Communication Strategies Research Articles

Ghosting on Tinder: Examining Disconnectivity in Online Dating

This study examines the phenomenon of ghosting on the mobile dating app Tinder among Slovenia’s dating app users. Ghosting is defined as the unexpected unilateral termination of communication in interpersonal relationships exerted through digital platforms. Drawing upon data from the walkthrough of the mobile dating app Tinder and 26 semi-structured interviews with users living in Ljubljana (Slovenia), ghosting is conceptualized as an undesirable but normalized disconnection strategy on Tinder. We argue that choosing ghosting as a communication strategy emerges predominantly from two different contexts. Firstly, from the need to protect oneself from harassment and vulnerability, and secondly, as a reaction to the information overload in an environment that demands perpetual activity, availability, and interaction. Therefore, it manifests as a disconnection strategy on an interaction level or as a consequence of disconnecting from the platform itself. According to users, the desire to disconnect from others and exit the app is as high and ambiguous as the desire to connect and experience an ego boost or the excitement of interactions. Ghosting on Tinder, therefore, emerges as a response to general hyperconnectivity to navigate the increasing information overload and to a feeling of loss of the possibilities for safe and authentic connections in digital spaces.

Dr. Meena and mission maternal health: building allies in the government hospital

Research methodology The case study is based on field data, including in-depth semi-structured interviews with the main protagonist and related stakeholders of a large government hospital in Western India. After informed consent, the interviews with the stakeholders were conducted, transcribed and analyzed verbatim. In addition, secondary data from policy reports, newspaper articles and government websites was used to create the case. Since the protagonist works in the government system, her identity and other identifying information are disguised to maintain confidentiality. Case overview/synopsis The case study investigates the leadership challenges in a healthcare facility/hospital in public health. It traces the evolution of Dr Meena Sharma (Dr Meena), a leader in the government hospital ecosystem facing challenges such as infrastructural deficiencies, manpower deficit, healthcare bureaucracy and heavy patient load. This first-generation medical practitioner who transitioned from a private practice to a governmental one juggles balancing her demanding clinical practice, administrative responsibilities and teaching in the government hospital with her family responsibilities setup. However, in the wake of the upcoming LaQshya – Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, she strives to put together and motivate her team to work toward improving the quality of care during delivery and the immediate postpartum period at her hospital. Various issues arise in the organizational leadership for a woman leader such as adopting appropriate leadership style and using appropriate motivation and communication strategies for optimal performance. Complexity academic level The case study is aimed at teaching/training a) departmental heads of public and private hospitals, b) health program managers at higher and middle-level leadership roles, c) health policymakers at various levels in the government and other organizations and d) graduate and postgraduate students of public health, hospital management/administration. In addition to this, it can also be used for general management programs to teach organizational behavior, communication and leadership courses.

Associations Between Characteristics of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Their Use of Different Social Media Platforms: An Observational Study of Social Media Accounts.

Background: The growing number of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their unmet needs demand innovative communication and care strategies. This study uses social media data to examine how survivors' demographic and clinical characteristics relate to their social media use. Methods: Data from 300 AYA cancer survivors on six social media sites (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Reddit, X/formerly Twitter) were collected between August 2022 and March 2023 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests (chi-square, Fisher's exact, Welch, Games-Howell post-hoc, logistic regression). Results: Significant differences were observed across platforms for mean current age (p < 0.001) and age at diagnosis (p < 0.001). We also found significant associations between social media type used and current age, age at diagnosis, years since diagnosis, and the timing of social media account creation. AYAs who created their social media account post-diagnosis were less likely to use YouTube (p = 0.003) and more likely to use Facebook (p = 0.009). Treatment completion was associated with increased use of platform X (p = 0.004). Non-White individuals in our sample were less likely to use Facebook (p = 0.008). Significant associations were found between observed sex and platform usage (p < 0.001), with males more likely to use Reddit (p < 0.001) and X (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant associations were found between demographic and clinical attributes of AYA cancer survivors and the type of social media they used, suggesting that AYA-specific social media-based interventions should be tailored to subgroup characteristics (e.g., social media type, developmental stage based on age at diagnosis and current age, sex).

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.

An evaluation of the surveillance system for monitoring and reporting adverse events following immunization in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria: a mixed method approach.

Despite the benefits of periodic evaluation of the vaccine safety surveillance system, no formal assessment, to our knowledge, has been conducted in Nigeria. Hence, this study evaluated the surveillance system for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) to ascertain the system's functionality to inform vaccine safety considerations and guide communication strategies for demand generation. The study employed a mixed-method approach. Survey questionnaires were administered to 274 routine immunization service providers in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria, and data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS. In this study,10 Key Informant Interviews and two Focus Group Discussions were conducted with senior officers and managers at sub-national and national levels within the immunization and surveillance landscape in Nigeria. The interview recordings were cleaned minimally, transcribed, and manually analyzed thematically. Finally, methodological triangulation was done to improve research rigor and provide a better understanding of the phenomena under investigation. Of the respondents, 201(73.4%) reported that the surveillance system can inform vaccine safety considerations while 170(62%) reported that the AEFI surveillance system can determine the magnitude of AEFI within the population. Further, 173(63%) reported that the surveillance system can provide timely feedback about causality assessment. However, 158(58%) of the respondents stated that the surveillance system is competent in informing communication strategies to improve immunization demand. Triangulation was done which showed dissonance in AEFI surveillance and vaccine safety considerations but partial agreement in immunization demand generation. Further, AEFI surveillance system attributes' triangulation revealed agreements (convergence) on simplicity and timeliness; partial agreements on acceptability, data quality, sensitivity, flexibility, and completeness; dissonance on representativeness and silence on stability, indicating a sub-optimal performance of the AEFI surveillance system in the study setting. Finally, the study unearthed some underlying health system factors impeding the AEFI surveillance system from fully fulfilling its objectives. The AEFI surveillance system in Northern Nigeria is well established but functioning sub-optimally. Based on the study findings, the capacity to provide information on vaccine safety exists but it is not robust enough to generate sufficient and convincing vaccine safety data and guide communication strategies for vaccine demand generation, especially for new vaccines and those under emergency authorization use.

Incorporating Therapeutic Education and Exercise in Migraine Management: A Biobehavioral Approach

The main objective was to perform a description of the potential biobehavioral factors that influence disability in patients with migraines and develop a multimodal physiotherapy treatment proposal incorporating therapeutic education and exercise prescription, applying a biobehavioral approach. This manuscript highlights the complex interplay between migraines and physical activity, with many migraine sufferers performing reduced physical activity, even during headache-free intervals. The kinesiophobia present in a significant portion of patients with migraine exacerbates functional disability and compromises quality of life. Psychological elements, especially pain catastrophizing, depression, and self-efficacy, further compound migraine-related disability. Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates physical activity and behavioral interventions. We propose a therapeutic education model of motor behavior that emphasizes the enhancement of therapeutic exercise outcomes. This model consists of the four following phases: (1) biobehavioral analysis of movement; (2) goal setting; (3) education about exercise benefits; and (4) movement education. A notable feature is the incorporation of motivational interviewing, a communication strategy that amplifies intrinsic motivation for change. Recent clinical guidelines have advocated for specific exercise modalities to ameliorate migraine symptoms. However, we highlight the importance of a tailored exercise prescription to maximize the benefits of exercise and reduce the possible adverse effects. The integration of exercise with other lifestyle recommendations, such as maintaining consistent sleep patterns and employing stress management techniques, is pivotal for improving outcomes in patients with migraine. Although evidence supports the benefits of these interventions in various painful conditions, further research is needed to establish their efficacy specifically for migraine management.

The development of a roadmap for Health Technology Assessment implementation in Moldova

Abstract Background Moldova strives for universal health coverage (UHC) and considers health technology assessment (HTA) an important policy instrument to inform the choice of services that should be covered to progressively realize UHC. It plays a key role in determining which technologies are coved, considering various dimensions often including cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and feasibility. This paper reports on work undertaken to develop a roadmap for HTA implementation, using evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs) as the guiding framework. Methods Between 2020 and 2022, we undertook several activities that informed the roadmap. We conducted a needs assessment and an assessment of European HTA best practices using a combination of desk research, interviews and surveys. We then conducted a document review of six selected HTA systems, complimented by expert interviews from three neighbouring countries. Results The roadmap provided a suggested HTA process, which included instructions on how to execute the different steps of the EDP framework to enhance the legitimacy of HTA-informed decision-making. The roadmap encompasses several aspects such as how to organize stakeholder involvement, how to identify and operationalize decision criteria, and how to make the decision process transparent. Guidance was given to the country on establishing a legal framework for HTA; a communication strategy; strengthening capacity and leveraging HTA expertise. The country was also given tailored advice on the positioning of the HTA-agency, first as an entity within the Ministry of Health or the National Agency of Public Health but with the long-term vision for it to be independent of any state institution. Conclusions Despite several challenges, including a partial disruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the development of the roadmap for HTA implementation was completed and agreed upon by the Ministry of Health in Moldova. This work has helped motivate and support the country in HTA institutionalization.

Effect of Sustainable Fabric Sourcing on Fashion Brand Reputation in Sweden

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of sustainable fabric sourcing on fashion brand reputation in Sweden Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Sustainable fabric sourcing has a positive impact on the reputation of fashion brands in Sweden. Brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical supply chains are increasingly seen as socially responsible, gaining consumer trust and loyalty. This shift reflects growing environmental awareness among Swedish consumers, who value transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry. As a result, brands that adopt sustainable practices often experience enhanced brand image, stronger customer relationships, and increased competitiveness in the market. However, the challenge lies in ensuring consistent implementation of these practices, as consumers are quick to criticize brands for "greenwashing" or failing to meet sustainability standards. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Stakeholder theory, theory of planned behavior &amp; resource-based view (RBV) may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of sustainable fabric sourcing on fashion brand reputation in Sweden. Brands should implement transparent communication strategies that detail their sustainable fabric sourcing practices. Policymakers should create supportive frameworks that incentivize sustainable sourcing practices in the fashion industry.

Mood Analysis of COVID-19 Messages: A Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach to Understanding Public Health Communication

Purpose: This study examines how Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), particularly through mood analysis, can enhance understanding of public health communication related to COVID-19. The aim is to explore the use of mood types in health messages to convey risk, provide instructions, and manage public vulnerability during the pandemic. Methodology: Utilizing a qualitative and quantitative approach, this study analyzed 100 COVID-19 health messages sourced from government websites, social media, and public health announcements. The messages were categorized according to their mood type imperative (commands) and declarative (statements) to assess their functional roles in conveying public health information. Data were tabulated to illustrate the frequency of each mood type and their implications for public health communication. Findings: The analysis revealed that 70% of the messages were in the imperative mood, highlighting the urgency of issuing clear directives to the public. In contrast, 30% of the messages were in the declarative mood, providing essential information and reassurance. This distribution indicates a strategic use of language in public health messaging to promote compliance while fostering public trust. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of SFL mood analysis in public health communication by illustrating how mood types influence public perception and behavior during a crisis. The findings offer practical insights for health authorities to enhance communication strategies, ensuring that messages are both directive and informative. Additionally, this research informs policymakers about effective messaging practices to improve health outcomes during future public health crises.

Gender Differences in Request Strategies among Graduate Students

Proficiency in request strategies is key in handling social hierarchies and managing interpersonal communication. It is also essential in reducing misunderstandings and enhancing communication efficiency in both educational and professional settings. This quantitative survey investigated the request strategies employed by graduate students in different hierarchical contexts. The sample population consisted of 100 B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) major English students from ten campuses affiliated to Tribhuvan University (TU). The sample was selected employing stratified simple random sampling method. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire with nine closed-ended questions in the year 2081 BS. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics technique of quantitative data analysis. The result revealed distinct patterns in request strategies when addressing individuals of varying ranks. In higher-to-lower rank scenarios, male respondents predominantly used mood derivable strategies, while females showed a preference for performatives and hedge performatives. For equal-to-equal rank situations, males favored direct mood derivable strategies, while females used a more varied approach with higher incidences of indirect strategies. In lower-to-higher rank contexts, males again showed a preference for direct approaches, whereas females exhibited a higher use of indirect and polite strategies. These findings highlight significant gender-based differences in communication strategies which emphasize the need for personalized approaches in educational and professional settings.

Picture Content in Annual Reports Matters: Framing as a Strategy for Impressing Potential Investors

This study examines the association between a firm's economic situation and the use of pictorial content in its annual reports. In other words, we shed light on whether firms in a specific economic situation intentionally choose particular picture content for the illustrations in their annual reports. We argue that the content of pictures can be used as an additional disclosure instrument to highlight signals beyond objective financial data, that is, an attempt to moderate readers’ decision‐making processes. Corporate disclosure can be designed at multiple levels of corporate communication to influence addressees’ perceptions. We analyse 4770 annual reports from FTSE‐350 firms between 2000 and 2021 using Google Vision API's artificial intelligence to examine if this special form of corporate disclosure is affected by corporate economic performance. Our findings suggest that decisions about pictorial elements in annual reports are associated with firms’ economic situation. Our paper contributes to the integration of communication theory, behavioural finance and voluntary disclosure theory to comprehend the use of pictorial information in annual reports. This study broadens the rare evidence regarding information design choices in annual reports with a particular focus on picture usage. By acknowledging the interdependence between framing and voluntary disclosure, researchers and practitioners can refine communication strategies and interventions to promote honest and successful financial disclosure whilst also considering the various communication theory factors involved.

A Comparative Study of Media Symbols from the Perspective of Visual Grammar: A Case Study of Marine Ecological Protection Posters in China and Western Countries

Social developments are bringing about changes in how we communicate and represent ideas. With the tendency of globalisation, marine ecosystems are facing threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, and marine ecological protection has become a focus of attention for all countries. This paper adopts Kress and van Leeuwen’s framework of visual grammar analysis to compare and analyse the use of symbols in Chinese and Western marine ecological protection posters from the perspectives of representational meaning, interactive meaning, and compositional meaning. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of 100 Chinese posters and 100 Western posters reveal similarities and differences in symbol selection, cultural context, and compositional approach. Results show that Chinese posters tend to integrate traditional cultural elements and natural symbols to convey the concept of environmental protection in a harmonious and warm way, such as the use of ink painting style and paper-cutting art to represent marine organisms, while Western posters focus on directly displaying the hazards of marine pollution by means of strong visual contrasts and modern design elements to stimulate the audience’s sense of urgency and responsibility, such as the display of marine animals trapped by plastic rubbish. This research not only deepens the understanding of the theory of visual grammar but also provides valuable references for the design of future environmental posters, emphasising the importance of using visual symbols and communication strategies in different cultural contexts in order to convey environmental messages more effectively and to promote the development of global marine conservation.

The Impact of the Digital Transformation of Chinese Cultural Products on Marketing and Communication Strategies

In an era defined by globalization and rapid technological advancement, Chinas cultural industry is undergoing a significant transformation. This study investigates the profound effects of digital transformation on Chinas cultural industry, focusing on digital cultural innovation products such as digital art, virtual reality experiences, and online cultural creations. As globalization and technological advancements reshape cultural production, dissemination, and consumption, Chinas digital cultural sector has emerged as a significant global player. This research systematically reviews literature, industry reports, and case studies to analyze how Chinese digital cultural products are influencing marketing and communication strategies. The findings reveal that advancements in virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence are leading to the creation of immersive and diverse cultural experiences, significantly enhancing consumer engagement and market reach. The study also highlights the transformative role of digital tools in marketing, including dynamic content creation and interactive experiences, while addressing challenges such as market saturation and the need for balanced engagement strategies. Future research should incorporate quantitative and qualitative data to further explore these dynamics.

“None of Us Wanted to be at This Party, But What a Guest List”: How Technology Workers Position Themselves on LinkedIn Following Layoffs

Mass layoffs offer a unique and understudied context to understand how affected workers communicate the involuntary, collective nature of their organizational exit. In this study, we explored the communicative strategies that workers affected by mass layoffs in the technology industry used to engage in impression management by analyzing LinkedIn posts ( N = 362). Our findings showed that workers engaged in proactive impression management by drawing on targets of identification (such as positioning themselves within the collective group of affected workers and highlighting their former membership with prestigious companies) to minimize blame for their layoff and signal their employability. Our findings also suggest that, amid environmental shock and in digital environments, individuals enact remarkably similar communicative strategies to one another, suggesting that this type of organizational exit announcement is a distinct emergent genre for impression management. We discuss our findings’ implications for our understanding of organizational exit and work-related online impression management behavior.

Dialogical Health Communication via Twitter (X) During COVID-19 in African Countries: Ghana as a Case Study

Social media platforms, such as Twitter (X), have a critical role in disseminating health information. The study aims to highlight the potential of Twitter (X) as an influential tool for health communication, in addition to providing findings related to public health communication strategies in Ghana. The study investigated the role of Twitter (X) as a platform for building interactive health communication between the health communication system and citizens in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020–2022. Additionally, it has the potential to contribute to building dialogical health communication. The study analyzed a sample of COVID-19-related tweets from the official Ghana Health Service Twitter (X) account @_GHS from 2020 to 2022. The results showed that Twitter (X) was a key tool for health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, with both health institutions and the public sharing large amounts of health information. Furthermore, the study found evidence of dialogic communication, in which healthcare institutions and professionals are actively engaging with the public on Twitter (X). It concluded that public health communication on Twitter (X) has changed over time, as well as that the interactive health communication between the health communication system and citizens in Ghana was affected positively during the COVID-19 outbreak. It highlighted Twitter (X)’s potential as a tool for establishing a dialogue loop and building dialogic health communication. The results showed that before COVID-19, Ghana did not use Twitter (X) effectively to communicate with citizens about health matters. Twitter (X), with its wide reach and highly interactive nature through features such as retweets, has become a major platform for interactions facilitating dialogue between health institutions and health professionals and facilitating dialogue in public spaces surrounding health issues like COVID-19.

Parental Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to synthesize existing research on parental knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review analyzed parental knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to HPV vaccination in 6 GCC countries. A comprehensive search across multiple electronic databases (Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PubMed) was conducted, focusing on studies published between January 2010 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies in English or Arabic involving parents in GCC countries, excluding non-research publications and those not using survey techniques. The review included 7 studies from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. No study was found in Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The findings highlighted low knowledge and awareness of HPV and the vaccine, with significant variation across studies. According to our review findings, the level of awareness in the 7 studies was found to be low to high. These studies collectively illustrate a range of awareness levels, from as low as 11% awareness of the HPV-cervical cancer link to as high as 68% general awareness of HPV. Attitudes towards vaccination were poor in Saudi Arabia but more positive in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Major barriers included safety concerns, lack of information, and cultural beliefs. Despite moderate awareness in some GCC countries, substantial knowledge gaps and vaccine hesitancy persist. Targeted educational campaigns, effective communication strategies, and involvement of community leaders are essential to improve HPV vaccination uptake.

Multi-group sparrow search algorithm based on K-means clustering

In order to improve the defects of the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) in single-species search, which causes redundancy in its speed of collection and easily ignores high-quality solutions and falls into local optimality, a K-means Multigroup Sparrow Search Algorithm (KSSA) based on K-means clustering was proposed. Firstly, the multi-population mechanism is introduced into SSA to weaken the collection ability of a single population and reduce the probability of falling into the local optimum. Secondly, the K-means algorithm is used to divide the sub-populations to increase the differences between the sub-populations, and at the same time, the individuals in the sub-populations focus on searching in a small range, thereby improving the efficiency of the initial search. Then, the weighted centroid communication strategy is used to improve the quality of communication between populations, reduce the interference of the own population, and reduce the risk of all sub-populations falling into the local optimum due to a sub-population falling into the local optimum. Finally, dynamic reverse learning is introduced into the vigilant to enhance its anti-predator behavior and improve the defects of slower collection speed and insufficient collection accuracy caused by the increase in the number of sub-populations. The test function simulation experiment shows that KSSA has better optimization performance than SSA and other algorithms.

Local Cultural Approach in Navigating Family Conflict: Understanding Cultural Strategies for Human Well-Being

Objective: This study explores the complexities of family conflict within a local cultural framework, focusing on its impacts on physical and mental well-being through mapping its intensity, root causes, and long-term consequences. The study aims to understand how unresolved interpersonal tensions can negatively impact emotional and social health, ultimately affecting harmony and balance within local communities. The approach uses a theoretical framework that underscores the importance of culture-based communication, negotiation skills that respect local norms, and appreciation for diverse perspectives as steps to reduce conflict and promote mental health. This research contextualizes conflict within various local cultural settings, specifically within families influenced by communal and intergenerational values. Through in-depth analysis of the family as the unit of study, variables such as communication and social relationships are examined with an emphasis on unique socio-cultural dynamics. The findings highlight the negative impact of unresolved family conflict on emotional well-being and the stability of social relationships within the family unit. Conflict can disrupt interpersonal dynamics, creating long-term disharmony that undermines family cohesion. These adverse effects underscore the need for systematic, ongoing interventions to support mental health and collective well-being. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing family conflict as a critical component in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Good Health and Well-being. Interventions that adopt a local cultural approach—such as effective communication strategies and conflict resolution skills rooted in communal norms—are essential for fostering healthier and more harmonious family environments. By identifying three primary approaches—cultural rehabilitation processes, the development of communication that values local culture, and conflict management skills—the study provides practical insights aligned with global efforts to improve mental health and social well-being in accordance with the SDG framework.

Child, family and professional views on valued communication outcomes for non-verbal children with neurodisability: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

There are many children with neurodisability who are unable to rely on speech to communicate and so use a range of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods and strategies to get their message across. Current instruments designed to measure the outcomes of speech and language therapy interventions lack specific attention to communication outcomes that are valued by non-verbal children with neurodisability, their families and support networks. This qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to identify valued communication outcomes to inform the next stage of developing a novel outcome measure. To systematically identify and synthesise the qualitative evidence about which communication outcomes non-verbal children with neurodisability, their family members, healthcare professionals and educators think are important to achieve, specifically which communication outcomes are most valued by: (1) non-verbal children with neurodisability; (2) parents or other family members of non-verbal children with neurodisability; and (3) professionals who work with non-verbal children with neurodisability. A systematic search of bibliographic databases and the grey literature was undertaken to identify qualitative studies that included evidence of views expressed by children, family members, healthcare professionals and educators on outcomes in relation to the communication of non-verbal children with neurodisability. All papers meeting the inclusion criteria were quality appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative checklist, although none were excluded on this basis. The data synthesis involved organising coded data into descriptive themes which were then synthesised into analytical themes. We found 47 papers containing qualitative data meeting the inclusion criteria from research situated in 14 countries. The views of 35 children, 183 parents, six other family members, 42 healthcare professionals and 18 educators are represented in the review. The included studies contained very few data reported by children themselves; most data were provided by adults, especially parents. Three main analytical themes were identified: Experiences of communication and expectations; adapting to and acceptance of AAC; and becoming an autonomous communicator. This meta-synthesis brings together the limited qualitative research findings about what parents, professionals and children consider are important communication outcomes for non-verbal children with neurodisability. The synthesis identifies key gaps in our knowledge about the perspectives of children and their siblings. This synthesis will inform primary research to understand valued communication outcomes in this group, and ultimately the development of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that can be used to demonstrate the effect of interventions, at both clinical and service levels. What is already known on the subject Studies of children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder indicate that at least 25% of children with these conditions are non-verbal. Studies on the health outcomes of children with neurodisability have identified that communication is rated as important by parents and health professionals. There is an evidence gap about which communication outcomes are important to non-verbal children, their families and the people who work with them. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This is the first synthesis of data that relates to communication outcomes for non-verbal children with neurodisability. This qualitative meta-synthesis identifies from previous research studies the communication outcomes valued by children who are non-verbal, their parents or other family members, and the professionals who work with them. The findings will be used to shape further primary research and the development of a novel patient-reported communication outcome measure for non-verbal children with neurodisability. It is anticipated that this will be used by clinicians to measure the effect of their interventions. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? Clinicians should reflect on parents' experiences of communication with their child before discussing potential outcomes with them. Gaining insight into the lived experience of communication for non-verbal children and their families will help healthcare professionals to understand which goals are important to them and why. Few studies have specifically asked which communication outcomes are important for non-verbal children with neurodisability. Further exploration is needed to determine which communication outcomes non-verbal children and their families would like to see included in outcome measures used by clinicians.

Write here write now. What can we learn from the writing goals of people with aphasia?

ABSTRACT Background People with aphasia commonly have difficulties with producing written language (dysgraphia). Greater understanding of people with aphasia’s rehabilitation goals for writing can inform development of evidence-based assessment and management tools. Aims This qualitative study aimed to explore the nature of writing goals of people with aphasia who attended an intensive speech and language therapy (SLT) centre. Methods and Procedures Qualitative data was obtained from five years-worth of client SLT reports from an intensive aphasia centre. Using qualitative content analysis, a deductive coding framework was used to identify any description of writing goals; coding incorporated iterative refinement and agreement among authors. Themes were then constructed to reflect clients’ goals to inform writing assessment and therapies. Outcomes and Results Qualitative analysis focused on content describing 66 goals on writing from 87 reports. There were two dominant interrelated themes: Supporting Communication (33 goals) and Technology (25 goals). Technology included subthemes on Emailing, Texting, Social Media, and Assistive Technology. Two smaller themes were Impairment Focused (4 goals), where goals did not have a clear functional direction, and Other (4 goals), where goals targeted specific writing activities, e.g. crosswords. Conclusions These thematic findings demonstrate the varied real-life goals for writing among attendees at an aphasia centre. They highlight the nature of relatively early-stage rehabilitation goals for individuals with aphasia, focusing on supporting communication and returning to valued activities. The results provide a context within which we can scrutinise the adequacy of current clinical tools to support goal setting, assess functional writing and design interventions for acquired writing difficulties. Further guidance is needed on assessment of writing as a supportive communication strategy and therapy towards improving this skill. There are also gaps in supporting the personal goals of people with aphasia who wish to produce written language via technology or in online environments. Future research should recognise these priorities and work together with people with aphasia, clinicians, and technology specialists to address an area of clinical need.