Community Programs Research Articles

Gains and losses: a phenomenographic study on adolescents’ understanding of isolation due to COVID-19

Purpose This study aims to explore the various ways Filipino adolescents understand their experiences of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their perceptions of gains and losses during prolonged quarantine. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenographic approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 17 adolescents aged 16–19 years from a private senior high school in the Philippines. Data were collected through online surveys and virtual interviews, analyzed to identify categories of understanding and construct an outcome space. Findings Adolescents perceive isolation in three primary ways: as a constraint, a necessity and an opportunity. These perceptions reveal a hierarchy of expanding awareness impacting their physical, emotional and social well-being. Isolation as a constraint highlighted limitations and losses, as a necessity emphasized safety and rational acceptance and as an opportunity focused on personal growth and strengthened relationships. Research limitations/implications The qualitative nature and specific demographic focus limit generalizability. The findings provide valuable insights for understanding adolescent experiences and can inform targeted interventions to support their emotional well-being during and post-isolation. Practical implications Programs and interventions designed based on these findings can help adolescents cope with negative emotions associated with isolation, promote their well-being and facilitate smoother transitions back to normalcy post-quarantine. Social implications Understanding adolescents’ perspectives on isolation can guide the development of supportive policies and community programs that address their mental health needs and foster resilience in similar future scenarios. Originality/value This study fills a gap in research by providing a detailed phenomenographic analysis of how Filipino adolescents perceive isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a nuanced understanding of their experiences that can inform both local and broader contexts.

Using Theory and Technology to Build an Interprofessional Community of Human Trafficking Educators.

Human trafficking, a global health crisis, requires interprofessional responses. Skilled teachers are needed to train health care providers about human trafficking. To promote nonhierarchical interprofessional collaborative learning, we applied social cognitive and experiential learning theories within a dialectical constructivist program design to scaffold participants' knowledge and leveraged technology to build and sustain the program's community. WhatsApp and Flipgrid connected participants and faculty prior to the program. Participants' reflections on experiences were used to inform confidential and respectful information sharing. Live case presentations were interwoven with prerecorded didactics, Zoom break-out case analyses, and Q&A sessions with trafficking survivors. Participants used learning theories to cocreate and teach about labor and sex trafficking, disclosure, and the law. A reciprocal teaching activity facilitated participants' integration of new knowledge with authentic work responsibilities. Constructive peer feedback on the content, clarity, and engagement of their teaching reinforced participants' self-efficacy in expanding their education work in their home organizations. As of 2021, 156 physicians, nurses, social workers, advanced practice providers, psychologists, and public health workers, from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Trinidad/Tobago, have graduated from the program. Three-month postprogram surveys indicated lasting knowledge and skills changes in use of the Stop, Observe, Ask, Refer framework, teaching with adult learning principles, and creating organizational trafficking protocols. The strategic application of learning theory and technology has enabled us to foster a nonhierarchical community of interprofessional learners, cultivating a dynamic network of educators who continue to make international impacts on people with an experience of human trafficking.

Amplifying youth voices: young people’s recommendations for policy and practice to enhance vaccine acceptability

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for increased vaccine availability and uptake, with vaccine hesitancy posing a significant barrier, particularly among young adults. Evidence from various countries highlight high levels of hesitancy among young people, necessitating targeted interventions. Engaging young adults as key stakeholders in shaping public health strategies is crucial, as their perspectives can enhance vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to assess the overall acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among young people and to explore the factors influencing their willingness or reluctance to be vaccinated now and in the future.MethodsThis study used qualitative data from 165 young adults in Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia, to explore their suggestions for policies and strategies aimed at enhancing the acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccination among their age group. Data collection involved focus groups and interviews that explored participants’ perceptions and recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination acceptability. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThematic analysis identified several factors influencing vaccine acceptability among young people and suggested recommendations to improve it. The themes included developing targeted communication strategies for accurate vaccine information, offering alternative vaccination methods, promoting vaccine education in schools, and using trusted public figures to share accurate information.ConclusionsPersistent dissatisfaction with vaccine information dissemination underscores the need for more targeted communication strategies among young adults. Recommendations include developing non-injection vaccine options, incorporating vaccine education into school curricula and community programs, and leveraging influential public figures to build credibility. These insights are valuable for designing future programs to enhance vaccine acceptance among adolescents.

Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education: A Paradigm for Envisioning and Enacting

This article describes the processes and timeline of developing our Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education Program (IECTE). In doing so, we describe collaborations that have a dynamic unfolding that took place over 10 years and united early childhood education (ECE), early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE), and bilingual/English as a second language (ESL) programming. Foundational to our collaborative work is the transformation that occurred within these individual areas of teacher education that eventually led us to the evolving paradigm of inclusivity in early childhood education. In our IECTE work we detail our paradigm of critical inclusivity that includes three tenets: (1) a dialogic approach, (2) curriculum revision, (3) student guidance, and (4) mentoring support. We conclude by offering implications for continuous growth through descriptions of radical collaboration and advocacy in inclusive early childhood settings, such as intervention agencies, Head Start programs, childcare centers, community programs, and public schools.

Building Financial Wellness: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Financial Education and Support Intervention.

Many people receiving services for psychiatric disorders live on low incomes, navigate complex financial situations, and have limited economic security. The authors sought to determine whether a financial wellness intervention delivered virtually by peers would increase financial literacy, reduce economic strain, and improve financial competency. One hundred participants receiving services for psychiatric disorders were recruited from community programs and via social media and were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either an intervention called Building Financial Wellness (N=51) or services as usual (N=49). The intervention involved six virtual 1.5-hour group sessions, followed by three virtual one-on-one booster sessions. Outcomes were assessed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Financial Well-Being Scale (primary), Financial Strain Questionnaire, Financial Capability Scale, and Financial Self-Sufficiency Scale. Knowledge regarding money management was measured with a financial literacy assessment based on class content. Intent-to-treat longitudinal multivariable analysis included random-effects linear and logistic regression models. Overall, 86% of the study participants either lived in poverty (46%) or met the federal definition of low income (40%). Participants assigned to the intervention had greater improvement over time in financial well-being, capability, strain, self-sufficiency, and literacy. Satisfaction with the intervention was high. Reports from participants receiving booster sessions indicated that ongoing support facilitated their achievement of longer-term financial goals. Provision of financial education and support improved monetary well-being, competence, and literacy. With poverty long considered to be an intractable problem associated with psychiatric disorders, peer-taught financial education focused on financial wellness can help people acquire money management skills and manage economic stressors.

Examining the impact of the veterans affairs community care program on mental healthcare in rural veterans: A qualitative study.

To investigate provider and administrators' perspectives about the impact of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Community Care program on acute and residential mental health treatment of rural Veterans. Primary data were collected from participants via interviews. Participants were employees of VA Healthcare Systems located in Northern New England, or employees of non-VA mental health treatment settings affiliated with VA in Northern New England. This study was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), with Community Care as the implemented program. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Individual interviews were transcribed, coded deductively using the CFIR, and inductively coded by locating themes. Twenty-one people completed interviews. Commonly reported challenges included community programs not focused on Veterans' needs, poor coordination of care, communication challenges, and problems tracking Veteran care. Facilitators included increased access to care and strengthening coordination of care. The VA's Community Care program can address the acute or residential mental health needs of Veterans in rural settings in some circumstances, however there are challenges to successful implementation.

The Missing Voices, an exploration of what healthcare-related research would matter to Global Ethnic Majority Women in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Abstract Introduction In multicultural communities, such as the UK, published evidence has indicated that patients from marginalised backgrounds experience healthcare inequality and inequity with regards to accessibility and safety.1 The lack of appropriate ethnic representation in healthcare-related research, has been identified as a potential causation of some of these disparities and poorer health outcomes.2,3 The focus of this project was the marginalised communities identified by the NIHR to have poorer health outcomes, such as Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) women. Aim To explore what healthcare research matters to marginalised communities with a focus on lived and perceived experiences on access to healthcare for GEM women in Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Methods This pilot project captured real world data through an inclusive community engagement approach of reaching within rather than reaching out. A framework of 5Cs (Connect, Collaborate, Consult, Co-create and Circulate) was used to establish a diverse panel of ten GEM women. All panel members had a passion for equality and wellbeing as well as diverse lived experiences. The method used to establish the panel is presented elsewhere. Based on a review of literature, open-ended, flexible, thought-provoking questions for the discussions were developed and circulated to all panel members for approval. These questions were used to guide both in-person and virtual open discussions with aforementioned stakeholders to capture narratives and perspectives around barriers and facilitators to equitable healthcare access in the area. As the public members were research partners and not participants, no ethical approval was required as advised by a professor of pharmacy research and the school’s ethics convenor. The project had three main objectives. This submission will only report on objective three that aimed to Identify and prioritise research questions relating to equitable access to healthcare and the needs of marginalised minority ethnic communities. Results The objective was met. A list of emergent themes from the pre-panel questions and a list of panel-approved research questions were devised with a focus on access to healthcare. The emergent themes were around accessibility and equity of maternal/reproductive healthcare, lack of early screening for high-risk GEM groups and culturally appropriate approaches to mental healthcare. Solution focused recommendations included the design of an inclusive healthcare curriculum, compulsory EDI and cultural competency training for healthcare professionals who practice in diverse communities, additional screening programmes tailored to specific GEM groups based on prevalence and risk factors and the development of localised culturally appropriate and inclusive community programmes, especially for those who support new immigrants. Mistrust and lack of inclusive language were mentioned as potential barriers to participating in research. Discussion / Conclusion This pilot offered the historically under-represented and usually silent communities an equal voice within a trusting and collaborative environment. Over ten years after the enaction of the UK Equality Act (2010) inequity in healthcare access and poor outcomes are still evident. The outcomes of this small pilot study highlight that GEM-specific projects should be driven by that community.

Influence of COVAW Capacity Building on Gender-Based Violence Program Performance in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: The study explores the influence of employee capacity building on the performance of gender-based violence (GBV) programs in Narok County, Kenya. The specific objectives include examining the effect of leadership style, the impact of community empowerment on program effectiveness, the role of resource allocation, and the influence of organizational innovation on program outcomes. Methodology: Utilizing a descriptive survey design grounded in modernization theory and performance and human capital theory, the research targets full-time staff from ten GBV programs operated by COVAW. A sample of 92 respondents is collected through convenience and stratified sampling techniques, incorporating both community participants and program personnel. Data collection employs interview schedules and semi-structured questionnaires, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS software and qualitative data thematically analyzed. Findings: Findings reveal a prevailing democratic leadership style that fosters collaboration; however, community empowerment faces challenges due to inadequate integration and mobilization. The study concludes that there is a significant interconnectedness among leadership, community engagement, resource management, and organizational adaptability in enhancing GBV program performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Recommendations include adopting diverse leadership styles, strengthening community engagement, and optimizing resource management practices to ensure the sustainability and impact of GBV initiatives.

Social cohesion among Syrian and Turkish children, adolescents, and young adults in Turkey

AbstractTurkey has received a large influx of Syrian refugees since the start of Syrian civil war in 2011. Integration and social cohesion have become important issues for public policy in Turkey. We study social cohesion among young Turkish nationals and Syrian refugees. Our study sample comprises of adolescents and young adults (12–30 years), and children (6–11 years) who participated in events of the “Education Program for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities” (BILSY) program conducted by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). Social cohesion among adolescents and young adults is measured along three dimensions: sense of belonging, trust, and relational capacity. For children, we use behavioural games to measure two dimensions of social cohesion – altruism and trust. Our results show high social cohesion for both age groups, though lack of trust among Turkish nationals towards Syrian nationals is an area of concern. We also evaluate the impact of participation in BILSY program events using a randomised design and find that it had no impact on social cohesion. Our article adds to the limited literature on social cohesion among children and youths in countries affected by forced displacement.

A study protocol for a mixed-method environmental scan of contextual factors that influence lung cancer screening adherence

BackgroundThe efficacy of lung cancer screening (LCS) to reduce lung cancer specific mortality is heavily dependent on adherence to recommended screening guidelines, with real-world adherence rates reported to be drastically lower than rates described in clinical trials. There is a dearth in the literature on reminder processes and clinical workflows used to address adherence and robust data is needed to fully understand which clinical set-ups, processes, and context enhance and increase continued LCS participation. This paper describes a protocol for an environmental scan of adherence and reminder processes that are currently used in LCS programs across the United States.MethodsThis study will triangulate data using a 3-step explanatory sequential mixed methods design to describe mechanisms of current adherence and reminder systems within academic and community LCS programs to pinpoint clinic or system barrier and facilitator combinations that contribute to increased adherence. In step 1, surveys from a nationally representative sample of LCS programs will yield quantitative data about program structure, volume, and tracking/reminder processes and messages. After completion of the survey, interested LCS program personnel will be invited to participate in an in-depth interview (step 2) to explore current processes and interventions used for adherence at the participant and program level. Finally, in step 3, triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data will be completed through qualitative comparative analysis to identify combinations of components that affect higher or lower adherence.DiscussionThis research advances the state of the science by filling a gap in knowledge about LCS program characteristics and processes associated with better adherence which can inform the development and implementation of interventions that are scalable and sustainable across a wide variety of clinical practice settings.

Looking to the past: Investigating 10-year place histories as a determinant of home food environments in the Healthy Communities Study

Emerging research suggests there is a need to consider the importance of place histories in studying neighborhood effects. Guided by a life course of place framework, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between two place history exposures and three contemporary home food environment outcomes. Exposures included 10-year neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) histories and multi-year nutrition community programming and policy (CPP) histories. Outcomes included the availability of healthy foods in the home, the availability of unhealthy foods in the home, and household food insecurity. Associations are investigated using cross-sectional and retrospective data on 4210 US families in the national, observational Healthy Communities Study (2013–2015). Multilevel regression models, adjusted for household income and other factors, were fit for each exposure and outcome. Households residing in neighborhoods with intermittently low, consistently moderate, intermittently high, and consistently high SES histories had greater availability of healthy foods in the home than households in neighborhoods with consistently low SES histories (adjusted βs: 0.11 [95% CI: 0.02, 0.20], 0.13 [95% CI: 0.06, 0.21], 0.23 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.34], and 0.24 [95% CI: 0.15, 0.33], respectively). Households in consistently high SES neighborhoods also had a lower likelihood of household food insecurity than those in consistently low SES neighborhoods (adjusted OR: 0.54 [95% CI: 0.42, 0.71]). Neighborhood SES histories were not significantly associated with the availability of unhealthy foods in the home. Nutrition CPP histories were not significantly associated with food insecurity or the availability of unhealthy foods in the home. However, more intense nutrition CPP histories were significantly associated with greater availability of healthy foods in the home. Moreover, effect estimates increased with more long-term historical accounts of CPPs (adjusted βs: 1-year CPP histories, 0.21 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.39]; 3-year CPP histories, 0.22 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.41]; 6-year CPP histories, 0.25 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.46]; 10-year CPP histories, 0.28 [95% CI: 0.05, 0.50]). To curb food insecurity and promote the availability of healthy foods, the findings suggest considering how neighborhoods develop and evolve over time with respect to SES and nutrition CPP implementation.

Resource Efficiency and the Role of Renewable Energy in Miskolc: The City’s Journey Towards Becoming a Smart City

Miskolc, which is the focus of our investigation, is the fourth most populous city in Hungary and the center of one of the most underdeveloped NUTS2 (basic territorial category for the regional policy of the European Union) regions in the European Union. The socialist heavy industry played a decisive role in the development of the city, the decline of which also left deep traces in the city. In its current position, the city tries to manage its available resources as efficiently as possible, and the city management is open to the use of modern urban development tools. This is supported by the fact that Miskolc was the first Hungarian city to join the Green Cities for Sustainable Europe movement in 2011, and then in 2015, it joined the Triangulum project of the EU Smart Cities and Communities program as a follower city. In the process of becoming a smart city, the dimensions of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency were given a prominent role, which should not be surprising considering the traditions of the city. Within this, we must first mention the construction of the geothermal central heating system, with which the city really took significant steps in this field. The main goal of the study is to develop a new smart local concept closely linked to regional development and the key energy sector, through which the local adaptation of the defining elements of the internationally defined smart city in several forms for the city of Miskolc will be presented. In our study, we review how the results achieved by Miskolc so far and the development plans for the future fit in with the smart energy developments of smart cities. Before exploring the processes in Miskolc, we will deal in more detail with the possibilities inherent in district heating and geothermal energy utilization and Hungary’s capabilities.

Correlations Among Appearance Satisfaction, Self-esteem, and Satisfaction with Learning Among College Student

This study aims to examine how appearance satisfaction, self-esteem, and learning satisfaction affect one another among college students. It also seeks to find ways to develop programs in communities and schools that can enhance all three aspects together, while collecting crucial data to support these initiatives. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with 160 college students from Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do. Before starting the survey, the study’s purpose was explained, and it was administered only to those who consented to participate. The analysis of correlations among appearance satisfaction, self-esteem, and learning satisfaction revealed that factors related to appearance satisfaction—such as self-satisfaction, satisfaction with others’ perception, and satisfaction with mass media—are significantly positively associated with self-esteem factors, including personal, family, and social self-esteem. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between appearance satisfaction and learning satisfaction. Additionally, personal, family, and social self-esteem were all significantly positively correlated with learning satisfaction. These findings suggest a strong connection among appearance satisfaction, self-esteem, and learning satisfaction. It is anticipated that the study results will provide foundational data for developing programs aimed at enhancing these aspects among college students.

Assessing Mukah Community's Readiness Participation in the Ecotourism Industry

Ecotourism is a distinct category within the broader tourism sector. Ecotourism is an excellent option for enhancing local socioeconomic circumstances and generating economic activity that positively impacts the national economy. The involvement of local communities, specifically rural youth communities, in ecotourism activities can offer employment prospects such as serving as nature guides, engaging in business ventures within the ecotourism industry, benefiting from the activities and products of ecotourism, and fostering social connections and local income growth. However, an essential determinant of the effectiveness of tourist development programs is the level of readiness within the community to engage in these ecotourism activities. The objective of this essay is to evaluate the preparedness of the local community in Mukah for the implementation of ecotourism activities. The study was carried out as part of the community program. A total of 62 respondents originated from the surrounding communities of Mukah, Sarawak. The findings indicated that most participants had neither attended nor received any kind of training in nature guiding. Although most respondents initially did not engage in ecotourism activities, a significant number of them showed a newfound interest in becoming nature guides and stated a readiness to pursue relevant courses in the future after enrolling in the program. It indicates that a significant proportion of young people participating in this program had the necessary readiness to engage in local ecotourism initiatives.

Implementing a chronic disease self-management program in Moldova: a roadmap for sustainability

Abstract Chronic disease self-management programs are evidence-based interventions but achieving their sustainability can be challenging. We propose a roadmap to sustainability that examines the transferability of intervention components and fosters multi-level and multisectoral partnerships. Since 2019, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s Healthy Life project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Moldova, has implemented a self-management program in rural communities. At pilot stage, we achieved a 53% increase in participants’ self-efficacy (Palmeirim et al, 2024). To date, the program has reached 1432 beneficiaries in 70 communities. The intervention cost per participant was approximately 74 Euros. Our evidence supported the inclusion of self-management in the national non-communicable disease program 2023-2027. We designed a roadmap to hand over this innovation to Moldovan public health institutions. Firstly, we unpacked the intervention into transferable resources, processes and roles. These included human resources (a network of 140 facilitators), pedagogical resources (culturally adapted facilitator training and self-management workshop content) and key operational processes (coordination, resource management, partnership building, monitoring and evaluation). Then, we convened a national workshop to discuss the transfer of these components to relevant institutions. We emphasized working in a coordinated partnership across institutions for intervention delivery. Finally, we launched a national working group that will work on the operational modalities of this multi-stakeholder partnership. Achieving an enabling policy environment for self-management created favorable conditions and accountability for institutional partnership building. A strategic reflection on our partner ecosystem was key to leverage local and national interests in continuing self-management approaches. Key messages • We have established priorities among transferable intervention components to match country stakeholders’ ability and readiness to sustain innovative approaches. • We are building an institutional partnership across sectors based on complementarity of experience to sustain the delivery of a self-management intervention.

5.K. Scientific session: Health literacy in Ireland: A participatory action approach with Sláintecare Healthy Communities

Abstract This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities surrounding health literacy in Ireland. In 2023, Dublin City University and Sláintecare Healthy Communities, driven by a commitment to foster equitable healthcare access and outcomes, embarked on a research project aimed at deciphering the intricacies of health literacy and its implications for public health in Ireland. The series of interactive presentations will transparently share learnings from the process and outcomes of this project, which can be applied across different sectors, contexts, and countries. The workshop will begin with an overview of the rationale underpinning Sláintecare Healthy Communities’ engagement in this research project. This is one of the first pilot programmes of its kind. By transparently exploring the driving forces and strategic approaches of this organisation, participants will gain insight into the imperative of addressing health literacy from the perspective of a cross-government and multi-discipline initiative. Following from this, a series of presentations will detail the rigorous scientific approaches undertaken. This includes an umbrella review of international conceptualisations of health literacy and a systematic review of health literacy research conducted on the island of Ireland in the last decade. Findings from these reviews highlight the evolving challenges and emerging trends shaping health literacy practices nationally and internationally. It is also recognised that responsive health literacy development requires thoughtful involvement of diverse local communities. Programmes and actions that ‘leave people behind’ can exacerbate health inequalities. As a result, meaningful community based participatory research, including innovative design thinking approaches, were utilised throughout this project. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme identified two contrasting areas to participate in this work, presenting both an urban and rural context. The health literacy strengths, needs and issues encountered in these communities will be presented in the community members own words. This workshop will close with the presentation of a series of co-designed, and crucially actionable, recommendations for evidence-based best practices in health literacy promotion in Ireland. Leveraging the synthesis of research findings and stakeholder insights, a number of actions aimed at enhancing health literacy proficiency and fostering health equity will be detailed. This presentation in particular will be interactive, and will challenge participants to identify health literacy promoting actions that may be suitable for their own contexts. This workshop offers a timely and pragmatic exploration of health literacy promotion in Ireland. By fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the workshop serves as a catalyst for transformative change, paving the way towards more inclusive, equitable, and health-literate societies, both in Ireland and beyond. Key messages • This workshop offers a timely and pragmatic exploration of health literacy promotion in Ireland. • Presenters from both practice and research will detail how the needs analysis was conducted, and how we suggest these co-designed recommendations can be actioned.

Study tours as strategy in building multi-level public health system transformation in Ukraine (UA)

Abstract With 14 million Ukrainians in need of psychological aid (UNDP) and a strained health system, UA urgently requires mental health and psychological support services (MHPSS). As a TA partner on the USAID funded Public Health System Recovery and Resilience project in UA, the Philadelphia (PHL) team supports capacity building for population-based MHPSS at the community level with a study tour strategy. Such approaches apply to other countries interested in remodeling public health systems. The strategy aims to advance community based MHPSS through in person tours in PHL with remote follow up to stimulate vision, exchange ideas and accelerate action among governmental, community, and academic partners. The study tours presented overviews on health policy, system development, program services delivered to children and adults, community interventions, and workforce development of professionals and paraprofessionals. All included the foundational principles of trauma-informed practice. The June 2023 tour hosted 11 decision makers and regional officials who embraced the vision for system development and endorsed further engagement. The December 2023 tour hosted 13 practitioners and coordinators of health and social services to observe community programs. Results include development of PHL NGOs and UA social service hub partnerships to implement train the trainer programs for peers/people with lived experience and for mural arts programs to promote community engagement and empowerment. The September 2024 tour involves university partners from nursing, social work and psychology and PHL counterparts to strengthen curricula to include mental health competencies, support faculty development with potential for collaborative research and student exchange, and design post-graduate continuing education courses for upskilling the incumbent workforce. Study tours and direct exchange are an effective strategy for capacity building for MHPSS in Ukraine to address population health needs. Key messages • The sequenced study tour strategy affects distinct levels of change makers in UA. The results are governmental buy-in, partnerships for programmatic development, and academic advancement. • The study tour model promotes systematic change and offers solutions to MHPSS workforce shortages through information exchange, relationship building, and capacity development.

Maternal education and antenatal attendance in Georgia: A cohort study

Abstract Background Antenatal care (ANC) and maternal education are important determinants for maternal and newborn health outcomes. Understanding the impact of maternal education on ANC is crucial. Purpose To examine the association between maternal education and ANC attendance. Methods A retrospective cohort study utilized nationwide electronic medical birth registry data (2020-2022) in Georgia. the study includes pregnant women and their newborns. A randomized sample was selected, and extracted variables included maternal age, parity, body mass index, education, year of delivery, gestational age, infant sex, Apgar score, birth weight, delivery type, and newborn status. Statistical analysis via IBM SPSS v23 involved chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results The sample size contains 4976 mothers after excluding cases with missing data (n = 25). The mean maternal age was 30.5 years (SD = 5.4), with a mean BMI of 28.0(SD = 4.8), and the mean gestational week was 38.4(SD = 2.0), with a mean birth weight of 3263.0 (SD = 568.0) grams. Highly educated women had more than 3 times higher odds (OR = 3.636,95%CI:2.575-5.134) of having at least one ANC visit compared to those with Unknown education. primiparous women had significantly higher odds of having at least one ANC visit compared to Multiparous women, OR = 1.519, (95%CI:1.081-2.135). The chi-square test showed significant difference between ANC visits and the number of liveborn/stillborn (χ² = 53.026, p < .001). Moreover, there was a significant association between birth weight categories and ANC visits (χ² = 167.095, p < .001). Conclusions Our study emphasizes the role of education in improving access to ANC among women with low education levels. We can increase ANC visits and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by focusing educational efforts on pregnant women. Additionally, focusing on high-risk populations, and using tailored interventions can further improve ANC attendance along with maternal and neonatal health. Key messages • Boosting ANC access and improving maternal and neonatal health by tailored community programs. • Conservative communities and underrepresented communities require additional resources to promote tailored healthcare. and extra effort in education about ANC.

Using sport to promote the well-being among Latinx immigrants in the United States

Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Latino Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) and Sport for Development and Peace Theory, this study seeks to examine the potential of sport participation, physical activity, and community programs as mechanisms for addressing the challenges confronted by Latinx immigrants in the United States. The research is anchored by two primary questions: What social, legal, and economic challenges are encountered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, undocumented individuals, and the broader Latinx community in the United States, and how might involvement in sports, physical activity, and community events help mitigate these challenges. To investigate these questions, an ethnographic methodology was adopted, with data collected over a 13-week period in a predominantly Latinx community in Houston, Texas. The research findings underscore the resilience demonstrated by these individuals in response to the complex challenges within US society and highlight the crucial role of community-oriented sports and cultural programs in fostering inclusivity. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings and offer recommendations for future practical initiatives centered on community-oriented approaches.

Unmet Dental Care Needs of The Low-Income Elderly in South Korea: Applying the Andersen behavioural model.

Retirement reduces income and increases dental care needs for the elderly, but there are few studies on unmet dental care needs among the low-income elderly. This study aimed to identify actors associated with unmet dental care needs of low-income elderly people in South Korea. Secondary analysis of 2020 KNHANES data relating to 1,016 elderly individuals (65+) below median income. Unmet dental care needs were higher for women at 28.9% (p ⟨0.001), those with a middle school education at 28.5% (p ⟨ 0.05), individuals who rated their health as "poor" at 31.3%, those reporting feelings of depression at 44.8% (p ⟨ 0.001), individuals who rated their oral health as "poor" at 36.2% (p ⟨ 0.001), and those who experienced toothache at 37.2% (p ⟨ 0.001). In regression analysis women (Risk Ratio = 1.59, 95% CI 1.09-2.32), people with depression (RR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.01-5.15), those who perceived their oral health as "poor" (3.20, 95% CI 1.90-5.32) and those toothache (1.88, 95% CI 1.27-2.76) had higher unmet dental needs. Substantial unmet dental care needs exist among the low-income retired elderly. Comprehensive public oral health policies and community programs are needed for this population group.