Participatory Research Research Articles

Botanical extracts for insect management: lessons from participatory research in peri-urban horticultural systems of central Argentina

ABSTRACT We evaluate botanical insecticides as a technological device for synthetic input substitution in peri-urban horticultural system transitions. For that purpose, a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework was proposed, and garlic extracts (GE) performance was evaluated for pest and natural enemy regulation in lettuce crops in conventional and agroecological contexts. Through three PAR cycles under actual production conditions, we observed GE effectiveness on aphids, thrips, and natural enemies. Additionally, context-specific adaptations were noticed: for conventional systems; the extract is useful near harvest and serves as a trust-building tool while reducing synthetic insecticide dependence. Instead, for agroecological systems, garlic extract highlighted biodiversity’s relevance for system redesign.

Engaging under-represented oldest old in research: Anapproach for inclusive recruitment.

Those aged 80 years and over are the fastest-growing sector of the Australian population but are often excluded from research. Oldest old people living alone, in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and with ill health or dementia, face additional barriers that may hinder their participation in research. This paper contributes timely critical commentary on methodological and ethical approaches to engaging under-represented people in research. We draw on our experiences and reflections from a study of social exclusion of people aged 80 years and older living alone in government housing in Melbourne, Australia. We suggest key factors to facilitate representation of this population group in future research. These factors include using doorknocking to gain access, cultivating trust with participants and gatekeepers, and conducting face-to-face home interviews. We also interrogate ethical and safety issues for researchers and oldest old participants including the potential for informed consent protocols to exclude this population group. To avoid unintentionally excluding the oldest old, researchers need to consider older persons' self-determination and advocate for methods that ensure oldest old perspectives inform future healthy ageing planning and reduce possible health and well-being inequities.

The Project Book: A Toolkit for Stakeholder Management in International Development Projects

This article presents a methodology of management of International Development Projects designed for offshoring agents that, on a traditional project management basis (phases and processes), adds an open documentary system (Project Book) and the application of participatory action research techniques. The Project Book enhances transparency and therefore confidence and engagement. Participatory action research techniques support intercultural management of the projects’ stakeholders. The methodology has been tested in three cases of «health», «production», and «education sectors», executed in Colombia. The quality and success of the project after the application is characterized by an 80 % acceptance of the agents.

How can we do authentic co-construction with autistic secondary pupils?

Purpose of the research: Co-constructed digital storytelling methods have the potential to provide authentic children’s perspectives for planning health and education support. The Our Stories project investigated how this method can be applied with autistic children and young people (CYP). A year-long sub-project supported four autistic CYP in a mainstream secondary school in the UK to create short videos illustrating how they manage their sensory and emotional experiences during the school day. The CYP were supported by a member of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities team, a specialist autism teacher, a researcher, and filmmakers from a disability-led community interest company. This paper reflects on how we can authentically co-construct digital stories with autistic secondary pupils. Major findings: We identified two broad messages for genuinely participatory research. The first was how the structure of sessions changed, from an initial assumption of imposing structure to achieve the research aims to the negotiation of a messy, more fluid means of working to suit the CYP’s needs and wishes. Second was a change in the intended purpose of the stories, from a product to support reflection and understanding about emotional regulation, to each CYP’s own unfolding of purpose. Conclusion: We draw out general implications for co-construction in participatory research in terms of awareness of how to work with power relations in ways that keep the young person at the centre of analysis, and which recognise the need for space for CYP to construct their own meanings.

Flourishing Among Emerging Adulthood: A Perspective From Anchor Personality

The purpose of well-being theory in positive psychology is to help people achieve flourishing conditions. Personality is an essential factor influencing flourishing, but no research has examined the relationship between anchor personality and flourishing. Anchor is something that is trusted as a mainstay in solving problems. With that in mind, this study aimed to determine the relationship between anchor virtues, materials, self, and others on flourishing among emerging adulthood. This current research used a non-experimental quantitative method by online survey. The research participants are Indonesian citizens aged 18–25 years. The results showed that virtue was the only anchor that predicted overall flourishing positively and significantly. Anchor virtues also significantly predicted each flourishing elements separately. Anchor self and materials did not predict flourishing significantly, while anchor others predicted flourishing negatively. This study empirically proves the importance of emerging adulthood in adhering to virtues to achieve a flourishing condition. When an individual places virtues as the main anchor, they hold on to an anchor with high abstraction power, not limited by space and time and universal; so that stability and positively impact well-being can be achieved.

Systematic Review on Citizen Science and Artificial Intelligence for Vector-Borne Diseases

Abstract. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant threat to public health globally. VBDs are a significant public health concern worldwide, with infections such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, and Lyme Disease posing a threat to global health security. There is a need for innovative and effective strategies to control these diseases. One potential solution lies in the integration of citizen science and artificial intelligence technologies. Citizen science, which involves the participation of volunteers in scientific research, can greatly contribute to data collection and monitoring efforts for vector-borne diseases. Artificial intelligence can enhance the analysis of this data, leading to improved disease surveillance, prediction, and control strategies. Citizen Science involves active public participation in scientific research, data collection, and analysis, while AI and Machine Learning (ML) techniques offer powerful tools for processing and interpreting large datasets. By leveraging the power of citizen science and artificial intelligence, we can harness the collective efforts of volunteers and advanced technology to better understand, track, and mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases. Through the combination of citizen science and artificial intelligence, a more comprehensive and efficient approach can be taken to gather data on vector-borne diseases, analyze the data, and inform public health interventions. This systematic review aims to explore the role of citizen science and artificial intelligence in addressing the challenges associated with vector-borne diseases. It will examine the existing literature on the use of citizen science and artificial intelligence in vector-borne disease research, including their applications, benefits, and limitations, in order to provide insights and recommendations for future research and public health strategies.

Social determinants of participation in genetic research among Puerto Ricans and in the Puerto Rican diaspora

Puerto Ricans are underrepresented in genetic research. This underrepresentation denies Puerto Ricans the benefit from therapeutic developments that could mitigate health disparities arising from conditions for which genetically-derived treatments exist. The Puerto Rican diaspora, especially post-2017 due to economic and environmental crises, has expanded within the USA. Prior research suggests that Latin American diaspora communities are less likely to participate in genetic research. We hypothesized, specifically, that the Puerto Rican diaspora in the USA would be less likely to participate in genetic research than would Puerto Ricans in their homeland's archipelago, and that accounting for social and cultural determinants related to the diaspora experience would mitigate this disparity. We implemented an analytical cross-sectional study of archipelago-residing Puerto Ricans and of the USA-residing diaspora to evaluate this hypothesis. With 1582 Puerto Ricans (723 in Puerto Rico, 859 in the USA), we found that while most participants would participate in genetic research, participation rates varied significantly by diaspora status. Puerto Ricans born and living in the USA were initially more likely to decline participation compared to those in Puerto Rico (OR = 1.54, p < 0.01). However, once adjusted for social and cultural variables, this difference was eliminated (aOR = 1.08, p = n.s.). The factors influencing non-participation include oppression, discrimination, distrust, and social determinants, aligning with the theory of minoritization. An important community in the USA and in the world, Puerto Ricans have the right to participate in well-conducted research and to benefit from its findings, particularly around topics that could help address existing disparities in health outcomes.

Language and Education: Ideologies of Correctness

This review illustrates how language ideologies about correctness, in speaking and writing, have been discussed in research on the role of language in education. Research illustrates a give-and-take between the interests of multilingual speakers and advocates of language diversity on the one hand and, on the other, the correctness ideologies embedded in institutional demands for correctness and standardization (in schools and language policies) and commodification (in the global educational marketplace). More subtle than ideologies of correctness, language ideologies about “appropriate” language emerge as related to race, ethnicity, gender, and other embodied biases, and the nuanced mechanisms of language socialization illuminate the persistent dynamics of these appropriateness ideologies. Finally, we discuss the relevance of postcolonial epistemologies, the collaborative participatory research methods that are reframing what counts as correct and appropriate for the study of language and education, and the emerging role of generative artificial intelligence for language in education.

Assistance in the Preparation of Research Grant Proposals for STAI Ihyaul Ulum Gresik Lecturers

Lecturers have the main task in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely Education, Research, and Community Service. Through research, they contribute to the development of useful new theories and discoveries in various fields. However, until 2023, only 10.6% of STAI Ihyaul Ulum lecturers are actively involved in research and community service programs. The main obstacle faced is the limitations in formulating problems and preparing proposals in accordance with standards. To overcome this, an intensive training and mentoring program was held using the Participatory Research Action (PAR) method for 10 permanent lecturers. This program has succeeded in increasing participants' knowledge and understanding, but further assistance is needed so that participants are more proficient in compiling credible research and critical literature review.

The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study protocol

Determining the genetic contributions to Parkinson’s disease (PD) across diverse ancestries is a high priority as this work can guide therapeutic development in a global setting. The genetics of PD spans the etiological risk spectrum, from rare, highly deleterious variants linked to monogenic forms with Mendelian patterns of inheritance, to common variation involved in sporadic disease. A major limitation in PD genomics research is lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Enrollment disparities have detrimental consequences on the generalizability of results and exacerbate existing inequities in care. The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study is part of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, supported by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative. The goal of the study is to investigate the genetic architecture underlying PD risk and progression in the Black and/or African American populations. This cross-sectional multicenter study in the United States has a recruitment target of up to 2,000 individuals with PD and up to 2,000 controls, all of Black and/or African American ancestry. The study design incorporates several strategies to reduce barriers to research participation. The multifaceted recruitment strategy aims to involve individuals with and without PD in various settings, emphasizing community outreach and engagement. The BLAAC PD study is an important first step toward informing understanding of the genetics of PD in a more diverse population.

Relationship between Physical Activity, Physical Literacy Elements, and Gender among Senior Students

The aim of research is to assess the relationship between physical activity, Physical Literacy (PL) and gender among senior students. The research was conducted in 2022 in Lithuania with five city schools. Research participants were selected using a convenience sampling method: grade 10 to 12 (n=287) students 148 boys and 139 girls. A questionnaire survey was used for data collection: Portuguese Physical Literacy Questionnaire for Adolescents (PPLA-Q) to assess the psychological domain of PL (motivation, self-confidence, emotional and physical regulation); Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) Questionnaire - RAPA1 part, which allows to assess the level of physical activity. After analysing the psychological aspects of PL related to physical activity by gender, the obtained results suggest that boys’ motivation for physical activity, self-confidence, emotional stability, assessment of physical limits score higher compared to the group of girls (p&amp;lt;0.01). PA motivation has a strong positive correlation with self-confidence (p&amp;lt;0.01) and a moderate correlation with physical regulation (p&amp;lt;0.01). Physical regulation has statistically significantly correlated with self-confidence (p&amp;lt;0.01) and better emotional regulation (p&amp;lt;0.01). Statistically significant differences by gender were found with all indicators of the psychological domain: PA motivation, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and physical regulation. Mean ranks of boys were higher in all variables; however, the major differences were found in the areas of self-confidence and physical regulation. PA had a direct correlation with all psychological PL elements (PA motivation, self-confidence, emotional regulation, physical regulation) and an inverse correlation with gender.

Immigration‐related stress, depression, and positive parenting among undocumented Central American immigrant mothers

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to examine whether immigration‐related stress is associated with reduced positive parenting and whether this association is mediated by depressive symptoms in undocumented Central American immigrant mothers.BackgroundIn the context of “illegality,” parents can face myriad stressors related to their immigration status, which may lead to heightened emotions, including depressed mood. These experiences may affect family life, including the ways in which immigrant mothers parent their children.MethodThis study examined survey data generated in 2016–2017 by researchers using a community‐based participatory action research approach in partnership with Central American immigrant mothers residing in the Washington, DC, region. The sample for this study included 117 undocumented Central American immigrant mothers of children aged 3 to 11 years.ResultsControlling for age of child, mother's education, and relationship status, analyses revealed that immigration‐related stress was associated with heightened levels of depressive symptoms for mothers. However, mothers' symptoms of depression were not associated with positive parenting. Additionally, no association between immigration‐related stress and positive parenting was found.ConclusionsFindings suggest that mothers, although affected by immigration‐related stress in terms of their own mood symptoms, may deploy mechanisms such as parental self‐sacrifice to protect their children from anti‐immigrant harms.ImplicationsFindings hold implications for future research, including research approaches, and practice.

Asking for directions: Police perspectives on the responsible conduct of participatory research

Asking for directions: Police perspectives on the responsible conduct of participatory research

What is my truth and who decides?: exploring viable social identity scripts and performances with latina/x artivists in an arts-based youth participatory action research troupe

This seven-month critical performance ethnographic study explores the lived experiences of Latina/x youth artivist-researchers. The data collected through participant observations, arts-based elicitation and semi-structured interviews, artifacts, and analytic memos reveal how Latina/x youth utilize artmaking to understand and construct a viable social identity. Their participation in an arts-based youth participatory action research (YPAR) project and intergenerational theatre ensemble we call Estrella Theatre (ET) company indicates how art and social justice-driven inquiry provokes reflection on the identity scripts and performances youth use in our daily lives. Findings reveal that Latina/x youth identity scripts and performances appear across personal, interpersonal, and social planes of identity where they experience identity clashes, artful identity development, new identities, and identity code-switching.

Understanding Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers: Socioeconomic Insights from Central Malawi

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), smallholder rain-fed systems are vital, yet they are challenged by land degradation, soil fertility decline, and climate risks. To address these challenges, crop diversification has been promoted as a potential pathway to enhance productivity, improve nutritional security, and offer a viable pathway out of poverty and hunger. This study explores crop diversification among 150 smallholder households in the Kasungu, Mchinji, and Lilongwe districts of Malawi, where the project Sustainable Intensification of Maize Legume Systems in East and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) has engaged the smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture (CA)-based sustainable intensification participatory research and development for seven years since 2010. This study used Simpson’s diversity index (SDI) to estimate crop diversification, and a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) to analyze how smallholder farmers’ socio-economic characteristics influence adoption. The findings show a prevalence of small farms of less than 1.5 hectares, with most farmers perceiving crop diversification as beneficial for soil fertility. Key adoption constraints include labor shortages and a lack of legume seeds. SIMLESA participants lead in crop rotations, with a 63% higher adoption rate, and show the highest crop diversity, with a 99% increase in farmers growing three crops and a 74% increase in those growing four crops compared to non-SIMLESA farmers. The SDI values were 0.39 for non-SIMLESA, 0.48 for SIMLESA neighbors, and 0.57 for SIMLESA participants. Access to NGO inputs, larger farm sizes, and participation in research programs were positively associated with diversification, while food insufficiency was negatively associated with its adoption. The study highlights the importance of integrating participatory research methods to promote development initiatives effectively.

Cultural Insiders and Graphic Stories to Promote Research Readiness Among the South Asian Community: A Focus on Purpose, Protection, and Participation

South Asians living in the United States are frequently underrepresented in health research. Their lack of participation limits the generalizability of research to them and keeps them from receiving the high-quality care and innovation that some studies may offer. “Research Ready” is a five-panel, community co-created graphic-style story that encourages discussion around the purpose of research, safety/protection while participating, and why diverse participation—including South Asians—improves study results and leads to more effective interventions/treatments. This study leveraged trained young adult “cultural insiders” to invite attendees of a Midwestern South Asian Cultural Festival to read the story aloud together as the characters in English or Hindi and used a decision guide to invite discussion. Post-discussion surveys (N = 104) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants spanned from 10 to 79 years, with 42% &lt; 18 years and more females (61%). Only 18.3% indicated having prior research participation. Adults 40+ years (60%) requested the story/discussion in Hindi, compared to 2.3% of adolescents and 6.7% of younger adults. After the discussion, participants indicated their willingness to consider participation, with most being open to participating in surveys/interviews (95.2%); only 52.9% would consider studies requiring the taking of medicines. Adolescents, females, and adults with higher education were more willing to participate in medication studies. Nearly all (97.1%) said they would feel safe participating in research, and 88.5% shared that the discussion would help them better decide about future participation. In conclusion, “Research Ready” discussions shared by cultural insiders effectively encourage South Asians to consider future research participation.

The livelihood impacts of eucalypt plantations on rural farm households in Western Gurage Watersheds, Central-south Ethiopia

BackgroundRural landscapes, particularly those close to human settlements and main roads throughout the highlands of Ethiopia, appear greener than the outfields because of eucalypt plantations. The most common factors for eucalypt plantations are two: fuel and construction demands and to generate income. ObjectiveThis study tried to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of eucalypt plantations in Western Gurage Watersheds located in Central-south Ethiopia. The specific objectives are: to evaluate the socioeconomic importance of eucalypt plantations on the livelihood of farm households, and to assess perceptions on impacts of eucalypt plantation and copping strategies. MethodsSystematic and purposive sampling method was employed by selecting households with eucalypt woodlots from the list of each Woreda's Kebeles. Close- and open- ended questionnaires were distributed to every fifth households that possessed eucalypt plantations. Three hundred eighty three questionnaires were distributed and collected from households found in three Woredas (districts) namely Cheha, Enemorna Ener, and Eza located in the Watersheds. To supplement the information critical observations, discussions with focus groups and interviews with key informant were employed. The survey data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To describe data acquired from critical observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; critical and logical qualitative data analysis technique were used. Descriptive and dispersive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and correlation were employed using SPSS Version 20. ResultsThe result showed that eucalypt plantation dominated fuel wood and construction consumption and substituted further encroachment to natural forests. From multiple responses given, households prefer planting eucalypts to indigenous trees because it is fast growing (100 %), profitable (100 %), needs lesser labor (100 %), needs lower capital (100 %), can be used for multipurpose (100 %), and coppice itself fatly (93 %). They rated income gained from eucalypt as 2nd next to enset. ConclusionsHouseholds may continue planting the species particularly for fuel wood and construction need since substituting it by other alternative seems not feasible and challenging. To sustain the livelihood and environment; appropriate management like site selection and substitutions by horticultural and cash crops using micro irrigation schemes for market needs are recommended. Conducting in-depth participatory research and specific policy ratification and promulgation on eucalypt plantations will sustain its utilization and curb the drawbacks.

Understandings and enactments of social justice pedagogies in Swedish physical education and health practice

Research continues to show that school physical education and health (PEH) is complicit in the reproduction of inequities related to, for instance, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion and social class. In this paper, we present findings from a participatory action research (PAR) project with 11 PEH teachers at two upper-secondary schools in Sweden, aimed at enhancing understandings and enactments of social justice pedagogies. Data generated through observations, interviews, focus groups, workshops and teacher reflections were analysed through a thematic analysis ( Braun and Clarke, 2022 ) and informed by the concept of teaching for equity and social justice ( Freire, 1970 ). The findings highlight how the teachers associated social justice pedagogies in PEH with an emphasis on: (1) ‘inclusion’; (2) ‘equity/equality’; (3) ‘adaptations to teaching and assessment’; and (4) ‘relationships’. The findings also demonstrate how, based on the importance they placed on relationships, the teachers developed pedagogies that aimed to create: (1) ‘conditions for building relationships’; (2) ‘continuous engagement from teachers and students’; (3) ‘student involvement and reflection’; and (4) ‘connections with and within the subject’. Although the findings draw attention to productive understandings and enactments of social justice pedagogies, we also argue that the teachers, to some extent, conflated equality of opportunity with equity of outcome and continued to focus on managing inequities within the framework of taken-for-granted practices and knowledge within the subject. We conclude that more work is needed to support teachers in not only addressing the inequities students bring to the classroom, but also in challenging the norms that make these inequities matter.

What Is the (Lack Of) Integration? An Intergroup Perspective Using the Photovoice Methodology

Photovoice is a participatory action research (PAR) method that employes photographic language to explore individuals’ stories and living contexts. This study explores the representations of young participants, both immigrants and non-immigrants, concerning integration—defined within Berry’s (1997) framework as a bidirectional process of cultural and social adaptation between migrants and host communities—and the lack of integration within their neighborhood in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The participants included 12 young individuals (6 migrants and 6 locals) aged 19 to 29, two peer researchers, and one researcher. Over the course of two weekly three-hour meetings, participants captured and discussed photos depicting their perspectives on integration. The findings highlighted diverse conceptualizations of integration. Participants emphasized the reciprocal relationship between migrants and locals, illustrating how positive interactions with schools, workplaces, and public spaces facilitate integration. Additionally, successful migrants were seen as models of empowerment. Conversely, themes such as poverty, loneliness, discrimination, and the impact of war emerged as significant barriers to integration. This study underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of integration, as experienced by young people in multicultural settings. It highlights how Photovoice methodology can effectively capture nuanced perspectives on integration, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate intergroup relationships. The method fosters personal and community reflection, actively engaging its audience in critical discussions about integration.

Are toddlers with neurosensory impairment more difficult to follow up? A secondary analysis of the hPOD follow-up study

ObjectiveTo describe strategies used to maximise follow-up after a neonatal randomised trial, how these differed for families of different ethnicity, socioeconomic status and urban versus rural residence and investigate relationships...