Qualitative Data Collection Approaches Research Articles

Teachers as thinkers, not feelers: Clarifying the definition and measurement of attitude in teachers’ acceptance of online teaching

This mixed-methods study attempted to clarify the definition and measurement of attitude in teachers' acceptance of online teaching. A combined quantitative and qualitative data collection approach was employed, involving 2,432 Chinese university teachers in the survey. The results supported the appropriateness and necessity of adopting an evaluation-focused attitude rather than affect-focused attitude for explaining teachers' intention to conduct online teaching, suggesting teachers are “thinkers” rather than “feelers” when forming their attitudes towards online teaching. These findings highlight the role of cost-benefit appraisal in determining teachers’ adoption and implementation of online teaching, thus potentially influencing teaching quality of higher education.

Evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Group Antenatal Care at the health post level on continuation in antenatal care and facility based delivery in Ethiopia using a cluster randomized stepped-wedge design: Study protocol

Background Adequate antenatal care (ANC) and facility-based delivery are linked to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Adequate antenatal care attendance and facility birth rates are increasing in Ethiopia but remain well below national goals and global recommendations. Group ANC (G-ANC), when implemented at higher level facilities, is associated with improved quality and experience of ANC, and increased ANC retention and facility-based delivery. The objectives of the study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of G-ANC implemented at lower-level facilities (health posts) on ANC continuation and facility-based delivery. Methods G-ANC will first be piloted in five purposively selected health posts. The study will then use a stepped-wedge design in 36 health posts under six health centers, with randomization of the order of the start of the intervention done at the health center level (clusters). The design will include three time periods: first is a six-month control period with no G-ANC implementation, followed by another six months period where G-ANC will be introduced in half (n=18) of the study health posts, then final six months where G-ANC will be implemented in the remaining 18 health posts. Quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches will be used. The study has “pause and reflect” points designed to iterate on the intervention before rolling out to the next set of sites. Qualitative research will be conducted using in-depth interviews with pregnant women, health care workers, facility managers, and regional health managers. 770 women will be enrolled across all phases. Conclusions The study will inform decision makers locally and globally on whether G-ANC is a feasible service delivery model at the health post level. Effectiveness of G-ANC at increasing ANC retention and facility-based delivery will be reported, as well as its acceptability to pregnant women and Health Extension Workers. Registration NCT05054491, ClinicalTrials.gov (September 23rd 2021).

Examining the performance of responding to the Khoy earthquake 2022, challenges, strengths, and lessons learned: thematic analysis

ObjectiveDisasters in developing countries result in higher human and financial losses compared to global standards, with the death rate being 12 times higher than that of developed countries. Many experts attribute the failures in disaster management to the lack of a system for documenting and analyzing disaster management functions and not leveraging the experiences and lessons learned. This study employed a qualitative data collection approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with managers, deputies, members of operational teams, and individuals affected by the disaster in the area. This research aims to explore the challenges, strengths, and lessons learned from the response to the Khoy earthquake in Iran.ResultsAfter conducting 40 interviews and achieving data saturation, we extracted experiences and lessons learned to investigate the performance of responsible organizations in the 2022 Khoy earthquake. The obtained data were categorized into 8 categories and 39 sub-categories. These categories encompassed warning and calling forces, disaster assessment, disaster commanding, emergency housing, supply and distribution of items, organization, and guidance of public participation and charities, psychological support, logistics operations, monitoring, evaluation, documentation, information dissemination, and media management. Planners and operational managers can use the findings to review and revise their action and prevention plans.

Examining the influence of international organizations in globalizing education policy in Kuwait: a qualitative study

PurposeGlobalization, and more specifically international organizations, has had a major effect upon national education systems worldwide. Understandably, the academic literature covering this phenomenon has expanded at a prolific rate. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by examining how the international organizations affect global education policy, as seen via the lens of a Kuwaiti context.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative data collection approach using semi-structured interviews with 27 key figures involved in policymaking at national educational institutions in Kuwait. Each interview was coded for recurring themes.FindingsThree main themes emerged from data analysis: (1) policy adoption and reformulation, (2) curriculum and pedagogical changes and (3) evaluation and accountability mechanisms. This study’s findings demonstrated that globalization processes and international organizations have profoundly affected Kuwait’s national educational policies.Originality/valueThis research forms the foundation for further investigations into how international organizations have affected national and subnational educational decision-making and reforms.

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Desa dalam Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Stunting di Desa Gondosuli, Solo, Jawa Tengah

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Desa dalam Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Stunting di Desa Gondosuli, Solo, Jawa Tengah

HIRE ME!: Interactive Gaming Simulation as a Teaching Aid to Enhance English Speaking Skills Among UTHM Students

English is the dominant language in many nations throughout the world. Nonetheless, despite the government’s efforts, Malaysian university students still see speaking English as a daunting endeavour. This article discusses how interactive simulation games may be used as a teaching tool to help Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) students improve their English-speaking abilities. Furthermore, the purpose of this research is to study the fundamentals of English-speaking skills, to design an informative and appealing interactive simulation gaming as a teaching aid, and to verify the effectiveness of interactive simulation gaming in enhancing English-speaking abilities. A mixed method design combining qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches was employed. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a professor from the Centre for Language Studies at UTHM, and the collected data were carefully verified with content analysis. Additionally, a questionnaire was distributed among 69 UTHM students from different faculties to gather insights on how to design an interactive and engaging gaming simulator for English speaking learning. Once the data have been collected, it will be thoroughly analysed and validate with descriptive analysis. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the fundamental aspects of English language learning and provide opportunities for further improvement and refinement of the game. Future studies could focus on refining the game’s aesthetics and overall visual appeal, creating a more immersive and captivating gaming experience, and incorporating elements of gamification to further enhance motivation and drive sustained engagement. The game can be created by making it into Virtual reality, the players are able to immerse the gameplay of feeling in a real situation of being interview while answer the questions that has been given out by the game has provided.

Analisis Studi Kelayakan Bisnis pada Seblak Teh Uun di Dusun Cambay Desa Jatibaru (Studi Kasus pada Aspek Pemasaran dan Aspek Manajemen)

Indonesians, especially young people, are familiar with Bandung's specialties. Seblak is one of Indonesia's most popular dishes. Seblak has strong roots in the city of Bandung, West Java, but has now become an integral part of Indonesian cuisine that is favored by many people, especially among young people to the elderly. The purpose of this study is to assess the business feasibility of Seblak Teh Uun located in Cambay Hamlet, Jatibaru Village, East Cikarang Sub-district from a non-financial perspective. Non-financial variables, such as marketing aspects and management aspects. This research uses a qualitative data collection approach through interviews, observation, and documentation. Based on the results of non-financial findings such as marketing aspects and management aspects, Seblak Teh Uun in Cambay Hamlet, Jatibaru Village is feasible to develop. Seblak Teh Uun's business is considered feasible because in terms of quality ingredients. In addition, the marketing approach carried out through offline/online media that connects sellers and customers allows the business to continue. Keywords: Business Feasibility Study, Management Aspects, Marketing Aspects.

Evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Group Antenatal Care at the health post level on continuation in antenatal care and facility based delivery in Ethiopia using a cluster randomized stepped-wedge design: Study protocol

Background Adequate antenatal care (ANC) and facility-based delivery are linked to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Adequate antenatal care attendance and facility birth rates are increasing in Ethiopia but remain well below national goals and global recommendations. Group ANC (G-ANC), when implemented at higher level facilities, is associated with improved quality and experience of ANC, and increased ANC retention and facility-based delivery. The objectives of the study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of G-ANC implemented at lower-level facilities (health posts) on ANC continuation and facility-based delivery. Methods G-ANC will first be piloted in five purposively selected health posts. The study will then use a stepped-wedge design in 36 health posts under six health centers, with randomization of the order of the start of the intervention done at the health center level (clusters). The design will include three time periods: first is a six-month control period with no G-ANC implementation, followed by another six months period where G-ANC will be introduced in half (n=18) of the study health posts, then final six months where G-ANC will be implemented in the remaining 18 health posts. Quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches will be used. The study has “pause and reflect” points designed to iterate on the intervention before rolling out to the next set of sites. Qualitative research will be conducted using in-depth interviews with pregnant women, health care workers, facility managers, and regional health managers. 770 women will be enrolled across all phases. Conclusions The study will inform decision makers locally and globally on whether G-ANC is a feasible service delivery model at the health post level. Effectiveness of G-ANC at increasing ANC retention and facility-based delivery will be reported, as well as its acceptability to pregnant women and Health Extension Workers. Registration NCT05054491, ClinicalTrials.gov (September 23rd 2021).

Effective Management of Construction Project Team: Identifying Leadership Qualities and Responsibilities

Leadership within construction project teams is a critical aspect of effective project management, yet a comprehensive understanding of essential leadership qualities and responsibilities remains elusive in academic discourse. This research addresses this gap by identifying key leadership characteristics crucial for the efficient management of construction teams. The study objectives include exploring essential leadership characteristics and filling the gap in the leadership literature specific to the construction industry. This study employed a qualitative data collection and analysis approach involving in-depth interviews with nine seasoned professionals from diverse construction-related roles and organizations. The findings reveal that emotional intelligence and relationship building are paramount for creating a collaborative and innovative work environment. Empowerment and inclusivity foster team initiative and diversity, although caution is warranted to mitigate potential negative impacts on role stress and unethical behavior. Recognition and appreciation of team contributions contribute to morale and motivation, while continuous learning encourages adaptability and growth. Precise goal setting and efficient communication are foundational for focused and responsive team dynamics, while delegation and trust-building strategies promote collaboration and cohesion. Finally, prioritizing employee well-being ensures a positive and healthy work environment conducive to sustained engagement. The study contributes valuable insights into leadership characteristics vital for constructing teams' optimal functioning and management. The multifaceted nature of construction project management is highlighted, emphasizing the need for leaders to possess a diverse skill set to navigate the complexities of team dynamics in the construction industry. The findings provide actionable knowledge for practitioners and scholars, fostering a more holistic comprehension of effective ......

A Quasi-experimental study on the effectiveness of primary caregiver social support capacity on self-management practices of clients living with type II diabetes in Machakos county, Kenya

Background: Diabetes is a fast-growing public health emergency, projected to affect 643 million people by 2045. While primary caregiver social support can influence the self-management practices of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) clients, there's often limited capacity to provide it. The study determined the effectiveness of enhanced caregivers' social support capacity on self-management practices of T2D clients in Machakos. Methods: A six-month quasi-experimental study design that adopted quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches. Primary caregivers at the Matungulu intervention site were trained on T2D self-management and types of social support, with no intervention conducted at the Masinga control site. Results: Over 90% of the 227 primary caregivers were female, with a mean age of 43.28, supporting approximately three T2D clients each. Post-intervention, a 27.2% change in capacity to identify all T2D self-management practices was noted compared to a 7.6% change in the control group. The greatest contribution was in the primary caregivers' ability to provide tangible, followed by emotional and informational social support, resulting in a statistically significant improvement in the self-management practices in the intervention site, B=0.140 (95% CI: 0.072, 0.208), t=4.046, p<0.001. Consequently, the difference in blood glucose levels was statistically significant, crude OR=3.213 [95% CI: 2.039, 5.063], p<0.001. Conclusions: Enhanced capacity to provide social support positively correlates with the T2D clients' self-management practices. Further investigation of factors that hinder the full realization of primary caregiver social support capacity benefits in improving self-management capacities among T2D clients is recommended.

Documenting the implementation processes and effects of the data use initiatives in primary health care settings in Tanzania: A before-after mixed methods study protocol.

The use of data in decision making and planning in primary health care settings is critical for improving efficiency and health outcomes for patients and communities. Implementation research can be used to fully understand the effects, context, challenges, and facilitators of data use, as well as how to scale up data use interventions. However, in the context of low resource settings, little is known about how implementation research can be employed to assess the implementation and impact of data use interventions. We will conduct a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study employing a mixed method controlled before and after design to measure the effects of data use interventions while simultaneously understanding the implementation of those initiatives. The controlled before and after entails measurement of the effects of the interventions at baseline and end line in a matched intervention and control health facilities using structured questionnaire to health workers (n = 440) and existing patients (n = 422) while also extracting selected health outcome variable from routine data in all participating health facilities (n = 80). The mixed methods component entails measuring the implementation outcomes (adoption, acceptability, fidelity and maintenance) and their moderators entails the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation (i.e. mixed methods) approach by using a structured questionnaire to implementers (health workers and managers) (n = 400). Experiential dimensions of implementation processes and moderators will be explored using qualitative interviews. Guided by implementation research theories and frameworks, a theory of change (TOC) is developed first to guide the evaluation of implementation processes and effects of the interventions. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be employed to analyze quantitative data whereas thematic analysis approach will be employed for qualitative data. This study is one of the first to test the simultaneous measurement of effects and implementation processes of data use interventions in the primary health care settings. Findings will support efforts to improve quality of services by optimizing scale up and sustainability of the data use initiatives in primary health care settings.

Effect of women empowerment on women-owned business performance in Wakiso District, Uganda

Purpose: This study identified women empowerment practices and investigated the challenges to women-owned business performance in the Kyengera Town Council. Research methodology: This study employed a descriptive survey design using a qualitative data collection approach. A sample of 57 women was selected from 67 women who owned businesses using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through surveys and interviews, edited, cleaned, coded to develop themes, and entered into MS Excel to generate frequency tables. Results: The results showed economic empowerment, competence development, market information sharing, and social networking as practices for women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the results reveal economic issues, law and policy, environmental issues, sociocultural issues, geopolitics, and incompetence as key challenges. Limitations: The study was limited by financial challenges and inaccessibility to women-owned businesses on the Kyengera town council. Contribution: This study offers a new era for research on women’s empowerment, key to addressing the existing gap in women’s contribution to women-owned business performance. Thus, based on the results, women feel assured of their role in women-owned business performance and community development in the district. Novelty: The originality of the study was expressed in the results elicited from the participants. Such a study has never been conducted in the Kyengera Town Council; thus, the results would provide avenues for referral for future researchers. In previous studies, male businesses were at the forefront of other areas. However, women who owned businesses in the Kyengera council were considered for study.

Integrated Immunization Information System in Indonesia: Prototype Design Using Quantitative and Qualitative Data.

As the volume of immunization records increases, problems with fragmented records arise, especially since the majority of records in developing countries, including Indonesia, remain paper based. Implementing an immunization information system (IIS) offers a solution to this problem. In this study, we designed an integrated IIS prototype in Indonesia using the design science research (DSR) methodology. The stages of the DSR methodology followed in this study included identifying problems and motivating and defining objectives for a solution, design and development, demonstration, evaluation, communication, and drawing conclusions and suggestions. Specifically, this study began with problem formulation and a literature review. We then applied quantitative (questionnaire with 305 members of the public) and qualitative (interviews with 15 health workers including nurses, midwives, and doctors) data collection approaches. The resulting high-fidelity prototype follows the 8 golden rules. There are 2 IIS designs, one for the public as immunization recipients and another for health workers. The functionalities include immunization history, schedule, recommendations, verification, certificates, reminders and recalls, coverage, monitoring, news, and reports of adverse events. Evaluation of the prototype was carried out through interviews and a questionnaire designed according to the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). The SUS value was 72.5 or "Good (Acceptable)," while the system usefulness, information quality, interface quality, and overall value on the PSSUQ were 2.65, 2.94, 2.48, and 2.71, respectively, which indicate it has an effective design. This provides a guide for health facilities, health regulators, and health application developers on how to implement an integrated IIS in Indonesia.

COVID-19 induced DV in Zimbabwe’s Southlea Park residential area in Harare

COVID-19 affected various communities across the globe in different ways. The study assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on domestic violence in the Southlea-Park residential area in Harare. A mixed-methods research design was adopted as it allowed use of both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. Questionnaires, interviews, and observations were employed for data collection. The research showed that DV in the Southlea Park residential area emanated from drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, conflicts over decision-making between parents, prostitution, and food insufficiency, among others. The study indicated that most dominant forms of DV in Southlea Park during the COVID-19 lockdown period included physical, emotional, and verbal violence. The findings from this study indicated that males suffered more from verbal and psychological violence, while females suffered more from physical, economic, sexual, and emotional violence. The research concludes that COVID-19 had massive influence on domestic violence; however, the Zimbabwe Republic Police should ensure deployment of police officers in temporary camps within or close to residential areas that are far from police stations to ensure public safety during situations that trigger domestic and other forms of violence in residential areas, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Zimbabwe should ensure availability of agents responsible for ensuring against vulnerability of people to gender, domestic, and other forms of violence in all communities of the country, especially during situations that trigger violence.

Effects of corona virus on commercial farming in the kingdom of Eswatini

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial farming (particularly sugar cane, pineapples and citrus fruits) in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The study concentrated on how the pandemic has affected the workers, marketing of the final products as well as the strategies adopted in order to ensure that production was maximized and the target goals were met in the midst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted the qualitative approach of data collection and analysis. Due to restrictions on movement and visitation imposed by the government in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, data was collected from only nine (9) respondents, comprising of supervisors and managers (four from Royal Swazi Sugar Cooperation, three from Illovo and two from Rhodes using a questionnaire. The study found that, since commercial farming (specifically sugar cane, pineapple and citrus fruits) form the back born of the country’s economy, production continued normally even though a few alterations had to be made to accommodate the COVID-19 regulations so as to ensure that the GDP is less affected. Despite that borders were formally closed and/or operating under strict rules and restrictions, (mainly on emergencies), it was not hard to export the products. This is solely because drivers were allowed to pass through, although at times the products would delay due to fumigation at the border post. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught both the government and the commercial organizations that they need to be always prepared for unforeseen occurrences through ensuring that there is more than enough food or products available for local consumption and export. The study recommends that measures to increase production be put in place to fill up the production deficit, while the relaxation of more COVID-19 control measures is effected in order to ensure a full recovery of the agricultural commercial sector in Eswatini – a significant sector in the country’s economy.

Assessment of quality indicators of nursing care and clients’ satisfaction at federal medical centre Jigawa state, Nigeria

Background:The challenges in Human Resources for Health Management and Development are global. It is particularly worst in sub Saharan Africa which has been strewn with crisis. Investments in the training of the much needed professionals do not seem to match requirement and therefore does not make the expected impact. A number of other factors have also been assigned to the low level of health worker concentration in areas where their services are needed in Africa. The quality of care that nurses provide is influenced by individual nurse characteristics such as knowledge and experience, as well as human factors such as fatigue. Aims: The study aim was to Assess Quality indicators of Nursing care and clients’ satisfaction at Federal Medical Centre Jigawa State, Nigeria. Methodology: A Descriptive cross sectional design with quantitative and qualitative data collection approach was implemented in this study to Assess Quality indicators of Nursing care and clients’ satisfaction at Federal Medical Centre Jigawa State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprises nurse managers and in-patients of Federal medical Centre, Birnin kudu, Jigawa State. Probability (stratified) sampling was used for quantitative aspect and census sampling for qualitative aspect. Four main tools were used for data collection. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis. Results: The results revealed that: In the result to assess the nursing care quality, 34% of the respondents were very comfortable of the helpfulness of nurses. 26.7% reported to be good as well as excellent by 23.3%.Significant percentages of the respondents (38.4%) were very comfortable on how nursing staffs respond to their calls, and only 5.8% reported to be poorly comfortable. Skills and competence of nursing were determined, and results show that 33.7% of the patients happen to be very good with how nurses are administering medicines and handling I.Vs. As high as 24.4% of the patients agreed that the coordination of care by the nurses as very good, while 23.3 reported to be excellent Conclusion: There is uneven distribution of nurses. Hospital infection rates and mortality rates are important indicators of quality. There are so many strategies to improve quality of care. Clients are satisfied with quality of care they receive; however, a lot improvement can be made.

The infiltration of LGBTQ+ safe spaces

PurposeLGBTQ+ spaces are often considered as safe havens for the LGBTQ+ community, as they can gather free from prejudice and fear. This research explores the effect that heterosexual people attending LGBTQ+ venues have on this community. This paper considers the impacts on the community, the importance of their safe spaces and identifies practical implications to be considered in protecting these spaces.Design/methodology/approachThe study implemented a multi-method qualitative data collection approach with LGBTQ+ community venue attendees in the UK. Stage 1 utilised an online qualitative survey and collected data from 558 respondents. Stage 2 saw critical incident techniques (CITs) used with 12 participants. The data collected were analysed using a thematic system.FindingsThe LGBTQ+ community has experienced an increase in frustration and fear as a result of more heterosexual attendees infiltrating their safe spaces. Both participants and respondents discussed the importance that security personnel play in ensuring safe spaces. Finally, the findings demystified that not all attendees in LGBTQ+ venues are allies, and that there is a need for those outside the community to better understand the importance of these spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, as many heterosexuals do not consider how they should act.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations associated with the implementation of the CIT were identified. Further training is advised for researchers employing this method to prepare them for dealing with the emotional impact of participants’ experiences.Practical implicationsThis study highlighted the need for security and staff working at LGBTQ+ venues to undergo extensive inclusivity training, and for stricter door policies. Participants also argued for LGBTQ+ venues to educate heterosexual attendees about the community and their historical and present-day struggles and culture.Originality/valueThis paper is of practical value to those who organise and manage LGBTQ+ events, bars and nightclubs. An enhancement to the four types of space framework originated by Castilhos and Dolbec (2018) has been identified.

Inflection points during a disruptive event: planning within the sales force

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate business-to-business sales executives’ navigation of challenges and changes in planning during two separate periods (prevaccine and postvaccine) of time, which were impacted by a disruptive event (the COVID-19 pandemic).Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a two-phase qualitative data collection approach. Thirteen executives, primarily from the Business-to-Business (B2B) manufacturing industry, were interviewed in phase one (2–3 months before the first COVID-19 vaccine). The second period of data collection was collected 4–5 months after vaccines became available.FindingsThe prevaccine business environment focused on short-term challenges, while the vaccine created exponential changes to long-term sales practices, suggesting the need to focus on critical inflection points that occur after the initial disruptive event.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory study is a step toward developing a deeper understanding of managing disruptive events within a business-to-business sales environment by stressing the importance of both the actual disruptive event and the inflection points that follow the event.Practical implicationsNew business models are constantly developing and evolving. However, this study suggests the biggest changes could occur after an inflection point from the disruption. Thus, firms need to consider different planning strategies before and after certain inflection points following a disruptive event. First, firms should adapt from their predisruption strategy to focus on short-term challenges during the initial phases of a disruption, likely halting most of the long-term planning. Second, inflection points create the need to move beyond short-term challenges and changes to focus on long-term changes. Third, long-term strategies and planning postinflection point will be different, and likely more complex, than long-term strategies and planning predisruption.Originality/valueMost studies look at a disruptive event through a single data collection period. This longitudinal study compares prevaccine and postvaccine thought processes to explore the impact of an inflection point.

Influence of Gender Mainstreaming Policy Implementation on Women Political Representation in Baringo County Assembly

Global advances have been made towards the recognition of the principle of women’s political, socio-economic and equity in governance. However, some counties, including Baringo have not fully implemented the gender rule as provided for in the Kenyan 2010 constitution, hence little has changed. This study sought to analyze the influence of gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation in Baringo County Assembly. The study was guided by Equity Feministic Theory by Sommers (1994). The study used cross-sectional survey design and mixed method approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches were utilized. The target population was 2446 respondents comprising of employees, members of the County Assembly and Members of the Public Service Board. The sample size was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1970) where a sample size of 329 respondents was attained. Questionnaires, Interview guides and FGDs were used to collect data. The quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation. Qualitative data were thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation and women governance (r = .581; p = .000). The study recommends that there is need for streamlining of women appointment to senior positions in the county to allow for efficiency and inclusivity in governance.

Exploring the Difficulties and Strategies of Family Caregivers in Caring for Patients With Dementia in Acute Care Wards.

Providing appropriate care to patients with dementia in acute care settings can be a challenge for healthcare professionals. A key factor is working closely with family caregivers. This study aims to explore the difficulties and strategies involved in caring for patients with dementia who have been admitted to an acute care ward from the perspective of family caregivers. Exploratory research was conducted using a qualitative data collection approach. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews carried out with participants. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine participants. Content analysis was performed to analyze the data. A number of themes and subthemes were identified based on the primary research purposes. The first theme is "vicious cycle due to multiple factors," with the following subthemes: (a) communication disturbance, (b) endless worries, (c) inadequate care skills of paid caregivers, and (d) physical and psychological exhaustion. The second theme is "do everything," with the following subthemes: (a) management of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, (b) constant accompaniment of the patient, and (c) seeking sources of support. The results may be used to help healthcare professionals better anticipate the difficulties faced by family caregivers while providing assistance to patients with dementia and understand the related strategies they use. Acute care wards should consider the specific needs of family caregivers to ensure patients with dementia receive adequate care from the relevant parties in the ecological care chain during the care process.