Strategies For Social Change Research Articles

Restoring trust in vaccination through collective engagement with key populations in Eastern Europe

Abstract Issue/problem COVID-19 vaccination rates remained below 50% in Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia, especially among vulnerable populations like pregnant women and those with chronic diseases. This was strengthened by a lack of targeted communication and training for healthcare workers, and COVID-19 fatigue. Strategies to increase vaccine demand and confidence are a global priority, especially among vulnerable populations. Description of the solution From May 2022 to April 2024, the USAID MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project employed behavior integration to design a social and behavior change strategy, centering on vaccination as a part of a healthy lifestyle. It was implemented through continuing medical education (CME) and community engagement (CE) workshops with vulnerable populations, supplemented by cross-country learning exchanges. The outcomes provide a framework for public health initiatives aimed at boosting vaccine uptake through innovative, behavior-based methods. Results 1,618 healthcare professionals, able to reach 2.5 to 4.8 million patients, received training in immunization, COVID-19 vaccines, and quality health service, and 99% indicated confidence in applying the knowledge. 265 CE workshops, engaging 4,079 patients, increased awareness and addressed concerns related to vaccination. Of 3,223 patients who were followed up, 47% reported setting an appointment with their doctor regarding vaccination, 27% discussed vaccination with their partners, and 7% proceeded to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Lessons Behavior Integration helped address key barriers to vaccination and informed the design of strategies (i.e. situating COVID-19 vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle). Establishing trust with healthcare providers and patients through collective engagement improved health behaviors. Focusing on health as a wider priority helped re-establish the significance of vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle. Key messages • Behavior science and behavior integration helped identify and address barriers, as well as design tailored interventions to improve vaccination demand and confidence. • Collective engagement, focused on integration of COVID-19 vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle, achieved results through addressing vaccine hesitance from both sides of the equation.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Self-Guided Digital Family Skills Management Intervention for Children Newly Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Family dynamics play an important role in determining the glycemic outcomes of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. The time interval immediately following T1D diagnosis is particularly stressful for families, and interventions to support families in adjusting their family practices to support adjustment to and management of T1D in the months following diagnosis may improve glycemic outcomes. Self-guided digital interventions offer a sustainable model for interventions to support caregivers in learning evidence-based family management skills for adjustment to and management of T1D. We hypothesized that a self-guided, web-based, family skills management program (addressing caregiver social support as well as family problem-solving, communication, and supportive behavior change strategies) initiated at the time of T1D diagnosis would improve glycemic outcomes in children with T1D. In this study, we report on the feasibility and acceptability of this program. We prospectively evaluated a sample of 37 children newly diagnosed with T1D recruited from a pediatric endocrinology clinic. Parent participants were asked to complete web-based modules addressing social support, family problem-solving, communication, and supportive behavior change strategies. Module completion was analyzed for percentage completion, patterns of completion, and differences in completion rates by coparenting status. Qualitative open-ended feedback was collected at the completion of each module. A total of 31 (84%) of the 37 participants initiated the web-based program. Of those 31 participants, 25 (81%) completed some content and 15 (48%) completed all 5 modules. Completion rates were higher when coparenting partners engaged in the intervention together (P=.04). Of the 18 participants given a choice about the spacing of content delivery, 15 (83%) chose to have all sessions delivered at once and 3 (17%) chose to space sessions out at 2-week intervals. Qualitative feedback supported the acceptability of the program for delivery soon after T1D diagnosis. Families reported on positive benefits, including requesting future access to the program and describing helpful changes in personal or family processes for managing T1D. In this study, we found that a self-guided digital family support intervention initiated at the time of a child's T1D diagnosis was largely feasible and acceptable. Overall, rates of participation and module completion were similar to or higher than other self-guided digital prevention interventions for mental and physical health outcomes. Self-guided digital programs addressing family management skills may help prevent challenges common with T1D management and can decrease cost, increase access, and add flexibility compared to traditional interventions. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03720912; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03720912.

Empowering youth as Changemakers for gender-transformative action: a play-based participatory approach in South-East Nepal.

This study explored how youth participatory action research (YPAR) methods, specifically play-based activities integrated with cricket, can engage adolescent girls in Nepal's Terai region to identify and address gender-related health challenges. It aimed to assess how these methods contribute to empowering girls, developing research capacities, and promoting gender equity through sports. Three interactive workshops were held with adolescent girls forming 'Cricket Changemakers' teams. Through a combination of cricket-based activities, participatory games, and discussions, the workshops aimed to build research skills and explore gender issues in their communities. Qualitative data were gathered through observations, reflective notes, and outputs from play-based tasks. Data were analysed using framework analysis to evaluate the contribution of these activities to key YPAR processes such as power sharing, communication, and strategic thinking. The play-based methods improved collaboration, networking, and communication among participants. The cricket activities fostered collective power and provided opportunities for girls to reflect on and challenge local gender norms. Participants identified issues including restrictions on mobility, societal expectations, and the unequal distribution of household chores. The workshops facilitated the development of research action plans focused on increasing girls' participation in cricket and shifting community perceptions of girls' roles. The integration of play-based YPAR methods shows promise for fostering gender-transformative change among adolescent girls in Nepal. These methods created a space for girls to express challenges and co-develop strategies for social change. Findings suggest that sports-based participatory research can be a valuable tool in public health interventions for gender equity, though more work is needed to address methodological challenges and ensure meaningful participation.

Using Behavior Integration to Identify Barriers and Motivators for COVID-19 Vaccination and Build a Vaccine Demand and Confidence Strategy in Southeastern Europe

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with Eastern Europe experiencing notable excess morbidity and mortality and vaccine hesitancy. This study utilized the Behavior Integration (BI) framework to identify barriers and motivators for COVID-19 vaccination and develop strategies to increase vaccine demand and confidence in Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Methods. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. The BI framework was used to integrate human behaviors with technical and operational considerations throughout the project. Results. A total of 2742 online surveys were collected in Moldova and Serbia, revealing significant barriers such as vaccine safety concerns (OR = 1.839, 95% CI: 1.328–2.547 in urban Moldova; OR = 1.990, 95% CI: 1.351–2.931 in urban Serbia), logistical challenges, and lack of institutional trust. Conversely, motivators included personal health concerns, recommendations from health care providers, and the desire to travel. The proposed social and behavior change strategy included a continuing medical education course that trained 2403 medical providers, with post-test results showing a 99% improvement in knowledge and confidence in applying the information, and collective engagement workshops for 3260 chronic disease patients and 842 pregnant women, of which 7% were vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusions. The BI approach effectively identified and addressed vaccination barriers and motivators, leading to tailored strategies that increased vaccine uptake. Continuous stakeholder engagement, adaptive learning processes, and local organizations are crucial for refining program implementation, ensuring sustainability, and promoting public health.

Social Norms: A Missing Ingredient of Programs Seeking to Foster Women’s Agency in Nutrition

Social expectations play a crucial role in shaping dietary practices among women and children. However, despite significant attention to promoting social and behavioral change in nutrition-focused programs and research, the influence of social norms on women’s agency in enhancing nutrition practices is often overlooked. In this perspective, we advocate for a paradigm shift by incorporating a “norms aware” approach. This underscores the importance of recognizing, measuring, and addressing the societal constraints and barriers that women and children encounter in their journey to improved nutrition. Drawing on insights from the United States Agency for International Development-funded Kulawa project in Niger, we highlight the implications of using social norms diagnosis tools to understand the contextual dynamics within child-feeding practices, informing intervention design, and targeted populations. Integrating a norms perspective into nutrition programming and research does not require an overhaul, but rather a nuanced application of understanding of contextual drivers, such as social norms and agency, that have been underemphasized. We delve into the role of the socio-ecologic system, underscore the importance of addressing power imbalances related to gender and social hierarchy, and emphasize that programs targeting norms should aim for community rather than individual-level change. We provide guidance for programs and research integrating a norms perspective, as well as examples of how tools, such as the Social Norms Exploration Tool and Social Norms Analysis Plot framework, can be applied to identify and prioritize social norms, facilitating the design of “norms aware” programs. Additionally, we highlight the critical role of community engagement and discuss the value of using qualitative and quantitative approaches to document the process and outcomes of social norms research, program design, and implementation. When we recognize the role of social norms in nutrition as a missing ingredient in nutrition research, programming, and social and behavior change strategies, we create opportunities for more effective and contextually relevant research and interventions that address the complexities of enhancing nutrition practices among women and children.

Impact production in higher education: shaping future change makers through film education

This article considers impact production (using film and other forms of storytelling as the core of a social change strategy) as an important component of well-rounded film education programmes that seek to shape a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious film-makers. Through desk research, interviews and a survey, we found that opportunities to learn about impact production at higher education institutions are limited and expensive, while open-access resources are numerous, but can be overwhelming for those new to the field. We interview practitioners who specialise in: (1) raising awareness about what impact production entails; (2) practically implementing impact production strategies; and (3) educating film-makers in how to design impact campaigns. We analyse two case studies from Majority World countries to demonstrate strengths and weaknesses of existing impact teaching and training. The data gathered inform a theorisation of how impact production can be incorporated into formal educational practices worldwide. The article conceptualises what ‘impact production film education’ entails in a higher education context. This includes unpacking the interdisciplinary and practice-based nature of impact production. The intention is to shine light on the pedagogical value of impact production for shaping a new generation of film-makers who are technically equipped to tell compelling stories, and intellectually committed to using film as a tool for change.

Women’s involvement in decision-making and association with reproductive health behaviors: findings from a cross-sectional survey in Niger

BackgroundThough women in Niger are largely responsible for the familial health and caretaking, prior research shows limited female autonomy in healthcare decisions. This study extends current understanding of women’s participation in decision-making and its influence on reproductive health behaviors.MethodsCross-sectional survey with married women (15–49 years, N = 2,672) in Maradi and Zinder Niger assessed women’s participation in household decision-making in health and non-health issues. Analyses examined [1] if participation in household decision-making was associated with modern contraceptive use, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and skilled birth attendance at last delivery and [2] what individual, interpersonal, and community-level factors were associated with women’s participation in decision-making.ResultsOnly 16% of the respondents were involved—either autonomously or jointly with their spouse—in all three types of household decisions: (1) large purchase, (2) visiting family/parents, and (3) decisions about own healthcare. Involvement in decision making was significantly associated with increased odds of current modern contraceptive use [aOR:1.36 (95% CI: 1.06–1.75)] and four or more ANC visits during their recent pregnancy [aOR:1.34 (95% CI: 1.00-1.79)], when adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. There was no significant association between involvement in decision-making and skilled birth attendance at recent delivery. Odds of involvement in decision-making was significantly associated with increasing age and household wealth status, listening to radio, and involvement in decision-making about their own marriage.ConclusionWomen’s engagement in decision-making positively influences their reproductive health. Social and behavior change strategies to shift social norms and increase opportunities for women’s involvement in household decision making are needed. For example, radio programs can be used to inform specific target groups on how women’s decision-making can positively influence reproductive health while also providing specific actions to achieve change. Opportunities exist to enhance women’s voice either before women enter marital partnerships or after (for instance, using health and social programming).

Transformative incrementalism: Palestinian women’s strategies of resistance and resilience amid gendered insecurity and neoliberal co-optation

Palestinian women have envisioned and enacted resistance and resilience in different ways throughout the long-running Palestinian resistance movement. Strategies have ranged from direct collective actions to the resolute maintenance of everyday life in the face of ongoing occupation, settler-colonialism, displacement and violence. Palestinian women in the occupied West Bank have begun to develop tactics that attempt to negotiate a widespread aversion to ‘illegitimate’ and aid donor-prescribed actions, as well as to the gendered risks with which politically active women must contend. While this approach once encompassed the principle of resilience, recent times have seen the growing rejection of neoliberal resilience narratives in the belief that they normalize and entrench an oppressive status quo. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in the West Bank, this article explores how women’s search for legitimate and feasible modes of resistance and resilience has generated tactics characterized by incrementalism, but which form part of a transformative social change strategy. In so doing, it reveals the dynamic ways in which women constantly renegotiate resistance to violence in Palestine. It also demonstrates how development models based upon neoliberal understandings of resilience exacerbate gendered impacts of insecurity while eroding women’s capacities to withstand them.

Physical Activity and Knowledge about Nutrition Among Adolescents at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) Surabaya City

Background: Adolescents are a window of opportunity for future development, so it is necessary to invest in the health and welfare of adolescents in accordance with the Adolescent Nutrition Program launched by the Indonesian government to adjust the Sustainable Development Goal at the UN meeting with a communication strategy for social change and adolescent behavior. Methods: This study used a quantitative design with 196 respondents whose samples were taken with probability sampling techniques in the form of simple random sampling. Physical activity data was taken from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), data on knowledge of nutrients obtained from the Self Administere Qustionnaire (QuesCa) and intensity of fast food consumption obtained from the Food Frequency Questionnaire while nutritional intake through 24-hour food recall form. Data analysis used multiple linear regression with SPSS 25 statistical tools. Results: Based on the t test, it was concluded that there was an effect of physical activity and knowledge of nutrients with a significance value of 0.000 for each of the two variables. While the intensity of fast food consumption has a significance value of 0.968 (more than 0.05) which concludes that there is no effect of the intensity of fast food consumption on nutritional intake. Nutrient knowledge is the factor that most influences nutrient intake with a t-statistic of 5.941. Conclusions: In this study, it was concluded that there was an effect of physical activity and nutritional knowledge on nutritional intake, while the intensity of fast food consumption did not affect nutritional intake. The dominant factor affecting nutritional intake in this study was nutritional knowledge.

Perspectives of rural farmer households on food security through a qualitative study in Indonesia

In developing countries, rural farmers contribute significantly to food production, but their households are still vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and stunting. Although quantitative studies have explored the factors that influence farmers' dietary diversity, the data can be improved by integrating farmers' experiences and perspectives on whether and how these factors affect their dietary diversity. Malnutrition and food insecurity are more prevalent in developing and underdeveloped nations like Africa and Southeast Asia. Due to increased work, this country usually sees a rise in stunting, malnutrition, and increased physical activity. Stunting has a higher prevalence than other nutritional disorders, such as malnutrition, according to Nutrition Status Monitoring (NSM) data over the last three years. The frequency of stunting in children under five has risen from 27% in 2016 to 29% in 2017. This will assist in designing and implementing interventions. Forty rural farmers in Bone Regency, Indonesia, became informants in targeted interviews as part of the qualitative study (20 male and 20 female farmers). According to the research results, both male and female informants were concerned about the availability and variety of food. They feel that household food production is essential to achieve food security. Food sales are affected by prices, household income, distance to markets, and the range of food available. Household food production, knowledge, nutrition, availability, use of information, time, and household income are significant determinants of the variety of food consumed. In farming households, gender influences and variations on the distribution and use of food collected and income are explored. Men have more time to engage in agricultural endeavors that promote dietary diversity. Based on these findings, efforts to increase dietary diversity should address current food security and production challenges, support increased farm incomes and market access, utilize designs that address gender issues, and include nutrition capacity building, diverse practices, and social behavior change strategies. Key words: rural farmers, food security, food diversity, nutrition, market access, Indonesia

Multimedia Messaging for Social Change: Assessing the Impact of Multimedia Integration in Development Communication Campaigns

This research explores the transformative potential of multimedia messaging in development communication campaigns, with a focus on its impact on social change. As technology continues to advance, multimedia integration, encompassing elements such as text, images, audio, and video, has become a powerful tool for conveying messages and influencing behaviour. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and implications of incorporating multimedia into development communication initiatives. The paper examines various multimedia formats utilized in social change campaigns and assesses their influence on target audiences. By reviewing existing literature and case studies the study aims to identify patterns, challenges, and success factors associated with multimedia messaging. Additionally, attention is given to the role of digital platforms and social media in amplifying the reach and engagement of multimedia campaigns. Key considerations include the cognitive and emotional impact of multimedia messages, audience receptivity, and the potential for behaviour change. The research also investigates ethical considerations related to multimedia communication in the context of social change, addressing issues such as cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and the potential for unintended consequences. Findings from this research will contribute valuable insights to the field of development communication, guiding practitioners, and researchers in optimizing the design and implementation of multimedia messaging strategies for effective social change. The overarching goal is to enhance our understanding of the dynamic interplay between multimedia communication and its ability to drive positive societal transformations.

Contributions of School-Based Ecological Transformative Social Change Strategies to the Management of Teenage Pregnancies in Mombasa County

The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of school-based ecological transformative social change strategies to the management of teenage pregnancy with reference to Mombasa County, Kenya. The study focused on seven public girls' secondary schools in Mombasa County, targeting Form 3 students, principals, guidance and counseling teachers, religious leaders, and government officials. Using a sample size formula, 402 participants were selected, considering attrition. Simple random and purposive sampling were employed. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions, analyzed using SPSS for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings were presented through tables and figures, drawing conclusions from the results. The study aimed to understand and address factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Mombasa County. The findings show that the issue of teen pregnancy is of great concern in the county of Mombasa. This is evidenced by the high rate of school dropout among girls who got pregnant, early motherhood, transmission of venereal diseases, cases of abortion and death after abortion in some cases. Pearson correlation shows that school-based interventions (r=0.063, p>.05) did not have significant effects on the management of teenage pregnancy. Consequently, there is need to put measures in place aimed at checking teenage pregnancies and their associated consequences such as abortions, girls dropping out of school as well as early marriages among others.

Influence of Community-Based Ecological Interventions on the Management of Teenage Pregnancy in Mombasa County

The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of ecological transformative social change strategies to the management of teenage pregnancy with reference to Mombasa County, Kenya. To this end, the study examined the influences of family-based interventions, school-based interventions, community-based interventions, faith-based interventions, and government measures on teenage pregnancy in the county. The findings show that the issue of teen pregnancy is of great concern in the county of Mombasa. This is evidenced by the high rate of school dropout among girls who got pregnant, early motherhood, transmission of venereal diseases, cases of abortion, and death after abortion in some cases. Community-based ecological interventions were found to be correlated with the management of teenage pregnancy (P<0.05) according to Pearson correlation. As a result, there is a need to put measures in place aimed at checking teenage pregnancies and their associated consequences, such as abortions, girls dropping out of school, and early marriages, among others. As a result, the contribution of civil society organizations, role models, and other targeted community-based interventions should be strengthened to advocate for changes that could lead to a reduction in teenage pregnancy among girls.

Social change strategies of Jewish-Orthodox women activists in Israel

ABSTRACT This study examines Jewish women’s activism in Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox society in Israel. In order to gain an in-depth perspective on their experience and coping in leading change processes in their society, it focuses on strategies and tactics they use in the course of their activism and on what motivates them or constraints their choices. Informed by thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with fourteen activists, the findings indicate that they walk between raindrops, making judicious and carefully planned use of a variety of strategies and tactics, of both consensus and confrontation, to promote their aims. Together with their protest against injustices in their society and attempts to redress them, they observe the norms of the religious world and avoid crossing “red lines,” as they put it. Combined, their complex combination of strict observance of religious and social conventions and their feminist outlook are their way of overcoming obstacles and achieving desirable change. This study sheds light on the phenomenon of women activism in patriarchal societies, and in particular, on how social change can be pursued by women even in extremely traditional societies with strict behavioral norms, in Israel and worldwide.

Faith-based community-academic partnerships: An asset-based community development strategy for social change


 
 
 Faith-based community anchor institutions are important collaborators in community development. They are respected social innovators who deploy their assets for the common good, especially good works aimed towards helping marginalised communities and those in poverty. More recently, the pace of faith-based social innovation and community development leadership has slowed substantially (Jones 2016). Seeking renewed imagination, will and ability for asset-based social innovation among faith-based communities, the Ormond Center at Duke University’s Divinity School has developed a curriculum, based on a human ecology framework, that engages faith-based ‘community- academic partnered participatory research’ (Chen et. al. 2006) towards social change.
 Our approach starts by working with congregations to discover community-level barriers to thriving in their local context. We then walk alongside faith-based communities to identify strengths-based, relationship-centred opportunities to collaboratively integrate congregational assets with community assets towards positive social change. This curriculum has been tested by the Ormond Center with several diverse, multi- denominational congregations in communities located in North Carolina and Virginia. Its potential to encourage asset-based community development for social good is supported by tangible evidence. This article takes the reader through the process of changing a semester-long graduate course, designed by the academy for the academy, to a six-week course that walks alongside faith- based lay leaders and pastors in their local context, towards asset-based community development for positive social change. Five viable asset-based solutions to community-level social issues are shared, and lessons learned are offered.
 
 

“Because of mchango, I give my baby gripe water so he sleeps and stops crying”: Exclusive breastfeeding and parents’ concerns about colic-like symptoms in infants under 6 months in Lake Zone, Tanzania

BackgroundEffective social and behavior change strategies for exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rely on understanding how families interpret infant behavior and provide care. Little research thoroughly explores household use of non-prescribed medicine for infants under 6 months in rural Tanzania, which can interrupt EBF and may have other harmful unintended effects.
 AimTo explore parents’ use of non-prescribed medicine in response to infants’ colic-like symptoms during the EBF period.
 MethodsWe conducted thematic analysis of a series of qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 36 mothers and 30 fathers of infants 0-6 months in Lake Zone, Tanzania. Here, we focus on emergent themes related to concerns about colic-like symptoms and global implications for public health practitioners.
 ResultsParents reported concerns about excessive crying and perceived infant abdominal pain, attributed to a potentially serious disease state locally known as mchango. Most parents gave non-prescribed medicines (e.g. gripe water, oral traditional medicine, and/or other commercial medicines) to treat or prevent mchango and associated symptoms, often including infant crying. After receiving supportive counselling on soothing techniques, most were willing to avoid giving non-prescribed medicines. Some reported continued challenges attributed to mchango symptoms, namely inconsolable crying.
 ConclusionWhile symptoms of mchango reported in this study overlapped with colic symptoms, literature in Tanzania suggests, in some cases, mchango is perceived to have spiritual origins and potentially be dangerous if left untreated. Empathetic counseling can offer parents knowledge and skills to manage colic-like symptoms without using non-prescribed medicines. Health workers need clear messages and training on risks of non-prescribed medicines and Tanzanian legislation banning its promotion and distribution.

Building the case for a social and behaviour change approach to prevent and respond to the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups

AbstractOver the last decade, social and behaviour change strategies have increasingly been used to address human rights and child protection concerns, including harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and violent discipline. Social and gender norms have also been recognized as key drivers of child recruitment. Nonetheless, the use of social and behaviour change strategies to prevent and respond to the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict has not yet been systematically explored or applied. Building on academic and practical sources, including findings from studies by the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations University, social and behavioural science theory, experiences from the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on grave violations against children, and academic literature, this article explores how social and behaviour change approaches can inform prevention of and response to the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. The article concludes that social and behaviour change approaches can effectively inform prevention and reintegration efforts and can facilitate responses that bridge the humanitarian, development and peace nexus. Using social and behaviour change approaches can help to reveal why children are recruited from the perspective of key actors and entities across the socio-ecological framework in order to prevent the practice from becoming more accepted.

Integrated analysis of online signals and insight generation about digital conversations on COVID-19 vaccines in Eastern and Southern Africa: a longitudinal analysis of social listening data

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, social listening programs across digital channels have become an integral part of health preparedness and response planning, allowing to capture and address questions, information needs, and misinformation shared by users. This study identifies key social listening trends around COVID-19 vaccines in Eastern and Southern Africa and analyses how online conversations about this issue evolved over time.MethodsA taxonomy developed and refined in collaboration with social and behaviour change teams was used to filter online conversations into nine subtopic categories. The taxonomy was applied to online content tracked in 21 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa over the period December 1, 2020—December 31, 2021. Metrics captured included volume of posts or articles and related user engagement. Qualitative analysis of content was conducted to identify key concerns, information voids and misinformation.ResultsOver 300,000 articles and posts about COVID-19 vaccines shared by users or outlets geolocated in the region were analysed. These results generated over 14 million engagements on social media and digital platforms. The analysis shows how conversations about access and availability of vaccines represented the largest share of engagement over the course of the period. Conversations about vaccine effectiveness and safety represented the second and third largest share of engagement, with peaks observed in August and November 2021. Online interest in childhood vaccination increased over time as vaccine eligibility criteria expanded in some countries in the region. Conversations mentioning mandates and certificates peaked in the last quarter of 2021, as governments as private sector entities expanded vaccine requirements.ConclusionsFindings from this study show the importance of monitoring conversation trends over time and adjust social listening data collection systems to include emerging topics. The study also points to the need to consider concerns, information voids and misinformation around effectiveness and safety of vaccines in the context of overall concern for vaccine availability and access in Eastern and Southern Africa. This is fundamental to inform social and behaviour change strategies that promote vaccine demand effectively, without increasing public frustration over vaccine availability challenges and downplaying concerns around vaccine equity.

Community Voices on the Experiences of Community-Based Participatory Research in the Environmental Justice Movement

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is increasingly being used by academics to address urban health and inequity. While its foundational literature emphasizes CBPR’s role in eschewing the traditional balance of power between communities and institutions, some scholars and grassroots activists note that it has not consistently delivered community-led, action-oriented strategies. Here we examine gaps between theory and current practice of CBPR. First, we assess its fundamental practices through social movement theory. Second, we examine narratives from grassroots leaders who have utilized CBPR in their environmental justice efforts. Three key facilitating factors are often cited for authentic applications of CBPR: (1) grounding research within community-specific opportunities for change, (2) collaborating with a strong community partner, and (3) facilitating flexibility in research processes. Building on previous scholarship, we investigate the complexity of CBPR implementation that may dampen its potency as a social change strategy and highlight the need for nuanced and critical application of best practices to suit local contexts. This is accomplished by pairing the theoretical framework with the experiences of four community leaders who are members of the Moving Forward Network (MFN). Narratives from their experiences with partnering with academic institutions speak to how theoretical complexities with CBPR occur in practice.

Curating with Counterpowers

AbstractThis article examines the turn in Anglophone protest cultures since 2007 toward curating, museums, and heritage: a rise in the toppling of statues, demonstrations inside museums, and the creation of exhibitions, displays, and archives within the ephemeral spaces of protest camps and other mobilizations. The author argues for the historical causes of this curatorial turn in movement cultures, examines the structural power dynamics of this extrainstitutional curating vis-à-vis the practices and policies of cultural institutions, and puts these developments in critical dialogue with recent debates on “activist curating” and “institutional liberation.” Lastly, drawing on this analysis and firsthand experiences on both sides of this dynamic (as a core member of the collective Liberate Tate and as cocurator of the V&A exhibition Disobedient Objects), the author assesses this trajectory's potentials and limits as a cultural strategy for social change.