Semi-structured Interviews Research Articles

Post-pandemic Pedagogy: Practices as/with Parents for Performances

Reflecting on this time makes us think more than usual pedagogy and andragogy since over all pass percentage of the students and the quality education especially in Madhesh Province, Nepal seem deteriorating in spite of the huge investment from dynamic facets. However, some specific students from school and campus levels were/are found having better performances in their previous year(s) following the pandemic disruption, and this enforced me to explore the impacting factors behind their better performances. This study is a survey research having quan-qual design conducted using a semi-structured interview with 10 parents of elementary level students performing better. The collected data were analyzed statistically and descriptively. It was found that the parents’ involvement in the students’ academic activities especially for managing them for their schools, arranging the requirements morning and evening for homework/self-study at home, placing them with nearby tutors and after all having more curiosity about whether they could do any more for better performances of their children’s quality education remained its core indicators. Thus, this is the time for education stakeholders to adopt the collaborative actions with the parents for better performance of the students in all levels.

Humanitarian Assistance in the Minawao Camp Through the Eyes of its Refugees: Perception and Accountability Challenges in A Context of Protracted Displacement

For a decade, the Minawao camp in Cameroon has been hosting Nigerian refugees facing inadequate humanitarian assistance. Drawing on a methodology that combines ethnographic immersion, focus groups, a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with refugees, this study examines refugees' perception of aid in a crucial context of accountability and refugee legitimacy. The findings reveal a decline in the quality of assistance, non-inclusive camp management, limited understanding of aid mechanisms, and fundamental notions related to refugee status. This situation fosters a sense of non-accountability towards the camp, reducing their engagement in camp activities, despite humanitarian agencies’ efforts to improve living conditions. Refugees are calling for inclusive management and a reorientation of programs toward autonomy, grounded in their real needs and aspirations for a safe return to Nigeria. The study advocates for a revision of accountability practices through increased refugee participation in decision-making processes, promoting more responsible and tailored humanitarian aid, and empowering refugees to take an active role in shaping their futures.

War Trauma and Strength: A Qualitative Study of Participants in the Vietnamese Insights into Cognitive Aging Program (VIP).

Vietnamese Americans are the fourth-largest Asian subgroup in the United States (US), but little qualitative work has been done on their war and migration experiences. In this study, we delineated the war-related traumas and strength in participants of the Vietnamese Insights into Cognitive Aging Program (VIP). VIP is a longitudinal study of 548 Vietnamese Americans aged 65+ years living in Northern California. During visit 1, a semi-structured interview was conducted on participants' life and experiences in Vietnam and immigration to the US. Using data at one of the recruitment sites, interviews of participants having the highest total self-reported traumas were transcribed in Vietnamese (N=43) for coding and analysis following a thematic approach. Participants were 73.2 years old on average (SD=5.48). Most were male (67.4%) and had attempted to escape Vietnam by boat at least once (67%). Two major themes were found: (1) experiences of adversity and suffering, which included subthemes on tough life experiences during the war, imprisonment and hard life after the war, escaping by boat and living in the refugee camps, witnessing or hearing about others' traumas during the war and escape, and experiences of loss; and, (2) personal fortitude and gratitude, which included subthemes on fortitude and endurance, personal skills to cope and navigate, and perceived "luck and blessings." Results from this study revealed various traumas and aspects of strength. These findings can contribute to future VIP research on cognitive aging and inform research and practice on health disparities.

The feasibility of preventing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers (HAPUs)

Introduction: Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) are a significant healthcare issue, leading to physical complications, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Preventive measures are crucial for managing this problem. With the growing integration of technology in healthcare, mobile e-book applications and chatbots offer promising tools for improving clinical practice and decision-making. This study evaluates the feasibility of using these technologies in terms of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), focusing on perceived usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use among nurses. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed to assess the perceptions of 30 registered nurses working in a hospital setting. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework guided the measurement of key variables, including perceived usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use. Data were collected through a self-administered online survey and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed positive perceptions of the chatbot and mobile e-book app in terms of their usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use. The mean scores for usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use were 16.55 ± 1.50, 17.32 ± 0.79, and 13.03 ± 1.74, respectively, indicating high feasibility for adoption. Discussion: The findings suggest that mobile e-books and chatbots are well-received by healthcare professionals, with perceived usefulness and ease of use being significant factors for their adoption. These technologies can support clinical decision-making, reduce medical errors, and improve healthcare outcomes. Future developments should focus on integrating these tools into healthcare training programs and enhancing their functionality with real-time updates and interactive features. Keywords: Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, Technology Acceptance Model, mobile e-books, chatbots, healthcare technology.

Participation of Physically Disabled Individuals in Sports in Türkiye: Barriers and Supports

This study aimed to reveal the participation processes of physically disabled athletes who gained success nationally and internationally and assessed what circumstances impeded and facilitated them in this process. The study used a qualitative research technique and interviewed individuals accordingly, which comprised 11 physically disabled athletes (19-32 years old) participating in professional sports competitions. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants, and the corresponding data were subsequently evaluated by content analysis. The data analysis revealed that physically disabled individuals experienced issues that potentially fall under preventive and supportive categories during their participation in sports. In this context, the study identified the protective approach, restrictive social environment, physical barriers to engaging in sports, and cost- and success-oriented practices as impeding conditions. Yet, it also revealed that supportive family and sports environment, motivation, and socialization-based favorable aspects encouraged the participation of individuals in sports. Considering the positive outcomes of sports in the lives of disabled individuals, it is crucial to foster supportive attitudes and behaviors and to minimize impeding attitudes and conditions so that they can engage in sports activities and professional competitions.

Optimizing Reading Instruction through Flexible Grouping Practices

This study investigated the teachers’ perceptions and effectiveness of various grouping practices in reading instruction within school classrooms. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews and document analysis with three participating school teachers. These multi methods not only enrich the data but also strengthen the trustworthiness and credibility of findings to explore complex phenomena of grouping providing depth, contextual understanding and systematic data collection. Thematic analysis, involving coding, categorizing and identifying themes, was used to analyze the data. The study revealed key insights regarding the implementation and perceived effectiveness of grouping including increased student engagement, targeted skill development and opportunities for collaboration. However, challenges were also identified, such as time constraints, the need for adapting instruction within groups and managing student behaviour during group work. Therefore, careful planning and implementation are crucial to address potential challenges. Further research can provide educators with a more comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of flexible grouping in fostering successful reading development.

Factors associated with working women’s perceived intention to drink in Japan: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Alcohol use among women has been increasing rapidly. As the social context of women has changed, and the number of working women has risen, the prevention of alcohol-related problems among them has become increasingly important for their lifelong health. This study identified factors related to drinking intention, as perceived by working women in Japan. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling. Factors related to the intention to drink and those that discourage drinking as perceived by working women were investigated. Categories for each factor were generated using the content analysis method. Thirty-one working women participated in this study. Six categories of factors related to drinking intention as perceived by working women were generated, including ‘work-related stress coping’, and four categories of factors for abstaining from drinking were generated, including ‘having a role as a mother’. The study’s findings are significant for enhancing alcohol-related health literacy among working women. It is important to note that this study focused specifically on working women in Japan and did not include comparisons with men. Therefore, further research is needed to explore gender differences, multicultural perspectives, and a diverse range of occupations to build a more comprehensive body of evidence.

Adolescent Fathers’ Experiences: A Qualitative Study

Abstract The existing body of literature concerning adolescent fathers is notably limited. This study aims to meticulously explore the fatherhood experiences of individuals who assumed the role during their adolescence. The qualitative data for this phenomenological study were collected online between March and August 2022. The study was conducted with participants residing in four different geographical regions in Turkey (Marmara, Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia and Central Anatolia regions). The study cohort comprised eleven fathers, aged between 20 and 25 years. Data were gathered utilizing a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview form. Following the thematic analysis, we developed five overarching themes: “Emotions and experiences of being a father”, “Increased need for social support”, “Lifestyle changes due to being an adolescent father”, “Positive and negative effects of being an adolescent father” and “Recommendations for those who consider early marriage and becoming a father”. The study illuminated that those who became fathers during adolescence encountered financial challenges, mitigated by support from their immediate family or experienced relatives engaged in childcare. The findings of this study are anticipated to furnish essential data for nurses working with adolescents, contributing to the safeguarding and enhancement of adolescent health.

Bridging the Gap: Exploring Practices and Challenges for Including Children with Disabilities in Mainstream Classroom

This study aimed to explore the perception of students with disability towards the existing practice of inclusive education in mainstream schools. The qualitative research design along with interpretative phenomenological approach was employed in this study. Four students with disabilities including physical, deaf and children with visual impairment were purposively selected from integrated school located in Kathmandu Valley. In-depth interview was taken through semi-structured interview guidelines. The thematic analysis technique was applied to generate findings. The themes were discussed by linking with prospective and literature. The findings reported as setting disable friendly infrastructure, professional development opportunity for teachers, technology-based instruction and teacher’s collaboration are essential strategies for inclusion. Meaningful inclusive education practices maintain a supportive and equitable learning environment for all types of children including those with disabilities. To implement inclusive practices in the classroom, administrative hurdles, infrastructure barriers, technological barriers, environmental barriers and legislative barriers are the major challenges in practising equity strategies in the classroom. The findings can contribute to set up effective practices for combating such challenges. By using the scope of the study, the policy maker, education planners and teachers can level up appropriate strategies for increasing the access of children with disability in education.

Artificial intelligence in financial auditing: redefining accuracy and transparency in assurance services

This study explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in financial auditing and assurance services, focusing on how AI and machine learning technologies are reshaping traditional audit processes. With increasing demands for accuracy, efficiency, and reduced human error, AI-driven tools have the potential to significantly enhance audit quality and risk assessment capabilities. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative data analysis from financial audits incorporating AI technologies with qualitative insights gathered through semi-structured interviews with industry professionals. The quantitative phase evaluates the impact of AI on audit efficiency and error reduction, while the qualitative phase offers perspectives on the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the auditing landscape. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI can improve audit practices, drive better decision-making, and address evolving risks in the financial sector. This research offers critical insights for auditors, regulators, and firms seeking to integrate AI into auditing processes to enhance both compliance and innovation.

Leadership Perspectives in Basic Education: A Scholarly Analysis of the Insights and Views of Eminent School Heads

Educational challenges continuous to grow; thus, school management and leadership should transcend through times. This study explored the insights and perspectives of the eminent school leaders in basic education regarding their experiences influencing their leadership approaches, values, and practices. Five seasoned and eminent school leaders participated in a semi-structured interview, which was thematically analyzed and interpreted. Based on the analyzed data, two themes were central in the discussion: (1) Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth; and (2) The Transformative Power of Leadership Qualities. The study revealed that the school leadership approaches and practices are shaped by a deep commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Furthermore, the school heads believed that the positive values and behaviors in leadership can have a transformative impact to the school community and the people in it. Hence, there should be targeted leadership programs for new school heads in the basic education to further boost their leadership competence.

The relationship between psychopathy and sexual sadism: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT Psychopathy and sexual sadism are amongst the most controversial concepts of our times. The two forensically related constructs have often been associated at a theoretical and a clinical level. Very few studies, however, have sought to empirically assess the relationship between sexual sadism and psychopathy, and even fewer have explored the function of sadistic aggression within the construct of psychopathy. The current study followed a mixed-method design involving paper-based questionnaires, behavioural scales, and a semi-structured interview. Based on a sample of 59 forensic mental health patients and prisoners with a mean age of 41.01 years (SD = 10.30), the results indicate that psychopathy is significantly associated with both sexual sadism and trait sadism. Sexual sadists achieved higher psychopathy scores when compared to non-sexual sadists. Thematic analysis revealed differences in the function of aggression between sadistic and non-sadistic psychopaths. Three themes were identified: (a) The function of aggression, (b) Predatory fantasies, and (c) Victim – perpetrator dynamics. The findings of the study appear to support the hypothesis of the existence of sadistic psychopathy as a distinct subtype of the psychopathic disorder.

Navigating inclusive education in mainstream primary schools: a phenomenological study of teachers’ perceptions and experiences

ABSTRACT This study explored primary school teachers’ perceptions and experiences of inclusive education within a mainstream setting in Southern England. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven teachers from diverse career stages and roles within a single primary school. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) An Individualised Approach, emphasising personalised teaching strategies; (2) Know Your Limits, highlighting systemic constraints; (3) It's Who We Are, underscoring the importance of school culture; and (4) Experience Builds Knowledge, reflecting the role of professional growth in inclusive practice. Findings indicate that teachers’ implementation of inclusive education is shaped by a complex interplay of individual approaches, systemic limitations, school culture, and professional experience. The study contributes to the field by providing a nuanced understanding of teachers’ lived experiences, interpreted through multiple theoretical lenses including Social-Ecological Systems Theory and Critical Theory. Implications span classroom practice, school leadership, policy development, and teacher education, emphasising the need for a holistic, ecosystem-wide approach to inclusive education. The research highlights the importance of ongoing professional development, supportive school cultures, and policy alignment in fostering effective inclusive practices. Limitations include the small sample size and single-school focus, suggesting avenues for future larger-scale and longitudinal research.

‘It shuttered down our hearts’: the mental health of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in rural Limpopo, South Africa

Cerebral palsy is the most prevalent motor disability in childhood, with an estimated prevalence as high as 10 per 1,000 live births in South Africa. Cerebral palsy impacts the mental health of the maternal caregiver, who often assumes the responsibility of the primary caregiver. The current study aimed to explore the mental health of primary caregivers of children living with Cerebral palsy in rural communities of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was conducted in three rural districts of Limpopo (Capricorn, Sekhukhune, and Waterberg). An exploratory qualitative research design was employed. Purposive convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 10 maternal primary caregivers of children living with cerebral palsy between the ages of 3 and 18 years. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study include that maternal primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy experience emotional and social difficulties that impact their mental health. The emotional difficulties include emotional distress, maternal shame and guilt, feelings of lost motherhood aspirations, and feelings of acceptance. The social difficulties include withdrawal and isolation, concern over the family’s social well-being, and impact on maintaining a ‘normal’ life. The study’s implications may extend to mental health providers, policymakers within the Departments of Health and Social Development, and other stakeholders invested in the overall health and well-being of children with disabilities and their caregivers.

Ethnic languages conundrum in postcolonial Pakistan and the role of women in fostering Punjabi linguistic cringe

ABSTRACT This mixed-method study explores the role of Punjabi women in fostering linguistic cringe among Pakistan’s largest ethnic Punjabi community, as well as the postcolonial socio-political conditions supporting it. Drawing on data collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires from 312 randomly sampled women, and theoretical insights from Blauner, Bourdieu, and Phillipson and Skutnabb’s notions, the study observes a dynamic interplay of pre- and postcolonial socio-political/cultural conditions. These influence women to embrace the imposed superiority of Urdu and English languages and to foster Punjabi linguistic cringe among their descendants. Findings indicate implications for developing a nation that supports equity, justice and inclusivity.

Speculative labour: The financialized imagination of creative work and the assetization of digital art through non-fungible tokens (NFTs)

This article investigates – based on semi-structured interviews and conversations on cryptoart forums – how digital artists experience the blockchain-enabled assetization of their work through non-fungible tokens, including the transformation of digital artworks (which previously had negligible if any economic value) into assets capable of increasing in price value over time and generating future income from resale provisions. We show how this assetization of digital artworks has kindled artists’ financialized imagination and incentivized them to perform speculative labour – that is, to speculate on the potential capture of future financial proceeds from present-day underpaid or uncompensated activities, while mobilizing fictional expectations of imagined rentiership futures. We suggest that the commodification thesis, which has traditionally explained the future orientation of creative work as tied to commodity exchange, may be insufficient to account for artists’ speculative, asset-based imaginations of the future under financialized capitalism. Therefore, it may be beneficial to complement it with an assetization lens.

Challenges and barriers to physician decision-making for prescribing and deprescribing among patients with multimorbidity in eastern China’s primary care settings: a qualitative study

ObjectivesPatients with multimorbidity have an increased risk of medication-related problems. Physicians face the dilemmas of multimorbidity management with multiple medications in primary care settings. We aimed to investigate the experiences...

Enhancing care: child protective service workers’ perspectives and experiences of serving children with disabilities

ABSTRACT Children with disabilities (CWD) are overrepresented in the child welfare system (CWS), yet limited research exists on how child protective service (CPS) workers respond. This exploratory qualitative study conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 12 CPS workers in Northern California to explore their experiences. Thematic analysis identified five key themes: contributors to maltreatment, challenges of working with CWD, the influence of personal/professional experience, collaboration with disability experts, and the need for training. Findings suggest that disability-focused training in the graduate Title IV-E program and ongoing professional training can enhance CPS workers’ competency and strengthen interactions with CWD, leading to better outcomes.

Resilience and Coping Strategies during COVID-19: Perspectives from Agricultural Enterprise Farmers

COVID-19 posed threats to Thailand, particularly affecting agricultural enterprises. This study examines coping strategies of the Khok Sawang Agricultural Enterprise (KSAE) in Khon Kaen province in response to disturbances of the COVID-19 pandemic. A purposive sample of 75 members from the KSAE was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were computed using SPSS, qualitative insights were derived through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that respondents faced considerable challenges across four domains: production and trade, food security, health, and income. Specifically, 86.7% reported income losses, 82.7% indicated increased mental health stress, and 70% reported reduced access to healthcare services. Market pressures, rising production costs, and decreased consumer demand collectively resulted in a 30% decline in production. To cope with these disruptions, respondents adopted diverse coping strategies. In terms of production, farmers reduced working hours, implemented daily wage cuts, and adopted digital platforms to facilitate direct sales. Health-related strategies included engagement in vaccination schemes and enhancing social networks to provide emotional support. This study underscores the resilience in navigating the extensive disturbances of COVID-19. It emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks that enhance farmers’ resilience to deal with future crises.

Navigating affordability challenges and opportunities in mixed-income housing: a case study of Cornubia in South africa

ABSTRACT This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics within the Cornubia mixed-income housing development. Positioned as a microcosm of challenges in creating sustainable living environments for affordable housing, the paper navigates through theoretical discussions to propose actionable strategies. The study employs a rigorous qualitative methodology rooted in a relativist perspective, utilizing semi-structured interviews, context-sensitive approaches, and local collaboration to delve into participants’ affordability challenges and the constraints/limitations of living in the Cornubia mixed-income housing. The findings, driven by the experiences of 254 low-income residents, illuminate two key themes on affordability: high living costs and affordable living in Cornubia. Findings highlight three factors that exacerbate high costs of living: Electricity, Water, and Transport. These multifaceted challenges underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. In the context of sustainable development, the study identifies key areas for lasting impact, aligning with environmental sustainability and social equity goals.