scholarly journals Syrian Crisis in Jordan: Case Study of Hosting Community Psycho-social in Low Income areas in Amman

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 171
Author(s):  
Manal Fathi Anabtawi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Syrian Crisis ◽  
Syrian Refugee

This paper explores the influence that the Syrian crisis has on hosting community psycho-social in low income areas in Amman, Capital of Jordan. Case study was chosen as a design that would support a wider and in-depth exploration because it would be able to address the sensitivity of the issue; based on data from a qualitative study involving ten focus groups conducted from July to October 2017. Available reports and researches have investigated Syrian refugee needs and experiences, while few studies have explored the experiences of Jordanians in a hosting community, especially their psycho-social. In this paper, researcher argues that policy makers and service providers have to pay attention to hosting community experiences; especially their psycho-social. Paper concludes that Jordanians living in low income areas in Amman have been influenced by the Syrian crisis; suffering from  frustration and despair, fears, anger, low self-esteem and hopelessness.

scholarly journals Rethinking success, integrity, and culture in research (part 1) — a multi-actor qualitative study on success in science

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noémie Aubert Bonn ◽  
Wim Pinxten
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Students

Abstract Background Success shapes the lives and careers of scientists. But success in science is difficult to define, let alone to translate in indicators that can be used for assessment. In the past few years, several groups expressed their dissatisfaction with the indicators currently used for assessing researchers. But given the lack of agreement on what should constitute success in science, most propositions remain unanswered. This paper aims to complement our understanding of success in science and to document areas of tension and conflict in research assessments. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with policy makers, funders, institution leaders, editors or publishers, research integrity office members, research integrity community members, laboratory technicians, researchers, research students, and former-researchers who changed career to inquire on the topics of success, integrity, and responsibilities in science. We used the Flemish biomedical landscape as a baseline to be able to grasp the views of interacting and complementary actors in a system setting. Results Given the breadth of our results, we divided our findings in a two-paper series, with the current paper focusing on what defines and determines success in science. Respondents depicted success as a multi-factorial, context-dependent, and mutable construct. Success appeared to be an interaction between characteristics from the researcher (Who), research outputs (What), processes (How), and luck. Interviewees noted that current research assessments overvalued outputs but largely ignored the processes deemed essential for research quality and integrity. Interviewees suggested that science needs a diversity of indicators that are transparent, robust, and valid, and that also allow a balanced and diverse view of success; that assessment of scientists should not blindly depend on metrics but also value human input; and that quality should be valued over quantity. Conclusions The objective of research assessments may be to encourage good researchers, to benefit society, or simply to advance science. Yet we show that current assessments fall short on each of these objectives. Open and transparent inter-actor dialogue is needed to understand what research assessments aim for and how they can best achieve their objective. Study Registration osf.io/33v3m.

scholarly journals The Value of Anthropology in Child Health Policy

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Spray
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Child Health Policy ◽  
Streptococcus A ◽  
Government Initiative

AbstractWorking at the nexus of medical anthropology and the anthropology of childhood, this article challenges three assumptions often embedded in child health policy: (1) children are the passive recipients of healthcare; (2) children’s knowledge of illness and their body can be assumed based on adult understandings; and (3) children’s healthcare can be isolated from their social relations. I explore these themes through the case study of a 2011 New Zealand government initiative to reduce the rates of rheumatic fever affecting low-income Māori and Pasifika children. Drawing on fieldwork with around 80 children at an Auckland primary school, I show how the ‘sore throat’ programme does not merely treat streptococcus A infections, but plays an active role in constituting children’s experiences and understandings of their bodies and illness, and in shaping healthcare practices in ways unintended by policy-makers.

A qualitative approach to improve the effectiveness of products of research findings for users: a case study of the Analytical Irrigation Model

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
B. Keeble ◽  
D. Robertson ◽  
F. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Primary Users ◽  
Farming Community ◽  
Widespread Adoption ◽  
Environmental Objectives ◽  
Research Findings

The widespread adoption of research findings by the farming community has traditionally been challenging. Addressing this challenge is a priority as the products of research often aid and underpin the implementation of environmental objectives to ensure that natural resources are used in a sustainable manner. One approach to tackling this challenge is to develop products that are tailored to meet the needs of the users. The Analytical Irrigation Model (AIM, a software tool) was developed with the intention of creating a field-tool to assist farmers to improve their management of border-check irrigation. Using AIM as a case study, this paper demonstrates the value of using a qualitative approach in assessing potential users of research findings, and understanding their requirements. While developing AIM, anecdotal feedback suggested that widespread adoption of the envisaged research products, namely a field-tool, was unlikely. The qualitative study found that service providers to the dairy industry were likely to be the primary users of products of the AIM research. From conducting this qualitative study, service providers identified 4 types of research products that would suit their needs. Incorporating their perspectives enabled the development of products that were more likely to be adopted and consequently increased the effective targeting of the AIM research findings.

scholarly journals Engaging youth in alcohol policy: The Lee Law Project

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
James F. Mosher ◽  
Maia E. D’Andrea
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Alcohol Policy ◽  
State Law ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Liquor Stores ◽  
Liquor Store ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Mosher, J., & D’Andrea, M. (2015). Engaging youth in alcohol policy: The Lee Law Project. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 4(2), 113-118. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v4i2.206Aims: (1) Conduct a pilot project to test the effectiveness of a youth development “toolkit” designed to reduce youth exposure tosignage on liquor store windows; (2) Highlight the disparity in violation rates of a state law limiting window signage on liquorstore windows between low income communities of color and higher income, predominantly Anglo communities.Design: Pilot project/case study. Participating young people, working with adult coaches, photographed liquor store windows inthree communities and determined level of compliance with state law limiting liquor store window signage to 33 percent of totalwindow area and requiring clear view of cash register area in the store.Setting: Three communities in Santa Cruz County, California, with diverse income and racial/ethnic compositions.Participants: 71 liquor stores.Measures: Compliance rates of participating liquor stores with state law limiting the amount and placement of window signage.Findings: Low income, predominantly Latino community had significantly lower compliance rates than two nearby higherincome, Anglo communities. Youth participants successfully engaged community organizations and policy makers in advocatingfor voluntary compliance.Conclusions: The toolkit provides a promising model for engaging youth in alcohol policy reform and reducing youth exposureto liquor store signage.

scholarly journals Challenges to effective governance in a low income healthcare system: a qualitative study of stakeholder perceptions in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C Masefield ◽  
Alan Msosa ◽  
Jean Grugel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
National Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Coverage

Abstract BackgroundAll countries face challenging decisions about healthcare coverage. Malawi has committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the timeframe set out by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As in other low income countries, scarce resources stand in the way of more equitable health access and quality in Malawi. Its health sector is highly dependent on donor contributions, and recent poor governance of government-funded healthcare saw donors withdraw funding, limiting services and resources. The 2017 National Health Plan II and accompanying Health Strategic Plan II identify the importance of improved governance and strategies to achieve more effective cooperation with stakeholders. This study explores health sector stakeholders’ perceptions of the challenges to improving governance in Malawi’s national health system within the post-2017 context of government attempts to articulate a way forward.MethodsA qualitative study design was used. Interviews were conducted with 22 representatives of major international and faith-based non-government organisations, civil society organisations, local government and government-funded organisations, and governance bodies operating in Malawi. Open questions were asked about experiences and perceptions of the functioning of the health system and healthcare decision-making. Content relating to healthcare governance was identified in the transcripts and field notes and analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsStakeholders view governance challenges as a significant barrier to achieving a more effective and equitable health system. Three categories were identified: accountability (enforceability; answerability; stakeholder-led initiatives); health resource management (healthcare financing; drug supply); influence in decision-making (unequal power; stakeholder engagement).ConclusionsHealth sector stakeholders see serious political, structural, and financial challenges to improving governance in the national health system in Malawi which will impact the government’s goal of achieving UHC by 2030. Stakeholders identify the need for improved oversight, implementation, service delivery and social accountability of government-funded service providers to communities. Eighteen months after the introduction of the policy documents, they see little evidence of improved governance and have little or no confidence in the government’s ability to deliver UHC. The difficulties stakeholders perceive in relation to building equitable and effective healthcare governance in Malawi have relevance for other resource-limited countries which have also committed to the goal of UHC.

scholarly journals Detection of risk for depression among adolescents in diverse global settings: protocol for the IDEA qualitative study in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e034335
Author(s):  
Syed Shabab Wahid ◽  
Gloria A. Pedersen ◽  
Katherine Ottman ◽  
Abigail Burgess ◽  
Kamal Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Cultural Heterogeneity ◽  
The Uk

IntroductionGlobally, depression is a leading cause of disability among adolescents, and suicide rates are increasing among youth. Treatment alone is insufficient to address the issue. Early identification and prevention efforts are necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence (IDEA) consortium is developing risk detection strategies that incorporate biological, psychological and social factors that can be evaluated in diverse global populations. In addition to epidemiological and neuroscience research, the IDEA consortium is conducting a qualitative study to explore three domains of inquiry: (1) cultural heterogeneity of biopsychosocial risk factors and lived experience of adolescent depression in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC); (2) the feasibility, acceptability and ethics of a risk calculator tool for adolescent depression that can be used in LMIC and high-income countries and (3) capacity for biological research into biomarkers for depression risk among adolescents in LMIC. This is a multisite qualitative study being conducted in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the UK.Methods and analysisA systematic set of qualitative methods will be used in this study. The Delphi method, Theory of Change (ToC) workshops, key-informant interviews and focus group discussions will be used to elicit perspectives on the study topics from a broad range of stakeholders (adolescents, parents, policy-makers, teachers, health service providers, social workers and experts). Delphi panellists will participate in three survey rounds to generate consensus through facilitated feedback. Stakeholders will create ToC models via facilitated workshops in the LMIC sites. The framework approach will be used to analyse data from the study.Ethics and disseminationEthical approvals were received from the Ethics Review Board of George Washington University and from site-specific institutions in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the UK. The findings generated from this study will be reported in highly accessed, peer-reviewed, scientific and health policy journals.

scholarly journals Chronic Pain Self-Management Program for Low-Income Patients: Themes from a Qualitative Inquiry

Pain Medicine ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. e1-e8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Turner ◽  
Natalia Rodriguez ◽  
Raudel Bobadilla ◽  
Arthur E Hernandez ◽  
Zenong Yin
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pain Medication ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Theory Approach

Abstract Objective To examine factors influencing initial engagement, ongoing participation, learned behaviors, and subjective functional outcomes after a trial of the Living Better Beyond Pain (LBBP) chronic pain self-management program. Design Qualitative study using the Grounded Theory approach. Setting Two 60-minute focus groups and phone interviews in May 2017. Subjects Focus groups with 18 participants who completed LBBP and six-month measures; telephone interviews with 17 participants who stopped attending. Methods Study coordinators randomly selected program completers for focus groups and conducted phone interviews with noncompleters. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in semantic content with a recursive process applied to focus group transcripts and interview transcriptions to codify into themes. Themes were categorized according to the Theory of Planned Behavior. Results Focus group and telephone interview participants were primarily Hispanic and unemployed. Attitudes fostering participation in LBBP included dissatisfaction with the status quo, need to reduce pain medication, and lack of training and knowledge about chronic pain. Positive social norms from meeting others with chronic pain and support from the LBBP team encouraged attendance and adoption of behaviors. Transportation, pain, and competing activities were barriers, whereas adapting activities for the disabled was a facilitator. Maintaining behaviors and activities at home was challenging but ultimately rewarding due to improvement in daily function with less pain medication. Conclusions This qualitative study complements quantitative results showing clinically significant improvements in function after the LBBP program by adding practical insights into ways to increase participation and outcomes. Participants strongly endorsed the need for chronic pain self-management training.

scholarly journals Understanding the Particularities of an Unconditional Prenatal Cash Benefit for Low-Income Women: A Case Study Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 004695801987096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Struthers ◽  
Colleen Metge ◽  
Catherine Charette ◽  
Jennifer E. Enns ◽  
Nathan C. Nickel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Community Support Programs

We explored the particularities of the Healthy Baby Prenatal Benefit (HBPB), an unconditional cash transfer program for low-income pregnant women in Manitoba, Canada, which aims to connect recipients with prenatal care and community support programs, and help them access healthy foods during pregnancy. While previous studies have shown associations between HBPB and improved birth outcomes, here we focus on how the intervention contributed to positive outcomes. Using a case study design, we collected data from government and program documents and interviews with policy makers, academics, program staff, and recipients of HBPB. Key informants identified using evidence and aligning with government priorities as key facilitators to the implementation of HBPB. Program recipients described how HBPB helped them improve their nutrition, prepare for baby, and engage in self-care to moderate the effect of stressful life events. This study provides important contextualized evidence to support government decision making on healthy child development policies.

scholarly journals Veteran families with complex needs: a qualitative study of the veterans’ support system

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M. Maguire ◽  
Julieann Keyser ◽  
Kelly Brown ◽  
Daniel Kivlahan ◽  
Madeline Romaniuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Support System ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background Families with complex needs face significant challenges accessing and navigating health and social services. For veteran families, these challenges are exacerbated by interactions between military and civilian systems of care, and the density of the veterans’ non-profit sector. This qualitative study was designed to gather rich, detailed information on complex needs in veteran families; and explore service providers’ and families’ experiences of accessing and navigating the veterans’ support system. Methods The study comprised participant background questionnaires (n = 34), focus groups with frontline service providers (n = 18), and one-on-one interviews with veteran families (n = 16) in Australia. The semi-structured focus groups and interviews were designed to gather rich, detailed information on four study topics: (i) health and wellbeing needs in veteran families; (ii) service-access barriers and facilitators; (iii) unmet needs and gaps in service provision; and (iv) practical solutions for improving service delivery. The study recruited participants who could best address the focus on veteran families with complex needs. The questionnaire data was used to describe relevant characteristics of the participant sample. The focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and a reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns of shared meaning in the qualitative data. Results Both service providers and families found the veterans’ support system difficult to access and navigate. System fragmentation was perceived to impede care coordination, and delay access to holistic care for veteran families with complex needs. The medico-legal aspects of compensation and rehabilitation processes were perceived to harm veteran identity, and undermine health and wellbeing outcomes. Recovery-oriented practice was viewed as a way to promote veteran independence and self-management. Participants expressed a strong preference for family-centred care that was informed by an understanding of military lifestyle and culture. Conclusion The health and wellbeing needs of veteran families intensify during the transition from full-time military service to civilian environments, and service- or reintegration-related difficulties may emerge (or persist) for a significant period of time thereafter. Veteran families with complex needs are unduly burdened by care coordination demands. There is a pressing need for high-quality implementation studies that evaluate initiatives for integrating fragmented systems of care.

scholarly journals Challenges to effective governance in a low income healthcare system: a qualitative study of stakeholder perceptions in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C Masefield ◽  
Alan Msosa ◽  
Jean Grugel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
National Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Coverage

Abstract Background: All countries face challenging decisions about healthcare coverage. The scare resources of low income countries prevent improvements in equitable access and quality. Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, has committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. The health sector is highly dependent on donor contributions, but recent poor governance of government-funded healthcare saw donors withdraw funding, limiting services and resources. The 2017 updated National Health Plan II and accompanying Health Strategic Plan II identify the importance of improved governance and strategies to achieve it, including greater harmonisation with health stakeholders. This study explores health sector stakeholders’ perceptions of challenges to improving governance in the national health system. Methods: A qualitative study design was used. Interviews were conducted with 22 representatives of the major international and faith-based non-government organisations, civil society organisations, local government and government-funded organisations, and governance bodies operating in Malawi. Open questions were asked about experiences and perceptions of the functioning of the health system and healthcare decision-making. The transcripts and field notes were analysed using inductive content analysis.Results: Stakeholders view governance challenges as a barrier to achieving a more effective and equitable health system. Three types of challenges were identified: accountability (enforceability; answerability; stakeholder-led initiatives); health resource management (healthcare financing; drug supply); influence in decision-making (unequal power; stakeholder engagement).Conclusions: Health sector stakeholders see a range of serious challenges to improving governance in the national health system in Malawi which will impact on the government’s goal of achieving UHC by 2030. These can be categorised as political, structural, and financial challenges. Stakeholders identify the need for improved oversight, implementation, service delivery and social accountability of government-funded service providers to communities. Eighteen months after the introduction of the NHP II and HSSP II, they see little evidence of improved governance and have little or no confidence in the government’s ability to deliver UHC in the timeframe set out by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The difficulties stakeholders perceive in relation to building equitable and effective health governance in Malawi have relevance for other resource-limited countries which have also committed to the goal of UHC.

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