Smoke-Free Men: Competing and Connecting to Quit

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore gender-related factors that motivate and support men’s smoking reduction and cessation to inform effective men-centered interventions. Approach or Design: Focus group design using a semi-structured interview guide. Setting: Three communities in British Columbia, Canada. Participants: A total of 56 men who currently smoked and were interested in reducing or quitting or had quit. Intervention: N/A. Methods: Data collected in 6 focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed in accord with principles of thematic qualitative methods. Results: We report the results across 4 interconnected themes: (1) the fight to quit takes several rounds, (2) the motivation of supportive competition, (3) challenges and benefits of connecting with smoke-free peers, and (4) playing up the physical and financial gains. Conclusions: Masculine-based perspectives positioned quitting alongside fighting for self-control, competing, connecting, physical prowess, and having extra cash as motivating components of programs to engage men in efforts to be smoke-free. It may be worthwhile to consider the inclusion of gain-framed and benefit-focused messaging in programs that support men’s tobacco cessation.

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“Stages of change, smoking behavior and acceptability of a textmessaging intervention for tobacco cessation among cigarette, dokha and shishasmokers: A qualitative research study.”

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029144 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e029144 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yusra Elhidaia Elobaid ◽

Andrea Leinberger Jabari ◽

Aisha Al Hamiz ◽

Abdul Rizzak Al Kaddour ◽

Sherif Bakir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Focus Group ◽

United Arab Emirates ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Tobacco Cessation ◽

Text Messages ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions

ObjectivesTo explore: (A) the underlying motivators and barriers to smoking cessation among young Arabic speaking smokers and (B) to examine the suitability and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions (specifically text messages) and study the possibility of enrollment methods for a randomised controlled study using text messages as an intervention for tobacco cessation.DesignQualitative research using focus group discussions and content analysis.Setting(s)Two universities, one of them is the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third setting is the largest hospital in the UAE and the flagship institution for the public health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsSix focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants. Forty-seven men and 10 women. Fifty-three of them were current smokers.ResultsThe analysis of six focus groups was carried out. Main themes arose from the data included: preferences for tobacco cessation interventions and acceptability and feasibility of text messaging as tobacco cessation intervention. Different motives and barriers for quitting smoking including shisha and dokha were explored.ConclusionInterventions using text messaging for smoking cessation have not been used in the Middle East and they could potentially be effective; however, tailoring and closely examining the content and acceptability of text messages to be used is important before the conduction of trials involving their use. Social media is perceived to be more effective and influential, with a higher level of penetration into communities of young smokers.

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Access and Impact of Microcredit on Economic Activities of Organized Women Groups in the Adentan Municipality, Ghana

Journal of Economics Management and Trade ◽

10.9734/jemt/2020/v26i230231 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 92-100

Author(s):

Benzies Isaac Adu-Okoree ◽

Daniella Delali Sedegah ◽

Pancy-Patience Wemoanu Kuyiba ◽

Samuel Kwashie Sedegah

Keyword(s):

Sampling Technique ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Economic Activities ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Medical Needs ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Women Groups ◽

Descriptive Survey

The paper examines the accessibility of women groups within the Adentan Municipality to micro-credits and their impacts economic activities. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents. A semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions were employed for data collection. The study revealed that respondents accessed microcredits through the initiative of their associations while others did so through their friends or introduction by workers of Microfinance organizations to the women associations. However, the lack of record keeping and inconsistent saving patterns creates challenges in accessing micro-credits. Micro-credits have helped women to improve their capacity to set aside income from their economic activities for savings, pay for their children’s education, as well as improve on their nutritional and medical needs. The study recommends among others that the leadership of women associations need to collaborate with the management of MFOs to educate their members on how to access microcredit services that they provide and the requirements that are needed. This would help those who are yet to access the credits to prepare adequately so that they will not have to face challenges when accessing micro-credits and having to let middle men or women to exploit them.

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Determinants of drought risk coping mechanisms among the farmers of Northern region of Bangladesh

Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University ◽

10.3329/jbau.v17i1.40664 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 58-64

Author(s):

Kazi Shek Farid ◽

Nishith Zahan Tanny ◽

Md Wakilur Rahman

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Coping Mechanisms ◽

Drought Risk ◽

Crop Loss ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Ex Post

Drought is a major constraint on agricultural production and livelihood in the north-western region of Bangladesh. An understanding of the effects of drought and farmers’ coping mechanisms is essential in designing technological and policy interventions for effective drought mitigation. The current study investigates the impacts of drought, examines farmers’ coping strategies for drought induced crop failure and the determinants of their mechanism choices by employing both quantitative and qualitative approach. Multiple data sources, including semi-structured interview survey with 218 randomly selected farmers; and four focus group discussions with farmers, local leaders, NGO workers, and government officials were used to capture various aspects of drought risks and coping practices. ‘Multinomial logit’ model was adopted to analyze the factors affecting the decision of coping strategies in response to drought. Results of farm household survey data indicates that the respondents experienced 3.15 droughts on an average in last five years which affected about 15 percent of their crop land and resulted more than 17 percent crop loss per year. Focus group discussions confirm that farmers followed various traditional ex ante and ex post coping strategies in order to avoid crop loss and minimize livelihood constraints. The coping mechanisms mostly adopted by farmers among others were borrowing money, cultivating less water consuming crops and cutting meals. Findings of multinomial logistic regression model reveal that the environment determinant of the choices of coping options was frequency of drought and main socio-economic determinants of coping choices were crop loss due to drought and land holding systems. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 17(1): 58–64, March 2019

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Bridging Different Realities - a Qualitative Study on Patients’ Experiences of Preoperative Care for Benign Hysterectomy and Opportunistic Salpingectomy in Sweden

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33793/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elin Collins ◽

Maria Lindqvist ◽

Ingrid Mogren ◽

Annika Idahl

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Elective Surgery ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Fallopian Tubes ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Common Procedure ◽

Risks And Benefits ◽

Opportunistic Salpingectomy

Abstract BackgroundHysterectomy is a common procedure worldwide and removing healthy fallopian tubes at the time of hysterectomy (opportunistic salpingectomy) to possibly prevent ovarian cancer is increasing in frequency, but still controversial. The experiences and perceptions of women, eligible for the procedure, have not been previously investigated.This study aims to, among women waiting to undergo hysterectomy, explore i) experiences and perceptions of self and healthcare in relation to their elective surgery, ii) perceptions of risks and benefits of hysterectomy, including opportunistic salpingectomy.MethodsA qualitative study, with focus group discussions including women < 55 years, planned for hysterectomy with ovarian preservation, was performed. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from six gynecological departments in different parts of Sweden, including both country and university hospitals. Focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis.ResultsTwenty-one Swedish-speaking women participated. They were 40-53 years of age, reported varying educational levels, countries of birth and indications for hysterectomy. Analysis rendered a theme “Bridging different realities” over four categories: “Being a woman today”, “Experiencing and managing body failure”, “Navigating the healthcare system” and “Processing continuously until surgery”, including 17 subcategories. The participants displayed varying attitudes towards the significance of their uterus in being a woman. A vague understanding of their body was described, leading to fear related to the reasons for surgery as well as surgery itself. Participants described difficulties understanding and recalling information but also stated that insufficient information was provided. Perceptions of the risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy varied. Involvement in decisions regarding the hysterectomy and potential opportunistic salpingectomy was perceived to be dependent on the counselling gynecologist.ConclusionsThe theme Bridging different realities captures the complexity of women deciding on removal of their uterus, and possibly fallopian tubes. It also describes the women’s interactions with healthcare and perceived difference between the health professionals and the women’s perception of the situation, as viewed by the women. Bridging the different realities faced by patients is required to enable shared decision-making, through sufficient support from healthcare.

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Practitioners and Uses of Contemporary Mende Folk literature in South-Eastern Sierra Leone

Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies ◽

10.36941/ajis-2021-0157 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 97

Author(s):

Ibrahim Mustapha Fofanah ◽

Philip Foday Yamba Thulla ◽

Samba Moriba

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Focus Group ◽

Sierra Leone ◽

Secret Society ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

South Eastern ◽

Qualitative Research Design ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Folk Literature

The study examined the practitioners and uses of contemporary Mende folk literature in South-eastern Sierra Leone. A qualitative research design involving 250 participants from 50 communities with 5 participants from each community was used in the study. Interviews were carried out using interview guide questions relating to folk practices, performance, and uses in the selected communities. Focus group discussions followed the interviews in 10 communities selected using simple random techniques. The findings revealed that Mende folk literature was endangered and, apart from occasional singing, household story-telling and riddling sessions done mainly by children and women, the only groups of people recognized as practitioners of Mende folk literature were the tribal and secret society heads and the community's griots, who mostly were elderly people. Mende folk literature should not only be of academic interest but rather a source of cultural rejuvenation. Received: 26 July 2021 / Accepted: 27 September 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021

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Bridging different realities - a qualitative study on patients experiences of preoperative care for benign hysterectomy and opportunistic salpingectomy in Sweden

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33793/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elin Collins ◽

Maria Lindqvist ◽

Ingrid Mogren ◽

Annika Idahl

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Elective Surgery ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Fallopian Tubes ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Common Procedure ◽

Risks And Benefits ◽

Opportunistic Salpingectomy

Abstract Background Hysterectomy is a common procedure worldwide and removing healthy fallopian tubes at the time of hysterectomy (opportunistic salpingectomy) to possibly prevent ovarian cancer is increasing in frequency, but still controversial. The experiences and perceptions of women, eligible for the procedure, have not been previously investigated.This study aims to, among women waiting to undergo hysterectomy, explore i) experiences and perceptions of self and healthcare in relation to their elective surgery, ii) perceptions of risks and benefits of hysterectomy, including opportunistic salpingectomy.Methods A qualitative study, with focus group discussions including women < 55 years, planned for hysterectomy with ovarian preservation, was performed. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from six gynecological departments in different parts of Sweden, including both country and university hospitals. Focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. Results Twenty-one Swedish-speaking women participated. They were 40-53 years of age, reported varying educational levels, countries of birth and indications for hysterectomy. Analysis rendered a theme “Bridging different realities” over four categories: “Being a woman today”, “Experiencing and managing body failure”, “Navigating the healthcare system” and “Processing continuously until surgery”, including 17 subcategories. The participants displayed varying attitudes towards the significance of their uterus in being a woman. A vague understanding of their body was described, leading to fear related to the reasons for surgery as well as surgery itself. Participants described difficulties understanding and recalling information but also stated that insufficient information was provided. Perceptions of the risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy varied. Involvement in decisions regarding the hysterectomy and potential opportunistic salpingectomy was perceived to be dependent on the counselling gynecologist. Conclusions The theme Bridging different realities captures the complexity of women deciding on removal of their uterus, and possibly fallopian tubes. It also describes the women’s interactions with healthcare and perceived difference between the health professionals and the women’s perception of the situation, as viewed by the women. Bridging the different realities faced by patients is required to enable shared decision-making, through sufficient support from healthcare.

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Hazard Awareness & Practices of Biomedical Waste Management among healthcare Staff in Apex Hospitals: A Case Study in District Faisalabad

Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies ◽

10.26710/jbsee.v7i1.1564 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 91-96

Author(s):

Zaid Mehmood ◽

Nazia Malik ◽

Muhammad Shabbir ◽

Sadaf Mahmood

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Analysis Method ◽

Healthcare Staff ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Biomedical Waste ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Insufficient Knowledge

The waste produced in the course of healthcare activities carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. Using a qualitative approach, the study was conducted in two Apex hospitals i.e. Allied Hospital and District Head Quarter hospital Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan from 05 August to 15 October 2019. Consuming a semi-structured interview guide two focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in each hospital and the participants were conveniently recruited. Each group was consisting of eight members who were directly involved in the creation and handling of biomedical waste (BMW). The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. The sanitary staff had insufficient knowledge about BMWM and about the BMWM/HCWM rule (2005) Pakistan. Also, there was no proper mechanism of training of the staff regarding waste management mean. While BMW was being disposed of according to BMWM rule (2005) Pakistan. There is a weak mechanism of implementing proper BMWM in the hospitals where no training, no accountability, and no punishment was being executed against the violation of BMWM Rule 2005 Pakistan. So, a strict policy is required for its implementation.

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Challenges of Effective Principals Leadership in School Improvement in Government Secondary Schools of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies ◽

10.9734/ajess/2021/v23i430564 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 34-45

Author(s):

Diriba Kene ◽

Hussien Kedir ◽

Garkebo Basha ◽

Feyera Dinsa

Keyword(s):

School Improvement ◽

Focus Group ◽

Secondary Schools ◽

School Leadership ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Basic Knowledge ◽

Research Approach ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Regional State

This research study aimed at investigating varied challenges that principals have been facing in an endeavor of school improvement in terms of input, process and outputs in secondary Schools of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. In this study, a qualitative research approach was followed and as such the data were collected with the help of semi-structured interview guides and focus group discussions. The study employed clustering, stratified, random and purposive sampling techniques to select 6 zones of Oromia region out of 20; 80 sample secondary schools out of 30, to draw 45 interviewees and 36 discussants, respectively. In this way, the interviews were conducted with the interviewees and focus group discussions were carried out among the discussants. Data obtained from these informants were analyzed using thematic analysis and narrative methods and paraphrasing the results of the discussants. The study identified inactive involvement of key stakeholders in the schools’ affairs; a weak capacity building for the principals; poor effort and commitment of students for class attendance and improvement of academic results; shortages of standard facilities and inputs; weakness of the principals together with SIP committee in properly developing strategic plan of the schools were among the main challenges that hindered effectiveness of principals’ school leadership in overall improvement of the schools. Because of these and other factors a great majority of the schools stood at level two that is below the expected level (level three & four ) in the study area. Based on the findings, it was recommended that principals should be equipped with basic knowledge and skills of school leadership, necessary facilities and inputs need to be fulfilled by the concerned bodies and stakeholders should be re-oriented in order to contribute in all possible aspect for betterment of school performance.

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The influence of community factors in the implementation of community-based interventions to improve antenatal care: a qualitative study based on the IMCHA programme in Tanzania

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-021-01225-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chakupewa Joseph ◽

Stephen O. Maluka

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Community Engagement ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Community Based ◽

Related Factors ◽

Community Factors ◽

Care Services

Abstract Background Efforts to improve antenatal care have been heightened to reduce global maternal deaths. In resource-limited settings, community-based interventions play a pivotal role in improving antenatal care services. However, effective implementation of community-based interventions is influenced by prevailing community-related factors. Drawing from the community-based interventions implemented in Iringa Region in Tanzania, this paper underscores how community factors influence implementation and ultimate improvement of antenatal care services. Methods A qualitative case study design was employed using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews. Data was collected in Kilolo and Mufindi districts in Iringa Region where community-based interventions were implemented. A total of one hundred and forty-six (146) participants were involved in the study. Eighty-six (86) participants were interviewed and sixty (n = 60) participated in focus group discussions. Data were analysed thematically and manually by categorizing and coding emerging issues to facilitate analysis and interpretation. Results Key factors that influenced the implementation of the community-based interventions were the community readiness to adopt the interventions and effective local administrative systems. Stakeholders’ engagement and local health system support were also pivotal for improving antenatal care services. However, the physical environment, bullying of implementers of interventions and family-related challenges constrained the implementation of the interventions. Conclusion This study has shown that the performance of community-based interventions is highly influenced by community-related factors. More specifically, inadequate community engagement may lead to community members’ reluctance to adopt implemented interventions. Therefore, in-depth understanding and adequate management of community engagement are important during the planning, development and implementation of community-based interventions.

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Does Organization Inclusion Matter in Expatriate Mission Accomplishment?

Asian Journal of Business Research ◽

10.14707/ajbr.200093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Hooi Lai Wan ◽

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Emerging Markets ◽

Emerging Economies ◽

Financial Services ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Related Factors ◽

Inclusive Approach ◽

Hr Managers ◽

Depth Interviews

The main goal of the study is to explore if organisational inclusion features prominently in the expatriation policies of companies in emerging markets. In this study, the expatriation policies of three Taiwanese financial services institutions were examined to establish the presence or lack of organisational inclusion and its effect on expatriate mission accomplishment. In-depth interviews with the expatriates and faceto-face focus group discussions with senior HR managers at their headquarters in Taipei were employed to collect data from financial services institutions. The findings revealed that organisational inclusion is low, but the organizations are considering a more inclusive approach in future. Among the factors that emphasize the need for more organisational inclusion expatriation are cultural competence, social norms adjustment, positive mindset, professional skills and career-related factors. The study contributes to knowledge on how the financial services industry in emerging economies in the Chinese context view organisational inclusion in their expatriation policies. It further provides an insight of the necessity to embrace organisational inclusion in the expatriation policies to enhance expatriate mission accomplishment.

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