Sociocultural Factors Research Articles

5 - Institutionalizing Gender-Based Violence Within African Democracies

Even though international legislation recognises the eradication of gender- based violence as a crucial target for the promotion of human rights and the achievement of the sustainable development of the world, violence against women has received little intellectual attention and scholarly intervention from academia. In the African region, where diverse sociocultural and institutional gender discriminative factors often mean unequal power relations between women and men, the prevalence of gender-based violence is particularly critical. This article examines the institutional implications of violence against women by comparing South Africa and Botswana, two countries that adopted democratic systems after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. It highlights the importance of the Constitutions of both countries and the representation of woman in politics. The divergence between the two states’ legal and political approaches to gender equality and human rights underscores the role of gender-specific institutions in the prevalence of violence against women. This article also uncovers the limitations of existing strategies and proposes a better understanding of inequality within gender relations and its reflection within the frame of institutions to find a way to resolve violence against women and achieve gender justice.

Parenting Styles in the Film 20th Century Women (2016): An Issue of Generation Gap

Parenting styles can be influenced by a number of sociocultural factors, one of which is generation gap. This study analyses the kinds of parenting styles evident in the film 20th Century Women (2016). The study specifically focuses on the main character Dorothea’s ways of raising her son Jamie, who is forty years apart in age. The analysis points to three different parenting styles adopted by Dorothea: (1) authoritative, (2) authoritarian, and (3) permissive. The study confirms that generation gap has influenced the kinds of parenting styles adopted by the character. This study has thus shed light on an important sociocultural as well as contextual factor influencing parenting style.

The Role of Parenting and Socio-Cultural Practices in Addressing Stunting in Food-Insecure West Timor

Stunting, a consequence of chronic malnutrition, has detrimental effects on child development. This qualitative study explores socio-cultural factors and family practices related to stunting prevention in food-insecure areas of West Timor, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, and observations with mothers (n = 20), healthcare workers, officials, traditional figures, and religious leaders. Identified parenting practices spanned childcare, immunization, hygiene, sick child care, and feeding. Support for pregnant and postpartum mothers was crucial. Socio-cultural influences emerged in three themes: child food intake, care during pregnancy, and maternal care after childbirth. This study underscores the combined impact of food insecurity and socio-cultural factors on stunting. Culturally sensitive interventions addressing food availability and these practices are essential for effective stunting prevention.

Analisis Kinerja Pembangunan Kabupaten Jeneponto Dengan Metode Logical Framework Analysis

This research aims to analyze the factors behind the low development performance in Jeneponto Regency. The analysis method used is the Logical Framework Analysis method. The results showed that the factors behind the low development performance in Jeneponto Regency, especially in the fields of education and health, are the low quality of education and the low level of public health. The low quality of education is characterized by the low average length of schooling of the community there which is caused by high dropout rates where the average cause of dropout rates is economic inability, socio-cultural factors some children choose to marry or be married off at school age, and the absence of motivation to go to school so that children choose to work. Meanwhile, the low level of public health is caused by the low life expectancy of the people of Jeneponto. The low life expectancy of the community is caused by the low achievement of optimal service standards (SPM) where the cause of the low achievement is due to inadequate facilities and infrastructure and health services that are not yet optimal.

Impact of patrilocality on contrasting patterns of paternal and maternal heritage in Central-West Africa

Despite their ancient past and high diversity, African populations are the least represented in human population genetic studies. In this study, uniparental markers (mtDNA and Y chromosome) were used to investigate the impact of sociocultural factors on the genetic diversity and inter-ethnolinguistic gene flow in the three major Nigerian groups: Hausa (n = 89), Yoruba (n = 135) and Igbo (n = 134). The results show a distinct history from the maternal and paternal perspectives. The three Nigerian groups present a similar substrate for mtDNA, but not for the Y chromosome. The two Niger–Congo groups, Yoruba and Igbo, are paternally genetically correlated with populations from the same ethnolinguistic affiliation. Meanwhile, the Hausa is paternally closer to other Afro-Asiatic populations and presented a high diversity of lineages from across Africa. When expanding the analyses to other African populations, it is observed that language did not act as a major barrier to female-mediated gene flow and that the differentiation of paternal lineages is better correlated with linguistic than geographic distances. The results obtained demonstrate the impact of patrilocality, a common and well-established practice in populations from Central-West Africa, in the preservation of the patrilineage gene pool and in the affirmation of identity between groups.

Exploring ethnic minority students’ perspectives on anxiety in learning Chinese as an additional language: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

ABSTRACT Existing research on ethnic minority students in Hong Kong (HK) has documented their struggles in learning Chinese-as-an-Additional-Language (CAL) and the linguistic challenges for ethnic minority students to learn CAL at school can be the source of their anxiety, which may prevent them from integrating into HK society. The paper aims to explore ethnic minority students’ perceptions of how their Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) affect their learning of CAL. The data, from semi-structured interviews with ethnic minority students of varying CAL anxiety levels and fieldnotes from classroom observations and informal teacher interviews, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings illustrate that while FLA can certainly influence students’ CAL learning experiences, other personal and sociocultural factors, such as students’ motivation to learn CAL, the prevalence of English-as-a-Lingua-Franca in society, and the impact of examination policies, also contribute significantly. This paper argued that the perceived relevance and importance of CAL in students’ lives are closely linked to FLA and can contribute to the lack of motivation observed in students with high or mid-level FLA. Thus, there is a need for teachers to attend to the interplay between other sociocultural factors and FLA when understanding ethnic minority students’ CAL learning behaviours.

Cognitive and sociolectal constraints on the theme-recipient alternation: evidence from Mandarin

Abstract We explore the cognitive and sociolectal constraints that probabilistically regulate the theme-recipient (or “dative”) alternation in modern varieties of Mandarin and how these constraints interact with each other. Based on an extensively annotated corpus dataset and regression modeling, we found that the probabilistic grammar that shapes the theme-recipient alternation is fundamentally stable across regional and genre varieties of Mandarin. This general stability notwithstanding, significant variation regarding the importance of cognitive constraints across different sociolectal constraints is detected. Crucially, the analysis revealed that recipient syntactic complexity has a much greater effect in Taiwan Mandarin than in Mainland Mandarin. The effect of theme concreteness is also found to be significantly reduced in telephone conversations compared to broadcast news. Corpus-based findings were cross-validated using a psycholinguistic rating task experiment. While the results of the two approaches demonstrate substantial overlap, they also exhibit diverging patterns at the level of interaction between regional variety and recipient complexity, potentially indicating nuanced differences between the two approaches. The findings provide evidence that interactional patterns between cognitive and sociolectal constraints on probabilistic grammatical alternations may be shared across languages, despite their distinct socio-cultural factors that shape variation in human interaction.

Barriers to women’s participation in higher engineering education: a qualitative assessment of the role of social networks of students in a Ghanaian university

Engineering is critical for socio-economic development, however only a few women participate in engineering education and careers. This study aimed to identify the types of negative information propagated by the social networks of engineering students that could create barriers to students, and particularly women’s retention in engineering education and careers, and assess whether they influence men and women differently. The study was exploratory hence six focus group discussions were conducted with undergraduate engineering students in their second, third, and fourth years of study in a Ghanaian university. An interview guide was used to, among others, examine the perceptions and misconceptions of students’ social networks about engineering and the negative information that circulates within the networks. Demotivating information from students’ social networks were mainly misconceptions such as (1) engineering is too difficult and strenuous for women, and only meant for strong and well-built people, (2) engineering negatively affects women’s beauty and body image, (3) engineering makes women unfashionable and unattractive, and (4) engineering is a threat to marital and family lives. Both female and male students were negatively affected by misinformation about engineering being difficult and having limited job prospects as well as societal preferences for other programmes such as medicine. The misinformation could serve as a barrier, especially for students lacking ‘faith and the spirit of perseverance’ to pursue and graduate from engineering programmes. While efforts are being made to bridge the gender gap in engineering education and careers, there are misconceptions and misinformation that can hinder progress toward achieving the desired gender parity. Educational policies must integrate gender-responsive strategies including addressing the socio-cultural and stereotypical factors and public misconceptions. There is a need to provide strategic counselling services to engineering students to be able to cope with the effects of negative information from their social networks especially during the early years of their studies in the universities.

The Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Quality of Life: The Importance of Research on Youth.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays a significant role in the medical care of transgender individuals, helping to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of GAHT on adults, research focusing on its effects on the quality of life (QoL) of transgender youth is limited. In this opinion paper, we aim to address selected challenges associated with gender-affirming medical care, such as (1) the necessity for evidence-based youth gender-affirming medical care, (2) the urge to explore different approaches to gender-affirming medical care diversely in transgender youth research, and (3) understanding the challenges of the detransition process (which refers to stopping or reversing gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments), as well as suggest possible solutions for meaningful progress. Notably, the available evidence underlines a positive impact of GAHT on various aspects of QoL of transgender youth, such as mental health and social functioning, by alleviating gender dysphoria, improving body satisfaction, and facilitating appearance congruence (the degree to which an individual's physical appearance represents their gender identity). However, challenges related to methodological limitations, as well as ethical considerations, and several sociocultural factors highlight the need for further research to better understand the long-term effects of GAHT on the QoL of transgender youth. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring informed consent and weighing potential benefits against risks, are pivotal in guiding healthcare decisions. Additionally, navigating these ethical responsibilities amid sociocultural contexts is crucial for providing inclusive and respectful care to transgender youth. Addressing these research gaps is, therefore, crucial to developing successful healthcare programmes, raising awareness, and promoting the holistic well-being of transgender youth through comprehensive and affirming care.

O-243 Promoting family building strategies - a global call to action

Promoting family building strategies - a global call to action Study question Are there any strategies that can be improved or implemented to promote family building and slow down the global decline in fertility rates? Summary answer Fertility rates are dangerously decreasing worldwide, therefore current strategies need to be improved and new ones should be developed to face present-day challenges. What is known already Although to different extent, almost half of the countries in the world are below replacement level due to generalized fertility decline. Through the years, many of them have put in place policies to promote natality, with variable results depending on the kind of strategy adopted, on socio-cultural factors and on other local peculiarities. Most commonly used policies include prevention and education, plans aimed at allowing couples to have children (ensuring work stability, financial stability, housing stability), benefits and incentives for families and implementation of childcare services and facilities. Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) have also been considered a potential tool to boost fertility rates. Main results and role of chance Quite surprisingly, however, even countries who have been adopting high-quality family-friendly policies are experiencing a decline in fertility rates (e.g. Finland) and strategies that have been effective in the past century may be even counterproductive nowadays. In fact, cultural, psychological, biological and cognitive factors should also be taken into consideration (alongside social and economical ones) and it should not be forgotten that attitude towards having children is not stable and may be subject to sudden, unpredictable changes (e.g. war in Ukraine and Middle East). With specific reference to ART, it has been undergoing tremendous scientific and technical development in the last few decades, fueling the unrealistic expectation that it might solve all fertility problems and allow people to have children at any age. Actually, however, ART success rates are relatively low, especially in specific categories of patients. On the other hand, costs of these treatments are particularly high, which also affect accessibility for some of the patients in need. Financial, physical and emotional toll even of a single ART cycle can be burdensome for most couples, who tend to give up after a couple failed attempts. However, data in literature show that in specific categories of patients, repetition of up to 5-6 cycle can importantly increase success rates. Based on this assumption, the scientific community worldwide should start considering an ART treatment not as a single cycle, but a succession of more cycles, as deemed appropriate based on the patients’ characteristics. Number of cycles offered, planning and pricing should of course be adjusted accordingly. This paradigm shift might be difficult to instill in both professionals’ and patients’ minds, but it might turn out to be tremendously useful for ones as well as the others. Limitation, reasons for caution Although a global intervention in favour of family building is required, individual countries should design multidisciplinary strategies taking into account local and regional peculiarities. The above mentioned paradigm shift might initially encounter resistance from couples and professionals until its benefits are clearly documented. Wider implications of the findings Data show that it is essential that policymakers, healthcare professionals and other institutional stakeholders team up to raise awareness on infertility and to develop long term plans aimed at inverting this insidious trend that is already affecting all society and is destined to get even worse if not immediately tackled in a determined and cooperative way.

Vaccination awareness in adult patients at a tertiary care hospital

Background: As global birth rates decline and life expectancies rise, the geriatric population is rapidly increasing. The growing geriatric population worldwide necessitates improved vaccination awareness among older adults to mitigate the increased risk of infectious diseases due to immunosenescence - the gradual deterioration of the immune system with age. The main objective of our study was to create awareness, explain the benefits of adult vaccination and brief about the CDC recommended vaccinations and their schedules. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted for 3 months on outpatient basis through a pamphlet survey in around 150 patients. Results: 64.6% of patients completed their Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Secondary level education and out of them 49.3% of them residing in urban areas doesn’t know about adult vaccination. Conclusion: Findings reveal that patients' decisions are influenced by sociocultural factors, access to information, and misconceptions. The results highlight the importance of targeted immunization programs for older adults and implementing National guidelines in a country like India with highest population can prevent vaccine-preventable diseases, reduce healthcare costs, and improve public health outcomes. Enhanced education and healthcare provider engagement are recommended to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates among the elderly, especially in underprivileged communities. Keywords: adult vaccination; awareness; immunosenescence

A theoretical framework for identifying sociocultural factors that influence nurses' compliance with early warning systems for acute clinical deterioration: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSystematic adoption of early warning systems in healthcare settings is dependent on the optimal and reliable application by the user. Psychosocial issues and hospital culture influence clinicians' patient safety behaviours. Objective(i) To examine the sociocultural factors that influence nurses' EWS compliance behaviours, using a theory driven behavioural model and (ii) to propose a conceptual model of sociocultural factors for EWS compliance behaviour. DesignA cross-sectional survey. SettingNurses employed in public hospitals across Queensland, Australia. ParticipantsUsing convenience and snowball sampling techniques eligible nurses accessed a dedicated web site and survey containing closed and open-ended questions. 291 nurses from 60 hospitals completed the survey. MethodsQuantitative data were analysed using ANOVA or t-tests to test differences in means. A series of path models based on the theory were conducted to develop a new model. Directed or theory driven content analysis informed qualitative data analysis. ResultsNurses report high levels of previous compliance behaviour and strong intentions to continue complying in the future (M=4.7; SD 0.48). Individual compliance attitudes (β 0.29, p<.05), perceived value of escalation (β 0.24, p<.05) and perceived ease or difficulty complying with documentation (β −0.31, p<.05) were statistically significant, predicting 24% of variation in compliance behaviour. Positive personal charting beliefs (β 0.14, p<.05) and subjective norms both explain higher behavioural intent indirectly through personal attitudes. High ratings of peer charting beliefs indirectly explain attitudes through subjective norms (β 0.20, p<.05). Perceptions of control over one's clinical actions (β −0.24, p<.05) and early warning system training (β −0.17, p<.05) directly contributed to fewer difficulties complying with documentation requirements. Prior difficulties when escalating care (β −0.31, p<.05) directly influenced the perceived value of escalating. ConclusionsThe developed theory-based conceptual model identified sociocultural variables that inform compliance behaviour (documenting and escalation protocols). The model highlights areas of clinical judgement, education, interprofessional trust, workplace norms and cultural factors that directly or indirectly influence nurses' intention to comply with EWS protocols. Extending our understanding of the sociocultural and system wide factors that hamper nurses' use of EWSs and professional accountability has the potential to improve the compliance behaviour of staff and subsequently enhance the safety climate attitudes of hospitals. Tweetable abstractA newly developed model reports nurse's personal attitudes, peer influence, perceived difficulties encountered documenting and escalation beliefs all predict early warning system compliance behaviour.

Overcoming Obstacles in Peer-to-Peer Digital Literacy Training for Seniors

Ensuring that seniors possess adequate digital literacy is crucial for their participation in modern society. This paper examines the challenges and solutions for peer-to-peer digital literacy training among seniors in Germany. The main obstacles identified include technological apprehension, physical and cognitive limitations, and socio-cultural factors. Proposed solutions involve customized training programs with easy-to-understand materials and flexible learning sessions, the use of senior-friendly technology, and leveraging peer support networks where senior volunteers act as digital mentors. Case studies, such as the “Digital-Kompass” project, highlight the effectiveness of these strategies. The paper concludes that a multifaceted approach, backed by continuous support and innovation, is essential to bridge the digital divide and ensure social inclusion for seniors in the digital age.

Correlates of creativity and elementary school students’ perceptions of individual and sociocultural factors

Correlates of creativity and elementary school students’ perceptions of individual and sociocultural factors

Analisis Pengaruh Rasio Ketergantungan, DAK Fisik Afirmasi, PDRB, Terhadap IPM Daerah Tertinggal Di Provinsi Papua Barat Tahun 2019-2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the variabIe Dependency Ratio, Affirmation Physical DAK, Gross RegionaI Domestic Product on the Human Development lndex in Underdeveloped Regions in West Papua Province years 2019-2023. The methodlused the studyiis paneI dataaregression analysis with the Fixed Effect ModeI (FEM) estimation. The data used in this study is the 2019-2023 period with 8 districts included in the category of disadvantaged areas. The results obtained indicate the dependency ratio has a significantlnegative effect at the Human DeveIopment lndex, if the dependency ratio decreases, the Human Development Index will increase. For DAK Physical Affirmation has no influence on the Human Development Index, because there are still development inequality in 8 underdeveloped regions in West Papua Province due to natural topography, and socio-cultural factors. While the GRDP variable own a positive as well as significant infIuence, imediately from GRDP increases, the Development Index will also increase because GRDP at constant prices reflects the economic growth of a region.

Identifying suicidal risk factors in the French Overseas Territories with multimethod psychological autopsy (AUTOPSOM): a mixed-methods study protocol

IntroductionUnderstanding suicide in more isolated territories is a challenge because of the entanglement of cultural identity with historical, geographical and sociocultural specificities. This knowledge is a necessary precondition for the...

Exploring self-care practices and health beliefs among men in the context of emerging infectious diseases: Lessons from the Mpox pandemic in Brazil.

Our goal was to explore self-care practices among men who have sex with men in the context of Mpox in Brazil. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews and thematic analysis, to collect and analyze data from male participants across the Brazilian territory. The narratives unveil men's perspectives on self-care, risk reduction, and health beliefs during the Mpox pandemic. Our findings highlight a multifaceted approach to self-care among men, encompassing hygiene, physical contact management, mask usage, skin lesion vigilance, and adherence to official guidelines. Men's attitudes toward sexual behaviors emphasize the importance of reducing sexual partners, practicing safe sex, and combating misinformation through accurate information dissemination. The development of these behaviors and self-care practices can be facilitated by nurses guided by Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory, supported by patient-centered care, with strategies to address and confront the stigma associated with the disease and provide emotional support. Thus, the study underscores the pivotal role of self-care in mitigating infection risks, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. It acknowledges the impact of socio-cultural factors and healthcare policies on men's preventive measures. However, it also recognizes limitations, such as potential bias due to stigma concerns and a nonrepresentative sample. Ultimately, the research advocates for tailored education, promotion of gender equity, and healthcare empowerment to effectively manage health risks in such contexts.

Epidemiology and Management of Anal Suppuration at the Donka National Hospital, Chu De Conakry, Guinea

Introduction: Anal suppurations (fistula and abscess) correspond to two progressive phases of the same disease, characterised by an infection of cryptic origin in the anal canal. The objectives of this study were to determine the hospital frequency, to describe the clinical aspects and to determine the therapeutic modalities of anal suppurations in the department. Methodology: This was a one-year dynamic descriptive study of patients admitted to and operated on for anal suppuration in the Department of Visceral Surgery, Donka National Hospital, Conakry University Hospital. Results: Out of a total of 351 patients operated on, we recorded 21 cases of anal suppuration, i.e. 5.98%. Anal suppuration accounted for 45.65% of all proctological disorders. The average age was 43.09 years. There was a clear male predominance (95.23%) with a sex ratio of 20:1. The clinical picture was dominated by anal discharge and evidence of skin orifices. Retroviral serology, haemogram, HBsAg and blood glucose were performed in all patients. All patients were treated surgically. Post-operative management was straightforward in 95.23% of cases, with complications occurring in 4.76%. Conclusion: Anal suppuration remains by far the most frequent proctological disease in our practice. They constitute a real public health problem because they are underestimated in the African population due to socio-cultural factors. Diagnosis is essentially clinical and treatment is surgical.

Psychological, sociocultural, and coping experiences of women with infertility using traditional healthcare services in Harare urban, Zimbabwe: A qualitative study.

This study focused on the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of infertility among women with infertility in Harare Urban who have utilised traditional healthcare systems to address their infertility problem. It also emphasises their coping strategies for dealing with the challenges encountered along the infertile journey. This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, focusing on the experiences of five women. Data from the interviews was analysed using a simplified version of Hycner's (1985) five-step explication process. The study produced three main themes: psychological experiences, socio-cultural experiences, and coping experiences, along with seven sub-themes. The results showed that women experienced intense distress, sorrow, and self-blame because of their inability to have children, further compounded by the stigma they faced from their families and communities. Women with infertility are subjected to derogatory labels, social contempt, ridicule, and being undervalued, which leads them to develop coping strategies to endure the adverse encounters. These coping mechanisms can have either positive or negative effects on their overall welfare. The exploration of psychological, socio-cultural factors, and coping mechanisms of women with infertility problems' presents a chance to co-create interventions that empower them.

The Effect of Occupant Behavior on the Residential Visual Environment: A Case Study from Annaba, Algeria

The construction of comfortable, energy-efficient and health-friendly homes is more crucial than ever at a time whenthe health crisis is forcing us to reconsider our way of life. This article used a post-occupancy evaluation of theinhabited space in residential buildings at Oued El-Fourcha neighborhood in Annaba to assess user satisfaction withoccupied buildings, examine the impact of daylighting and human behavior on the lighting ambience. The results ofthe study were processed by SPHINX Lexica software, focusing mainly on the qualitative aspects of daylighting in theinhabited space, taking into account occupant preferences. The study demonstrated an unfavorable level of internalilluminance, and that adequate lighting also needs to meet occupant requirements in order to make these windowsusable, which must satisfy a number of socio-cultural, climatic and environmental factors.