Prominent Themes Research Articles

From Frustration to Innovation: Exploring the Lived Experiences of E-Bike Users on Limited Charging Infrastructure

This abstract summarizes a phenomenological study exploring the lived experiences of electric bike (e-bike) users dealing with limited charging infrastructure. Through purposive sampling, 8 participants were interviewed, revealing three prominent themes. The first theme, "Technical Challenges and Solutions," delves into battery-related issues and coping strategies. Participants shared their stress caused by battery limitations and sensitivity to water, alongside coping strategies and the effectiveness of maintenance routines. The second theme, "Infrastructure and Accessibility," highlights concerns regarding the absence of charging stations and the benefits they offer. Participants expressed worries about inadequate infrastructure while recognizing the important role of charging stations in facilitating e-bike usage. Lastly, "Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability" highlights participants' perspectives on the economic benefits of e-bikes as sustainable transportation alternatives. This research illuminates the diverse experiences of e-bike users, shedding light on their challenges, adaptations, and aspirations amidst evolving charging infrastructure settings.

Mental Health Impacts of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Patients and Household Contacts: A Mixed Methods Study.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients experience disproportionately worse mental health, with implications for adherence, outcomes, and families. Comprehensive assessments of comorbid depression/anxiety and related factors remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors, and qualitative experiences of depression and anxiety in MDR-TB patients and household contacts. A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted in Gujarat, India, with 403 smear-positive MDR-TB patients and 403 contacts. The quantitative phase administered structured questionnaires on sociodemographic factors, clinical history, depression/anxiety symptoms, and psychosocial stressors (like stigma and social support). Logistic regression models were used. The qualitative phase included in-depth interviews with 30 purposively sampled patients for thematic content analysis. Results were integrated to contextualize quantitative findings. High rates of depression (37.5%, n = 151) and anxiety (45.2%, n = 182) were documented among the MDR-TB patients, significantly greater than household contacts (20.1%, n = 81and 25.1%, n = 101, respectively). For depression, older age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.03, 95% CI 1.01-4.05), female gender (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.0), divorced/widowed status (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.1-8.0), financial constraints, substance abuse (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), greater disease severity (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.2), medication side effects (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.6), and perceived stigma (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-5.3) emerged as significant risk factors. For anxiety, significant predictors were less social support (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.86), higher perceived stigma (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-6.3), greater disease severity (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-4.0), and more medication side effects (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.5). Prominent themes included psychological impacts like depression and anxiety, experiences of stigma and caretaking challenges, and recommendations for comprehensive patient support services. MDR-TB patients experience a substantially higher dual disease burden of depression and anxiety, elevating the risk for adverse outcomes and transmission. Improving psychosocial support is vital to patient-centric care pathways for vulnerable groups. Mixed methods provide comprehensive evidence to inform integrated physical and mental health services.

Bioprospecting of Aspergillus sp. as a promising repository for anti-cancer agents: a comprehensive bibliometric investigation.

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, claiming nearly 10 million lives in 2020 according to the World Health Organization. In the quest for novel treatments, fungi, especially Aspergillus species, have emerged as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with promising anticancer properties. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the research landscape of Aspergillus in oncology, examining publications from 1982 to the present. We observed a marked increase in research activity starting in 2000, with a notable peak from 2005 onwards. The analysis identifies key contributors, including Mohamed GG, who has authored 15 papers with 322 citations, and El-Sayed Asa, with 14 papers and 264 citations. Leading countries in this research field include India, Egypt, and China, with King Saud University and Cairo University as the leading institutions. Prominent research themes identified are "endophyte," "green synthesis," "antimicrobial," "anti-cancer," and "biological activities," indicating a shift towards environmentally sustainable drug development. Our findings highlight the considerable potential of Aspergillus for developing new anticancer therapies and underscore the necessity for further research to harness these natural compounds for clinical use.

Dark tourism research: a bibliometric analysis and future research directions

ABSTRACT The present study employs bibliometric analysis to conduct a comprehensive systematic review based on 395 articles published during 1994–2024 (31st March) to investigate critical publication trends and insights. Most publications have originated in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and China. The prominent themes in the field include Echoes of Sorrow: Lure and Legacy of Dark Tourism, Experiential Odyssey of Dark Tourism, Dark Tourism: Motivations and Perspectives, Dark tourism dynamics shaped by death and disaster, Ethical Dynamics in Dark Tourism, Methodology, Emotion, and Trends of Dark Tourism and Historical Reflections to adventures of dark tourism.

Navigating digital horizons: A systematic review of social media’s role in destination branding

Purpose — This study aims to acquire a comprehensive understanding of how social media platforms contribute to the process of destination branding by identifying major themes in the literature pertaining to social media's role in destination branding.Method — This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology to conduct an in-depth analysis of academic journal articles pertaining to the role of Social Media Marketing (SMM) in destination branding. The review encompasses 55 final articles published and indexed in the Scopus database from 2014 to 2024. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method is employed as the framework for this systematic review, ensuring the robustness of the review process.Result — Four prominent themes have been identified regarding the role of SMM in destination branding: 1) Enhancing Destination Brand Value Co-Creation, 2) Influencing Customer-Based Brand Equity, 3) Shaping Destination Brand Identity, and 4) Driving Destination Brand Engagement and Loyalty.Practical implications — Destination marketers should leverage social media strategically to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and loyalty, utilizing these platforms as virtual stages to showcase the destination's culture, heritage, and diversity.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO CHILD MARRIAGE AMONG SYRIAN REFUGEES IN DOMIZ CAMP-KURDISTAN-IRAQ

Child marriage is an internationally recognised human rights issue that has been extensively studied by various Non-GovernmentalOrganisations and the United Nations. In response to this problem, many countries have implemented social policies aimed at addressing child marriage and several international treaties are dedicated to combatting it. This study focuses on examining the factors contributing to child marriage within refugee populations. The research methodology involved conducting in-depth interviews with ten young wives aged between 16 and 22, facilitating focus group discussions with their husbands and parents residing in Domiz Camps 1 and 2 in Kurdistan, as well as interviewing key informants who work in child protection services and social policy development. Thematic analysis was employed to identify prominent themes and subthemes based on the perspectives of participants. The research revealed that child marriage is driven by factors such as the need for safety, preservation of family honour, and economic challenges. Similar safety concerns were observed among Syrian refugees in this study, as well as in previous studies conducted on Jordanian refugees and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. This study takes a comprehensive approach by considering perspectives from young wives, their parents, husbands, and key informants when examining factors related to child marriage. Ultimately, the findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of refugee issues and efforts towards protecting children’s rights within the refugee context.

Bibliometric analysis of assessment and evaluation in higher education: 2012–2023

Launched in 1975, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education (AEHE) is a prominent international journal that focuses on assessment and evaluation within higher education. This bibliometric analysis of AEHE aims to gain insights into its evolution since its expansion in 2012 and identify its critical contributions to higher education. Bibliographic data associated with a corpus of 1,047 documents published in AEHE from 2012 through 2023 were initially exported from Scopus. Using the specific software, VOSviewer, performance analysis and science mapping were conducted to obtain the following findings: (i) The domination of Australia and the UK as contributors to this journal suggests that culture background significantly affects publication patterns. (ii) Prof. David Boud, along with his cooperative network, emerges as the most prolific author with a remarkably scholarly impact on AEHE. (iii) Prominent themes include concerns about feedback and the practice of assessment. (iv) References responding to the critique mounted for the traditional understanding of feedback serve as essential background materials for readers seeking a better understanding of published works. (v) From 2017 to 2018, there was a completion of conceptualisation regarding feedback as learner-centred processes; starting from 2021 onwards, research frontiers have shifted towards “evaluative judgement”, “feedback literacy”, and “cheating”.

Environmental measures to improve pedestrian safety in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review.

This scoping study aims to identify environmental road safety measures implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to reduce pedestrian injuries from collisions with motor vehicles. This review followed Arksey and O'Malley's approach and reported results using the PRISMA-SCR 2018 checklist. A literature review was conducted in Medline, Google Scholar, and the Transport Research International Documentation database using keyword-derived medical subject heading terms. A total of 14 articles met the pre-established inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a data extraction matrix. The findings were categorized methodically into three prominent themes: (1) methods for reducing pedestrian exposure, (2) traffic calming strategies, and (3) measures for enhancing pedestrian visibility. Traffic calming strategies, including vehicular speed reduction, roadway contraction, and vertical and horizontal diversionary tactics, emerged as the most effective interventions for reducing pedestrian injuries within LMICs. Conversely, interventions geared towards minimizing pedestrian exposure, such as zebra crossings, crosswalks controlled by traffic signals, underpasses, or overpasses, often produced minimal effects, and occasionally exacerbated the risk of pedestrian accidents. Lack of pedestrian visibility due to density of street vendors and parked vehicles was associated with a higher risk of injuries, while billboards impaired drivers' attention and increased the likelihood of collisions with pedestrians. In LMICs, the effectiveness of environmental measures in reducing vehicle-pedestrian crashes varies widely. In the face of resource constraints, implementing interventions for pedestrian safety in LMICs necessitates careful prioritization and consideration of the local context.

Enduring Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Access, Nutrition, and Well-Being in Rural Appalachia.

The COVID-19 pandemic produced acute effects on health inequities, yet more enduring impacts in vulnerable populations in rural Appalachia are understudied. This qualitative study included three focus groups with thirty-nine adults (74% female, mean age 52.7 years) to obtain perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being in Martin County, Kentucky, in fall 2022. Grounded Theory was employed using an iterative inductive-deductive approach to capture the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health practices and status. Three prominent themes emerged: (1) increased social isolation; (2) household cost of living strains caused by inflation; and (3) higher food prices and diminished food availability causing shifts in food purchasing and consumption. Participants noted that the rising cost of living resulted in residents having to "choose between medication, food and utilities". Increased food prices resulted in residents "stretching" their food, modifying how they grocery shopped, and limiting meat consumption. Persistent food shortages were exacerbated by there being few grocery stores in the county. Lastly, increased social isolation was profoundly articulated as widely impacting mental health, especially among youth. Our findings underscore the ongoing deleterious effects of inflation and food supply chain disruptions in this rural, geographically isolated community, which resulted in difficult spending choices for residents.

Power to the people: exploring glocality as a framework for SDG implementation at universities in Canada and Mexico

ABSTRACT This paper uses the concept of glocality to illuminate the ways in which the global operates as a hegemonic social construct for settler and colonial states to infiltrate and repress other local epistemological domains to assert and maintain control. Identifying four prominent and interconnected themes in the glocality literature: developing deep understanding; addressing power dynamics; privileging Indigenous knowledge systems; and accountability to place, the authors draw on their experience working in health scholarship to reflect upon how the social development goals can be approached by universities in ways that do not reify colonial relationships with Indigenous peoples.

The Covid-19 resilience journey of vulnerable young South Africans

Resilience, the ability to adapt well to adversity, is a critical factor in the well-being and success of young individuals. This study explored the multifaceted nature of resilience among South African youth challenged by COVID-related stressors and structural disadvantage. Specifically, this paper reports a follow-up qualitative leg of a sequential mixed-method design. Thirty-eight young adults (average age 24), all of whom reported high risk exposure but low depression symptoms, took part in semi-structured interviews to learn more about their resilience journey. Qualitative content analysis was employed to identify prominent themes. The study’s findings emphasize the dynamic nature of youth resilience, with individuals being buoyed by social network support (especially family); personal agency, structural support, and resource combinations. The qualitative findings contribute to the growing attention to the need for comprehensive policies and programs that recognize and enhance multisystemic sources of support, enabling young individuals to navigate challenges and thrive in their transition into adulthood.

Understanding health education needs of pregnant women in China during public health emergencies: a qualitative study amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public health emergencies impose unique challenges on pregnant women, affecting their physiological, psychological, and social wellbeing. This study, focusing on the context of the corona virus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China, aims to comprehensively explore the experiences of pregnant women amidst diverse public health crises. Herein, we investigate the health education needs of pregnant Chinese women in regard to public health emergencies to provide a scientific foundation for the development of targeted health education strategies. The study described in this article aims to explore the health education needs of pregnant Chinese women in the context of public health emergencies specifying the types of emergencies of pandemics and to provide a scientific basis for targeted health education interventions. Thirteen pregnant women were purposively selected, and the rationale for this sample size lies in the qualitative nature of the study, seeking in-depth insights rather than generalizability. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the Colaizzi, which is a structured qualitative technique used to extract, interpret, and organize significant statements from participant descriptions into themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of their lived experiences. The analysis yielded six prominent themes encompassing the following areas: I. Personal protection and vaccine safety; II. Knowledge of maternal health; III. Knowledge of fetal health; IV. Knowledge of childbirth; V. Knowledge of postpartum recovery; and VI. Knowledge sources of health education for pregnant women and their expectations of healthcare providers. Theme I was analyzed with two sub-themes (needs for personal protection knowledge, vaccine safety knowledge needs); Theme II was analyzed with three sub-themes (nutrition and diet, exercise and rest, sexual life); Theme III was analyzed with three sub-themes (medications and hazardous substances, pregnancy check-ups, and fetal movement monitoring); Theme IV was analyzed with three sub-themes (family accompaniment, analgesia in childbirth, and choice of mode of delivery); Theme V was analyzed with one sub-theme (knowledge of postnatal recovery); Theme VI was analyzed with one sub-theme (expectations of Healthcare providers). Sub-themes within each main theme were identified, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by pregnant women during public health emergencies. The interrelation between sub-themes and main themes contributes to a holistic portrayal of their experiences. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to tailor health education for pregnant women during emergencies, highlighting the role of the Internet in improving information dissemination. It recommends actionable strategies for effective health communication, ensuring these women receive comprehensive support through digital platforms for better health outcomes during public health crises.

Integrating Perspectives on Family Caregiving After Critical Illness: A Qualitative Content Analysis.

To date, no intervention has definitively improved outcomes for families of critical illness survivors. An integrated perspective on caregivers' needs after critical illness could help identify high-priority intervention targets and improve outcomes. To obtain diverse perspectives on the needs, barriers and facilitators, and social determinants of health associated with family caregiving across the critical illness continuum and assess the extent to which successful caregiving interventions in other populations may be adapted to the critical illness context. This qualitative content analysis of 31 semistructured interviews and 10 focus groups with family caregivers, health care providers, and health care administrators explored family caregivers' needs during post- intensive care unit (ICU) transitions and the barriers and facilitators associated with addressing them. Trained coders analyzed transcripts, identified patterns and categories among the codes, and generated themes. Caregivers have 3 instrumental needs: formal and informal support, involvement in care planning, and education and training. Only caregivers described their self-care and mental health needs. Social determinants of health are the key barriers and facilitators shaping the caregivers' journey, and caregiving as a social determinant of health was a prominent theme. Caregivers have instrumental, self-care, and mental health needs after critical illness. Adapting hands-on and skills training interventions to the post-ICU setting, while tailoring interventions to caregivers' health-related social context, may improve caregiver outcomes.

Shared voices from the classroom: Reflections on hybrid project-based learning in an academic writing course

Hybrid project-based learning effectively develops academic writing skills in preparation for a gradual return to face-to-face instruction after a two-year pandemic triggered by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since this hybrid project-based learning initiative is a pioneering effort, it is essential to reflect on the program's successes and identify areas for improvement. This case study aims to explore the lecturers' and students' reflections on using hybrid project-based learning in academic writing courses. In-depth interviews and end-of-semester reflection were utilized to obtain data. Thematic analysis was conducted using the qualitative data analysis (QDA) miner lite software for data reduction. the findings revealed three prominent themes that emerged in this lecturers’ reflections: i) integrating varied learning modalities; ii) fostering critical thinking and involvement; and iii) improving competencies, as they were also crucial to boosting professional development. Meanwhile, students portray hybrid project-based learning as challenging and rewarding and fosters a sense of value and acceptability among students. This research has transformative implications for curriculum development and instructional practices in higher education, especially academic writing.

“It Is Challenging to Knowingly Cause Discomfort”: Medical Students' Experiences With Ethical Dilemmas and Professionalism During the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship [ID 2683534

INTRODUCTION: Medical students often encounter ethical dilemmas in obstetrics and gynecology clinical training, yet receive limited directed education to help them interpret and process these situations. We sought to explore students’ described experience with clinical ethical complexities to identify sources of conflict and inform training improvements. METHODS: From 2019 to 2022, medical students who submitted an essay assignment to describe an ethical dilemma encountered during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship were invited to share their work with the study team. We performed thematic analysis of these essays. RESULTS: Thirty-nine essays were available for analysis. Prominent themes included patient autonomy, informed consent, approaches to counseling, power differentials, professionalism, and the learning environment and its effect on patient care. The following are sample quotes: “Each time a patient requested that a medical student not be involved in their care they often occupied positions of privilege by title, socioeconomic status, or race.”; “This was a difficult, uncomfortable experience. It is challenging to knowingly cause discomfort.”; “I wondered, and still wonder—should I have intervened? [...] I did not have the courage to speak up, but I wish I did.” CONCLUSION: Students bear witness to and learn from ethical conflicts during obstetrics and gynecology training, which can prompt both self-reflection and cognitive dissonance. Topics such as informed consent and patient autonomy are commonly taught in medical schools; in practice, students also identified dilemmas related to their roles as learners navigating team-based health care. Medical students may need additional ethical training or support in processing the hierarchies of academic medicine.

Nurturing an organizational context that supports team-based primary mental health care: A grounded theory study.

The expansion of the Patient-Centred Medical Home model presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of team-based mental health services in primary care settings, thereby meeting the growing demand for such services. Understanding the organizational context of a Patient-Centred Medical Home is crucial for identifying the facilitators and barriers to integrating mental health care within primary care. The main objective of this paper is to present the findings related to the following research question: "What organizational features shape Family Health Teams' capacity to provide mental health services for depression and anxiety across Ontario, Canada?" Adopting a constructivist grounded theory approach, we conducted interviews with various mental health care providers, and administrators within Ontario's Family Health Teams, in addition to engaging provincial policy informants and community stakeholders. Data analysis involved a team-based approach, including code comparison and labelling, with a dedicated data analysis subcommittee convening monthly to explore coded concepts influencing contextual factors. From the 96 interviews conducted, involving 82 participants, key insights emerged on the organizational contextual features considered vital in facilitating team-based mental health care in primary care settings. Five prominent themes were identified: i) mental health explicit in the organizational vision, ii) leadership driving mental health care, iii) developing a mature and stable team, iv) adequate physical space that facilitates team interaction, and v) electronic medical records to facilitate team communication. This study underscores the often-neglected organizational elements that influence primary care teams' capacity to deliver quality mental health care services. It highlights the significance of strong leadership complemented by effective communication and collaboration within teams to enhance their ability to provide mental health care. Strengthening relationships within primary care teams lies at the core of effective healthcare delivery and should be leveraged to improve the integration of mental health care.

Expanding Youth-Friendly HIV Self-Testing Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Analysis of a Crowdsourcing Open Call in Nigeria.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) among young people is an effective approach to enhance the uptake of HIV testing recommended by the World Health Organization. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted conventional facility-based HIV testing services, necessitating the exploration of innovative strategies for the effective delivery of HIVST. This study analyzed the outcomes of a digital World AIDS Day crowdsourcing open call, designed to elicit youth responses on innovative approaches to promote HIVST among young people (14-24 years) in Nigeria during COVID-19 restrictions. From November 2 to 22, 2020, a World AIDS Day 2020 crowdsourcing open call was held digitally due to COVID-19 restrictions. The crowdsourcing open call followed World Health Organization standardized steps, providing a structured framework for participant engagement. Young people in Nigeria, aged 10-24 years, participated by submitting ideas digitally through Google Forms or email in response to this crowdsourcing open call prompt: "How will you promote HIV self-testing among young people during COVID-19 pandemic?" Data and responses from each submission were analyzed, and proposed ideas were closely examined to identify common themes. Four independent reviewers (AE, SM, AZM, and TG) judged each submission based on the desirability, feasibility, and impact on a 9-point scale (3-9, with 3 being the lowest and 9 being the highest). The crowdsourcing open call received 125 eligible entries, 44 from women and 65 from men. The median age of participants was 20 (IQR 24-20) years, with the majority having completed their highest level of education at the senior secondary school level. The majority of participants lived in the South-West region (n=61) and Lagos state (n=36). Of the 125 eligible entries, the top 20 submissions received an average total score of 7.5 (SD 2.73) or above. The panel of judges ultimately selected 3 finalists to receive a monetary award. Three prominent themes were identified from the 125 crowdsourcing open call submissions as specific ways that HIVST can adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) digital approaches (such as gamification, photoverification system, and digital media) to generate demand for HIVST and avoid risks associated with attending clinics, (2) awareness and sensitization through existing infrastructures (such as churches, schools, and health facilities), and (3) partnerships with influencers, role models, and leaders (such as religious and youth leaders and social influencers in businesses, churches, organizations, and schools) to build trust in HIVST services. The crowdsourcing open call effectively engaged a diverse number of young people who proposed a variety of ways to improve the uptake of HIVST during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings contribute to the need for innovative HIVST strategies that close critical knowledge and practice gaps on ways to reach young people with HIVST during and beyond the pandemic. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04710784; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04710784.

Bibliographic Analysis of Scientific Research on Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli) in Hop (Humulus lupulus L.)

This study focused on downy mildew in hop caused by the pathogen Pseudoperonospora humuli. A systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometric analysis to explore trends in publishing, prominent research themes, and where research is being conducted on hop downy mildew. The databases Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were used to identify publications spanning from 1928 to 2023. The analysis yielded 54 publications, with the most cited studies primarily focusing on disease management and host resistance. Additionally, these studies explored the genetic and pathogenic relationship between P. cubensis and P. humuli. A word co-occurrence map revealed that the main themes addressed in the publications included “hop”, “disease”, “downy”, “humuli”, “mildew”, and “Pseudoperonospora”. Notably, there was a particular emphasis on subtopics such as disease management, the disease reaction of hop cultivars, and the influence of weather factors on hop downy mildew. Notably, there was limited knowledge about the disease in regions with tropical climates. This study provides valuable information that can support and guide future research endeavors concerning downy mildew in hop cultivation.

News coverage in Australian media: A comprehensive analysis

News media in Australia plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing political discourse, and reflecting societal values. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of news coverage in Australian media, exploring various dimensions including content, bias, framing, and audience engagement. Drawing on a diverse range of sources, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms, the study examines prominent themes such as political discourse and government policies, social and cultural affairs, economic matters and financial markets, environmental concerns and climate change, international relations and global affairs, and technology and innovation. Through thematic analysis, the paper illuminates the dynamic interplay between media content and societal dynamics, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian media landscape in the digital age.

Ideological framing of sign languages and their users in the South African press

Abstract This exploratory study provides an overview of prominent themes pertaining to portrayals of sign languages (SLs) and Deaf people in the South African press (2011–2019), as well as an analysis of a subset of articles to illustrate the discursive constructions of each of the prominent ideological framings. The findings of the paper suggest that many ways of representing South African Sign Language (SASL) and their users align with international trends. The two most prominent ideological framings are the medical/disability model and the linguistic minority model. Within the medical model, SLs are seen as inferior means of communication used by a disabled minority. Within the linguistic minority framework SLs are regarded as natural, legitimate languages deserving equal status to spoken languages. The paper also identifies an ideological framing that is not predicted by the international literature, coined here as ‘diversity tokenism’. Diversity tokenism is when SL is mentioned only to increase perceived diversity, where diversity is a commodity that holds social capital. This portrayal of SASL seems to be increasing and holds a warning: although SASL users have received official recognition and rights through the recent declaration of SASL as an official language, it might not be the end of the battle to ensure that users of SASL can live out their linguistic citizenship.