Social Programs Research Articles

Categorical Inequalities and Canadian Attitudes toward Positive and Negative Rights

Abstract Liberal democracies are expected to provide residents with both negative rights, such as limitations against the abuse of police powers, and some range of positive (social) rights, such as access to social benefits. These rights are commonly deemed to apply equally, without respect to individuals’ ascriptive backgrounds. Existing research, often in the US context and focused on social programs, shows both support for abstract rights and group-specific prejudices. We interrogate whether similar patterns exist in Canada and innovate by directly examining negative and positive rights in the same study. Using a series of novel survey experiments, we demonstrate the degree to which categorical inequalities based on race and legal status affect public support for rights provision in Canada. Both rights are more recognized for citizens relative to out-of-status migrants, and legal status at times interacts with racialized minority status. Rights appear far from universal in the minds of Canadians.

Treating survivors of wartime sexual violence in Ukraine: insights from the Balkan wars on improving social welfare programs

Treating survivors of wartime sexual violence in Ukraine: insights from the Balkan wars on improving social welfare programs

Adapting to the Digital Age: An Evaluation of Online Learning Strategies in Public Health and Social Care Education

Introduction. The global shift towards digital education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of higher education. Public health and social care programmes have adapted to this transformation, embracing online learning strategies to engage students. This study focuses on the assessment of online learning experiences in public health and social care education, particularly during the post-COVID-19 period. Materials and Methods. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 49 university students in England. These phases, conducted both in person and via video, were audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. A purposive sampling technique was employed to gather data, and framework analysis facilitated data management and interpretation. Results. The presentation highlights three main themes and 12 accompanying sub-themes that capture the clear preferences of students for both in-person and online learning methods. The findings elucidate the merits and demerits of online learning strategies in contrast to traditional face-to-face classes. Online classes offer distinct advantages in terms of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and technological proficiency. However, they also bring to the fore concerns related to social isolation, mental health challenges, technical challenges, and distractions within the home environment. Conclusion. Considering the global transition to digital education, this study contributes to the dynamic discourse surrounding online learning in the post-COVID-19 era. The diverse preferences expressed by students highlight the importance of personalised and flexible teaching methods in online education, underlining the need for adaptability and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.

Impact evaluation of a cash-plus programme for children with disabilities in the Xiengkhouang Province in Lao PDR: study protocol for a non-randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMore than 170 countries have implemented disability-targeted social protection programmes, although few have been rigorously evaluated. Consequently, a non-randomised controlled trial is being conducted of a pilot ‘cash-plus’ programme implemented...

The impact of inflation on inequality in the CEMAC and UEMOA zones of Sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of inflation on income inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa, over the period from 1997 to 2019. The Bayesian model averaging method, à la De Luca and Magnus (2011), is employed to empirically support the main conclusions. The main finding highlights that inflation has an asymmetrical impact on inequality in the Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) region, diminishing income disparities among the wealthy while exacerbating them among the impoverished. The results are sensitive to the economic characteristics of the country as well as the level of income brackets. Education, health expenditures, size of agriculture, economic development and control of corruption play pivotal roles in modelling the relationship between inflation and income inequality in the SSA region. Social safety net programs, monetary policies aimed at addressing inflation, investments in education, fostering inclusive economic growth, enhancing access to financial services for the impoverished, reforms to advance land rights and promoting regional cooperation should be the primary policy objectives for SSA countries.

Unleashing the Potential of TikTok: Exploring the Power of Mobile in Enhancing English Speaking Skills

The swift advancement of social media programs has facilitated their incorporation into language teaching. This study sought to examine the impact of the TikTok application on improving English language speaking abilities and learner independence in a cohort of 15 female English language students at the University of Jeddah, Khulais branch. A qualitative research methodology was employed to ascertain the students' perceptions regarding the efficacy of utilizing the TikTok application for enhancing their English language proficiency. This study utilized data collection and interviewing approaches to get information from a sample of pupils. An online survey was conducted utilizing a mixed method approach, which included both closed- and open-ended questions. The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of using the application for educational purposes on students' speaking abilities. Moreover, most participants indicated that their vocabulary range expanded and their pronunciation improved as a result of engaging with TikTok video content. Furthermore, it was observed that the application played a role in enhancing self-assurance in English communication.

Environmental stewardship in the oil and gas sector: Current practices and future directions

This paper provides an overview of the current practices and future directions in environmental stewardship within the oil and gas industry, focusing on key areas of concern and strategies for improvement. The oil and gas industry has made significant strides in environmental stewardship in recent years, driven by a combination of regulatory requirements, corporate initiatives, and stakeholder pressure. One of the primary areas of focus has been the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with extraction, refining, and transportation processes. Companies have implemented technologies such as carbon capture and storage to minimize their carbon footprint, alongside investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures to transition towards cleaner energy alternatives. Furthermore, the industry has placed increasing emphasis on the responsible management of water resources, recognizing the potential environmental impacts of water extraction and usage in oil and gas operations. Strategies for water recycling, reuse, and wastewater treatment have been adopted to mitigate pollution and minimize strain on local ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation has also emerged as a critical aspect of environmental stewardship in the oil and gas sector, with companies undertaking environmental impact assessments and collaborating with conservation organizations to minimize habitat disruption and restore ecosystems affected by their operations. Community engagement and social responsibility are integral components of environmental stewardship, with companies seeking to address the social impacts of their operations through employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and social programs benefiting local communities. However, the industry continues to face challenges and limitations in its efforts to minimize environmental impact. Accidental spills, leaks, and other incidents pose significant ecological risks, highlighting the importance of stringent safety regulations and emergency response protocols. Moreover, the transition to renewable energy presents challenges for traditional oil and gas companies, requiring substantial capital investment and strategic planning. To address these challenges and advance environmental stewardship, several future directions are proposed. These include accelerating the transition to renewable energy, enhancing transparency and accountability in reporting environmental performance, strengthening environmental regulations and enforcement, investing in research and development of innovative technologies, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, governments, NGOs, and local communities. Keywords: Stewardship, Oil, Gas, Sustainability, Climate, Mitigation

SOCIAL POLICY: THEORY, METHODOLOGY AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF TEACHING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF SOCIAL WORKERS

The scientific article represented an analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study and teaching of social policy. The concept of "Social policy" is defined as a synthesis of theoretical and methodological approaches, as an educational discipline for students - future social workers, and as a practical activity aimed at reducing social tension in society and a tool of social justice. The author of the article analyzes the key problems of studying the problems of social policy and methods of teaching the discipline "Social Policy" in the period of a full-scale invasion. The main accents of the scientific publication are the principles, values, and effective tools of the state's social policy. Innovative teaching methods can help students - future social workers to understand the main problems of socio-economic inequality, gender aspects of social policy, methods, and directions of social protection of vulnerable categories of the population. Discussion of the results of sociological research, publications, and development of own projects made a great contribution to the development of critical thinking. The connection of the main directions and methods of social policy with the functioning and development of leading social institutions will help the practical implementation of knowledge in the everyday reality of social workers. Examples of discussions and realization of practical cases during the teaching of Social Policy as an educational discipline are offered for the analysis of social initiatives and programs in the context of various models of social policy. The active using of practical experience in the implementation of social programs and initiatives is proposed in the scientific article

Utilisation and barriers of social health protection program among its enrolled population of federally administrative areas, Pakistan

ObjectivesThe objective of this research is to analyse the extent of utilisation and identify the barriers faced by individuals in the Federally Administrative Area of Pakistan concerning the Social Health...

Psychosocial Variables That Enhance Marital Stability Among Couples in Southeast Nigeria

The rising divorce rates in Nigerian society stress the need to prioritize marital stability. This study seeks to contribute to mitigating this issue by investigating key psychosocial factors that promote marital stability. Specifically, the study explores the psychosocial variables that enhance marital stability among couples in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State. Data were sourced from 24 married couples through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Purposive sampling was employed, and data generated for the study were meticulously translated, transcribed and analyzed thematically. The findings revealed the pivotal role of love, effective communication and cultural factors in sustaining marital stability. To enhance marital stability, the study recommends the need for social service providers such as social workers and guidance/family counselors to provide adequate counseling to married couples. The goal of promoting resilience, strengthening relationships, and supporting the well-being of married couples and their families in diverse cultural contexts underscores the importance of social service research in addressing complex social issues and improving outcomes for individuals and communities. Future research should expand to include larger and more diverse populations and assess the longitudinal effects of social service programs on marital stability in Southeast Nigeria.

Behavioral Health Access and Workforce Competence for Integrated Care: Highlighting Interprofessional Initiatives from Two North Carolina Social Work Programs

Effective team-based care is necessary for implementation of the integrated care models recommended to improve behavioral health access. Many models rely on social work­ers who are trained to deliver behavioral health care as an interprofessional team member. In this article, we highlight two social work programs utilizing interprofessional educa­tion to enhance team-based care competence.

SOCIAL POLICY REGARDING VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATION GROUPS

The study focuses on evaluating and analyzing social policies designed to enhance the quality of life for veterans, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable population groups. Emphasis is placed on the effectiveness and adaptability of existing programs and initiatives, along with identifying potential directions for further development of social support for the mentioned citizen categories. The research adopts a comprehensive approach, incorporating the analysis of legislative frameworks, examination of statistical data, and conducting empirical investigations. Comparative analysis methods, surveys, and interviews with representatives of vulnerable groups and experts in social policy are employed. The social policy directed towards veterans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable population groups is an integral component of the structure of modern society. Providing support to these categories of citizens holds significant humanitarian importance, as it reflects universal values and contributes to addressing issues of social justice. Systematic efforts to create equal opportunities for vulnerable groups foster inclusive development, promoting the construction of a more just and balanced society. The work not only addresses existing challenges in the realm of social support for veterans, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable groups but also proposes specific recommendations for improving assistance programs. This includes exploring opportunities to enhance the accessibility of social services and stimulate the integration of these groups into society. The findings of the research underscore the necessity for actively implementing innovative approaches in social policy, taking into account the individual needs and capabilities of vulnerable groups. The proposed recommendations can serve as a foundation for future policy decisions and improvements in the social support system for relevant population categories. Special attention is given to the development of professional rehabilitation and training programs aimed at integrating individuals into the workforce. In the context of vulnerable population groups, there is a highlighted necessity to expand social protection for the elderly, single parents, and individuals with disabilities. The recommendations also aim to improve mechanisms of civic participation and partnerships between the government, civil society, and businesses to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of social programs. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of revisiting and improving social policy in response to contemporary challenges and the diverse needs of different population groups. The developed recommendations can serve as a basis for strategic planning and enhancing the overall social system.

SOCIAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS UNDER MARTIAL LAW AS A SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM

The article deals with the problems of social adaptation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine and their impact on the socio-economic development of the country. Provides a theoretical analysis of approaches to the study of the phenomenon of social adaptation of internally displaced persons in the works of domestic and foreign authors. Successful adaptation contributes to achieving the necessary ethical balance between migrants and the host country. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine who have adequately undergone acculturation will be able to avoid the inclusion of protective mechanisms of the psyche and prevent interethnic conflicts. The article also says what factors influence the successful adaptation of internally displaced persons in a new country and what obstacles arise. The article makes an important contribution to the understanding and improvement of social protection and support systems for internally displaced persons, especially in the context of military conflict. An additional focus is placed on social programs aimed at psychosocial support and reintegration, helping to restore normal life and stabilize the emotional state of affected persons.

Barriers to Enrollment of National Health Insurance Scheme in Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa

The Social Health Security Program (SHSP) is a social protection program of the Government of Nepal that aims to enable all citizens to access quality and effective healthcare services without any financial burden. A cross-sectional household-based and quantitative in-nature study was conducted in Rasuwa district. This study's population was residents of Uttargaya rural municipality wards no 4 and 5. How different factors are related to SHI enrolment. Ethnicity (p=<0.001), religion (p=<0.001), IWI grade (p=0.010), know about health insurance (p=<0.001), the behavior of service providers (p=<0.001), neighbors enrollment (p=<0.001), discussed SHI with neighbors (p=0.001), and family members agreed to enroll (p=0.002) were significantly associated with enrollment in SHI whereas others factors did not show any significant association with enrollment in social health insurance. This study found that enrollment was significantly associated with different independent variables. Poor knowledge of SHI, unfriendly behaviors of service providers, lack of trust, and unaffordability of premium costs were identified as barriers. Furthermore, Inappropriate timing of premium collection, limited services point, feeling that enrollment was not necessary, long queue, inadequate number of enrollment assistant and mandatory refer card were also reasons for not enrolling in SHI.

THE EVOLUTION OF STANDARDIZATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORTING

Accountability for sustainable development process is currently in high demand. Partners of business activities are interested not only in the financial condition and business activity of organizations, but also in the attitude towards environmental protection, implementation of social programs, fulfillment of public obligations. To this end, the problem arises of organizations preparing and publishing reports on sustainable development with international standards. The article presents the evolution of sustainability reporting standardization, which includes the GRI-SAAB-IFRS-S process chain and analyzing opportunities for financial and non-financial information reporting.

Impact of efficiency on affordability: A study of the Brazilian new water loss goals

ABSTRACT Infrastructure service affordability has become a burgeoning concern over the past years due to the recent economic crisis and the growing role of tariffs in funding the services. Pressure on utilities to promote social assistance programs in addition to an efficient service has risen toward providing water as affordable as possible. This study shows the positive impact of efficient services on families' water affordability by analyzing the new Brazilian water loss goals and the potential effect of water loss reduction on total expenses reported in the Brazilian utilities' National Water and Sanitation Information System (SNIS). The total service cost for water and sanitation (before and after the aforementioned goals) was then translated to average tariff per cubic meter and affordability ratios. The potential water volume saved in physical losses can reach up to 16.6% of the water consumed in the country, and although the impact on water affordability was timid, the positive results indicate utilities have an important role in assuring water and sanitation for all, and regulators must be involved toward taking a deep look at local conditions.

Social Transfers for Exclusive Breastfeeding (STEB) Intervention in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Children in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) receive suboptimal nutrition because of low breastfeeding rates, undermining their developmental potential. While major public health campaigns have attempted to increase breastfeeding rates, they have been largely unsuccessful. One explanation for these unsuccessful interventions is the economic and financial constraints faced by mothers. A potential solution for alleviating these pressures is providing social transfers to support breastfeeding; defined as a cash or in-kind transfer. Capitalizing on key strategies used in previous social transfer programs, we will assess the effectiveness of social transfer intervention for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to assess whether social transfers can increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. A prospective, parallel cluster-RCT was conducted among 300 mothers who recently gave birth and initiated breastfeeding. Enrolling 100 participants for each intervention arm provided us with 80% power to detect an increase in exclusive breastfeeding from the anticipated 21% in the control arm to 40% in either of the 2 intervention arms. Mother-infant dyads were enrolled at approximately 1 month post partum. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post partum; with the ambition to extend the follow-up period. Mother-infant dyads were enrolled between August 2022 and April 2023 with follow-up until 3 years post partum (2026). A local study team comprised of 2 nurses and 2 laboratory technicians is responsible for enrollment and follow-up of participants. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups during the baseline, 1-month visit: (1) control group, no social transfer; (2) intervention group 1, an unconditional social transfer at 6 months post partum; and (3) intervention group 2, a social transfer at 6 months post partum conditional upon mothers exclusively breastfeeding. All groups received educational materials supporting mothers to exclusively breastfeed. The primary end point will be exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months post partum. Secondary end points will include exclusive and complementary breastfeeding duration, childhood wasting and stunting, child growth, maternal and infant stress, predictors of early breastfeeding cessation, intestinal inflammation, anemia, maternal weight loss, maternal blood pressure, maternal anxiety, and GRIT personality score. Questionnaires and physical examinations were used to collect information. As of November 2023, the study has enrolled 300 participants. Study participation is ongoing until December 2026 at minimum. Over the study lifetime, 93% have completed all visits. We see potential for a long-term program that may be implemented in other low- or lower-middle-income countries with only minor modifications. The RCT will be used as a basis for observational studies and to investigate the impact of human milk on child fecal microbiota and growth. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05665049; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05665049. DERR1-10.2196/54768.

Social capital of families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in South India.

To investigate the social capital of families with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in South India receiving a community-based early intervention (Enabling Inclusion®) program and to explore determinants and associations between social capital and program duration, socio-demographic factors, family empowerment, and caregiver burden. Using purposive sampling in a cross-sectional study design, 217 families (n = 71 received short Enabling Inclusion [<5 months]; n = 146 received long Enabling Inclusion [>9 months]) were recruited and completed the Short Adapted Social Capital Tool (SASCAT: cognitive, structural), measures of family empowerment, and caregiver strain. Descriptive statistics, regression, and correlations were used for analyses. In 52.1% of participants, low cognitive and structural social capital was observed. Higher odds of low structural social capital were observed for mothers with primary versus secondary education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.90; p = 0.029); and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy versus autism (OR = 4.66; 95% CI 1.02-21.21; p = 0.046). Significant associations were found between structural social capital, the child's age, and support group membership (χ2 = 6.29; 4.70; degrees of freedom [df] = 2; 1; p = 0.04; p = 0.02 respectively), as well as between cognitive social capital and other disability in the family (χ2 = 4.62, df = 1, p = 0.03). While program duration was not found to mediate social capital, mother's education and child's diagnosis emerged as key influential factors, warranting their consideration in interventions supporting families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in low- and-middle-income countries and elsewhere.

An aboriginal-led, systemic solution to aboriginal baby removals in Australia: Development of the bringing up aboriginal babies at home program

The increasing rate of statutory Aboriginal infant removal in Australia, which has reached almost 10% of live births in the state of Victoria, is a crisis motivating radical change in child protection pathways. This paper describes the problem analysis and design phases of an Aboriginal-led systems change project intended to ensure Aboriginal infants are raised safe and strong in family, Community, and culture by creating a response capable of shifting underlying system factors. Dialogue and deliberation processes involving 27 practitioners working within Aboriginal health and social care programs in the Bayside Peninsula Area of metropolitan Melbourne, the traditional land of the Bunurong people, was the overarching method used to develop a shared understanding of the problem of Aboriginal infant removals and reach a consensus about what to do in the local system. The themes that emerged during problem analysis reflect a risk/bias theoretical perspective, and in the design phase, it was deemed necessary to reduce both child safety-related risk as well as bias in the child protection system that responds to risk. The ensuing Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies at Home program has a clear systems theory of change, and a service blueprint describing how it is going to be implemented. Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies at Home practice resonates with other programs that have evolved independently in Australia and in other western child protection jurisdictions to reduce infant removals, including building trust for engagement, inspiring hope, openness and transparency, activating extended networks of formal and informal supports, and close collaboration with antenatal and child protection services. Program evaluation will determine whether BUABAH can be implemented with fidelity, tackle identified system flaws, reduce the number of Aboriginal infants taken into statutory care and become sustainable.

Assessment of adaptive behavior in people with intellectual disabilities: Design and development of a new test battery

BackgroundAdaptive behavior is an important characteristic of people with intellectual disabilities, and it has been associated with a person's performance in social and work contexts. Indeed, adaptive behavior denotes what a person does independently, without help, support, reminders, or prompts. In Peru, available measures of adaptive behavior are commercial; thus, there is a need for an open-access tool to assess the adaptive behavior of people with intellectual disabilities. For this reason, the aim of the study was to design and develop a new Adaptive Behavior Test Battery for people from 13 to 60 years old with intellectual disabilities who have an interest in being part of the economically active population. MethodsA cross-sectional design was defined, starting with a qualitative approach to designing and constructing the item pool for the test battery. Then, quantitative indexes Aiken's V for content validity and Krippendorff's alpha for inter-observer reliability were estimated, resulting in a first version of the three subscales that comprised the test battery. The initial versions were tested on a sample of 566 persons with intellectual disabilities from two regions of Peru: Lima (Coast) and San Martín (Jungle). The internal structure was analyzed under a factor analysis approach, along with internal consistency measures of reliability. Further analyses of invariance regarding gender, region, and age were carried out. ResultsThree observer subscales were proposed: Daily living activities (11 items), Instrumental skills (4 items), and Communication (9 items). All subscales showed excellent psychometric properties denoted by the Aiken's V coefficient, Krippendorff's alpha, factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and invariance analyses. ConclusionThe developed a new Adaptive Behavior Test Battery is a useful tool for the measurement of adaptive behavior and the monitoring of social and labor inclusion programs for people with intellectual disabilities.