scholarly journals Factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents: a focus group study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vandendriessche ◽  
B Deforche ◽  
M Verloigne
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Behavior Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Abstract Background Adolescents' sleep behavior has deteriorated over the last decades. However, little research has been conducted into possible psychosocial factors related to this behavior, which is an important prerequisite to develop effective sleep behavior interventions. In addition, previous research showed that actively involving adolescents in the development of interventions increases the chance of effectivity and sustainability. This study examined psychosocial factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents and investigated adolescents' willingness to participate in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. Methods Nine focus group interviews were conducted with seventy-two students (63,9% girls, 14.8 (±1.0) years) using a standardized interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and thematic content analysis was performed using Nvivo 11. Results Adolescents had adequate knowledge of sleep hygiene and short-term consequences of sleep deficiency, but limited knowledge of sleep norms and long-term consequences. Positive attitudes towards sleep were outweighed by positive attitudes towards other behaviours such as screen time. Leisure activities, smartphones, television, schoolwork, early school time and worrying were mentioned as barriers for healthy sleep. Adolescents showed low self-efficacy towards changing their sleep behaviors and perceived a negative social norm towards sleep. Although some adolescents indicated parental rules to have a positive influence on their sleep, others indicated these sometimes provoked frustration. Finally, adolescents emphasized the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention at school, although adult guiding would be needed. Conclusions Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents could focus on psychosocial factors such as knowledge, attitudes, barriers, self-efficacy and social perceived norm and could involve adolescents in intervention development. Key messages Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents should in addition to knowledge, also focus on psychosocial factors such as attitudes, self-efficacy and perceived social norms. Adolescents emphasize the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. This approach could be worth trying in future research.

Consumer perceptions and demand for organic food in Australia: Focus group discussions

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Shung Chang ◽  
Lydia Zepeda
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Positive Outlook ◽  
Food Sales

AbstractIn Australia, the retail value of organic food production was estimated at A$250 million, with farm-gate value at around A$90 million and exports at around A$40 million, in 2002. The current share of organic sales in total food sales in Australia is about 1%. The growth rate in organic production was forecast to continue at 10–30% per annum. Despite the positive outlook, there are consumer concerns about product recognition and product integrity. To understand how demand for organic products is changing, it is important to investigate consumer attitudes and knowledge about these issues. The objective of this study was to identify issues that may hinder or promote demand. Given the qualitative nature of these issues, we used a focus group study to probe consumers. While focus group results are a qualitative approach and not intended to be generalizable, the results suggest directions for future research. The participants raised concerns about the use of chemicals, the treatment of farm animals and the environmental impact of food production. Organic food consumers were found to be more knowledgeable about organic foods, as well as being more tolerant of higher prices and inaccessibility. The results also suggest that increasing consumers' awareness of organic farming and certification, as well as the availability of organic foods, may be the most effective way of moving organic foods into mainstream.

scholarly journals Promoting a Healthy Post-Collegiate Lifestyle: An Evaluation of the Moving On! Transition Program for Student-Athletes

2018 ◽  
pp. 54-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin J Reifsteck ◽  
DeAnne D Brooks ◽  
Jamian D Newton ◽  
Lenka H Shriver
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Perceptions

Former student-athletes may face challenges in maintaining physical activity and engaging in healthy eating after transitioning out of collegiate athletics. Maladaptive adjustments following athletic transitions can result in detrimental outcomes for former student-athletes, ranging from physical health concerns to negative psychosocial consequences. In contrast, positive transitions can promote optimal health and wellbeing. The Moving On! program was developed in recognition of the unique challenges faced by student-athletes and the importance of making healthy transitions out of college sports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Moving On! program’s influence on several relevant theoretical constructs that influence health behaviors, including student-athletes’ self-perceptions and self-determined motivation for maintaining physical activity and healthy eating, along with their self-efficacy and intentions for engaging in these health-related behaviors after college. NCAA student-athletes in their final year of competition were recruited from two institutions. Participants (N = 20) completed the Moving On! program along with pre- and post-test surveys and focus group interviews. Survey results revealed positive changes in nutrition-related self-perceptions (t(19) = 2.406; p = 0.026; g = 0.38) and self-efficacy for healthy eating behaviors (t(19) = 3.022; p = 0.007; g = 0.70). No significant changes were observed for exercise identity (p = 0.845), physical activity self-efficacy (p = 0.114), or autonomous motivation for exercise (p = 0.108) and health eating (p = 0.264). Focus group responses indicated that student-athletes’ experiences in the program fostered positive shifts in their self-perceptions, enhanced their self-determined motivation, and reinforced their intentions for engaging in physical activity and healthy eating in the future. Implications for future research and program implementation are discussed.

Changes in Self-Reported Health and Psychosocial Outcomes in Older Adults Enrolled in Sedentary Behavior Intervention Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1053-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa E. Matson ◽  
Melissa L. Anderson ◽  
Anne D. Renz ◽  
Mikael Anne Greenwood-Hickman ◽  
Jennifer B. McClure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Behavior Intervention ◽  
Habit Strength ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Group I ◽  
Reported Health

Purpose: To estimate changes in self-reported health and psychosocial factors associated with a 12-week sedentary behavior intervention for older adults. Design: Exploratory secondary analysis of pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Kaiser Permanente Washington Subjects: Sixty adults aged 60 to 89 with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Intervention: Participants were randomized to the I-STAND intervention or control group. I-STAND involved 6 coaching sessions, a study workbook, Jawbone UP activity tracker to prompt breaks from sitting, and activPAL feedback on objective sitting time. Measures: At baseline and 12-week follow-up, participants completed a survey with validated measures of self-reported health outcomes (depression, stress, memory/concentration, sleep, pain, ability to do daily activities, energy, and quality of life) and modified scales measuring psychosocial factors (perceived benefits/barriers, social support, self-efficacy, and sedentary habit strength) regarding sedentary behavior. Analysis: Generalized linear models assessed associations between group assignment and change in each self-reported health and psychosocial score, adjusting for baseline scores. Results: I-STAND participants demonstrated improvements in self-efficacy (β = 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10 to 0.60) and reduced habit strength (β= −0.23, 95% CI: −0.42 to −0.04) compared to control participants. There were no significant differences in self-reported health outcomes, although power was limited in this exploratory analysis. Conclusion: A sedentary behavior reduction intervention for older adults resulted in improvements for some psychosocial factors. Health outcomes may require longer than 12 weeks to observe improvements.

scholarly journals A Focus Group Study of Perceptions of Genetic Risk Disclosure in Members of the Public in Sweden: “I’ll Phone the Five Closest Ones, but What Happens to the Other Ten?”

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1191
Author(s):  
Carolina Hawranek ◽  
Senada Hajdarevic ◽  
Anna Rosén
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Risk Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Genetics ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Risk Disclosure ◽  
Focus Group Study

This study explores perceptions and preferences on receiving genetic risk information about hereditary cancer risk in members of the Swedish public. We conducted qualitative content analysis of five focus group discussions with participants (n = 18) aged between 24 and 71 years, recruited from various social contexts. Two prominent phenomena surfaced around the interplay between the three stakeholders involved in risk disclosure: the individual, healthcare, and the relative at risk. First, there is a genuine will to share risk information that can benefit others, even if this is difficult and causes discomfort. Second, when the duty to inform becomes overwhelming, compromises are made, such as limiting one’s own responsibility of disclosure or projecting the main responsibility onto another party. In conclusion, our results reveal a discrepancy between public expectations and the actual services offered by clinical genetics. These expectations paired with desire for a more personalized process and shared decision-making highlight a missing link in today’s risk communication and suggest a need for developed clinical routines with stronger healthcare–patient collaboration. Future research needs to investigate the views of genetic professionals on how to address these expectations to co-create a transparent risk disclosure process which can realize the full potential of personalized prevention.

scholarly journals Human factors in machine translation and post-editing among institutional translators

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Cadwell ◽  
Sheila Castilho ◽  
Sharon O'Brien ◽  
Linda Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Machine Translation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Directorate General

In September 2015, the ADAPT Centre for Digital Content Technology carried out a focus group study of 70 translators at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation (DGT). The aim was to better understand the factors involved in the translators’ adoption and non-adoption of machine translation (MT) during their translation tasks. Our analysis showed that, while broadly positive attitudes to MT could be observed, MT was not consistently adopted for all tasks. We argue that ergonomic factors related to a human translator’s needs, abilities, limitations, and overall well-being heavily impacted on participants’ decisions to use MT or not in their tasks. We further claim that it is only by taking into account the special institutional circumstances in which the activity of DGT translation is situated that these ergonomic factors can be fully understood and explained.

scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

scholarly journals Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Self-efficacy within an Advanced Graduate Psychology Statistics Course

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
April L McGrath ◽  
Alyssa Ferns ◽  
Leigh Greiner ◽  
Kayla Wanamaker ◽  
Shelley Brown
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Nous Avons ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Statistics Anxiety ◽  
Course Performance ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Statistics Course ◽  
Focus Group Data

In this study we assessed the usefulness of a multifaceted teaching framework in an advanced statistics course. We sought to expand on past findings by using this framework to assess changes in anxiety and self-efficacy, and we collected focus group data to ascertain whether students attribute such changes to a multifaceted teaching approach. Statistics anxiety significantly decreased and students’ current statistics self-efficacy increased. Further, course performance was positively correlated with self-efficacy and a strong negative relationship between statistics anxiety and self-efficacy was documented. Focus group data suggested students appreciated aspects of this teaching framework and that they thought it served to reduce anxiety. In addition to this teaching framework, two instructional techniques were used to teach two specific statistical concepts. These techniques did not result in significant performance differences; however, students reported enjoying the activities and encouraged their use in future classes. Overall, this study suggests a multifaceted teaching framework may be useful in helping graduate students overcome anxiety and increase self-efficacy when completing an advanced statistics course. The research presented here adds to the growing literature concerning the importance of non-cognitive factors when teaching statistics. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed. Dans cette étude, nous avons évalué l’utilité d’un cadre pédagogique à plusieurs facettes dans un cours de statistiques de niveau avancé. Nous avons cherché à accroître les résultats de nos recherches passées en utilisant ce cadre pour évaluer les changements en matière d’anxiété et d’auto-efficacité et nous avons recueilli des données de la part de groupes cibles pour vérifier si les étudiants attribuaient de tels changements à une approche pédagogique à plusieurs facettes. L’anxiété vis à vis des statistiques avait beaucoup diminué et l’auto efficacité actuelle des étudiants en matière de statistiques avait augmenté. De plus, le rendement des cours était lié de façon positive à l’auto efficacité et une forte relation négative a été documentée entre l’anxiété vis à vis des statistiques et l’auto efficacité. Les données recueillies des groupes cibles suggèrent que les étudiants ont apprécié les divers aspects de ce cadre pédagogique et qu’ils ont pensé que celui-ci permettait de réduire l’anxiété. Outre ce cadre pédagogique, deux techniques d’instruction ont été utilisées pour enseigner deux concepts de statistiques spécifiques. Ces techniques n’ont pas donné lieu à des différences significatives, toutefois les étudiants ont rapporté qu’ils avaient aimé les activités et qu’ils encourageaient leur emploi dans d’autres cours à l’avenir. En général, cette étude suggère qu’un cadre pédagogique à plusieurs facettes peut être utile pour aider les étudiants des cycles supérieurs à surmonter l’anxiété et à augmenter l’auto efficacité dans les cours de statistiques de niveau avancé. La recherche présentée ici s’ajoute à la documentation de plus en plus vaste qui existe déjà sur l’importance des facteurs non cognitifs dans l’enseignement des statistiques. L’article présente également une discussion sur les limites et les directions à suivre pour des recherches futures.

scholarly journals Students’ and professionals’ perceptions of test-driven development: a focus group study

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scanniello ◽  
Simone Romano ◽  
Davide Fucci ◽  
Burak Turhan ◽  
Natalia Juristo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unit Testing ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Test Driven Development ◽  
Testing Techniques ◽  
The University

We have conducted a qualitative investigation on test-driven development (TDD) with focus groups in order to develop insights on the opinions of developers using TDD regarding the unintuitive process involved, its claimed effects, as well as the context factors that can facilitate (or hinder) its application. In particular, we conducted two focus group sessions: one with professional developers and another with Master students in Computer Science at the University of Basilicata. We used thematic analysis template (TAT) method for iden- tifying patterns, themes, and interpretations in the gathered data. The application of this qualitative method allowed us to obtain a number of results that can provide directions for future research. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) applying TDD without knowing advanced unit testing techniques can be difficult; (ii) refactoring (one of the phases of TDD) is not done as often as the process re- quires; (iii) there is a need for live feedback to let developers understand if TDD is being applied correctly; and (iv) the usefulness of TDD hinges on task and domain to which it is applied to.

scholarly journals Attitudes and Perspectives of Older Adults on Technologies for Assessing Frailty in Home Settings: A Focus Group Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Bian ◽  
Bing Ye ◽  
Anna Hoonakker ◽  
Alex Mihailidis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background The rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. However, research shows technologies being abandoned or rejected by users due to a lack of compatibility and consumer involvement with the technologies. This study aims to understand older adult’s perceptions and preferences of technologies that can be potentially used to assess frailty in home settings. Methods This study is a qualitative study in which data were collected through focus group interviews. We recruited 15 older participants. Questions were asked to achieve the goal of understanding their attitudes on the technologies. These questions include 1) the concerns or barriers of installing and using the presented technology in daily life at home, 2) the reasons participants like or dislike a particular technology, 3) what makes a particular technology more acceptable, and 4) participants’ preferences in choosing technologies. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to understand the attitudes towards presented technologies.Results A total of 15 older adults aged 65 and older were recruited. Three focus group sessions were conducted with five participants in each session. In the findings, the attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies for assessing frailty were presented in four areas: A) general attitude towards using the technologies, B) concerns about the technologies, C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, and D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies.Conclusions This study focuses on understanding the attitudes and perceptions of older adults on several technologies that could potentially be used to assess frailty in home settings. Participants generally have positive attitudes towards allowing the technologies to be installed and used at their home. Some technologies were found to be more acceptable if used under certain conditions. However, questions and concerns still remain. The study also found the living habits or patterns of older adults could affect the design and use of technology. Lastly, many valuable suggestions have been made by participants.

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