scholarly journals COVID-19 epidemiological, sociological and anthropological investigation: study protocol for a multidisciplinary mixed methods research in Burkina Faso

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isidore Tiandiogo Traoré ◽  
Samiratou Ouedraogo ◽  
Dramane Kania ◽  
Firmin Nongodo Kaboré ◽  
Blahima Konaté ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Bobo Dioulasso

Abstract Background The world has high hopes of vaccination against COVID-19 to protect the population, boost economies and return to normal life. Vaccination programmes are being rolled out in high income countries, but the pandemic continues to progress in many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) despite implementation of strict hygiene measures. We aim to present a comprehensive research protocol that will generate epidemiological, sociological and anthropological data about the COVID-19 epidemic in Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa with scarce resources. Methods We will perform a multidisciplinary research using mixed methods in the two main cities in Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso). Data will be collected in the general population and in COVID-19 patients, caregivers and health care professionals in reference care centers: (i) to determine cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Burkinabe population using blood samples collected from randomly selected households according to the WHO-recommended protocol; (ii) develop a score to predict severe complications of COVID-19 in persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 using retrospective and prospective data; (iii) perform semi-structured interviews and direct observation on site, to describe and analyze the healthcare pathways and experiences of patients with COVID-19 attending reference care centers, and to identify the perceptions, acceptability and application of preventive strategies among the population. Discussion This study will generate comprehensive data that will contribute to improving COVID-19 response strategies in Burkina Faso. The lessons learned from the management of this epidemic may serve as examples to the country authorities to better design preventive strategies in the case of future epidemics or pandemics. The protocol was approved by the Ministry for Health (N° 2020-00952/MS/CAB/INSP/CM) and the Health Research Ethics Committee in Burkina Faso (N° 2020-8-140).

scholarly journals Investigating COVID-19 in Low-income Settings: Protocol for a Multidisciplinary Mixed Methods Research in Burkina Faso

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isidore Traoré ◽  
Samiratou Ouedraogo ◽  
Dramane Kania ◽  
Nongodo Firmin ◽  
Blahima Konaté Kaboré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Bobo Dioulasso

Abstract Background: The world has high hopes of vaccination against COVID-19 to protect the population, boost economies and return to normal life. Vaccination programmes are being rolled out in high income countries, but the pandemic continues to rage in many low-income countries (LICs) despite implementation of strict hygiene measures. We aim to present a comprehensive research protocol that will generate epidemiological, sociological, and anthropological data about the COVID-19 epidemic in Burkina Faso a landlocked country in West Africa with scares resources. Methods: We will perform a multidisciplinary research using mixed methods in the two main cities in Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso). Data will be collected in general population and in COVID-19 patients, caregivers and health care professional in reference care centers: (i) to determine cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Burkinabe population using blood samples collected from randomly selected households according to the WHO-recommended protocol; (ii) develop a score to predict severe complications of COVID-19 in persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 using retrospective and prospective data; (iii) perform semi-structured interviews and direct observation on site, to describe and analyze the healthcare pathways and experiences of patients with COVID-19 attending reference care centers, and to identify the perceptions, acceptability and application of preventive strategies among the population. Discussion: This study will generate comprehensive data that will contribute to improve COVID-19 response strategies in Burkina Faso. The lessons learned from the management of the epidemic may serve as examples to the country authorities to better design preventive strategies in the case of future epidemics or pandemics.Ethics and disseminationThis project was approved by the Ministry for Health (N° 2020 - 00952/MS/CAB/INSP/CM) and the Ethics Committee for Health Research of Burkina Faso (N° 2020-8-140).

scholarly journals Media and Digital Technologies for Mixed Methods Research in Public Health Emergencies Such as COVID-19: Lessons Learned From Using Interactive Radio–SMS for Social Research in Somalia

2021 ◽  
pp. 155868982098674
Author(s):  
Johanna Riha ◽  
Claudia Abreu Lopes ◽  
Naima Abdi Ibrahim ◽  
Sharath Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Radio shows which invite audience participation via short message service (SMS)—interactive radio–SMS—can be designed as a mixed methods approach for applied social research during COVID-19 and other crises in low and middle income countries. In the aftermath of a cholera outbreak in Somalia, we illustrate how this method provides social insights that would have been missed if a purely qualitative or quantitative approach were used. We then examine the strengths and limitations associated with interactive radio–SMS through an evaluation using a multimethod comparison. Our research contributes an application of a mixed methods approach which addresses a specific challenge raised by COVID-19, namely utilizing media and digital technologies for social research in low and middle income countries.

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 The impact of the Safer Anaesthesia from Education (SAFE) Obstetric Anaesthesia training course in Ethiopia: A mixed methods longitudinal cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-305
Author(s):  
Jolene N Moore ◽  
Wayne W Morriss ◽  
Gebrehiwot Asfaw ◽  
Gosa Tesfaye ◽  
Aaliya R Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Obstetric Anaesthesia ◽  
The Impact

Summary Reducing maternal mortality remains a global priority, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Safer Anaesthesia from Education (SAFE) Obstetric Anaesthesia (OB) course is a three-day refresher course for trained anaesthesia providers addressing common causes of maternal mortality in LMICs. This aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SAFE training for a cohort of anaesthesia providers in Ethiopia. We conducted a mixed methods longitudinal cohort study incorporating a behavioural questionnaire, multiple-choice questionnaires (MCQs), structured observational skills tests and structured interviews for anaesthesia providers who attended one of four SAFE-OB courses conducted in two regions of Ethiopia from October 2017 to May 2018. Some 149 participants from 60 facilities attended training. Behavioural questionnaires were completed at baseline ( n = 101, 69% response rate). Pre- and post-course MCQs ( n = 121, n = 123 respectively) and pre- and post-course skills tests ( n = 123, n = 105 respectively) were completed, with repeat MCQ and skills tests, and semi-structured interviews completed at follow-up ( n = 88, n = 76, n = 49 respectively). The mean MCQ scores for all participants improved from 80.3% prior to training to 85.4% following training ( P < 0.0001) and skills test scores improved from 56.5% to 83.2% ( P < 0.0001). Improvements in MCQs and skills were maintained at follow-up 3–11 months post-training compared to baseline ( P = 0.0006, < 0.0001 respectively). Participants reported improved confidence, teamwork and communication at follow-up. This study suggests that the SAFE-OB course can have a sustained impact on knowledge and skills and can improve the confidence of anaesthesia providers and communication within surgical teams.

scholarly journals Exploring Health Literacy in Individuals with Alcohol Addiction: A Mixed Methods Clinical Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6728
Author(s):  
Gabriela Rolova ◽  
Beata Gavurova ◽  
Benjamin Petruzelka
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Alcohol Addiction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Literacy Survey ◽  
Health Related

This mixed methods research paper explores health literacy (HL) in individuals with alcohol addiction by using the 47-item version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) and semi-structured interviews concerning health-related competencies (access, understand, appraise, and apply health information), and determines the limitations of the HLS-EU-Q47 when used under specific conditions of clinical practice. The questionnaire survey and the interviews were conducted with individuals of different health literacy levels who were undergoing inpatient alcohol addiction treatment. The findings indicate that individuals with alcohol addiction might require different types of health information according to their health literacy level in terms of quantity and quality of information to recover from alcohol addiction and improve their overall health. The implications for the clinical practice of addiction treatment as well as recommendations for national and regional policy are also discussed.

scholarly journals Does Sense make sense? Mixed methods study of a Dutch sexual health program

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Joosten ◽  
L Jochems ◽  
C Wijsen ◽  
T Heijman ◽  
A Timen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Open Atmosphere ◽  
Study Results

Abstract In the Netherlands, the Sense program addresses several key elements of sexual health for young people &lt;25 year. This program offers free consultations at the PHS concerning STI, contraceptives, pregnancy or sexuality. The performance of this program has not been studied yet. This mixed methods study investigates facilitators and barriers of a Sense consultation from the perspective of clients and health care professionals (HCP) and investigates the outcome of the consultation at three points in time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after consultation among 16 clients and 6 HCP. Questionnaires were collected directly after consultation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after consultation. Two cohorts were recruited; clients with STI consultation only and clients with questions related to sexuality, contraception and pregnancy (Sense consultation, SC). Satisfaction of the consultation and applicability of the given advice was measured. In the follow up presence of STI, pregnancy, sexual problem and contraceptive use was measured. A minority of the interviewed clients were familiar with Sense, highly valued the expertise of the HCP and the open atmosphere during the consultation. Reasons for visiting Sense included expertise, more anonymity and feeling more comfortable than at the GP. The questionnaire after consultation was returned by 144 STI clients and 32 SC clients. Both type of consultation were highly valued and advice was easily applicable. The follow up cohort included 97 STI clients and 23 SC clients. Response rate of the 3- and 6 month-questionnaires was 61%. Results of the full one year follow-up are expected in September 2019. Study results provide evidence for a highly valued Sense program, by both clients and HCP. Sense is a platform to discuss STI, contraception and sexuality in an open atmosphere, though familiarity with Sense is low. A major conclusion is that an STI consultation provides the opportunity to address questions related to sexuality. Key messages The Sense program is highly valued by young people, and yet the program is not widely known among young people. There is need for more publicity to the program to enable more young people to use this program and to improve the sexual health care of young Dutch people.

scholarly journals Stakeholders’ perspectives on the provision of vocational training for youth with disabilities in Sri Lanka: protocol for a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e056678
Author(s):  
Uvini Tharumali Colonne ◽  
Isuru Dharmarathna ◽  
Dhammika Deepani Siriwardhana ◽  
Tamara Handy ◽  
Madhushika Harshani Gamage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Vocational Training ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth With Disabilities ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

IntroductionThe quality and the range of vocational training (VT) courses offered to youth with disabilities (YwD) in low-middle-income countries are underexplored. This protocol describes a study designed to gather perceptions of a range of stakeholders related to the quality and relevance of VT programmes conducted by the Department of Social Services in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this study is to communicate with authorities the ways in which they can improve their services by paying close attention to the needs and recommendations of all stakeholders.Methods and analysisA parallel mixed-methods study will be conducted at eight vocational training institutes (VTIs). A survey will be conducted with five participant groups; YwD presently enrolled in VTIs (n=358) and their caregivers (n=358), YwD who completed the VT (n=45) and their caregivers (n=45) and educators at VTIs (n=47). The qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The three groups of participants include: educators, caregivers of potential YwD for future VT (6–10 per group) and key informants from state, corporate and non-governmental sectors (a total of 20). Quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and cross-thematic analysis, respectively.Ethics and disseminationThis study received ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (Ref. No: P/15/02/2021). All data collection processes will abide by health and safety measures required by the national government. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results from this research will be disseminated, to local stakeholders and participants, via local and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

scholarly journals Taking a critical stance towards mixed methods research: A cross-disciplinary qualitative secondary analysis of researchers’ views

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0252014
Author(s):  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Elsa Lucia Escalante-Barrios ◽  
José Francisco Molina-Azorin ◽  
Quan Nha Hong ◽  
Joan Miquel Verd
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Thoughtful Criticism

Recent growth and institutionalization in the field of mixed methods research has provided fertile ground for a wide range of thoughtful criticism of how this research approach has been developed and conceptualized by some members of the mixed methods community. This criticism reflects the increasing maturity of the field as well as the different theoretical perspectives and methodological practices of researchers in different disciplines. While debates addressing these criticisms are likely to lead to valuable insights, no empirical studies have been carried out to date that have investigated researchers’ critical views on the development and conceptualization of mixed methods research. This study examines the criticisms of the mixed methods field raised by a cross-national sample of researchers in education, nursing, psychology, and sociology. We carried out a secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with 42 researchers and identified 11 different criticisms, which we classified in four domains: essence of mixed methods, philosophy, procedures, and politics. The criticisms related to the procedures domain were equally distributed among the four disciplines, while those related to the essence, philosophy and politics domains were more common among sociologists. Based on our findings, we argue that the divergence of views on foundational issues in this field reflects researchers’ affiliation to different communities of practice, each having its own principles, values, and interests. We suggest that a greater awareness of this divergence of perspectives could help researchers establish effective collaboration and anticipate potential challenges when working with researchers having different methodological approaches.

Gauging Pre-Service Teachers’ Awareness of Dialectical Code Switching in Classroom Settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 200 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-129
Author(s):  
Tilisa Thibodeaux ◽  
Drake Curette ◽  
Stacey Bumstead ◽  
Andrea Karlin ◽  
Gayle Butaud
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Careful Attention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Linguistic Differences

This study explored pre-service teachers’ knowledge and awareness of dialectical code switching in classroom settings. A Likert-type scale survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of an embedded, mixed-methods research design. Twenty-two undergraduate students responded to the online survey and 28 volunteered to be interviewed by the researchers. Results indicated that pre-service teachers have limited knowledge of code switching but felt that nurturing a relationship with students, understanding their cultural backgrounds, and paying careful attention to linguistic differences can help students feel empowered and ultimately lead to successful learning experiences in the classroom.

scholarly journals Mixed Methods Research in Library and Information Science: A Methodological Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-125
Author(s):  
Richard Hayman ◽  
Erika E Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Methodological Review ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Objective - To review mixed methods research trends in the field of library and information science (LIS). In particular, we examine the extent to which research about or using mixed methods has been occurring in library and information science over the past decade (2008-2018), and how much of that mixed methods research is done in health contexts. Methods - We conducted a methodological review and analysis of mixed methods research (MMR) in LIS for published articles indexed in LISTA and Web of Science. After deduplication and verification for inclusion, we coded 417 articles to identify contributions using or about MMR. Given the connections between evidence based practice in health and LIS, we also identified whether articles about or using mixed methods were health-focused. Results - We found MMR to be a tiny proportion (less than 0.5%) of the overall LIS research literature. In terms of observable trends, while contributions about MMR remain fairly static, there has been an increase in articles using mixed methods. Of the 417 included articles, 373 (89.5%) primarily used mixed methods and 44 (10.5%) were primarily about MMR. Results also demonstrated that health-related research both using and about mixed methods has a strong presence in the LIS literature, with 136 published articles (32.6% of the total). Conclusion - Confirming findings of prior analyses of research methods in LIS, our methodological review shows current opportunities to adopt and expand the use of mixed methods research processes. Further contributions about mixed methods research, and ideally connecting research and practice in LIS, are needed. Despite the small proportion of MMR in LIS research, there is an observable increase in the number of publications using mixed methods during this timeframe. The LIS research community can promote additional growth by leveraging this momentum around using mixed methods, and look to translate lessons learned about mixed methods research and practice in health contexts to other LIS settings. Recommendations include developing educational opportunities and learning resources that facilitate wider engagement with MMR in LIS contexts.

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