 based on learning motivation. However, the study showed a value of 0.036 &lt;0.05, meaning that there was a significant difference between the PAL method and conventional learning on student knowledge outcomes. In addition, the value of 0.972&gt;0.05 means that there is no significant interaction between the level of student learning motivation and learning methods on knowledge outcomes. This study found good responses from students where they prefer and are enthusiastic about learning with the PAL method compared to the conventional method, because the method is considered more flexible and comfortable to use for learning. This study suggests further evaluation related to the use of the PAL method by improving tutor skills and setting the duration of learning to increase effectiveness in achieving student learning outcomes

Becoming activists: how young athletes use visual tools for civic action and meaning-making within participatory research

How can participatory research, combined with visual methods, enable young people to grow as engaged citizens in their communities? This article introduces an innovative methodological design that draws on a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) approach with 33 young athletes aged 11 to 16 from two different educational settings. Based on both observation notes from the community profiling process and visual materials produced by the young people throughout that process, we analyze how they become activists, taking sports as the ground for mobilization and intervention in their communities. Specifically, we examine the visual activist strategies and the visual meaning-making representations that resulted from young people’s engagement in participatory research. Novel findings include the realization that young people with no previous experience in activism strongly prefer visual and performative formats of participation, often in connection with digital and online arenas. Additionally, data analyses reveal that participants particularly value collective moments of learning, negotiation, and preparation of activist actions. This article highlights the increasing prevalence of visual-oriented modes of civic engagement and the potential of participatory methodologies in fostering critical awareness, meaningful decision-making, and a sense of agency among young people.

"Our Voices Will Get Louder": A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Influencing Arab/Middle Eastern North African (MENA) American Patient Participation in US-Based Health Care and Health Research.

Heightened anti-Arab/Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) xenophobia in the United States (US) coupled with the addition of a MENA category on the next US Census call into attention the health needs of this minoritized population. Targeted research is needed to better understand the factors that influence Arab/MENA American participation in US-based health research and health care. A novel qualitative interview guide was constructed to better understand the health research experiences, health care experiences and needs of Arab/MENA patients nationally. Patients were recruited through the Arab American Health Network Alliance (AAHNA) community connections. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually in English and Arabic, and qualitative data was interpreted through iterative thematic analysis using inductive reasoning. A total of seventeen interviews (n = 17) were completed (14 in English, 3 in Arabic). Notably, the majority identified as female (82%) and have resided in the US for 18years or longer (53%). Three main themes were identified (1) Individual-level Comfortability and Access to Research Participation, (2) Advancing Community Health Outcomes and Participation, and (3) Structural Barriers as Drivers of Health Disparities. The health research and health care experiences explored in this project have the potential of informing future inquiries on Arab/MENA American health. For instance, we suggest building community trust, providing equitable compensation and support, increasing health workforce diversity, and advocating for affordable health care, all to improve Arab/MENA patient participation in health research.

Youth-Led Participatory Action Research and Developmental Science: Intersections and Innovations

In this review, we provide a conceptual and empirical overview of youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) across disciplines. We consider the historical and conceptual contexts for the diversity of YPAR approaches and (a) the rationales underlying the rapid growth of YPAR in practice and research; (b) the relevance of YPAR for the study and promotion of healthy and equitable human development; (c) the state of the empirical evidence for YPAR impact on youth and environments, especially domains of social-emotional well-being and sociopolitical development; (d) challenges and opportunities at the intersection of YPAR and developmental science; and (e) important next steps for the field, including the further development of multimethod research and the need for stronger research and practice to support the capacities needed for YPAR integrity, impact, and sustainability.

Evaluation of the Participation of Brazilian Women in Research in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine.

Despite recent advancements, women still encounter significant challenges in various fields, including dentistry. However, the increasing interest in female participation in science acknowledges its fundamental role in the advancement of knowledge. This study aims to assess indicators of women's involvement in Brazilian research in the areas of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine. This cross-sectional study evaluated 197 professionals affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology in 2023. Data were collected from publicly available Lattes curriculum and organized into three sets of information: researcher profile, scientific production and human resources formation. Both the data from the researcher's entire career and from the last 5 years (2019-2023) were assessed separately. Descriptive analyses of categorical variables were performed, while the Mann-Whitney test was employed to compare the numerical variables regarding researchers' gender. Of 197 professionals, 117 (59.4%) were female. Although there was no significant difference in scientific production between genders, men had more publications, received approximately twice as many citations, and exhibited higher H-index values compared to women. Notably, women surpassed men in undergraduate student supervision, while men predominated in supervising master's and PhD students. This study highlighted the relevance of female participation in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine research in Brazil. However, disparities persist regarding women participation, especially in scientific article citations and postgraduate students' supervision.

Informing Vaccine Messaging and Community Outreach: Experience in Chicago with a Community-Based Participatory Approach.

In response to disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in urban environments, we ascertained whether a community-engaged evaluation could rapidly determine why unvaccinated Chicago residents were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The assessment used a mixed-methods approach, grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. Interviews were conducted by community partners between April and May 2022 in Chicago, in-person and via phone. A purposive sample of Chicagoans (n = 456), who were: (1) adults (≥18years); (2) living in priority areas in Chicago heavily impacted by COVID-19; (3) who spoke English or Spanish; and (4) had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. A transdisciplinary academic-community team co-developed an assessment tool. Members of Chicago's Community Health Response Corps (CHRC) (N = 115) interviewed participants, using a 46-item survey in Qualtrics. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative software, including Dedoose for coding and SAS for descriptive statistics. Over half of all respondents were not concerned about getting COVID-19. Respondents voiced concerns about side effects (36%), vaccine safety (27%), and trust in governmental institutions, given historical events involving unethical research. Participants also reported other social needs (e.g., food or housing insecurity) that made COVID-19 a lower priority. The collaborative research approach highlighted issues of trust, concerns about side effects and vaccine safety, issues that have informed vaccine messaging.

Fostering Sustainable Communities: Competencies and Training Needs for Social Organic Farming in Hungary, Greece, and Italy

This study examines key competencies in social organic farming (SOF) as perceived by stakeholders in Hungary, Greece, and Italy, including necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It also explores the educational and professional requirements for those aiming to become social organic farmers, ultimately contributing to an ideal farmer profile. Through qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, the study identifies essential competencies and training needs for SOF. Results show that successful social organic farmers must understand organic farming principles, social work, farm economics, and possess personal skills like empathy, team-work, and effective communication. These competencies and training align with Social Capital Theory, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and Community-Based Participatory Research, under-scoring the importance of social networks, community engagement, and innovation in advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices. The study also highlights SOF's role in supporting community well-being, enhancing sustainable food systems, and promoting both physical and mental health. Findings offer valuable insights into the limited literature on SOF, providing actionable recommendations for vocational training programs that support social organic farmers’ growth across Europe. This, in turn, fosters sustainable agriculture, circular economies, and public health, thereby strengthening community resilience and ecological stability.