Qualitative Phase Of Research Research Articles

Development of a work systems stress questionnaire to predict job burnout: A mixed methods study based on a macroergonomics approach

Job burnout is a stress-related phenomenon that is a significant threat to the health and performance of organizations and employees. Interventions to ameliorate potentials for burnout have been limited by the lack of a comprehensive tool that considers work system stressors. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire for predicting job burnout based on the macroergonomics work system approach. The setting was a petrochemical company in South Iran. In the qualitative phase of this sequential exploratory mixed methods research, 971 meaning codes were extracted from fourteen one-to-one and seven focus group interviews (n = 59). The codes were subject to Directed Content Analysis, which yielded three themes and 15 dimensions, which were used to inform the development of reliable and valid questionnaire. Items for each of the dimensions were sourced from exiting scales. To test the developed Work System Stress Questionnaire (WSSQ) in terms of its ability to predict burnout, a survey which included demographic items, the WSSQ, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory was completed by 359 employees. Hierarchical linear regression modelling of the data indicated that Task Significance, Job Demands, Work-Life Conflict, and Work Schedule predicted Emotional Exhaustion, and altogether explained 58 % variance. Task Significance, Violence and Harassment, Work-Life Conflict, and Job Insecurity predicted the Depersonalization and explained 29 % variance. Decision Latitude, Welfare and Financial Facilities, Task Significance, and Structural Problems predicted Personal Accomplishment and explained 26 % variance. All 15 dimensions were valid (CVI range .73–.90) and reliable (Cronbach's alpha range .71–.93). The results confirm the ability of the WSSQ to explain more variance regarding job burnout than previous studies. In turn, the WSSQ will enable remedial actions to be put into place. It may also be useful for understanding the consequences associated with other organizational ergonomic variables that are related to job stress.

Managerial practices for app-based primary care telemedicine service acceptance in South Africa

Purpose: This study addresses the qualitative research phase of a mixed methods study conducted to investigate patient acceptance of an app-based telemedicine service for primary care aimed at South African public health care sector patients.Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data were collected by means of semi-structured individual interviews with patients who had exposure to an existing app-based primary care telemedicine service in South Africa named Kena Health. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data using ATLAS.ti software was conducted to identify the relevant antecedents of telemedicine service acceptance in the study’s context.Findings/results: Eight antecedents of app-based primary care telemedicine service acceptance among South African patients (who are predominantly reliant on public health care sector services to receive medical care) were identified, namely, perceived compatibility, perceived ease of use, relative advantage, price value, trust, innovativeness, privacy perception and care perception.Practical implications: To date, prior literature has not yet identified the specific antecedents that would apply to the acceptance of an app-based telemedicine service for primary care among South African individuals who are predominantly reliant on the country’s public health care system to receive medical care.Originality/value: Our study contributes to the literature by identifying which existing factors of technology acceptance apply to primary care telemedicine service acceptance, predominantly in the South African public health care sector context. Furthermore, additional antecedents of telemedicine service acceptance that have not been included in technology acceptance theory until present, that is, (positive) privacy perception and care perception are identified.

Canadian beach cohort study: protocol of a prospective study to assess the burden of recreational water illness

BackgroundRecreational water activities at beaches are popular among Canadians. However, these activities can increase the risk of recreational water illnesses (RWI) among beachgoers. Few studies have been conducted in Canada to determine the risk of these illnesses. This protocol describes the methodology for a study to determine the risk and burden of RWI due to exposure to fecal pollution at beaches in Canada.MethodsThis study will use a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a prospective cohort study of beachgoers with embedded qualitative research. The cohort study involves recruiting and enrolling participants at public beaches across Canada, ascertaining their water and sand contact exposure status, then following-up after seven days to determine the incidence of acute RWI outcomes. We will test beach water samples each recruitment day for culture-based E. coli, enterococci using rapid molecular methods, and microbial source tracking biomarkers. The study started in 2023 and will continue to 2025 at beaches in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. The target enrollment is 5000 beachgoers. Multilevel logistic regression models will be fitted to examine the relationships between water and sand contact and RWI among beachgoers. We will also examine differences in risks by beachgoer age, gender, and beach location and the influence of fecal indicator bacteria and other water quality parameters on these relationships. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to examine the impact of various alternative exposure and outcome definitions on these associations. The qualitative research phase will include focus groups with beachgoers and key informant interviews to provide additional contextual insights into the study findings. The study will use an integrated knowledge translation approach.DiscussionInitial implementation of the study at two Toronto, Ontario, beaches in 2023 confirmed that recruitment is feasible and that a high completion rate (80%) can be achieved for the follow-up survey. While recall bias could be a concern for the self-reported RWI outcomes, we will examine the impact of this bias in a negative control analysis. Study findings will inform future recreational water quality guidelines, policies, and risk communication strategies in Canada.

How public opinion of food safety affects green food purchase intentions: The mediating role of insecurity and the moderating role of green label trust

Widespread public opinion of food safety (POFS) has exacerbated consumer concerns about food safety and health, then driving consumers to purchase green food. However, the mechanisms at play in such concerns to consumer behaviour towards green food consumption have not explored, especially in the environment of social media. To fill up this gap, this research adopted a sequential two-stage mixed-methods approach to identify and examine the effects and mechanisms of public opinion of food safety on consumers' green food purchase intentions. In the initial qualitative research phase, the public comments on the microblogging platform was analyzed and we identified four top hot topics: public opinion of food safety, insecurity, green label trust (GLT) and green food purchase intentions (GFPI) based on text mining. In the quantitative phase of the survey-based research, we introduced the protection motivation theory and the hyper-attention cognitive model to construct a conceptual model. Based on this conceptual model, we conducted an empirical test with 1087 online questionnaires. The result showed that POFS had a significant positive effect on consumers' GFPI; consumer insecurity mediated the relationship between POFS and GFPI, and GLT played a moderating role between them. This study illustrates a psychological mechanism by which public opinion of food safety motivates consumers to switch to green food and provides new insights into green food consumption behaviour. It is an essential reference for encouraging green food consumption and promoting sustainability in the food industry.

Effects of robotic module‐supported experimental activities with the cooperative learning method on student achievement, 21st‐century skills, and students' opinions

AbstractBackground StudyDevelopments in science and technology, have created a need for technology‐supported learning environments. Robotics is a technology widely used in science education. Collaborative learning is one of the methods used in education based on the constructivist approach. Using robotic and cooperative learning together is a new and rare study approach. The study utilizes cooperative learning and robotics together. Past studies have investigated applications combining collaborative learning, problem‐based or project‐based learning with flipped classrooms. However, we need more evidence on how cooperative learning methods affect learning in environments supported by robotic modules.ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of robotic module‐supported experimental activities with the cooperative learning method on student achievement, 21st‐century skills, and students' opinions.MethodsThe sample of this study was 6th‐grade students (n = 61). The study utilized a mixed method approach. The quantitative research phase of the study employed a quasi‐experimental design with an experimental and a control group. The qualitative research phase of the study utilized a case study design.Results and ConclusionsThe experimental group had significantly higher mean scores than the control group. This result shows that robotic module‐supported experimental activities with the cooperative learning method are more effective at improving student achievement and 21st‐century skills than the current curriculum.

Examining the Relationship between Phubbing and Mental Health among University Students: A Mixed Study

This study aims to examine the association between phubbing in college students and mental health, the dimensions of the association, and the source of this association. The study has the characteristics of an explanatory sequential mixed design, in which qualitative data from mixed designs are interpreted to explain quantitative data. In the quantitative phase of the study, data were collected from 305 participants. In this phase, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, regression analysis, and independent samples t-test were applied to the collected data. In the second phase, in which qualitative data were collected, data were gathered through focus group interviews with 12 participants who had participated in the quantitative phase of the study. In terms of gender, it can be said that female students experience more phobia, anxiety, depression, and stress than male students. According to the results of the qualitative research phase, the participants of the focus group interview indicated that the individuals who exhibit phubbing behaviours are introverted, lonely and abandoned, shy, anxious, poor in communication, and technology dependent. In addition, reasons for interest in smartphones may include relaxation, boredom, avoiding people, escaping stress and depression, escaping negative situations, motivation, following the daily activities of others, or escaping chat environments that do not interest them and that they consider unimportant.

Psychological Status, Influencing Factors and Intervention Countermeasures of Hospital Pharmacists in Extreme Working Environments in the Post-Pandemic Era--An Embedded Mixed Study.

The study explores the psychological state and related influences of hospital pharmacists enclosed in extreme work environments in the post-epidemic era, and also explores potential measures to alleviate negative emotions. An embedded mixed research methodology was used. In the qualitative research phase, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 pharmacists consistently confined to their work environments. The data were managed and analyzed using NVivo12 software. In the quantitative research phase, 146 pharmacists with experience in extreme work environments were selected, and the data were collected through questionnaires (GAD-7 and CD-RISC-25) and self-administered questions generated during the qualitative phase. The Shapiro-Wilk test was utilized to assess data normality. Spearman correlation was conducted to evaluate correlations among self-designed questions, resilience, and anxiety. The results from interviews with 30 pharmacists revealed four factors influencing the psychological state of pharmacists in the post-epidemic era: personal factors, interpersonal relationships, environmental factors, and policy and public opinion. Mitigation measures for negative emotions encompass material security, life adjustment, epidemic prevention policy, public opinion information, and organizational management. The results of a quantitative study of 146 pharmacists showed that only 1% had severe anxiety, but the psychological resilience scores were generally low, and 62% had poor psychological resilience, with scores below 73. Simultaneously, it was observed that, except religious beliefs, factors influencing psychological status in extreme work environments were significantly negatively correlated with personal anxiety levels and significantly positively correlated with psychological resilience. Our study holds significance in unraveling the psychological aspects of pharmacists as healthcare workers. It also offers insights into how healthcare organizations respond to the negative emotions experienced by healthcare workers in emergencies or extreme environments.

Drivers of Patient and Caregiver Preferences for Growth Hormone Deficiency Treatments in France: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify drivers of preference for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treatment in French children, and their caregivers, and to quantify the relative importance of different aspects of treatment modalities using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Materials and Methods: Attributes characterizing GHD treatment modalities were identified through a literature review, qualitative interviews, and focus groups with children, adolescents, and caregivers. A DCE questionnaire of 12 choice tasks was administered online to four groups of participants: autonomous adolescents (12–18 years), nonautonomous adolescent/caregiver dyads, caregivers of nonautonomous children (3–11 years), and autonomous children/caregiver dyads. The survey was pilot tested. A multinomial logit model with random effects was used to estimate preference weights for all attribute levels. Results: Frequency of administration, injection pain, dose setting, type of device, storage, and device reusability were selected as DCE attributes following the qualitative research phase and a pilot study. A total of 105 patients were represented in the DCE survey. Frequency of administration and injection pain were the attributes with the greatest influence on respondents’ preferences and had similar importance. Weekly administration was significantly preferred over daily administration by all groups of participants. Respondents’ choices were also significantly influenced by the type of device, dose setting, and device reusability. Conclusion: Children with GHD and their caregivers prefer a less frequent injection schedule and lower injection pain. Both aspects of treatment modalities are important to consider in treatment decisions to alleviate the daily burden for GHD patients and their families and potentially enhance treatment adherence.

Noteworthy Disparities With Four CAQDAS Tools: Explorations in Organising Live Twitter Data

Qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) packages that support live data extraction are a relatively recent innovation. Little has been written concerning the research implications of differences in such QDAS packages’ functionalities, and how such disparities might contribute to contrasting analytical opportunities. Consequently, early-stage researchers may experience difficulties in choosing an apt QDAS for Twitter analysis. In response to both methodological gaps, this paper presents a software comparison across the four QDAS tools that support live Twitter data imports, namely, ATLAS.ti™, NVivo™, MAXQDA™ and QDA Miner™. The authors’ QDAS features checklist for these tools spotlights many differences in their functionalities. These disparities were tested through data imports and thematic coding that was derived from the same queries and codebook. The authors’ resultant QDAS experiences were compared during the first activity of a broad qualitative analysis process, ‘organising data’. Notwithstanding large difference in QDAS pricing, it was surprising how much the tools varied for aspects of qualitative research organisation. Notably, the quantum of data extracted for the same query differed, largely due to contrasts in the types and amount of data that the four QDAS could extract. Variations in how each supported visual organisation also shaped researchers’ opportunities for becoming familiar with Twitter users and their tweet content. Such disparities suggest that choosing a suitable QDAS for organising live Twitter data must dovetail with a researcher’s focus: ATLAS.ti accommodates scholars focused on wrangling unstructured data for personal meaning-making, while MAXQDA suits the mixed-methods researcher. QDA Miner’s easy-to-learn user interface suits a highly efficient implementation of methods, whilst NVivo supports relatively rapid analysis of tweet content. Such findings may help guide Twitter social science researchers and others in QDAS tool selection. Future research can explore disparities in other qualitative research phases, or contrast data extraction routes for a variety of microblogging services.

The ‘look’! Aesthetic labour, aesthetic norms and appearance-based recruitment in the runway modelling industry

Aesthetic labour in the runway modelling industry refers to the practice of recruitment of models-workers on the basis of desired corporeal and facial dispositions. Aesthetic labour theory foregrounds embodiment, which situates the value of physical appearance and aesthetic norms in the workplace context showcasing how the models-workers get recruited and stratified based on their looks. The study employs an explanatory sequential mixed-method design to investigate aesthetic norms including the desired corporeal and facial dispositions that are expected from models-workers in the runway modelling industry. The study included two phases, a quantitative phase and a qualitative phase. The main objective of the first, quantitative research phase, was to investigate the aesthetic norms among 609 international runway models who were recruited to perform in designer exclusive fashion shows during seven consecutive annual fashion week seasons from 2013 to 2020 in New York, Paris, London and/or Milan. The main objective of the second qualitative research phase was to qualify aesthetic norms through a visual content analysis, and in-depth exploration of 40 unretouched professional modelling snapshots (photographs of face and body) for the top new model talents in the 2019–20 fashion season. Model photos were extracted from the popular industry website, Models.com. The rationale for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data was to form a robust and comprehensive assessment of aesthetic norms in the runway modelling industry. The same level of comprehensiveness would not be obtained by using either type of data individually. This article advances academic research on aesthetic labour in the fashion and modelling industry by showcasing why appearance-based recruitment in this sector represents the practice of occupational segregation that creates social inequalities and negatively impacts the labour market.

Human-centered design in the context of social determinants of health in maternity care: methods for meaningful stakeholder engagement

ABSTRACT Purpose The screening process for social determinants of health (SDoH) includes questions regarding life circumstances and barriers to accessing health care. For patients, these questions may be intrusive, biased, and potentially risky. This article describes human-centered design methods to engage birthing parents and health care team members around SDoH screening and referral in maternity care. Methods Three phases of qualitative research with birthing parents, health care teams, and hospital administrators were conducted in the United States. Shadowing, interviews, focus groups, and participatory workshops addressed the explicit and tacit concerns of the stakeholders regarding SDoH during maternity care. Results Birthing parents wanted to be informed of the purpose of the clinic collecting SDoH information and how this information is used. Health care teams want to feel they are providing reliable and quality resources to their patients. They would like greater transparency that administrators are acting on SDoH data and the information is reaching people that can assist patients. Conclusion As clinics implement patient-centered strategies for addressing SDoH in maternity care, it is important to include patients’ perspectives. This human-centered design approach advances understanding of knowledge and emotional needs around SDoH and offers insights to meaningful engagement around sensitive health data.

How to assess nurse learning needs through training needs analysis

Training has a very important role in improving the performance of nurses. This study aims to assess nurses' learning needs through the training needs of nurses. This study used a mixed-methods design. The first phase involved an online survey. The second phase of qualitative research involved conducting structured interviews with 8 nurses. A total of 413 nurses participated in this survey. Nurses' competence was found in the competence of meeting fluid and electrolyte needs with a mean of 3.8 (SD: 0.7), the most expected training model was mixed training (47.2%), the most expected form of audio-visual media (94.7%), internal training (95.2%), and the flexibility of the training time (68%). The results of the interviews indicate that it is necessary to map the nurse’s competence. Learning needs can describe the competence of nurses and the training needed to improve their self-competence. Training Needs Assessment should be carried out thoroughly, including the need for forms of learning and media, which need to be facilitated by nurse management to motivate nurses to learn and improve their skills.

Exploring Successful Implementation of Organizational Supports at the Worksite Environment: A Mixed Methods Approach.

While there is evidence that organizational supports may lead to better employee health, research on implementing such organizational supports is lacking. This research sought to understand organizational supports and implementation of those supports using an Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods design approach. Employee survey responses (n = 202) were used to classify organizations into "high" and "low" categories for employee-reported health behavior improvement, agreement, and readiness for implementing change. For the qualitative phase of research (organization-level), semi-structured interviews were conducted with organization leads, and data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis procedure. Analyses sought to identify differences between "high" versus "low" organizations. In addition, the researcher used the "high" and "low" classifications to further review themes that emerged, to determine where there may be differences in organizations classified as "high" versus "low." Study results found the following nine themes to explain how organizations can improve implementing organizational supports: provide a contracted wellness program, formalized programming, and wellness incentives; create a culture of wellness in the organization; provide consistency in the supports offered; provide clear communication to employees; utilize leadership role modeling to show support; focus on leadership support that ensures organizational supports are implemented and sustained; and work to combat employee hesitation of organizational supports. The results of this study show that organizations have the opportunity to improve implementation of their organizational supports by applying the nine themes found.

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and the role of Public Relations (PR) therein

This study determines the role of public relations as a marketing communication functionin University X’s integrated marketing communication approach. The research topic wasselected for numerous reasons. Firstly, dramatic changes have occurred in the tertiaryeducational domain, which causes universities to adapt their marketing communicationapproaches. Based on these environmental changes, the Public Relations Division atUniversity X commissioned the study on the research topic, which is the secondconsideration for the study. The debate on integrated marketing communication shows,in the third place, that this approach is increasingly important. On closer investigationthere is a definite need for a thorough literature review with an authentic integratedmarketing communication approach, driven by the integrated organizational functioningand processes. From a public relations perspective, on closer investigation, there is aneed for the direct empirical examination of the role of public relations as a contributingfunction of integrated marketing communication in order to narrow the gap betweenliterature and empirical evidence. The study was enhanced by two phases of researchconducted within University X to meet the objectives of the study. The first, quantitativephase determined the extent to which University X’s communication activities areintegrated. The measuring instrument used is the integrated marketing communicationmini-audit scale. In the second, qualitative research phase, the role of public relationsas a marketing communication function within University X’s integrated marketingcommunication approach was determined. The issue that became apparent throughoutthis study was that integrated marketing communication in any organizational contextis of strategic importance for the “unity of effort” of the greater well-being of theorganization. It was found in this research project that there are fundamental concernsfor University X regarding integrated marketing communication, and that public relationsis practised on a technical, traditional level

Culturally Safe eHealth Interventions With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Protocol for a Best Practice Framework.

BackgroundThere is growing global evidence on the adoption and effectiveness of eHealth (including mobile health and telehealth) by First Nation peoples including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Although there are frameworks to guide eHealth development, implementation, and evaluation, it is unknown whether they adequately encapsulate the health, cultural, and community-related priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.ObjectiveThe aim of this research program is to prepare a best practice framework that will guide the co-design, implementation, and evaluation of culturally safe eHealth interventions within existing models of health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The framework will be a synthesis of evidence that represents best practices in eHealth, as determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.MethodsResearch activities to develop the best practice framework will occur in stepped but overlapping qualitative research phases with governance from an existing multiagency research collaboration (the Collaboration). The research protocol has been informed by key research frameworks such as the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) and Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines. The seven phases of research will include the following: systematic literature review, scoping review, theme development, theme consultation, Delphi processes for expert reviews, and dissemination.ResultsMembers of the Collaboration conceived this research program in August 2020, and a draft was produced in June 2021 with subsequent funding obtained in July 2021. The Collaboration approved the protocol in December 2021. Results for several research phases of the best practice framework development are expected by January 2023, commencing with the systematic literature review and the scoping review.ConclusionsThe research program outlined in this protocol is a timely response to the growing number of eHealth interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A best practice framework is needed to guide the rigorous development and evaluation of eHealth innovations to promote genuine co-design and ensure cultural safety and clinical effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/34904

Drawing the researcher into data: drawing as an analytical tool in qualitative research

In qualitative research, visual methods often entail engaging with images as the subject of analysis. Yet, images may be of value also as a means of analysis. This article reflects on this analytical value in relation to drawings. To this end, the authors explore drawings made by researchers in various phases of qualitative research. Drawings made ‘in the margin’ are put centre stage to better understand their role in data analysis. They allow revisiting situations; and they supplement the audio-to-text act of transcribing. Actively drawing involves and stimulates a sensory engagement with the phenomena under study and the data. Drawings furthermore play an important role in arranging and re-arranging concepts when formulating conclusions. Examples highlight how researchers may explicitly incorporate drawing in data analysis to harness the potential of a multisensory skill set and engage with transcribing in new ways.

Pedagogic Interaction in an Online EFL Class at a Junior High School in Depok

The research was conducted to investigate how the teacher built pedagogic interactions with the students in an online EFL class in Depok, including how the teacher used speech structures, language shifts, and how the students perceived the interactions. The shift to online learning in the pandemic era had affected the quality of learning. Due to the complexity of online learning, interpersonal interactions between teachers and students were frequently overlooked in an online class. Applying exploratory sequential mixed methods, the research was meant to provide findings that could be used to improve the quality of online learning. It began with a qualitative research phase, and then the results of the qualitative phase were used to build into the quantitative phase. Classroom observations, stimulated recalls, and a questionnaire were used to collect the data. The results indicate that the EFL teacher builds his/her interactions by prioritizing pedagogical functions and targeting the students' cognitive domains. The dominant learning cycle is the focus phase with a pedagogical role as an information provider. Intramove is identified as the most frequently occurring code-switching type used for pedagogical, managerial, and technical functions. Translanguaging is also identified which gives rise to productive bilingualism. Overall, the pedagogic interactions that are established by the EFL teacher are well perceived by the students, and they give some suggestions for the quality improvement of EFL online learning so that future classes will be more interactive. More research on the aspects of class interactions during online learning should be carried out to help teachers improve the quality of their online teaching.

Snowpark users’ multi-faceted relationship with risk

A majority of snow sports enthusiasts now use snowparks, even if only occasionally. Epidemiological studies highlight the high probability of accidents occurring at these facilities, compared to traditional pistes. We sought to understand why and how snowparks users tackle such dangers. The representations and behaviours adopted by riders were identified using a questionnaire-based survey, developed after an initial phase of qualitative research. Age and level of expertise are the two main criteria around which the specificities of snowparks users’ relationship with risk are organised. With a few rare exceptions, every expert freestyler has sustained an injury of some severity. At the same time, expert freestylers engage in a process of ‘denial’ regarding the dangers involved in their sport. However, expert freestylers are not simply reckless. Indeed, their relationship with risk appears to be highly calculated, judging from the various behaviours they adopt to minimise the risk of an accident occurring. Helmet wearing is the only risk management behaviour that is adopted less frequently as the individual level of ability increases. Such an attitude allows experts to test their own capacity for judgement and independent thought, while also demonstrating it to others. Thus, the relationship experts have with risk is shaped to a degree by their desire to feel part of a community and stand out from the crowd. The benefits expected from flirting with danger are the greatest and the most diverse among younger individuals. For these individuals, taking risks is a quest to find themselves and their limits and thus forge an identity.

Impact of Village Savings and Loan Associations on Food Security in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Marange Community in Mutare District

Objective: The study aimed at evaluating the impact of the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) on food security. Methods: Guided by a pragmatist philosophy, the study applied mixed methods approach with an exploratory sequential design beginning with qualitative research phase. It explored the views of participants from four focus group discussions (FGDs) and seven key informant interviews (KIIs) to identify and specify variables to be measured through the second phase which was quantitative research. The quantitative phase used a household survey questionnaire to collect data from 204 respondents exclusive of participants of the first phase. Data from FGDs was analysed using NVivo, while One-Way ANOVA Test was used to analyze data from individual households. Results: The results showed that non-VSLAs members experience poor food availability and utilization throughout the year. Participation in VSLAs increased household food availability by 0.349 and utilization of food by 0.222, as evidenced by eating of balanced meal by household members. The results also indicated that participation in VSLAs led to better access to food, and stability of access, availability and utilization of food than non-VSLAs households. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between household’s participation in VSLAs and its food security.

Webtoons.

There is a noticeable gap in academic studies between comic books and hypermedia. On the one hand, are found several publications on both printed and digital comic books. On the other hand, are publications aimed at media and technologies for content usability for small screen devices. Therefore, this study focuses on the development of comic books for small screen device reading. A parameter guide for the so-called Webtoons was developed, based on theoretical foundation, observation of webcomics in this style on content platforms, and 3 phases of qualitative field research. The research included interviews with comic artists, comic book professionals, and, seeking successive refinement, the guide's presentation to students as educational material.