scholarly journals Testing and Assessment of Mozzify, the first integrated mhealth app for dengue fever in the Philippines (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Von Ralph Dane Marquez Herbuela ◽  
Tomonori Karita ◽  
Thaddeus Carvajal ◽  
Howell Ho ◽  
John Lorena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Early Detection Of Disease ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
School Based

BACKGROUND The Philippines recently declared a national dengue fever (DF) epidemic. Yet, to our knowledge, Philippines relies its DF surveillance system on passive surveillance method (notifications from barangay/village health centers, municipal or city health offices, hospitals and clinics), and there is no available integrated mhealth app for dengue fever that includes all the appropriate surveillance methods in early detection of disease outbreaks in the country. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test and assess the Mozzify app in terms of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) subscales: objective quality (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information), app-subjective and app-specific qualities and compare the total app mean score ratings by socio-demographic profile and self and family DF history to see what factors are associated with high app mean score rating. We also conducted individual interviews and focus group discussions among the participants, and analyze their comments and suggestions to help structure further improvement and future development of the app. METHODS We have tested and assessed Mozzify, among healthcare professionals and members of the school-based samples using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) professional and user versions (uMARS). We compared the total app mean score ratings by socio-demographic and DF history using mean difference analyses. Content analysis was used to analyse the topics raised in individual interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS Mozzify obtained an over-all >4 (out of 5) mean score ratings in the MARS’ and uMARS’ app objective quality (4.45), subjective (4.17) and specific (4.55) scales among 979 participants (healthcare professionals n = 94; school-based samples n = 885). Mean difference analyses revealed that total app mean score ratings were not significantly different across ages and gender among healthcare professionals and school-based samples. Similar results were found across income categories, and self and family DF history but not gender (P <0.001), among the school-based samples. Content analyses of the topics discussed in the individual interviews and focus group discussions revealed eight major themes: suggestions on multi-language options and including other diseases; Android version availability; improvements on the app’s content, design and engagement; inclusion of users from low-income and rural areas; Wi-Fi connection and app size concerns; data credibility, and user security and privacy issues. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that Mozzify can be a promising integrated strategic health intervention and surveillance system for reporting and mapping DF cases, increasing awareness, improving knowledge, and facilitating behavior change (practicing preventive measures against DF). It can be used by healthcare professionals and school-based samples of any age (>18 years), socioeconomic status and DF history. However, in spite of its many strengths and unique features, improvements that are tailored to the needs of the intended users should still be done without compromising their security and privacy. Based from the findings, once we have completed further improvements, a longitudinal trial of Mozzify should be done among community-based participants to finally conclude if this can be an appropriate surveillance method in early detection of disease outbreaks in the Philippines and other countries where DF is endemic. CLINICALTRIAL

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.

Disability and Social Exclusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Individual Interviews

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.

What is the opinion of patients with multiple sclerosis and their healthcare professionals about lower limb orthoses? A qualitative study using focus group discussions

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Swinnen ◽  
Tom Deliens ◽  
Elke Dewulf ◽  
Shauni Van Overstraeten ◽  
Nina Lefeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Understanding Factors Related to Prolonged Trial of Detained Defendants in the Philippines

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (8) ◽  
pp. 2461-2487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymund E. Narag
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Western Literature ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Official Data

Utilizing a combination of jail official data and qualitative data gathered through Focus Group Discussions and interviews with inmates, court actors, and jail officers, this article investigates the factors related to prolonged trial of detained defendants in the Philippines. Sensitizing concepts derived from Western literature are utilized to understand individual, court, and jail-level variations to prolonged detention. Results from official jail data show the magnitude and extent of the problem. The narrative data suggests the salience of organizational and cultural dynamics that lead to the delay of cases for detained defendants. Specifically, courts that are loosely coupled and subscribe to workgroup culture that condones leniency are more likely to be delayed. Implications to theory and policy are discussed.

scholarly journals Livelihoods Used by Street Children for Survival in Bamako, Mali

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Oumou Diallo ◽  
Guang Xin Wang ◽  
Hamadoun H. Toure
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Street Children ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Bus Station

<p>This study is based on the livelihood used by street children for survival in Bamako, Mali. Two bus stations were selected for this study: Sogoniko bus station and Medina bus station. Most buses leave from these stations to the vicinity of the country. Data was collected through individual interviews (one by one), focus group discussions and interviews. A sample of one hundred and twenty street children aged between 8 and 17 years were selected for this study. Thirty people were also selected to give their opinions on street children. The results indicate that most of street children survive by selling small objects and through begging, 32.5% and 22.50% respectively. Our survey indicates that there are different factors pushing them to the streets, and as a way of survival on the streets, there is need to be organized, hence, they are organize themselves into groups for protection against violence and aggressions.</p>

Striving against the ‘Nafs’

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-120
Author(s):  
Mulki Mohamed Al-Sharmani
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Ethical Principles ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Islamic Tradition

I analyze how Somalis in Helsinki re-interpret religious norms on marriage in light of: 1) the challenges of socioeconomic hardships and marginalization in Finland; and 2) ethical principles in Islamic tradition that underlie religious rulings such as striving against the selfishness of the ‘nafs’ (self) and seeking spiritual advancement. I examine how norms on spousal roles and rights are contested and reinterpreted. I highlight how young women, in particular, foreground the ‘ethical' in their religious understandings of marriage norms. I explore if Veit Bader’s1 concept of ‘internal religious governance’ can analytically explain these processes. I draw on data from individual interviews and focus group discussions with women and men; and interviews with mosque imams and a clan elder.

scholarly journals “We Want Spanish Songs!”: Resilience in Latinx Students’ Making of Counterspaces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoying Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Fourth Graders ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
The Face ◽  
English Hegemony ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Critical Resilience

Abstract: As the Latinx student population in the U.S. continues to grow, LatCrit is a crucial lens to understand students’ experience and resilience in the face of White supremacy and English hegemony. This paper explores Latinx students’ critical resilience in their making counterspaces with their peers of other races. I conduct individual interviews and focus group discussions with 21 fourth graders. Through thematic analysis, I find racism manifests in the Latinx and the other students’ attitudes towards Spanish songs. But in focus group discussions Latinx students create counterspaces with non-Latinx students as they disrupt English dominance and deficit-based narratives about the Latinxs. I call for researchers and educators to recognize Latinx students’ critical resilience and create peer dialogue opportunities that allow diverse students to create racially exclusive and inclusive counterspaces.

Healthcare professionals at the Gazan public hospitals: are they collaborative?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iyad Ibrahim Shaqura ◽  
Radwan Baroud ◽  
Ali Akbari Sari
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study aimed to assess interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip.Design/methodology/approachThis is qualitative study at six governmental hospitals, four general and two specialized. Thirty healthcare professionals were purposefully recruited to seven semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. Analysis was carried out using the open-coded thematic analysis.FindingsEight themes had been identified: (1) unity of goals among health professionals, (2) physicians as team leaders, (3) patient involvement, (4) decision-making and conflict management (5) relationships among professionals, (6) general responsibilities and autonomy, (7) mutual trust and information exchange and (8) collaboration with the community to coordinate care. The first three themes were impediments, whilst “decision-making and conflict resolution” was a significant enabler of interprofessional collaboration. The last four themes were the lowest in their level and varied from one hospital to another as well.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation in this study was the number of participants; a relatively large sample might be needed for more data saturation. Therefore, health professionals from diverse backgrounds and different managerial levels have been recruited.Practical implicationsPolicymakers could rely upon the recommendations in strengthening the enablers of interprofessional collaboration and overcoming barriers, both on system, organizational and individual levels.Originality/valueThis study was conducted at six hospitals of different specialties and sizes, and health professionals from different six professions have been recruited. In addition, two qualitative tools were used, interviews and focus group discussions.

scholarly journals Cases of Pedagogical Discontentment of Secondary English Teachers

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-416
Author(s):  
Bryan Jester S. Balmeo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Affective Response ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Secondary English ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Pedagogical Discontentment ◽  
Very High

This research aimed to analyze secondary English teachers' pedagogical discontent and identify factors relating to this construct. Further, this study established the teachers’ affective response to his evaluation of the effectiveness of his existing teaching practices and goals. This study utilized descriptive research with a qualitative approach using the multiple-case study design. The researcher distributed a pedagogical discontentment checklist to identify the English teachers with ‘high’ or ‘very high’ pedagogical discontentment, wherein eight (8) participants were identified. They belong to the eight (8) secondary schools in one of the districts in the Schools Division of Zambales. The eight (8) participants were subjected to individual interviews and focus group discussions. It was found out that most of the participants were female, middle adult, holding Teacher I position; Seven (7) participants have high pedagogical discontentment whereas only one (1) participant has very high discontentment; Teachers are recommended to undergo training workshops on pedagogy. Conducting regular focus group discussions on improving the weak areas are noted; An investigation on the frustrations, attitudes and beliefs, interventions, classroom practices, and aspirations of the English teachers should be conducted considering their contexts. Professional learning communities are deemed necessary.  

scholarly journals The usability of Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance (JSANDS) system: Results of focus group discussions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef S. Khader ◽  
Khulood Kayed Shattnawi ◽  
Nihaya Al-Sheyab ◽  
Mohammad S. 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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document