scholarly journals A smartphone game to prevent HIV among young Kenyans: local perceptions of mechanisms of effect

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
K Winskell ◽  
G Sabben ◽  
V Akelo ◽  
K Ondeng’e ◽  
I Odero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Interactive Narrative ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Local Perceptions ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Electronic Games

Abstract Electronic games delivered via smartphones have the potential to become valuable tools in HIV prevention in high-prevalence and low-resource international settings. To ground theoretical elaboration around novel mHealth interventions in contextual realities, it is important to understand the mechanisms of their effects as perceived by local populations. Such perspectives are particularly important when working cross-culturally. ‘Tumaini’ is an interactive narrative-based smartphone game that uses a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ format. It is designed to prevent HIV among young African adolescents (aged 11–14) by increasing age and condom use at first sex. It was developed with a US-based commercial game developer and is grounded in social behavioral theory, evidence-based practice and contextually relevant scenarios. In a 2017 randomized pilot study (n = 60) in Western Kenya, ‘Tumaini’ showed promising effects on behavioral mediators of sexual debut. In subsequent focus group discussions, adolescent participants and their parents shared their perceptions of the game’s mechanisms of effect, which included motivation to play, future orientation, decision-making, relationship to a diverse range of characters and a bridging of the virtual and real worlds. These findings align with our theoretical framework, confirm its successful translation into the intervention and will inform mediation analyses in an upcoming efficacy trial.

Union Formation and Onset of Sex among Young Girls in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Gambo LAAH
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
State Level ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Young Girls ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Women’S Sexual Health

Analysis of marriage intentions and sexual experiences of young women are necessary in drawing up state-level and countrywide policies that address young women’s sexual health needs. This paper draws on results of a study utilizing structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to examine marriage and sexual debut among young girls in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A total of 862 questionnaires were administered among young women within the age of 11 and 25 years. The information from the questionnaire was analysed using the Chi-square (X2) test to assess bivariate association between ever had sex and age at first sex and some socio-demographic characteristics of young girls. The study hypothesised that ever had sex, age at first sexual encounter and age at marriage do not differ by some sociodemographic characteristics of women. The results of the analysis revealed that the majority (70%) of the respondents have ever had sex and that 9.6% have ever married. The X2 test revealed that there are significant relationships between ever had sex and age of respondents (X2, df=4, p=0.001)), marital status (X2, df=4, p=0.001) and level of education (X2, df=6, p=0.001). There was, however, no statistical differences between ever had sex and religion and residence. The paper recommended a multifaceted programme to address the needs of young girls in Kachia LGA.

The Role of Future Orientation and Negative Career Feedback in Career Agency and Career Success in Australian Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 106907272098017
Author(s):  
Anna Praskova ◽  
Lena Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Career Success ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Career Adaptability ◽  
Work Effort ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
Conditional Effects ◽  
The Future

Future orientation is crucial for young people to achieve career-developmental milestones, yet little research has examined the role of future orientation in attaining career outcomes in adult samples. Using the future orientation framework, we tested direct effects of future orientation on career agency (proactive career behaviors and work effort) and career success (perceived employability and career adaptability), indirect effects via career agency variables, and conditional effects of negative career feedback in the future orientation-career agency-career success relationships. We surveyed 285 adults ( M = 38.38 years) and conducted structural equation and moderated mediation analyses. Future orientation was associated positively with work effort, proactive career behaviors, career adaptability, and perceptions of employability. Work effort and proactive career behaviors mediated the future orientation-career success relationship. The mediation via career behaviors (but not work effort) was dependent on the level of received negative career feedback. The results have theoretical and practical implications.

scholarly journals Clinical signs of trachoma are prevalent among Solomon Islanders who have no persistent markers of prior infection with Chlamydia trachomatis

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Robert Butcher ◽  
Oliver Sokana ◽  
Kelvin Jack ◽  
Leslie Sui ◽  
Charles Russell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Solomon Islands ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Direct Result ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Public ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Health Organization

Background: The low population-prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis and high prevalence of trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) provide contradictory estimates of the magnitude of the public health threat from trachoma in the Solomon Islands. Improved characterisation of the biology of trachoma in the region may support policy makers as they decide what interventions are required. Here, age-specific profiles of anti-Pgp3 antibodies and conjunctival scarring were examined to determine whether there is evidence of ongoing transmission and pathology from ocular Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection. Methods: A total of 1511 individuals aged ≥1 year were enrolled from randomly selected households in 13 villages in which >10% of children aged 1–9 years had TF prior to a single round of azithromycin mass drug administration undertaken six months previously. Blood was collected to be screened for antibodies to the Ct antigen Pgp3. Tarsal conjunctival photographs were collected for analysis of scarring severity. Results: Anti-Pgp3 seropositivity was 18% in 1–9 year olds, sharply increasing around the age of sexual debut to reach 69% in those over 25 years. Anti-Pgp3 seropositivity did not increase significantly between the ages of 1–9 years and was not associated with TF (p=0.581) or scarring in children (p=0.472). Conjunctival scars were visible in 13.1% of photographs. Mild (p<0.0001) but not severe (p=0.149) scars increased in prevalence with age. Conclusions: Neither conjunctival scars nor lymphoid follicles were associated with antibodies to Ct, suggesting that they are unlikely to be a direct result of ocular Ct infection. Clinical signs of trachoma were prevalent in this population but were not indicative of the underlying rates of Ct infection. The current World Health Organization guidelines for trachoma elimination indicated that this population should receive intervention with mass distribution of antibiotics, but the data presented here suggest that this may not have been appropriate.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Factors Influencing Promotion of Male circumcision for HIV Prevention in a Non-circumcising Community in Rural Western Kenya

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Obure ◽  
Erick Nyambedha ◽  
Boniface Oindo ◽  
Hezborn Kodero
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Male Circumcision ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Cultural Integration ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Purposive Sample

Male circumcision (MC) is now recommended as an additional HIV preventive measure, yet little is known about factors that may influence its adoption, especially in non-circumcising communities with generalized HIV pandemic. This qualitative study explored factors influencing MC adoption in rural western Kenya. Twenty-four sex specific focus group discussions were conducted with a purposive sample of Luo men and women (15-34 years). Perceived barriers to circumcision were pain and healing complications, actual and opportunity costs, behavioral disinhibition, discrimination, cultural identity, and reduced sexual satisfaction; perceived facilitators were hygiene, HIV/STI risk reduction, ease in condom use, cultural integration, and sexual satisfaction. To enhance MC adoption, community education, and dialogue is needed to address the perceived fears.

scholarly journals Feasibility of Safe-Tea: a parent-targeted intervention to prevent hot drink scalds in preschool children

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Verity Bennett ◽  
Linda Hollén ◽  
Harriet Dorothy Quinn-Scoggins ◽  
Alan Emond ◽  
Alison Mary Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Visual Methods ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveDespite the high prevalence of preventable hot drink scalds in preschool children, there is a paucity of research on effective prevention interventions and a serious need to improve parents’ knowledge of first aid. This study investigates the feasibility of ‘Safe-Tea’, an innovative multifaceted community-based intervention delivered by early-years practitioners.Methods‘Safe-Tea’ was implemented at Childcare, Stay&Play and Home Visit settings in areas of deprivation in Cardiff, UK. A mixed-methods approach was used, including preintervention and postintervention parent questionnaires and focus groups with parents and practitioners to test the acceptability, practicality and ability of staff to deliver the intervention, and parents’ knowledge and understanding.ResultsIntervention materials, activities and messages were well received and understood by both parents and community practitioners. Interactive and visual methods of communication requiring little to no reading were most acceptable. Parents’ understanding of the risk of hot drink scalds in preschool children and knowledge of appropriate first aid improved postintervention. Parents knew at baseline that they ‘should’ keep hot drinks out of reach. Focus group discussions after intervention revealed improved understanding of likelihood and severity of scald injury to children, which increased vigilance. Parents gained confidence to correct the behaviours of others at home and pass on first aid messages.ConclusionThis feasibility study is a vital step towards the development of a robust, evidence-based behaviour change intervention model. Work is underway to refine intervention materials based on improvements suggested by parents, and test these more widely in communities across the UK.

scholarly journals High Prevalence of Soil-transmitted Helminths in Western Kenya: Failure to Implement Deworming Guidelines in Rural Nyanza Province

2009 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. N. Riesel ◽  
F. O. Ochieng' ◽  
P. Wright ◽  
S. H. Vermund ◽  
M. Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Western Kenya ◽  
Nyanza Province ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
High Prevalence

scholarly journals Gender-Based Violence and Armed Conflict

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Mootz ◽  
Sally D. Stabb ◽  
Debra Mollen
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Early Marriage ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Gender Based

The high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in armed conflict has been documented in various national contexts, but less is known about the complex pathways that constitute the relation between the two. Employing a community-based collaborative approach, we constructed a community-informed socioecological conceptual model from a feminist perspective, detailing how armed conflict relates to GBV in a conflict-affected rural community in Northeastern Uganda. The research questions were as follows: (1) How does the community conceptualize GBV? and (2) How does armed conflict relate to GBV? Nine focus group discussions divided by gender, age, and profession and six key informant interviews were conducted. Participants’ ages ranged from 9 to 80 years ( n = 34 girls/women, n = 43 boys/men). Grounded theory was used in analysis. Participants conceptualized eight forms of and 22 interactive variables that contributed to GBV. Armed conflict affected physical violence/quarreling, sexual violence, early marriage, and land grabbing via a direct pathway and four indirect pathways initiated through looting of resources, militarization of the community, death of a parent(s) or husband, and sexual violence. The findings suggest that community, organizational, and policy-level interventions, which include attention to intersecting vulnerabilities for exposure to GBV in conflict-affected settings, should be prioritized. While tertiary psychological interventions with women and girls affected by GBV in these areas should not be eliminated, we suggest that policy makers and members of community and organizational efforts make systemic and structural changes. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ 's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index

scholarly journals Expanding Access to Malaria Diagnosis through Retail Shops in Western Kenya: What Do Shop Workers Think?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andria Rusk ◽  
Catherine Goodman ◽  
Violet Naanyu ◽  
Beatrice Koech ◽  
Andrew Obala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Presumptive Treatment ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
The Common ◽  
Viable Approach

Background. The common symptoms of malaria reduce the specificity of clinical diagnosis. Presumptive treatment is conventional but can lead to overdiagnosis of malaria, delay of appropriate treatment, overprescription of antimalarials, and drug resistance. Routine use of diagnostic tests can address many of these concerns. Though treatment is often procured from retailers, there is low availability of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (MRDTs), a simple, inexpensive, and accurate diagnostic solution. We know little about the challenges to expanding access to diagnostics through these outlets. Methods. To understand the perceptions of the benefits and challenges to selling rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, we conducted focus group discussions with antimalarial retailers who serve the residents of the Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in western Kenya. Results. Medicine retailers perceived MRDTs to be beneficial to their customers and businesses but also included cost, fear of the tests, risks of self-treatment, and regulatory concerns among the challenges to using and selling MRDTs. Conclusion. MRDTs represent a viable approach to increase access to malaria diagnostic testing. Medicine retailers are eager for MRDTs to be made available to them. However, certain challenges remain to implementation in retail outlets and should be addressed in advance.

scholarly journals Letting Wood Rot: A Case Study on Local Perceptions of Global Conservation Initiatives (Boumba, Niger)

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 40-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jocelyn Müller ◽  
Iro Dan Guimbo
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Local Conservation ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Local Perceptions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Conservation Actions

Although there is a pressing need for conservation in Africa and a push for such actions to be directed by the community, there is still much conflict both in academia and on the ground regarding the success and methods of community-based conservation. Employing key-informant interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation, we look at how one community has perceived the conservation actions in their village, Boumba, Niger, and the neighbouring national park, Park-W. This study examines local perceptions of the goals, priorities and methods of conservation in Park-W and the Boumba region. We demonstrate that while participants expressed positive alignment with perceived conservation goals, they did not agree with conservation priorities and felt strongly against the methods.  Reframing conservation discourse in the terms of sustainable-use or adaptive management may serve to help translate much of the conservation ethic to local realities. We argue that for local conservation to be culturally sustainable, programmers of conservation must engage the community on their own terms, and recognize the value of local perceptions.

scholarly journals Inclusive HIV Prevention in South Africa: Reaching Foreign Migrant Adolescent Girls

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Temin ◽  
Cecilia Milford ◽  
Mags Beksinska ◽  
Debbie Van Zyl ◽  
Jonathan Cockburn
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Related Stigma

Within South Africa's HIV epidemic, foreign migrant adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face unique challenges in an environment typified by xenophobia and structural inequity. The intersection of age, gender, and migrant-related factors creates threats that may exacerbate their HIV risk, including discrimination, limited social capital, and economic dependency. This paper explores HIV-related determinants of risk from the perspective of foreign migrant AGYW who participated in a Girls' Club project implemented by Community Media Trust. Within clubs, foreign migrant AGYW met weekly with a female mentor to discuss HIV, safety planning, financial literacy, and other topics. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with club members and parents to learn about pressing challenges in a context characterized by early sexual debut, high rates of teenage pregnancy, and relationships typified by material exchange. FGDs addressed HIV risk factors such as social isolation and limited access to services, exacerbated by migrant-related stigma and discrimination and lack of identity documents. The foreign migrant AGYW appreciated the role of the Girls' Clubs and mentors in helping them overcome barriers to school and health services as well as building their social and other assets. FGD results indicate that HIV prevention in South Africa should prioritize action to address the specific determinants of foreign migrant AGYW's HIV risk, as well as inclusive policies that recognize migrants' heterogeneity based on gender and age.

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