Participatory Action Approach Research Articles

Diversivikasi Produk dan Pemasaran Berbasis IT untuk Meningkatkan Nilai Tambah Omzet Penjualan UMKM Tempe Bagong

Tempe Bagong UMKM is a business engaged in processing soybeans into traditional tempeh. The problems that occur in Tempe Bagong UMKM Partners include not having other tempeh product variations, tempeh bagong product packaging is still absent, and the marketing process is still being sold in small stalls around the village. The community service approach method used to help partner problems is Participatory Learning and Action (PLA). The steps of the Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approach are characterized by socialization, discussion, and direct training practices. The stages of this community service activity are pre-training, education stage, practice stage, mentoring stage, and evaluation stage. Through this community service, diversification is produced in the form of tempeh bungkil which is a mixture of soybeans, soybean skin, copra, and peanuts. This product is packaged more attractively to increase its selling value. In addition, digital marketing is also carried out through digital marketing

Lessons learned from COVID-19 modelling efforts for policy decision-making in lower- and middle-income countries

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic had devastating health and socioeconomic effects, partly due to policy decisions to mitigate them. Little evidence exists of approaches that guided decisions in settings with limited pre-pandemic...

5.K. Scientific session: Health literacy in Ireland: A participatory action approach with Sláintecare Healthy Communities

Abstract This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities surrounding health literacy in Ireland. In 2023, Dublin City University and Sláintecare Healthy Communities, driven by a commitment to foster equitable healthcare access and outcomes, embarked on a research project aimed at deciphering the intricacies of health literacy and its implications for public health in Ireland. The series of interactive presentations will transparently share learnings from the process and outcomes of this project, which can be applied across different sectors, contexts, and countries. The workshop will begin with an overview of the rationale underpinning Sláintecare Healthy Communities’ engagement in this research project. This is one of the first pilot programmes of its kind. By transparently exploring the driving forces and strategic approaches of this organisation, participants will gain insight into the imperative of addressing health literacy from the perspective of a cross-government and multi-discipline initiative. Following from this, a series of presentations will detail the rigorous scientific approaches undertaken. This includes an umbrella review of international conceptualisations of health literacy and a systematic review of health literacy research conducted on the island of Ireland in the last decade. Findings from these reviews highlight the evolving challenges and emerging trends shaping health literacy practices nationally and internationally. It is also recognised that responsive health literacy development requires thoughtful involvement of diverse local communities. Programmes and actions that ‘leave people behind’ can exacerbate health inequalities. As a result, meaningful community based participatory research, including innovative design thinking approaches, were utilised throughout this project. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme identified two contrasting areas to participate in this work, presenting both an urban and rural context. The health literacy strengths, needs and issues encountered in these communities will be presented in the community members own words. This workshop will close with the presentation of a series of co-designed, and crucially actionable, recommendations for evidence-based best practices in health literacy promotion in Ireland. Leveraging the synthesis of research findings and stakeholder insights, a number of actions aimed at enhancing health literacy proficiency and fostering health equity will be detailed. This presentation in particular will be interactive, and will challenge participants to identify health literacy promoting actions that may be suitable for their own contexts. This workshop offers a timely and pragmatic exploration of health literacy promotion in Ireland. By fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the workshop serves as a catalyst for transformative change, paving the way towards more inclusive, equitable, and health-literate societies, both in Ireland and beyond. Key messages • This workshop offers a timely and pragmatic exploration of health literacy promotion in Ireland. • Presenters from both practice and research will detail how the needs analysis was conducted, and how we suggest these co-designed recommendations can be actioned.

Engaging co-creators network in a public mental health intervention: MENTBEST

Abstract Background MENTBEST, a 5-year EU-funded project, addresses mental health challenges among vulnerable groups using community-based interventions and innovative technologies. It aims to mitigate adverse impacts, focusing on migrants, older individuals, younger individuals, long-term unemployed individuals, and those with mental disorders in Albania, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Greece, Ireland and Estonia. MENTBEST seeks to provide tailored support to vulnerable populations, promoting mental well-being and resilience through two interventions (a) Mentina a mobile app and (b) a complex community intervention based upon the European Against Depression 4-level intervention. Methods A Participatory Action Approach has been employed through each research stage of MENTBEST where stakeholders across Europe have become part of the research team and provide input towards designing and evaluating the two interventions mentioned above. The PRODUCES framework was used to establish the Co-creators Network, ensuring inclusivity and relevance through: stakeholder mapping, prioritization, and engagement strategies. An online platform has been established for the network to collaborate as a community of practice, but also as means of upskilling co-creators through MOOCs and brief courses. Results The Co-creators Network comprises 24 diverse members strategically distributed among vulnerable groups through all participating Mentbest countries. Engagement activities include workshop participation on taking decisions on a range of research topics such as designing content, evaluation of the interventions, implementation of the interventions etc. Conclusions The Co-creators Network represents a milestone for MENTBEST, ensuring a collaborative approach to public mental health intervention. Innovative strategies highlight the project’s commitment to addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Key messages • Collaborative approach in MENTBEST fosters inclusive public mental health interventions. • Co-creators Network drives innovative strategies to address mental health needs of vulnerable groups.

Co-designing health literacy actions: Connecting the dots to create meaningful impact

Abstract In closing the workshop, this presentation will bring together the participatory research recommendations for promoting and developing healthy literacy in Ireland, which will be led by Slaintécare Healthy Communities in practice, dissemination and scale up. In particular, a worked example from a third Slaintécare Healthy Community (Westmeath) will be presented; a healthy literacy “Train the Trainer” professional development course for local health literacy champions. In this presentation, we will also challenge attendees to offer suggestions of how to support and facilitate other recommendations suggested by our participants, and invite them to consider how this participatory action approach to a health literacy needs analysis could be utilised in their own contexts.

A blended teaching and learning model for family-medicine registrar training at a South African university.

Effective primary healthcare is essential in developing countries but faces several challenges, including the lack of standardised training across decentralised sites. In response to unsatisfactory registrar examination outcomes in 2013, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa introduced a blended teaching and learning programme. The aim of the new programme was to level the playing field by providing uniform online resources on a course site on the university's learning management system. The uniform online resources would be integrated into the teaching programme. A team consisting of the registrar-training-programme coordinator, an educationalist and five family-medicine consultants from different districts began reviewing the curriculum, selecting appropriate resources and developing the course site. The blended programme was developed and implemented using a phased, participatory research action approach, including phases of evaluation and redesign. Since the implementation of the blended-learning programme in 2017, registrar outcomes have improved, but this has not been the only success attributed to the programme. The programme also resulted in an enhanced focus on teaching and learning, especially among those involved in its development. We share the lessons gleaned from our experiences, emphasising the need for adequate training and teamwork if we are to use technology appropriately and effectively to address the difficulties associated with decentralised training in developing countries.

Older Métis Adults’ Experiences of Physical Activity and Implications to Health Providers

Physical activity supports health and wellness, and specifically supports healthy aging. Little is known about the experiences of older Métis adults with physical activity through their lifespan and how this has impacted wellness. This study was co-constructed with 12 older Métis adults in Sakitawak (Île-à-la-Crosse) Saskatchewan using a participatory action approach, two-eyed seeing and the ontology of Breath of Life Theory, as described by Cindy Blackstock. Older Métis adults described physical activity within three themes, Wahkotowin (Related to Everything), Ahkameyimowin (Never Give up), and E ti Meyo Matshohot (Becoming/Living a Better Life). The results of this study have implications for health care professions which are founded within biomedical and biopsychosocial models. We consider the context and experiences of physical activity among Indigenous populations in Canada to better address the gaps and identify practices that aim to support population health.

Exploring the health and wellbeing landscape at a third level institution

In line with the Healthy Campus framework, this study explored the health, health literacy, and wellbeing landscape for students at an Irish third level institution using a participatory action research approach with the aim to identify potential need, and inform future health promotion action(s). Methods. This mixed-method study involved three phases; (1) a scoping review to audit what activities are currently available to support student health and wellbeing on campus, (2) assessment of students’ current health literacy using the Health Literacy Questionnaire, analysed using Cohen's d to investigate the magnitude of differences between student groups, (3) qualitative discussions with university stakeholders, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, to provide greater understanding and context to the results of the previous phases. Results. The scoping review identified 151 activities on campus to support students’ holistic health, with the majority focused on individual support. Students’ health literacy scores were in line with the broader literature. A number of themes were identified within the qualitative data; i) the need for an ‘opt-in’ approach to support a health-integrated culture, ii) barriers and facilitators to health information, iii) the importance of ‘walking the walk’, iv) the specific university experience of 2022 as society emerged from Covid-19, and v) factors that influence student engagement. Conclusion. Insight into the participatory action approach undertaken in this study may be useful to inform other higher education institutions (HEIs) interested in undertaking similar work. Thorough description of the findings may also allow these to be transferred to other contexts. The findings of this study can help inform and direct the current university's, and potentially other HEIs, future actions in regards to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its stakeholders. To foster an authentic ‘Healthy Campus’, a whole-university approach is needed HEIs, supported by open dialogue between stakeholders and senior leadership commitment.

Scale up of the learning circles: a participatory action approach to support local food systems in four diverse First Nations school communities within Canada

BackgroundAddressing Indigenous food security and food sovereignty calls for community-driven strategies to improve access to and availability of traditional and local food. Participatory approaches that integrate Indigenous leadership have supported successful program implementation. Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food to School is a participatory program that convenes a range of stakeholders including food producers, educators and Knowledge Keepers to plan, implement and monitor local food system action. Pilot work (2014–2015) in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia (BC), showed promising results of the Learning Circles (LC) approach in enhancing local and traditional food access, knowledge and skills among youth and adolescents. The objective of the current evaluation was therefore to examine the process of scaling-up the LC vertically within the Haida Nation; and horizontally across three diverse First Nations contexts: Gitxsan Nation, Hazelton /Upper Skeena, BC; Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan; and Black River First Nation, Manitoba between 2016 and 2019.MethodsAn implementation science framework, Foster-Fishman and Watson’s (2012) ABLe Change Framework, was used to understand the LC as a participatory approach to facilitate community capacity building to strengthen local food systems. Interviews (n = 52), meeting summaries (n = 44) and tracking sheets (n = 39) were thematically analyzed.ResultsThe LC facilitated a collaborative process to: (1) build on strengths and explore ways to increase readiness and capacity to reclaim traditional and local food systems; (2) strengthen connections to land, traditional knowledge and ways of life; (3) foster community-level action and multi-sector partnerships; (4) drive actions towards decolonization through revitalization of traditional foods; (5) improve availability of and appreciation for local healthy and traditional foods in school communities; and (6) promote holistic wellness through steps towards food sovereignty and food security. Scale-up within Haida Gwaii supported a growing, robust local and traditional food system and enhanced Haida leadership. The approach worked well in other First Nations contexts, though baseline capacity and the presence of champions were enabling factors.ConclusionsFindings highlight LC as a participatory approach to build capacity and support iterative planning-to-action in community food systems. Identified strengths and challenges support opportunities to expand, adopt and modify the LC approach in other Indigenous communities with diverse food systems.

Effective Packaging Design as an Empowerment Strategy for Household MSMEs: A Participatory Learning and Action Approach

Empowering Household Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a primary focus in local economic development and community economics. One crucial aspect in enhancing the competitiveness and capabilities of Household MSMEs is effective packaging design. Packaging design is not merely about visual aesthetics but also about functionality and interaction with consumers. The Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) method is utilized to develop effective packaging designs, involving MSME actors, consumers, and other relevant parties. This PLA approach is expected to assist Household MSMEs in facing tight market competition. This research proposes community empowerment activities through the production of Rempeyek products in one of the MSMEs in Majalengka, using the PLA method. The success evaluation of the activities is conducted through the four-level evaluation model (Kirkpatrick), covering reaction, learning, behavior, and results. The evaluation results show an improvement in participants' knowledge, understanding, and skills in packaging design. The overall scores indicate that these activities successfully achieve the Kirkpatrick evaluation goals. Recommendations to enhance the implementation of this service development include increasing the capacity of project participants, addressing deeper issues, local government support, and support for domestic industries. This research demonstrates that training and mentoring in packaging design can provide significant benefits to Household MSMEs, enhancing product quality, market value, and competitiveness in a competitive market.

A realist evaluation of community champion and participatory action approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic

A realist evaluation of community champion and participatory action approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic

Building Resilience into Classrooms: A Participatory Action Approach

The ClassMaps strategy builds resilience into classrooms by translating the compelling results of developmental risk and resilience research into simple action plans that embed positive protective supports into classroom routines and practices. The refined routines reinforce students’ developing self-agency and foster their nurturing relationships with adults and peers. The strategy is carried out in four stages—administering the ClassMaps Survey to describe students’ experiences of classroom strengths and weaknesses, conducting a classroom meeting with students to scrutinize the results and brainstorm plans for change, implementing simple modifications to classroom routines and practices based on that plan, and evaluating the impact of the modifications a few weeks later. The ClassMaps Survey’s central role in the strategy is justified by the reliability of its subscales and their relation to the key protective supports identified in resilience research. The ClassMaps strategy is a useful example of ‘giving psychology away’.

Pursuit of Equity: Women on a Low Income Navigating Access to Health and Social Services in Canada.

Existing research highlights the role of social determinants of health, such as education and housing, in predicting health outcomes and the challenges that arise from deficiencies in these areas, often linked to societal inequities. Gender and income are recognized as social determinants of health, yet the complexities of their interplay, particularly for women with low income seeking health and social services in Canada, need more exploration. This study investigates how gender and income intersect to affect access to health and social services for Canadian women with low income. Employing a participatory action approach with arts-based and interpretive methodologies, the study partnered with a non-profit organization to engage five women through photovoice, interviews, and a focus group, aiming to capture their experiences in accessing services. The analysis revealed three primary themes: the labyrinth-like complexity of navigating health and social service systems, the importance of mental health sanctuaries, and the value of supportive networks. Participants reported difficulties and frustrations in system navigation, often feeling ignored by service providers. Contrarily, community agencies provided essential non-judgmental support, including daily necessities and emotional care, with the companionship of pets also being a notable source of comfort. The findings advocate for a shift towards more person-centred care in health and social service systems to better serve women in vulnerable positions, emphasizing the need to simplify the process of accessing services and ensuring that service providers recognize and address the unique challenges faced by equity-deserving groups.

Development of a functional electrical stimulation cycling toolkit for spinal cord injury rehabilitation in acute care hospitals: a participatory action approach

Development of a functional electrical stimulation cycling toolkit for spinal cord injury rehabilitation in acute care hospitals: a participatory action approach

Pelatiahan Pelaporan SPT Tahunan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi Melalui E-Filing

The purpose of this community service is to provide direct training to residents/communities in Pangururan, Siallagan Village, and Ulos Village of Samosir Regency on filling out the 1770SS tax return through e-filing. This training was held at the Samosir Regency DEKRANASDA Hall on Saturday, 04 March 2023, starting at 09.00 until completion and was attended by 32 participants. This activity began with an opening prayer, opening activities by the Dinas Koperasi & UMKM Kabupaten Samosir, remarks from the head of the Faculty of Economics and Business, HKBP Nommensen University, presentation of material and practice with the Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approach, discussion and closing. This training is very helpful for participants to report their taxes on time and avoid calculation errors. Technically, there were still obstacles during this training because the internet network was less supportive and participants did not master the use of laptops / smart phones as a medium in reporting taxes through e-filing. Nevertheless, over all the participants were very enthusiastic in responding to the explanation from the resource person and based on the explanation gradually the participants were able to report their taxes through e-filing.

Youth-centred participatory action approach towards co-created implementation of socially and physically activating environmental interventions in Africa and Europe: the YoPA project study protocol

IntroductionThe majority of adolescents do not meet guidelines for healthy behaviours, posing major risks for developing multiple non-communicable diseases. Unhealthy lifestyles seem more prevalent in urban than rural areas, with...

Fostering critical literacy in secondary education through short stories in English

The present study focused on the use of short stories as a pedagogical tool to cultivate critical literacy in secondary school students learning English as a foreign language, it was carried out in a public institution in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia. Its main objective was to describe short stories as a pedagogical tool to foster critical literacy in the teaching of English. This qualitative research was based on the sociocritical paradigm with an inductive method and a spiral design, using participatory action approach. A lesson plan was developed and executed that strategically incorporated short stories, assessing their impact through observations in field notes, recordings, and focus group discussions. The results highlighted the advantages of short stories in education: as a powerful pedagogical resource to foster critical perspectives on social and cultural reality, and as a useful tool to improve linguistic aspects. The short stories also proved to be motivating, enriching English learning and promoting a meaningful educational experience. In summary, the study underlined the effectiveness of short stories in boosting critical literacy and improving language skills, advocating for the exploration of critical literacy practices throughout secondary education and their integration from primary education.

Family Economic Transformation Strategy: Implementation of Financial Management in PKK Mothers of Bayah Sub-district

Family economic transformation in Bayah District, especially through the implementation of financial management by PKK mothers, is the focus of community service activities. Against the background of the need for financial literacy, especially among women, the main objective is to improve the understanding and skills of household financial management. The research methodology used a Participatory Action Approach involving 35 participants. Key outcomes significantly improved participants' financial literacy, from expenditure identification to financial priority evaluation. The implications of this service include the potential to improve family welfare and positive impacts on the community, especially through the active role of PKK mothers as agents of change in local economic development. Targeted financial management is key in improving financial literacy, contributing positively to economic growth in Bayah District. Although this dedication makes a significant contribution, it is recommended to involve more relevant parties, expand geographical coverage, and involve more societal elements to gain a more holistic understanding.

Optimizing Lifelong Learning Opportunity for the Out-of-School Youth and Adults: A Needs Assessment for Empowerment and Educational Advancement

As advocated in UNSDG 4, lifelong learning is crucial in providing alternative learning opportunities to marginalized individuals with limited access to formal education. Through the non-formal and informal education projects under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the out-of-school youth and adults are given a chance to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enhance their employability, personal development, and overall well-being. This needs analysis research, anchored with the Participatory Learning and Action Approach and the Theory of Critical Pedagogy, aimed at designing innovative non-formal and informal education projects aligned with the needs and interests of out-of-school youth and adults. The data collected from 136 ALS learners showed that the priority projects should focus on pre-employment activities, personality development and career planning, substance abuse prevention, eCommerce and entrepreneurship, cooking and baking, and sports and fitness. Results revealed that the project components are implemented successfully to a moderate extent. The factors that affected its implementation included the need for more sufficient resources, inadequate monitoring and evaluation, and limited opportunities to participate or apply the acquired skills. The ALS learners pinpointed that low interest or motivation, lack of time due to work commitments, low awareness of the programs, and transportation or distance-related issues contributed to low peer engagement.

Peningkatan Value Added dan Product Quality Produk Olahan Lidah Buaya melalui Metode PLA pada UMKM Tirtha Shanum

The UMKM actors will get value added to the results of their business when the management of the output of production is done in a proper and correct way. Good added value can be seen in good production outputs, attractive packaging, healthy, hygienic, safe, and have a lot of flavor variations and are acceptable to the wider market. In addition to value added, product quality also has a very important role for every entrepreneur in running their business. Product quality is among the relatively most influential aspects of product purchase decisions. The objective of this activity is to help solve the problem of UMKM Tirtha Shanum, which is the production of crocodile processing. The approach offered to help partner issues is Participatory Learning and Action (PLA). Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approaches are characterized by socialization, discussion, and practical training in person. Product processing innovations evolved by creating a variety of processed products based on crocodile tongue. UMKM Tirtha Shanum also processed the crocodile tongue plant into a coconut tongue beverage with bottle and cup siller packaging, candy crocus tongue packaging tubes toples and standing pounc window ziplock sealer, and coconut Tongue powder packaging paper standing Pounc.