scholarly journals Barriers to utilize nutrition interventions among lactating women in rural communities of Tigray, northern Ethiopia: An exploratory study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250696
Author(s):  
Selemawit Asfaw Beyene ◽  
Lemlem Weldegerima ◽  
Freweini Gebrearegay Tela ◽  
Omer Seid ◽  
Amal Tucker Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Nutrition Interventions ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Lactating Mothers

Background While lactation is a physiological process requiring high energy demand to fulfill the nutrient requirements of the mother and the breastfeeding child, many factors affecting maternal nutrient intake can lead to nutritional deficits. Previous studies in Ethiopia have reported the prevalence of maternal and child undernutrition and related complications. However, qualitative studies exploring potential barriers to utilizing available nutrition interventions are limited. This study, therefore, sought to qualitatively explore barriers hindering the uptake of nutrition services among lactating mothers from rural communities in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Methods We conducted 6 in-depth interviews, 70 key informant interviews, and 13 focus group discussions among purposively selected community groups, experts, and lactating mothers between November- 2017 and January- 2018. Audio records of all interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim (word-to-word) and translated into English. Then, translated data were analyzed thematically using qualitative data analysis software Atlas ti-version 7.4. Results The participants in this study perceived that lactating mothers in their study area are not properly utilizing available and recommended nutrition interventions, and as a result, their nutrient intake was reported as inadequate. Participants identified inadequate accessibility and availability of foods, feeding practices, cultural and religious influences, focus on agricultural production and productivity, barriers related to health services and poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene as major barriers hindering the uptake of nutrition interventions by lactating women in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Conclusion The uptake of nutrition intervention services was low among lactating mothers and was hindered by multiple socio-cultural and health service related factors requiring problem-specific interventions at community, health facility, and administrative levels to improve the nutritional status of lactating mothers in the study area.

scholarly journals ‘People have started to deliver in the facility these days’: a qualitative exploration of factors affecting facility delivery in Ethiopia

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e025516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zelee Hill ◽  
Yared Amare ◽  
Pauline Scheelbeek ◽  
Joanna Schellenberg
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Facility Delivery ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
Push And Pull

ObjectivesTo understand the recent rise in facility deliveries in Ethiopia.DesignA qualitative study.SettingFour rural communities in two regions of Ethiopia.Participants12 narrative, 12 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with recently delivered women; and four focus group discussions with each of grandmothers, fathers and community health workers.ResultsWe found that several interwoven factors led to the increase in facility deliveries, and that respondents reported that the importance of these factors varied over time. The initial catalysts were a saturation of messages around facility delivery, improved accessibility of facilities, the prohibition of traditional birth attendants, and elders having less influence on deciding the place of delivery. Once women started to deliver in facilities, the drivers of the behaviour changed as women had positive experiences. As more women began delivering in facilities, families shared positive experiences of the facilities, leading to others deciding to deliver in a facility.ConclusionOur findings highlight the need to employ strategies that act at multiple levels, and that both push and pull families to health facilities.

Female and child ‘husbands’: Rituals as HIV escape routes

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-305
Author(s):  
Godfrey Museka
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
African People ◽  
Key Informant

Discourses on the struggle against HIV and AIDS tend to portray African traditional religio-cultural rituals as ‘harmful’ and African people as passive and clueless victims. By focusing on middle-aged widows, this study explores the utilisation of traditional rituals as HIV and AIDS escape routes in outlying areas such as the rural Manyika-Gandanzara area. Informed by the phenomenological approach, the study seeks to answer questions: Are African rural communities passive beneficiaries of the top-down HIV and AIDS intervention strategies? What localised responses have the communities developed in order to ‘escape’ from HIV? Data used to answer these questions were inductively gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations in the Manyika-Gandanzara community. The findings of the study suggest that instead of relying solely on official government and donor-funded HIV and AIDS interventions, the Manyika-Gandanzara community has renegotiated sex-oriented widow inheritance rituals into asexual female-to-female and mother–son symbolic unions in its attempt to escape the disease.

scholarly journals Assessing Climate Change Vulnerabilities of Ontario's Rural Populations

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Fatih Sekercioglu ◽  
Daniel I Pirrie ◽  
Yan Zheng ◽  
Aimen Azfar
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Rural Populations ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Southern Ontario ◽  
Middlesex County

Climate change causes considerable challenges for both urban and rural communities. Our study aimed at enhancing the understanding of climate change effects on rural populations. The study was promoted in Middlesex County library locations and on Middlesex County’s social media accounts; all residents of Middlesex County were eligible to participate. Through this method of convenience sampling, we successfully recruited 40 rural residents and conducted five focus group sessions. The study was conducted in Middlesex County, in southern Ontario, Canada, which provided a good representation of southern Ontario's rural communities. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected in focus group discussions. Focus group discussions yielded four main themes and provided valuable insights on several climate change-related topics. The four identified themes are: frequent extreme weather events, access to food and safe drinking water, protection from vector-borne diseases, and living in a rural community. Our results indicate key parameters to address the climate change issues for rural residents and lead to a series of recommendations to revamp climate change policy at local, provincial, and federal levels. Study Participants commented on the need for adaptation skills concerning the physical and mental health aspects of increased indoor activity (avoiding natural spaces/pollution). This could also be an indicator/opportunity for future health programming and funding to support new realities. Future research is needed to develop effective local solutions with collaboration among government, business sectors, and rural residents.

scholarly journals Adolescents’ Needs Towards School-Based Nutrition Interventions

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Sidor ◽  
Răzvan M. Cherecheș ◽  
Veronica A. Costea
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Nutrition Interventions ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
School Based ◽  
Home Based

AbstractBackground and Aims: This study aimed to identify adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes towards healthy eating and their needs and preferences towards school-based nutrition interventions, thus investigating the “must have” components on school-based nutrition interventions than can improve adolescents’ dietary patterns.Material and Methods: To reach the proposed aims, we used a qualitative strategy of inquiry, by conducting semi-structured focus groups. We collected data in two urban schools from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 32 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years old attended focus group discussions. Focus group discussions were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A viable strategy to deliver effective nutrition interventions for adolescents needs to address adolescents' interests and concerns, use visuals and stories to present nutrition related information, increase adolescents' self-efficacy in choosing healthy foods, train adolescents in having a balanced diet, promote healthy eating as acceptable for peers, and involve parents in nutrition interventions through home-based activities.Conclusions: Improving adolescents' nutrition related knowledge and behavior and creating supportive environments is not sufficient in improving adolescents' dietary patterns. Practitioners should aim at designing school-based nutrition interventions addressing adolescents' specific needs and rely on the needs assessment process as a major component of the design.

scholarly journals Food and Nutrient Intake Pattern of Three Generations Living Together in Middle Income Urban Households of Delhi, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreya Arora
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Three Generations ◽  
Living Together ◽  
Food And Nutrient Intake

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess the inter-generational differences in food and nutrient intake of three generations (grandparents, parents and children) living together. A cross-sectional survey assessed the food group and nutrient intake, changes in the intake over the years by using 24-hour dietary recall repeated over three days and focus group discussions. A total of 226 middle income families including 1,038 participants, grandparents (n=302), parents (n=423) and children (n=313) completed the diet survey. Focus group discussions with different generations explored the dietary transition over a period of time and the generation(s) responsible for menu related decisions. Children had significantly higher intake of cereals, other vegetables, sugars and fats as compared to their parents and grandparents (p<0.001) and highest mean percent adequacy of energy, protein and calcium (p<0.001). Information generated can be used to understand dynamics of food selection within a household and improve diet quality of all generations.

Dari Idealisme ke Pragmatisme: Pergeseran Paradigma dalam Pengembangan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah di Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Business World ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Legal Consideration ◽  
Economic Law ◽  
Islamic Economic

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).

scholarly journals “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 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029144 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Perspectives of future pharmacists on the potential for development and implementation of pharmacist prescribing in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Mohammad Issam Diab ◽  
Angham Ibrahim ◽  
Oraib Abdallah ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Monica Zolezzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pharmacist Prescribing ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Special Training Program

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.

scholarly journals Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) Study Protocol: a mixed-methods exploration of paid early childcare in Mukuru slum, Nairobi

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000822
Author(s):  
Robert C Hughes ◽  
Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo ◽  
Sunil Bhopal ◽  
Elizabeth W Kimani-Murage ◽  
Zelee Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Epidemiological Methods ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Early Childcare ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Childcare Providers

IntroductionThe early years are critical. Early nurturing care can lay the foundation for human capital accumulation with lifelong benefits. Conversely, early adversity undermines brain development, learning and future earning.Slums are among the most challenging places to spend those early years and are difficult places to care for a child. Shifting family and work structures mean that paid, largely informal, childcare seems to be becoming the ‘new normal’ for many preschool children growing up in rapidly urbanising Africa. However, little is known about the quality of this childcare.AimsTo build a rigorous understanding what childcare strategies are used and why in a typical Nairobi slum, with a particular focus on provision and quality of paid childcare. Through this, to inform evaluation of quality and design and implementation of interventions with the potential to reach some of the most vulnerable children at the most critical time in the life course.Methods and analysisMixed methods will be employed. Qualitative research (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) with parents/carers will explore need for and decision-making about childcare. A household survey (of 480 households) will estimate the use of different childcare strategies by parents/carers and associated parent/carer characteristics. Subsequently, childcare providers will be mapped and surveyed to document and assess quality of current paid childcare. Semistructured observations will augment self-reported quality with observable characteristics/practices. Finally, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with childcare providers will explore their behaviours and motivations. Qualitative data will be analysed through thematic analysis and triangulation across methods. Quantitative and spatial data will be analysed through epidemiological methods (random effects regression modelling and spatial statistics).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted in the UK and Kenya. Findings will be disseminated through journal publications, community and government stakeholder workshops, policy briefs and social media content.

scholarly journals The usability of Jordan stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance (JSANDS) system: results of focus group discussions

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef S. Khader ◽  
Khulood K. Shattnawi ◽  
Nihaya Al-Sheyab ◽  
Mohammad Alyahya ◽  
Anwar Batieha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Focal Points ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Technical Issues

Abstract Background Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance system (JSANDS) is a newly developed system and is currently implemented in five large hospitals in Jordan. This study aimed at exploring the healthcare professionals’ perception about the usability of JSANDS. Methods A descriptive qualitative approach, using focus group discussions, was adopted. A total of 5 focus groups including 23 focal points were conducted in five participating hospitals in Jordan. Results Data analysis identified nine main issues related to the JSANDS system: the system usefulness, the system performance, data quality, the system limitations, human rights, female empowerment, nurses’ competencies strengthened, the sustainability of the JSANDS, and COVID-19 impact on the system. Users reported that JSANDS data were useful, the system was simple and easy to use, and the data were accurate and complete. However, some users reported that some technical issues need to be enhanced. Conclusions JSANDS was perceived positively by the current users. According to them, it provides a formative and comprehensive data on stillbirths and neonatal deaths and their causes, and therefore, was recommended to be adopted by its users and scaled up.

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