Unique Experience Research Articles

More Than Body Parts: A New Ethos of Anatomy Education

Abstract A new ethos of anatomy education goes beyond the learning of body parts in the traditional curriculum. In the traditional curriculum, the focus of only providing information on the structure of the human body left certain learning opportunities overlooked, marginalized, or dismissed as irrelevant; thus, opportunities to foster and shape professional attributes in health care learners were lost. Furthermore, changes in curricula structures and reductions in anatomy teaching hours have necessitated a transformation in how anatomy education is perceived and delivered. This article presents an examination of a contemporary ethos of anatomy education that draws together concepts from teaching theory, educational trends, and emerging research to maximize the anatomy learning experience with body donors. Social constructivism, the spiral curriculum, and the hidden curriculum can be leveraged to facilitate a unique educational experience. Furthermore, contemporary perspectives on the ethics and history of anatomy that support contextual learning indicate how these subjects are well suited to authenticate and consolidate learning, while supporting the relational and humanistic delivery of health care education. When anatomy education is conceptualized as a first clinical experience in a health care curriculum, it provides the opportunity to develop and enhance professional identity formation at a foundational stage. By embracing and incorporating a wider range of considerations into educational practice, a new ethos for anatomy education fosters history-informed professional identity formation that offers transformative learning opportunities for an ethical practice in the art of healing.

The journey of a living statue: Structural violence and a Honduran migrant woman's pathway toward asylum and wellbeing

Approximately half of the world's displaced migrant population are women, yet gender-specific analyses are often lacking. Such analyses are crucial for understanding migrant women's unique experiences and informing policies that address their health and broader needs. This paper integrates the concept of structural violence with person-centered ethnography to examine women's physical and mental health in contexts of displacement and migration. Using the triple trauma framework, we offer a holistic, temporal-spatial analysis of the health experiences and exposures faced by asylum-seeking women across three stages: places of origin, travel, and destination. Through the representative case of Anahi, a Honduran woman who fled to the US with her family in 2019, we identify four key themes: the persistence of structural violence and its constraints on health decisions and outcomes, the losses and suffering associated with women's triple roles, the harms of racism and xenophobia, and the health implications of inadequate information on asylum and immigration procedures. We conclude with policy recommendations to reduce health inequities among migrant women. This study advances understanding by providing a comprehensive, gendered analysis of the structural forces shaping health outcomes for migrant women, offering insights that extend beyond a narrow focus on reproductive issues to address their physical, mental, and social well-being.

Addressing Postpartum Care Challenges and Information Accessibility for Mothers With Hearing Disability: A Systematic Review.

Access to healthcare significantly impacts the health outcomes of individuals with hearing disability, underscoring the necessity for enhanced accessibility to health services. Despite this situation, there is a paucity of data regarding the provision of postpartum care for women with hearing disability. Understanding the unique experiences and needs of womenwith hearing disability is crucial for improving not only the health system but also the overall health of their families and, by extension, the broader community. In this systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 methodology was employed. Comprehensive searches were conducted across several databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. A total of 331 article titles and abstracts were screened based on Population/Intervention/Control/Outcome/Study/Time(PICOST) criteria, resulting in 12 articles being included in the final review. Among these, nine were qualitative studiesand three were quantitative, which were reviewed using the Caldwell framework. The findings from this systematic review indicate that motherswith hearing disability often face significant inadequacies and misunderstandings concerning the information and care they receive. These inadequacies lead to a tendency to avoid or delay seeking care, or to rely heavily on self-care practices. Additionally, it was found that healthcare professionals generally lack awareness and understanding of the specific needs of mothers with hearing disability.Future research should prioritize examining both the experiences of healthcare providers and motherswith hearing disability to develop interventions that can adequately address the needs of families with mothers with hearing disability. By doing so, the healthcare system can be better equipped to provide appropriate and effective care, ultimately improving health outcomes for these families.

Interview with Papy aka Alain Degois: improvisational theater from low-income suburbs to the most prestigious national theater

This interview with Papy, aka Alain Degois, traces the evolution of improvisational theater in France from its 1980s introduction to its recent recognition by the Comédie-Française. Papy, a French improv pioneer, discusses the art form’s origins and growth, particularly through the Culture and Diversity Improv, an initiative which has expanded from four cities to 31, now involving 3,000 teenagers annually. Papy highlights improv’s dual nature as artistic expression and psychological tool, emphasizing its promotion of active listening, collaboration, and creativity. He explores improv’s societal impact, noting its ability to create unique communal experiences and challenge traditional theater norms. The conversation covers the milestone of improv performances at the Comédie-Française, signifying the discipline’s validation within France’s cultural ­establishment. Papy discusses ongoing collaborations between improv and traditional theater, predicting a future of increased hybridization.

An insurmountable obstacle: Experiences of Chinese women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of women who have undergone unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, and to explore how treatment failure has impacted their lives and relationships, thereby enabling the public to understand the unique experiences of these women. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with purposive sampling used to recruit participants from the gynecological department of a traditional Chinese medicine clinic at a large tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province. Twelve women undergoing IVF treatment was involved in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis methods were used to analyze the data. Following analysis, three main categories emerged: 1) The Psychological Experience of Initial Miscarriage from IVF Treatment, 2) The Psychological Experience of Repeated Treatment Failure, and 3) Interpersonal experiences and challenges. Women experiencing initial failure from IVF treatment reported emotions such as surprise, doubt, sadness, disappointment, and embarrassment. They perceived the process as harder than expected, leading to unexpected daily life challenges and difficulties in achieving success. As unsuccessful attempts persisted, they endured psychological suffering and lived in the shadow of repeated treatment failures. Doubts, perplexity, and anxiety grew, making reproduction seem like an insurmountable obstacle in their lives. In their interpersonal experience, women often felt guilt toward family, faced social isolation, and found it challenging to discuss IVF openly everywhere. They encountered a lack of understanding from others but also found mutual sympathy and support among people who shared similar experiences. The study provided an insight into the suffering of Chinese women undergoing IVF treatment, highlighting the challenges of overcoming treatment failures. The findings not only inform Chinese infertile women considering IVF treatment but also contribute to the development of more effective support services by healthcare providers.

Navigating Unique Intersectional Experiences: LGBTQ+ Community Organisations Addressing Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities' Needs.

This exploratory study aimed to enhance the understanding of practitioners' experiences within LGBTQ+ community organisations when providing interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities. Three specific objectives were outlined: to document the situations and challenges encountered by practitioners; to identify perceived needs among LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities and to elicit their suggestions for recommendations to improve services. A qualitative approach, involving in-depth interviews with 12 Québec-based LGBTQ+ community practitioners, underwent content analysis. Findings were organised around three themes: perceived support needs of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual disabilities; challenges experienced in intervention and recommendations to improve services. Findings reveal that practitioners frequently face significant challenges when supporting LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities, who often struggle with multiple daily challenges and insufficient support. The study highlights the need to empower LGBTQ+ organisations with essential skills and foster partnerships with public service staff to ensure a more inclusive, intersectional approach.

Love Unites Us in Our Differences, Faith Determines Our Path: Individual Decision-Making in Interfaith Dating Relationships

The purpose of this research is to describe the decision-making dynamics of individuals in interfaith dating relationships. The study employs a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach. Three participants were involved in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to understand the unique experiences of each individual. The results identified 13 main themes in the decision-making process: relationship motives, environmental response, negative emotions, challenges and issues, coping strategies, social support, romantic belief, commitment, understanding, religiosity, compromise, hope, and relationship satisfaction. The decision-making dynamics are divided into three main stages: pre-dating, dating, and relationship continuation. Each stage highlights the importance of understanding, adjustment, and effective coping strategies to face challenges and build a strong and harmonious relationship despite religious differences.

Exploring the role of artificial intelligence technology in empowering women-led startups

The study aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) influences women-led startups in Saudi Arabia, aiming to understand their unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities within the AI technology landscape. This study used a qualitative method, conducting 16 in-depth interviews with women entrepreneurs operating businesses in Saudi Arabia. The analysis was performed using thematic analysis with NVivo 12, uncovering key themes and insights. The findings reveal that cultural norms, societal expectations, limited awareness, and financial constraints are directly associated with women’s involvement in AI-driven businesses. Cultural biases emerged as impediments, underscoring the need for targeted interventions such as awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to dismantle ingrained biases and foster an environment that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of women in the tech and AI sectors. Educational programs, collaborations between academia and industry, and mentorship initiatives were identified as pivotal components to prepare women entrepreneurs to navigate the intricate landscape of AI adoption. Financial inclusion emerged as a critical pillar, advocating for equitable access to funding and resources tailored specifically for women-led AI startups. The study further emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive ecosystems that extend beyond financial aid. Creating networks for mentorship, guidance, and collaboration provides women entrepreneurs with platforms to share experiences and resources, enhancing resilience and the potential for success in the AI landscape. Acknowledgment The authors extend their appreciation to the Arab Open University for funding this work through research fund No. AOUKSA-524008.

Investigating different dimensions of women’s childbirth experiences and its predictors among postnatal women: findings from a cross sectional study

Background and aimsChildbirth experience is an event in a woman’s life with short- and long-term effects on her physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate different dimensions of women’s childbirth experiences and its predictors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 postnatal women with vaginal delivery in 2021 in Northern Iran. Data were collected using the Iranian women’s childbirth experience questionnaire (IWCEQ) and demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics questionnaire. Principal component analysis using Amos 24 and backward multiple linear regression using SPSS 22 were employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean score of childbirth experiences was 48.48 ± 19.09% out of 100 (95% CI: 46.68–50.28). The Principal Component Analysis revealed that the preparation (β = 0.84), positive perception (β = 0.78), and fear dimensions (β= -0.72) were the most important dimensions of women’s childbirth experiences. Moreover, education (B = -7.14, p = 0.001), spouse’s education (B = 7.40, p = 0.001), history of previous childbirth (B = 4.88, p = 0.001), obstetric problems of previous childbirth (B = − 7.73, p = 0.038), mother’s preferred type of delivery (B = 9.34, p = 0.001), the simultaneous delivery of another baby in the delivery room (B = -3.39, p = 0.017), and birth weight (B = -5.79, p = 0.005) explained 40% of the variance of the childbirth experience score.ConclusionChildbirth experience is a unique experience that influenced by positive and negative issues. More studies to identify related factors to dimensions of childbirth experience may have some insights for developing national and local- level health policies and clinical protocols.

Young children's perceptions and experiences of school readiness during the transition from preschool to primary school in China

AbstractSchool readiness has a profound educational value for children's positive adjustment to primary school and holistic development. However, little research sufficiently addresses how young children view multifaceted components of learning, such as cognitive, affective and behavioural experiences on school readiness. A timely understanding of children's perceptions and experiences is crucial to shed light on how to promote transition and improve children's school readiness. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of 41 children in China (5–6 years of age, 23 girls) regarding their school readiness based on Mosaic approach methods. The results indicated that young children have their own unique perceptions, emotional and behavioural experiences of school readiness. The perceptions of school readiness include four aspects of material supplies, subjects knowledge, interests and specialties and behavioural habits, which has similarities to that of adults in aspects of academic knowledge and social rules. Nevertheless, findings revealed young children view interests and strengths as important part of school readiness, reflecting their personal preferences and abilities. The emotional experiences could be considered positive or negative, with positive emotional experiences expressing children's curiosity and expectation, fulfilment and pleasure, and negative emotional experiences expressing academic burden, rules pressure and social worries, which need to be addressed. Young children's behavioural experiences with school readiness present two patterns of passive acceptance and active participation, they are eager to participate in activities and have a strong desire to explore and learn. Our findings extend beyond existing conception of school readiness, and give greater weight to children's interests and strengths, positive experiences and active participation. It is important to focus on children's intrinsic interests and strengths, accept children's ideas and choices, care for their emotional state and provide positive support.

Nicotine is an Immunosuppressant: Implications for Women's Health and Disease

A plethora of evidence supports that nicotine, the primary alkaloid in tobacco products that is generally accepted for maintaining use, is immunoregulatory and may function as an immunosuppressant. Women have unique experiences with use of nicotine-containing products and also undergo significant reproductive transitions throughout their lifespan which may be impacted by nicotine use. Within the extant literature, there is conflicting evidence that nicotine may confer beneficial health effects in specific disease states (e.g., in ulcerative colitis). Use prevalence of nicotine-containing products is exceptionally high in individuals presenting with some comorbid disease states that impact immune system health and can be a risk factor for the development of diseases which disproportionately impact women; however, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are largely unclear. Further, little is known regarding the impacts of nicotine's immunosuppressive effects on women's health during the menopausal transition, which is arguably an inflammatory event characterized by a pro-inflammatory peri-menopause period. Given that post-menopausal women are at a higher risk than men for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and are also more vulnerable to negative health effects associated with diseases such as HIV-1 infection, it is important to understand how use of nicotine-containing products may impact the immune milieu in women. In this review, we define instances in which nicotine use confers immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, or pro-inflammatory effects in the context of comorbid disease states, and focus on how nicotine impacts neuroimmune signaling to maintain use. We posit that regardless of potential health benefits, nicotine use cessation should be a priority in the clinical care of women. The synthesis of this review demonstrates the importance of systematically defining the relationships between volitional nicotine use, immune system function, and comorbid disease states in women to better understand how nicotine impacts women's health and disease.

Neurologic Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse People: A Review of Current Evidence and Clinical Implications.

To summarize the literature on neurologic care for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people and provide implications for clinical practice. There are limited data on the frequency and management of neurologic conditions among TGD people. TGD people have a higher prevalence of various neurologic conditions compared with cisgender or general population cohorts, including migraine, subjective cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, functional disorders, and cerebrovascular disease. Gender-affirming hormone therapy interacts with commonly prescribed neurologic medications and increases stroke risk among transfeminine people. Sex hormones and sex chromosomes may play a role in neurodegeneration and disability progression in neuroimmunologic diseases. Clitoral reduction surgeries on intersex children can cause neurologic disability and sexual dysfunction in adulthood. Socioeconomic disparities among TGD people contribute to health care barriers. Neurologists should consider the unique experiences and health care needs of TGD people in their clinical practice and research protocols.

‘Travelling for $1 a day!?’ Introducing rental vehicle relocation as a tourism practice

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to introduce and explore the concept of rental vehicle relocation (RVR) as a mode of transport and beyond for (drive) tourists. By situating RVR within the domain of drive tourism, we contextualise its emergence amidst current scholarly discourses. Methodologically, we adopt a dual-methods strategy that integrates autoethnographic and netnographic methods to collect material in the specific context of New Zealand. The findings shed light on the multifaceted role of RVR, highlighting its significance as a mode of transport, an attraction for travellers, and a unique tourist experience. Our research makes theoretical contributions towards establishing RVR in a distinct position within the tourism ecosystem. Furthermore, this research presents practical implications for RVR platforms and rental car providers at large to acknowledge, refine, and promote RVR services.

How Migrants Experience Information Uncertainty and Vulnerability: Lessons for (Dis)information Studies

This article develops a phenomenological approach to examine the intersection of global migration and rising concerns about disinformation. Drawing on interviews with Venezuelans en route to the United States-Mexico border through Central America, the article analyzes how undocumented migrants live amid information precarity, how they relate to disinformation, and how disinformation affects their decisions. We demonstrate the centrality of information and communication practices in managing (dis)information during the migration experience. This includes distrusting traditional media, using various platforms like social media and messaging apps, and exchanging both information and disinformation with others. By adopting a phenomenological approach, the article demonstrates that migrants’ relationship with (dis)information is shaped by their conviction that each person has unique life experiences and a profoundly religious view of life and destiny. The article thus advocates for a deeper exploration of migrants’ sociocultural beliefs rather than focusing solely on issues such as information accuracy, accessibility, flows, and platforms when accounting for disinformation. In addition to valuable lessons for (dis)information studies, this approach could enrich communication interventions tailored to migrant communities in vulnerable conditions.

The PAR3TY Project: Revealing Unique Cancer Experiences and Insights of Teenagers and Young Adults through Patient Engagement, Participation, and Performance.

Cancer in teenagers and young adults (TYAs) coincides with major life transitions and presents unique psychosocial challenges. Understanding the experiences and needs of TYAs is critical. TYAs want to play an active role in improving cancer for TYAs; however, few opportunities exist for TYAs to do so. Using a tri-partite methodology, an international team collaborated with four TYA co-researchers in this pilot study to explore how performative staging strategies help convey TYA experiences with cancer. Using creative video, TYA co-researchers shared cancer experiences and insights in novel, impactful ways. The process provided intrinsic benefits for co-researchers to connect with other TYAs and creatively share their experiences and perspectives. Furthermore, it provided space for dialogue between TYAs and cancer care allies where TYAs could convey the nuances of their cancer experiences and how cancer care could be improved. This tri-partite methodology can support TYAs to actively engage in a process of connection, reflection, creation, and dissemination to improve cancer experiences for TYAs.

Work education and educational developments around sustainable livelihoods for sustainable career development and well-being

Covid-19, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Climate Change, have disrupted work education, rendering sustainability of careers and livelihoods a concern. This paper outlines a collaborative response to that challenge, offering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in a work education cloud collaboration, Project SLiC (Sustainable Livelihoods Collaboration). We have joined forces across nation states in the Global South/North to share cloud resources, focused on teaching a postgraduate course, Sustainable Livelihoods. Online modules are stored in a secure cloud site, from which local courses draw-down, autochthonously, whichever resources fit workforce development in context. We outline modules, and an evaluative process, in a proof-of-concept trial. Finally, we envisage how this initial collaboration may morph into a whole degree, including research supervision. We close with a call to career development professionals to share their unique expertise and experiences at the work education frontline, on how to develop this sustainable careers project, for the greater good.

Mithila Women in the Past and Present: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation

This paper explores the multifaceted journey of Mithila women, tracing their evolution from historical to contemporary times. Situated in the culturally rich region of Mithila, spanning parts of Northern India and Nepal, these women have been the custodians of a profound heritage characterized by resilience and adaptability. The paper delves into their roles within traditional societal frameworks, where they have long been pivotal in maintaining cultural practices such as the renowned Madhubani art. Through examining historical texts, cultural studies, and contemporary research, this study highlights Mithila women's enduring strength and agency. Despite rigid patriarchal structures and socio-economic challenges, Mithila women have continually carved out spaces for self-expression and empowerment. The paper investigates the transformative impact of education, economic participation, and political involvement on their lives. It emphasises how access to education has not only enhanced their capacities but also contributed to the socio economic development of their communities. The rise of Mithila women in local governance and their increasing role in Panchayati Raj institutions signify a shift towards greater political empowerment and social change. Ultimately, this paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on gender and development by offering insights into the unique experiences of Mithila women. It underscores their journey of resilience and transformation as a testament to their enduring spirit and as a critical aspect of the region's socio-cultural fabric. The study calls for sustained efforts to address the challenges faced by Mithila women and to support their ongoing journey towards equality and empowerment.

Sociodemographic and Mental Health Factors Associated with Obesity in Resettled Refugees in Syracuse, New York.

Resettled refugees have been exposed to stressful and life-threatening events preresettlement and are among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in society. Postresettlement, they face challenges when assimilating to an unfamiliar host country, which renders them vulnerable to adverse health outcomes including obesity, a major public health burden. This study was conducted to examine the association of mental health and sociodemographic factors, including language proficiency and educational attainment, with obesity in first-generation resettled refugees. We used data from electronic health records from the Adult Ambulatory Medicine Clinic of the State University of New York Upstate, Syracuse, NY. The probability of being overweight and obese (class I and class II) relative to normal weight was estimated using fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression models with relative risk ratios (RRRs). Relative to male refugees, female refugees were more likely to have class I obesity (RRR=1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.19, 2.80) and class II obesity (RRR=4.07; 95% CI=2.41, 6.87). Limited English proficiency increased the risk of being overweight (RRR=2.02; 95% CI=1.29, 3.17) and having class II obesity (RRR=2.14, 95% CI=1.20, 3.81). A clinical mental health diagnosis increased the risk of class I (RRR=2.00; 95% CI=1.35, 2.96) and class II (RRR=1.76; 95% CI=1.15, 2.71) obesity. Having no formal education was associated with decreased risk of class II obesity (RRR=0.42; 95% CI=0.19, 0.90). Obesity prevalence and subsequent related morbidity continue to be major public health burdens in vulnerable, often underserved populations in the United States. Further investigation into social determinants of obesity in refugees in a community setting that captures the unique experiences of heterogenous refugee groups outside the clinical setting is warranted.

Teacher Retention Challenges: What we learned before and after COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already elevated stress levels among teachers, leading to contemplation of leaving the profession. As educators were compelled to transition to online teacher, they suddenly found themselves immersed in the households of their students, an entirely novel experience. This newfound proximity granted teachers insight into various aspects of the students’ lives, including family dynamics, home environments, levels of household stress, and the accessibility of essential resources. In addition to the teaching duties, educators were tasked with the development of online curricula, the acquisition of online learning resources, and providing support to parents and families during a particularly stressful period. The critical question arises: did these unique experiences influence teachers’ decisions to remain in the profession? The research findings suggest a number of teachers considering leaving the profession.

Spanish Speakers in the United States Report Differing Levels of Weather Salience Based on Their Ethnocultural Background

Abstract Weather profoundly shapes our daily lives, yet its psychological impact varies distinctly among different cultural and ethnic groups. In a comprehensive analysis of 974 Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States, our research delves into three dimensions of weather salience—a measure of the psychological importance attributed to weather. Contrary to expectations, geographic location within the United States does not significantly influence weather salience dimensions among Spanish-speaking populations. Rather, differences in weather salience emerge based on the nativity and origin country of a Spanish speaker. Foreign-born Spanish speakers exhibit higher weather salience compared to their U.S.-born counterparts, with notable differences in daily attention to weather and severe weather events. Additionally, the degree of psychological attunement to weather distinctly varies among different Hispanic and Latino ethnic groups within Spanish-speaking communities. These findings help explain why weather salience may be lower among Spanish-speaking groups and highlight the variability across different cultural groups. Tailoring messages to the unique experiences and backgrounds of diverse Spanish-speaking communities is essential, moving beyond simple language translation to embrace the rich cultural tapestry of these groups. Significance Statement Our research explored how different Spanish-speaking groups in the United States conceptualize weather in their daily lives. Surprisingly, where they live in the United States does not change their views much. Instead, whether they were born in the United States or elsewhere, and their specific cultural background, really matters. People born outside the United States generally apply more significance to the weather and its changes. This shows us that when communicating about weather to these groups, it is important to understand and respect the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking communities, going beyond just translating messages into Spanish.