scholarly journals Alea Ke Pau or Negotiated Evaluation: A Vital Concept in Pacific Health Promotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
Malakai Ofanoa ◽  
Samuela Ofanoa ◽  
Stephen Buetow
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Evaluation Approach ◽  
Health Funding ◽  
Funding Agencies ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Pacific Health

For Pacific peoples, health promotion, community nursing and community development initiative over many years, has often been conducted within a framework of one-sided decision-making. There is always an imbalance between the power relationships of the community being studied and those of the researchers or health practitioners. As a result, there is lack of understanding on the part of the researchers and the health funding agencies of the need to negotiate processes with members of the community being studied or engaging with. All of this are within an overarching lack of understanding of, and respect for, Pacific cultural values, frameworks and Pacific ways of doing things. This paper seeks to explore an alternative concept whereby these values are acknowledged. This concept is metaphorically called “alea ke pau” (or, negotiated evaluation). This approach is forward-looking and one that respects a ‘bottom-up’ view rather than the traditional ‘top-down’ view of health work and funding agencies. However, using two Pacific research methodologies called Talanga and Kakala, to explore the concept of alea ke pau were held with five men’s focus groups operating within Kava Clubs in Auckland, New Zealand, and five focus groups in Tonga. The results from these discussions are presented demonstrating the development and application of the “alea ke pau” or “negotiated evaluation” approach. 

American Indian Behavioral Health Treatment Preferences as Perceived by Urban Indian Health Program Providers

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110578
Author(s):  
Andrew Pomerville ◽  
Anna Kawennison Fetter ◽  
Joseph P. Gone
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
The United States ◽  
Treatment Preferences ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Indian Health ◽  
Urban Indian ◽  
Therapy Room

Behavioral health services specifically targeted for ethnoracial clients are typically tailored to the specific needs and preferences of these populations; however, little research has been done with American Indian clients specifically. To better understand how clinicians handle provision of treatment to this population, we interviewed 28 behavioral health staff at six Urban Indian Health Programs in the United States and conducted focus groups with 23 staff at five such programs. Thematic analysis of transcripts from these interviews and focus groups suggests that these staff attempt to blend and tailor empirically supported treatments with American Indian cultural values and practices where possible. Simultaneously, staff try to honor the client’s specific preferences and needs and to encourage clients to seek cultural practices and connection outside of the therapy room. In so doing staff members were acutely aware of the limitations of the evidence base and the lack of research with American Indian clients.

scholarly journals Mental health promotion competencies in the health sector in Finland: a qualitative study of the views of professionals

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Nina Tamminen ◽  
Pia Solin ◽  
Eija Stengård ◽  
Lasse Kannas ◽  
Tarja Kettunen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Personal Attitudes

Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate what competencies are needed for mental health promotion in health sector practice in Finland. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out to seek the views of mental health professionals regarding mental health promotion-related competencies. The data were collected via two focus groups and a questionnaire survey of professionals working in the health sector in Finland. The focus groups consisted of a total of 13 professionals. Further, 20 questionnaires were received from the questionnaire survey. The data were analysed using the qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin. A content analysis was carried out. Results: In total, 23 competencies were identified and clustered under the categories of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attitudes and values. In order to promote mental health, it is necessary to have a knowledge of the principles and concepts of mental health promotion, including methods and tools for effective practices. Furthermore, a variety of skills-based competencies such as communication and collaboration skills were described. Personal attitudes and values included a holistic approach and respect for human rights, among others. Conclusions: The study provides new information on what competencies are needed to plan, implement and evaluate mental health promotion in health sector practice, with the aim of contributing to a more effective workforce. The competencies provide aid in planning training programmes and qualifications, as well as job descriptions and roles in health sector workplaces related to mental health promotion.

70 Sharing Child Health Knowledge in an Urban Inuit Community: A Needs Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e50-e51
Author(s):  
Daniel Bierstone ◽  
Brian Hummel ◽  
Dennis Newhook ◽  
Radha Jetty
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Dissemination ◽  
Inuit Community ◽  
Parents And Caregivers

Abstract Primary Subject area Public Health and Preventive Medicine Background It is well established that significant health disparities continue to affect Canadian Indigenous children living both in remote and urban areas. A critical component of health promotion is health knowledge dissemination. A 2011 Health Council of Canada study identified the need for better community knowledge of parenting and child health as intervention targets among Indigenous communities across Canada. Objectives In the present study, we aimed to explore the perspectives of Inuit parents and caregivers in one urban setting (Ottawa, Ontario) on the dissemination of child health knowledge specifically, with the intention of guiding future community-based child health promotion initiatives. Design/Methods Ottawa, being home to the largest Inuit population living outside Inuit Nunangat, provided an ideal study location. Many Inuit report relocating to Ottawa for employment, education, or for greater access to heath services. We therefore partnered with the Ottawa-based Inuuqatigiit Centre for Children, Youth, and Families, to design and conduct a needs assessment through a series of focus groups. Focus groups explored participants’ current sources of child health knowledge, child health topics of interest, and preferred formats for child health knowledge dissemination. Focus groups were held at Inuuqatigiit and included a meal of country food shared by study participants and research team members to support relationship-building and engagement. Focus groups were analyzed using an inductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis. Results 24 Inuit parents and caregivers participated in 4 focus groups. Factors affecting preferred sources of health knowledge included trustworthiness, fear of discrimination, cultural differences, and having a holistic approach. Participants identified several child health issues that should be the focus of future child health knowledge sharing initiatives, in particular those in which a sense of cultural dissonance was felt between traditional and Western approaches. In-person and online/interactive sessions were preferred over written materials. Many participants agreed that child health knowledge-sharing initiatives should be designed and delivered with involvement of the community. Participants also emphasized the importance of synthesizing traditional knowledge of Elders with that of health professionals. Conclusion There is a need for better child health knowledge dissemination strategies among the Ottawa Inuit community as a crucial aspect of health promotion. Special considerations when designing such initiatives must be given to historical dynamics of trust and mistrust of the health professions, to addressing cultural differences, and to the role of community members in the design and implementation of initiatives.

People, power and communities.

2021 ◽  
pp. 41-74
Author(s):  
Louise Warwick-Booth ◽  
Sally Foster
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Lay Involvement

Abstract This book chapter seeks to: (i) explore 'the community' as a vital context for health promotion; (ii) explore different meanings of community participation, engagement, community involvement and community development; (iii) discuss the importance of social capital; (iv) explore the role of lay involvement in health promotion; and (v) suggest that working with communities and not merely in communities is essential for resilience and wellbeing.

scholarly journals Building Capacity to Increase Health Promotion Funding to American Indian Communities

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 907-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Pedersen ◽  
Suzanne (Christopher) Held ◽  
Blakely Brown
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Community Capacity ◽  
Funding Agency ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Funding Agencies ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

Foundations and government agencies have historically played a critical role in supporting community-based health promotion programs. Increased access to health promotion funding may help address significant health issues existing within American Indian (AI) communities, such as childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the capacity of AI communities to successfully apply for and receive funding may serve to increase resources for health promotion efforts within AI communities in Montana. This exploratory qualitative study completed 17 semistructured interviews across three AI reservations in the state of Montana. Dimensions of community capacity within the context of the funding application process and partnership with funding agencies were identified, including resources, leadership, community need, networks, and relationship with the funding agency. Dimensions of AI community capacity were then used to suggest capacity-building strategies for improved partnership between AI communities in Montana and the funding agencies.

Pluralism in Terrace Housing Community Through Ethnic Garden

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismail Said
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Group Living ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Plant Selection ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Relationship Of

Landskap warisan adalah simbol peradaban dan nilai kepercayaan sesuatu kumpulan etnik dalam satu komuniti. Ia dibentuk oleh ilham dan daya usaha manusia yang menunjukkan perkaitan erat antara kelakuan manusia dengan alam lingkungannya. Landskap ini amat bermakna kepada komuniti rumah teres di Semenanjung Malaysia yang dikomposisi oleh berbilang etnik termasuk Melayu, Cina dan India. Kertas kerja ini membincang peranan landskap warisan kepada komuniti rumah teres yang secara langsung dan tidak langsung mengintegrasi penduduk dan menyumbang rasa kekitaan terhadap komuniti. Ciri–ciri landskap warisan yang diperjelaskan dalam laman–laman etnik rumah teres adalah komposisi tanaman dan pilihan tumbuhan dan aksesori laman. Persamaan dan perbedaan ciri–ciri tersebut menonjolkan bentuk laman sesuatu etnik yang harus diambil kira dalam perancangan landskap komuniti rumah teres. Cultural–ethnic landscape symbolizes the belief and cultural values of an ethnic group living in a community. The landscape is an expression of people´s idea and work, illustrating intrinsic understanding and relationship of people to their fellow beings and environment. Such landscape is significant to the human community development and more challenging to establish it in a multi–ethnic society such as terrace house neighborhood in Peninsular Malaysia than in homogenous society. This paper discusses the role of ethnic gardens created by terrace housing residents towards integration and sense of belonging to their living neighborhood. The making of the residential gardens by Malays, Chinese and Indians are influenced by both cultural values and functional needs. There are few similarities and differences in planting composition, plant selection and garden accessories that reflect the strength of ethnicity and yet allow sharing of garden produce and create a sense of place for the community. This pluralism can be seen as positive phenomena to harmonize multi–ethnic society living in terrace housing neighborhoods in Peninsular Malaysia.

‘O’ofaki: a health promotion and community development concept to bring Pasifika people together

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malakai Ofanoa ◽  
Janine Paynter ◽  
Stephen Buetow
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Lead Author ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Development Concept ◽  
The Way

Abstract Stable, healthy families are the loto or heart of strong Pacific communities. This paper addresses the problem of a decline in the strength of Pacific families. It introduces and discusses the Tongan concept of O’ofaki, as the way in which shared, core relational commitments can bring Pasifika peoples together to support one another for health and community development. This process is based on a reciprocal sharing of social capital to promote cultural solidarity and social justice. We describe two studies by the lead author, through which the concept of O’ofaki emerged. The first study utilized an action research model while the second study focused on two Pasifika-centric research approaches: talanga, which is a Tongan word for interactive talking for a purpose, and the kakala (Tongan garland) research approach. The latter approach is incorporated within a general inductive methodology as well as luva—the dissemination of the results. Finally, the paper focuses on the components of O’ofaki and its application to Pasifika communities.

scholarly journals Exploring what patients with musculoskeletal conditions want from first point-of-contact health practitioners

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Erwin ◽  
Kenneth Chance-Larsen ◽  
Michael Backhouse ◽  
Anthony D Woolf
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Complementary Therapies ◽  
Health Practitioner ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Core Capabilities ◽  
First Contact ◽  
National Framework

Abstract Objectives This research was conducted to support the development of the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health Capabilities Framework to ensure that the framework reflected patients’ priorities. The aim of this study was to explore what patients with MSK problems want from their initial consultation with a first contact health practitioner and, from the patient perspective, what characterizes a good first contact health practitioner. Methods Focus groups were held in four locations across England. Sixteen participants, aged 19–75 years and with a self-declared MSK condition, took part (11 female, five male). Participants discussed the questions they want answered when first going to see a health professional about an MSK problem and how they would describe a good first contact health provider. Results Participants wanted answers to questions about the nature of the problem, the management of the problem, where to get information and support to help themselves, what activities they can do and what the future holds. Values and behaviours they expect and value from first contact health practitioners include good communication skills, appreciation of impact, a willingness to discuss alternative and complementary therapies, shared decision-making and an awareness of their own limitations and when to refer. Conclusion The MSK core capabilities framework for first contact health practitioners aims to ensure a person-centred approach in the first stages of managing any MSK problem with which a person may present. The focus groups enabled the developers of the framework to achieve a greater understanding of patient priorities, expectations and needs and allowed the patient perspective to be included in this national framework.

Barriers to operationalizing intersectionality in equality third sector community development practice: power, austerity, and in/equality

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-158
Author(s):  
Ashlee Christoffersen
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
The State ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Disability Rights ◽  
Racial Justice ◽  
Third Sector Organizations ◽  
Development Face ◽  
Identity Based ◽  
Development Practice

Abstract This article explores the barriers that UK equality third sector organizations practising community development face when seeking to operationalize intersectionality. It is based on research with three networks of equality organizations (racial justice, feminist, disability rights, LGBTI rights, refugee organizations, etc.) in cities in England and Scotland employing mixed qualitative methods. Barriers to operationalizing intersectionality including power relationships with the state, challenges relating to neoliberal austerity, and competing discourses of identity-based ‘equalities’ and socioeconomic ‘inequality’ were identified. The article argues that equality third sector organizations are significantly hampered in their attempts to operationalize intersectionality by the low status they occupy vis-à-vis the state and by neoliberal austerity contexts.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document