Community Perceptions Research Articles

Applying causal inference and Bayesian statistics to understanding vaccine safety signals using a simulation study

Community perception of vaccine safety influences vaccine uptake. Our objective was to assess current vaccine safety monitoring by examining factors that may influence the availability of post-vaccination survey data, and thereby the specificity and sensitivity of existing signal detection methods. We used causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and a Bayesian posterior predictive analysis (PPA) signal detection method to understand biological and behavioural factors which may influence signal detection. The DAGs informed the data simulated for scenarios in which these factors were varied. The influence of biological factors such as severity of adverse reactions and behavioural factors such as healthcare-seeking behaviour upon survey participation was found to drive signal detection. Where there was a low prevalence of moderate to severe reactions, false signals were detected when there was a strong influence of reaction severity on both survey participation and seeking medical attention. These findings provide implications for future vaccine safety monitoring.

Assessment of Ground Control Points Positional Shift and Management Practices: Evidences from Assosa Town, Western Ethiopia

This study assesses the positional shift of existing control points and management practices found in and around Assosa town. The static GPS measurement technique was used as an independent source and a point wise method were used to assess the positional shift and accuracy level evaluation. Due to unavailability of local CORS station, two first order GCPs were used as a reference during static GPS measurement. After measurement was conducted depending on the baseline length between control point marks, the STC desktop software and online CSRS-PPP post processing technique was used. Thus, the positional accuracy of selected GCPs of STC Post processing technique has a mean error of 0.324 m and whereas the GCPs of CSRS-PPP has a mean error of 0.571 m. Horizontal distance error obtained with the STC differential technique is ranging from 0 to 0.83 m which is inconsistent relative to the range 0.437 m to 0.815 m obtained from online CSRS-PPP solution. The positional accuracy of GCPs was also assessed using horizontal distance error of both processed techniques. The positional accuracy of GCPs at 95% confidence level is between -0.117 m and 0.765 m with STC and between 0.395 m and 0.747 m in online CSRS-PPP solution. Based on the result, the accuracy level of existing GCPs found in Assosa town, does not meet the FGDC accuracy. This was mainly associated with perception of communities on ground control point management activities. The study revealed almost low communities practice and control point management responsiveness. Finally, study suggested that there should be participatory guidance to establish and manage the ground control points.

Local community perception on medicinal plant knowledge use and influencing variables among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia

Local community perception on medicinal plant knowledge use and influencing variables among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia

Persepsi Masyarakat Betawi terhadap Ondel-Ondel sebagai Atribut Pengamen Jalanan di Petukangan Utara Jakarta Selatan

One of the typical Betawi arts is Ondel-ondel. Ondel-ondel are large dolls in pairs, made from woven bamboo, wearing masks and palm fiber hair. This research uses intercultural adaptation theory to change the current view of Ondel-ondel which is used as an attribute of busking. This research uses descriptive qualitative analysis methods. Researchers conducted interviews consisting of five informants. The research was carried out purposively, with the aim of obtaining data that could be used in discussions. The conditions set for selecting speakers are the Betawi people who live in the North Petukangan area. The results of research entitled Betawi Community Perceptions of Ondel-ondel as an Attribute of Street Buskers in North Petukangan, South Jakarta. This research has found and extracted information from all data which includes data based on interviews with sources. Four of the five sources that researchers interviewed, of the four sources, had two perceptions, some were positive and negative. This research shows that through interviews consisting of 3 points in the research, the existence of Ondel-ondel buskers in the community, there are those who think positively that it is considered cultural preservation, but there are also those who think negatively that Ondel-ondel buskers 3on the street are also considered to damage the reputation of Betawi culture. and the presence of Ondel-ondel buskers on the street can disrupt street order.

Community awareness, knowledge and perception about malaria vaccine in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality: A descriptive cross-sectional survey.

To assess community awareness, knowledge and perception of the malaria vaccine. A descriptive cross-sectional survey. Multistage sampling was adopted in recruiting 400 participants. A structured questionnaire designed based on study objectives guided data collection. Participants were 18-47 years with a mean age of 30 years. A statistically significant association was observed between socio-demographic characteristics (age, marital status, religion, education) and the awareness of the malaria vaccine. Majority of the participants (n = 190, 86.4%) said the vaccine was for the protection of children and they perceived that the vaccine would improve children's ability to fight diseases (n = 158, 71.8%), hence should be administered to every child (n = 201, 91.4%). Nurses and other health workers should intensify public education on the malaria vaccine. Caregivers of children in Kassena-Nankana East Municipality.

Land degradation: Addressing the vulnerability of local people through the lens of transformative change

Land degradation (LD) is driven by many factors resulting from the intricate interplay between natural and socio-economic systems, which adds dynamism and complexity to this phenomenon. The study highlights LD as a source of social vulnerability in the Baragan Plain (Romania), often called the “granary of Europe” due to its century-long history of industrial crop production. We explore the community's perceptions of vulnerability due to LD and the community-based solutions to sustainable transformations through governance using a community-based causal-effect analysis (CBCEA). CBCEA is a participatory approach that uses systems thinking, engages key informants, and generates qualitative causal-effect diagrams to illustrate the system structure. Two workshops with local key informants revealed their views on the direct and indirect causes and effects of LD, strategies they proposed to reduce the community's vulnerability, and the conditions for making the agricultural land decision-making integrative, inclusive, adaptive, and participatory (IIAP). IIAP decision-making was considered a key to transformative governance. Key informants identified “Windbreaks construction” and “(Resilient) Irrigation system” as two effective, context-specific measures to address the causes and effects of LD. We advise caution when implementing the “Irrigation system” measure, as it may risk constraining the system to an undesirable state, commonly referred to as a “trap”.

Reviewing the Career Decision Conceptualization among Hospitality Students

Future research might consider elucidating the most important factors influencing hospitality students’ career decisions. A career decision is a choice made by an individual based on one’s interests, abilities, and values. An individual needs to make the right decision in order to have a good career. This also applies to higher-learning students, as they need to make a career decision upon graduation. Therefore, this study aims to identify and review the factors influencing career decisions and their impacts among hospitality students. A systematic review was conducted, and secondary data were collected from various sources, analysed, and interpreted in order to gain a better understanding of the topic. The researchers focused on three factors that were mostly mentioned in previous studies: nature of work, self-efficacy, and social status. It was found that the nature of work has both a positive and negative impact on students’ career decisions. Meanwhile, self-efficacy had a negative impact on students’ career decisions because it mainly depended on the student’s confidence in their capabilities. Lastly, social status also contributed negatively, which focused mainly on the community's perceptions of careers in the hospitality industry. Future research might consider elucidating the most important factors influencing hospitality students’ career decisions.

Local ecological knowledge and community perceptions of a nascent arribada beach in Costa Rica

Arribadas present many research challenges, such as establishing historical baselines and the elucidation of their formation and evolution. For local communities arribadas mean addressing shifts in areas such as tourism, sea turtle egg extraction and animal predation dynamics, representing a potential catalyst for changing attitudes towards sea turtle conservation. This study aims to provide insights about the onset and evolution of Corozalito, a nascent Costa Rican arribada beach, by compiling local ecological knowledge (LEK), and by identifying the local perceptions towards the mass nesting event and its socio-economic and conservation impacts. From October to December 2018, we conducted two types of semi-structured interviews: 10 to key informants (KIs) gathering LEK of Corozalito arribada and 15 to local respondents assessing perceptions about this phenomenon. According to KIs, Corozalito arribadas started in the late 1990s, early 2000s, exhibiting a growing trend in magnitude and frequency, which is consistent with published monitoring data. There was a general basic understanding among community members about the importance of sea turtle conservation. Regarding threats to sea turtles during arribadas, animal nest predation was the most frequently mentioned; nonetheless, most respondents attributed it to a natural process. In contrast, sea turtle egg extraction presented the most divided opinions, being reported as a source of conflict in the past for the community. Most respondents expressed concerns about egg removal for commercial purposes. Clutch density, nest destruction, and legal egg extraction in similar arribada sites, were occasionally mentioned as arguments favoring sea turtle egg extraction. Additionally, there was a general feeling that tourism should be promoted with regulations for economic revenue in the short-term. Overall, this study provides useful information about the establishment and evolution of Corozalito arribadas along with its impacts on the local community, which can inform future management and conservation strategies.

Enhancing Awareness and Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Minchinabad A Participatory Action Research Approach

This study investigates the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Minchinabad through a participatory action research approach. A total of 100 participants were included in this research. They were Community Leaders, Healthcare Professionals, Religious Leaders, and Educators picked through Convenience Sampling. Initial data collection reveals prevalent misconceptions and barriers surrounding ASD awareness. Among them, 89% of respondents expressed a lack of sufficient awareness and 85% attributed ASD to divine factors. Subsequently, community-led workshops, social media campaigns, and Religious institutions-based awareness activities were implemented to address these challenges. Evaluation indicates a significant improvement in awareness levels. Improvement with 53% acknowledging adequate awareness. However, more than 40% still perceive a stigma associated with seeking an ASD diagnosis. While cultural beliefs persist, such as 60% to 68% believing in the divine causation of ASD. The interventions have contributed to a positive shift in community perceptions. The findings underscore the importance of sustained efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of ASD within the community, emphasizing the need for continued engagement and advocacy for ASD Awareness.

KAJIAN PERILAKU MASYARAKAT PESISIR YANG MENGAKIBATKAN KERUSAKAN LINGKUNGAN SEKITAR EKOSISTEM MANGROVE DI PANTAI HAMADI KOTA JAYAPURA

Background : Environmental damage around the Hamadi coastal mangrove ecosystem, South Jayapura District, Jayapura City, which is caused by many human behavioral factors on the coast, one of which is due to tourism activities that throw away garbage so that it becomes dirty and the natural beauty is damaged. he waste has not been fully addressed effectively if the management is not carried out properly, which then becomes a serious threat to the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem area near Hamadi Beach which is used as a tourist spot. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study of the behavior of the community living around the area and utilizing the area. Method: The researcher used 30 respondents as samples and conducted in June to August 2024 on Hamadi Beach, South Jayapura District, Jayapura City using the data usage technique in this study is Simple Random Sampling, which is carried out randomly from members of the population without considering the level of the population. The data that has been obtained is analyzed using the Likert Scale. Results: Respondents were dominated by men, productive age 36-45 years old, predominantly high school education, fishermen, who had an income Rp 1.000.000 -Rp2.000.000. Socio-economic characteristics describe respondents who live, sell and travel around the area. The characteristics of the respondents were seen from the community's perception of the knowledge of the function of the mangrove ecosystem (3,39) including the category strongly agree, Public Perception of Environmental Conditions for the Growth of Mangrove Ecosystems (3,5) Including the category of strongly agreeing, public perception of the utilization of mangrove ecosystems (3,14) including the category of agree. Conclusion: The development of science about public perception that results in environmental damage to the mangrove ecosystem on Hamadi beach needs to be known in early countermeasures.

Effect of National Assembly Constituency Projects on Educational Infrastructure Development in Selected Rural Communities, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja

This study assessed the effect of National Assembly constituency projects on educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities, (FCT), Abuja 2015-2023. It examined how these projects have affected the availability of educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis through surveys and qualitative insights from document review and stakeholders. The quantitative component utilised a structured survey questionnaire based on a Likert scale to assess community perceptions of the National Assembly constituency projects' effect in addressing educational infrastructure development needs in rural communities. Additionally, chi-square tests were employed to analyse the relationship between National Assembly constituency projects and their effect on the availability of educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities, FCT, Abuja. Key findings revealed that National Assembly constituency projects have significantly affected the availability of educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study recommended that policymakers should sustain funding of National Assembly constituency project interventions on educational infrastructure development in the rural communities, FCT, Abuja and beyond.

Understanding Socio-Ecological Complexity of Mangrove-Crocodile-Fisher System of Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan, the Philippines

The mangrove forest in Palawan has the most extensive distribution in the Philippines. The fisher community's perception of the mangrove forest as a known habitat for saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) and its fishery benefits in Bugsuk Island were gathered using a participatory systems mental modeling framework for the coastal social-ecological system. From the causal loop diagram, six reinforcing and one balancing feedback loop were derived. The respondents observed a positive growth in the interaction between mangroves and crocodiles in Bugsuk Island, with both populations expanding and providing support to fishery resources. Bugsuk Island represents a unique diversity with great potential for resource conservation and economic benefit.

A potential cause for extensive dieback of Acacia mearnsii plantation in highland districts of Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia

Although Acacia mearnsii De Wild has rapidly expanded for economic and ecological purposes in the highland districts of the Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia, recent plantations have suffered from severe defoliation, dieback, and stunted growth. We conducted this study in four districts that hold potential for A. mearnsii plantations. The study examined the identification of the causal agent, its occurrence, and local community perceptions of the plantation's significant dieback. Most respondents (75.8 %) indicated that the substantial dieback began in the rainy season of 2020 and spread rapidly. They also noted that close spacing of plantings and limited silvicultural measures exacerbated the damage. We discovered in this study that the wattle rust disease caused by the Uromycladium acacia fungus was the root cause of significant dieback for A. mearnsii plantations. The incidence and severity of this wattle rust varied significantly (p = 0.001) between districts, seasons, and plantation age groups. In Fegita-Lekuma district, the maximum disease severity was over 72 % in plantations up to two years after planting during the rainy season. The progression of the wattle rust disease caused by U. acacia has led to the loss of A. mearnsii plantations in the Awi zone, resulting in a severe economic and environmental crisis. Consequently, we should apply fungicides to seedlings at nursery sites in the short term. Eventually, however, the focus should shift towards prioritizing disease-resistant species and implementing proper forest management practices. This should be achieved through scientific initiatives that engage key stakeholders in areas where this tree species could potentially grow.

THE OLD TOWN OF KUPANG: PERSISTENT ELEMENTS AND THE QUALITY OF THE SPACE BASED ON PUBLIC VIEWS

Kupang's Old Town has undergone significant changes over time, influenced by foreign interventions that left behind a wide variety of historical stories and physical evidence as silent witnesses to the development of Kupang's Old Town. However, these historical elements are currently under threat due to a lack of protection and management.Aims: This research aims to study the physical changes in the urban network from the 17th century to the 21st century, highlighting elements that have disappeared, changed, or survived. The study also explores the community's perception of the surviving historical aspects.Methodology and Results: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, [1]the results show significant changes within the area, including the loss of certain elements, changes in function, and the continuation of others. The community values the aspects that have survived, especially the historical buildings, which are seen as an integral part to the area's identity. There is a desire to improve the quality of space in Kupang's Old Town today.Conclusion, Significance and Implication: The study recommends the development of policies that integrate urban growth, historic preservation, and stakeholder participation to achieve a balanced management of Kupang’s Old Town.

Different concepts of neighborhood safety and child internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

Neighborhood safety is defined inconsistently across epidemiologic studies - a conceptual problem that results in incomparable measurements, hampering the design of health interventions. Using child behavior problems (measured via the Child Behavior Checklist) as the outcome of interest, this study directly compared four measures of neighborhood safety: two of experienced safety and two of perceived safety, with each one measured at family and community levels. These included children's direct experience of harm, parental perceptions, community crime statistics, and community perceptions. In a sample of 3291 ten-year-olds from the Generation R cohort (living in municipal Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2013), all four measures were correlated (χ2 ≥ 9.2, P < 0.002 in pairwise chi-square comparisons), but ultimately identified different levels of risk for behavioral health. Direct experiences of harm, parental perceptions, and community crime statistics were all associated with increased child internalizing behaviors (β = 3.12, β = 2.10, and β = 1.77, respectively), while only experiences of harm and parental perceptions were associated with increased externalizing behaviors (β = 2.75 and β = 1.31, respectively). These results provide novel evidence that the conceptual distinctions underlying different measures of neighborhood safety are meaningful for child mental health and should be considered in intervention design.

Smallholder farmers’ knowledge and perceptions towards elephants and the restraining poliwire fences in Mambova wildlife corridor, southern Zambia

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a major challenge for communities living within large transboundary corridors, affecting livelihoods and personal safety. Elephant-restraining solar-electric poliwire fences were implemented as HEC mitigation from 2017 to 2022 for 17 mixed-produce multi-farmer gardens in Mambova farming community in southern Zambia. To assess the knowledge and perceptions of farmers towards elephants and the newly established solar-electric poliwire fences, we conducted 60 semi-structured interviews (22 females, 38 males) with farmers from both fenced and unfenced gardens. The study found that community perceptions varied, and elephants and hippos caused significant crop damage to unfenced vegetable gardens, particularly during the dry season (95–96.3% of incidents occurring between July and November). Farmers reported elephants mainly damaged their gardens at night (21:00–03:00 h.), affecting crops like maize (Zea mays) and rape plants (Brassica napus). Most respondents (96.7%) found the solar-electric poliwire fence more effective in preventing crop damage than traditional mitigation measures, such as drumming and guarding. While some farmers were uncomfortable with elephants in their area (50%), others valued their presence for tourism and education (47%). A holistic approach, combining education, awareness campaigns, and conservation initiatives, is needed to manage HEC effectively. Understanding farmer perspectives and local knowledge about elephant behaviour and migration is vital for sustainable coexistence of humans with elephants.

Motivation, Cues to Action, and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Qualitative Application of the Health Belief Model among Women in Rural Zambia.

Vaccine hesitancy has played a major role in slowing the global COVID-19 response. Using cross-sectional, primarily qualitative data collected in four rural districts in Zambia, we aimed to explore community perceptions of COVID-19 disease and vaccines, including perceived motivators, cues to action, benefits, and barriers to vaccine uptake as guided by the Health Belief Model. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted in late 2021 with women of reproductive age who were enrolled in an early childhood development study. Although two-thirds of the 106 respondents reported low perceived risk of catching COVID-19, they expressed concern that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted their daily lives and feared effects of the disease. They had generally positive beliefs that the vaccine would be accepted among their communities when it became more widely available. Reported motivators to vaccine uptake included desire for protection against COVID-19 and understanding vaccine purpose, due to ongoing education from health personnel, neighbors, friends, radio, and church leaders. Misinformation or reported bad experiences served as cues away from vaccine uptake. Examples of misinformation included the vaccine causing COVID-19 or another disease and death and vaccines being associated with the devil and against Christian beliefs. Accounts of pain after receiving the vaccine also discouraged uptake. Perceived benefits included a desire to be protected from the disease, belief in the effectiveness of the vaccine, fear of catching COVID-19, and belief the vaccine would limit negative effects. Health system implementers and policy makers should consider recipient motivators and cues to action to further increase vaccination rates.

Prevention and management of anaemia in pregnancy: Community perceptions and facility readiness in Ghana and Uganda.

Anaemia is one of the most common conditions in low- and middle-income countries, with prevalence increasing during pregnancy. The highest burden is in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is 41.7% and 40%, respectively. Anaemia in pregnancy can lead to complications such as prematurity, low birthweight, spontaneous abortion, and foetal death, as well as increasing the likelihood and severity of postpartum haemorrhage. Identifying and mitigating anaemia in pregnancy is a public health priority. Here we present a mixed-methods situational analysis of facility readiness and community understanding of anaemia in Ghana and Uganda. Quantitative health assessments (adapted from service availability and readiness assessments) and qualitative key informant interviews (KIIs) with district-level stakeholders, in-depth interviews (IDIs) with maternity staff, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members were held in 2021. We carried out facility assessments in nine facilities in Ghana and seven in Uganda. We carried out seven KIIs, 23 IDIs, and eight FGDs in Ghana and nine, 17, and five, respectively, in Uganda. Many good practices and general awareness of anaemia in pregnancy were identified. In terms of bottlenecks, there was broad consistency across both countries. In health facilities, there were gaps in the availability of haemoglobin testing-especially point-of-care testing-staffing numbers, availability of standard operating procedures/guidelines for anaemia in pregnancy, and poor staff attitudes during antenatal care. Amongst community members, there was a need for improved sensitisation around malaria and helminth infections as potential causes of anaemia and provision of education around the purpose of iron and folic acid supplementation for preventing or managing anaemia in pregnancy. Anaemia in pregnancy is a persistent challenge, but one with clear opportunities to intervene to yield improvements.

Strategic Approaches to Islamic School Marketing in Predominantly Non-Muslim Regions

The research objectives in this study provide strategies in overcoming Islamic school marketing in a non-Muslim society. The object of this research is located at madrasah which operates in a non-Muslim community. The method used in this research is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. While collecting this data by means of observation, interviews and documentation. The data obtained were analyzed using an interactive model. This data analysis model consists of: data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of the discussion of this study are the Perceptions of Non-Muslim Communities towards Islamic Schools, namely that non-Muslim communities often have negative perceptions of Islamic schools due to fears of discrimination and lack of correct information, the influence of Social Media in Marketing Islamic Schools, namely social media plays an important role in providing relevant and reliable information for parents, as well as assisting schools in delivering their marketing messages more effectively and inclusively, and Collaboration between schools is very influential in increasing understanding and respect for differences, which shows the effectiveness of collaborative projects in reducing conflict and improving relationships between students.

Impact of social and environmental factors on child safety in gated vs. conventional areas

Gated communities are perceived as safer for children, yet they still raise concerns among parents regarding safety, security measures, play areas, and social cohesion. Developing a truly child-friendly environment requires creating safe and well-maintained spaces, but empirical research on these issues remains limited. This study investigates factors influencing parents’ perceptions of child safety, focusing on social cohesion, disorder, territoriality, and natural surveillance in both gated and conventional communities. Structured interviews were conducted with 118 residents from Al-Mafraq, Jordan, comparing perceptions in a gated community and a conventional district. The methodology combined quantitative analysis of survey data with qualitative insights from interviews. The results revealed that perceived social cohesion and disorder significantly affect parents’ perceptions of child safety in both types of communities (p &lt; 0.05). Conversely, territoriality showed no significant relationship (p &gt; 0.05), while natural surveillance significantly influenced perceptions in conventional communities but not in gated communities (p &lt; 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of social and environmental factors in shaping safety perceptions and highlight the need for urban planning strategies to enhance child safety across different community settings.