Qualitative Analysis Research Articles

Determination of veterinary drugs in foods of animal origin by QuEChERS coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

Determination of veterinary drugs in foods of animal origin by QuEChERS coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

Philosophy of Balancing Between Contrasting Forces (A Study of Greek, Hindu, and Chinese Myths)

The philosophy of balancing contrasting forces is a recurring theme in mythological narratives and philosophical systems across various cultures. This study explores how Greek, Hindu, and Chinese traditions conceptualize and symbolize the equilibrium between opposing elements, shedding light on a shared human understanding of duality and harmony. Greek mythology presents the dichotomy between Apollonian and Dionysian forces, Hindu mythology embodies the balance through the figure of Lord Shiva, and Chinese philosophy encapsulates it in the Yin-Yang principle. Each tradition offers unique insights into the interplay of order and chaos, creation and destruction, and passivity and activity. This study aims to analyze the conceptual frameworks of balancing contrasting forces, compare and contrast the thematic expressions of duality in the narratives of these three cultural traditions, and identify universal principles and unique cultural expressions of balance as depicted in these mythologies. Employing a qualitative comparative analysis methodology, the research involves systematic collection, interpretation, and comparison of textual data from primary and secondary sources within these mythological traditions. Textual analysis, thematic coding, and comparative synthesis are utilized to uncover both universal principles and unique cultural expressions. Thematic similarities include interdependence and balance, cyclical nature of existence, and integration of opposites across the three traditions. Findings reveal thematic similarities across the traditions, including the interdependence and cyclical nature of existence and the integration of opposites. Additionally, the research highlights cultural distinctions in symbolic representations, practices, and philosophical interpretations. This comprehensive comparative analysis provides a deeper understanding of global philosophical perspectives on duality and harmony, emphasizing the shared human endeavor to achieve balance in life.

Patient Perspectives on Conversational Artificial Intelligence for Atrial Fibrillation Self-Management: Qualitative Analysis

Background Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) allows for engaging interactions, however, its acceptability, barriers, and enablers to support patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are unknown. Objective This work stems from the Coordinating Health care with AI–supported Technology for patients with AF (CHAT-AF) trial and aims to explore patient perspectives on receiving support from a conversational AI support program. Methods Patients with AF recruited for a randomized controlled trial who received the intervention were approached for semistructured interviews using purposive sampling. The 6-month intervention consisted of fully automated conversational AI phone calls (with speech recognition and natural language processing) that assessed patient health and provided self-management support and education. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results We conducted 30 interviews (mean age 65.4, SD 11.9 years; 21/30, 70% male). Four themes were identified: (1) interaction with a voice-based conversational AI program (human-like interactions, restriction to prespecified responses, trustworthiness of hospital-delivered conversational AI); (2) engagement is influenced by the personalization of content, delivery mode, and frequency (tailoring to own health context, interest in novel information regarding health, overwhelmed with large volumes of information, flexibility provided by multichannel delivery); (3) improving access to AF care and information (continuity in support, enhancing access to health-related information); (4) empowering patients to better self-manage their AF (encouraging healthy habits through frequent reminders, reassurance from rhythm-monitoring devices). Conclusions Although conversational AI was described as an engaging way to receive education and self-management support, improvements such as enhanced dialogue flexibility to allow for more naturally flowing conversations and tailoring to patient health context were also mentioned. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000174886; https://tinyurl.com/3nn7tk72 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/34470

Barriers to Children Disclosing Experiences of Victimization in Cambodian Orphanages

ABSTRACT Children residing in orphanages are at heightened risk of abuse and exploitation, yet little is known about the barriers affecting children from disclosing these experiences. In the current study, we sought to address this gap by exploring the perspectives of stakeholders who had experience responding to orphanage-based child victimization in Cambodia. The stakeholders were interviewed about their experiences and their perspectives were analyzed via qualitative thematic analysis to identify barriers preventing children from disclosing their experiences of victimization, and adults from reporting suspicions of these offenses. The findings indicated that there are complex barriers impeding disclosure and reporting. A community-centered, capacity-building approach has significant potential to facilitate disclosure and reporting, and thus help to protect highly vulnerable children from further victimization.

Criteria and prognostic factors for survival and success rates for autotransplantation in the area of first and second molars.

Autotransplantation of immature third molars is an effective treatment option, offering high success rates, minimal complications, and notable improvements in occlusal function and dental aesthetics. This study aims to review and evaluate the available evidence specifically on the survival and success rates of immature autotransplanted third molars and to identify prognostic factors that influence these outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Elsevier Journals (ScienceDirect), MEDLINE (PubMed), and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (EBSCOhost) databases up to May 2024. Risk of bias within studies was asse ssed with the CASP guidelines. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The pooled survival rate was consistently high across studies, estimated at 91.867% (95% CI: 85.058% to 96.741%), while the success rate, though slightly lower, remained substantial at 90.162% (95% CI: 79.813% to 97.067%). Key prognostic factors identified include the developmental stage of the donor teeth (Moorrees stages from R ¼ to Rc), showing enhanced success due to better potential for pulp revascularization and continued root growth. Additionally, innovative techniques, including advanced methods like computer-aided rapid prototyping (CARP) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), were found to positively impact healing and integration. Fixation methods also played a role, as excessive rigid fixation was linked to higher rates of ankylosis and inflammatory root resorption. Future research should prioritize recipient site and donor tooth characteristics, standardized success criteria, extended follow-up periods, and refined treatment protocols to enhance predictability and long-term outcomes in teeth autotransplantation.

Acceptability and perceptions of a 12-week telehealth exercise programme with dietary advice to increase plant-based protein in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a programme evaluation using mixed methods

ObjectivesTelehealth may offer a cost-effective, accessible and convenient healthcare service model; however, the acceptability, safety and perceptions of telehealth delivered lifestyle interventions in those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)...

Representation of Social Inequality in Russia in the Movie Холоп (Son of a Rich) by Klim Shipenko

Social inequality has been a persistent issue in Russia across the 19th and 21st centuries, manifesting in different forms depending on historical, cultural, and political contexts. This study examines the representation of social inequality in Klim Shipenko’s 2019 film Холоп (Son of a Rich), focusing on how visual and linguistic elements encode and communicate this theme. Employing Stuart Hall’s qualitative representation analysis, the research explores the encoding and decoding of signs that highlight social disparity. The findings classify representations of inequality into three key dimensions: social class, social status, and power dynamics, drawing upon Max Weber’s theoretical framework. The study reveals how the film portrays systemic social hierarchies, emphasizing disparities between nobility and serfs in the 19th century and between urban elites and the rural lower class in the 21st century. Additionally, it examines how power structures perpetuate oppression through autocratic rule in the past and oligarchic influence in the present. By critically analyzing the film’s depiction of social conflicts, discrimination, and authority imbalances, this study underscores its role in delivering social commentary. The film functions as a medium of critique, shaping viewers’ perceptions of Russia’s socio-political realities. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader discussions on social inequality and media’s role in reflecting and challenging entrenched power structures.

Next stop – mental health: a qualitative study of healthcare journeys from the perspective of young adults in Sweden

BackgroundHelp-seeking for mental health problems is a complex process that involves handling both personal challenges and dealing with the organizational structure of the healthcare system. The healthcare system is siloed and fragmented, but it is unclear how the challenges are experienced by the young adults and what their healthcare journeys look like. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore experiences of young adults’ healthcare journeys in the context of help-seeking for common mental health problems.MethodsIn total, 25 young adults (16 women and 9 men) from a student healthcare centre at a Swedish university seeking help for common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, were interviewed. A qualitative thematic analysis with an inductive approach was done, and results were abstracted and presented in terms of journey-related metaphors.ResultsThe healthcare journeys of young adults were described as Taxi Riding, Commuting, Sightseeing, and Backpacking. Taxi riding and Commuting are defined by going in a straightforward and smooth way in the healthcare system, without major obstacles to care. In contrast, Sightseeing and Backpacking are characterized by more diffuse and negative experiences, where the young adults are not satisfied with the help received from healthcare providers. Help-seeking is not conformant with the design of the healthcare system but steered by a range of factors, including individual experiences and young adults’ agency, the available resources at the various healthcare providers, and interaction with healthcare professionals.ConclusionsYoung adults’ healthcare journeys in the context of help-seeking for common mental health problems are related to individual, relational, and organizational factors. Some journeys run smoothly, epitomizing a functioning healthcare system that accommodates a rational help-seeker. Other journeys depict a rigid healthcare system, where the success and nature of the journey primarily depend on individual agency and on not becoming discouraged by obstacles. There is a need for more knowledge on how to support young adults’ mental health help-seeking. However, we also need more insights into how the healthcare system can become more receptive and accommodating toward the needs of young adults with common mental health problems.

Scientific review of protocols to enhance informativeness of global health clinical trials

Abstract Background Trial informativeness describes the likelihood of a clinical trial to have a meaningful impact on clinical practice, research, or policy decisions. A dedicated scientific review process for protocols at the post-funding stage is not common, yet is an opportunity to enhance trial informativeness. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), one of the largest funders of clinical trials, created a group called Design, Analyze, Communicate (DAC). DAC’s first completion of an expert scientific review of a grantee’s trial protocol was in 2020. We categorized and quantified areas of scientific review feedback provided for 52 clinical trial protocols submitted to DAC over a 3-year period. Most trials planned to study treatment interventions and included at least one trial site in a low- and middle-income country. Feedback themes offer insight into areas of trial design weakness. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of protocol review feedback provided by DAC to grantees. Reviews were completed by BMGF between 2020 and 2022. A qualitative content analysis was conducted by developing a codebook of clinical trial methodology topics and subtopics and systematically coding free-text review feedback. Manual text classification of individual feedback statements enabled quantification and frequency analysis of review feedback. Results A total of 1537 individual recommendations were made across all 52 protocols. The median number of recommendations per protocol was 28 (range: 13 to 52), covering a wide range of issues related to clinical trial design, implementation, analysis, and impact. Nearly half of all recommendations (47%) were characterized by the review team as high priority. The areas with the highest frequency of recommendations were statistics and data analysis, trial procedures, and intervention/dose. Conclusions This study provides a taxonomy of scientific review feedback topic areas that can be used to categorize clinical trial design topics. The high number of recommendations per protocol review across several distinct topic areas highlights the need for a scientific review to enhance trial informativeness. This review must take place prior to trial initiation and review teams should include statistical and trial design expertise with additional expertise tailored to the trial/intervention type and phase.

Communication recovery in the first three months following minor stroke.

Evidence suggests that people with minor stroke can experience multiple post-stroke impairments. This study explored the communication skills of people with minor stroke one week and three months post-stroke. A longitudinal cohort mixed method design was used. Participants completed the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised, Boston Naming Test, La Trobe Communication Questionnaire-Self, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale, along with semi-structured interviews and conversation samples 1 week and 3 months post-stroke. Fourteen participants were recruited. Five experienced aphasia according to Western Aphasia Battery-Revised scores at one week. Boston Naming Test scores improved significantly between one week and three months (p = .020). There were no significant changes in Western Aphasia Battery-Revised, La Trobe Communication Questionnaire-Self, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, or Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale scores between one week and three months (all p > .05). Word finding difficulties were noted in most participants' conversation samples, but rarely led to conversation breakdowns. Qualitative content analysis revealed eight categories, including communication changes and their impact, the impact of other post-stroke impairments, strategies used, and services received. This study provides further evidence that a subset of people with minor stroke experience post-stroke communication changes. Future research should explore the optimal speech-language pathology support for this potentially under-serviced patient cohort.

Empirical Analysis of NIS2 Adoption in EU SMEs: Challenges for Critical Infrastructure in Germany

This research investigates the implementation of the NIS2 Directive in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) categorised as part of critical infrastructure in Germany. The study examines regulatory requirements, compliance challenges, and the practical implications of cybersecurity obligations under NIS2, with particular emphasis on SMEs’ resource limitations and sector-specific vulnerabilities. A mixed-method approach was utilised, integrating qualitative analysis of legal frameworks, academic literature, and policy guidelines with quantitative survey data from SMEs operating in critical sectors. This methodological design facilitates a comprehensive assessment of both regulatory demands and real-world compliance barriers. The findings indicate that SMEs encounter substantial challenges in interpreting and implementing NIS2 requirements, with compliance scores exhibiting variation across company size and industry sector. While larger SMEs in telecommunications and energy demonstrate moderate preparedness (mean score 72.3), smaller enterprises in service-based sectors manifest lower compliance levels (mean score 48.5). Principal obstacles comprise financial constraints, limited cybersecurity expertise, and the complexity of mandatory risk management and reporting obligations. The study elucidates the disproportionate burden that NIS2 imposes on SMEs in comparison to larger enterprises. The absence of tailored cybersecurity frameworks and financial support mechanisms exacerbates compliance challenges, particularly in resource-limited sectors. Incident reporting obligations and supply chain security requirements introduce additional administrative and operational encumbrances, necessitating sector-specific guidance and targeted assistance. Ensuring SME compliance with NIS2 necessitates regulatory modifications, financial incentives, and pragmatic support measures. Policy recommendations encompass simplified compliance frameworks, government- supported cybersecurity advisory services, and enhanced funding for SME cybersecurity initiatives. The development of sector-specific guidelines, AI-driven compliance tools, and targeted training programmes could reduce administrative burdens while enhancing cybersecurity resilience. A risk-based approach, aligned with SMEs’ operational realities, is imperative to balance cybersecurity resilience with economic viability.

The ethics of intimacy and sexuality of older adults living in nursing homes: A systematic review of argument-based literature.

Admission to a nursing home does not automatically blunt the desire or reduce the need for intimacy and sexuality in older residents. This ageist and ableist stereotype that older people are asexual or post-sexual negatively affects nurses and other healthcare professionals, as they are regularly faced with residents' sexual expressions. How are nurses to view and respond appropriately if a clear understanding of current ethical concepts and argumentations about intimacy and sexuality in older adults is lacking? This study aimed to document and better understand current ethical concepts and arguments about intimacy and sexuality in institutionalised older adults. We used PRISMA and Reporting of Systematic Reviews in Ethics guidelines in a systematic review of current ethical literature (2010 to 2023). Six databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Atla, and Philosopher's Index. Inclusion criteria were (1) publication was argument-based; (2) contained ethical concepts and arguments concerning intimacy and/or sexuality in institutionalised older adults; and (3) written in English, French, German, or Dutch. Our search returned 4371 publications; of those, 29 publications met our inclusion criteria. Since all included articles appeared in peer-reviewed journals, article quality was assumed to be sufficiently good. Our use of a modified version of the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven showed that two main approaches characterised discussions of intimacy and sexuality in institutionalised older adults: (1) individual-cognitive-oriented approach and (2) relational-embodied-oriented approach. The first emphasises respect for autonomy and consent, fundamental to protecting rights and dignity. The second focusses on intentional bodily capacities and the interdependent nature of being human, both crucial for the emotional well-being of the residents, even when cognitive abilities decline. We conclude that the ethical landscape on sexuality in ageing has shifted, implying that changes are warranted on how ethicists, society, and healthcare professionals view sexual expressions of older adults.

Practices of personalized treatment selection among German psychotherapists: A preregistered mixed methods study.

Objective: Despite growing interest in personalized psychotherapy research, little is known about therapists' current practice of personalizing psychotherapy. This study aimed to examine the extent to which psychotherapists engage in personalized treatment selection (PTS), i.e., recommending the presumably best-fitting treatment package to a patient, as one way of personalizing psychotherapy. Method: This is a pre-registered study using open- and closed-ended questions in an online survey among German psychotherapists (N = 557 started, N = 392 (70.4%) completed). We applied logistic regression analyses to investigate predictors of PTS and qualitative analyses to investigate therapists' subjective reasoning for and against PTS. Results: 78.7% (N = 437) of the therapists stated that they had practiced PTS in the past. Therapists trained in psychodynamic approaches were more likely to engage in PTS than cognitive-behavioral therapists. Therapists named a variety of patient characteristics that can lead to the recommendation of specific treatment approaches, most notably diagnostic factors and patient preferences. Therapists not engaging in PTS most often referred to the effectiveness of their own approach as explanation. Conclusion: The majority of psychotherapists provide personalized treatment recommendations to their patients. In light of our findings, we discuss challenges for the implementation of data-driven clinical support tools for PTS.

Artificial intelligence bias auditing – current approaches, challenges and lessons from practice

Purpose This study aims to explore current approaches, challenges and practical lessons in auditing artificial intelligence (AI) systems for bias, focusing on legal compliance audits in the USA and the European Union (EU). This emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies to ensure trustworthy AI systems that align with ethical and regulatory expectations. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative analysis compared bias audit practices, including US bias audit report summaries under New York City’s Local Law 144 and conformity assessments (CAs) required by the EU AI Act. Data was gathered from publicly available reports and compliance guidelines to identify key challenges and lessons. Findings The findings revealed that AI systems are susceptible to various biases stemming from data, algorithms and human oversight. Although valuable, legal compliance audits lack standardization, leading to inconsistent reporting practices. The EU’s risk-based CA approach offers a comprehensive framework; however, its effectiveness depends on developing practical standards and consistent application. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by the early implementation stage of regulatory frameworks, particularly the EU AI Act, and restricted access to comprehensive audit reports. A geographic focus on US and EU jurisdictions may limit the generalizability of the findings. Data availability constraints and the lack of standardized reporting frameworks affect the comparative analysis. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies of audit effectiveness, the development of standardized methodologies for intersectional bias assessment and the investigation of automated audit tools that can adapt to emerging AI technologies while maintaining practical feasibility across different organizational contexts. Practical implications This research underscores the necessity of adopting socio-technical perspectives and standardized methodologies in AI auditing. It provides actionable insights for firms, regulators and auditors into implementing robust governance and risk assessment practices to mitigate AI biases. Social implications Effective AI bias auditing practices ensure algorithmic fairness and prevent discriminatory outcomes in critical domains like employment, health care and financial services. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced stakeholder engagement and community representation in audit processes. Implementing robust auditing frameworks can help close socioeconomic gaps by identifying and mitigating biases disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. This research contributes to developing equitable AI systems that respect diversity and promote social justice while maintaining technological advancement. Originality/value This study contributes to the discourse on AI governance by comparing two regulatory approaches, bias audits and CAs and offers practical lessons from current implementation. It highlights the critical role of standardization in advancing trustworthy and ethical AI systems in the finance and accounting contexts.

Playing With Data: A Board Game-Inspired Technique to Engage Local Stakeholders in Participatory Qualitative Analysis

Involving local stakeholders in qualitative data analysis often demands significant time, resources, and skilled facilitation to ensure effective participation. This tutorial provides step-by-step guidance on a game-inspired approach that makes participatory qualitative analysis more accessible and time efficient. By framing the analytical process as a board game, this technique addresses common barriers by simplifying and structuring stakeholder involvement. The tutorial outlines a three-step process in which local stakeholders participate in the second step, working with condensed, pre-coded data fragments in a game-like setting to address key questions. This approach has shown utility in involving diverse stakeholder groups in qualitative analysis while managing resource demands.

Lexical Creativity in Online Music Reviews

The language of the 21st century encompasses a wide array of texts, many of which can be found on the Internet. While the language of Internet blogs, posts and memes has received considerable attention from scholars, the language of online music reviews remains one of the most underresearched Internet genres. One of the music reviewing websites offering lexically creative content is Pitchfork. Authors of the reviews are prolific with regard to the creation of hyphenated neologistic compounds such as all-proceeds-to-charity wine, the last-real-gangsta-standing attitude and smartphone-sucking lives. The aim of this study is to analyse hyphenated compound occasionalisms and neologisms in Pitchfork music reviews in terms of their meaning, structure and function. The analysis features compounds obtained from the corpus of music reviews created for the purpose of the study. Quantitative analysis involves all compounds in the reviews, while qualitative analysis is employed for neologistic compounds. The findings indicate that two-element compounds are the most common in the corpus as far as compound structure is concerned. In terms of the syntactic criterion, compound adjectives are the most frequently used, followed by compound nouns, with few instances of compound verbs and adverbs. Neologistic compounds are employed for the purposes of ludic wordplay as well as achieving humour and irony. The most salient features of neologistic compounds are high context-dependence, unpredictability and allusions to pop-culture.

Assessing the efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on rheumatoid arthritis: an umbrella review.

The relationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has attracted considerable interest. However, the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on RA remains uncertain. This umbrella review aims to consolidate current research to establish a stronger evidence base. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched from inception to August 2024. Two independent reviewers handled study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment (AMSTAR-2). The qualitative analysis covered clinical activity, joint symptoms, inflammatory markers, cytokines, and autoantibodies. Quantitative results for disease activity score 28 (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were reported as mean differences (MD)with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 2,982 records were screened, with 41 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, and9 selected for evidence synthesis. Qualitative analysis suggests that NSPT may reduce clinical activityin patients with periodontitis and RA. Quantitative analysis provided suggestive evidence on theeffects of NSPT on DAS28, with the MD ranging from -0.38 (95% CI: -0.46 to -0.31) to -1.18 (95%CI: -1.43 to -0.93). One-third of the included studies were rated as "high" quality, while another one-third were "critically low". The present evidence suggests that NSPT may provide benefits in managing RAsymptoms in patients with periodontitis; however, the potential bias of current evidence calls forfurther rigorous studies. Clinicians should account for the complex interplay between periodontitis andRA when devising treatment strategies.

Using the PEBIC criteria to assess the quality of responses provided during a Family Planning radio program

IntroductionRadio remains a dominant source of information, in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 75% of the population relying on it. In Nigeria, radio reaches over 70% of citizens and stands as a vital tool for behavior change. Tailoring radio programs to address needs and cultural contexts of communities has proved essential for building trust and influencing behavioral change. Traditional evaluation of radio interactive programs focus on listener engagement metrics but overlooks the evaluation of the quality of the resource person's responses to the caller's questions. This study aimed to assess the quality of information delivered by resource persons during the interactive segments of a Family Planning (FP) radio program using a criteria.MethodsA qualitative analysis was conducted on caller questions and resource person responses from FP radio programs in three Nigerian states. A customized ranking system based on “Presentation,” “Empathy,” “Provider's Bias elimination,” “Information correctness,” and “Context Specificity” (PEBIC) was used by FP experts to assess the resource person's response quality. The scores for the responses were segmented and categorized into low, moderate and high quality using the mean, and standard deviation then analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsFor the technical segment of the radio program, while individually assessing each item on the criteria, the quality of responses was high, with an average of 91.2%. For the entertainment education segment of the radio program, while individually assessing each item on the criteria, the quality of responses with empathy was low (28%), however, the quality of responses for other criteria was high, with an average of 79.8%. Furthermore, in the overall quality of response for the technical segment, the responses given by the resource persons were of high quality (81%) while those of the entertainment education segment were of moderate quality (58%).ConclusionThe radio program excelled in delivering technical information but fell short in fostering adequate empathy during the entertainment education segment. Additional training for resource persons to hone their skills in embedding their message delivery in an empathetic frame thus strengthening the emotive connection with the audience is key. This could significantly improve the program's overall impact.

Family Planning Services Accessibility and Availability in Sokoto State

Family planning is a critical component of reproductive health, yet accessibility and availability remain significant challenges in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Despite national policies promoting contraceptive use, utilization rates remain low due to geographic, socio-cultural, economic, and policy-related barriers. This study explores the accessibility and availability of family planning services in Sokoto State, applying theoretical frameworks such as Andersen’s Behavioral Model, the Five A’s of Access, and a geospatial healthcare access perspective. It examines key barriers and provides policy recommendations for improving service delivery. The study is conceptual and theoretical, relying on secondary data sources from national demographic surveys, policy documents, peer-reviewed journals, and reports from international organizations. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to assess factors influencing family planning service utilization. Findings reveal that health facility distribution is uneven, with rural areas facing greater geographic and economic barriers to contraceptive access. Socio-cultural and religious factors significantly influence contraceptive acceptance, with many women requiring spousal or community approval. Additionally, funding constraints and poor policy implementation hinder the expansion of family planning programs. Addressing family planning service accessibility requires targeted interventions such as expanding service coverage in rural areas, engaging religious leaders, subsidizing contraceptives, and strengthening policy implementation. Integrating family planning into primary healthcare services and using geospatial data to improve resource allocation can enhance service delivery.

Unveiling the Impact of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors on Graduate Salaries: A Machine Learning Explanatory Analytical Approach Using Higher Education Statistical Agency Data

Graduate salaries are a significant concern for graduates, employers, and policymakers, as various factors influence them. This study investigates determinants of graduate salaries in the UK, utilising survey data from HESA (Higher Education Statistical Agency) and integrating advanced machine learning (ML) explanatory techniques with statistical analytical methodologies. By employing multi-stage analyses alongside machine learning models such as decision trees, random forests and the explainability with SHAP stands for (Shapley Additive exPanations), this study investigates the influence of 21 socioeconomic and demographic variables on graduate salary outcomes. Key variables, including institutional reputation, age at graduation, socioeconomic classification, job qualification requirements, and domicile, emerged as critical determinants, with institutional reputation proving the most significant. Among ML methods, the decision tree achieved a standout with the highest accuracy through rigorous optimisation techniques, including oversampling and undersampling. SHAP highlighted the top 12 influential variables, providing actionable insights into the interplay between individual and systemic factors. Furthermore, the statistical analysis using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) validated the significance of these variables, revealing intricate interactions that shape graduate salary dynamics. Additionally, domain experts’ opinions are also analysed to authenticate the findings. This research makes a unique contribution by combining qualitative contextual analysis with quantitative methodologies, machine learning explainability and domain experts’ views on addressing gaps in the existing identification of graduate salary predicting components. Additionally, the findings inform policy and educational interventions to reduce wage inequalities and promote equitable career opportunities. Despite limitations, such as the UK-specific dataset and the focus on socioeconomic and demographic variables, this study lays a robust foundation for future research in predictive modelling and graduate outcomes.