Mental and Behavioural Responses to Bahá’í Fasting: Looking Behind the Scenes of a Religiously Motivated Intermittent Dry Fast Using a Mixed Methods Approach

Background / Objective: Historically, fasting has not only been practiced for medical but also for religious reasons. Bahá’ís follow an annual religious fast of 19 days. We assessed motivation behind and subjective health impacts of Bahá’í fasting. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was embedded in a clinical single arm observational study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six fasters before, during and after fasting. Three months after the fasting period, two focus group interviews were conducted. 146 Bahá’í volunteers answered an online survey at five time points before, during and after fasting. Results: Interviews: Fasting was found to play a central role for the religiosity of interviewees, implying changes in daily structures, spending time alone, engaging in religious practices, and experiencing social belonging. Results show an increase in mindfulness and well-being, accompanied by behavioural changes and experiences of self-efficacy and inner freedom. Survey: Scores point to an increase in mindfulness and well-being during fasting, while stress, anxiety and fatigue decreased. Mindfulness remained elevated even three months after the fast. Conclusion: Bahá'í intermittent dry fast seems to enhance participants’ mindfulness and well-being, lowering stress levels and reducing fatigue. Some of these effects lasted more than three months after fasting.

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An international mixed methods study to develop a new preference-based measure for women with breast cancer: the BREAST-Q Utility module

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-020-01125-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manraj N. Kaur ◽

Anne F. Klassen ◽

Feng Xie ◽

Louise Bordeleau ◽

Toni Zhong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Field Test ◽

Well Being ◽

Economic Evaluations ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Image Appearance ◽

Test Version ◽

Cancer Experience

Abstract Background Generic preference-based measures (PBM), though commonly used, may not be optimal for use in economic evaluations of breast cancer interventions. No breast cancer-specific PBM currently exists, and the generic PBMs fail to capture the unique concerns of women with breast cancer (e.g., body image, appearance, treatment-specific adverse effects). Hence, the objective of this study was to develop a breast cancer-specific PBM, the BREAST-Q Utility module. Methods Women diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 0–4, any treatment) were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Canada and one in the US. The study followed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach, whereby semi-structured interviews were conducted and at the end of the interview, participants were asked to list their top five health-related quality of life (HRQOL) concerns and to rate the importance of each item on the BREAST-Q. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. Constant comparison was used to refine the codes and develop a conceptual framework. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to develop the content of the Utility module that was refined through 2 rounds of cognitive debriefing interviews with women diagnosed with breast cancer and feedback from experts. Results Interviews were conducted with 57 women aged 55 ± 10 years. A conceptual framework was developed from 3948 unique codes specific to breasts, arms, abdomen, and cancer experience. Five top-level domains were HRQOL (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and sexual well-being) and appearance. Data from the interviews, top 5 HRQOL concerns, and BREAST-Q item ratings were used to inform dimensions for inclusion in the Utility module. Feedback from women with breast cancer (N = 9) and a multidisciplinary group of experts (N = 27) was used to refine the module. The field-test version of the HSCS consists of 10 unique dimensions. Each dimension is measured with 1 or 2 candidate items that have 4–5 response levels each. Conclusion The field-test version of the BREAST-Q Utility module was derived from extensive patient and expert input. This comprehensive approach ensured that the content of the Utility module is relevant, comprehensive, and includes concerns that matter the most to women with breast cancer.

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Bureaucratic organization and innovation : a mixed-methods study of U.S. State Department of Transportation website adoption

10.32469/10355/61886 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

◽

A. J. Million

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Online Survey ◽

State Level ◽

State Department ◽

Third Parties ◽

Department Of Transportation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

University Of Missouri ◽

Bureaucratic Organization ◽

Barriers To Change

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This study explores bureaucratic organization and innovation in U.S. state department of transportation (DOT) websites. To determine if working with third parties fosters change in state DOT websites, it employs a two-part, explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. In phase one, an online survey was disseminated to IT managers and communications officers in all 50 states to collect data regarding agency demographics, bureaucratic models, and Web infrastructure. In total, 45 valid responses (or 90 percent) were received from DOTs indicating that most built, hosted, and managed their websites in-house, but that state-level IT consolidations required many to pool resources with third parties. In research phase two, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted of a maximum variation sample of survey respondents. These interviews were conducted to explain why DOTs built and operated their websites with the support of third parties. Employing a grounded theoretical approach, analysis revealed 6 themes explaining website adoption and showed that working with third parties can foster innovation; however, not all change is positive. Therefore, a need exists for governments to selectively work with others, ascertain future barriers to change, and ensure that adopted innovations meet desired ends. Finally, five best practices informed by study findings are presented that may help decision-makers and civil servants provide e-government services in a flexible manner.

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ICT to Promote Well-Being within Families

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s18092760 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 2760 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jure Trilar ◽

Andrej Kos ◽

Simona Jazbinšek ◽

Lea Jensterle ◽

Emilija Stojmenova Duh

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Family Time ◽

Development Fund ◽

European Regional Development Fund ◽

The Family ◽

The Republic ◽

Family Centered ◽

Future Program

Within the Active Living and Well-Being Project (RRP3), funded by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Regional Development Fund Investing in Your Future program, we aim to develop different approaches and prototype solutions to provide ICT solutions for the family in order to connect its members; communicate; promote quality family time, active life, a health-friendly lifestyle and well-being; and integrate various sensor and user-based data sources into a smart city ecosystem platform. A mixed methodology, combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, was selected to conduct the study. An online survey with a structured questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews were performed. Through the analysis of the results, we tried to establish a family-centered design approach that would be inclusive as much as possible, creating benefits for all generations in order to develop an interactive prototype solution that would allow us to further test and verify different use-case scenarios.

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Workplace exercise programmes – how organizational factors influence employee participation

Development in Learning Organizations An International Journal ◽

10.1108/dlo-10-2019-0252 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 37-39

Author(s):

Anna Little ◽

Russell Wordsworth ◽

Sanna Malinen

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Organizational Factors ◽

Employee Participation ◽

Past Research ◽

Well Being ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Individual Level ◽

Leadership Support

Purpose Past research identifies many positive outcomes associated with workplace exercise initiatives. Realizing these outcomes is, however, dependent on securing sustained employee participation in the initiative. This study examines how organizational factors influence employee participation in workplace exercise initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes data from 98 employees who were provided with the opportunity to participate in a workplace exercise initiative. Data were collected via an online survey as well as semi-structured interviews. Findings The paper shows that organizational, rather than individual-level, factors had the greatest impact on employee participation in workplace exercise initiatives. Leadership support for well-being was particularly important and had a significant effect on participation frequency. This relationship was moderated by employee perceptions of employer intentions, such that the more genuine and caring an employer’s intentions were perceived to be, the more likely employees were to participate. Our findings also show that perceived employer intentions have a significant direct effect on employee participation. Research implications We extend research on employee participation in well-being initiatives by considering the influence of organizational, rather than individual-level, factors. Practical implications This research is of practical significance as it highlights the importance of positive leadership in fostering physical well-being in the workplace. It reinforces that sustained participation in workplace exercise initiatives requires deliberate planning, promotion and support from organizational leaders. Originality/value Most studies of workplace exercise and well-being initiatives focus on individual barriers to participation. Our study highlights the important role of leadership support and perceived intentions as organizational influences on employee participation.

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Health-related quality of life among 13–14 year old adolescents with overweight - a mixed methods approach

10.21203/rs.2.19545/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Turid Kristin Bigum Sundar ◽

Kirsti Riiser ◽

Milada Småstuen ◽

Randi Opheim ◽

Knut Løndal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Well Being ◽

Reference Population ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Abstract BackgroundOverweight and obesity are public concerns with risk of adverse health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in adolescents than children in general. An increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with a decrease in HRQoL. The purpose of this study was to measure and explore the HRQoL among adolescents with overweight or obesity who had participated in an intervention study with the aim of increasing PA, reducing BMI and promoting HRQoL.Methods Mixed methods, with a convergent design, were used to investigate how different methodological approaches could expand our understanding of the adolescents’ HRQoL. Quantitative post-intervention data on HRQoL were collected among the 84 intervention participants, aged 13–14 years, using the KIDSCREEN 52 questionnaire. The data were compared with a Norwegian reference population of 244 individuals, and analysed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adolescents from the intervention. A directed approach to content analysis was adopted, using the ten sub-scales from KIDSCREEN 52.ResultsHRQoL in the intervention sample was significantly reduced on the sub-scale of physical well-being compared to the reference population. The reference population scored significantly lower than the intervention sample on the sub-scale of parent relation and home life. No significant differences were found on the other sub-scales. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings on the sub-scale of physical well-being, but showed that perceptions of fitness, energy level or health could vary. Regarding parent relations, the interviewees extended this to include relationships to other family members as equally important. Most of the interviewees expressed a negative view of their bodies, but not their clothing or accessories. This may explain why no statistically significant differences were found on these aspects in the results from the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. ConclusionThe use of the KIDSCREEN 52 instrument gave important indications about the adolescents’ HRQoL. Combining methods enabled a comprehensive approach to research on HRQoL, indicating better ways of providing help. More research using the benefits of mixed methods approaches is needed to further elucidate these findings.

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Development of a tool for identifying and addressing prioritised determinants of quality improvement projects led by healthcare professionals: a mixed-methods study

10.21203/rs.2.24055/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anne van Tuijl ◽

Hub C. Wollersheim ◽

Cornelia R.M.G. Fluit ◽

Petra. J. van Gurp ◽

Hiske Calsbeek

Keyword(s):

Quality Improvement ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Learning By Doing ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Priority Score ◽

A Priority

Abstract Background: Several frameworks have been developed to identify essential determinants for healthcare improvement. These frameworks aim to be comprehensive, leading to the creation of long lists of determinants that are not prioritised based on being experienced as most important. Furthermore, most existing frameworks do not describe the methods or actions used to identify and address the determinants, limiting their practical value. The aim of this study is to describe the development of a tool with prioritised facilitators and barriers supplemented with methods to identify and address each determinant. The tool can be used by those performing quality improvement initiatives in healthcare practice. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was used to develop the tool. First, an online survey was used to ask healthcare professionals about the determinants they experienced as most facilitating and most hindering during the performance of their quality improvement initiative . A priority score was calculated for every named determinant, and those with a priority score ≥ 20 were incorporated into the tool. Semi-structured interviews with implementation experts were performed to gain insight on how to analyse and address the determinants in our tool Results: The 25 healthcare professionals in this study experienced 64 facilitators and 66 barriers when performing their improvement initiatives. Of these, 12 facilitators and nine barriers were incorporated into the tool. Sufficient support from management of the department was identified as the most important facilitator, while having limited time to perform the initiative was considered the most important barrier. The interviews with 16 experts in implementation science led to various inputs for identifying and addressing each determinant. Important themes included maintaining adequate communication with stakeholders, keeping the initiative at a manageable size, learning by doing and being able to influence determinants. Conclusions: This paper describes the development of a tool with prioritized determinants for performing quality improvement initiatives with suggestions for analysing and addressing these determinants. The tool is developed for those engaged in quality improvement initiatives in practice, so in this ways it helps to bridging the research to practice gap of determinants frameworks. More research is needed to validate and develop the tool further.

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Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11082349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 2349

Author(s):

Heather Clements ◽

Stephanie Valentin ◽

Nicholas Jenkins ◽

Jean Rankin ◽

Nancy R. Gee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Well Being ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

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PEMANSUHAN UJIAN PENILAIAN SEKOLAH RENDAH DAN PELAKSANAAN PENTAKSIRAN BILIK DARJAH: SATU TINJAUAN DALAM KALANGAN GURU BESAR

Asian People Journal (APJ) ◽

10.37231/apj.2021.4.2.290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 80-89

Author(s):

Kalai Selvan Arumugham ◽

Joohari Ariffin

Keyword(s):

Classroom Assessment ◽

Early Stage ◽

School Achievement ◽

Deep Understanding ◽

Summative Assessment ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Curriculum Changes ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Professional Judgement

Abstract: The abolition of Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) has triggered various reactions among educators. Although this agenda has been informed since the introduction of the new curriculum in 2011, educators and parents did not fully accept this. This research was conducted to explore and understand in-depth the views of school headmasters on the abolition of the UPSR and obtain their views on the implementation of Classroom Assessment (PBD). At the early stage the researchers conducted a survey to get an initial picture of their reactions to the issues and subsequently, the issue was explored in depth using qualitative methods. Focus group interviews conducted online to explore their perspectives on the abolition of UPSR and the implementation of PBD, which is now taking over the place of UPSR completely. However, with semi-structured interviews that were conducted, the data were distributed based on the themes that had been identified. Most school headmasters disagree with the abolition of the USPR as they do not fully understand the implementation of PBD. Among the aspects that they still lack understanding are the curriculum changes, professional judgement, quality assurance, and formative and summative assessment methods. Policymakers must ensure that a deep understanding can be formed among school headmasters to ensure that the implementation of PBD can be strengthened and fully understood. It is also suggested that further research be conducted to measure the acceptance among teachers on this issue. Keywords: UPSR abolition, Classroom assessment, Understanding towards PBD Abstrak: Pemansuhan Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) telah mencetuskan pelbagai reaksi dalam kalangan warga pendidik. Walaupun perkara ini merupakan suatu agenda yang telah dimaklumkan sejak pengenalan kurikulum baharu pada tahun 2011, namun warga pendidik dan ibu bapa masih belum boleh menerima perkara ini sepenuhnya. Penyelidikan ini dijalankan untuk meneroka dan memahami secara mendalam tentang pandangan guru besar tentang pemansuhan UPSR ini serta mendapatkan pandangan mereka tentang pelaksanaan Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah (PBD). Pada peringkat awal para penyelidik telah menjalankan satu tinjauan untuk mendapatkan gambaran awal reaksi mereka terhadap isu ini dan seterusnya isu mengupas secara mendalam dengan menggunakan kaedah kualitatif. Temu bual kumpulan berfokus telah dijalankan secara atas talian untuk meneroka perspektif mereka terhadap isu pemansuhan UPSR dan pelaksanaan PBD yang kini mengambil alih tempat UPSR sepenuhnya. Melalui temu bual separa struktur yang telah dijalankan, data-data telah diagihkan berdasarkan tema-tema yang telah dikenal pasti. Sebahagian besar guru besar sekolah kurang bersetuju dengan pemansuhan UPSR ini memandangkan mereka kurang memahami sepenuhnya tentang pelaksanaan PBD. Antara aspek yang mereka masih kurang faham adalah dari segi perubahan kurikulum, pertimbangan profesional, penjaminan kualiti dan kaedah pentaksiran formatif dan sumatif. Pihak penggubal dasar haruslah memastikan pemahaman yang mendalam dapat dibentuk dalam kalangan guru besar sekolah untuk memastikan pelaksanaan PBD dapat dimantapkan dan difahami sepenuhnya. Dicadangkan juga agar kajian lanjut dijalankan untuk mengukur penerimaan dalam kalangan guru-guru terhadap isu tersebut. Kata kunci: Pemansuhan UPSR, Pentaksiran bilik darjah, Pemahaman tentang PBD

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The Experiences of People With Advanced Cancer and Professionals Participating in a Program With Focus on Rehabilitation and Palliative Care

OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying ◽

10.1177/00302228211058307 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 003022282110583

Author(s):

Mette Raunkiær

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Advanced Cancer ◽

Gain Control ◽

Well Being ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Everyday Activities ◽

Rehabilitation Programs ◽

Physical Functions ◽

Group Interviews ◽

And Training

The study’s aim is to explore the experiences of people with advanced cancer and professionals participating in a program with focus on rehabilitation and palliative care. The study is based on two adjusted rehabilitation programs for 33 people with advanced cancer and 12 professionals. An observational study was conducted among the participants and two focus group interviews with 10 professionals. The analytic themes were “Lightness and happiness to gain control in everyday life,” “Community and closeness,” and “Training as a happiness and changing agent.” The activities had to support physical functions and everyday activities promoting body identity and well-being as well as emotions like closeness, lightness, and happiness in groups with like-minded people and at home with a partner and other family members. These activities and theory of emotions and body can expand the understanding of palliative care and rehabilitation as separated or integrated perspectives theoretical and in practice.

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P.024 Educational needs in migraine care: results from a mixed-methods study among Canadian primary care providers and specialists

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2018.126 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (s2) ◽

pp. S22-S22

Author(s):

S Peloquin ◽

E Leroux ◽

G Shapero ◽

S Labbe ◽

S Murray ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

General Practitioners ◽

Online Survey ◽

Medical Training ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Primary Care Providers ◽

Educational Needs ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Care Providers ◽

Structured Interviews

Background: Migraines are sub-optimally treated, affect millions of Canadians, and are underrepresented in medical training. A study was conducted to identify the needs of Canadian Healthcare Providers (HCPs) for migraine education, with the aim to inform the development of learning activities. Methods: This ethics-approved study was deployed in two consecutive phases using a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 (qualitative) explored the causes of challenges to migraine care via a literature review, input from an expert working group, and semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders. Phase 2 (quantitative) validated these causes using an online survey. Results: The study included 103 participants (28 in phase 1; 75 in phase 2): general practitioners=37; neurologists=24; nurses=14; pharmacists=20; administrators, policy influencers and payers=8. Four areas of sub-optimal knowledge were identified: (1) Canadian guidelines, (2) diagnostic criteria, (3) preventive treatment, and (4) non-pharmacological therapies. Attitudinal issues related to the management of migraine patients were also identified. Detailed data including the frequencies of knowledge gaps among general practitioners and general neurologists will be presented along with qualitative findings. Conclusions: Educational activities for general practitioners and general neurologists who treat patients with migraines should be designed to address the four educational needs described in this study.

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