Community Preferences Research Articles

A discrete choice experiment to elicit preferences for a chronic disease screening programme in Queensland, Australia: designing the choice sets for the final survey

Background Chronic diseases are a significant health concern in Australia. Understanding community preferences for health screening services is vital for enhancing service delivery. We conducted a study to determine community preferences for health screening services for chronic diseases in Australia using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). This paper aims to present the development of the final DCE design using priors estimated from a survey. Methods A DCE was conducted in Australia. An online survey was administered to a general Australian population over 18. The final attribute list of five attributes with three levels each was designed. A D-efficient design with 30 pair-wise choice tasks was developed using a fractional factorial design. A pre-test was conducted to assess comprehension and understanding of the online DCE survey. The pilot survey aimed to compute priors (i.e. coefficients) associated with attributes. A multinomial logit model was used to analyse the pilot DCE data. Results The survey included 30 choice tasks in three blocks, with 119 participants responding. The best DCE design was selected based on D-error, with a lower D-error indicating the most efficient design. The pilot survey results indicated a strong preference for highly accurate screening tests, with coefficients for 85% and 95% accuracy being positive. Coefficients estimated from the pilot survey were used as priors to design the DCE choice tasks for the main survey. The final DCE design showed a notable improvement in the attribute level overlap compared to the design used for the pilot survey. Conclusions A rigorous approach was taken to develop a DCE survey that could effectively determine the preferences of the community for health screening services. The resulting DCE design consisted of 30 choice tasks presented in pairs and was deemed efficient enough to gather comprehensive information in the final survey.

Factors Affecting Participation in the Regional Government-Subsidized National Health Insurance on Sumba Island

The community's preference for registering in the Regional Government-Subsidized Sumba segment rather than the informal workers segment may be influenced by several factors, such as income, family size, occupation, education, and the premium amount. This quantitative study uses a cross-sectional approach with a questionnaire and a minimum sample size of 415 participants selected through convenient sampling. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. The results indicate that factors affecting participation in the Regional Government-Subsidized Sumba segment include education (OR = 0.53; p-value < 0.05), occupation (OR = 0.75; p-value < 0.05), family size (OR = 4.85; p-value < 0.05), and income (OR = 0.99; p-value < 0.05). However, the perception of premiums did not have a statistically significant effect (OR = 1.54; p-value > 0.05). This study's binary logistic regression model has a pseudo R² of 0.57, meaning that participation in the Regional Government-Subsidized Sumba segment is influenced by the independent variables by 57%. In comparison, 43% is influenced by other variables not examined in this study. Local governments must continue allocating health insurance funding each year. BPJS Kesehatan should also adopt a comprehensive approach and establish strong relationships with local governments to sustain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Sumba Regency

The Perceptions and Attitudes of Residents Towards Urban Green Spaces in Emilia-Romagna (Italy)—A Case Study

Rapid urbanisation has highlighted the importance of urban green spaces (UGS) in promoting environmental sustainability and human wellbeing, yet the gap between urban planning practices and community preferences remains a significant challenge. This study investigated residents’ perceptions and attitudes towards UGS in a neighbourhood of an Italian city (Quartiere Marconi, Imola), focusing on understanding both the strengths and limitations of existing public green spaces from users’ perspectives. Through a comprehensive questionnaire survey of 126 residents, we examined the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and four aspects of UGS utilisation: visiting purposes, barriers to visits, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improvement. Chi-square tests were conducted to identify significant relationships. The results indicate that life stage, rather than scattered socio-demographic factors, plays a crucial role in shaping UGS perceptions and usage patterns. Particularly, the 31–45 and 46–60 age groups, characterised by family-caring and career responsibilities, showed distinct preferences for social activities, while individual users focused more on nature enjoyment. Although accessibility was generally sufficient, satisfaction levels varied significantly based on living arrangements, with families emphasising facility-related issues and individual users prioritising natural features. These findings suggest that successful UGS planning requires attention to both high-quality natural elements and user-oriented facilities to meet the diverse needs of different life stages. This study represents the preliminary phase of a project, which concerns the redevelopment of the area under study, in order to create a more inclusive and high-quality UGS, taking into account the needs of the resident population.

Monetizing Co-Benefits of Nature-Based Sanitation-Constructed Wetlands Using Contingent Valuation Method—Jordan as a Case Study

Parallel to the growing evidence about the efficiency of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in sanitation, there is a growing need to highlight the co-benefits of these solutions compared to conventional alternatives. This study focuses on economically valuing these co-benefits, with constructed wetlands (CWs) examined as a sanitation solution. The contingent valuation (CV) method has been utilized for this purpose, measuring people’s willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA) CWs as a sanitation solution. Jordan has been selected as a case study due to the country’s preference for sustainable, cost-efficient solutions. By utilizing extended questionnaires at the stakeholder and community levels, this research aims to identify gaps between these groups’ perspectives on CWs. Additionally, this study investigates the main factors affecting communities’ WTP and WTA. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the responses, followed by the CV method, and regression analysis to understand the main factors affecting WTP and WTA. The results are intended to guide decision-makers in developing programs that align with community preferences and address gaps in the acceptance of NbS-CWs. The main results found that while stakeholders have concerns about people’s WTA CWs, the community survey revealed that people prefer CWs over conventional solutions. The findings revealed that 78.9% of respondents were willing to accept (WTA) CWs to treat wastewater in their town, but only 33% WTA having CW near their households. Meanwhile, 53.2% were willing to pay (WTP) for CWs in general, while 80.7% are willing to accept (WTP) using CWs to treat greywater at the household level and 56.9% of the respondents are WTP for that.

Fertilizer management approaches influence nutrient leaching from residential landscapes.

Residential lawn management often includes fertilizer application to encourage healthy plant growth and support the aesthetic preferences of homeowners and communities. These inputs may negatively impact the environment by increasing nutrient export to aquatic ecosystems via surface runoff or leaching through soil into groundwater. Fertilizer management and nutrient export are of particular concern in karst areas like North-Central Florida, where the underlying karst geology leads to rapid, direct connections between surface and groundwater ecosystems. We quantified nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching from residential landscapes in North-Central Florida. We investigated nutrient leaching from landscapes spanning a real estate gradient and across different fertility treatments (no N fertilizer, synthetic mineral fertilizer, biosolids-based organic mineral fertilizer, compost topdressing, natural areas). We measured leachate from these landscapes weekly for 1 year. All residential landscapes, including control yards that received no N fertilizer, leached >10x more nitrate than natural areas, and landscapes treated with synthetic fertilizer exhibited an >80x increase in nitrate leaching. Fertilizer treatments also appeared to alter the N leaching composition, with a greater proportion of total dissolved N leaching coming from nitrate in fertilized treatments (synthetic and organic) compared to natural, control, or compost-treated landscapes. These results show that landscape management and human actions are important drivers of nutrient leaching in residential landscapes. While all residential lawns leached more N than natural areas, less leaching was associated with certain management approaches. When implemented at larger scales, these approaches may reduce the likelihood of negative impacts of residential landscapes on regional water quality.

Business Competitiveness Based on Community Preferences in an Indonesian Private University: A Case Study of Garut Regency, Indonesia

This research aims to investigate business competitiveness in Indonesian private universities. This qualitative research used literature review and survey as the data collection methods. Using purposive sampling technique, the research sample involved high school students and parents of students in Garut regency. Conjoint analysis method was applied with the assistance of SPSS software. The research findings indicate that the primary attribute considered in selecting private universities is accreditation. The findings affirm that the accreditation attribute holds significant influence in decision-making, outweighing other attributes such as facilities, tuition fees, promotions, and college location. Furthermore, the research results also indicate that parents of high school students share similar preferences with the high school students regarding the importance of accreditation attributes. These findings indicate the importance of enhancing academic quality and facilities in private universities, which directly impacts public perception and future prospects of their education and survivability.

Demand and supply side factors that drive delayed referrals from traditional birth attendants to public primary healthcare facilities: Insights from three states in Nigeria.

Despite global efforts encouraging institutional deliveries with skilled attendants, many pregnant women in developing countries such as Nigeria continue to rely on traditional birth attendants (TBAs) for child delivery. Attempts at weeding off TBAs have been firmly resisted by their clients who have developed confidence and trust in their services and herald them as first and trusted responders to child delivery cases. Unfortunately, recent evidence has shown that TBAs in servicing public trust and for other reasons, often do not timely refer their clients to the closest source of formal healthcare-primary healthcare centres (PHCs). Looking into the motivations for these reasons is the crux of the current study. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with 85 respondents across three states in Nigeria. The qualitative data comprised of 73 in-depth interviews and 12 focus group discussions. Respondents were TBAs and other informal health providers, formal health workers, policymakers, community leaders and service users. Data were analysed thematically to explore the demand and supply determinants of referrals from TBAs to the formal healthcare providers. Demand side factors that constrain referrals from TBAs to PHCs were community preference for TBAs, and cultural and religious inclinations of the consumers to TBAs' practices of infusing religious teachings and rules into the process of child delivery. Supply-side factors were infrastructural deficits, staff shortages and lack of sanctions for poor practices in PHCs. Demand and supply-side factors constrain the referral of pregnant women from TBAs to the PHC facility for child delivery. These factors should be addressed, and innovative interventions used to link the TBAs to the formal health system for increased institutional deliveries with skilled birth attendants. The interventions could include incentives to TBAs to encourage early referrals.

The Interpretation of Radio Stations Regarding Ethnic Broadcasts Based on Social Integration in Multi-Ethnic Communities in West Kalimantan

Social integration is a barometer for ensuring the sustainability of a dynamic and harmonious social life. Ideally, all elements of society create, maintain, and safeguard social integration, including in West Kalimantan-Indonesia. For more than 20 years, West Kalimantan has lived with psychological trauma due to the conflict between Madura and Dayak, Madura and Malay since the era of 1952 - 1997, Madura and Malay in 1999 (Abas, 2002; Asmara, 2002 in Amar, TT, 2007). There have been 17 recorded Dayak-Madurese ethnic conflicts (Kristianus, 2011). Ethnic broadcasts on the radio have becomeemergencyto encourage wakefulness Safe and peaceful life in Indonesia. This paper aims to clarify the interpretation of radio media regarding ethnic broadcasts based on social integration in multi-ethnic communities. Creswell's (2017) interpretive qualitative methodology (Corbin, 2008) with a case study method (K. Yin, 2003). Data collection through in-depth interviews with Dermaga radio in Sekadau Regency and Kenari radio. Research findings: media interpretation of ethnic broadcasts based on social integration: (1) Ethnic broadcasts as an asset of tolerance, (2) Ethnic broadcasts, a form of shared responsibility. The factors that form media interpretations of ethnic broadcasts based on social integration: (1) Pancasila ideology as the basis for ethnic broadcasts, (2) The influence of interests and creativity, (3) Community preferences for cultural values, (4) Community encouragement to collaborate and participate.

Examining Community Preferences for Adaption and Dissemination of an Efficacious Brief Intervention on Alcohol Use and Sexual Behavior

Compared to other age groups, 18- to 25-year olds (young adults) are more likely to engage in heavy alcohol use and inconsistent contraceptive use, increasing their susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. The Studying Alcohol and Related Risks (STARR) intervention was efficacious in reducing young adult alcohol-related risky sexual behavior, including reducing the number of casual sexual partners and alcohol use prior to sex. We conducted a qualitative study to guide the adaptation of the STARR intervention to include additional content on contraceptive use and prepare for dissemination of the intervention to a community audience. We conducted 10 focus groups with young adults (n = 16) and semistructured interviews with local community stakeholders (n = 12) to examine: (a) intervention characteristics, such as compatibility, adaptability, and design and packaging and (b) dissemination and communication channels. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Participants found the proposed intervention acceptable and highlighted the need to promote STI prevention among young adults. Participants viewed text-based interventions as accessible and effective. Key considerations included developing personalized messages from credible sources, using gender-inclusive language, and sending messages at strategic timepoints. Social media (Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok), events, and campus resources were described as avenues to create awareness and disseminate information about the proposed intervention. Findings demonstrate the need for innovative and tailored young adult health programs that incorporate multilevel dissemination strategies. This study highlights the need for implementation activities that will improve the adoption and dissemination of evidence-based programs, particularly among young adults.

Societal uses of the main water bodies inhabited by malaria vectors and implications for larval source management

BackgroundLarval source management (LSM) effectively reduces mosquito populations at their breeding sites, addressing issues like insecticide resistance that limit the effectiveness of primary interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Although traditionally used in urban and dry areas, recent research suggests it might also be effective in rural settings in eastern and southern Africa, where Anopheles funestus thrives in permanent water bodies that sustain year-round transmission. Targeting these habitats could enhance LSM, but it requires understanding local community practices, as mosquito breeding sites often overlap with community water resources. This study examined how communities use aquatic habitats and how these practices may impact LSM strategies, with a focus on habitats used by An. funestus.MethodsThis study was conducted in three villages in the Ulanga and Malinyi districts of southeastern Tanzania using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through cross-sectional surveillance, and qualitative data through unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Data analysis integrated both quantitative and qualitative findings to develop a comprehensive understanding of community perspectives.ResultsA survey of 931 aquatic habitats found mosquito larvae in 73% of them, with late instar An. funestus present in 23%. River streams made up 41% of the habitats, while ground pools accounted for 4%. Most habitats (90%) were used by communities, including 95% of those with An. funestus larvae, for activities such as domestic chores, agriculture, livestock rearing, brickmaking, and fishing. Focus group discussions revealed a willingness to adopt LSM, with a preference for larviciding and habitat modification over habitat removal, as the water sources were vital for daily use. Community concerns centered on the safety of larvicides for humans and animals, the environmental impact, and the need for better awareness of how LSM affects health and livelihoods.ConclusionThis study highlights community perspectives on LSM, focusing on the dual function of aquatic habitats as mosquito breeding sites and essential community water sources. This dual role presents both challenges and opportunities, suggesting that LSM strategies must balance public health needs with socio-economic realities. There was a clear preference for larviciding and habitat modification over removal, with a strong emphasis on health and environmental safety. The study emphasizes the importance of educating communities on the safety and effectiveness of LSM, and tailoring LSM strategies to fit the needs and preferences of local communities.

What Do People Want from an AI-Assisted Screening App for Sexually Transmitted Infection-Related Anogenital Lesions: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

One of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to achieve its global targets for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the increased use of digital technologies. Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) has developed an AI-assisted screening application (app) called AiSTi for the detection of common STI-related anogenital skin conditions. This study aims to understand the community's preference for using the AiSTi app. We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to understand community preferences regarding the attributes of the AiSTi app for checking anogenital skin lesions. The DCE design included the attributes: data type; AI accuracy; verification of result by clinician; details of result; speed; professional support; and cost. The anonymous DCE survey was distributed to clients attending MSHC and through social media channels in Australia between January and March 2024. Participant preferences on various app attributes were examined using random parameters logit (RPL) and latent class analysis (LCA) models. The median age of 411 participants was 32 years (interquartile range 26-40 years), with 64% assigned male at birth. Of the participants, 177 (43.1%) identified as same-sex attracted and 137 (33.3%) as heterosexual. In the RPL model, the most influential attribute was the cost of using the app (24.1%), followed by the clinician's verification of results (20.4%), the AI accuracy (19.5%) and the speed of receiving the result (19.1%). The LCA identified two distinct groups: 'all-rounders' (88%), who considered every attribute as important, and a 'cost-focussed' group (12%), who mainly focussed on the price. On the basis of the currently available app attributes, the predicted uptake was 72%. In the short term, a more feasible scenario of improving AI accuracy to 80-89% with clinician verification at a $5 cost could increase uptake to 90%. A long-term optimistic scenario with AI accuracy over 95%, no clinician verification and no cost could increase it to 95%. Preferences for an AI-assisted screening app targeting STI-related anogenital skin lesions are one that is low-cost, clinician-verified, highly accurate and provides results rapidly. An app with these key qualities would substantially improve user uptake.

Evaluation of Resettled Residents’ Engagement in Community Gardens and Preferences for Garden Development Factors in Beijing

Resettlement communities arising from China’s urbanization process accommodate both landless resettled villagers and non-resettled villagers who migrate to cities for work. Community gardens help increase interactions in resettlement communities and facilitate the integration of resettled residents into the community. This paper, based on the differing characteristics of resettled and non-resettled villagers in China’s resettlement communities and the scarcity of outdoor public space, studies the participation willingness of resettled residents and their preferences for the construction of community gardens. Firstly, this study establishes a system of community garden construction elements for resettlement communities and conducts a Likert scale survey of residents in 30 resettlement communities in Beijing (n = 832). Secondly, variance analysis is used to explore the impact of demographic characteristics on garden preferences. Finally, a multiple linear regression model is employed to study the correlation between resettled residents’ willingness to participate in community gardens and the construction elements. The results show that (1) both resettled villagers and non-villagers have a willingness to participate in community gardens, and the spatial enhancement, facility supplementation, economic compensation, community integration, and identity recognition of garden construction elements are positively correlated with residents’ willingness to participate, with spatial enhancement having the strongest effect; (2) community gardens help achieve integration between resettled and non-resettled villagers; (3) gardens help enhance the identity recognition of resettled villagers. In summary, integrating community gardens into resettlement communities helps increase residents’ social interactions, enhances their sense of belonging, and assists resettled residents in integrating into urban society.

Determination of Lombok Island Community Preferences to Become Islamic Bank Customers with Religiosity as a Moderating Variable

Islamic banking in Indonesia continues to experience developments marked by increasing assets and market share. However, Islamic banking is still lagging behind conventional banking, including in Lombok Island, where the majority of the Population is Muslim. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the preferences of the people of Lombok Island in choosing Islamic banks, with a focus on the influence of service quality, perception, financial literacy, product knowledge, Islamic branding, and the role of religiosity as a moderating variable in the relationship. This type of research is explanatory research (explanatory research) with a quantitative approach. The Population in this study was Islamic customer banks in Lombok Island, with a sample of 210 respondents determined using Nonprobability Sampling, and the data collection tool used was a questionnaire. Data analysis used Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study results indicate that service quality, perception, financial literacy, product knowledge, and Islamic branding significantly influence the preferences of the Lombok Island community to become Islamic bank customers, as evidenced by the T-Statistic value > 1.96 and P-Value < 0.05. At the same time, religiosity cannot moderate the relationship between service quality, perception, financial literacy, product knowledge, and Islamic branding on the preferences of the Lombok Island community to become Islamic bank customers. Based on this, it is recommended that Islamic banks improve Islamic branding and service quality and hold financial education programs for the community.

Right Information, Right Care, Right Patient, Right Time: Community Preferences to Inform a Self-Management Support Tool for Upper Respiratory Symptoms.

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, communities must cope with several conditions that cause similar upper-respiratory symptoms but are managed differently. We describe community reactions to a self-management toolkit for patients with upper respiratory symptoms to inform mobile e-health app development. The toolkit is based on the '4R' (Right Information, Right Care, Right Patient, Right Time) care planning and management model. The 4R Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Information Tool (4R-Toolkit) along with a brief evaluation survey were distributed in three ways: through a Bronx NY Allergy/Asthma clinic, through the Bronx Borough President's Office listserv, and through peer recruitment. The survey assessed respondents' perceptions of the 4R-Toolkit's accessibility, preferences for sharing symptoms with clinicians, social media use, and e-health literacy. We obtained a diverse sample of 106 Bronx residents, with 83% reporting personal or a social contact with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Respondents varied in the information sources they preferred: computer (39%); smart phone (28%); paper (11%) and no preference (22%). Most (67%) reported that social media had at least some impact on their healthcare decisions. Regardless of media preferences, respondents were positive about the 4R-Toolkit. Out of 106 respondents, 91% believed the 4R-Toolkit would help people self-manage upper respiratory symptoms and 85% found it easy to understand. Respondents strongly endorsed retention of all 4R-Toolkit content domains with 81% indicating that they would be willing to share symptoms with providers using a 4R-Toolkit smartphone app. The 4R-Toolkit can offer patients and community members accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu. The user-friendly tool is accessible to diverse individuals, including those with limited e-health literacy. It has potential to support self-management of upper respiratory symptoms and promote patient engagement with providers.

Community Preferences for Allied Health Services in Residential Aged Care.

Exploring health consumer preferences in care is an essential foundational, and ongoing activity, when designing and delivering models of care. We undertook a study to explore: (i) what allied health (AH) services are most important to health consumers and (ii) how health consumers expect to access these services in residential aged care (RAC) to determine consumer priorities in future AH models of care in RAC. A mixed method study was conducted with aged care residents and community members (friends or family of residents/people who believe they may use RAC services). The study comprised two focus-group activities where participants were asked to (1) rank the AH services most important to them and then (2) categorise how they would prefer to access each AH service. Focus group members used card sort methods (Q-methodology) to aid prioritisation, categorisation and discussion. Card sorting data were analysed using inverted factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Qualitative focus group data were deductively coded using a coding structure created by the research team informed by quantitative results. Data were collected from 16 participants who formed five focus groups in a community forum. The analysis revealed three factors, that represented shared meaning amongst groups of participants (viewpoints) regarding prioritisation of AH services: 'Prioritising urgent needs', 'Prioritising long-term healthy habits and lifestyle', and 'Prioritising social well-being'. Data from the card sort activity, which related to 'how health consumers expect to access AH services', were also categorised into three categories: 'It is always provided', 'A professional will assess my need' and 'I or my family will ask for this service if I need it'. Participants wanted most AH services to be provided regularly, with some such as 'Exercise and rehabilitation' and 'Meaningful activity' to be provided up to one hour every day. Consumers value a range of AH services and have an expectation that these will be provided in RAC on a regular basis. To ensure consumers make informed preferences regarding the future of services in RAC, health systems need to trial innovative AH models of care and embed consumer evaluation.

A Situational Analysis of Attitudes toward Stray Cats and Preferences and Priorities for Their Management.

Current cat management approaches are outdated and ineffective, failing to reduce stray cat numbers or related complaints and negatively impacting the job satisfaction and mental health of veterinary, shelter, and municipal staff. We undertook a situational analysis prior to implementing a Community Cat Program based on free sterilization of owned, semi-owned, and unowned cats in the city of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The study involved 343 residents in three suburbs in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia with high per capita intake of cats into the receiving shelter and municipal pound. We investigated the prevalence and impacts of free-roaming cats in urban areas, focusing on sightings, associated issues, and community preferences for cat management. Stray cats were observed by many respondents (71%), primarily at private residences (52%) and in alleyways or streets (22%), which caused serious or moderately serious problems for 38% of those who saw stray or wandering cats. Key concerns included the killing of native birds (38%) and animals (35%), noise (33%), and soiling (32%). Actions taken by respondents who saw stray or wandering cats included chasing them away or using deterrents (25%), capturing the cat for removal or calling council (18%) and preventing home entry (14%). Respondents' priorities for the local government management of cats included preventing kittens from being born (94% of respondents) and stopping cats from preying on native animals (91%); reducing disease spread to pets (89%), wildlife (89%), and humans (87%); decreasing stray cat numbers (75%); and preventing cat fights (70%). Respondents favored sterilization (65%) over euthanasia (35%), aligning with the results of previous research. Cat ownership and feeding unowned cats were predictors of management preferences. Only 29% of respondents were satisfied with the current local council management of the problem. Information on the benefits of management by sterilization could further enhance community support.

Fair allocation of small-scale finfish mariculture zones in multi-use MPAs using multi criteria evaluation with stakeholder preferences

Mariculture zones in MPAs are primarily determined based on cost-effective/environmental criteria and rarely incorporate local community preferences. This study proposed a GIS-based site selection model to solve the conflicting issues in designing mariculture zones to support small-scale finfish farmers in MPAs. The work was undertaken in the Anambas Archipelago MPA to represent a commonly populated small-island MPA in Indonesia and other developing countries. A three-stage site selection model (constraint, site suitability, and stakeholder preference) with various criteria was employed using a modified parameter-specific suitability function (PSSF) with a non-weighted geometric mean. The stakeholder preference was used to counterbalance the dominance of environmental sub-models. The first stage analysis using the constraint sub-model determined that only 10.16% (1199.70 km2) of the total extent of the study area (11,811.77 km2) was categorized as feasible for finfish mariculture. The subsequent site suitability sub-model determined that only 32.3% (387 km2) and 30.1% (361.6 km2) of the feasible areas were classed best for finfish mariculture in dry and wet seasons, respectively. Areas classified as good covered 41.25% (494.9 km2) and 40.1% (481.65 km2) of the total feasible areas in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The stakeholder preference sub-model had classified 33.21 km2 (2.77%) of the feasible area as the best sites that could be allocated as mariculture zones for the local community. The site selection model successfully incorporates multiple site selection parameters, addresses poor data availability and improves fair allocation of mariculture zone in the MPA via two specific approaches. The nature of the geometric mean prevents the allocation of suitable areas in the MPA-specific zones, such as core zones. Second, the stakeholder preference improves the fairness of the mariculture zone allocation due to the incorporation of local fish farmers' preferences. The proposed site selection model could be used to designate mariculture zones in a data-poor MPA environment and facilitate local communities in developing sustainable small-scale finfish mariculture in MPAs.

User Satisfaction and Challenges in Plavon Dukcapil Online Services

General Background: The effectiveness of public administration services in Indonesia is crucial as the country transitions to digital platforms. Specific Background: This study examines the online services of Plavon Dukcapil in Rangkah Kidul Village, Sidoarjo Subdistrict, highlighting challenges faced by elderly users in navigating these services. Knowledge Gap: While existing research addresses the advantages of e-government, few studies focus on user satisfaction and effectiveness in rural areas, particularly regarding Plavon Dukcapil. Aims: This research aims to assess the effectiveness of Plavon Dukcapil's online services, focusing on community satisfaction related to service quality, speed, and accessibility. Results: Findings indicate that although service productivity aligns with regulations, efficiency is hindered by incomplete documentation and delays. Community satisfaction is compromised as many residents prefer in-person services over online options. Novelty: This study offers new insights into the operational challenges of e-government in rural Indonesia and highlights the need for improved community engagement. Implications: Enhancing communication and technical support for users, especially the elderly, could significantly improve the effectiveness and satisfaction of Plavon Dukcapil services, fostering better public service delivery in the digital era. Highlights: Digital Transformation: The study emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing public service accessibility and efficiency. Community Preferences: Many residents still prefer traditional in-person services over online platforms, indicating a gap in user experience. Need for Engagement: Improved communication and support for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are essential for increasing online service effectiveness. Keywords: Plavon Dukcapil, Online Services, Community Satisfaction, E-Government, Public Administration

Building sustainable mitigation through adaptive green open space on tanjung mas sub district

Abstract Mitigation is a step to reduce the risk of disasters in a particular area. Tanjung Mas sub-district is an area that has a high potential for land subsidence and tidal flooding because it is located on the North Coast of Java. Temporary evacuation points are urgently needed to protect residents from the dangers of tidal floods and distribute logistics from volunteers. Based on community preferences, the Green Open Space in Tambak Lorok are used as an evacuation point for flood disasters. The green open space, which was initially used for sustainable water absorption, was converted into an evacuation point as a flood disaster mitigation measure. This research aims to measure the suitability of green open space as a temporary evacuation site. The research method used is a Space Syntax approach and qualitative description analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, almost all the requirements for evacuation places by the green open space location. It is easily accessible because it is on the primary residential route, easily accessible by vehicles, and has building structures higher than the road. However, the area of green open space still needs to be increased for the minimum standard capacity per person. Apart from that, the infrastructure to support evacuation, such as electricity, communication equipment, or rubber boats, needs to be improved. The construction of green open space as a temporary evacuation site needs to be adjusted to minimum standards and the needs of the population. It is also hoped that the development of green open space will be the responsibility of not only the government but also cooperation between stakeholders. Green open space isn’t just for environment impacts, but can also increase the community resilience.

Reflections fromLGBTQIA+ individuals of their past experiences of psychotherapy and counselling and the use of creative therapy—A qualitative study

AbstractBackgroundPrevious literature tends to suggest that the LGBTQIA+ community face higher rates of mental disorders and illnesses. This appears to be due to minority stress as a result of the discrimination and hostility towards the community from society. In relation to psychotherapy and/or counselling, affirmative therapy has been found to be helpful; however, it is clear from the literature that the LGBTQIA+ population do not feel accepted or understood when accessing mental health support.MethodParticipants were invited to take part in an interview consisting of open‐ended questions relating to the topic of interest. Following this, a thematic analysis was completed.FindingsThe thematic analysis revealed four main themes: these were ‘sexuality and gender within the therapeutic relationship’, ‘desirable characteristics and attributes in a therapist’, ‘undesirable characteristics and attributes in a therapist’ and ‘creative therapy’.Implications for PracticeThe results could be used to inform mental health practitioners of the importance of cultural competency in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as helping aid how to approach sexuality and/or gender in a therapeutic space. The conclusions also highlight the need for practitioners to explore context with LGBTQIA+ clients rather than solely emotion focus.ConclusionThis study indicated that the LGBTQIA+ community prefer working with LGBTQIA+ therapists due to a shared lived experience and perceived baseline understanding of each other. It was also found that context was important for them in therapy, rather than emotion focus, and creative therapy was also shown to be useful for the community.