Primary Themes Research Articles

Alternative E-Assessment in Language Classes: Recent Experiences and Future Directions

This study aimed to explore English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' perceptions regarding alternative e-assessments in the Turkish tertiary level context. The study utilized semi-structured interviews with a sample of EFL instructors from 17 higher education institutions in Türkiye. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. The results revealed varying perceptions about alternative e-assessments, with six primary themes emerging: impact on learning, workload, academic integrity, digital technology, grading and feedback, and assessment competence. Overall, this qualitative study provides valuable insights into the perceptions of EFL teachers regarding alternative e-assessments, highlighting key areas of concern. The study emphasizes the need to address these concerns in professional development programs that provide teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement alternative e-assessments. The results also have implications for the development of effective assessment policies and procedures, optimizing educational practices in the digital age.

Path to adventure: a qualitative exploration of provider training for adventure-based prevention practice

ABSTRACT Despite the utilization of adventure therapy techniques in behavioral health disorder prevention programming, little is known about how providers become trained in adventure-based prevention practice. Additionally, limited literature examines how adventure therapy providers are trained. This exploratory qualitative study provides a starting point for understanding the education and lived experiences that prepared providers of adventure-based prevention for professional practice. A purposive sample of 23 clinicians and administrators participated in semi-structured interviews with the first author. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis with first-cycle coding, second-cycle coding, and in-vivo coding. Strategies to ensure the trustworthiness of the data were utilized including researcher reflexivity, memoing, intercoder reliability, triangulation, in-vivo coding, and member checking. Primary themes were providers’ lived experiences leading to adventure-based work, education & training, and mentorship. Discussion of new findings about preparation and education for adventure-based prevention are offered. Implications are described for practice, policy, research, and education.

Intersectionalities and im/mobilities in family and marriage: a comparative study of Germany and India

This article investigates comparative intersections of gender and family sociology internationally, with a specific focus on urban Germany and urban India. In particular, this research examines a central dynamic that informs family and marriage relations globally, and for this research context, in Germany and India: What are the nuanced ways of conceptualizing changing gender roles in marriage and in family in Germany and India? Bringing together a robust understanding of the theoretical frameworks of Intersectionality and of Mobility as large bodies of scholarship that examine geographic and symbolic power geometries, we adopt the lens of Intersectional Im/Mobilities to explore changing gender roles in family and marriage in Germany and India. We particularly focus on an intersectionality-based analysis of two primary themes that arise out of our primary and secondary data: (1) Women’s employment and impact on family life/work–life balance; and (2) Changing gender roles in marriage (through the lens of the division of household labor and aspects of agency and decision making), questions which influence and inflect complex intersectional realities.

Does Surgical Robot Know What It’s Doing? Understanding Patient Fear and Anxiety

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is a fast-emerging area of medicine that offers numerous benefits compared to conventional open surgery. Nevertheless, certain patients may encounter fear and anxiety over robot-assisted surgery as a result of several circumstances. This study sought to examine the underlying factors contributing to fear and anxiety in patients who underwent robot-assisted surgery and to propose implications to alleviate such emotions. The study used a qualitative research design, collecting data via 25 semi-structured interviews with individuals who have undergone RAS for various ailments. The interviews were transcribed and examined using text analysis techniques. The primary factors contributing to fear and anxiety encompass a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding RAS, uncertainty about the outcome of surgery, loss of control, and exposure to strange instruments(robots). The data analysis revealed five primary themes: robot-assisted procedures, robotic arms, smaller incisions and recovery time, idea of technology role, and cutting edge. This study provides practical and valuable information about the adoption of robot-assisted surgery in surgical encounters. This study deepens our understanding of the factors that contribute to fear and anxiety resulting from interactions with surgical robots, while also broadening the scope of research on surgical robots. The healthcare providers can perform preoperative psychological evaluations to identify patients with a heightened susceptibility to anxiety and fear. Moreover, providing psychological assistance or therapy, and instructing patients on relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices help them to effectively cope with anxiety prior to and following surgical procedures.

Understanding Minangkabau Culture and its Impact on Weight Management Strategies in Overweight and Obese Women: A Qualitative Study

Background Overweight and obesity have a particular impact on women; thus, overweight and obese women need to modify their lifestyle in order to lose weight. Diet and exercise are part of the lifestyle influenced by the values of society. Objective This study aimed to explore the influence of Minangkabau cultural values on weight management strategies among obese women, aiming to identify culturally appropriate interventions. Methods The data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews between 35 overweight and obese women, two Minangkabau community leaders, and three health workers in Solok, West Sumatra Province, from June to December 2022. The data were analysed using a descriptive-qualitative approach with thematic content analysis and Colaizzi’s method. Results Our analysis revealed three primary themes: eating habits being more desire-driven, less nutritious, and irregular; infrequent exercise due to physical and psychosocial barriers; and significant challenges in weight management due to social and cultural values. Conclusion The study highlights the profound influence of Minangkabau cultural values on diet and exercise habits among overweight and obese women, including foods containing coconut milk and fried foods served as the daily menu at home and traditional events; behavioural rules for women to dress without revealing their curves; the prohibition to exercise in public and walk alone; and the significance of obesity as a symbol of prosperity. There is a need for a strategy to encourage healthy diet and exercise habits in society in accordance with the Minangkabau cultural values for women. A support group consisting of numerous obese women, their families, and community leaders is also required.

Using social media in disaster management: The perceptions of emergency responders versus the public

AbstractThis paper investigates the perceptions of professionals (emergency organizations: authorities and first responders) regarding the usage of social media versus the perceptions of the public regarding their expectations concerning the use of social media in communicating emergencies and disasters. It provides a novel perspective on the alignment between perceptions and expectations in disaster social media usage, delving into the structural constraints and opportunities of current practices. The research incorporates qualitative interviews with emergency professionals, a quantitative survey of the general population, and content analysis of social media interactions across seven countries (Israel, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway, and Romania), aiming to discern differing viewpoints on social media's role in crises. It underscores the variations and commonalities between authorities/first responders and the public's perspectives, revealing differences in acceptance and concerns regarding social media use among these stakeholders. The analysis identified three primary themes: cognitive needs, integrative needs, and communication flow, each with specific, interconnected subthemes. These insights emphasize the need for a better understanding of these diverse perspectives to enhance disaster communication. The paper suggests that effectively utilizing social media and crowdsourcing technologies can help bridge the gap between emergency services and the public, fostering more disaster‐resilient societies.

I am Lifted Above the World: utilizing VR for stress reduction among perinatal women of color.

Perinatal mental health conditions affect 800,000 individuals annually in the United States and are a leading cause of complications in pregnancy and childbirth. However, the impact of these conditions varies across racial and ethnic groups. Portable digital solutions, such as mobile apps, have been developed for maternal mental health, but they often do not adequately cater to the needs of women of color. To ensure the effectiveness and equity of these interventions, it is crucial to consider the unique experiences of perinatal women from diverse racial backgrounds. This qualitative study aims to explore the complex aspects of motherhood, maternal mental well-being, and resilience among perinatal women of color. It also investigates the factors that either hinder or facilitate the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for stress management in this specific demographic. This research involves two focus groups comprising perinatal women, primarily identifying as Black or Latina, enrolled in the ongoing Nurturing Moms study at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Additionally, feedback is collected from five different participants. The study assesses Nurture VR™, a VR-based program integrating mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and guided imagery for pregnancy and postpartum. Qualitative analysis uncovers five primary themes and 19 sub-themes, addressing the complexities of motherhood, maternal mental health, attitudes towards VR therapy, postpartum care, and the perception of resilience. Participants share challenges related to household management, caregiving, financial stress, breastfeeding, relaxation, sleep, and the significance of social support. Their preferences and reservations regarding VR therapy are also expressed. This study sheds light on the diverse struggles and obstacles faced by women of color during and after pregnancy, with potential repercussions for their mental and sleep health. It underscores the need for mental health screening and analysis of maternal stress-related sleep issues, in addition to the facilitation of social support in maternal health programs. Additionally, it highlights the promise of culturally responsive behavioral treatments, including VR interventions, in offering timely and tailored mental health support to perinatal women, taking into account their intersectional identities.

Men's Experiences Facing Nurses Stereotyping in Saudi Arabia: A Phenomenological Study

Background Stereotypes about the nursing profession include low ability, low compensation, minimal educational requirements, little autonomy, and a preponderance of women in the field. Contrary to popular opinion, nursing is typically a female-dominated career, and there has been an increase in the number of male registered nurses in the past few years. Aim The primary aim of this qualitative investigation is to delve into the experiences and realities faced by male, registered nurses (RNs) in Saudi Arabia and their role in nation-building through Saudi Vision 2030– a national initiative to improve the lives of every citizen based on the pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Methods The study applied qualitative descriptive phenomenology. Twenty-three male RNs were selected through purposive sampling from a total of five hospitals (three government and two private). Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Data was analyzed utilizing Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method, and the COREQ checklist was utilized to report qualitative results. Results The primary themes were the following: (1) “The stigma of men in nursing” contributes to the idea that men who work in a profession that is primarily dominated by women have a lot of deeply embedded challenges; (2) “The Murses: male nurses rising above the challenges” shows how male RNs deal with specific issues they face while caring for patients in a range of settings, and (3) “The future of male nursing in Saudi Arabia” discusses how male RNs may help the nursing profession grow and develop. Conclusion Male RNs experienced both positive and negative professional impressions from people inside and outside the healthcare facilities. In some cases, male RNs faced workplace violence and discrimination. Nonetheless, it was evident that male RNs strove harder to “belong” and to earn respect from the people of Saudi Arabia.

A step forward in conceptualizing psychological closeness/distance to suicide methods: A qualitative approach.

Suicide is a leading cause of death, making suicide prevention a major public health priority. Increasing understanding of factors influencing suicidal behavior is paramount. Previous research has implicated psychological closeness, characterized by perceptions of how close/distant or attached/detached one feels to a particular object, as a cognitive factor that influences suicidal behavior. However, a better understanding of how psychological closeness to suicide methods is conceptualized by relevant populations is needed to improve its assessment and understand how it may confer risk for suicide. The goal was to refine the conceptualization of psychological closeness to suicide methods by incorporating feedback from relevant populations. We conducted 30 interviews with those primarily identifying as having lived experience of suicide (n = 10), clinicians who work with suicidal patients (n = 11), and suicide researchers (n = 9). A rigorous thematic approach using NVivo software was used to uncover common themes. Primary themes included familiarity, comfort, and attachment, with one emerging theme of symbolism. We define these themes, provide context to their meaning, and share exemplary quotes across diverse participants. We consider clinical, research, and policy implications from an interdisciplinary lens and discuss the strengths and limitations of this study.

“My Brain Said That … ”: A Qualitative Study of Sources of Children’s Creative Ideas

ABSTRACT Despite decades of research, the creative process remains to be fully understood, and most theories and empirical evidence focus on adults’ creativity. Without understanding children’s creative processes, the generalizability of these theories is questionable, which is crucial for teaching, learning, and parenting. However, studying children’s creative processes is challenging because of their still-developing meta-cognition, which is an essential component of the creative process. In this study, we conducted interviews with middle childhood-aged students (n = 30) after they completed four different types of divergent thinking tasks, examining the creative process during and beyond idea generation. Using inductive thematic analysis, we identified four main themes with associated subthemes, with Memory (experiences, knowledge, references, and personal and social interests) and Cognitive Strategies (evaluative processes and hypothetical thinking) as the primary themes. These data offer insight into how the main themes Memory and Cognitive Strategies reflect associative and executive processes, respectively, and the interplay between these in children’s divergent thinking. Findings from this study revealed that children were able to explain their process of generating an idea in the vast majority of responses. Additionally, this work provides insight into improving creativity, methods of assessment, and our understanding of creativity development.

Fiqh al-Bī'ah and the Concept of Green and Blue Economy for Achieving Sustainable Development in the Context of SDGs

This study aims to explore existing literature on Fiqh al-Bī’ah's role in the Green and Blue Economy concepts to achieve Sustainable Development, specifically examining implementation, principles, roles, and objectives aligned with Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah. The literature review identified two primary themes: first, the SDGs' foundational principles within the green and blue economy frameworks, and second, Fiqh al-Bī’ah's viewpoint on these economic models. The findings demonstrate the enactment of green and blue economies through SDGs Principles, incorporating people as principal agents in upholding and executing the green and blue economy to realize SDGs across multiple facets, including environmental, social, economic, and legal governance; Planet, which entails diverse measures to safeguard the earth from degradation in terrestrial, marine, and aerial realms; Prosperity, highlighting efforts towards achieving prosperity through economic, social, and technological initiatives; Peace, emphasizing endeavors towards establishing peace, justice, and an inclusive society free from fear and violence, alongside securing environmental safety; and Partnership, involving collaborative efforts in global development with both government and non-government entities to maintain and conserve the environment. Additionally, Fiqh al-Bī’ah in the Green Economy is characterized by safeguarding the body and soul, aligning worldly and afterlife goals, ensuring balanced production and consumption, preserving ecosystem equilibrium, upholding the dignity of all beings, and humans fulfilling their stewardship on earth. The Blue Economy includes Zero Waste, ecosystem protection, promoting environmental cleanliness and friendliness, resource utilization efficiency, and encouraging social inclusiveness and employment creation.

Cattle Smuggling Across the India-Bangladesh Borderlands: A Challenge for Border Management?

ABSTRACT This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the cattle smuggling issue along the borders of India and Bangladesh. This critical subject has received little scholarly attention despite having substantial implications for border security, the regional economy, and the sustenance of local populations. This study investigates the complex socioeconomic and political factors that drive illicit trade in borderland areas, employing a thematic analysis of focus group discussions and key informant interviews with residents. Data were collected from 46 borderland residents, including local villagers and informal cross-border traders, from Panchagarh, Kurigram, and Satkhira districts. The findings indicate the presence of four primary themes, namely “Economic Imperatives of Cattle Smuggling,” “High Demand for Indian Cattle in Bangladesh,” “Lack of Proper Border Management,” and “Risks Associated with Cattle Smuggling.” These themes highlight the economic imperatives, market-oriented dynamics, and governance complexities of cattle smuggling in the India-Bangladesh borderlands.

The role of psychology in a multi-disciplinary psychiatric inpatient setting: perspectives from the multidisciplinary team

BackgroundThe availability of consistent psychological therapy within acute inpatient psychiatric units and the integration of psychologists into multi-disciplinary inpatient teams is a newly evolving development in mental healthcare. To the authors’ knowledge, there has been no examination of the inpatient multi-disciplinary team’s (MDT) perspective on how psychology can be best integrated into the team in Lebanon. This study aims to explore the perceptions of different medical personnel working within an MDT on the role of psychologists in an acute psychiatry inpatient unit in Lebanon. It is qualitative in nature, using a semi-structured interview design. The overarching aim of this study is to assess and identify the gaps in the MDT’s insight into the various responsibilities of psychologists which may result in more efficient collaborative teamwork and hence overall patient care.ResultsFour primary themes are identified from the findings of our study. The themes highlighted the value of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, the vital roles that psychologists play in direct clinical work and supporting other staff members, important factors related to patient-centered psychological care, limitations that exist in the inpatient unit, and suggestions for improvement.ConclusionThis study served as a baseline for more research and development of psychological services in the psychiatric inpatient units of Lebanon, emphasizing the integral role of psychology in patient care.

Pursuit of Equity: Women on a Low Income Navigating Access to Health and Social Services in Canada.

Existing research highlights the role of social determinants of health, such as education and housing, in predicting health outcomes and the challenges that arise from deficiencies in these areas, often linked to societal inequities. Gender and income are recognized as social determinants of health, yet the complexities of their interplay, particularly for women with low income seeking health and social services in Canada, need more exploration. This study investigates how gender and income intersect to affect access to health and social services for Canadian women with low income. Employing a participatory action approach with arts-based and interpretive methodologies, the study partnered with a non-profit organization to engage five women through photovoice, interviews, and a focus group, aiming to capture their experiences in accessing services. The analysis revealed three primary themes: the labyrinth-like complexity of navigating health and social service systems, the importance of mental health sanctuaries, and the value of supportive networks. Participants reported difficulties and frustrations in system navigation, often feeling ignored by service providers. Contrarily, community agencies provided essential non-judgmental support, including daily necessities and emotional care, with the companionship of pets also being a notable source of comfort. The findings advocate for a shift towards more person-centred care in health and social service systems to better serve women in vulnerable positions, emphasizing the need to simplify the process of accessing services and ensuring that service providers recognize and address the unique challenges faced by equity-deserving groups.

A concurrent mixed-method study exploring the experiences of interprofessional collaboration among Canadian midwives and obstetricians.

This study explores the experiences of interprofessional collaboration of Canadian midwives and obstetricians from midwives' perspective. A concurrent mixed-methods approach that combined a small validation study and qualitative thematic analysis was used to provide evidence of the nature and importance of collaboration between Registered Midwives (RMs) and obstetricians. Eighteen RMs across Canada completed a demographic survey and the Midwifery-Obstetrician Collaboration (MOC) scale in 2023. The quantitative analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the Midwifery-Obstetrician Collaboration (MOC) and accumulate preliminary evidence to support its validity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants. After completing the interviews, themes were identified using thematic analysis. The primary themes identified were knowledge of midwifery scope affects collaboration, collaboration is necessary for effective patient care, midwife-physician collaboration is impacted by power differentials and hierarchies, and proposed methods to improve physician-midwife collaboration. Although a small sample size did not permit extensive statistical testing, the quantitative results supported the reliability of the MOC scale. In addition, a strong correlation between the MOC and the communication subscale of the Inter-Professional Collaboration (IPC) scale provided evidence of the MOC's concurrent validity as a measure of collaboration between midwives and physicians. This study provides support for the Midwifery-Obstetrics Collaboration (MOC) Scale as an assessment tool to evaluate collaboration between midwives and OB/GYNs in obstetrics care. While the 18 RMs recruited for this study provided a fulsome analysis for the qualitative portion, a larger study is necessary to provide more extensive quantitative analysis to validate the MOC scale for continued use among RMs and OBs. The implications of this study are to foster strong interprofessional relationships between midwives and OBs and to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and newborns. The authors adhered to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Campus Wellness Program Evaluation: Effectiveness of a Brief Psychoeducation Intervention for Wellness Promotion

Background: College students are experiencing high levels of stress and compromised well-being, compounded by sedentary lifestyle and risky behaviors. In response to these challenges, college campuses are offering a variety of wellness programming intervention opportunities. Aim: This research study examined the effectiveness of a brief psychoeducational intervention on perceptions of stress, wellness, mental health, and life satisfaction. Methods: The study utilized a longitudinal, explanatory mixed methods design, with random assignment. To augment quantitative data, brief, semi-structured interviews were completed with 13 study participants post-intervention. Results: Results of repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) demonstrated no significant between-group differences. Intervention group pair-wise comparisons revealed positive trends across time for several outcome variables. Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) revealed four primary themes including: stress-reduction benefits of relaxation techniques, improved knowledge of health impacts of alcohol, increased intentionality regarding nutrition habits, and need for increased accessibility of wellness programming. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the strengths and limitations of brief psychoeducation interventions in facilitating lifestyle change among college students. Implications for campus wellness programming are discussed.

Exploring the challenges of taiwanese nurses in the COVID-19 post-pandemic era

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fluctuating nurse resignation rates highlighted an understudied area in healthcare: post-pandemic challenges in clinical settings. This study, conducted from May to November 2023, employed a qualitative inquiry using focus groups to delve into these challenges. Six focus group sessions, involving 33 nurse participants recruited through snowball sampling from various hospital settings were conducted to explore their clinical experiences during and after the pandemic. Thematic analysis revealed two primary themes: the 'Invisibility of Nurses' within the healthcare system and the 'Moral Duty of Nursing Practice'. These findings illuminate a tension between the overlooked role of nurses and their ethical obligations, underscoring a critical need for policy reassessment. The study advocates for systemic changes, particularly in the undervaluation of the nursing profession and the National Health Insurance system, to address the poor working environment and mitigate long-term nursing shortages. This research deepens understanding of post-pandemic nursing workforce challenges in Taiwan, highlighting the need for policy evolution to enhance recognition and support for the nursing industry. It is suggested to provide tangible compensation to acknowledge nurses' daily care and health education for patients. A healthier working environment can be enhanced by collaborative efforts between healthcare institutions and nurses.

Defining the role of sport and exercise physicians: the experience of different referrer types in New Zealand

The aim of this study was to analyse the reasons health professionals refer to sport and exercise physicians (SEPs) and to define what service gap the specialty fills. This was...

Genetic Diversity Based on Human Y Chromosome Analysis: A Bibliometric Review Between 2014 and 2023.

The Y chromosome has gained significant importance in the examination of genetic studies of populations because of its non-recombinant character and its form of uniparental inheritance. This work seeks to offer a comprehensive review of the specialty literature in the field of population genetics, focusing specifically on the analysis of the human Y chromosome using a bibliometric approach and knowledge mapping. This involves establishing worldwide structural networks by identifying the primary research themes, authors, andpapers that have had a significant impact on the academic community. The objective is to examine global publications by analyzing citations at both the document and country level. This will involve conducting co-citation analysis for references with a high number of citations, examining bibliographic coupling through journal analysis, analyzing the co-occurrence of keywords, and investigating collaboration between authors from a country perspective. The research papers have been extracted from the Web of Science database. The bibliometric analysis was performed using the Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software tools. The purpose of this article is to serve as a starting point for future research dedicated to the analysis of the diversity of human Y chromosome haplotypes. The objectives of the study were to identify and present the most cited publications andreferences with the highest number of citations, and to highlight current publications at the national level.

The role of multidisciplinary MS care teams in supporting lifestyle behaviour changes to optimise brain health among people living with MS: A qualitative exploration of clinician perspectives.

Healthcare professionals have an important role in advocating for the adoption of a brain-healthy lifestyle for optimal multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Nonetheless, studies to date have mainly focussed on the consumer perspective. Herein, we aimed to explore the current practices of how healthcare professionals support protective, lifestyle-related behaviour changes to optimise brain health among people living with MS (plwMS), and their perspectives of professional roles. Australian healthcare professionals were recruited via study advertisements, purposive and snowball sampling, to participate in an online, semi-structured and audio-recorded interview. Clinicians were eligible if they had a minimum of a tertiary Bachelor's degree and 12-months experience working with plwMS, access to the Internet and sufficient time to participant. An inductive, data-driven form of reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken before thematic categorisation of the quotes from transcripts. Data analysis was guided by the methods of Braun and Clark and the study's underpinnings drew on the constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Six physicians, 10 MS nurses, 18 allied health professionals, one exercise therapist and one alternative therapist were interviewed. Three primary themes encompassing the perceived role of healthcare professionals in supporting a brain-healthy lifestyle were identified: (1) the empowering role, (2) collaborative role and (3) communicative role. External factors/forces including time constraints, professional expertise, training and skill set, power dynamics, consumer readiness, health literacy, self-efficacy and motivation are at play, and affect how/when healthcare professionals may support behaviour change to optimise lifelong brain health for plwMS. Healthcare professionals recognise their critical role in encouraging and supporting the adoption of a brain-healthy lifestyle to optimise lifelong brain health for plwMS. However, discord is evident when they underestimate the complexity of translating knowledge of lifestyle-related behaviour change(s) into action. Greater awareness must be made in recognising and addressing the bidirectionality of external factors such as those in the SCT, that may influence how behaviour change occurs. Healthcare professionals volunteered to be interviewed as part of the data collection phase of this study.