Peer-to-peer Research Articles

The role of student background characteristics and sense of belonging in the development of peer networks at the transition to higher education

The role of student background characteristics and sense of belonging in the development of peer networks at the transition to higher education

Networks of Opportunity’: Unpacking the Role of Family, Peers, and Community in Shaping Economic Mobility in Low-Income Urban Settings

This paper examines the role of social networks, specifically family, peers, and community, in influencing economic mobility in low-income urban areas, where access to opportunities is often constrained by education, employment, and social connections. Drawing on qualitative interviews and survey data, the study investigates how social capital structure and dynamics enable or hinder individuals' access to key resources for education, employment, and mentorship. The findings highlight the dual nature of family structures, where intergenerational support can serve as a pathway to economic mobility or function as a mechanism of exclusion. Additionally, peer networks and community ties are explored to understand how informal channels, such as employment referrals and social support, contribute to financial success and mobility. The paper also critically examines the intersections of race, gender, and social class, revealing how these factors can exacerbate or limit individuals' ability to leverage social capital for improved economic standing. By analysing these dynamics, this study underscores the significant role of social capital in shaping economic outcomes and offers policy recommendations for fostering community-based approaches that open avenues for economic opportunities. Ultimately, the research illustrates how social networks, whether through support or exclusion, can either perpetuate or mitigate poverty, depending on the unequal distribution of resources within urban environments.

The Role of Social Support Networks in Shaping Post-Prison Life

This study examines the role of social support networks in shaping the reintegration experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals. Focusing on emotional well-being, economic stability, and recidivism, the research explores how different types of support—emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal—impact these outcomes. Conducted in Angeles City, Pampanga, the study employs a quantitative descriptive survey design, using structured questionnaires to gather data from 122 participants released from incarceration within the past two years. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were utilized to identify participants who accessed social support during reintegration. Results highlight the availability and effectiveness of support systems, barriers faced, and the perceived success of reintegration programs. The study underscores the importance of family ties, peer networks, and community organizations in fostering successful reintegration while addressing gaps in resources and systemic challenges. These findings aim to guide policymakers, rehabilitation experts, and community leaders in designing evidence-based, inclusive reintegration strategies that reduce recidivism and promote social inclusion.

Generative tension and social risk management surrounding sexualised drug use practice among men who have sex with men in highly stigmatised environments: A qualitative study from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Global policies emphasise the need for tailored interventions to reduce the harms of sexualised drug use (SDU) among men who have sex with men (MSM), including taking account of local risk environments and the influence of social norms, drug and sexual minority stigma, and cultural and political conditions. To help guide the production of local SDU harm reduction interventions, this study aimed to explore the social and structural conditions that shape the practice of, and response to, SDU by MSM in Jakarta, Indonesia. Informed by an interactionism theoretical perspective and socioecological frameworks, a reflexive thematic approach was used to analyse in-depth qualitative interview data from 20 MSM who practised SDU in Jakarta. To recruit the participants, the study was promoted through local organisations providing HIV services for MSM, as well as snowball recruitment. To protect their SDU practice, MSM in Jakarta developed a set of social risk management strategies designed to reduce the generative tension between enabling and disabling forces caused by local social and structural environments. Enabling forces emerged primarily from within MSM networks, were extended through the interpersonal dynamics of sexual partner relationships to peer influence and reinforced by product branding and marketing on both offline and online platforms. The disabling forces, which were introduced primarily from outside the network, manifested in stigmatising social norms, politics and religious beliefs towards homosexuality and drug use, and forced MSM who practised SDU to relocate to virtual environments. Programmatic responses seeking to mitigate the risks associated with SDU practice among sexual minority men should incorporate established mechanisms of peer networks and virtual spaces into their design to maximise reach and intervention acceptability and effectiveness.

The shared autonomous vehicle’s scheduling and routing problem when providing the trip-chain based service for users

Shared autonomous vehicle (SAV) is expected to become an essential transportation mode. However, the studies on its scheduling and routing problems are all based on peer-to-peer (P2P) service, which refers to a pickup and delivery on a single trip. The P2P service ignores the correlations between sub-trips and users' journey continuity. To address this problem, a trip-chain based (TCB) service is proposed in SAV system, where users can choose paying and keep SAVs (PKSS) with no waiting time. Furthermore, based on the network flow theory, an integer linear programming model was established to decide optimal SAV's routing and scheduling. Finally, experiments are conducted in Beijing, China. Compared with the P2P service, the TCB service can not only increases operators' profitability but also reduces users' waiting time, provided that the operators set the price for PKSS between 0.1 and 0.65 CNY per minute.

ALTO-assisted Peer Selection in Bitcoin P2P Network

Blockchain-based applications rely on a decentralized structure wherein the transactions are recorded on a public ledger that is maintained by every node in the peer-to-peer (P2P) network. The transactions and blocks are propagated using a multi-hop broadcast and verified by every node in the network. Application Layer Traffic Optimization (ALTO), on the other hand, is a network protocol developed and maintained by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to provide network related information to the P2P applications to increase their performance. In this study, a novel peer selection method based on the network information provided by ALTO protocol is proposed to decrease the block propagation delay of the Bitcoin P2P network. The simulations show that the proposed peer selection method can effectively decrease the block propagation time and fork rate compared to Bitcoin’s random peer selection and region-based peer selection methods.

Assessing the Victim-Perpetrator Overlap in Adolescent Dating Violence in China: A Latent Class Analysis.

There is a limited understanding of the pathways that lead to victim-perpetrator overlap in adolescent dating violence (ADV) particularly in developing countries such as China. Applying a latent class approach, the present study focuses on whether the overlap can be explained by theoretical constructs grounded in social learning, general strain, and social bonding theories, and whether these constructs relate to underexplored mediating mechanisms or are direct precursors. The study sample consisted of 1,787 dating adolescents (39.8% male; mean age = 17.82 ± 0.92 years) from a population of 5,820 adolescents in 32 high schools in Chinese cities and rural counties. We found a significant victim-perpetrator overlap in controlling, psychological, and physical ADV, with the proclivity increasing with the severity of ADV. Membership of groups engaged in general delinquency and those engaged in dating violence increased the odds of victim-perpetrator overlap. Peer bullying victimization was the most consistent direct predictor of victim-perpetrator overlap in family/peer/community settings; victimization resulting from interparental violence during childhood, peer bullying, and community violence was the most consistent indirect predictor. Neighborhood bonds had a greater impact than social bonds with family and school in terms of direct and indirect protective effects against victim-perpetrator overlap. Patterns of exposure to violent victimization in family/peer/community settings and patterns of social bonds cast new light on the nature of deviant peer (general delinquency vs. ADV) networks, which were found to operate as major mediating mechanisms in victim-perpetrator overlap.

Exploring Socio-Political Factors and Quality of Life Among LGBT Individuals in India

ABSTRACT The quality of life of queer individuals in India is a result of a complex sociopolitical climate which is what this study aims to explore through qualitative methodology. Previous research has explored the social factors that impact the wellbeing of LGBT individuals in western countries, while the impact of politics on the wellbeing of marginalized groups is still largely unexplored. Through thematic analysis, this study found that family support and peer networks are the two most important social structures that determine the quality of life of LGBT emerging adults in India, whereas the impact of politics on wellbeing depends on the level of political awareness of the participants and their socio-political privilege in terms of caste, class and gender. However, there were significant differences in the relevant factors that affect the quality of life for cisgender and transgender participants which leaves room for further research. The findings indicate intra-community conflicts and changing dynamics within the community, and there needs to be extensive research on understanding the intersectionality of different identities within the community and their impact on the lives of queer individuals.

Associations between violence in childhood, depression and suicide attempts in adolescence: evidence from a cohort study in Luwero district, Uganda

BackgroundMany studies have documented an association between violence victimisation and poor mental health. However, few studies use longitudinal data from low- and middle-income countries with attention to how associations differ by experiencing specific types of violence or alongside different contexts of peer and family support. In this study, we quantify the association between experiences of violence in early adolescence and depression and suicide attempts in late adolescence and explore whether this association is modified by family and peer connectedness.MethodsData came from the Contexts of Violence Against Children (CoVAC) cohort study in Luwero District, Uganda, involving 2773 participants aged 11–14 years at Wave 1 (2014) and 15–18 years at Wave 2 (2018). Physical, sexual, and emotional violence were measured at Wave 1. Mental health outcomes, depression symptoms in the past two weeks, and lifetime suicide attempts were measured at Wave (2) We used logistic regression models, stratified by sex, to estimate adjusted odds ratios with an interaction term to test for effect modification by peer and family connectedness at Wave 1.FindingsAt Wave 1, the prevalence of any violence from any perpetrator was 90% (physical violence: 87%, physical violence excluding caning: 68%, sexual violence: 6.3%, emotional violence: 56.8%). At Wave 2, 13.3% of participants had scores indicative of depression and 4.3% reported ever attempting suicide. Physical violence excluding caning, emotional violence, and sexual violence during early adolescence increased the odds of depression and attempting suicide in late adolescence for both boys and girls. Experiencing any violence (including caning) in early adolescence was not associated with depression in late adolescence, including in sex-stratified models. Childhood experience of any violence was associated with a suicide attempt violence in early adolescence (aOR: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.08, 6.27). High peer support mitigated the effect of any violence and physical violence on depression.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of efforts to prevent violence and improve access to response and support services for violence and mental health for young people. Findings also underscore the important role friends and peer networks can play in mitigating the effects of violence as young people grow up.

Exploring Media Literacy Formation at the Intersection of Family, School, and Peers

Today, media literacy and digital skills are essential for personal communication and social interaction. Children and adolescents need these skills to act autonomously in highly digitised social contexts. These skills are acquired in different social spaces, most frequently and primarily at home, followed by peer groups, school, and extracurricular activities. The present study aims to conceptually situate media literacy within a broader network of social power relations. It is therefore grounded in an academic theoretical framework that constructs media literacy as a form of digital cultural capital. As such, media literacy also contains the principles of media preferences and choices that condition the media choices of young people. This draws our attention to the social contexts in which media literacy and digital skills of children and teenagers are formed: within the family, school, and peers. With a selective thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with 67 primary and secondary school students (12–19 years), the empirical research is focused on different contextual incentives and regulations related to the formation of students’ media literacy, primarily in relation to digital media. First, we examine parenting practices that frame home access to media and media practices within families. Then, we explore the characteristics of formal media education within schools, which seems limited to teaching with/through media. Finally, we identify peer networks as important promoters of both digital capital and elements of advanced media practices and skills, compared to the media literacy encouraged within families and schools.

Navigating Barriers: Healthcare Anchor Institutions and Population Health Advancement

Background: Many United States hospitals explicitly pursue “anchor missions” by committing to intentionally apply place-based economic power and human capital in partnership with the community. Little is known about how hospital-community partnerships are implemented or whether they impact social determinants of health (SDOH) and population health. We qualitatively analyzed healthcare institutions from a national network to understand barriers and facilitators while implementing hospital-community partnerships that aim to improve population health. Methods: We used qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended items on a cross-sectional survey to explore how hospitals with anchor missions address SDOH. We administered the survey to healthcare systems participating in the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN), a national network of hospitals with explicit goals to address SDOH and improve population health. Results: Responses were from 16 organizations. Two themes emerged: 1) healthcare systems faced many demands (i.e., COVID-19, financial stability), which competed with prioritization of the anchor mission, and 2) senior leadership engagement was critical for impact of the anchor mission and efforts to address SDOH and population health. Strategies to engage leadership included peer networking and providing repetitive education on community health inequities to hospital leaders. Conclusions: Although health systems show enthusiasm for population health, competing priorities often constrain anchor mission efforts to improve SDOH and population health outcomes. With external encouragement, such as changes to federal or state quality metrics reporting, payment incentives to address community health, or other policy changes, health systems will engage more with communities and be able to address SDOH.

Evaluation Performance of Bloom Filter in Blockchain Network

A blockchain is a secret, scalability and decentralized p2p network in which all nodes follow similar protocols, preventing any single node from controlling the basic structure. In blockchain, Bloom filters are used to preserve the privacy of lightweight nodes. Bloom filter is a memory efficient randomized data structure to represent a set in order to support associate queries. Bloom filters offer a trade-off between (elements size in the network and bandwidth) and privacy metrics in untrusted environments. This paper proposes an analysis to evaluate the performance of Bloom filters. The evaluation results are based on the statistical distribution, standard deviation, entropy and y-deniability that are used by the attacker to analysis the leakage of the Bloom filter algorithm. Experimental results show that the degree of privacy in the network needs a large amount of elements and more bandwidth using the Bloom filter algorithm.

Uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine among brothel-based female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundHepatitis B is a significant health problem worldwide, particularly among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). In Uganda, it is highly recommended that FSWs receive the hepatitis B vaccine. However, there is limited evidence of the level of uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine and associated factors among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B vaccine uptake and associated factors among FSWs in Kampala district, Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 400 FSWs in Kampala, Uganda. We utilized a researcher-developed digitized semi-structured questionnaire and employed multistage sampling to enroll participants. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14.0. Continuous data were expressed as mean and standard deviation whereas categorical data were reported as frequencies and proportions. We employed Modified Poisson regression analysis to assess the relationship between predictor variables and the uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine.ResultsA total of 400 respondents (98.5% response rate) were surveyed. Close to half, 49.8% of the respondents had ever heard about hepatitis B, and only 16.5% had received at least a hepatitis B vaccine dose. Individual factors significantly associated with hepatitis B vaccine uptake included spending more than four years in sex work (APR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12), previous screening for hepatitis B (APR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.38–1.61), and having work conditions that allowed time to seek HBV services (APR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.22). Health system factors significantly associated with vaccine uptake included the presence of hepatitis B outreach programs in residential areas (APR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03–1.33) and receiving information about hepatitis B from peers (APR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.31).ConclusionThe study revealed a low prevalence of hepatitis B vaccine uptake among FSWs, with less than a tenth completing the three-dose schedule. Therefore, enhancing screening programs, expanding outreach initiatives, and tailoring services to accommodate nontraditional work hours while leveraging peer networks can significantly improve vaccine uptake and reduce hepatitis B transmission in this high-risk population.

Enhancing the Scalability of Blockchain Networks using a Data Partitioning Technique

The scalability limitations of current blockchain systems slow down their broad adoption. This issue arises because transactions are processed sequentially, limiting throughput and increasing network delays. Additionally, even with advanced multicore technology, the Proof-of-Work (PoW) process is generally performed in a linear fashion. To address these challenges, this study proposes a static analysis-based data partitioning technique to enhance transaction performance and reduce network latency by allowing parallel processing of transactions, called Simultaneous Block-Level Transaction Execution in a Distributed Setting. This framework utilizes a master-slave system within a trusted node community. The master node analyzes transactions and partitions non-conflicting ones into separate groups, or shards, which are then distributed among slave nodes for parallel execution. Once transactions are completed, the community's combined computing power is used to perform PoW simultaneously. The miner subsequently broadcasts the newly created block to other network peers for validation, which can be performed either sequentially or in parallel. Validators ensure that they achieve the same state as specified in the block. Implementing this framework on a workload can result in a maximum speedup of 1.81x for miners and 1.80x for validators, with each block containing between 150 and 550 transactions and involving six community members. PoW is a consensus mechanism in which miners solve complex cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions. It ensures network security but is resource-intensive due to its high computational demands. In the proposed framework, the master node coordinates transactions, while the slave nodes process them in parallel. This approach maximizes resource utilization across nodes.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted relationship between social media use and mental health, highlighting its positive and negative effects. While social media fosters connectivity and mental health awareness, excessive use has been linked to adverse outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying. It is utilizing theoretical frameworks such as Social Comparison Theory and the personal Model.Objectives: This study examines how curated online interactions influence psychological well-being. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted, encompassing recent studies from 2019 onward. Results: Findings reveal that age, developmental stage, and usage patterns significantly moderate the effects of social media on mental health. Emerging concerns include Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), sleep disturbances, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Despite its challenges, social media presents opportunities for mental health support through peer networks and online interventions. Conclusions: This review underscores the need for tailored strategies, digital literacy programs, and policy regulations to mitigate risks and maximize social media’s potential for positive mental health outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, cross-cultural analyses, and innovative digital interventions to address gaps in understanding the complexities of social media's impact on mental health.

Evaluating the Impact of an Iron Supplementation Program for Combating Anemia in School-Age and Adolescent Females by a Grassroots Organization in India.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prominent cause of anemia adversely affecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It is a major health concern and has impacted more than two billion people worldwide. It is necessary to implement programs to increase compliance rates for iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and educate individuals about anemia. In this study, we evaluate the impact of a non-profit organization's IFA supplementation program for school-age and adolescent females to combat anemia. This study was conducted via a grassroots organization that used a peer network to integrate with the existing national anemia campaign in school-age and adolescent females. This single-arm preintervention and postintervention study conducted over four months from June to September 2023 evaluated the effect of a one-time anti-helminthic treatment and weekly IFA supplementation (45 mg elemental iron and 0.4 mg folic acid per tablet for seven to nine-year-old females; 60 mg elemental iron and 0.5 mg folic acid per tablet for 10 to 19-year-old females) for 90 days. Hemoglobin levels at baseline and post-IFA supplementation were assessed using point-of-care direct reading hemoglobinometers. The pre- and post-test hemoglobin values were compared by a paired t-test. A total of 160 females visiting the foundation were approached, out of which 146 agreed to participate in the study. The baseline hemoglobin levels among 146 females were 10.9 ± 1.7 g/dL, and 103 (70.5%) of them were observed to have anemia. Due to a loss of follow-up, 99 participants were evaluated for pre- and post-IFA supplementation hemoglobin levels. Among 99 females, anemia was observed in 68.7% at baseline. The baseline hemoglobin level of 11.1 ± 1.7 g/dL significantly raised to 11.7 ± 1.4 g/dL after IFA supplementation (p<0.001). After IFA supplementation, the baseline distribution of participants with normal hemoglobin rose to 47.5% (post-test) from 31.3% (pre-test), showing a difference of 16.2%. The normal hemoglobin level distribution across the age groups after the weekly IFA supplementation program improved by 17.2% in participants aged seven to 10 years (from 31.4% to 48.6%), 17.7% in 11 to 14 years (from 29.45% to 47.1%), and 7.7% in those aged 15 to 19 years (from 38.5% to 46.2%). Grassroots organizations can be pivotal in enhancing the efficacy of IFA supplementation programs, particularly in combating anemia among children. Behavior change communication and peer networks of such organizations can be integrated into existing programs to significantly contribute to improving the compliance rate of IFA supplementation programs.

FOSTERING PERSONAL GROWTH, PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, AND CAREER SATISFACTION AMONG EDUCATORS IN NILGIRI DISTRICT

This study explores the relationship between personal growth, professional excellence, and career satisfaction among 320 educators in the Nilgiri district, using primary data from a structured questionnaire and secondary data from research articles, reports, and educational databases. The aim is to assess how personal development and professional skills contribute to overall job satisfaction. Stratified simple random sampling was employed to ensure representation from different education levels and geographic areas. Data analysis through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified key factors influencing these aspects, with a focus on personal well-being, professional competence, institutional support, and work-life balance. The findings indicate that personal growth, driven by intrinsic motivation, and professional excellence, enhanced through access to training and mentorship, are crucial to career satisfaction. However, challenges such as limited access to professional development resources, especially in remote areas, were noted. The study suggests that localized training programs, peer networking opportunities, and institutional support systems are essential to fostering growth and reducing isolation among educators. Encouraging digital literacy for self-learning and career development can further bridge gaps in resource access. In conclusion, educators who invest in both personal and professional growth report higher career satisfaction, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to support educators in rural and tribal areas. By enhancing their growth opportunities, educators can contribute more effectively to the educational and social development of the Nilgiri district. These findings emphasize the interconnectedness of personal and professional growth with job satisfaction and highlight the importance of structured support systems to nurture educators’ overall development.

Key Mental Health Challenges: The Role of Health Policy After COVID-19

Background; The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted global mental health, revealing vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and exacerbating issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers, young adults, and children, faced heightened risks due to social isolation, economic uncertainty, and disruptions to daily life. These challenges emphasized the critical need for targeted interventions and systemic improvements in mental health care. Objective; This review aims to analyze the key mental health challenges emerging post-pandemic, evaluate the roles of government policies and community interventions, and propose evidence-based strategies for prevention and rehabilitation. Additionally, it highlights innovative solutions to address service gaps and promote resilience. Methodology; A narrative review methodology was employed, synthesizing data from peer-reviewed journals, organizational reports (e.g., WHO, OECD, UNICEF), and national datasets from 2019–2023. Key themes—mental health challenges, government roles, prevention strategies, and innovative interventions—were explored through qualitative and quantitative analyses. Selection criteria focused on mental health conditions exacerbated by the pandemic and policy responses at local and national levels. Conclusions; The pandemic underscored the importance of mental health as a public health priority. Effective interventions include integrating mental health into broader health policies, increasing funding, and promoting public awareness. Prevention strategies focusing on early detection, lifestyle interventions, and community support proved vital, while rehabilitation efforts such as family involvement, peer networks, and technological tools facilitated recovery. A multisectoral, evidence-based approach is essential to build resilient mental health systems capable of addressing future challenges.

The impact of social media exposure and online peer networks on green purchase behavior

Green purchase behavior has grown significantly to promote sustainable living and minimize the environmental impacts of increasing consumption. There are limited research investigating the impact of green digital interaction influence customers’ pro-environmental practices. Drawing from customer value theory, the objective of the present study is to investigate the mediating role of perceived values in the relationship between green digital interaction and green purchase intention. A total of 308 participants were recruited to complete a survey regarding green purchases in China. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used, and the findings provided empirical evidence that emotional value is a central concept that mediates the relationship between green digital interaction and other value dimensions. The study provides significant findings for organizations and marketers to implement more effective digital marketing strategies to promote green products.

Intimate Partner Violence among Adolescents in Hong Kong.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among adolescents is a prime public health concern worldwide. Research found that IPV victimization and peers' IPV perpetration could increase the likelihood of IPV perpetration. In contrast, healthy partner attachment, forgiveness, shame management, and family harmony could serve as protective factors for IPV. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the risk and protective factors of IPV perpetration among adolescents in Hong Kong. The present study recruited 1,815 full-time secondary school students in Hong Kong aged 11 to 19 years. Healthy partner attachment, forgiveness, shame management, and family harmony were negatively correlated with IPV perpetration. IPV victimization and peers' IPV perpetration were positively correlated with IPV perpetration. Specifically, peers' IPV perpetration partially mediated the effect of IPV victimization on IPV perpetration. Thus, the effectiveness of intervention programs targeting IPV could be enhanced by resolving the traumatic experience of IPV victimization and promoting positive peer networks and support.