scholarly journals Stakeholder Engagement Strategies for Policy and Programmatic Uptake: Lessons from the Drivers of Food Choice Competitive Grants Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 920-920
Author(s):  
Andrea Warren ◽  
Shilpa Constantinides ◽  
Edward Frongillo ◽  
Christine Blake
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Lead Author ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Stakeholder Identification ◽  
Gates Foundation

Abstract Objectives This study drew upon experiences of stakeholder engagement in food choice research to advance knowledge about best practices. Methods The Drivers of Food Choice Competitive Grants Program aimed to understand food choice in low- and middle-income-countries. All funded proposals included stakeholder engagement strategies. Data were from document review of proposals and reports and semi-structured interviews with the principal investigators of the 15 projects. Interviews were transcribed and uploaded into NVIVO 12. The lead author analyzed interviews thematically using an a priori code list and led discussion of themes and patterns through peer review with co-authors. Results Grantees developed and implemented a range of strategies. “Uni-directional” strategies were researcher-driven and informational, did not seek input from the target stakeholder, and included one-way communication such as emails, newsletters, meetings, press releases, technical briefs, newspaper articles, and public engagement efforts. “Bi-directional” strategies sought collaboration with stakeholders. Examples were workshops which sought feedback on stakeholder identification, research questions, methods, results, and recommendations. Grantees used unidirectional strategies to increase buy-in and generate demand for results, which helped promote the use of evidence for decision-making. Bi-directional strategies were integral to knowledge production. Grantees thought that bi-directional engagement enhanced the immediate applicability of the research. Grantees developed more- and less-intensive strategies that involved both bi-and uni-directional engagement, depending on goals for uptake. Conclusions This research sheds light on the role of stakeholder engagement strategies in advancing multisectoral nutrition. The current landscape of research and practice is fast-paced and complex; ensuring relevance of research via diverse stakeholder engagement strategies should remain a priority for researchers and funders. Our findings may aid researchers in constructing strategies that are responsive to diverse research programs and goals within complex multisectoral nutrition landscapes. Funding Sources UK Government's Department for International Development and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

scholarly journals The upper middle income status of botswana vis a Vie gaberone’s non-governmental organisations’ access to international funding.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
Zenzo Lusaba Dube ◽  
Gwendoline Vimbai Mandizvidza
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Income Status

The research evaluates if the classification of Botswana as an Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) negates Gaborone’s Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) access to financial support from international development partners. The objectives were, to establish the extent to which the UMIC status of Botswana has affected NGO access to funding from international development partners, second, to establish what other factors and to what extent such factors influence accessibility of funding from international development partners, third, to establish the strategies engaged by NGOs which are still accessing funding from international development partners and, last, to proffer methodologies that could enhance access to funding from international development partners by Botswana NGOs. A case study research design was used. The research was qualitative and employed semi structured interviews and focus group discussions. A total of fifty six (56) respondents was realized, namely through the policy makers, senior government officials and administrators, NGOs and their umbrella bodies. The research established that Botswana’s UMIC status did not have a huge bearing on failure by some local NGOs in accessing financial support from international development partners. The research revealed that NGOs required more technical and strategic preparedness, a necessary pre requisite for funding.

scholarly journals Enteric Function as a Determinant of Nutritional and Clinical Recovery from Acute Illness Among Children in Kenya and Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 916-916
Author(s):  
Kirkby Tickell ◽  
Donna Denno ◽  
Ali Saleem ◽  
Zaubina Kazi ◽  
Barbra Richardson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Discharge From Hospital

Abstract Objectives In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), acutely ill undernourished children remain at high risk of mortality for months following discharge from hospital. Community-based studies suggest that enteric dysfunction (ED), including permeability and impaired absorption, is associated with poor outcomes. We used the lactulose rhamnose ratio (L: R) test, which provides a functional assessment of gut integrity, to determine if ED influences clinical and nutritional recovery in the post-discharge period. Methods Children aged 2–24 months without diarrhea were recruited from Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan and Migori County Referral Hospital, Kenya. L: R tests were administered after children were clinically stable (oral feeds, not dehydrated, no oxygen needs) and pre-discharge. Similarly aged children were pseudo-randomly selected from homes near those of children being discharged and were also tested. Prior to administration of sugars, urine was collected to detect background levels, followed by a two-hour collection. Samples were analyzed by high-performance chromatography mass spectroscopy. Crude L: R distributions were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. A priori determined confounders (age, mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC], HIV status, site) were adjusted for in linear regression of log-transformed L: R. Results 156 hospitalized and 91 community children were recruited. Median age was nine months in each group. Hospitalized children had lower median MUAC (12.4 vs 13.5 cm) and higher HIV infection prevalence (5% vs 1%). Both sugars were largely undetectable in pre-dose samples. Urinary median L: R among children being discharged (0.36 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.20–0.87)) was significantly higher compared to community peers (0.30 (IQR: 0.17–0.48, P = 0.038)). This difference remained significant in the adjusted model (p: 0.008). Conclusions Children at discharge from hospital in LMICs appear to have worse enteric function than community peers, and this difference does not appear to be attributable to young age or nutritional or HIV status. This analysis will be expanded to include L: R association with mortality, morbidity and growth outcomes prior to the conference. Funding Sources Thrasher Research Foundation 14,466, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation OPP 1,131,320.

Depression in the Developing World

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Minas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
International Development ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Culturally Informed ◽  
Global Understanding

This chapter provides an overview of what is known about prevalence, social determinants, treatment, and course and impact of depression in developing, or low- and middle-income, countries. The importance of culture in depression and in the construction and application of diagnostic classifications and in health and social services is highlighted, with a particular focus on the applicability of ‘Western’ diagnostic constructs and service systems in developing country settings. The role of international organizations, such as WHO, and international development programs, such as the SDGs, in improving our understanding of depression and in developing effective and culturally appropriate responses is briefly examined. There is both a need and increasing opportunities in developing countries for greater commitment to mental health of populations, increased investment in mental health and social services, and culturally informed research that will contribute to improved global understanding of mental disorders in general and depression in particular.

scholarly journals Using a global food environment framework to understand relationships with food choice in diverse low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 100511
Author(s):  
Shilpa V. Constantinides ◽  
Christopher Turner ◽  
Edward A. Frongillo ◽  
Shiva Bhandari ◽  
Ligia I. Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Environment ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Global Food ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Health workers’ perspectives on informed consent for caesarean section in Southern Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Bakker ◽  
Siem Zethof ◽  
Felix Nansongole ◽  
Kelvin Kilowe ◽  
Jos van Roosmalen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Partial Disclosure ◽  
Labour Pains

Abstract Objective Informed consent is a prerequisite for caesarean section, the commonest surgical procedure in low- and middle-income settings, but not always acquired to an appropriate extent. Exploring perceptions of health care workers may aid in improving clinical practice around informed consent. We aim to explore health workers’ beliefs and experiences related to principles and practice of informed consent. Methods Qualitative study conducted between January and June 2018 in a rural 150-bed mission hospital in Southern Malawi. Clinical observations, semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were used to collect data. Participants were 22 clinical officers, nurse-midwives and midwifery students involved in maternity care. Data were analysed to identify themes and construct an analytical framework. Results Definition and purpose of informed consent revolved around providing information, respecting women’s autonomy and achieving legal protection. Due to fear of blame and litigation, health workers preferred written consent. Written consent requires active participation by the consenting individual and was perceived to transfer liability to that person. A woman’s refusal to provide written informed consent may pose a dilemma for the health worker between doing good and respecting autonomy. To prevent such refusal, health workers said to only partially disclose surgical risks in order to minimize women's anxiety. Commonly perceived barriers to obtain a fully informed consent were labour pains, language barriers, women’s lack of education and their dependency on others to make decisions. Conclusions Health workers are familiar with the principles around informed consent and aware of its advantages, but fear of blame and litigation, partial disclosure of risks and barriers to communication hamper the process of obtaining informed consent. Findings can be used to develop interventions to improve the informed consent process.

scholarly journals Needs of LMIC-based tobacco control advocates to counter tobacco industry policy interference: insights from semi-structured interviews

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e044710
Author(s):  
Britta Katharina Matthes ◽  
Lindsay Robertson ◽  
Anna B Gilmore
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
National Coalition ◽  
Industry Policy

IntroductionAdvocacy is vital for advancing tobacco control and there has been considerable investment in this area. While much is known about tobacco industry interference (TII), there is little research on advocates’ efforts in countering TII and what they need to succeed. We sought to examine this and focused on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where adoption and implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) tend to remain slower and weaker.MethodWe interviewed 22 advocates from eight LMICs with recent progress in a tobacco control policy. We explored participants’ experiences in countering TII, including the activities they undertake, challenges they encounter and how their efforts could be enhanced. We used Qualitative Description to analyse transcripts and validated findings through participant feedback.ResultsWe identified four main areas of countering activities: (1) generating and compiling data and evidence, (2) accessing policymakers and restricting industry access, (3) working with media and (4) engaging in a national coalition. Each area was linked to challenges, including (1) lack of data, (2) no/weak implementation of FCTC Article 5.3, (3) industry ties with media professionals and (4) advocates’ limited capacity. To address these challenges, participants suggested initiatives, including access to country-specific data, building advocates’ skills in compiling and using such data in research and monitoring, and in coalition development; others aiming at training journalists to question and investigate TII; and finally, diverse interventions intended to advance a whole-of-government approach to tobacco control. Structural changes to tobacco control funding and coordination were suggested to facilitate the proposed measures.ConclusionThis research highlights that following years of investment in tobacco control in LMICs, there is growing confidence in addressing TII. We identify straightforward initiatives that could strengthen such efforts. This research also underscores that more structural changes to enhance tobacco control capacity building should be considered.

scholarly journals Girls’ Menstrual Management in Five Districts of Nepal: Implications for Policy and Practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Morrison ◽  
Machhindra Basnet ◽  
Anju Bhatt ◽  
Sangeeta Khimbanjar ◽  
Sandhya Chaulagain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Information Barriers ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Teachers And Parents

Discriminatory practices related to menstruation affect the social, mental and physical wellbeing of girls in many low-and middle-income countries. We conducted mixed methods research in five districts of Nepal to explore how menstruation affected girls’ ability to fully participate in school and community life. We conducted 860 structured interviews, 26 group interviews and 10 focus group discussions with schoolgirls in rural areas,14 semi-structured interviews with girls’ mothers, and 10 interviews with health teachers. Girls in all districts experienced social, material and information barriers to confident menstrual management. Menstrual blood was believed to carry diseases, and girls’ movement was restricted to contain ritual pollution and protect them from illness, spirit possession, and sexual experiences. Taboos prevented girls from worshipping in temples or in their home, and some girls were not allowed to enter the kitchen, or sleep in their home while menstruating. Teachers and parents felt unprepared to answer questions about menstruation and focused on the maintenance of restrictions. Teachers and students were embarrassed discussing menstruation in school and classes were not question-driven or skills-based. Gender disaggregated teaching of menstruation and engagement of health facility staff may have positive effects. Community participatory approaches that engage girls, their families and the wider community are necessary to address harmful cultural practices. Cross-sectoral approaches to provide clean, private, safe spaces for girls and increased availability of preferred materials could enable confident menstrual management.

scholarly journals From Women in Development to Gender and Development? A case study of a women's organisation: (AMA) Asociacion de Mujeres de Acosta, San Ignacio de Acosta, Costa Rica

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Matilda Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
International Development ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Development Policy ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
National Development ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Gender And Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Women In Development

<p>This dissertation documents research conducted with the 'Asociacion de Mujeres de Acosta'  (AMA), in a mountainous rural region of Costa Rica, in Central America. AMA was originally set up to counter some negative effects of Costa Rican society, such as 'machismo'  and the rural depopulation of women to the capital San Jose. The association implemented a Women In Development (WID) approach, which enabled women to gather and generate an income. The aim of my research is to examine the evolution of AMA since its inception, and to assess its current status in light of international shifts in development policy from WID to Gender And Development (GAD). It provides a rare opportunity to assess an organisation's evolution and its impact on women over a 30-year period. It also enables me to build on Kindon and Odell's earlier research with the organisation in 1990. The research uses qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, a focus group, a questionnaire and field notes, from five months of fieldwork in the community with members of AMA. The key findings show that AMA membership has decreased since its inception in 1980. Compared with results from previous research with AMA in 1990, my findings reveal that AMA has been slow to embrace international policy agendas and continues to adopt a WID approach. AMA does not yet reflect international and national development trends associated with gender and development, particularly in light of some similar organisations in Central and South America. While benefits have accrued to some of AMA members, they do not yet earn a decent wage to satisfy their needs. There are major intergenerational and interscalar issues, which are similar to those identified in 1990. These concerns are associated with power imbalances inside and outside of the association, traditional attitudes towards women due to the culture of 'machismo', and lack of appropriate information and funding sources. These issues appear to be stifling change and raise serious questions about the future sustainability of the association, as well as the relevance of international development policy changes for rural women in associations like AMA. Women of AMA are now looking for new projects and beginning to think about including men in the association. These slow changes, if enacted, may enable the organisation to survive another 30 years.</p>

scholarly journals Synergising Research and Service Activities at Swiss Research Institutions to Accelerate Sustainable Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9626
Author(s):  
Jasmina Saric ◽  
Fabian Käser ◽  
Jon-Andri Lys ◽  
Jürg Utzinger ◽  
Thomas Breu
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Scientific Quality ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
The Individual

Research that takes a pro-active role in bridging science and practice holds promise to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. While passing on best practices outside of academia, inspiration can be drawn from pressing global challenges. Using Swiss research institutions that maintain partnerships with low- and middle-income countries as a case study, the purpose of this study was to identify synergies between research and services for development (R&S4D). We mapped Swiss research institutions that host both types of activities and identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) linked to their hybrid models. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from the identified institutions, and data were analysed using the Framework Method. Strengths of combining R&S4D were observed on four levels: (i) individual (i.e., high employability outside academia); (ii) project (i.e., higher quality and practical relevance); (iii) entity (i.e., flexibility regarding funders, resources, and partners); and (iv) sustainable development (i.e., more impactful work). The main weaknesses were named as a decrease in the scientific quality of research projects specifically and inefficiency/lack of feasibility of implementation services. A lack of career paths and positions for individuals who wish to pursue academic research alongside services was identified as a threat. The Universities of Applied Sciences account for the largest share of hybrid positions in Switzerland; increasing their currently limited funding for research and international activities represents an opportunity. Our reserch adds a unique viewpoint to the discussion on the role of academia in supporting society to move towards sustainable development. It does so by exploring whether and how the concept of multisectoriality can work as an integral part of academia at the individual and the institutional level.

scholarly journals CHALLENGES OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN THE (POST-SOCIALIST) TRANSITIONAL SOCIETY: EXPERIENCES FROM WATERFRONT URBAN AREAS MEZAPARK IN RIGA AND KALARAND IN TALLINN

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-121
Author(s):  
Viktorija Prilenska ◽  
Katrin Paadam ◽  
Roode Liias
Keyword(s):  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Local Planning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Current Case ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Public Expectations ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Planning Culture ◽  
The City

Current case studies examine the shortcomings of civic engagement strategies during the design process and ratification of detailed plans for urban areas of strategic importance − Mezapark in Riga and Kalarand in Tallinn. Detailed plans caused public outcries and led to long-lasting and distressful negotiations between local communities, developers, designers and municipalities over the future development and use of these areas. The debates about detailed plans raised an increasing public interest in planning related issues and growing demands for greater civic engagement in decisions shaping the city. At the same time, the debates demonstrated the inability of local planning frameworks to meet public expectations. There appears a salient need for changing the planning culture. This paper studies the shortcomings of civic engagement strategies and the desirable changes through a series of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved and the analysis of planning related documentation.

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