Thematic Content Research Articles

Image of Social World in Metaphors and Narratives of Adults

The image of the social world is a predictor of social behavior and its development during stable social transitivity, i.e., COVID-19 pandemic, economic crises, local military conflicts, etc. It can also be interpreted as a variable linguistic phenomenon. However, very little empirical research has featured its integral structural and content characteristics through the prism of narratives, metaphors, and social representations. The author used the methods of thematic narrative analysis and content analysis of metaphors to identify the narrative constructions used by adult subjects to describe their image of the social world. The data obtained were subjected to frequency analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The experiment involved 193 respondents aged 35–49 years old, employed in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia. In their metaphors and narratives, they described the social world as balancing between stability and dynamism, predictability and stochasticity, as well as endowed it with differentiation in the absence of universal laws. The rationality of the metaphors reflected the age identity while the subject of biographical narratives reflected the subjective adaptation to current social processes.

Health-Related Experiences of Geophagia Among Women of Reproductive Age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

Women of reproductive age are reported to be the largest population that practises geophagia. The short-term and long-term health related conditions originating from the practise of geophagia are often not understood by geophagic women of reproductive age. This study has explored the health-related experiences of geophagia among women of reproductive age of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. This was a qualitative study design following inductive thematic content analysis. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data using an interview guide and audio record. Data collection took place in 2023. Mental health disorders, pregnancy complications, appendicitis, cancers, breathing complications, fatigue, premature deaths, worms, piles, and nutrients deficiencies were reported as some of the health-related challenges and diseases experienced by women of reproductive age of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province resulting from the practise of geophagia. The practise of geophagia was associated with various negative health outcomes. The reproductive health statuses of women of reproductive age were negatively impacted by the practise of geophagia affecting maternal and childhood mortalities and morbidities.

‘I worry about you more’: insights from older care recipients’ experiences during the Israel-Hamas war

Objectives This study explored the experiences and challenges of older adults with functional disabilities in Israel during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, particularly those receiving care from migrant live-in carers. The main objectives were to identify their main concerns and coping strategies during this period. Method A qualitative methodology was employed, involving face-to-face interviews with 13 older adults (mean age 91.33, SD = 5.31). All participants liveded in separate housesholds with the assistance of migrant live-in carers. They were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Two main themes emerged from data analysis: 1) Concerns for others affected by the war and concerns for oneself, and 2) Coping strategies, including utilizing personal resources such as optimism and distraction, seeking connections with family members and carers, and contributing to the community. Conclusion The study highlights the interplay between the vulnerabilities and strengths of older adults during wartime. Their ability to mobilize both internal and external coping strategies reflects an active approach to managing the stress and uncertainties of war, underscoring their resilience and agency and challenging the perception of older adults as passive recipients of care.

Content Analysis of Brief Telephonic Conversation with Parents of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate During Sustained Anticipatory Guidance Sessions.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) represents complex congenital anomalies that necessitate a comprehensive approach to care, involving multiple healthcare disciplines. The primary aim of the study is to explore the content of periodic telephone support calls between parents/caregivers of children with CLP and pediatric dentist during sustained anticipatory guidance. The qualitative analysis was conducted with the available telephonic recordings that was obtained from the STOP database. 40 recordings of 8 children were used for this study. The recorded interviews were translated and transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic content analysis method. The four major themes that were addressed by the dentist were the general health of the baby, oral health and development, surgery-related concerns and emotional support. It was also observed that the parents demonstrated a positive shift in oral health related behaviour significantly improving their child's oral hygiene practices. The telephonic support calls offer valuable insights into the concerns and topics the parents of children with CLP are eager to discuss. These calls not only address general concerns, receiving emotional support from the professionals, demonstrate the health related behavior shift that takes place during SAG and reassures parents of their support.

Adolescent psychosocial identity development associated with traditional rituals and rites of passage in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a study that explored how adolescents in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana experience their psychosocial identity development in relation to participating in traditional rituals and rites of passage. This study employed a phenomenology case study design with a purposive sampling procedure. Data was gathered from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic content analysis. The participants were 20 adolescent learners in the focus groups, and 12 teachers, 12 parents and eight adolescents in individual interviews. The study found that adolescents undergo psychosocial identity development due to participating in ritualisation processes in a variety of ways. According to the study’s findings, initiation activities exposed adolescents to distinct cultural values, aided them in developing a larger worldview, enhanced self-awareness, and improved social skills. On the other hand, not all adolescents had favourable experiences with their traditional rituals and rites of passage. Furthermore, traditional practices may perpetuate negative gender stereotypes, and discriminatory actions and behaviour. We recommend collaborating with guidance counsellors, parents and guardians, community members, and leaders when providing counselling services to adolescents We also recommend policy development to encourage integrating traditional practices in formal schooling.

Modern technologies and subject content of a foreign language course for future media specialists

Importance. The subject-language integrated approach is relatively new in the field of foreign language teaching methods. It pursues a dual goal related to the formation of professional communication skills in a foreign language (the formation of communicative and professional competencies). The application of the subject-language integrated approach faces several challenges related to both teachers and students. Firstly, the level of training of students should correspond to the B1B2 level. Secondly, the level of teacher training should combine the foreign language teaching with the specialized content teaching. The potential of the subject-language integrated approach in teaching foreign languages has already been applied and evaluated in the future doctors training, lawyers, and agricultural specialists.Research Methods. The subject-language integrated approach can be incorporated into the language training for future professionals in the media sphere (areas of training “Journalism”, “Advertising and Public Relations”, “Media Communications”). The professional component of the course is related not only to the thematic content of the classes, but also to the possibility of using modern technologies (for example, the artificial intelligence capabilities, virtual and augmented reality technologies) in the media products development within the framework of the training course with their subsequent discussion in the language being studied.Research Results. The subject-language integrated approach has obvious potential in the language training of future media specialists (areas of study “Journalism”, “Advertising and Public Relations”, “Media Communications”). The specialized subject content of the course, as well as the technologies and tools used in the practice of media specialists in the media products and advertising products development, along with language competencies, allow the formation of professional competencies.Conclusions. The aim of the research is to further investigate the potential of an integrated approach to the training of future media professionals. Of particular interest to the study is the identification of specific speech skills required for effective foreign language communication in the speech interaction professional sphere.

Knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: a qualitative study among middle-aged latinas residing in an underserved agricultural community in California

BackgroundMiddle age is increasingly acknowledged as a critical window for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) since research has shown that AD develops in the course of 20–30 years (1) but we know very little about middle-aged individuals’ perspectives on ADRD. Knowledge gaps are particularly large for Latinas living in regions typically underrepresented in ADRD research, such as rural and/or agricultural regions. This is important given that over the next 40 years Latinos are projected to have the largest increase in ADRD cases in the U.S. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with ADRD among a sample of middle-age, Spanish-speaking Latina women.MethodUsing qualitative methods involving semi-structured interviews, we examined knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with ADRD among a subsample of the Center for Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study. Participants are Latina women residing in an underserved agricultural community entering mid-life (mean = 46.5 years old). Interviews were conducted with 20 women and data was analyzed with inductive thematic content analysis.ResultsWe identified themes regarding perceptions, knowledge, and feelings. First, participants perceive ADRD as involving (1) Loss of memory, (2) Getting lost; (3) Losing the person they once were. With regard to knowledge about ADRD, participants reported: (1) Some knowledge about protective and risk factors for ADRD, (2) No awareness of the links between cardiovascular risk factors and ADRD; (3) A desire to learn prevention methods alongside signs and symptoms of ADRD. Themes related to feelings about ADRD were: (1) Fear of developing ADRD and not being aware of reality or who they are; (2) Worry about losing relationships with loved ones and caretaking if diagnosed with ADRD; (3) Sadness about forgetting one’s family and depending on others if diagnosed with ADRD.ConclusionThe knowledge gaps and negative feelings associated with ADRD highlighted in this study underscore the need for ADRD interventions to include CVD prevention, particularly for mid-life Latino populations residing in rural regions.

University Governance for Responsible AI

With the democratization of access to artificial intelligence via large language models, such as ChatGPT, questions about AI ethics in education are at the forefront of educational policymaking. How do we teach students to engage with AI ethically in coursework, research, and careers? What uses of AI constitute violations of academic integrity? What norms need to be established about AI in higher education? This research evaluates official strategy and policy documents from a wide array of research and liberal arts schools in the U.S. via a combination of thematic and structured content analysis, to surface policy and ethics concerns and the institutional structures that shape restrictions, rights, and interventions, following assessment of interrupter reliability. Results highlight the concerns of universities and emerging approaches to intervene with respect to the appropriate use of AI in education. Policy recommendations are made based on the emerging strategies and norms identified via analysis.

Unveiling women's lived experiences with care provided by a pregnancy heart team: A qualitative phenomenological study.

The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of women with CVD regarding their care by a pregnancy heart team (PHT) during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. Using a qualitative phenomenological study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 women receiving follow-up care from a PHT at a large tertiary center. Data were collected between December 2022 and September 2023, and thematic content analysis was conducted. The lived experiences of women with CVD were reflected in the PHT by two main themes: "emotional distress" and "(dis-)organization of care." The "emotional distress" theme had sub-themes of "awareness and impact of CVD on pregnancy," "loneliness," and "need for psychological support." The theme of "(dis)organization of care" was expressed through the sub-themes of "(dis-)continuity of care" and "(expected) skills of healthcare providers." The current study findings highlight the impact of CVD on pregnancy and the emotional challenges faced by women with CVD during the course of their pregnancy. Improvements in accessibility, timeliness, reciprocity and shared decision-making, and psychological support could contribute to more patient-centered care.

Social work students’ perspectives on the future of human rights

ABSTRACT This study explores social work students’ perspectives on human rights in their practice, drawing on focus group interviews from universities in Germany, Poland, and the Philippines. Focus group discussions were coded using thematic content analysis based on an inductive approach in which themes emerge from the conversations between participants and the researchers and among themselves. It examines emergent themes on envisioning human rights’ future in social work, highlighting novel application approaches. The research underscores the necessity of incorporating human rights education, emphasizing respect, equality, and dignity, into social work curricula. Students discuss the evolving nature of societal norms and human rights, advocating for adaptive, culturally sensitive approaches to meet demographic and societal changes. The findings suggest a paradigm shift toward a more inclusive perspective that integrates environmental and collective rights, marking a significant move from traditional social work practices. Additionally, the research highlights the international political context, including the rise of authoritarian nationalism, which poses significant challenges to the advancement of human rights globally. This underscores the urgency for social work to act as a counter-movement in defense of human rights and democratic principles.

Decoding Anti-Blackness in Children’s Literature

This dissertation critically examines the representation of Black authors and themes within the John Newbery Medal canon from its inception in 1922 to 2023. It explores how this literary award has mirrored or challenged societal perceptions of race, particularly in children’s literature. Utilizing a thematic content analysis methodology, the study investigates the works of the six Black authors who have won the Newbery Medal, using a priori coding to critically examine the racial narratives, themes, and authorial diversity presented in these titles. Despite the noted increase in diversity within children’s literature, this research identifies a persistent underrepresentation of Black authors and Black cultural themes in Newbery Medal recipients. The study highlights a significant gap in racial inclusivity, with a mere six Black authors receiving the Newbery Medal in over a century. This underrepresentation is not only a marker of racial disparity but also reflects broader systemic biases within the literary and publishing industries. This dissertation engages with theories from critical race theory and critical librarianship to interrogate the structural barriers that sustain this racial homogeneity. In examining the implications of these findings, the research advocates for a more equitable literary landscape, emphasizing the need for librarians, educators, and publishers to foster inclusivity in children’s literature. The ultimate aim is to ensure that young readers encounter a more representative spectrum of narratives that celebrate racial diversity and promote inclusiveness.

Preservice physical education teachers’ perceptions of initial teacher education

The purpose of this study was to investigate preservice physical education teachers’ perceptions of initial teacher education and its impact on their professional lives and teachers’ identities at the end of their school placement. It was also the aim of this study to identify school placement contributing factors and key actors in the formation of professional identities. The sample was composed of 272 preservice teachers in their final year of the master's in teaching physical education at a Portuguese university. We collected data through a questionnaire that included closed- and open-ended questions regarding six aspects of the teaching profession and initial teacher education: agents of training; components of teacher education; roles of teachers; motivation for teaching; conceptions of teaching and learning; and changes experienced during this period. Quantitative data were statistically analysed for measures of central tendency, and the responses to the open-ended question were analysed through thematic content analysis. The findings revealed: that preservice teachers considered the cooperating teacher to be the most important agent of training; that the teaching practicum experience was the most important component of teacher education; that delivering universal values was an essential role of teachers; that they had an intrinsic motivation for teaching; that they perceived a constructivist approach to teaching; and that the most meaningful change they experienced during their education was an improvement in soft skills. With the results, we conclude that professional socialisation influenced how the participants performed as teachers.

Improving struggling medical and nursing students’ subjective vitality, school engagement and academic performance through a peer mentorship intervention programme: an intervention protocol

BackgroundThe undergraduate medical training programme is demanding and rigorous. This underlines the importance of a peer mentorship strategy to improve the well-being, self-determination, school connectedness, and performance of struggling medical and nursing students. This study is aimed at identifying struggling medical and nursing students using two cumulative continuous assessment test (CAT) scores, assess their subjective vitality and school engagement and evaluate the impact of the peer mentorship intervention on them.MethodsThe study will adopt a mixed-methods approach and will be conducted in the medical colleges of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, and the University of Rwanda. Three instruments will be used: The subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), the University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI), and the academic records of the students before and after the commencement of the intervention programme. The consenting least-performing medical and nursing students identified by their low CAT scores (below 45%) in basic medical sciences will be selected for study in each institution. The outcome measures will include students’ CAT scores, subjective vitality, and school engagement scores. The data will be analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Thematic content analysis will be adopted in the analysis of the responses generated from the focus group discussion. The mean ± standard deviation or median and interquartile range statistic will be adopted for the quantitative data.DiscussionGiven the paucity of data on struggling medical and nursing students in Nigeria and Rwanda, this research was designed to help in exploring evidence-based interventions to improve and prevent poor subjective well-being of struggling students. The study is expected to fill these knowledge gaps. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial registry, PACTR202405546896613, registration date: 27th May, 2024. This proposal has been supported by grant 1R25TW011217 from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Fogarty International Center (FIC) which also includes co-funds from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy (S/GAC) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth). The Grant Principal Investigators are Profs. Nelson K.Sewankambo (contact PI), Prisca Adejumo, Jean Bisimwa Nachega, Fatima Suleman.

Sociodemographic Influence on the Management of Orofacial Cleft in Urban and Rural Indonesia.

To explore the social experiences of orofacial cleft patients and contextualize sociodemographic influence on management disparities in rural and urban areas of Indonesia. This study explores patients' lives in two demographical settings in South Sulawesi Province, Makassar and Selayar Islands Regency. It employs ethnography, including open-ended interviews and observations of patients, their neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Secondary data from the two regencies and South Sulawesi province are employed to demonstrate demographic disparities in patient care between urban and rural areas. Thematic content analysis was performed according to socio-demographical differences and networks involved in the management. This study engaged a diverse group of participants, including patients, family caregivers, medical team members, and patient peers (n = 40), primarily from middle to low-income families. Parents in both regions had limited knowledge about treatment modalities, which resulted in concerns regarding the safety of surgical procedures and the postponement of mandatory surgeries. In rural areas, patients faced significant financial burdens when referred to Makassar. In contrast to parents in Selayar, parents in Makassar prioritized more social interaction to ensure that their children attended school, college, and work. Patients in both settings reported facing various obstacles at different stages of their lives. Sociodemographic conditions contribute to disparities in treatment, social positioning, and self-perception. Promoting education about the safety of medical and rural surgical procedures is vital. Involving patients in public activities and providing support from family caregivers is paramount to nurturing patients' optimistic outlooks.

Barriers and facilitators to providing rehabilitation for long-term care residents with dementia: a qualitative study

BackgroundRehabilitation can help long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia maintain their independence. However, many residents do not receive rehabilitation. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to providing rehabilitation for LTC residents with dementia and propose practical interventions for overcoming them.MethodsUsing a phenomenological research design, we conducted a qualitative study involving 17 privately owned LTC homes in Nova Scotia, Canada. Data were collected through individual interviews and a focus group with residents with dementia (n = 3), family members (n = 4), rehabilitation providers (n = 6), and other staff (n = 3). We analyzed the data using inductive thematic content analysis and mapped the results onto the socioecological framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to classify and analyze barriers and facilitators to rehabilitation. The APEASE criteria (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity) in the BCW were used to identify feasible interventions and policies linked to the identified barriers and facilitators.ResultsBarriers at the intrapersonal level included communication difficulties, comorbidities, and lack of motivation among residents. Interpersonal factors encompassed the availability of family support and lack of interdisciplinary practice. Policy/environmental factors involved limited resources, complex admission processes, low staff ratios, and restrictive restraint policies. Enhancing communication, reducing the use of restraints, promoting interdisciplinary practice, and increasing accessibility to activity spaces and equipment will improve the provision of rehabilitation for the residents.ConclusionEnhancing the capabilities, opportunities, and motivations of all actors in LTC homes can potentially minimize these barriers. Interventions such as staff training on effective communication and dementia care, promoting person-centred and meaningful activities, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial. Policy measures to improve hospital-to-LTC transitions, increase volunteer involvement, educate families and communities, and recruit more staff are recommended. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions and policy changes can significantly improve rehabilitation provision for residents with dementia in LTC settings.

Juicy Audio: Audio Designers' Conceptualization of the Term in Video Games

While juiciness in games has previously been explored in the context of visual embellishments, less is known about whether and how the concept is leveraged in the context of audio and sound design. In our work, we address this issue through in-depth interviews with twelve audio designers working in the games industry. Through thematic analysis and content analysis, we show that principles of juicy design also apply to audio and sound design, and that it is applied intentionally to improve player feedback and experience. On this basis, our work contributes a conceptual foundation for juicy audio in its key factors of emphasis/augmentation, cohesion/coherence, and synesthesia. We identify associated attributes and provide implications for the design of games that seek to leverage juicy audio as a means of improving player experience.

Suicide prevention safety planning in the US Department of defense: Qualitative assessment of training.

Suicide rates in the military are a significant public health concern. The suicide prevention safety planning intervention is a brief and effective intervention in which a provider and patient work collaboratively to recognize warning signs of a suicidal crisis and create a defined list of coping strategies and supports for use during future crises (Stanley & Brown, 2012). Implementation of safety planning has been supported by the Department of Defense (DoD), yet readily available training and continuing education for healthcare providers in this intervention is limited and passive in nature. Existing safety planning training experiences and needs of DoD behavioral health providers are unknown. The present study is an exploratory qualitative assessment of current safety planning in DoD to inform the design and development of an interactive virtual standardized training patient. Ten military behavioral health providers completed semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was conducted, and three themes are described in this paper: variety of training received, barriers to receiving suicide safety planning training, and desires for future training. Lack of protected time for training and a lack of access to training resources were identified as key barriers. Rich data obtained can help inform the key design features and relevance of new safety planning intervention training approaches.

Midwives’ account of virtual reality childbirth education

In Finland, prenatal clinics and birthing hospitals struggle with resources to provide expectant parents with childbirth education (CBE) and a tour of the hospital birthing unit. Not preparing for birth is common, and not knowing how and where to give birth causes parents unnecessary stress during pregnancy. One new possibility to complement CBE is using virtual reality (VR) to deliver content. The aim of this study is to describe midwives' views of the status of parents' preparation for birth and provide information on the VR CBE program's advantages and challenges from the midwife's perspective. The study consisted of two focus group sessions with seven participants. Participants were midwives with experience from a hospital birthing ward and had provided childbirth education. The data was analysed using a thematic content analysis approach. According to the midwives, the parents do not prepare for birth well enough. Preparing for birth affects the parents' knowledge about childbirth, their cooperation with the healthcare personnel, and how they trust the birthing process, themselves, and the healthcare personnel. Preparation can also have adverse effects if the birthing person is trying to give birth with a detailed plan or has false expectations. Parents should focus on knowledge, attitude, and mental and physical exercise in preparing for childbirth. By preparing from trusted sources, parents can make informed decisions. They have the skills to stay calm, relaxed, and open-minded during labour and birth. Physical and mental exercise will help them cope with labour and relax their mind and bodies during birth. Midwives see VR as offering great potential for concrete, realistic, and flexible childbirth education that can address current challenges. They were also worried that VR could replace face-to-face contact. However, since there is minimal such contact in the current CBE, VR could enhance childbirth education and offer a realistic and concrete image of birth and a hospital tour. Midwives want families to prepare better for birth and work on their knowledge, attitude, and exercise. By preparing, parents understand childbirth, trust themselves, the birthing process, and the midwives; cooperation works better. Midwives see VR as an excellent addition to childbirth education by offering realistic and concrete online childbirth education. VR should not replace face-to-face contact.

Examination as knowledge development: A case study from vocational education and training

Post-graduate and further education can easily be overlooked as a contribution to collective knowledge and practice development in a field of practice. An overarching theme of this article is how the organisation of a post-graduate and further education initiative can influence collective knowledge in vocational education and training. This article aims to inquire about what teachers and school managers in vocational education and training experience with an examination format where the teachers conduct a university exam at their school, with their management as audience and potential participants. This case study is based on qualitative data from four focus group interviews with teachers and five focus group interviews with school managers at five vocational training schools. The teachers participated in the ‘Vocational Teacher Training Initiative programme’ (YFL) in Norway. ‘The third space’ is used as the overarching theoretical framework. Through a thematic content analysis, the findings were crystalised into three categories. 1) The examination format facilitated a proximity to practice. 2) Knowledge sharing appeared as concrete actions. 3) The examination format revealed new possibilities for co-creation with higher education. The result is that the examination format seemed to function as a bridge between conventional teaching practices in higher education and collective development in vocational education and training. Minor changes in the examination format appeared to open the door to what is termed ‘a third space’ between higher education and schools.

Devastating effects of gender inequality on female students in South African higher education

Gender inequality is a concept of much relevance and is continuously gaining momentum. The diversification of different genders is pivotal to be able to address the effects of gender inequality. Globally, gender inequality has attracted a lot of interest and has huge effects on the social, academic and psychological. Although there is a nurturing environment for gender inequality, it is important to neutralize the playing fields for all genders to avoid negative effects on the victims of this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of gender inequality on South Africa’s higher education Students. It further seeks to challenge the perception contributing to gender inequality. Gender inequality is a universal problem affecting students throughout institutions of higher learning. The study used the qualitative research approach with exploratory research design adopted for the paper. The paper explored the effects of gender inequality on students from higher education institutions in South Africa. A sample of 15 students from institutions of higher learning who have been exposed to gender inequality was chosen for data collection process. A semi-structured face to face interviews was used during the data collection process with purposive sampling used to select participants to the study. The study used thematic content analysis to analyze data. The study applied feminist theoretical framework to understand the effects of gender inequality.