Policy-making Perspective Research Articles

Knowledge and attitudes of the Italian population on sharing health data: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Healthcare digitization enhances data accessibility but faces data management and privacy challenges. The study sought to explore the Italian public’s understanding and views on storing and sharing health data for treatment and research purposes, as well as factors influencing their attitudes toward health data management and sharing. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire assessed socio-demographic information, knowledge about health data sharing, and attitudes toward sharing data for treatment and scientific purposes. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge/attitudes about data storage and sharing. Results A total of 1,389 citizens participated. Most respondents (65.4%) thought that healthcare providers could access personal health data nationwide, while 94% expressed willingness to share personal health data nationwide. A high percentage of respondents (73%) fully agreed that storing and sharing personal health-related data could improve research and quality of care. Males and younger individuals (<41 years) were likelier to have higher data-sharing knowledge (adjusted Odds Ratio [adjOR] 1.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.03 - 2.18, and adjOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.29 - 3.08 respectively). Lower educational-level respondents exhibited lower positive attitudes towards sharing health data for treatment and research purposes (adjOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05-0.58 for high school, and adjOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.41 for middle school or lower, compared to those with a university degree). Conclusions The findings offer valuable perspectives for European policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers who aim to enhance data handling, foster cooperation, and maximize the benefits of health data for tailored care and scientific progress. Key messages • Italian citizens show strong willingness to share health data nationwide for treatment and research, suggesting a favorable environment for collaborative healthcare initiatives. • Sociodemographic factors such as age and education level influence attitudes towards health data sharing, stressing interventions to ensure equitable access and participation in data-driven healthcare.

A scoping review of substance use brief interventions in Africa

Background The burden of substance use in Africa is substantial. Brief interventions (BIs) are a recommended public health strategy for the prevention and early intervention for substance use problems. The objective of this scoping review was to map the literature on substance use BIs in Africa, identify gaps, and provide directions for future research. Methods The scoping review was guided by the Arksey O’Malley Framework and the PRISMA-Scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search of five bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Professionals (CINAHL) and Cochrane Library) was conducted from inception until 1st November 2023. BIs were defined as those targeting substance use and delivered over 1–4 sessions, or interventions delivered over more than four sessions if the authors referred to them as ‘brief’. Results of the review have been summarized descriptively and organized by three broad outcomes: BI effect and feasibility; feasibility and effectiveness of training providers to deliver BIs; Other outcomes i.e. cost-effectiveness, BI adaptation and development, and knowledge attitude and practice of BIs by providers. Results Of the 80 studies that were eligible for inclusion, 68 investigated the effect and feasibility of BIs, six studies investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of training providers to deliver BIs, and six explored other outcomes. Most of the available studies had been conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa. BIs were largely based on motivational interviewing and psychoeducational principles. Overall, the BIs were reported as feasible to implement from the perspective of policy makers, providers, and the intervention recipients. Findings on the effect of BIs on substance use were mixed. Key evidence gaps emerged. There was paucity of BI research focusing on substances other than alcohol, and there was limited literature on feasibility and efficacy of BIs among youth and adolescents. Conclusion The results of this scoping review provide important directions for future substance use BI research in Africa.

Erratum: Dollar store policy opportunities in Baltimore City: community member and policy maker perspectives

Erratum: Dollar store policy opportunities in Baltimore City: community member and policy maker perspectives

Homebuyer complaints during defect liability period: critical analysis of individual presumptions, defect discovery and post-rectifications factors

Purpose This study aims to investigate factors leading to homebuyer complaints during defect liability periods (DLP). The specific study objectives are to: identify critical factors leading to homebuyer complaints during DLP; compare the factors among regions, house price and developer recognition; group the factors into subcategories; and evaluate the criticality of the categories. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with 20 homebuyers were carried out, generating 37 factors. A survey was developed with the factors categorized into three categories: individual presumptions, defects discovery and post-rectifications. The survey data were collected from 104 homebuyers who had acquired new houses within the last five years. The collected data were subjected to statistical analyses, including normalized mean analysis, Kruskal–Wallis H test, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation. Findings The results indicate that individual presumptions, defects discovery and post-rectifications have 8, 14 and 6 critical factors. Then, there are high similarities in the criticality of the factors among regions, house price and developer recognition. The defect discovery factors can be grouped into function- and precision-related factors. Finally, the defect discovery category has the highest overall criticality, followed by post-rectification and individual presumption categories. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to quantitatively investigate factors leading to homebuyers’ complaints during DLP. The study findings offer a new perspective for policymakers in the development of housing regulations.

Revisiting the dynamics of major cryptocurrencies

Purpose – This study aims to reassess the dynamics of major cryptocurrencies sur-rounding recent economic and geopolitical events. By employing wavelet analysis and quantile regression methods, it seeks to understand the behavior of cryptocurrencies before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Research methodology – This research employs the Least Asymmetric Daubechies (LA8) wavelet function to decompose log-returns of major cryptocurrencies into various frequency scales. Additionally, it utilizes wavelet coherence and quantile-on-quantile regression techniques to analyze daily price data spanning from July 2017 to May 2024. Findings – The findings reveal a strong long-term association among cryptocurrencies, with a decline in medium-term correlations. Bitcoin exhibits synchronization with major cryptocurrencies, excluding Tether, while BTC-ETH and BTC-BNB display a rapid, interconnected behavior alongside their fundamental links. Moreover, empirical evidence indicates Bitcoin’s heterogeneous nexus with other alternatives, showcasing greater sensitivity to positive extremes over negative ones. Research limitations – The study’s scope is delimited by the selected time frame (July 2017 to May 2024) for data analysis, potentially limiting insights into longer-term trends. Additionally, the reliance on specific methodologies like wavelet analysis might introduce constraints in capturing the entirety of cryptocurrency dynamics, leaving room for alternative interpretations or unexplored aspects. Practical implications – Results suggest that understanding the varying correlations among major cryptocurrencies during different market phases could aid investors and policymakers in devising more nuanced strategies. Recognizing the sensitivity of Bitcoin’s connections with alternatives to market trends could inform risk management approaches, particularly in navigating extreme market conditions. Originality/Value – The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of cryptocurrency dynamics across varying time scales, utilizing wavelet analysis and quantile regression techniques. The findings offer valuable insights into the complex interconnections among cryptocurrencies, especially in terms of their sensitivity to different market conditions, providing a nuanced perspective for investors, analysts, and policymakers navigating the crypto landscape.

Differential Economic Impacts of Chinese and American Trade Policies on Developed Versus Developing Nations

The trade conflict between the United States and China, the two largest economies in the world, has considerable implications for global economic stability and growth. This topic has been selected due to the necessity of understanding how these trade disputes impact other countries, particularly those heavily dependent on exporting goods to these major economies. The analysis aims to investigate the varied effects of the trade war on both industrialized and developing nations. An analysis is conducted to examine the differential effects of the trade war on industrialized and developing nations by studying the changes in GDP growth rates, unemployment rates, and balance of trade trends. This study examines the distinct economic effects of the China-US trade war on Germany, Canada, and Mexico, which serve as representative examples of developed and developing nations. The results emphasize the significance of customized policy measures to tackle the distinct difficulties and prospects encountered by various economies. Developed countries should prioritize efforts to reduce sluggish economic development and address unemployment in specific sectors. On the other hand, developing nations should take advantage of trade diversion benefits and strengthen their economic resilience. This study enhances the awareness of global trade dynamics and offers vital perspectives for policymakers seeking to negotiate the intricacies of international trade wars.

Financial Mechanism for Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy with Respect to Technology, Digitalization, and Low Carbonization

This study explores the impact of regional financial development on the sustainable growth of the marine economy across 14 coastal cities in Guangdong Province from 2004 to 2022. To assess this, a comprehensive index system was developed to measure marine economic sustainability, incorporating key factors such as capital investment, production efficiency, and processing and trade. The findings indicate that financial development significantly enhances the sustainable growth of the marine economy. However, the interaction between financial development, technology digitalization, and low-carbon initiatives leads to diminishing returns in terms of sustainability. Through the use of the Moran index and the spatial Durbin model, the analysis reveals a dual outcome: while financial development positively influences a city’s marine economic sustainability, it exerts negative spillover effects on neighboring cities. Previous studies have primarily focused on the relationship between financial development and the marine economy at the national or provincial level, leaving a gap in understanding these dynamics at the city level. Furthermore, the coordination between financial development and marine economic sustainability across cities within the same region remains largely unexplored. This study addresses these gaps by investigating city-level dynamics and examining intercity coordination between financial development and marine economic growth. The results offer a novel perspective for policymakers, highlighting strategies to balance regional financing for the marine economy with targeted investments in science, technology, digitalization, and low-carbon initiatives. This approach seeks to optimize resource allocation and mitigate potential substitution effects. Ultimately, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between financial development and the marine economy at both city and regional levels.

Transformative Dynamics in Private Equity: Exploring Co-investment, ESG Integration and Digitalization Strategies

This paper delves into the evolving landscape of private equity (PE) financing, particularly in the context of the real estate and project development sectors amidst global economic fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties. With traditional debt financing losing its sheen, the study focuses on the burgeoning role of PE, especially co-investment funds, as a viable financial alternative. Utilizing a rich dataset from reputable sources such as Morningstar, Pitchbook, and the European Central Bank, along with other pertinent studies, the paper presents a nuanced analysis of the declining PE transaction activity in 2023. It highlights how this downturn has catalyzed the adoption of innovative strategies, including the rise of “continuation vehicles” and the increasing significance of co-investments. Moreover, the research offers an insightful examination of the German SME sector, showcasing how PE can be a transformative force. It particularly emphasizes the incorporation of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations and the advancement of digitalization within these enterprises. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, blending qualitative insights with a robust collection of both primary and secondary data. It argues that PE is not merely a financial instrument but a catalyst for meaningful business evolution, enabling German SMEs to effectively respond to current market challenges and undergo essential transformations. This paper aims to contribute to the broader understanding of PE’s role in contemporary business environments, offering valuable perspectives for academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers.

Implication of Financial Services Marketing: A Study with reference to Behavioral Economics

Abstract Purpose – It has been argued that the insights provided by behavioral economics have profound Implications for the study and practice of marketing. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of how such insights help enhance understanding of aspects of marketing and consumer behavior in financial services markets. Design/methodology/approach – This paper looks at various facets of behavioral economics Which it is felt provide particularly important and salient insights in the context of financial services. In particular, it studies loss aversion and prospect theory, status quo bias and defaults, framing and anchoring effects, hyperbolic discounting, availability effect and salience and over-confidence. In doing so, it provides a number of examples from the financial services context which provide insightful and informative insights for both commercial practitioners and policymakers. In each case, relevant phenomena are introduced and explained before providing a number of applications and examples from the financial services domain. Findings – The authors find that the insights afforded by behavioral economics are useful in helping to explain various aspects of consumer behavior in financial services markets. It is shown that an understanding of the implications of behavioral economics may help in fashioning a choice architecture that is more likely to bring the desired consumer response, from either a commercial or policymaking perspective. Practical implications – This analysis provides important insights for those responsible for the Marketing of financial services, policymakers in the financial services domain, third sector agencies seeking to foster greater engagement with financial services and other interested parties. Originality/value – The paper adds value by drawing together various aspects of behavioral Economics, providing an analysis of their relevance to financial services marketing and offering Numerous examples and applications. Keywords-: Financial services, Behavioral economics, Consumer behavior in financial services, Marketing Paper type-: Conceptual paper

Barriers and Facilitators to the Applicability of Adult Daycare Centers in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study.

Adult daycare centers (ADCs) enable older adults to socialize and enjoy planned group activities while receiving healthcare services. These centers also assist caregivers by empowering them to remain in the workforce. This study aims to explore the challenges in establishing ADCs in Saudi Arabia (SA) from the perspectives of healthcare professionals, healthcare policymakers, older adults, and caregivers. Additionally, this study's objective is to identify the barriers, facilitators, and applicability of ADCs in SA. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured individual interviews. Inductive and deductive thematic analyses were employed to identify common themes regarding the barriers and facilitators to the applicability of ADCs in SA. Five researchers independently examined the transcripts using inductive analysis. Deductive analysis mapped the themes to Campinha-Bacote's cultural competence model. Data were collected from 46 participants, including caregivers, older adults, healthcare professionals, and healthcare policymakers. The findings highlight that the main facilitators to establishing ADCs in SA are the expected positive impact on the psychological and physical well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Conversely, cost and transportation, in addition to cultural considerations are possible barriers. This study identified the perceived benefits of ADCs for older adults and caregivers from a Saudi societal perspective. Thematic analysis showed that ADC's applicability in SA is possible, with some modifications to fit within the Saudi context. Additional efforts are necessary to promote the concepts and services that ADCs provide for older adults and to encourage support for these centers by non-profit organizations and the government.

"Everyone should at least get a Kia": Policymaker perspectives on equity of Medicaid among transition age autistic youth

BackgroundThis study examined the challenges faced by transition age autistic youth in accessing Medicaid services, considering the historical focus on children in autism research and services. The study aimed to explore Medicaid enrollment and support for this population. MethodThe study involved Medicaid and Protection & Advocacy (P&A) representatives from states with varying performance levels in eligibility, access, and service use. Discussions with experts focused on waivers, Early, Periodic, Screening, Detection, and Treatment (EPSDT), and barriers to service access. ResultsThe findings highlighted the need to improve service access for transition age autistic youth. States identified the importance of maximizing EPDST utilization before aging out of childhood systems and pursuing waiver enrollment. These insights emphasized the significance of addressing service gaps during the transition to adulthood. ConclusionsThe study's implications for practice are substantial. Policymakers and service providers must acknowledge the limitedservice access for autistic individuals as they transition from child systems. The study emphasized the value of strategies like maximizing EPDST utilization and pursuing waivers to ensure ongoing support for autistic youth during their transition to adulthood. By addressing these challenges, practitioners can better meet the needs of transition age autistic individuals and facilitate their access to essential services.

Exploring Public, Practitioner and Policymaker Perspectives of Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors in the Context of Socioeconomic Deprivation: A Qualitative Study.

Unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as smoking, high alcohol intake, poor diet and physical inactivity, are key risk factors for premature mortality. How unhealthy lifestyle factors are viewed in the wider context of socioeconomic deprivation is rarely considered. Understanding key stakeholder views on lifestyle factors in the context of deprivation is critical to intervention development and reducing harm in more deprived populations. The aim of this study was to explore public, healthcare professional and policymaker views around unhealthy lifestyle factors in the context of deprivation. The aim was broad to facilitate iterative development of ideas, as the views of this wide range of stakeholders are rarely captured. Twenty-five adult members of the public in Scotland took part in four focus groups between August 2022 and June 2023. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals: 12 primary-care practitioners and 6 public-health practitioners and policymakers. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Four main themes were developed: (1) Evolving complexity of lifestyle factors - the number of lifestyle factors that adversely impact health has grown, with increasingly complex interactions, (2) Social determinants of lifestyle - numerous links were made between socioeconomic conditions and unhealthy lifestyle factors by all participants, (3) Poverty as a fundamental social determinant - poverty was identified as a core factor for unhealthy lifestyle factors, and (4) Agency versus structure in relation to lifestyle - individual agency to address lifestyle factors was limited by structural constraints. Among professionals, understanding the challenging social determinants of unhealthy lifestyle factors was countered by a desire to support healthy change in those affected by deprivation. Public and professional views around lifestyle highlight an evolving understanding of the new and growing number of lifestyle factors as well as the increasingly complex interplay between lifestyle factors. Views of the social determinants of lifestyle and structural limits to agency strengthen arguments for reduced emphasis on individual-level responsibility for unhealthy lifestyle factors and for deeper integration of social determinants into lifestyle interventions. In addition to addressing poverty and socioeconomic inequalities directly, innovative policy, planning and legislation that incorporate wider approaches could tackle upstream determinants of numerous unhealthy lifestyle factors simultaneously. Members of the public who participated in this study have made contributions by sharing their views and perspectives. The National Health Service Research Scotland Primary Care Patient and Public Involvement (NRS PPI) Group contributed to the development of this work. The NRS PPI Group was consulted as part of the preparatory work for H. M. E. F.'s doctoral thesis funding application. The findings of the qualitative work were presented to them, and they informed the interpretation of those findings and related work presented at conferences and public engagement events.

Calling for allied efforts to strengthen digital health literacy in Sweden: perspectives of policy makers

BackgroundA more digitalised world comes with the promise to improve people’s lives. Therefore, it is essential that policymakers also align digital interventions with initiatives to empower citizens and strengthen their digital health literacy. The aim of this study was to explore the views of Swedish policymakers regarding the potential and barriers of a European strategy to strengthen digital health literacy.MethodRepresentatives from Swedish governmental agencies and regions were purposively approached by email to ask them to participate in online workshops to discuss the potential and barriers of developing a European strategy to strengthen digital health literacy.ResultsThe results highlight the need for a national strategy to strengthen digital health literacy. The findings point to critical areas for improvement, ethical and social considerations, and the importance of inclusive and accessible health information online. Participants identified vulnerable groups requiring targeted support to enhance their digital health literacy, particularly those at risk of digital exclusion. Participants emphasised the importance of considering various combinations of conditions or problems that people may have, urging policymakers to adopt a nuanced approach to enhance digital literacy.ConclusionsThere is a critical need for policymakers to strengthen digital health literacy in the population to ensure health equity in relation to digitalisation opportunities. Policymakers advocate for a dedicated national strategy, supporting policymakers to prioritize digital health literacy. Tailoring information, enhancing digital support for prevention, and considering ethical implications are reported as important aspects to improve digital health literacy.

ANALYSING FACTORS INFLUENCING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY UNORGANIZED RETAILERS USING UTAUT 2 FRAMEWORK

The swift progress of technology has greatly altered the worldwide retail environment, but its implementation among loosely organised retailers, especially in developing markets such as India, has not been thoroughly investigated. This paper examines the determinants of technology adoption among unorganised merchants in Kolkata using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) paradigm. The main objective of the study is to examine the influence of Perceived Value (PV) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) on the implementation of technology in this industry. The study employed a quantitative empirical approach, gathering data from 698 participants using standardised questionnaires. The data underwent analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and the Tukey HSD Post Hoc Test statistical tests. The results demonstrate that both perceived value (PV) and perceived ease of use (PEU) have a substantial impact on the adoption of technology. Specifically, higher-income groups tend to see more value and ease in utilising technology. The findings offer important perspectives for policymakers, technology suppliers, and retail groups to formulate focused approaches that promote the digitisation of unorganised retail, ultimately improving operational effectiveness and competitiveness. The present study enhances the overall comprehension of digital inclusion within the retail sector and its capacity to stimulate economic development.

An exploratory cross-sectional study of awareness and barriers to adoption of telemedicine services among patients in Bangladesh

Objectives Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution to address healthcare challenges, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Bangladesh. Understanding patient perspectives on telemedicine adoption is vital for improving healthcare delivery in such contexts. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 patients in Bangladesh to explore awareness, acceptance, and barriers to telemedicine adoption. Data were collected using structured surveys administered face-to-face in 2024. Descriptive statistical techniques were employed for data analysis. Results Most respondents demonstrated awareness of telemedicine services, primarily learning about them through friends or online sources. They viewed telemedicine positively, especially for follow-up appointments and mental health services, expressing satisfaction with the services used. However, concerns regarding its effectiveness for emergency consultations were noted. Barriers to adoption included limited internet connectivity, trust/security issues, lack of awareness, regulatory challenges, and cultural resistance. Conclusion Despite positive attitudes towards telemedicine, challenges such as internet connectivity, trust concerns, and cultural barriers persist in Bangladesh. Addressing these challenges is essential for the successful implementation and widespread adoption of telemedicine, ultimately improving access to quality healthcare services. Future research should explore the perspectives of healthcare providers and policymakers and employ longitudinal and qualitative methods to gain deeper insights.

Palliative Care in Turkey: Insights from experts through key informant interviews

BackgroundThe rising demand for palliative-care (PC) in Turkey, driven by cancer, has prompted increased attention since the national PC policy in 2010. Despite this, the healthcare system predominantly focuses on curative care, lacking PC integration. This is due to combination of administrative obstacles, fragmented coordination, education and training scarcity. Thus urgent strategies are required to address the growing PC gap. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of PC professionals and policymakers, providing valuable insights for national policy and program development. Material and methodThis study employed an exploratory approach using key informant interviews. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaire. It sought to collect relevant contextual information in order to achieve its aim. Thematic content analysis was employed to examine and interpret the data. ResultTwenty-one participants, comprising nurses, specialists, and oncologists, were interviewed. The findings are encompassed by eight themes. 1) Integrated Care, highlights the importance of cohesive collaboration among diverse healthcare providers, social care services, and primary care systems to ensure comprehensive and effective care. 2) Meeting social care needs underscores significance of addressing a wide spectrum of patient requirements, including psychosocial support. 3) PC education emphasizes necessity of equipping healthcare professionals with the requisite skills and knowledge through comprehensive training. 4) Legalizing do-notresuscitate orders draws attention to the critical discussion surrounding end-of-life decisions. 5) Empowering communities recognizes bridging knowledge gaps among patients and caregivers. 6) Decision-Making underscores the importance of informed and collaborative decision-making processes. 7) Cultural considerations urge the adoption of culturally sensitive approaches. 8) Ongoing challenges shed light on persistent issues such as provider attitudes, and administrative hurdles. ConclusionThis study highlights essential factors for establishing an integrated PC program for cancer patients in Turkey. The existing healthcare system in Turkey offers opportunities for advanced PC. Successful implementation demands strategic actions to facilitate meaningful transformation.

Evaluating information management system in epidemic infectious diseases in Iran

Health information management is a vital and constructive component of the health system, refers to the process of producing and collecting, organising and storing, analysing, disseminating and using information. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the information management system in epidemic infectious diseases in Iran, specifically focusing on the registration, reporting, quality, confidentiality, and security of infectious disease data. This assessment was conducted from the perspective of policymakers and experts responsible for data registration and reporting. After examining the processes of registering and reporting infectious disease data and interviewing experts, a researcher-designed questionnaire was prepared to evaluate the infectious disease information management system. To assess the content validity of the Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio Index, a questionnaire was utilized. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha. By employing purposeful sampling and adhering to the inclusion criteria, 150 participants were included in the study. Questionnaires were distributed via email, WhatsApp, or Telegram to employees at various levels of Iran's health and treatment systems who were responsible for registering and reporting infectious disease data. The study encompassed 100 participants who successfully concluded the research. The results highlight that the key strength of healthcare data registration lies in its ability to "depict the epidemic curve during outbreaks of infectious diseases." Conversely, a notable weakness was the "insufficient collaboration from non-academic sectors (e.g., clinics, private laboratories) in registering and reporting infectious diseases. The present study's findings suggest that the issue lies not in the framework itself, but rather in the execution and functionality of the strategies. We can cultivate a repository of reliable and beneficial data by incorporating initiatives like training programs, enforcing regulations with consequences for inadequate data documentation, offering both material and motivational rewards, and streamlining all data collection and reporting systems.

Conquerors of poverty – a case study of Colombo slum dwellers

PurposeWhile extensive research has explored poverty in various dimensions, there remains a notable dearth of studies focusing on success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity. This research seeks to address this gap by investigating the strategies employed by individuals to transcend poverty. Moreover, it evaluates the practicality and effectiveness of existing theories in real-world contexts through careful interpretation.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from two distinct cases through comprehensive, in-depth interviews. These narratives were subjected to scrutiny employing the Description Analysis Interpretation method. Subsequent interpretation and theoretical exploration were guided by Bourdieu’s class theory. The overarching goal was to shed light on the remarkable journeys of specific slum residents who surpassed the constraints of poverty. This endeavor not only highlighted the practical efficacy of these theories but also underscored their relevance in illuminating real-world scenarios through interpretation.FindingsThe findings underscore the capacity of slum dwellers to rise above poverty, thereby emphasizing the practical utility of specific theories aimed at poverty alleviation in elucidating their experiences. Notably, social capital, a cornerstone of Bourdieu’s class theory, emerges as equally pivotal as economic capital in shaping individuals' trajectories.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s scope is confined to narratives within the Colombo slums, offering a platform for future researchers to extend their investigations beyond this context. By employing alternative methodologies and exploring diverse geographical regions, scholars can broaden their understanding of poverty alleviation strategies and their applicability across varied socioeconomic landscapes. This calls for wider research for comprehensive exploration and comprehension of poverty dynamics beyond singular locales.Practical implicationsThe study provides invaluable insights for policymakers, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations, urging them to reconsider and reformulate policies, educational strategies and community development programs tailored to the needs of slum dwellers and their children. These insights offer a pathway toward more effective interventions aimed at fostering sustainable upliftment within these marginalized communities.Originality/valueThis research fills a critical gap in poverty literature by exploring success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity, an area often overlooked. It uniquely investigates the strategies these individuals employ to transcend poverty, offering fresh insights into the practical application of poverty alleviation theories. Utilizing Bourdieu’s class theory, the study highlights the importance of both social and economic capital in these success narratives. By focusing on real-life experiences, it underscores the relevance and utility of these theories in real-world contexts, enriching the theoretical discourse and providing valuable perspectives for policymakers and practitioners.

P036 INFLUENCE OF FOOD ENVIRONMENT IN AND AROUND SCHOOLS ON FOOD CHOICES AND PRACTICES OF STUDENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY – ANTICIPATORY FINDINGS

Background: The health behaviors of adolescents are significantly influenced by their living environments, with schools serving as crucial settings for promoting healthy behaviors. The school food environment, encompassing areas where food is provided and consumed within and around schools, plays a key role in shaping adolescents’ dietary choices. However, there is a notable scarcity of evidence regarding the school food environment in Pakistan. This study aims to examine the school food environment and associated factors, including the availability, accessibility, and affordability of foods within and around schools for adolescents, the facilitators and barriers school vendors face while offering healthy food options, and the perspective of policymakers on the role of food environments. Objectives: • To assess the school lunchtime food practice and sources of adolescents in schools in Karachi • To explore facilitators and barriers to offering healthier food options to adolescents through school vendors both within and outside school premises • To explore the perspectives of adolescents regarding the food choices available to them Methods: A mixed methods concurrent study design i.e. a cross-sectional study, interpretive descriptive qualitative study. Six schools, comprising three government and three private schools from District Central of Karachi, will be recruited. Students from grades 6 and 7 who provide consent and assent will be included, with an anticipated sample size of 430 participants. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to analyze quantitative data and a manual thematic analysis approach will be employed to analyze qualitative data. Results: The anticipated outcome of this study is to understand the school food environment holistically taking into consideration the practices and perspectives of key stakeholders i.e. school-going adolescents, vendors, and policymakers. Conclusion The groundwork done through this research project will help develop evidence-based healthy school food environment programs/interventions that can be feasibly deployed in government and private schools in Pakistan. The research outcomes will foster collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to co-create and implement viable solutions.

A Comparative Analysis of Remedies and Challenges in the Protection of Stakeholders Rights: OHADA vs. English Corporate Law

This article provides a comparative analysis of the remedies and challenges in the protection of stakeholder rights under OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) and English corporate law. The study focuses on key legal remedies available to stakeholders, including the derivative action model, the unfair prejudice remedy, personal right of action, remedies for breach of contract and torts, representative actions amongst other remedies. Under OHADA, the uniform legal framework aims to harmonize business laws across member states, promoting legal certainty and economic growth. In this context, the derivative action model allows minority shareholders to seek redress for wrongs committed against the company, while the unfair prejudice remedy protects stakeholders from actions that harm their interests. Personal right of action and remedies for breach of contract and torts provide additional avenues for stakeholders to seek justice. Representative actions further enable collective redress for affected parties. In contrast, English corporate law, rooted in a common law tradition, offers flexibility and judicial interpretation in protecting stakeholder rights. The derivative action model in English law allows shareholders to bring claims on behalf of the company, while the unfair prejudice remedy addresses situations where minority shareholders are treated unfairly. Personal right of action and remedies for breach of contract and torts are well-established, providing robust protection for stakeholders. Representative actions in English law facilitate collective litigation, enhancing access to justice. In tandem with the foregoing, this paper explores challenges in the practical enforcement of these remedies, including differences in legal culture, enforcement mechanisms, and jurisdictional issues. By comparing OHADA and English corporate law, the study provides insights into the effectiveness of various legal frameworks in protecting stakeholder rights and offers recommendations for enhancing stakeholder protection through legal reforms and policy initiatives. Through a content analysis of primary and secondary data, we uphold that this article contributes to the discourse on corporate governance and stakeholder theory, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers, legal practitioners, and scholars interested in the protection of stakeholder rights in diverse legal environments.