Participatory Action Methodology Research Articles

Good ones and bad ones: gendered distortions and aspirations in research with conflict-affected youth in Liberia

ABSTRACT Gendered discourses of motorcycle taxi drivers in Liberia construct cyclists as bad men, presumed to possess excessive masculinity: too much speed, aggression, and hustle. These discourses contrast with cyclists’ self-perceptions, where motorcycling is one of few pathways available to them to become good men through the economic and social possibilities of the sector. Moreover, they maintain that cycling positions them not just as labourers but as peacebuilders. Liberian motorcyclists therefore narrate a quest for societal recognition against a backdrop of misrecognition. We analyse these gendered distortions and aspirations to show how masculinity positions young men outside of peacebuilding processes. We explore our positionality as researchers alongside efforts to discuss, analyse, and operationalise masculinities in research encounters and peacebuilding work with conflict-affected youth. We argue that aspirations for gender inclusion and gender analysis are not simple or straightforward tasks but require frequent translation, collaborative problem-solving, and participatory action methodologies.

Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study.

Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) are frequently experienced by people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and are often perceived as their most bothersome symptoms. However, these remain poorly understood with suboptimal clinical management. These unmet needs are an important determinant of health-related quality of life (QoL) in PD. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the experience of living with the NMS of PD in real-time using participatory action methodology. Using the photovoice method, 14 people with PD took photographs to document their experiences of living with the NMS of PD. They composed corresponding written narratives to capture the impact of NMS on their daily activities and QoL. In total, 152 photographs and corresponding narratives were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Four interrelated themes were identified. Emotional well-being and sense of self encompassed a process of adjustment to living with PD. Engaging in valued activities, adopting a positive mindsetand utilising coping strategies were thought to enhance confidence and self-esteem. Social support and societal awareness highlighted the importance of supportive relationships and socialising to aid participation and avoid isolation. Barriers to social engagement included the unpredictability of NMS and nonvisible NMS being neglected or misunderstood. Findings demonstrated the far-reaching impact of nonmotor aspects of PD on emotional, occupationaland social dimensions. These needs could be addressed through person-centred and comprehensive approaches to care. This study utilised a participatory research approach allowing participants to choose the subjects that mattered to them and how to present their results. Additionally, a group workshop was held with people with PD, their family membersand healthcare professionals to guide theme development.

‘You make the call’: Improving radiology staff scheduling with AI-generated self-rostering in a medical imaging department

IntroductionNew Zealand's shortage of medical imaging technicians has intensified due to factors like illness, the pandemic, and an ageing workforce. Addressing staff retention issues requires attention to intrinsic factors like workplace satisfaction and work-life balance. Self-rostering has proven effective in healthcare by enhancing work-life balance, job satisfaction, and retention, but it has not been implemented widely in radiology. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, benefits, and challenges of implementing AI-generated self-rostering in a radiology department through simulated trials. MethodsThis study simulated an AI-generated roster in a regional New Zealand radiology department, engaging 23 staff members. A mixed-methods approach included surveys and discussion groups. Community-based participatory action methodology guided discussion groups and informed modifications. ResultsThe AI-generated self-rostering method demonstrated success by meeting a high percentage of shift preferences while fulfilling service demands. Participants perceived potential benefits in work-life balance and autonomy, though uncertainties persisted regarding implementation and fairness. Despite staff reservations, we found that an AI-generated self-rostering system may be fairer than manual self-rostering, while saving radiology staff time and cost. ConclusionAI-generated self-rostering offers an innovative solution to an old problem. This self-rostering system provides a fair way for staff to have a say in the shifts they do, which increases feelings of work-life balance and autonomy. In this simulation, AI-generated self-rostering was well received, and most staff were receptive to moving to pilot the programme. Implications for practiceSelf-rostering could be a potential solution to staff retention issues in radiology; we recommend a pilot study is implemented. When switching to self-rostering, departments should consider implementing one-on-one support systems to assist staff with entering preferences. Education is essential to encourage staff understanding and cooperation.

Educating for equality from a decolonial perspective: a participatory action experience with early childhood education students in Lamu, Kenya

The elimination of violence against women is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Strategies to combat violence against women focus not only on its punitive correction, but also on promoting preventive measures. For this reason, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals recognise the need to include gender education at all levels of education. Similarly, this study, supported by other recent research, considers the inclusion of a gender approach in education as a strategy to prevent violence against women to be essential. In this study, we examined the level of gender equality knowledge in the final year of early childhood education in a school integrated into a non-governmental organisation on the island of Lamu, Kenya. The study was carried out using a participatory action methodology through the design and implementation of a course on «Human Rights and Gender Equality» in the 2019 academic year through twenty formative and participatory workshops. The decision to carry out this intervention stems from having become aware of a sexual aggression by several pupils of the entity’s nursery school against a five-year-old girl. Among the results, we observed the existing differences between the conception of equality in childhood, where there is an egalitarian community upbringing, and adulthood, where gender stereotypes are very evident. We also perceived how violence was intrinsic to children’s lives in public and private spaces, which could influence the possibility of justifying violence towards women as a form of correction from a very early age. In the conclusions, the possibility of working on gender equality issues to give children a space of trust where they can be listened to and respected is positively valued.

Energy transition to photovoltaic system at UNAD as an instrument of environmental management system

The National Open and Distance University, UNAD, is an institution with experience in environmental management and is known to participate in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. This article shows the sustainable practices implemented within the institution achieved through the Participatory Action methodology, which facilitates integrated knowledge and actions to transform the mindset of the institutional community. In doing so, specific objectives, strategies, technologies, and ICT were established to strengthen the environmental management of the institution.The projects and goals stipulated in the university’s 2019-2023 development plan unified with the agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to train the community in values such as solidarity, assertive and true communication, effective collaboration, and attitudes to dialogue comprehensively, for the benefit of current and future generations. The university is currently working on seven environmental programs in which solar tables are gradually installed in different centers nationwide to promote the efficient use and saving of energy. In the José Celestino Mutis National Headquarters, installing solar panels will allow for considerable savings in electricity. Together, these environmental friendly practices, in addition to environmental legal compliance and expansion in new centers within the scope of ISO 14001:2015 certification, have allowed the University to be recognized at a national level.

Understanding Aspects to the Ethnospecific Researches on the Gypsy Jazz

The early “research of Gypsies”, romology, then the visible and the hidden processes of“tziganology” in anthropology included a shift in the state of understanding between thehillside of critical interpretation studies and that of local group psychology. They also involvedthe research of folk tales, dancing, poverty, examining segregation and participatory actionmethodology as well as innovation and rebirth of the musicological research of Gypsy music.The terminological aspect of “us” and “others”, expressing alterity and identity, points towardsthe more complex study of (ethnic) “minorities”, moreover knowledge and field studies, andresults of examining narratives (such as tales, dances, visual worksof art, publicity, religion andcommunity), bring us closer (by way of political and scientific pragmatism) to signalling a newera of empathic understanding. The aim of the paper is to highlight the ways leading to thatgoal, putting the musical aspects of the shift in focus, consisting of stylistic inventions, a worldmusic-based openness towards instruments and performance cultures, which nevertheless stillcarries the signs of a new era of projection and knowledge contents, first-person-narrative andnarrative identities. Finding answers to the question “where did it come from” might be aidedby contemplating “where does it go”. This would be both the aim and partially the structure ofmy thematic essay.

Oskayak Miyoyawin (Youth Wellness) ~ Métis Youth Perspectives on Intergenerational Wellness Reflected through A Research Project Logo

ABSTRACT Intergenerational health and wellness promotion among Métis peoples in Canada is emerging as a priority for Métis communities. Our team is engaged with an intergenerational and lifecourse-oriented program of research on aging well in collaboration with a northern Saskatchewan Métis community (in Canada). We employ a community-engaged participatory action methodology that integrates Métis and Western perspectives through iterative cycles of planning, implementing, and action. Métis perspectives are provided by two Métis community leads and Western perspectives by two non-Métis team leads from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. Our research program commenced with the development of a program logo which was created by two Métis community youth. We reflect on the intergeneratiaonl health and wellness symbols and significance of this research program logo as our research has progressed. It has become clear that the logo may provide a nascent Métis intergenerational wellness framework that aligns with what we are learning from Métis research participants (young and old). Further, the logo aligns with Indigenous theory and a framework that has informed our original research proposal. In this “advancing the field paper” we introduce the logo and describe its relevance to intergenerational wellbeing among Métis peoples.

Sustainability Through Higher Education

The Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, UNAD, through instruments, the experiences in environmental management and their participation in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings were systematized. This article shows the implementation of sustainability within the institution, which was achieved through the Participatory Action methodology, which facilitates the integration of knowledge and actions to promote transformations in the thinking of the institutional community. In this way, they are articulated: objectives, strategy (ecological homes), research, technology and ICT as a method to establish relationships between the university, the State and the community. Additionally, the university defines projects and goals in the 2019-2023 development plan, which are articulated to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals, to train the community in values such as solidarity, assertive and true communication, collaboration effective, the attitudes to dialogue comprehensively, for the benefit of current and future generations. Therefore, only through interdisciplinary work, it is and will be possible to solve the problems that the world must face, seeking to curb hyperconsumption and social irresponsibility, which by seeking economic benefits for certain sectors puts the lives and survival of the species that inhabit the planet, including the human race itself at risk. According to this, the UNAD has the commitment from the environmental management to articulate efforts for the elaboration of proposals that allow the implementation of responsible consumption routes and collective action for the care of the environment

Analysing the views of people in custody about the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Scottish Prison Estate

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to foreground and analyse the views of people in custody about the management of the COVID-19 pandemic within the Scottish Prison Estate. The project is unique in using a correspondence participatory action methodology to engage with a group of people in custody at one Scottish prison.Design/methodology/approachAt the time of ethical approval (early April 2020), all face-to-face research projects facilitated by the Scottish Prison Service were paused. In response to these methodological challenges, a participatory correspondence methodology was designed to allow people in custody to influence the direction of this project by suggesting research questions and themes. Eight participants were selected due to previous participation in research projects at one Scottish prison. All participants were adult males and serving long-term sentences. After consent was given via post, eight letters were distributed to participants with questions about their COVID-19 experiences. Methodologically, this project illustrates the potential for correspondence methods to facilitate insights into life in custody during what emerges as a particularly challenging time.FindingsParticipant suggested questions were used across six subsequent letters to elicit unique insights into the COVID-19 pandemic, of lockdown and subsequent easing of lockdown conditions in custody. The main project findings relate to challenges that the participants faced in relation to communication, feelings of heightened isolation and detachment from family, friends and the normal rhythms of life in prison. Analysis of letters provides unique insights into the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic in custody enhanced the pains of imprisonment, increasing the “tightness”, “depth” and “weight” of participants’ time in custody.Originality/valueThis paper is methodologically, epistemologically and theoretically original in foregrounding the views of people in custody about the management of COVID-19 in prison and using a correspondence participatory action research method. The conclusion considers the extent to which views from what might be considered the bottom of hierarchies of power within prison settings are able to influence the direction of prison policy around the management of COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Using photovoice to explore the impact on a student community after including cross-sectional content on environmental sustainability in a university subject: a case study

PurposeHigher education institutions have a significant impact in preparing future generations for the creation of a sustainable society. By formulating appropriate curricula, the university can shape student personality with sustainability concerns. This study aims to present the results of a teaching approach on environmental sustainability using the photovoice methodology. A guided visit to the sewage treatment plant of A Coruña was included as a teaching activity in the “Microbiology and Parasitology” classes of the podiatry degree at University of A Coruña. The teaching objectives were to reinforce contents through observation and to introduce citizen awareness on sustainability and responsible water use in a cross-sectional manner.Design/methodology/approachIn this case study, different steps of photovoice as a qualitative participatory action methodology were developed. A total of 43 university students willingly participated with their photographs. Qualitative data were collected from the students’ photovoice visit reports and a subsequent discussion group. Thematic content analysis was performed manually.FindingsThis study explored the impact of an environmental sustainability teaching activity on the university student community. Six main categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: savings/waste of water, misuse of the water closet, disposing of used oil, solid waste/trash, reuse of clean water and reuse/reduction of the use of plastics. The cross-sectional findings on the needs of education and awareness of sustainability in the community and companies are presented.Originality/valueThe findings provide evidence of the ability of photovoice method as a pedagogical tool to promote reflection and change in the university community and to introduce sustainability cross-sectional content in green campus curricula. This photovoice experiment is simple and feasible to implement and has a very low economic cost, as long as there are qualified educators.

Información cartográfica del departamento del Meta, opción de desarrollo desde aspecto socioeconómicos territoriales y ambientales: caso municipio de Mesetas

Se establece los por menores del desarrollo de un software agropecuario para el departamento del Meta que inicia una fase piloto en el municipio de Mesetas el cual tiene el potencial de presentar información territorial, económica, productiva, sociocultural y ambiental que será utilizada por campesinos, productores empresas profesores y funcionarios gubernamentales con el objeto de tomar decisiones ajustadas a las realidades en pro del crecimiento y desarrollo económico sostenible y sustentable.
 Para ello se adelantó una recolección de datos con la metodología acción participativa desde cada una de las variables mencionadas que constituyeron la base para la construcción de información almacenada en un software cartográfico, el cual fue denominado sistema cartográfico agropecuario SISCARTAGRO, constituyéndose en una herramienta fiable e innovadora de desarrollo, toda vez que; presenta realidades territoriales desde un enfoque multidimensional. Definitivamente el sistema cartográfico agropecuario se presenta como un factor determinante en el desarrollo de la producción y desarrollo territorial en el departamento del Meta, toda vez que dicho territorio ha albergado históricamente, una vocación socioeconómica que debe ser potencializada con estrategias diseñadas desde las realidades de los territorios más no por capricho de expertos y/o cualquier protagonista con buenas intenciones tomando decisiones desacertadas toda vez que no corresponden a las realidades territoriales propias de las poblaciones presentes.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION, SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVES: VOICES OF WOMEN RESIDING IN BHAMBAYI, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

This is one of a series of articles which endeavours to advance empirical data in the field of social protection policy and feminisation of poverty. Using participatory action methodology, the author presents evidence from 24 women who implemented three community development cooperatives spearheaded by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Community Outreach and Research Organisation. Within the framework of social justice, and asset-based and sustainable livelihoods, the author presents their biographical profiles and discusses two themes; intrapersonal challenges, and power and group relations, which were perceived as obstacles to the sustainability of the projects. This article concludes by presenting considerations for enhancing the sustainability of economic development cooperatives

Creating a safe space for First Nations youth to share their pain.

Introduction:Indigenous children and youth may be quiet about the way they express their pain and hurt which is in contrast to how health professionals are trained to assess it.Objectives:The aim was to understand how youth from 4 First Nation communities express pain using narratives and art-based methods to inform culturally appropriate assessment and treatment.Methods:This qualitative investigation used a community-based participatory action methodology to recruit 42 youth between 8 and 17 years of age to share their perspectives of pain using ethnographic techniques including a Talking Circle followed by a painting workshop. Physical pain perspectives were prominent in circle conversations, but emotional pain, overlapping with physical, mental, and spiritual pain perspectives, was more evident through paintings. Art themes include causes of pain and coping strategies, providing a view into the pain and hurt youth may experience. Youth were more comfortable expressing emotional and mental pain through their artwork, not sharing verbally in conversation.Results:Circle sessions and artwork data were themed using the Indigenous Medicine Wheel. Content of the circle conversations centered on physical pain, whereas paintings depicted mainly emotional pain (eg, crying or loneliness; 74% n = 31) with some overlap with physical pain (eg, injuries; 54%), mental pain (eg, coping strategies; 31%), and spiritual pain (eg, cultural symbols; 30%). Common threads included hiding pain, resilience, tribal consciousness, persistent pain, and loneliness.Conclusion:Once a safe space was created for First Nation youth, they provided a complex, culturally based understanding of the pain and coping experience from both an individual and community perspective. These engaging, culturally sensitive research methods provide direction for health providers regarding the importance of creating a safe space for young people to share their perspectives.

Building New Approaches to Risk Reduction With Social Networks and People Who Smoke Illegal Drugs From Participatory Community-Based Research

Background: Global cases of overdose-related deaths attributed to synthetic opioids are reaching epidemic proportion in many jurisdictions. While the main focus of health agencies and the different levels of government has been to combat the cases linked to injection drug use, the deaths attributed to smoking illegal drugs have not gained the same attention. Moreover, little attention has been given to the role of people with past or current experiences of illegal drug use and how their social networks can mitigate the risk of a highly stigmatized behavior such as smoking illegal drugs. Methods: The study concerns the first social network research conducted via a community-based participatory action methodology in two distinct urban (Vancouver) and rural (Abbotsford) centers in British Columbia, Canada. The study will identify the influence of social networks on people who smoke illegal drugs (PWSID) and their adherence to interventions aimed at reducing harm. Through community consultations, members of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users and the British Columbia/Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors not only assisted with the design of this research project but also assisted with the data collection, management, protection and entry of demographic, and network information. Discussion: Many traditional qualitative and quantitative methods have not effectively engaged people who use drugs as researchers or collaborators due to stigma related to illegal drug use. The aim of this study is to recognize that everyone within the network of PWSID is a few steps away from harm. Therefore, we aim to reduce the harm associated with smoking of illegal drugs, especially for PWSID that are at the highest risk. At the same time, we hope that the social network research via a participatory community-based approach will mobilize PWSID in the process and offer a different method of knowledge construction from the traditional positivist approaches.

Conceito de família em estudantes de graduação em enfermagem através do Photovoice

Objetivo: el presente estudio describe la utilización de Fotovoz para profundizar el concepto de familia en estudiantes de enfermería.Metodología: es un estudio de investigación acción participativa, en el que participaron 33 estudiantes de enfermería. La recolección de datos utilizó Fotovoz para definir el concepto de familia, las sesiones fueron grabadas y transcritas. Para el análisis se recurrió a la triangulación de datos con las fotografías con el software Atlas-ti versión 8.0. Resultados: cuatro temas principales surgieron de las fotografías y de las grabaciones: Concepto de familia en la perspectiva del estudiante, Mi familia, Funciones de la Familia, Lo que veo en esta fotografía.Conclusión: el estudio contribuyó a la divulgación del Fotovoz, una herramienta aún poco utilizada en estudios de enfermería. Adicionalmente, promovió la importancia de la familia en el cuidado en enfermería, por medio de la conceptualización de lo que es familia.

Participatory Experiences of Women in Economic Development Cooperatives in Bhambayi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Purpose: Nation states in both the Global North and South have debated the human rights and liberatory function as opposed to the dependency and economically viable function of social protection policy. This article is an attempt to advance empirical knowledge in the field of social protection policy and poverty alleviation. Method: Using participatory action methodology, I present evidence from 11 women who were involved in an arts and craft economic development cooperative in a community named Bhambayi in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Results: Underscored by the asset-based community development and sustainable livelihood frameworks, this article presents three themes: positive contributions to human capacity development, supportive intersectoral collaboration, and striving for economic self-reliance. Conclusions: This article proposes fresh strategies for women who find themselves outside the circle of secure economic livelihoods to move beyond short-term and survival strategies and work toward economic inclusion.

Perceived Rewards of Nursing Among Christian Nursing Students in Bangalore, India.

Nurses in India face significant challenges and often migrate to practice nursing abroad. Few studies have focused on the rewards of nursing in India. The aim of this study was to illuminate perceived rewards of nursing among Christian student nurses in Bangalore, India. Photovoice, a participatory action methodology was used, and 14 Christian student nurses participated in the study. Thematic interpretation of photographs, journals, critical group dialog sessions, and observational field notes resulted in the identification of two main themes. These themes included intrinsic rewards and lifelong benefits of nursing in India.

“It's Complicated”: Collective Memories of Transgender, Queer, and Questioning Youth in High School

Using the qualitative participatory action methodology, collective memory work, this study explored how transgender, queer, and questioning (TQQ) youth make meaning of their sexual orientation and gender identity through high school experiences. Researchers identified three major conceptual but overlapping themes from the data generated in the transgender, queer, and questioning youth focus group: a need for resilience, you should be able to be safe, and this is what action looks like! The researchers discuss how as a research product, a documentary can effectively “capture voices” of participants, making research accessible and attractive to parents, practitioners, policy makers, and participants.

“Another Day in Paradise”

This article provides the results of a photovoice project conducted with older adults affected by diabetes living in three rural counties in the southern region of the United States. Photovoice is a community-based participatory action methodology that puts the tools of research in the hands of participants. This project was an initial community engagement activity that promoted trust-building and formed part of a larger comprehensive community needs assessment. The process revealed themes of personal and community resilience focused on the daily living with diabetes, formal and informal supports, barriers to taking care of their diabetes, accessibility to fruits and vegetables, changes to food preparation and consumption, and exercise supports and barriers. The impact of the photovoice project on the participants and the implications for practice are discussed.

Building a Successful Adult Life: Findings From Youth-Directed Research

Although transition outcomes for youth with disabilities have shown some improvement and transition support practices have been identified, many young people continue to face transition barriers that preclude their full participation in key adult life activities. While research efforts have largely been professionally driven, there is emerging literature suggesting that the use of participatory, empowerment methodologies may bolster the identification of appropriate research methods and useful solutions to problems, as well as promoting the application of findings to accomplishing practice and policy improvements. The purpose of this study was to use a youth-directed, participatory action methodology to investigate youths' perceptions of the value of transition promotion experiences identified as effective by professionals, and to examine the level at which youth with disabilities participate in those experiences. A survey was developed and administered to 202 young people with disabilities by leaders from the National Youth Leadership Network. Findings indicated that youth generally endorse the importance of validated transition promotion practices; however, they reported having limited opportunity to participate in them. Implications related to the use of participatory action methodologies and needed practice and policy improvements are discussed.