A Qualitative Study on the Parental Role Experiences of Low-Income Single Mothers Raising Adolescents

Mobility and technology can facilitate in-person and virtual social participation to help reduce social isolation, but issues exist regarding older adults’ access, feasibility, and motivation to use various forms of mobility and technology. This qualitative study explores how a diverse group of low-income, urban-living older adults use mobility and technology for social participation. We conducted six focus groups ( N = 48), two each in English, Spanish, and Korean at a Los Angeles senior center. Three major themes emerged from thematic analysis: using technology for mobility; links between mobility and social participation; and technology-mediated social participation. Cost, perceived safety, (dis)ability, and support from family and friends were related to mobility and technology use. This study demonstrates the range of mobility and technology uses among older adults and associated barriers. The findings can help establish a pre-COVID-19 baseline on how to make mobility and technology more accessible for older adults at risk of isolation.

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A positive deviance-based qualitative study of stress, coping, and feeding practices among low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children do versus do not meet guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake

Health Education Research ◽

10.1093/her/cyaa037 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 584-604

Author(s):

Eleanor Shonkoff ◽

Sara C Folta ◽

Theodore Fitopoulos ◽

Cynthia N Ramirez ◽

Ricky Bluthenthal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Comparison Group ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

The United States ◽

Positive Deviance ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Hispanic Mothers

Abstract Less than 1% of children in the United States concurrently meet guidelines for fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity, screen time, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Prior evidence suggests that parents of this 1% potentially cope with stress differently. This qualitative study used a positive deviance-based approach to locate mothers whose children avoided negative feeding outcomes despite being ‘high-risk’ for obesity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spanish for two groups: low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children were normal weight and met recommendations for fruits/vegetables and physical activity (n = 5); and a comparison group whose children had obesity and did not meet guidelines (n = 8). Topics included weight-related parenting practices, attitudes toward health, and stress management. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded using NVivo for theoretically driven thematic analysis. Results suggested that mothers viewed stress differently. Mothers of healthy weight children believed stress could be prevented, such as by paying children more attention or directing one’s attention away from stressors; comparison group mothers tended to report stress about managing their child’s eating and about financial worries. Future research is needed to understand the underlying sources of these differences (e.g. personality traits, coping practices) and test whether stress prevention interventions can promote healthy parental feeding practices.

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Feasibility, usability and acceptability of paediatric lung ultrasound among healthcare providers and caregivers for the diagnosis of childhood pneumonia in resource-constrained settings: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042547 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e042547

Author(s):

Atif Riaz ◽

Olga Cambaco ◽

Laura Elizabeth Ellington ◽

Jennifer L Lenahan ◽

Khatia Munguambe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Lung Ultrasound ◽

New Technology ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Local Context ◽

Future Research ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Pneumonia Diagnosis

ObjectivesPaediatric pneumonia burden and mortality are highest in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Paediatric lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool for pneumonia in LMIC. Despite a growing evidence base for LUS use in paediatric pneumonia diagnosis, little is known about its potential for successful implementation in LMIC. Our objectives were to evaluate the feasibility, usability and acceptability of LUS in the diagnosis of paediatric pneumonia.DesignProspective qualitative study using semistructured interviewsSettingTwo referral hospitals in Mozambique and PakistanParticipantsA total of 21 healthcare providers (HCPs) and 20 caregivers were enrolled.ResultsHCPs highlighted themes of limited resource availability for the feasibility of LUS implementation, including perceived high cost of equipment, maintenance demands, time constraints and limited trained staff. HCPs emphasised the importance of policymaker support and caregiver acceptance for long-term success. HCP perspectives of usability highlighted ease of use and integration into existing workflow. HCPs and caregivers had positive attitudes towards LUS with few exceptions. Both HCPs and caregivers emphasised the potential for rapid, improved diagnosis of paediatric respiratory conditions using LUS.ConclusionsThis was the first study to evaluate HCP and caregiver perspectives of paediatric LUS through qualitative analysis. Critical components impacting feasibility, usability and acceptability of LUS for paediatric pneumonia diagnosis in LMIC were identified for initial deployment. Future research should explore LUS sustainability, with a particular focus on quality control, device maintenance and functionality and adoption of the new technology within the health system. This study highlights the need to engage both users and recipients of new technology early in order to adapt future interventions to the local context for successful implementation.Trial registration numberNCT03187067.

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Excess Gestational Weight Gain in Low-Income Overweight and Obese Women: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior ◽

10.1016/j.jneb.2015.05.011 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 47 (5) ◽

pp. 404-411.e1 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Cynthie K. Anderson ◽

Tanis J. Walch ◽

Sara M. Lindberg ◽

Aubrey M. Smith ◽

Steven R. Lindheim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Gestational Weight Gain ◽

Low Income ◽

Obese Women ◽

Gestational Weight

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Knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study of patients’ and community leaders’ perceptions

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038523 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e038523

Author(s):

Agnieszka Ignatowicz ◽

Maria Lisa Odland ◽

Tahir Bockarie ◽

Haja Wurie ◽

Rashid Ansumana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Sierra Leone ◽

Low Income ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors ◽

Community Leaders ◽

Major Barrier

ObjectivesPrevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone.DesignQualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.SettingUrban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone.ParticipantsInterviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders.ResultsWhile participants possessed general knowledge of their conditions, the level and complexity of this knowledge varied widely. There were clear gaps in knowledge regarding the coexistence of CVDRF and their consequences, as well as the link between behavioural factors and CVDRF. An overarching theme from the data was the need to create an understanding and awareness of CVDRF in the community in order to prevent and improve management of these conditions. Cost was also seen as a major barrier to accessing care for CVDRFs.ConclusionsThe knowledge gaps identified in this study highlight the need to design strategies and interventions that improve knowledge and recognition of CVDRF in the community. Interventions should specifically consider how to develop and enhance awareness about CVDRF and their consequences. They should also consider how patients seek help and where they access it.

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Low-Income Individuals’ Perceptions About Fruit and Vegetable Access Programs: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior ◽

10.1016/j.jneb.2015.03.005 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 317-324.e1 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Lindsey Haynes-Maslow ◽

Lauriane Auvergne ◽

Barbara Mark ◽

Alice Ammerman ◽

Bryan J. Weiner

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Access Programs

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When unbearable suffering incites psychiatric patients to request euthanasia: qualitative study

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.117.199331 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 211 (4) ◽

pp. 238-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Monica Verhofstadt ◽

Lieve Thienpont ◽

Gjalt-Jorn Ygram Peters

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Measurement Instruments ◽

Political Debate ◽

Unbearable Suffering ◽

Important Contributor ◽

Lengthy Process

BackgroundThe concept of ‘unbearable suffering’ is central to legislation governing whether euthanasia requests may be granted, but remains insufficiently understood, especially in relation to psychiatric patients.AimsTo provide insights into the suffering experiences of psychiatric patients who have made a request for euthanasia.MethodTestimonials from 26 psychiatric patients who requested euthanasia were analysed using QualiCoder software.ResultsFive domains of suffering were identified: medical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, societal and existential. Hopelessness was confirmed to be an important contributor. The lengthy process of applying for euthanasia was a cause of suffering and added to experienced hopelessness, whereas encountering physicians who took requests seriously could offer new perspectives on treatment.ConclusionsThe development of measurement instruments to assess the nature and extent of suffering as experienced by psychiatric patients could help both patients and physicians to better navigate the complicated and sensitive process of evaluating requests in a humane and competent way. Some correlates of suffering (such as low income) indicate the need for a broad medical, societal and political debate on how to reduce the burden of financial and socioeconomic difficulties and inequalities in order to reduce patients' desire for euthanasia. Euthanasia should never be seen (or used) as a means of resolving societal failures.

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