Focus Group Discussion Sessions Research Articles

Investigation into the reading culture of undergraduates in Nigerian universities: A qualitative approach

A strong reading culture is an essential tool for anybody who wants to achieve in life. It broadens students' knowledge, breadth of knowledge, and enjoyment. Reading culture is crucial for personal and academic success, and its significance cannot be over-emphasised. This study was designed to investigate the reading culture of undergraduates in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study while focus group discussion was used for data collection. A total of three sessions of focus group discussion were held with eighteen undergraduates across the three universities selected for the study which are, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos, Lagos. Six undergraduates were selected from each of the universities to form the sample for the study. Data collected were analysed using Atlas ti8. The findings revealed that the undergraduates read majorly for academic purposes and that they undergraduates have positive attitudes towards reading.. The study recommended that university management should make the curriculum more flexible to enable undergraduates to be involved in reading exercises other than academics. Undergraduates should also make determined efforts to engage more in pleasure/recreational reading to enhance their reading culture.

Post-discharge follow-up system in psychiatric patients: A case study of Farabi Hospital in Isfahan.

Mental illness is one of the most common problems in human societies and the continuation of care and post-discharge follow-up. This study was conducted to define a post-discharge follow-up framework for Farabi Hospital in Isfahan. This was a multistage study, including, interviews literature review, and focus group discussions. Participants included 18 purposefully selected nurses, physicians, and managers, directly involved in the discharge process of Farabi Hospital in Isfahan. The interviews were semi-structured. Data were organized using MAXQDA10 software. The initial framework was set through the extraction of semantic main and secondary codes. The framework was finalized through three several focus group discussion sessions. Results included of 17 sub-categories and seven main categories as "education," organizational arrangement," "team-building," "patient and family participation and trust," "engaging some supportive institutions of community," "process management" and "information management." To implement a post-discharge follow-up system for psychiatric patients in Farabi Hospital of Isfahan must be concentrated to patient and family education, team building, organizational arrangements, participation, and trust of patients and family, while engaging community health centers and notice to information and management and process management.

Information and communication technology adoption and electronic information resource usage among university-owned senior secondary school students in southwestern Nigeria

Electronic information resources (EIRs) usage by students involves accessing and utilizing electronic sources and services for knowledge acquisition, entertainment and learning purposes. However, extant literatures have shown that most of the students in Nigeria do not use these information resources adequately. Previous studies focused largely on accessing and utilisation of IRs among students in tertiary institutions with little emphasis on secondary school students, particularly those in university-owned secondary schools. This study, therefore, was carried out to examine the adoption on EIRs usage among students in Federal university-owned senior secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. The survey design of ex post-facto type was utilised. The university-owned senior secondary schools from five federal universities in southwestern Nigeria were purposively selected. Six hundred and seventy- four Senior Secondary School II students in the five schools were enumerated. The instruments used were: Information Communication Technology Adoption (r=0.70) and IRs Usage (r=0.77) scales. This was complemented with a focus group discussion session with 10 students in each school. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive analysis, Pearson’s product moment correlation at 0.05 level of significance, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The respondents’ age was of 16.0±2.0 years, 50.6% were males and 68.1% were from the sciences. The ICT adoption level was high ( ̅=2.90) against 2.50 criterion mean. Information resources were used on a regular basis within the interval of 26-50 on the test of norm table. The sources of accessing the IRs were Internet (85.4%), mobile phone (77.8%), television (71.5%), e-books (50.9%) and educational software (49.1%). The ICT adoption (r=0.58), correlated significantly with IRs usage. ICT adoption predicted IRs usage (F(3;670) =24.26; Adj. R2=0.366), accounting for 36.6% of its variance. The ICT adoption (β=0.52) contributed to IRs usage. Instability of network services, information overload, inadequate technical support and restrictions of ICT tools use were challenges facing IRs usage among the students. Information and communication technology adoption influenced information resources usage among students of university-owned senior secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. Therefore, there is need for the provision of functional and effective network services and enactment of flexible rules on information and communication technology tools.

Severity Assessment of Problems in Turkish Building Audit System: A Fuzzy AHP Approach

The Building Audit system (BAS) has often been criticized due to its various drawbacks by researchers, construction practitioners, and professional chambers. Existing studies, however, do not comprehensively investigate the problems seen in Turkish BAS. Since the decision-makers are provided with little knowledge about the drawbacks of the system, they can barely develop new strategies to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. To bridge this gap, this study aimed to identify the drawbacks seen in the implementation of the Turkish Building Audit System (BAS). In addition, the severity of each drawback was also determined to further provide comprehensive guidance to policymakers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify problems of Turkish BAS. Identified problems were then validated through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions with the participation of 12 experts who have diverse experience in the related field. Later, a questionnaire survey was designed to measure the severity of each problem/drawback and the data was collected from 15 construction practitioners. The data were then analyzed using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to measure the severities of problems seen in Turkish BAS. Then, the problems were prioritized based on their severities. At the final step, sensitivity analysis was conducted to measure the robustness and reliability of the results derived from the FAHP method. Results revealed that problems such as “Lack of practical knowledge of technical staff”, “Absence of site supervisor at the site” “Political pressure” and “Neglecting technical specifications and procedures” were determined as the most severe problems that need urgent attention of decision-makers. It is highly believed that this study will guide decision-makers for the improvement of existing legislation. Additionally, it is also believed that practitioners will take necessary precautions beforehand by using the outputs of this study.

Digital Storytelling for Environmental Education on YouTube: Findings from Social Forestry Context

Abstract. Digital storytelling is a method of telling stories using digital media. This method can be used for educational purposes including environmental education to support sustainability mindset. This study aimed to explore the use of digital storytelling for environmental education on Youtube in the context of social forestry in Indonesia. The research method used was Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and analyses using thematic coding. The findings from 15 professionals and experts in 3 FGD sessions showed that digital storytelling with Youtube can be an effective tool for environmental education. This is because YouTube as a digital storytelling media captures the attention of viewers, helps them understand complex environmental concepts, and promotes alignment to support sustainability. Digital storytelling in YouTube can be used to build relationships and collaboration among viewers in local and regional scope. Keywords: Social innovation, digital storytelling, environmental sustainability, focus group discussion, youtube

Research Priority Setting by Health Research Center regarding Effective Social Determinants on the Health

Introduction: Due to the limited number of studies and resources, confusion in selecting a topic and the impracticality of many research activities, this study was conducted to determine the research priorities of the Health Research Center in Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences regarding social determinants based on the COHRED model.
 Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative research conducted with the participation of 11 members of specialists inside and outside the medical sciences university. At first, research topics were identified through the formation of a strategic committee and the holding 3 focus group discussion sessions; then, the analysis of existing situation, ,determination of needs, and prioritization was done based on the four criteria of the COHRED model. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and the ranking of the extracted fields was done based on comparing the mean score.
 Results: In this study, 50 research priorities were identified in five areas related to the social determinants of Health Research Center in Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. The domains, in order of priority, included psycho-behavioral factors, social health, lifestyle, environmental factors, and capacity building.
 Conclusion: In this study, the research priorities regarding social determinants of Health Research Center in Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences were determined based on the COHRED model. The first priority was assigned to the behavioral and psychological factors, through which the importance of the concept of a healthy family as the most fundamental social nucleus can be understood. It is suggested that in order to conduct applied research and specialize the activities of the research center in line with the set goals and vision, the extracted priorities be taken into consideration by researchers and graduate students.

Institutional constraints affecting secondary school student performance: A case study of rural communities in Zimbabwe

The study analyses the institutional constraints affecting child performance in secondary schools within rural communities in Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach employing purposive sampling of participants was incorporated in the study. Eight focus group discussions (FDGs), 16 in-depth interviews and four key informant interviews were conducted in eight rural secondary schools located in Seke and Shamva districts. The general systems theory was embraced as the theoretical framework in this study. The principle of theoretical saturation was applied in both the focus group discussion sessions and interviews where they ran up until a clear pattern emerged and subsequent groups produced no new information. Data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques which systematically coded data to discover prevailing trends. The major highlight of the results is that rural learners have to grapple with a lot of challenges in trying to access education. Inadequate resources, long distances to school and demotivated teachers constitute the main highlights of the findings. The study established that there is a need to explore more issues affecting the realisation of equitable and inclusive education systems specifically for learners in rural communities. This article also posits that addressing institutional constraints that are affecting child performance in rural secondary schools is not cast in stone. Thus, this requires a holistic approach through engagement of all stakeholders involved in the drive towards quality education and leaving no one behind.

Clinical students’ reflections on the preclinical anatomy learning experience

ObjectivesAnatomy is a fundamental pillar of medical knowledge that bridges basic medical science knowledge and clinical practice. However, integrated modern medical curricula have reduced the anatomy teaching content, and cadaveric dissection is no longer conducted. Medical graduates who lack anatomy knowledge are anticipated to be inadequately equipped for safe clinical practice. This study was aimed at exploring clinical year students' experiences regarding their anatomy learning during the preclinical phase in Malaysian medical schools. The findings reflect how the students’ preclinical anatomy training prepared them for their clinical years of study. MethodsA qualitative phenomenology study using the focus group discussion method was conducted on 30 final-year students from four public universities. Four focus group discussion sessions were conducted, and students’ responses were transcribed and converted to electronic formats. The transcripts were analyzed thematically with ATLAS.ti software. ResultsThe first-cycle coding of the text analysis generated 157 open codes based on the phrases used by the participants. The subsequent coding cycle produced 16 axial codes—groups of open codes with similar features. During the final coding cycle, the content and interrelations between the axial codes were categorized into six codes: (1) preclinical anatomy learning experience, (2) anatomy content and teaching, (3) anatomy-related competency, (4) the importance of anatomy knowledge in clinical practice, (5) the importance of early exposure to applied clinical anatomy, and (6) suggestions for future anatomy education. ConclusionsThe six identified themes reflected students’ perceptions of their anatomy learning experience, the challenges that they faced during their preclinical years, and their opinions regarding the anatomy knowledge and skills that are functionally relevant during the clinical years. Their responses also echoed the need to improve anatomy teaching and learning, thereby emphasizing the importance of early clinical integration and application.

Attributes development for a discrete choice experiment on preferences in sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people in Nigeria

BackgroundA major component of the validity of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) research design lies in the correct specification of attributes and levels relevant to the research focus. In this paper, we set out the validation steps we took in designing the tool for a DCE on preferences in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents and young people.MethodologyThis study was carried out among adolescents and young people (AYP) in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. We used a three-step mixed-methods process in developing the attributes and attribute-levels for our DCE tool. The first was to conduct a series of 16 focus group discussions (FGD) with AYP ensuring maximal variation (by age group, sex, marital status, and location). The FGD included a priority listing process in which participants were asked to list and rank the most important characteristics of optimal SRH services for AYP. The lists were harmonized and items were scored. The main (highest scoring) themes emerging from the harmonized priority list were converted into an initial set of attributes and the subthemes as level. These initial attributes and levels were presented to a panel of methods and content experts in a virtual modified Delphi process. This was for deciding on the importance of the attributes in providing optimum sexual and reproductive health services for young people, and the appropriateness of the levels. The same set of attributes was presented to another set of AYP in a series of four FGD to clarify meanings, and test whether the wordings were well understood. We applied some decision rules for including and excluding attributes and levels in the different phases of the development process.ResultsWe extracted an initial set of nine attributes with 2-4 levels each from the first FGD sessions. These were revised to a final set of seven attributes with 2-4 levels each based on findings from the expert review and final validation FGDs with AYP. The final attributes were: the type of staff, physical environment, health worker attitude, cost, waiting time, contraceptive availability, and opening hours.ConclusionThe final set of attributes covered those relating to the services provided, the health workers providing the services, and the AYP. Our three-step process which included both quantitative and qualitative approaches ensured a rigorous process that produced a reliable combination of attributes and levels. Although we had to trade off some competing attributes to come to a final list, our decision rules helped us to conduct a transparent and reproducible process.

Low- and Medium-Socioeconomic-Status Group Members' Perceived Challenges and Solutions for Healthy Nutrition: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

Although digital tools for healthy nutrition have shown great potential, their actual impact remains variable as digital solutions often do not fit users' needs and barriers. This is especially poignant for priority communities in society. Involving these groups in citizen science may have great benefits even beyond the increase in knowledge of the lives and experiences of these groups. However, this requires specialized skills. Participants from priority groups could benefit from an approach that offers sensitization and discussion to help them voice their needs regarding healthy nutrition and technology to support healthy eating. This study aimed to gather insights into people's thoughts on everyday eating practices, self-regulation in healthy eating, and skill acquisition and on applying technological innovations to these domains. Participants answered 3 daily questionnaires to garner their current practices regarding habits, self-regulation, skills, and technology use surrounding healthy eating and make it easier for them to collect their thoughts and experiences (sensitization). Within a week of filling out the 3 questionnaires, participants took part in a web-based focus group discussion session. All sessions were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic qualitative approach. A total of 42 people took part in 7 focus group interviews of 6 people each. The analysis showed that participants would like to receive support from technology for a broad range of aspects of nutrition, such as measuring the effect their personal nutrition has on their individual health, providing them with reliable product information, giving them practical guidance for healthy eating and snacking, and reducing the burden of registering food intake. Technology should be easy to use, reduce burdens, and be tailored to personal situations. Privacy and cost were major concerns for the participants. This study shows that people from low- and medium-socioeconomic-status groups have a need for specific support in tailoring their knowledge of healthy nutrition to their own situation and see technology as a means to achieve this.

“They will judge you more like a parent instead of like a health practitioner”: Perceptions and preferences of young people regarding sexual and reproductive health services in Southwest Nigeria

Adolescents and young people (AYP) experience many barriers in the utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. These barriers can be cultural, structural, personal or health worker-related. In this study, we explored the perceptions and preferences of AYP in receiving SRH services at public health facilities in a Nigerian setting. We conducted 16 focus group discussion (FGD) sessions with adolescents and young people allowing for maximum variation by sex (male, female), age (15-19 years and 20-24 years), and marital status (married and unmarried). We applied a thematic framework analysis to explore the data collected. Our findings included both positive and negative attitudes of health workers at public health facilities, non-involvement of AYP in activities relating to the planning, implementation, or evaluation of SRH programs for AYP, and non-awareness among AYP of some of the rights that AYP have with respect to SRH services in public health facilities. Many participants preferred younger health workers or those living within their neighborhood. Some older health workers were said to often act as (strict) parents, not health workers. We conclude that the role ascribed to ‘neighborhood’ nurses in this study is instructive and deserves more attention. Also, there is a need to increase the awareness of the young people about the type of SRH services they can obtain in the public health facilities, as well as, a need for health workers to be trained and retrained in providing SRH services to AYP.

URBAN GOVERNANCE APPROACHES FOR LOW CARBON CITIES. THE CASE OF SHAH ALAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MALAYSIA

Climate change is an alarming phenomenon, and no conquering mechanisms or global winning standards are available to reduce carbon footprints. Nevertheless, local governments still strive to formulate successful tactics to sustain their cities, including Low Carbon City (LCC) initiatives. However, it is widely accepted that institutional frameworks and urban governance may influence the effectiveness of LCC implementation. In this paper, we impart how the notion of urban governance affects LCC implementation. The study aims to examine the perennial topic of the urban governance approaches to LCC that have been adopted by local governments, using the Shah Alam local government as a case study. Benchmarking exercises were conducted through a detailed literature review of the existing LCC initiatives, together with a focus group discussion (FGD). The FGD session was framed through purposive sampling, with participants selected from the local government of Shah Alam, the city’s community, and the stakeholders involved in the LCC programs. The results demonstrated that urban governance is vital in implementing LCC through many approaches, like the institutional framework, practices, and delivery. Overall, the study findings suggest a crucial component in the Shah Alam local government's management of LCC implementation.

Identification and assessment of disruption claim management risks in construction projects: a life cycle-based approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a disruption claim management (DCM) life cycle and a risk management framework to provide comprehensive guidance to construction practitioners for facilitating effective and efficient DCM.Design/methodology/approachDCM life cycle was initially developed through a focus group discussion (FGD) with the participation of the construction practitioners who have diverse experiences about DCM. The life cycle is comprised of 6 phases and also includes proper reactions of the owners and contractors. Then, 42 risk factors that can impact the deliverables of DCM were identified through a literature review and an additional FGD session. This was then followed by a Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) which was performed to evaluate the importance of each risk factor in terms of the factor's impact on the success of DCM. Additionally, consistency analysis was performed to further maximize the reliability of the results.FindingsFindings revealed that a proactive and systematic approach should be adopted and DCM practices should be initiated before any disruption event is triggered. Accordingly, the proposed framework recommends DCM practices to be initiated early in the contract development phase since compensation for the disruption might be recovered only to the extent that the contract permits. The contract-related risks were given top priority by the experts so that the results of the fuzzy AHP analysis also verified the significance of the contract development phase. Besides contract-related risks, risks related to insufficient site observation, ignorance of the project team, cognitive bias and conflict of interest were determined as the most significant DCM risks, needing an urgent and sophisticated risk response plan. Lastly, results suggested that “Site observation and record-keeping” is the most formidable phase since the phase's implementation on a continuous basis could create unforeseen organizational challenges such as mismanagement of project records, especially in the dynamic and turbulent environment of the construction projects.Originality/valueDisruption – which is caused mostly by change – is inevitable in construction projects due to their sophisticated nature. DCM, therefore, becomes crucial to compensate losses of contractors and eliminate or diminish the prolonged dispute resolution process. Existing studies, however, do not provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for the DCM life cycle and DCM life cycle's potential risks so that DCM life cycle's promising benefits can hardly be materialized. Thus, developing a DCM life cycle and associating DCM life cycle with risk management, this study is highly believed to make a promising theoretical contribution to the DCM domain since this is one of the earliest attempts in the literature. Additionally, this research provides construction practitioners with an insight into the effective implementation of DCM practices in construction projects.

Leadership role and professional development of technology.

The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed driven educational technology to the next higher level, especially in faculty teaching and research. There is an increasing need for faculty to embrace new technology, especially with the emergence of new normal in both teaching, learning, and research. To become conversant with the technologies, educators need opportunities for professional development. And to continue to be involved with new and evolving technologies in education, faculty members seek leadership and support. This study was carried out to investigate the leadership role in the professional development of technology in the educational delivery system of Nigerian universities. The study adopted a qualitative approach. This qualitative study randomly selected a convenience sample of 100 faculty and administrators in the faculty of education of 12 universities in Nigeria. Using focus-group discussion sessions, interviews, the researchers met with 100 participants in groups of 3 to 15 each session. Data were transcribed and entered into a database for analysis. The leadership role of faculty members, technology specialists, policy, support, and infrastructure were discussed. The study shows that to help faculty members lead the way in investigating, integrating, and evaluating technologies, faculty members need policies and leadership support, equitable access to technology, support, professional development, and recognition.

P055 ‘Silver Lining’: Encouraging Outcomes and Perceived Best Practices for Child Nutrition Directors During COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic school shutdowns impacted child food security. Resilient school meal programs are imperative to cope and persist through shocks and stressors.ObjectiveTo explore unforeseen positive outcomes and determine best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic for child nutrition directors in Mississippi (MS), Louisiana (LA), and West Virginia (WV).Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsA semi-structured focus group discussion guide was developed based on the resilience capacity model (RCM). Four focus group discussions with child nutrition directors (n = 16) from MS, LA, and WV were conducted to elicit directors’ perceptions of encouraging outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic and best practices for building resilient school meal programs.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisThe discussion guide was tested for content validation by subject experts and face validation by testing the guide in one focus group discussion session. The primary researcher developed a codebook based on the conceptual RCM. Two researchers independently reviewed and coded transcripts to assess interrater reliability. Predominant themes were identified using an inductive and deductive content analysis approach.ResultsEncouraging outcomes included acknowledgment of school nutrition staff as essential workers and recognition of child nutrition programs as important for child food security. Best practices recommended by child nutrition directors include effective communication and networking among all personnel from policymakers to staff involved in food preparation and distribution, revision of standard operating procedures to include disaster/pandemic related mitigation strategies, taking initiatives to improve school meal provision process, and emergency management training for everyone involved in school meal provision process. Director recommendations included: in-class food distribution, increased food storage, preparation, and distribution equipment, and developing a best practices policy document for each state with a comprehensive plan for emergency management situations.ConclusionsFuture emergency school nutrition policies should encourage efficient communication, revision of existing standard operating procedures, and implement training for all school nutrition personnel.FundingAchieving Equity Investment Grant 2021 (University of Mississippi)

Evaluating the Online Learning Experiences of Participants in an Online Education Course

Learning online could be an entirely new experience for students who are used to learning in face-to-face contact settings. Of importance are the ways course instructors and learners transition to online teaching and learning. Underpinned by the Community of Inquiry framework, the study sought to explore and understand the online learning experiences of participants on a 4-week long intensive training programme in a rural-based university in Eswatini. A purposive sample of eleven participants participated in the study by completing a programme evaluation form and participating in a virtual focus group discussion session. The thematic content analysis method was utilised to analyse qualitative data. The study found that while the participants found online learning exciting and flexible, they had different interpretations of their interactions with content, peers, course instructors and technology. The study concludes that effective online teaching and learning is dependent on the meaningful interaction of the learners with content, peers, course instructors and technology. There are important pedagogical implications on how online course instructors should establish and maintain the three ‘presences’ which are the cognitive, the social and the teaching in ways that impact positively on the online learners’ learning processes. Keywords: Online learning. Interaction. Presence. Online pedagogy DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-20-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Understanding the Experienced Opportunities and Threats of Online Learning in a Professional Development Programme

Learning online as a new experience for students who are accustomed to the traditional face-to-face contact learning may be associated with numerous opportunities and threats. The qualitative case study sought to establish, from students; experiences, the opportunities, and threats of online learning. The study was informed by the Community of Inquiry framework and drew from the experiences of the participants of a 4-week long intensive training programme in a rural-based university in Eswatini. A purposive sample of eleven participants participated in the study by completing a programme evaluation form and participating in an online focus group discussion session. The study utilised the thematic content analysis method to analyse the collected qualitative data. The study found that there were several opportunities realised in online learning as well as some challenges which posed threats. The flexibility and convenience offered by studying online and transcending the limitations of time, space, and place were noted together with the utilisation of engaging learning activities, learning material, and content presented in multimedia as well as reliable online technical support and meaningful online academic support. Conversely, the issue of high workload, connectivity issues well as challenges in group activities were reported as threats. The study recommends the leveraging of all opportunities in enhancing online learning and being attended to threats in the planning and implementation of online learning.

Experiences of socialization in clinical education among Indonesian nursing students: A phenomenology study

BackgroundProfessional socialization is an essential process of the nursing profession to internalize the values into behavior, resulting in professional identity. However, research into students' experience of professional socialization in clinical nursing education remains limited. AimTo explore Bachelor nursing students' (NS) experience of professional socialization in clinical education in Indonesia. DesignThis study used a descriptive phenomenology qualitative approach. Four sessions of focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with ten final-year NS from five teaching hospitals using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi methods and NVivo 12 Plus. ResultsThe analysis identified two themes and four-subthemes in this study. The first theme is the facilitators of the socialization experience, consisting of “being a professional nurse” and “Islamic culture”. The second theme hinders the socialization experience, including “inadequacy of socialization” and “nurses' unprofessional behavior.” ConclusionBachelor NS experience is challenging in Indonesia in both a positive and negative way, which facilitates or hinders professional socialization. Thus, the role of a nurse educator in establishing a comprehensive professional socialization program for new NS to assist their transition from the academic setting into clinical education needs to be reassessed.

Food insecurity, a perceived barrier to healthy eating in the lake Victoria region, Kenya: findings from a qualitative study

Consumption of poor-quality diets was noted as prevalent in the Lake Victoria Region, Kenya. As a strategy to communicate desirable change and promote healthy eating in the region, a 30-member panel of policymakers and implementers developed and proposed 12 food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) in 2017-2018. The objective of this study was to assess barriers in adopting the proposed FBDGs amongst community members in the lowlands of Kisumu and Homa Bay counties. Qualitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 72 focus-group discussions (FGD). The FGD was conducted among 216 school going children (10-13y), 216 high school students (15-18y), 207 adult males (26-74y) and 211 females (18-71y). The participants were asked to state whether the proposed FBDGs reflected their daily dietary practices? If the answer was no, the FGD participants were asked to elaborate on the perceived barriers. Each FGD consisted of 8-12 participants. The demographics of FGD participants were collected before the start of FGD sessions. All FGD proceedings were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Demographic information of participants was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics. The FGD responses were coded and analyzed based on the main code, the barriers. Barriers to healthy eating in the study area were mainly linked to low production of food, food unavailability and inaccessibility. Specific factors which contributed to the food insecurity situation included; dry and sunny weather, seasonality in food availability, limited resources to secure potential farmland with fences, gender influence on land use, high cost of food, lack of money to purchase food, low income, sale of farm produce with resultant inadequate quantities of food consumed and inappropriate meal composition. Food insecurity was a perceived barrier to healthy eating in the lowlands of the Lake Victoria region. This research suggests the need to address food systems and economic structures to improve food production, distribution, accessibility and consumption in the region. Coding was done with the aid of NVivo8 (QSR International Pty Ltd Version 8, 2008). This study was registered with the Kenyan National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI/P/18/12634/22291). Key words: Healthy eating, Lake Victoria, barriers, food insecurity, food unavailability, food inaccessibility

The perspectives of faculty around factors affecting the development and sustainability of educational scholarship: A qualitative content analysis

Background: New horizons have been opened for educational excellence in medical universities by commencing the role of scholarship for medical teachers in recent years. The low rate of faculty reception towards educational scholarship and their low interest in continuing scholarly activities indicated a need for the current study. Methods: In this qualitative research, a non-probability purposive sample of thirteen participants(n=13) engaged in two focus group discussions (FGDs), consisting of executors, collaborators, consultants, and referees of university or national educational processes in the last ten years. Participants were asked several critical questions concerning factors affecting educational scholarship development and sustainability. Qualitative content analysis with a conventional approach was used to analyze the data obtained from the discussions. Results: Merging the codes extracted from the two FGD sessions and repeated review yielded 101 codes classified into two themes: educational scholarship development and sustainability. In all, 19 categories were identified: personal commitment, educational requirements, financial support, faculty development, team building, information resources, educational leadership and management, institutional motivation, culture building, individual characteristics, outcome evaluation of educational scholarship, material and spiritual support, mentorship, sustained training, supportive learning environments, curriculum development, organizational administration and leadership, application of results, and publication of results. Conclusion: Our findings show that encouraging educational scholarship among faculty members and ensuring the sustainability of innovative educational processes are influenced by factors rooted in both individual and institutional dynamics.