Socio-cultural Barriers Research Articles

Exploring the gendered experiences of Australian tennis coaches: A cross-sectional survey of women and men tennis coaches

ABSTRACT Women remain underrepresented in tennis coaching roles in Australia. This study aimed to examine the factors (barriers and facilitators) that may underlie gendered experiences in sport coaching and their links to retention in the profession, through the lens of Self-determination Theory. An online survey assessed barriers to coaching (individual, interpersonal, organisational and socio-cultural levels), coaching motivation and social support for coaching. Participants also completed measures of coach retention (coaching commitment, intentions to continue coaching). The survey was completed by 243 Australian tennis coaches (Mage = 49.5 ± 16.4 years, 35.8% women). The findings indicated that women coaches perceived experiencing significantly more socio-cultural barriers (e.g. discrimination, marginalisation) than their men counterparts. Fewer women (41.4%) than men (55.8%) intended to remain in the profession long-term (>10 years). Regression analyses did not reveal any predictors of retention among women coaches. In men, integrated regulation (β = 0.22, p = .036) and amotivation (β = -0.24, p = .010) predicted coaching commitment. Interpersonal barriers (OR = 0.27, p = .038), external regulation (OR = 0.68, p = .023) and amotivation (OR = 0.72, p = .040) predicted male’s intentions to exit the profession sooner. This study sheds light on the factors that shape the experiences of sport coaches. Ongoing efforts to support the retention of women in sport coaching are necessary and may include challenging socio-cultural barriers.

Predictors of intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundContraceptive use is a cost-effective intervention for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and their negative consequences. It is vital to increase contraceptive use among women to improve their reproductive health outcomes. This study examines the factors associated with contraceptive use intention among married and cohabiting women in Ghana.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 5,846 married and cohabiting women were included in the study. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with the intention to use contraceptives. The regression results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe proportion of intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women was 33.0% [31.1, 35.0]. Compared to women living in the Greater Accra, those living in Central (aOR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.69), Bono East (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.61), Oti (aOR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.63, 4.40), and Upper West Regions (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.68, 7.48) were more likely to have contraceptive use intention. The odds of intention to use contraceptives increased with increasing parity, with the highest odds among women with four or more births (aOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.51). The intention to use contraceptives decreased with increasing age, with the lowest odds among those aged 45–49 (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.25, 0.07). Women with no education (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.63), primary education (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.86), and secondary education (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.92) had lower odds of intention to use contraceptives compared to those with higher education. Married women (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.76) had lower odds of contraceptive use intention relative to cohabiting women.ConclusionOur study revealed a low contraceptive use intention among women, signalling a barrier in access to family planning services in the country. Various factors, including age, region, marital status, parity, and educational level play a role in determining the intention to use contraceptives. These findings underscore the importance of implementing policy changes and enhancing existing programmes to improve the availability of information, contraceptive education, and family planning services, especially for younger women, those living in rural areas, and those with lower levels of education. Additionally, it is vital to address socio-cultural barriers and empower women to address the factors associated with intention to use contraceptives.

The Extent of Participation and Empowerment of Rural Women in Lac Cultivation in Koderma District of Jharkhand, India

Lac cultivation in Koderma District, Jharkhand, offers a unique pathway for empowering rural women, serving as a significant source of income and socio-economic upliftment. This review examines the depth of women’s participation in various stages of lac production, from inoculation to processing, and how their involvement translates into empowerment. Despite facing challenges like gender discrimination, limited access to resources, and market constraints, women in Koderma have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Lac cultivation has provided them with financial independence and enhanced social recognition and decision-making power within their households and communities. Initiatives by the government and NGOs have played a critical role in facilitating this shift, offering training, market access, and financial support to enable women to break socio-cultural barriers. However, for sustained empowerment, addressing the existing gaps in technology access, market linkage, and equitable resource distribution is essential. This article aims to explore lac cultivation's role in empowering rural women in Koderma District, Jharkhand, by examining their participation in the production process and its impact on their socio-economic upliftment (Pal G., 2011). It aims to highlight women's challenges, the contributions of government and NGO initiatives, and the need for improved policies, technology, and market access to ensure sustained empowerment and equitable participation in the lac industry.

Exploring Socio-Cultural Barriers to Gogo Women’s Land Ownership in Tanzania

Exploring Socio-Cultural Barriers to Gogo Women’s Land Ownership in Tanzania

Effectiveness of Peer-Led Education in Reducing HIV Transmission among Youths in Urban Areas: A Comprehensive Review

HIV transmission among urban youths remains a significant public health concern, driven by factors such as risky sexual behaviors, limited access to healthcare, and high social connectivity. Peer-led education has emerged as a promising intervention to reduce HIV transmission by utilizing the influence of social networks and delivering relatable, accessible information on HIV prevention. This review assessed the effectiveness of peer-led education programs in urban areas by examining their impact on HIV-related knowledge, behavior change, and HIV testing rates. Studies revealed that peer-led education significantly improves HIV knowledge, promotes condom use, and encourages HIV testing among urban youths, contributing to a reduction in high-risk behaviors. Additionally, the social and emotional benefits of peer-led education create supportive environments for discussing sexual health, reducing stigma, and fostering empowerment among participants. However, challenges such as variability in program quality, sociocultural barriers, and sustainability issues limit the long-term success of these interventions. To address these challenges, future strategies should focus on integrating digital health platforms, personalizing peer education, and employing rigorous program evaluation methods. The methodology for this review included a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies, to provide a holistic understanding of peer-led education’s effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission among urban youths. Keywords: Peer-led education, HIV prevention, Urban youths, Behavioral change, HIV transmission.

Maternal and newborn health prioritization in Yobe State, Nigeria: analysis of stakeholders' perspective.

Maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in conflict-affected northeastern areas of Nigeria, such as Yobe State, are disproportionately higher than those in the rest of the country. There is limited evidence on the factors that influence maternal and newborn health (MNH) policymaking and implementation in this region, particularly with respect to the impact of conflict and context-specific issues. This study explores the political, economic and health system factors that drive the prioritization of MNH policies in Yobe State. The aim of this study was to elucidate the conflict-related factors influencing MNH outcomes, which could inform targeted interventions to improve MNH. The study is a descriptive case study that relies on multiple data sources and is guided by the Health Policy Analysis Triangle. We reviewed national and subnational research, technical reports and policies related to reproductive health and the MNH in Nigeria since 2010. Following stakeholder mapping, we identified and invited prospective participants in the MNH policymaking space. Nineteen stakeholders from the government, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies, and public and private sector health providers in Yobe State participated in the semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were collected from November 2022 through January 2023 and were thematically analysed via Dedoose software. MNH services in Yobe State have received considerable attention through initiatives such as the National Midwifery Service Scheme, free MNH services, training of midwives with deployment to rural areas, and health facility renovations. The effective implementation of MNH services and policies faces challenges due to insufficient funding, and sustainability is hampered by changes in governance and political transitions. The Boko Haram insurgency exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yobe State and disrupted MNH services due to the displacement of populations and the decline in the number of health workers. Additionally, sociocultural and religious beliefs hinder timely access to and utilization of MNH services. Although policies and guidelines for MNH services exist in the state, they are inadequately disseminated to health providers, which affects their effective implementation across facilities. Collaboration and intersectoral coordination platforms exist, but competition and rivalries among unions, political entities, and implementing agencies sometimes impede progress. Enhancing MNH services in Yobe state requires increased commitment for funding through the Northeast Development Commission rehabilitation fund; strengthening the health workforce, safety and retention plan; promoting gender inclusivity within the health sector; and addressing sociocultural barriers to women's health-seeking behaviors. Concrete, time-bound plans for policy dissemination are necessary to ensure effective service implementation.

Immigrants' clusters and unequal access to healthcare treatments

We focus on caesarean sections (C-sections) to examine access to appropriate medical care for immigrants in the Italian tax-funded universal National Health Service. We use a detailed micro-dataset to analyse whether non-native women receive different treatments compared to natives and whether there are differences between groups of non-natives defined by citizenship. For identification, we control for hospital fixed effects and maternal characteristics, and we compare the different groups by exploiting the clustering of non-natives of different nationalities in different urban areas. We find no significant differences between natives and non-natives in terms of C-sections and inappropriate C-sections. However, we do find significant differences between different groups of immigrants. In addition, we find that linguistic and socio-cultural distances are significant drivers of inequalities among non-native women. As language, habits, traditions, and beliefs can affect communication between the woman and the medical staff in many ways, we interpret our findings in terms of the ability to process and understand information between the two parties. In support of this interpretation, we find evidence of a “segregation effect”: women linguistically and socio-culturally more distant from Italy experience the greatest difficulties in accessing appropriate care when living in urban areas characterized by the presence of large immigrant communities of the same nationality. Moreover, we find that the role of linguistic and socio-cultural barriers is stronger for first-time mothers and women with non-native partners.

Overcoming Barriers of Cervical Cancer Elimination in India: A Practice to Policy Level Advocacy.

India's ambitious goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 faces significant challenges due to the high burden of disease, low screening rates, and sociocultural barriers. Despite the Government's focus on vaccination, addressing cervical cancer requires a more comprehensive approach that is multisectoral and consider practice to policy engagement. Addressing not only vaccination but also social barriers, healthcare infrastructure, and research is key to preventing and controlling this preventable disease. Fragmented health policies with limited coverage for cervical cancer, coupled with societal issues like stigma and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, pose significant challenges. Moreover, limited awareness of HPV and vaccines hinders progress. To effectively combat cervical cancer, India must prioritize a readiness assessment to evaluate past interventions, economic feasibility, and social issues before launching new programs. Improving healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and utilizing innovative models like mobile clinics can expand access to care. Public-private partnerships with incentives can also play a crucial role in mobilizing resources. Investing in culturally appropriate public awareness campaigns is essential to educate the population about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention strategies. A robust pharmacovigilance program is necessary to ensure vaccine safety. Additionally, India should invest in science and technology to support long-term research efforts, while increasing understanding of population-specific predisposing factors for broader-spectrum vaccines and personalized approaches. A dedicated national policy with clear objectives, strategies, and accountability mechanisms is crucial for successful cervical cancer control. Learning from the experiences of other countries can inform policy development.

The Role of Consumers in Fostering Circular Economy in Indonesia

Consumers play an important role in transforming the economic system into a circular economy. Some literature highlighted that consumer demand has become an enabler for businesses to adopt circular practices. However, other literature argues that although consumers are aware of environmental sustainability issues, their adoption of circular products and services is still low, which is termed as an "intention–action gap." This "intention–action gap" becomes a socio-cultural barrier for businesses to adopt circular practices. This paper aims to increase knowledge and understanding about the role of consumers perceived by circular start-ups. A qualitative case study approach was employed by conducting in-depth interviews with four circular start-ups. This study is expected to shed light on the role of consumers either as enablers or barriers to the circular economy in Indonesia.

Defining medical deserts—an international consensus-building exercise

Abstract Background Medical deserts represent a pressing public health and health systems challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the gap between people and health services, yet a commonly agreed definition of medical deserts was lacking. This study aims to define medical deserts through a consensus-building exercise, explaining the phenomenon to its full extent, in a manner that can apply to countries and health systems across the globe. Methods We used a standard Delphi exercise for the consensus-building process. The first phase consisted of one round of individual online meetings with selected key informants; the second phase comprised two rounds of surveys when a consensus was reached in January 2023. The first phase-the in-depth individual meetings-was organized online. The dimensions to include in the definition of medical deserts were identified, ranked and selected based on their recurrence and importance. The second phase-the surveys-was organized online. Finally, external validation was obtained from stakeholders via email. Results The agreed definition highlights five major dimensions: ‘Medical deserts are areas where population healthcare needs are unmet partially or totally due to lack of adequate access or improper quality of healthcare services caused by (i) insufficient human resources in health or (ii) facilities, (iii) long waiting times, (iv) disproportionate high costs of services or (v) other socio-cultural barriers’. Conclusions The five dimensions of access to healthcare: insufficient human resources in health or; facilities; long waiting times; disproportionate high costs of services and; other socio-cultural barriers, ought to be addressed to mitigate medical deserts. The term medical deserts might not be the most appropriate term for defining areas with insufficient access to health services as it excludes essential domains, such as access to public health and preventive services. Key messages • Medical deserts directly and negatively impact the health outcomes of the people living in it. • Medical deserts might not be the most appropriate term for defining areas with insufficient access to medical services, as it excludes public health and preventive services.

Barriers and facilitators to remote healthcare services use: perspectives of women and providers

Abstract Background The remote health services (RHS) proliferation raises concerns regarding relatively low use among minorities. Arab women in Israel belong to a minority that experiences health disparities, stigmatization, social and economic marginalization. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating means to RHS use relevant to Arab women in Israel from the perspective of women, primary care physicians (PCPs), and nurses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Arab women, 18 PCPs, and 4 nurses from different parts in Israel between December 2023-March 2024. We used a positive deviance approach by interviewing 14 women who succeeded in using RHS and 11 who did not. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas qualitative analysis software. Findings The data distilled three main barriers to RHS use: sociocultural- importance of close relations with PCPs, privacy concerns of revealing the body or conversing with unfamiliar physicians, strict supervision by the family (Bedouin society); logistical-limited internet access and infrastructure, personal- unawareness to RHS, digital literacy, normative conceptions of limited quality of care and believing that only some health conditions are suitable for RHS. Facilitating means to RHS use: gender roles-women’s role as family health caretakers, mothers maintaining work-family balance and younger women generation feeling responsible for the older generation RHS adoption, accessibility- wider access to care due to limited transportation. Conclusions It is important to identify facilitating conditions (e.g., training opportunities, social, technological support), cultured elements (gender roles, limited mobility), and trust to adopting RHS by minority populations. The study provide data for developing requirements to ensure more equitable access to RHS to Arab women including addressing privacy concerns, guidelines for RHS-related information dissemination, and for RHS providers. Key messages • The findings help develop approaches and means to improve RHS use for Arab women from diverse backgrounds by identifying barriers associated with access, culture, and normative conceptions. • Developing RHS systems into routine care must ensure equitable use across social groups and address economic, logistical, and sociocultural barriers and guidelines for RHS information dissemination.

Investigation of Community Engagement in Sustainable Construction Projects: Case Studies from Nigeria

This study investigates the role of community engagement in sustainable construction projects in Nigeria, focusing on three case studies: a green residential building in Lagos, an eco-friendly community center in Abuja, and a sustainable water infrastructure project in rural Kano. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through interviews, surveys, and document analysis. The research identifies significant variations in engagement practices, with Lagos showing high engagement levels, leading to greater community acceptance and better environmental outcomes. Key success factors include strong leadership, adequate funding, and effective communication, while challenges such as socio-cultural barriers and political interference were noted. The findings emphasize the importance of sustained, tailored engagement strategies to enhance project sustainability and community support. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical data on the long-term impacts of community engagement, offering insights for policy makers and project managers to improve community participation in sustainable construction.

The lived experiences of Women's identities and intersections in accessing social justice within the Ghanaian informal legal system: A phenomenological investigation

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is insufficient formal justice infrastructure in many countries, so informal courts play a significant role. This paper examines the intersections of women's identities and access to social justice within Ghana's informal court system. Using an exploratory qualitative research approach, the study involved 15 women who utilised the informal court system. Findings indicate that traditional gender roles, social harmony-based adjudication, and the social consequences of court decisions on family households hinder women's access to justice. While these courts are accessible and affordable, their decisions primarily focus on reconciliation, failing to provide women with equal access to social justice. The study emphasizes the need for promoting gender equity, enhancing fairness in informal justice mechanisms, and creating supportive environments for women's access to justice. It suggests socio-legal reforms to address socio-cultural barriers and promote gender equality within informal justice systems.

Demographic and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Student Migration in Nepal

Student migration, defined as the movement of students to pursue education abroad for at least a year outside their country of citizenship, has transformed into a market-driven phenomenon due to the globalization of higher education. As the demand for international education surges, an increasing number of students perceive it as a pathway to potential permanent residency. The cultural and economic contributions of these international students have prompted stakeholders to facilitate their entry and integration. While North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and East and Southeast Asia remain primary destinations, emerging educational hubs like Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore are witnessing a rise in international student enrollment. Nepal is a microcosm of this global trend, with thousands of its citizens pursuing higher education abroad annually. A comprehensive analysis of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Nepalese students studying abroad reveals complex patterns influenced by factors such as geographic origin, gender, age, religion, marital status, and economic background. The preference for countries like Japan, characterized by favorable policies and educational opportunities, is particularly pronounced among students from regions like Lumbini and Madesh. These disparities underscore the persistence of sociocultural barriers hindering educational opportunities for women and the inequitable access to international education among students from different socioeconomic strata. To effectively support Nepalese students abroad, it is imperative to develop tailored policies and support systems that address the diverse needs and backgrounds of this population.

Exploring the Nexus between Endogenous Development and Local Economic Development: The Experience of Tamale Metropolis in Ghana

This paper explores the relationship between Endogenous Development (ED) and Local Economic Development (LED) in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. ED emphasises locally driven initiatives that leverage indigenous knowledge, resources, and cultural practices, while LED focuses on promoting economic growth and sustainability through local-level collaboration. The study examines how ED practices, such as community- based agricultural activities and cooperatives, contribute to local economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion in Tamale. It also identifies key challenges, including weak governance frameworks, socio-cultural barriers, and limited access to finance, which hinder the effective integration of ED into broader LED strategies. Despite these obstacles, opportunities exist to strengthen the synergy between ED and LED through enhanced community participation, capacity building, and public- private partnerships. This paper argues that aligning ED with LED offers a sustainable development model that can address both economic and social challenges in the region. Recommendations for policymakers include improving local governance structures, fostering inclusive development policies, and creating supportive environments for community-driven initiatives. The findings highlight the need for context-sensitive development strategies that empower local communities to take ownership of their development pathways while contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Using the theoretical domains framework to identify the sociocultural barriers and enablers to access and use of primary and maternal healthcare services by rural Bangladeshi women: a qualitative study

In Bangladesh, increasing the use of primary healthcare (PHC) and maternal healthcare (MHC) services is the main focus of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-3, ensuring healthy lives and wellbeing for all. However, little is known about the sociocultural barriers and enablers to accessing and using PHC and MHC services among rural Bangladeshi women. This qualitative study aimed to identify sociocultural barriers and enablers to accessing and using PHC and MHC services among Bangladeshi rural women by using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). This exploratory qualitative study used focus groups and interviews to collect data from women (28), their husbands (8) and healthcare providers (18). Data were analysed using Framework approach underpinned by the TDF. Four main themes emerged from data analysis, of which key barriers were summarised in three themes: (i) family barriers including lack of family reinforcement, (ii) social barriers including gender of healthcare providers, and (iii) cultural barriers including superstition to access and use of healthcare services. The remaining theme, sociocultural support, included information about key enablers, such as family support, neighbourhood connection and media influence. Several key behavioural constructs that aligned with the TDF need to be targeted when developing an intervention to promote access and use of PHC and MHC services.

A child-centred intercultural approach to the socio-educational inclusion of migrant and refugee children

The increasing trend of child migration, whether forced or voluntary, poses a challenge to policies aimed at ensuring social cohesion and protecting children's rights. Inclusive educational environments play a crucial role in the integration of migrant and refugee children by promoting intercultural dialogue and participation. This study aims to explore the potential of a child-centred approach to the socio-educational inclusion of migrant and refugee children in Europe, proposing a framework of inclusive interculturalism to address the specific challenges these children face in educational settings. A narrative review was conducted, examining a wide range of peer-reviewed sources to synthesise current knowledge on child-centred education and its applicability to migrant and refugee children. The review identifies key challenges in adopting a child-centred approach, including socio-cultural, linguistic and psychological barriers that hinder migrant and refugee children's full participation in education. It highlights the importance of promoting agency, cultural competence and emotional well-being through inclusive and intercultural educational practices. Implementing a child-centred, inclusive intercultural approach can promote social cohesion and reduce inequalities by ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and opportunities for personal development. However, more empirical research is needed to translate these theoretical frameworks into practical interventions.

Evaluation of a distribution, education and awareness intervention for child passenger safety in Lebanon: a low-income and middle-income country setting

BackgroundThe Eastern Mediterranean Region suffers disproportionately from paediatric traffic-related injuries. Despite governmental laws, Lebanon—an eastern Mediterranean country—has low child restraint (CR) use prevalence. This study examined the impact of using...

Exploring the Socio-Cultural Barriers that Hinder Female's Access to Higher Education in Rural Areas of Quetta and Examining Female Perspectives on the Effectiveness of These Barriers

The study primarily aims to identify and analyze socio-cultural obstacles that prevent women from pursuing higher education in rural Quetta. It focuses on examining how women perceive the effectiveness of these barriers. This study utilized a qualitative research methodology to investigate the experiences of ten young female participants encountering socio-cultural obstacles that hindered their pursuit of higher education. The researchers conducted in-person interviews with participants using a semi-structured questionnaire, allowing for a full analysis of their experiences. The socio-cultural impediments examined include patriarchal culture, early marriages, priority for sons' education, co-education and male teachers, and social bias towards females. The findings indicate that although these obstacles exist, many young females do not view them as effective in discouraging their pursuit of higher education. This study highlights women's unfavorable situation in rural areas of Quetta, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to encourage women to pursue higher education.

Palliative care service provision and use among 2SLGBTQIA + individuals: a scoping review

ContextHealth inequities exist across the healthcare continuum, significantly impacting 2SLGBTQIA + individuals. Palliative care presents unique challenges for sexual and gender minorities due to socio-cultural, psychological, and systemic barriers. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize existing research on palliative care use among 2SLGBTQIA + individuals and identify common themes in the literature.MethodsA literature review was conducted, focusing on articles published between 2010 and 2023 from the PubMed and CINAHL databases. Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews was applied to guide the review process.ResultsA total of 31 studies were identified. A significant portion of the research originated in North America, with little research from outside the USA. Palliative care and end-of-life care were most used to describe care, though these terms were often not clearly defined. All studies included a focus on sexual and gender minorities, but there was considerable variation in the terminology used and a noticeable paucity of literature specifically addressing the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, or use of an intersectional approach in analysis. Key themes identified in the literature include discrimination in palliative care settings, disenfranchised grief experienced by care partners, and a lack of training in palliative care settings concerning the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA + people utilizing palliative care services.ConclusionsPeople identifying as 2SLGBTQIA + experience unique inequities in accessing and using palliative care services. To address these challenges, future initiatives should focus on developing identity-affirming palliative care settings, enhancing respect and support for care partners and found family, and ensuring healthcare providers are properly educated to provide care to this community. Future research is also needed that considers more diverse samples, as well as the impact of intersecting identities on the specific needs and challenges they face at end-of-life.