Sustained Participation Research Articles

Urban regeneration and community participation: a critical review of project-based research

PurposeThis study explores how sustainable community participation can be fostered in urban regeneration projects, particularly focusing on improving stakeholder engagement and ensuring equitable collaboration. The study aims to provide insights into who will benefit from these factors, specifically considering community members and policymakers. While cooperative decision-making has been a focus of recent studies, challenges such as ineffective cooperation strategies and unequal interest distribution among stakeholders remain important barriers. A comprehensive and systematic review of existing research is needed to inform future research in this area.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the PRISMA-ScR checklist in a comprehensive scoping review and created an evaluation framework based on 126 journal papers. The framework comprises three categories of studies that examine community participation in the context of urban regeneration projects: (1) policies and strategies, (2) community participation methods and (3) sustainable approaches.FindingsThe in-depth review of these 30 selected articles revealed several potential ways to examine the mechanisms and interactions related to stakeholders’ engagement for community participation in urban regeneration projects. The findings suggest that sustainable community participation strengthens long-term community involvement and project success by fostering a sense of ownership. The review also identified limitations in current research and proposes concrete future research directions.Originality/valueThis study provides a roadmap for researchers and policymakers, offering strategies to improve collaborative decision-making in urban regeneration. It offers actionable insights for enhancing sustainable community participation and informs the development of effective policies in urban regeneration projects.

Long-term changes in frailty and incident atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary heart disease, and stroke: A prospective follow-up study.

People with frailty have increased prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The study aimed to further investigate the association of long-term changes in frailty with risk of new-onset AF. Its associations with heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke were also evaluated as a secondary aim. Over 50,000 participants from UK Biobank cohort were included, with frailty index (FI) data and free of AF, HF, CHD or stroke in baseline and follow-up assessments. Frailty status of the participants was categorized into non-frail, pre-frail and frail based on their FI scores. FI in baseline and follow-ups are used to calculate the trajectories of frailty (ΔFI). During a median of 5.1 years of follow-up from the final assessment, 1729 cases of AF were recorded. Frailty trajectory analysis showed that even a 0.01 point/year increase in ΔFI was associated with 14% (95% CI 1.08-1.20) higher risk of AF, independent of baseline FI after adjusting for potential confounders. Compared with maintained non-frail participants, those with sustained frail status had the highest risk of incident AF (HR 1.95, 1.61-2.36). The risk declined by 30% (95% CI 0.53-0.94) when frail participants regressed to non-frail or pre-frail status, compared with sustained frail participants. These associations were similar in HF and CHD, however, not significant in stroke. In middle-aged and elderly individuals, frailty remission or non-frailty maintenance was associated with lower risk of AF, HF and CHD compared to persistent frailty, regardless of prior frailty status and established risk factors.

Testing four design interventions for sustained participation in an agricultural citizen science project

Testing four design interventions for sustained participation in an agricultural citizen science project

Environmental citizenship in Lebanon: a study in the higher education context

ABSTRACT Global and regional environmental problems persist to this day, posing serious threats to the world and Lebanon. There is a data gap regarding environmental citizenship in Lebanon, despite numerous investigations and research done in relation to environmental problems. Current Lebanese eco-citizenship behaviours should be investigated. This article aims to quantitatively investigate Lebanese higher education students’ environmental citizenship. In this study, a survey method is used with a comparative approach and factorial analyses. The sample consisted of 355 Lebanese university students from 16 Lebanese educational institutions. Results show that participants declare relatively high environmental citizenship motivations, competences, and intentions. Conversely, they report low environmental past activities. Demographic factors such as gender, age, university (private vs. public), academic year, and major yielded significant differences among the measured factors. This paper encourages establishing feedback mechanisms to gather input from students on environmental educational programmes implementing sensitization and active youth participation in environmental sustainability.

GAMIFICATION STRATEGIES IN DIGITAL HEALTH: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY MANAGEMENT

Childhood obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges today, particularly in terms of its impact on children’s current well-being and future health outcomes. In Ijero-Ekiti, Nigeria, this issue is especially prevalent among children aged 6 to 12 years, where limited access to effective interventions and low engagement with traditional approaches have hindered progress. Conventional measures often fall short due to non-compliance, limited motivation, and a lack of sustained participation. This research explores the potential of gamification—the integration of game-like elements into non-game environments—as a novel and engaging approach to manage childhood obesity. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to design, deliver, and evaluate a gamified digital health intervention tailored specifically for children aged 6 to 12 in Ijero-Ekiti. The research was conducted in three phases: (1) Development of the gamified intervention, incorporating challenges, rewards, and social features to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits; (2) a pilot test involving 150 participants to assess usability and engagement; and (3) an evaluation phase measuring health improvements, user engagement, and perceptions through both quantitative and qualitative data. The results revealed promising outcomes, with 85% of participants maintaining consistent engagement over a 12-week period. Notable health improvements included increased physical activity levels, better dietary habits, and slight reductions in weight status as measured by BMI percentiles. Parents and children reported greater enjoyment, motivation, and satisfaction compared to traditional weight management methods. A key highlight of the study is the role of family-based applications in facilitating health management. By making the experience both fun and rewarding, children were more inclined to engage in activities that promote healthier lifestyles. Tools like the MPXI1 (myeloperoxidase index) offer an innovative way to monitor and measure progress, providing families with real-time feedback to enhance participation. The gamified system was designed to consider the child’s unique needs, ensuring it is enjoyable, effective, and scalable. Stakeholder involvement—including parents, health professionals, and educators—alongside ethical considerations, played a vital role in shaping this intervention. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of blending fun and play with healthcare to combat childhood obesity effectively. It offers a promising solution that not only enhances engagement but also fosters a sense of empowerment and ownership among children in managing their health. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on digital health innovations and emphasize that with the right tools and strategies, children can joyfully and actively participate in their health management journey. This case study in Ijero-Ekiti, Nigeria, provides a scalable framework for other communities facing similar challenges, offering hope for a future where gamification transforms childhood obesity management globally.

Understanding sustainable return to work during gender transition, a (mixed method) diary-based single-case study of a transgender woman: spiegel im spiegel

Background Psychosocial obstacles have been recognized as a significant factor in the return to work (RTW) for cisgender individuals with various health issues. RTW and sustained work participation of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people during socio-medical transition have been sparsely investigated. Transgender women face multifaceted challenges in the workplace, in life, in social relations, and regarding their gender-affirming healthcare. Methods To better understand sustainable RTW during socio-medical transition, we aimed to analyze the evolution of emotional-, psychosocial-, and RTW measures and chronological experiences during twelve months following (genital) gender-affirming surgery. Data from a mixed-method diary-based critical case study of a trans woman undergoing socio-medical transition was analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four themes were integrated with longitudinal quantitative results of positive and negative affect, gender-affirmation, and work rehabilitation measures. Results show a fluctuating course of emotions, expectations, and confronting reality (and workability), which gravely impacted self-esteem and overcompensation behaviors. They show social isolation in an uphill fight against stereotypes and power dynamics in information flow whilst insecurely navigating the cisnormative work environment and healthcare. RTW sustainability seems to adhere firmly to gender affirmation, gender comfort, and individualized, dynamic, holistic support from several stakeholders. By integrating longitudinal quantitative and qualitative data, a patterned meaning analysis of lived experiences and reflections was found. Conclusion This study sheds light on the fluctuating dynamics of social relations and gender (dis)comfort at work and helps us better understand psychosocial obstacles in sustainable (return to) work and creating a person-centered environment sensitive to these challenges. Occupational health professionals should thus educate themselves on gender-inclusive care, address barriers to access, and empower TGD workers in a tailored manner while involving the immediate work environment and striving for diversity and inclusion among all workers.

Primary trader preferences for participating in high-value markets in Black Pepper- A choice analysis

Facilitating the integration of primary traders into modern agricultural value chains, known as high-value markets (HVMs), presents a promising avenue for improving the sustainability of black pepper value chains in Kerala. Due to increased price volatility and risk exposure in trading conditions, primary traders are hesitant to prioritize quality aspects in their procurement decisions. A Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) experiment was employed with traders in the Agro-ecological units (AEUs) 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 of Kerala to comprehend their preferences regarding quality attributes that could promote sustained participation in HVMs. This study incorporates a unique aspect by examining the consistency of choices between the best and worst options, providing deeper insights into traders' decision-making processes and ensuring an accurate evaluation of preferences by minimizing biases. The choice experiment utilized fractional factorial and balanced incomplete block designs. The results indicate that traders predominantly favour a flexible, incentive-based pricing model and long-term formal relationships with buyers. Conversely, traders consistently rated premium payments and certification as the least favourable market attributes. Preference variations were influenced by traders' experience, income levels and location. The results reveal that primary traders possess the least understanding of factors that may facilitate their entry into HVMs. Our findings underscore the significance of educating traders on crucial market attributes that facilitate their participation in HVMs. Further research on their willingness to adapt to the requirements of HVMs to maximize the benefits to the system.

Andrea Bernardi, Massimiliano Mazzanti, Salvatore Monni (Eds.): Innovations for Circularity and Knowledge Creation: Participation and Cooperative Approaches for Sustainability

Andrea Bernardi, Massimiliano Mazzanti, Salvatore Monni (Eds.): Innovations for Circularity and Knowledge Creation: Participation and Cooperative Approaches for Sustainability

Attitude moralization in the context of collective action: How participation in collective action may foster moralization over time.

Although much is known about why people engage in collective action participation (e.g., politicized identity, group-based anger), little is known about the psychological consequences of such participation. For example, can participation in collective action facilitate attitude moralization (e.g., moralize their attitudes on the topic)? Based on the idea that collective action contexts often involve a strong social movement fighting against an immoral adversary, we propose that participating in collective action facilitates attitude moralization over time. By integrating the moralization and collective action literatures, we hypothesized that participation in collective action moralizes individuals' attitudes over time because it politicizes their identity, enrages them vis-a-vis the outgroup, and/or empowers them to achieve social change. We tested these hypotheses in a 2-year, five-wave longitudinal study (N = 1,214) in the contentious context of the Chilean student movement. We examined within-person (and between-person) changes over time and consistently found that participation in collective action predicted individual changes in moral conviction over time through politicized identification and group-based anger toward the outgroup. Furthermore, moral conviction predicted participation in collective action over time-an effect consistently explained by politicized identification. These findings are the first to show that (a) participation in collective action moralizes individuals' attitudes because it politicizes their identity and enrages them vis-a-vis the (immoral) outgroup and that (b) moralization in turn helps to better understand sustained movement participation. Theoretical implications for the literature on moralization and collective action are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Barriers to Sustainability: Reflections on Social and Environmental Dimensions

Objective: To address issues related to the impacts of development strategies on society and the environment based on the principles of sustainable development and public participation, as established in the Aahrus Convention in 1998. Theoretical framework: The importance of integrating concerns with ethical, social and environmental dimensions when planning and implementing infrastructure is addressed. Method: The methodology is based on bibliographical research to explore and combine the issues that represent mandatory requirements to meet the objectives of sustainable development, as well as to analyze the discrepancies between economic interests and the need to protect environmental and social values using water resources projects as an example. Results and conclusions: The fact that decision-making regarding the implementation of infrastructure is predominantly based on merely “technical-economic” aspects constitutes one of the barriers to sustainability. It is urgent to adopt feasible measures that aim to give due weight to environmental, social, cultural, ethical aspects and all those whose balance is likely to be affected by human interventions. Implications of the research: The research carried out highlights the relevance and urgency of integrating the ethical and social dimensions in the training of technicians (e.g., engineers whose activities raise significant environmental and social aspects) as a way of ensuring multidisciplinary content in their training and, thus, facilitating the understanding of the imperative nature of transdisciplinarity in the design and implementation of infrastructures that structure development. Originality/value: The work constitutes a reflection on the adaptations that urgently need to be implemented to enable territorial planning actions that holistically integrate the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability.

Optimization of workflow processes for sustainable paternal involvement: case study of an academic "daddy surgeon" in Japan.

Work-life balance is often discussed in Japan. Yet surgeons find it challenging to take paternity leave because of their demanding surgical duties and a strong sense of responsibility. One Japanese male surgeon had his first paternity experience as a research fellow in the US. When he returned to Japan, he resumed his surgical training and started a research project to become an academic surgeon. When he and his wife were expecting their second child, they discussed his paternity participation before the delivery and decided on a sustainable paternity participation plan. By coordinating his responsibilities with his co-workers, he limited his attendance at work to daytime hours only for 1month to manage paternity duties. This adjustment did not affect the number of main and assistant operations conducted that month and effective optimization of workflow processes decreased the extra workload for other team members. His experience suggests that the optimization of workflow processes can enhance personal life, including paternity participation. (150/150).

Determinants of sustainable work participation after spinal cord injury in The Netherlands

Purpose Work participation of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is lower compared to the overall Dutch population, with determinants largely unknown. Aim To identify the determinants of sustainable work participation for persons with SCI. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in eight Dutch rehabilitation centers. Persons with first inpatient rehabilitation, discharged between 2015 and 2022, and a work participation goal were invited to complete a survey. Statistical analyses compared groups based on having paid work (yes/no), work functioning (good/lower), past sick leave (occasional/frequent), and expected sick leave (occasional/frequent). Variables that significantly differed were added in logistic regression analyses, and goodness of fit of the model was estimated using Nagelkerke pseudo R-square. Results In total, 175 persons responded (69.7% male, 51.1 ± 12.8 years, time since injury 4.2 ± 2.7 years). The paid work model accounted for 24.5% of the variance (p < .001). The work functioning model accounted for 48.1% (p < .001), with work ability as a significant contributor. The model for past sick leave accounted for 23.5% (p = .009). The model for expected sick leave accounted for 36.4% (p < .001), with work ability as a significant contributor. Conclusions Lower self-reported work ability was associated with a higher chance of lower work functioning and expected frequent sick leave. Implications for rehabilitation A lower self-reported workability was associated with a higher chance of lower work functioning and expected frequent sick leave for the next year. The Work Ability Index – Single Item (WAS) can be considered for use in the clinical setting to assess work functioning and sick leave expected in the next year. A low WAS value should be discussed with the patient, and if needed with the vocational rehabilitation team and/or the employer to enable adequate intervention(s).

Body Mass Index Effects on Physical Activity Motivation Among Pre-Health Students

Many people understand participating in physical activity (PA) can provide both physical and psychological benefits, yet a plethora of individuals remain inactive. Understanding these factors could prove vital in development of improved intervention strategies. The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and motivation to participate in PA among undergraduate pre-health students. Participants completed an online survey. A cross-sectional research design was used to examine variables: Motivation, PA, and BMI. Correlations and ANOVAs were used to assess associations and variable differences established at p &lt; 0.05. Multiple significant associations and gender-based group differences were found which illustrate males being primarily driven by intrinsic motives, while female data suggests high motivational drive in both intrinsic and extrinsic areas. Furthermore, among BMI categories, those classified as ‘normal’ reported significantly higher levels of appearance and ‘obese’ categories reported significantly higher levels of fitness motivation. Findings illustrate how the impact of both gender and BMI on PA motivation is shifting from traditional understanding. While educated individuals may be more eager to participate in PA, they may still lack the knowledge of how to properly apply PA principles to daily life. This study controlled possible internal motivation variables by exploring those who understand the benefits of PA, which is absent in the literature. Previous research indicates that BMI inversely effects affective response to exercise, which reduces sustained PA participation, however, the solution to this may not be more literacy-based education.

Virtual Coach-Guided Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Veterans are disproportionately affected by chronic pain, with high rates of pain diagnoses (47%-56%) and a 40% higher rate of prevalence of severe pain than nonveterans. This is often accompanied by negative functional outcomes and higher mortality. Combined with research suggesting medical treatments for chronic pain are often insufficient, there is an urgent need for nonmedical pain self-management programs. An interactive online platform to deliver an efficacious treatment for chronic pain such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) could be a valuable option to assist veterans with pain care at home. This study aims to evaluate the virtual coach-guided Veteran ACT for Chronic Pain (VACT-CP) online program compared to a waitlist and treatment as usual (WL+TAU) control group through a small pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of VACT-CP and study procedures, such as ease of recruitment, treatment receptivity, attrition and retention, sustained participation, system usability, and assessment of trial procedures. Secondary aims explored differences in the VACT-CP and WL+TAU groups on pre- and posttest (week 7) outcome measures for pain, mental health, functioning, and ACT processes. Veterans with chronic pain were recruited and randomized to either the VACT-CP (n=20) or the WL+TAU (n=22) group in a parallel group trial design. Self-report surveys were administered to participants at baseline (week 0), at the intervention midpoint (week 3), immediately after the intervention (week 7), and at the 1-month follow-up (week 11). We used Wilcoxon signed rank tests with the intention-to-treat sample to describe changes in secondary outcomes from pre- to postintervention within each group. Study procedures showed good feasibility related to recruitment, enrollment, randomization, and study completion rates. Participants reported that VACT-CP was easy to use (System Usability Scale: mean 79.6, SD 12.8; median 82.5, IQR 70-87.5); they completed an average of 5 of the 7 total VACT-CP modules with high postintervention satisfaction rates. Qualitative feedback suggested a positive response to program usability, content tailoring, veteran centeredness, and perceived impact on pain management. Although the pilot feasibility trial was not powered to detect differences in clinical outcomes and significant findings should be interpreted with caution, the VACT-CP group experienced significant increases in chronic pain acceptance (P<.001) and decreases in depressive symptoms (P=.03). VACT-CP showed encouraging evidence of feasibility, usability, and acceptance, while also providing promising initial results in improving a key process in ACT for chronic pain-chronic pain acceptance-after online program use. A full-scale efficacy trial is needed to assess changes in clinical outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03655132; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03655132. RR2-10.2196/45887.

Fostering Sustainable Female Participation in STEM Through Ecological Systems Theory: A Comparative Study in Three African Countries

This study explores factors influencing female engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda through Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. The research collected qualitative data from 81 women across these countries through open-ended surveys. Using content analysis, the results demonstrate the critical role of personal interests nurtured by family, showing how direct interactions with family influence STEM engagement at a microsystem level. The mesosystem level reveals the supportive influence of community and school interactions, emphasizing the importance of relationships between different microsystems, such as family–school collaborations, in fostering female participation in STEM. The exosystem level identifies the impact of positive media portrayals and role models, illustrating how external environments indirectly affect perceptions and aspirations in STEM through media and societal influences. The macrosystem level underscores the persistent cultural norms shaping gender roles, reflecting broader societal and cultural values that influence gender diversity in STEM fields, with 63% of respondents in Mozambique, 57% in Nigeria, and 67% in Uganda indicating that societal views on gender roles discouraged participation. Lastly, the chronosystem level captures the temporal changes and progress in gender diversity in STEM, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address longstanding gender imbalances. Despite progress, significant gender imbalances remain, necessitating targeted interventions and policy reforms. The study proposes a sustainable, collaborative model to foster early interest and sustained participation of females in STEM, emphasizing the importance of seamless cooperation among families, educational institutions, communities, and government bodies. The findings aid in creating supportive environments for sustaining female STEM participation, promoting economic and social development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Digital Youth and Family Engagement Program for Adolescents Who Receive Outpatient Mental Health Services: Qualitative Evaluation.

Incidents of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among adolescents have increased in recent years. Mental health interventions tailored to adolescents and families need to consider mechanisms for increasing enrollment and sustaining program engagement. A telephone-based, health coach intervention for adolescents and families was implemented at a Southeastern US health system with the goals of improving psychiatric appointment attendance, medication adherence, reduction in emergency department visits, and assisting with crisis management ("Youth and Family Engagement" [YFE] program). This study aims to explore patients' and parents' perceptions of a mental health program and the factors that impact enrollment and sustained engagement. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent patients (n=9, 56%), parents (n=11, 92%), and clinicians who placed patient referrals (n=6, 100%). Interviews were in English (participants: 19/26, 73%) or Spanish (parents: 7/11, 64%), depending upon participants' preference. Interviews explored perceptions of the YFE program, experiences working with health coaches, suggestions for program changes, and program goals. The data were analyzed using inductive coding methodologies, with thematic analysis used to organize emergent themes. Two qualitatively trained researchers, one bilingual in English and Spanish, facilitated all data collection and collaboratively performed data analysis. The YFE program's structure was often mentioned as promoting engagement, with telephone appointments and health coaches' ability to accommodate inflexible work or school schedules alleviating participation barriers. Skills learned from health coaches were frequently referenced, with adolescents generally citing internal processes, such as positive thinking and mindfulness. Parents discussed behaviors relative to their children, such as improvements with discipline, setting boundaries, and improved parent-child communication. Many participants discussed the importance of health coaches assisting families in navigating social systems, such as accessing resources (eg, housing) and navigating school processes (eg, individualized educational plans), with clinicians suggesting an increased emphasis on adolescents' nutrition and engagement in primary care. Spanish-speaking parents highlighted numerous advantages of working with bilingual health coaches, emphasizing both enhanced communication and cultural understanding. They specifically noted the coaches' ability to grasp their lived experiences and challenges as immigrants in the United States, which significantly enriched their participation in the program. Prioritizing convenient engagement for adolescents and families may be important for sustained program participation, as inflexible schedules and competing priorities pose barriers to traditional appointments. Future programs should carefully consider health coach-participant relationships, specifically cultural competency, providing services in native languages, and assisting families with wraparound care, as these may be crucial to sustained engagement.

Revisiting the Aral Sea crisis: a geographical perspective

ABSTRACT The Aral Sea crisis is one of the greatest ecological and socio-economic disasters of the 20th century. The main cause was the large-scale diversion of water for cotton cultivation. This article examines the crisis with a human geography perspective and emphasises the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. It highlights the importance of sustainable water management, regional cooperation and active community participation. The study also discusses the role of integrated water and energy management supported by strong policies to prevent future water scarcity and address climate change. Finally, this article emphasises the significance of empowering local communities through traditional ecological knowledge and education to promote resilience and sustainable development. The conclusions focus on solutions to resolve the Aral Sea crisis that would ultimately improve the well-being of people in the region and beyond.

Public Participation in Rapid Response Services for the Sustainability of Jakarta Smart City

Public participation plays an important role in the development of rapid response services to support the sustainability of Jakarta Smart City. This study aims to explore and analyse the level of public participation in utilising and developing these services, and their impact on urban sustainability. The research method used is a qualitative case study through in-depth interviews and document analysis. The results of the study indicate that the level of public participation in rapid response services in Jakarta Smart City varies greatly. Factors such as accessibility, trust, and awareness are the main determinants of the level of public participation. Citizens who actively participate tend to feel greater benefits from these services, while those who are inactive tend to experience gaps in services. Public participation also has a positive effect on service efficiency and the quality of life of city residents. However, this study also found several obstacles that hinder public participation. Low awareness of the importance of the role of individuals in developing smart cities, limited accessibility, and low digital literacy are the main challenges. To increase sustainable public participation, efforts are needed that involve education, training, and strengthening of information technology infrastructure. In conclusion, public participation has a crucial role in the sustainability of Jakarta Smart City through rapid response services. Effective management of public participation can improve service efficiency, strengthen community engagement, and support sustainable urban development. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to improve and manage public participation for long-term success. With education, training, and improved technological infrastructure, broader and more equitable participation can be realised, supporting the growth of inclusive and sustainable smart cities in the future.

Social-Economic Factors and Secondary School Dropout among Girls in Mariani Ward, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

This study investigated the high dropout rates among girls in secondary schools in Mariani Ward, a critical issue observed in many developing regions. The specific objectives of the study were to assess how household income, parental education, and family structure influence girls’ dropout rates. The study was grounded in the Relative Deprivation theory and utilized a descriptive survey design, involving a sample of 385 respondents selected from a larger population of 10,202 through cluster sampling method to ensure representation of various groups within the population. Within the target population, five clusters or sub-locations were identified based on their diverse characteristics. The sample included female dropouts as well as key informants such as head teachers, household heads, and local leaders. Data collection was achieved through questionnaires and interviews, and quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The study employed inferential statistical methods, including correlation analysis, chi-square tests, and binomial logistic regression, to assess the impact of socio-economic factors on dropout rates. The results revealed significant positive correlations between dropout rates and household income (0.684), parental education status (0.547), and family structure (0.761). Binomial logistic regression analysis further confirmed the substantial influence of these factors on dropout rates. In addition to these factors, the study also indicated the presence of other unidentified variables affecting dropout rates. This highlights the necessity for further research to explore these additional influences. Based on these findings, the study recommends implementing targeted interventions to address the identified socio-economic challenges. These recommendations include developing financial support programs for low-income families, enhancing parental education and involvement, and fostering supportive family environments. Such measures are essential for reducing dropout rates and promoting sustained educational participation among girls in Mariani Ward. The study provides actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to effectively improve girls' access to education and support their academic persistence.

30-month work participation trajectories of employees returning to work with common mental disorders

Abstract Background Promoting a sustainable return to work (RTW) and work participation (WP) for employees with common mental disorders (CMDs) is a crucial challenge for mental healthcare, organisations, and society at large. To date, work-related factors have only very rarely been examined within RTW trajectory studies. The present study aims to examine 30-month WP trajectories and associated individual, health- and work-related factors of employees on sickness absence due to CMDs in Germany. Methods In a prospective cohort study with N = 259 participants, five measurements were conducted at baseline (during the last week of inpatient treatment), and 6, 12, 18 and 30 months later. WP was defined as the proportion of weeks being present at work between two measurement points (self-reported). WP trajectories over 30 months were estimated with Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA), and were described according to associated individual, health- and work-related factors. Results We extracted four trajectory classes: Class 1 ‘slowly increasing WP’ (19.6%) with a slow but constantly increasing WP over time, and finally reaching nearly 60% of WP; Class 2 ‘high maintaining WP’ (30.3%) with a maintaining high WP of over 80% after RTW until 30 months; Class 3 ‘highest maintaining WP’ (34.7%) with the highest maintaining WP throughout follow-up and reaching nearly 100% WP after RTW; and Class 4 ‘decreasing WP’ (15.4%) with a positive development of WP until 12 months, reaching of about 90% WP, but then decreasing below 60% WP until 30 months. Participants with persistent high WP (Classes 2 and 3, 65.0%) reported better individual-, health- and work-related characteristics at baseline, and more realized work accommodations during RTW. Conclusions For the majority of the employees, returning to work resulted in sustainable WP during the 30 months study period. However, about one third of the employees should be given more attention in their complete RTW process from treatment to workplace support. Key messages • Sustainable work participation after returning to work with common mental disorders is a long and complex journey. • Employees with a better individual, health- and work-related situation at baseline seem to be more likely to achieve a sustainable work participation.