Advocacy Tool Research Articles

The Tashbehs in Surat Al-Baqara Verses 1-18 and Its Education Implication

The aim of studying this topic is to know the implications of the tashbehs mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah verses 1-18 related to the educational aspect. The study concluded that in Surah Al-Baqarah verses 1-18, there are methods of tashbehs, and they carry moral connotations related to the educational aspect. These indications can be extracted from methods and modalities used as a methodology for teaching. By using tashbehs in the education process, it will be better, because the education materials are easier to understand and stronger to influence. Also, the tashbeh methods enhances the emotional relationship between the teachers and the students, making the lessons more acceptable. Thus, it can be said that the use of tashbeh as an advocacy tool has a positive impact on education.

Unhoused women in Niagara: Lived expertise of homelessness in community‐engaged research

AbstractHow do we apply a gender lens to the housing needs of vulnerable women? The YWCA Niagara Region (YWCA) asked this question. Brock University's Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) partnered with the YWCA to identify the barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing in Niagara, with priority placed on community engagement and inclusive access to housing. The article has a two‐fold purpose. First, it provides an overview of community‐engaged research, focusing on the key principles and practices involved in listening to stories of women with lived expertise of homelessness facing discrimination or disadvantage compounded by intersectional identities of Indigeneity, race, gender and ability. Second, it reports on the making of a policy brief and video clip designed as advocacy tools for increasing awareness of the need for increased equitable access to safe and affordable housing for women and gender diverse peoples in Niagara.

Assessing Analogical Acceleration in Public Discourse: The Case of the Buthelezi–Savimbi Comparison and South Africa’s Transition

Politicians often deploy analogies to shape public discourse. If picked up by the media, these references to the past can powerfully shape how political events are perceived. This article examines why some analogies became popular through an exploration of the creation and development of the analogy comparing Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party in South Africa, to Jonas Savimbi, the leader of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, during South Africa’s transition. Tracing the evolution of the Buthelezi–Savimbi comparison through an analysis of media reports indicates that analogies that possess predictive power are likely to gain traction in public discourse and become effective tools for policy advocacy.

Literature as Resistance: The Pragmatics of Ecological Advocacy in ‘Oil on Water’ by Helon Habila

This paper delves into the linguistic representation of environmental and human degradation in Helon Habila’s “Oil on Water,” a novel that interrogates the socio-ecological impact of oil exploration in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. By employing Critical Discourse Analysis and the Appraisal Framework, the study exposes how language not only reflects but also shapes the perceived reality of ecological destruction and social conflict. The analysis highlights how linguistic strategies in the novel depict the multifaceted relationship between the indigenous communities, the Nigerian government, and multinational oil companies, presenting a landscape marred by exploitation and marginalization. The research identifies the use of vivid descriptive language, metaphor, and narrative perspective to evoke a sensory experience of the Niger Delta’s plight. It illustrates the oil companies and government as neocolonial actors, revealing a complex interplay of power dynamics where the local population is trapped in a cycle of violence and ecological devastation. Habila’s work emerges as a form of literary militancy, advocating for social and ecological justice through a portrayal of the Niger Delta’s disrupted social structures and ravaged ecosystems. Through a close reading of “Oil on Water,” the paper argues that literature serves as a potent tool for environmental advocacy, with the potential to influence public perception and policy. Habila’s narrative technique and linguistic choices function as a call to action, aligning with ecocritical discourses that prioritize environmental sustainability and community autonomy. The study underscores the critical role of language in environmental literature, demonstrating its capacity to engage readers and prompt reflection on the urgent issues of ecological degradation and human suffering.

Exploring the parenting experiences of Brazilian immigrants in the United States

AbstractThis study aimed to understand Brazilian immigrant parents' experience and needs using an explanatory sequential design with two phases: survey and structured interviews. The results identified several challenges these parents face, the most prevalent being a lack of social support, as well as cultural values and parenting styles. These findings are important for informing counselors and other professionals working with this community how to better develop intervention and advocacy tools tailored to their unique needs.

Health Care for People Who Are Incarcerated: Teaching Third-Year Medical Students About Rights, Challenges, and Avenues of Advocacy.

Incarcerated patients are a vulnerable patient population with unique barriers to health care that physicians in every specialty encounter. Current medical school curricula lack universal education on health care for incarcerated people. We developed an interactive workshop to provide third-year medical students at the University of Kentucky with information about delivering care outside of dedicated carceral settings to individuals who are incarcerated. The workshop included education on the demographic characteristics and medical conditions present in these populations along with understanding incarcerated persons' rights to health care and how to interact with them and the associated jail/prison workforce often accompanying them on medical visits. The workshop also discussed advocacy tools aimed at providing equitable health care for incarcerated people. Our workshop consisted of a 30-minute large-group didactic session providing a basic understanding of the health care needs of incarcerated people, followed by a 30-minute small-group discussion of a JAMA Viewpoint article focused on advocacy for equitable health care for this patient population. Workshop effectiveness was assessed with a survey before and after the session. One hundred and five students (55%) completed a self-assessment before and after the workshop, demonstrating an increase in knowledge and confidence on all but one question, with statistically significant p values less than .05. Our 1-hour, interactive workshop for medical students in their clinical years demonstrated significant improvement in students' knowledge and confidence regarding providing health care to people who are incarcerated.

Vietnamese LGBTQ Youth’s Transition to Adulthood: Expressions of Agency

The study examines how Vietnamese LGBTQ youth express their agency as they transition to adulthood. Utilizing in-depth interviews with LGBTQ youth between the ages of 18 and 28, the study identifies different forms of strategies these young people employ to define, make sense of, or affirm their gender and sexual identities. In addition to managing their visibility to ensure safety, these youth can make sense of their feelings and experiences through inclusive knowledge about LGBTQ, or they may express themselves publicly and challenge heteronormativity and cisnormativity. The use of social media can give them tools for self-expression and advocacy, while financial independence and mobility can help them negotiate autonomy against normative expectations. As a contribution to LGBTQ emerging adulthood and youth research, the study highlights how social landscapes can limit the choices available for youth’s expressions of agency, while simultaneously providing them with materials to exercise control.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of child eye health interventions in India

Abstract Background India has 4.8 million blind persons including 250,000 blind children, and 35 million visually impaired individuals. Prevalence of blindness is 0.36%, it was 1% two decades ago due to significant public health programs towards prevention and treatment by various stakeholders. Time is opportune for cost-effectiveness analyses of these programs. There is a lack of research evidence related to quality-of-life utility values for eye health conditions in India. This study aims to develop utility values for vision impairment and conduct cost-effectiveness analysis of eye health interventions for childhood vision impairment. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. 306 Children aged 4-16 years of age with unaddressed vision impairment included. Random sampling was done at a tertiary eye hospital in central India. EQ-5D-Y-3L questionnaire along with VAS score was used to measure utility measures for each of the vision impairment levels. Vision impairment was defined based on WHO classification. Mixed methods were used to collect cost data related to interventions, sensitivity analyses were performed to account for uncertainties. The protocol was approved by institutional ethics committee of university of Hyderabad (UH/IEC/2020/222). Results Median utility value of mild and moderate vision impairment is 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-0.9), severe vision impairment is 0.7 (95% CI 0.65-0.75), and for blindness is 0.55 (95% CI 0.44-0.72). Willingness to pay (WTP) is USD 2,935. ICERs for mild, moderate, severe vision impairment and blindness are USD 81, USD 367, USD 44, USD 954 respectively. Conclusions The utility value of 0.55 for blindness correlates with existing literature. ICERs for various levels of vision impairment show the interventions to be cost-effective. There is a significant improvement in utility values post intervention. The utility measures are recommended to be used to evaluate eye health programs, and as advocacy tools for preventive eye care. Key messages • There is a significant improvement in utility values post-intervention and the interventions are highly cost-effective. • Important decision-making tool for allocating scarce resources to preventive eye care services.

Engaging with the claim of Roma people through twitter: who is behind the hashtags?

Grassroots Roma communities play a pivotal role in organizing at the grassroots level, advocating for their rights, and challenging anti-Roma sentiment across Europe. Nevertheless, there remains a need for a deeper understanding of how these efforts manifest within the digital landscape. Within the overarching framework of the Narratives4Change project (EU Marie Curie Action, Nr. 841,355), this study seeks to examine the use of Twitter as a platform for advocating Roma-related issues. Specifically, it investigates the types of actors engaged in tweeting about Roma-related content and explores potential variations in profiles (organizations vs. individuals) based on the content being tweeted. The analysis encompasses six Roma-related hashtags spanning the years 2017 to 2020: #RomaLivesMatter, #InternationalRomaDay, #OpreRoma, #OpreRomnia, #MujerGitana, and #RomaWomen. The findings reveal that organizations are most active when employing the hashtags #InternationalRomaDay and #MujerGitana, whereas for the other hashtags studied, individual users dominate. Our data underscore the untapped potential of social media spaces and their ecosystems as strategic tools for advocacy and mobilization in support of Roma rights throughout Europe.

B - 111 The Role of Education, and Advocacy in Repeat Neuropsychological Evaluations of a Spanish Speaking Woman with Anti-LG-1 Encephalitis.

Anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 limbic encephalitis (LGI1-LE) is a rare diagnosis but the second most common autoimmune encephalitis. While it has a growing body of neuropsychological literature, there is limited awareness by the lay public about this condition. As with all complex neurological conditions, caregiver/family understanding of the disorder and engagement in treatment is important for optimal recovery and dyad wellbeing. We present the case of a caregiver and patient dyad with confirmed LGI1-LE/ Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel antibodies seen for repeat neuropsychological evaluations to demonstrate the importance of education, advocacy, and multidisciplinary involvement as part of the neuropsychological assessment process. Repeat neuropsychological evaluations of a 72-year-old Spanish-speaking woman with limited formal education and complex medical history, including past strokes and recent autoimmune encephalitis. Initial evaluation revealed marked behavioral and cognitive fluctuations/variability with familial frustration secondary to poor understanding by caregiver until neuropsychological feedback session. Repeat evaluation was delayed four weeks due to caregiver factors but demonstrated improvement in global cognition and overall functioning. Follow up, six months later, demonstrated significant cognitive decline and new motoric symptoms with further difficulty coordinating appointments by the caregiver. In addition to assistance with medical management, neuropsychological involvement led to connection to case management, home evaluation, concrete solutions for food insecurity, and cognitive evaluation for the caregiver. This case adds to LG1-LE literature and demonstrates the importance of neuropsychology not only for disease tracking/ management but also as an important tool for advocacy and patient/caregiver education, specifically in culturally and educationally diverse populations with complex medical conditions.

The Gender Self-Report: A multidimensional gender characterization tool for gender-diverse and cisgender youth and adults.

Gender identity is a core component of human experience, critical to account for in broad health, development, psychosocial research, and clinical practice. Yet, the psychometric characterization of gender has been impeded due to challenges in modeling the myriad gender self-descriptors, statistical power limitations related to multigroup analyses, and equity-related concerns regarding the accessibility of complex gender terminology. Therefore, this initiative employed an iterative multi-community-driven process to develop the Gender Self-Report (GSR), a multidimensional gender characterization tool, accessible to youth and adults, nonautistic and autistic people, and gender-diverse and cisgender individuals. In Study 1, the GSR was administered to 1,654 individuals, sampled through seven diversified recruitments to be representative across age (10-77 years), gender and sexuality diversity (∼33% each gender diverse, cisgender sexual minority, cisgender heterosexual), and autism status (> 33% autistic). A random half-split subsample was subjected to exploratory factor analytics, followed by confirmatory analytics in the full sample. Two stable factors emerged: Nonbinary Gender Diversity and Female-Male Continuum (FMC). FMC was transformed to Binary Gender Diversity based on designated sex at birth to reduce collinearity with designated sex at birth. Differential item functioning by age and autism status was employed to reduce item-response bias. Factors were internally reliable. Study 2 demonstrated the construct, convergent, and ecological validity of GSR factors. Of the 30 hypothesized validation comparisons, 26 were confirmed. The GSR provides a community-developed gender advocacy tool with 30 self-report items that avoid complex gender-related "insider" language and characterize diverse populations across continuous multidimensional binary and nonbinary gender traits. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Understanding the what, how, and why in advocacy: Assessing the applicability of participatory process evaluation methodology in an advocacy context

While evaluations are critical for non-governmental organizations to strengthen their advocacy strategies, evaluators and advocates encounter many difficulties evaluating such efforts. This article discusses the contribution of the participatory process evaluation methodology to advocacy evaluation, using a Dutch global health advocacy program as a case study. As participatory process evaluation is a novel methodology in the field of advocacy, the article’s primary focus concerns the application and utility of the methodology. Findings suggest that participatory process evaluation in an advocacy context can provide insights into the implementation of advocacy tools and activities, encouraging reflection and leading to ideas and practical tools to strengthen advocacy efforts. While participatory process evaluation can help overcome some of the often-experienced barriers in advocacy evaluation, further research is needed to consolidate advocacy evaluation theory and practice.

Barriers to optimal AEFI surveillance and documentation in Nigeria: Findings from a qualitative survey.

Effective spontaneous AEFI reporting is the first step to ensuring vaccine safety. Half of the global population lives in countries with weak vaccine safety monitoring systems, especially in the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific regions. Further, Immunisation services have been upscaled without commensurate effective AEFI surveillance systems. Hence, this study aims to comprehensively investigate the impediments to an effective AEFI surveillance system. Given the programmatic and regulatory implications, understanding these impediments would facilitate the development and implementation of policies and strategies to strengthen the AEFI surveillance system in Nigeria. A qualitative research design (using a grounded theory approach) was employed by conducting ten key informant interviews and two Focus Group Discussion sessions among the study population to identify the barriers impeding optimal AEFI surveillance and documentation in Nigeria. This study found that the AEFI surveillance system is in place in Nigeria. However, its functionality is sub-optimal, and the potential capacity is yet to be fully harnessed due to health systems and socio-ecological impediments. The identified impediments are human-resource-related issues- knowledge gaps; limited training; lack of designated officers for AEFI; excessive workload; poor supportive supervision and attitudinal issues; caregiver's factor; governance and leadership- moribund AEFI committee; lack of quality supervisory visit and oversight and weak implementation of AEFI policy guidance. Others include funding and logistics issues- no dedicated budget provision and weak referral mechanism; insecurity; socio-economic and infrastructural deficits- poverty, geographical barriers, limited ICT skills, and infrastructure; and poor feedback and weak community engagement by the health workers. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence and serve as an advocacy tool for vaccine pharmacovigilance strengthening in Nigeria. Addressing the impediments requires health system strengthening and a whole-of-the-society approach to improve vaccine safety surveillance, restore public confidence and promote vaccine demand, strengthen PHC services, and contribute to attaining UHC and SDGs.

The Case for a Common, Reusable Knowledge Graph Infrastructure for NFDI

The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the European Commission identifies Knowledge Graphs (KGs) as one of the most important technologies for building an interoperability framework and enabling data exchange among users across countries, sectors, and disciplines [1]. KG is a graph-structured knowledge base containing a terminology (vocabulary or ontology) and data entities interrelated via the terminology [2]. KGs are based on semantic web technologies (RDF, SPARQL, etc.) and often used for agile data integration. KGs also play an essential role within Germany as a vehicle to connect research data and research-related entities and make those accessible – examples include the GESIS Knowledge Graph Infrastructure, TIB Open Research Knowledge Graph, and GND.network. Furthermore, the Wikidata knowledge graph, maintained by Wikimedia Germany, contains a large number of research-related entities and is widely used in scientific knowledge management in addition to being an important advocacy tool for open data [3]. Extending domain-specific ontology-supported KGs with the multidisciplinary, crowdsourced knowledge in Wikidata KG would enable significant applications. The linking between expert knowledge systems and world knowledge empowers lay persons to benefit from high-quality research data and ultimately contributes to increasing confidence in scientific research in society.

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis: Where do we stand so far?

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), an asymptomatic, acute, and chronic condition in human beings, is the second most common vector-borne disease after malaria. According to the World Health Organization, there are 120 million LF cases detected in 81 tropical and subtropical countries, and one billion people are at risk. Therefore, the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis was launched in 2000, with the primary objective of stopping LF transmission among all at-risk groups using mass drug administration (MDA), managing morbidities, and preventing LF-related impairments using a minimum treatment package. Additionally, other programs such as epidemiological assessment including National Filaria Control Program and World Health Organization recommended routine and pre-MDA microfilaremia surveys also implemented to stop the LF transmission. The routine filaria surveys were also carried out in around 2 000-4 000 individuals/month throughout the year whereas pre-MDA surveys were also conducted every year in approximately 4 000 individuals in four fixed and four random sites. Furthermore, the Transmission Assessment Survey was also conducted to check the risk of LF among primary school children. Moreover, potential diagnostic methods, systematic surveillance regimes, the Direct Network Report system, and regular trainings and awareness may be also effective in preventing the recurrence of LF. Hence, this review emphasizes the potential advocacy tools and various strategies as well as procedures for monitoring, which could be impactful in eliminating LF.

Indigenous-led toxic tours opening pathways for (re)connecting to place, people and all creation

AbstractHome to nine Tribal Nations, the northeastern corner of Oklahoma (US) is a place of immense resilience, cultural beauty and attachment to place. Horrifically, however, this same area is also home to massive environmental assaults that have occurred as a result of decades of lead and zinc mining. The improperly managed mine waste that has accumulated since the late 1800s now severely contaminates the water, land and air, having adverse impacts on the health of the ecosystem and the local human community alike. Leading the fight for cleanup and support of place and people since 1997 is the non-profit organisation called Local Environmental Action Demanded (LEAD Agency). One of LEAD’s primary tools for education and advocacy has been leading toxic tours across these harmed lands and waters. This contribution draws upon the nearly three decades of toxic tours that Rebecca and Earl have led by sharing key stories and experiences of important sites visited along the way, offering a snapshot of toxic tour experience. Drawing on Indigenous storywork and autoethnographic methodologies, this contribution aims to spotlight the potential of Indigenous-led toxic tours for helping to (re)connect people — both locals and visitors — to place and a responsibility of stewardship.

Tailoring Peer-to-Peer Learning on “Faith for Rights”

Abstract Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental freedom that provokes tensions but equally provides opportunities for synergy and mutual enhancement with other human rights. This article explores lessons learned from implementing the “Faith for Rights” framework which has been developed by faith-based actors and UN independent experts through a global consultative process since 2017. Related peer-to-peer learning workshops have been tailored to different audiences, including children, youth, students and scholars, parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors, civil servants, diplomats, UN independent experts, national human rights institutions, faith-based actors, human rights defenders and peer-learning facilitators. In conclusion, the article calls for an inclusive human rights “diplocacy” by strategically combining diplomacy and advocacy tools for managing religious diversity in a human rights-based manner that resolve tensions between numerous rights in the context of religions and beliefs.

The Changing Demographic Profile of Middle Eastern Countries

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate changing demographic patterns in Middle East countries to recognize that the inexorable demographic momentum will have important implications for the economic and social forces that will shape future societal well-being. Theoretical framework: The demographic change-economic growth relationship has become the dominant paradigm in the field of population and development, and an advocacy tool for highlighting the benefits of the age structure change. The young dependent population of a nation decreased compared to the working-age counterpart following an annual birth decrease. Thus, with lesser individuals who are dependent on the country, it has the chance for fast economic growth. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on a deductive approach to focus on the evaluation of changing demographic patterns in Middle East countries. Findings: The working-age population in the Middle East region is a potential agent of change toward realizing a more successful future, through their role in reaping the demographic dividend. It is imperative for Middle Eastern countries to implement the needed macroeconomic strategies and changes, fiscal, regulatory, and labor-market policy changes, which will take full advantage of the employment prospects. Research practical social implication: This study makes significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge of changing demographics in Middle East countries. Policymakers need to carry out critical action which is crucial if the working-age population in the Middle East is to attain its maximum potential, offer solutions to problems, and assist the region in benefiting from the demographic dividend. Originality/value: This study is different from the previous studies because it evaluated the changing demographic patterns in Middle East countries in a detailed way.

Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents With Disabilities.

This is an overview of the results from 14 countries or jurisdictions in a Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents with disabilities. The methodology was based on the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance's Global Matrix 4.0. Data were aligned with 10 indicators (Overall PA, Organized Sport, Active Play, Active Transport, Physical Fitness, Sedentary Behavior, Family & Peers, Schools, Community & Environment, and Government) to produce Para Report Cards. Subsequently, there were 139 grades; 45% were incomplete, particularly for Active Play, Physical Fitness, and Family & Peers. Collectively, Overall PA was graded the lowest (F), with Schools and Government the highest (C). Disability-specific surveillance and research gaps in PA were apparent in 14 countries or jurisdictions around the world. More coverage of PA data in Para Report Cards is needed to serve as an advocacy tool to promote PA among children and adolescents with disabilities.

Perceptions of Advocacy in High School Students: A Pilot Study.

Assessing perceptions and attitudes of advocacy in adolescent populations is an important area of research. Previous studies have shown that advocacy programs in high schools are well-received and help promote health advocacy. This pilot study took place at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine Health Leaders Summer Academy hosted by medical students of the Student National Medical Association. A one-hour interactive workshop was administered to high school students interested in the healthcare field. Pre- and post-survey data were collected to assess participants' perceptions, methods, and barriers to engaging in advocacy. A total of 29 students were included in this study. Results indicated that students' definitions of advocacy changed after completing the workshop, as a higher percentage of students indicated that they practiced advocacy (pre-survey, 82.76% versus post-survey, 95.45%). There was a statistically significant difference in perceptions of the importance of advocacy in the student's future career (pre-survey, 3.82 versus post-survey, 4.15,p = .035). Social media was the most effective and common form of advocacy used (post-survey 72.73%). The most common barrier to practicing advocacy was a lack of education on a particular topic (31.82% post-survey). Overall, the workshop increased participants' interest in engaging in advocacy. Future directions include expanding the study to a larger population sample throughout the Orlando community and researching the use of social media as a tool for advocacy.