scholarly journals Higher education students services : a qualitative study of two mid-size universities' direct exchange programs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Taylor N. Kinde
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Student Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Direct Exchange ◽  
Studying Abroad ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
The Impact

This qualitative study was designed to explore the experiences of students and student services staff involved in the direct exchange program between University of Central Missouri (UCM) and Orebro University. The researcher explored the impact of student services staff assistance on students participating in this direct exchange. The conceptual framework of this research study included Schlossberg's Transition Theory (1984), which was selected as it explains what happens for students who are experiencing a significant transition. It directs them to the help they need when studying abroad in a new culture. Another theory that was utilized was Astin's Theory of Student Involvement (1985), which reveals how students who get involved in their study abroad experience through co-curricular activities have a better overall experience. Participants of this student included students who participated in this direct exchange as well as student services staff who work very closely with the exchange students. Data collection for this qualitative student included individual interviews, observations, and an online survey. For accuracy and credibility, the researcher did "member checking" as defined by Creswell, meaning the researcher shared the information revealed by the data analysis process with the participants to ensure the information was accurate (Creswell, 2014; Merriam and Tisdell, 2016; Seidman, 2013). Overall analysis of the data disclosed many themes, such as volunteer opportunities, comfort, relationships, multiple challenges, independence, personal and professional development, study differences (orientation, support, etc.), and reaching out. All of the findings provide real information describing the richness of the direct exchange established between UCM and Orebro University.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the UK: a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048772
Author(s):  
Toby O Smith ◽  
Pippa Belderson ◽  
Jack R Dainty ◽  
Linda Birt ◽  
Karen Durrant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Social Restriction ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to explore how people adapted to these measures over time.DesignMixed-methods investigation comprising a national online longitudinal survey and embedded qualitative study.SettingUK online survey and interviews with community-dwelling individuals in the East of England.ParticipantsPeople in the UK with RMDs were invited to participate in an online survey. A subsection of respondents were invited to participate in the embedded qualitative study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe online survey, completed fortnightly over 10 weeks from April 2020 to August 2020, investigated changes in symptoms, social isolation and loneliness, resilience and optimism. Qualitative interviews were undertaken assessing participant’s perspectives on changes in symptoms, exercising, managing instrumental tasks such a shopping, medication and treatment regimens and how they experienced changes in their social networks.Results703 people with RMDs completed the online survey. These people frequently reported a deterioration in symptoms as a result of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions (52% reported increase vs 6% reported a decrease). This was significantly worse for those aged 18–60 years compared with older participants (p=0.017). The qualitative findings from 26 individuals with RMDs suggest that the greatest change in daily life was experienced by those in employment. Although some retired people reported reduced opportunity for exercise outside their homes, they did not face the many competing demands experienced by employed people and people with children at home.ConclusionsPeople with RMDs reported a deterioration in symptoms when COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures were enforced. This was worse for working-aged people. Consideration of this at-risk group, specifically for the promotion of physical activity, changing home-working practices and awareness of healthcare provision is important, as social restrictions continue in the UK.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of a community participatory intervention on women's capability: a qualitative study in Gulu Northern Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loubna Belaid ◽  
Emmanuel Ochola ◽  
Pontius Bayo ◽  
George William Alii ◽  
Martin Ogwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Women Of Childbearing Age ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Community participatory interventions mobilizing women of childbearing age are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health. In 2017, we implemented this strategy in Gulu Northern Uganda. This study explored the perceived impact of this approach on women's capability. Methods We conducted a qualitative study based on three data collection methods: 14 in-depth individual interviews with participating women of childbearing age, five focus group discussions with female facilitators, and document analysis. We used the Sen capability approach as a conceptual framework and undertook a thematic analysis. Results Women adopted safe and healthy behaviors for themselves and their children. They were also able to respond to some of their family's financial needs. They reported a reduction in domestic violence and in mistreatment towards their children. The facilitators perceived improved communication skills, networking, self-confidence, and an increase in their social status. Nevertheless, the women still faced unfreedoms that deprived them of living the life they wanted to lead. These unfreedoms are related to their lack of access to economic opportunities and socio-cultural norms underlying gender inequalities. Conclusion To expand women's freedoms, we need more collective political actions to tackle gender inequalities and need to question the values underlying women's social status.

scholarly journals International youth exchanges: a sociological analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-93
Author(s):  
Anna V. Maltseva ◽  
Dmitrii M. Kasatkin ◽  
Igor I. Temnyi
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
The State ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Youth Policy ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Russian State ◽  
Subjective Aspect ◽  
The Impact

International youth exchanges are one of the most relevant forms of international youth cooperation and an important aspect of state youth policy. This article attempts to draw public attention to the subjective aspect of youth exchanges by pointing out specific demands and requirements of modern generation students, who act as the main consumer of international youth programs. The Russian-speaking academic community generally lacks research on international youth exchanges and, specifically, on the youth’s demand for such exchanges. This article aims to characterize the current situation and to determine how the demand for international youth exchanges will develop in the longer term. This study also answers the question of who and why needs youth exchanges, and how to ensure that international programs are in demand. Finally, the study correlates opportunities for exchange development offered by the state with the youth’s demand for such exchanges, and examines the impact that exchanges have on young people. This work focuses on youth exchanges as a part of Russian state youth policy and on its youth cooperation with other countries. The emphasis is placed on students of St. Petersburg, one of the centres of international youth exchanges in Russia. The data was collected in January 2020 via an online survey in the social networks VKontakte and Facebook, as well as WhatsApp and Telegram messengers. It included 424 respondents aged 18 to 25. The study has revealed what students expect from and how prepared they are for international exchanges, as well as what possible risks and motivations are related to such exchanges. The obtained data has been correlated with the opportunities offered by the state. Based on the results of the study, a number of recommendations have been made. They can be useful for legislative and executive authorities, who are responsible for the legislation on exchanges, and for both for- and non-profit organizations, directly involved in organizing certain exchange programs.

scholarly journals Exploring the Human Factors Affecting Health Service Managers: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 2017-2023
Author(s):  
Mansour Ranjbar ◽  
Masoumeh Neishabouri ◽  
Mohammad Ali Heidari Gorji
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Service Managers

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, managing health-service systems has faced multiple challenges. Identifying and resolving these challenges promote the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital activities. AIM: The present study aimed to explore the human factors affecting health service managers.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted with 29 employees who were in close contact with the health service managers. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were collected using purposeful sampling and were analysed using conventional content analysis via MAXQDA software.RESULTS: A group of 29 participants were interviewed (male 65.5%, female 34.4%). "Managing managers" has been identified as the primary theme with four supporting secondary themes including the inappropriate appointment of managers, the impact of human and social needs of managers, influential employees, and disrupting organisational communications. These are the challenges faced by managers in managing human resources in health-service organisations.CONCLUSION: Results showed that employees manage their managers within the organisation so that they can prevent managers from concentrating on their management affairs and tasks resulting in the distortion of management practices. The results of this study can help the key policy makers and planners in health-service organisations to guide the organisation to pursue its goals through appointing appropriate managers and identifying influential employees.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions Affecting Older Adults' Social Interactions and Communication

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 247-247
Author(s):  
Mackinsey Shahan ◽  
Seung Eun Jung ◽  
Frankie Palmer ◽  
Amy Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives Due to increased risk of social isolation caused by COVID-19, this study was conducted to understand changes in health behaviors among older adults, particularly concerning means of social interaction. Methods Community dwelling adults ages 60 and older completed qualitative individual interviews via Zoom and a 24 item online survey, the Questionnaire for Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Older Adults. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis and descriptive statistics. Results A total of 23 participants completed interviews and 25 completed online surveys. Participants were mainly female (72%), white (96%), with a mean age of 71.96 years. Nineteen (76%) participants were very concerned by the pandemic, and only one participant was not at all concerned. Participants frequently reported more interactions with their immediate family. Only five (20%) reported communicating with close friends and family less often than before the pandemic began. Seven (28%) reported communicating with friends and family more often than before and about half (52%) reported that their frequency of communication was “about the same” as pre-pandemic. Twenty-one (84%) participants communicated with others daily or at least several times per week. However, participants reported less face-to-face interaction and increased use of technology, such as virtual happy hours. All participants stayed in touch with others by phone calls (100%). Other often used means of communication were texting (92%), video calls (68%), email (68%), social media (52%), and postal mail (48%). Participants also reported some social gatherings with individuals bringing their own food and social distancing maintained. Despite this, 16 participants (64%) reported feeling isolated from others sometimes or often. Conclusions Although many older adults have adjusted their usual behaviors to stay in contact with others during the pandemic, this study found that most still felt isolated. Long-term feelings of isolation and lack of social support may compromise nutrition for this population. Therefore, it is crucial that nutrition professionals incorporate aspects of social support when working with these individuals. Funding Sources Julie O'Sullivan Maillet Research Grant Award funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (ANDF).

scholarly journals Nursing students’ experiences of bullying in clinical practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Florence L. Luhanga ◽  
Vivian A. Puplampu ◽  
Sherry Arvidson ◽  
Adeyemi Ogunade
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Nursing Program ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing ◽  
The Impact

Bullying is a major concern in the nursing profession because of its implications for patients’ safety, the health of nurses and nursing students, as well as on the workforce in the healthcare system. The purpose of the study was to explain the incidence and state of bullying experienced by nursing students in the undergraduate nursing program during clinical practice. Fifty-five undergraduate nursing students participated in the mixed methods research conducted in a tertiary institution in Western Canada. Participants completed an online survey and an individual interview. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while thematic analysis was employed for the open-ended questions on the survey and individual interviews. The findings from the study showed that a small number of students four (7.7%) frequently experienced bullying in the clinical setting with clinical instructors and practicing nurses being the main perpetrators. Students reported anxiety connected with going for clinical practice however a unique finding from this study was that the affected students continued to go for clinical practice and decided to remain in the program because of their goal to become registered nurses. Peers from the program were one of the key support systems for the students when they experienced the negative behavior. Irrespective of the low incidence of bullying at the research site, the impact of the behavior aligns with the literature. The findings from this study has the potential to inform clinical practices and policies in undergraduate nursing programs.

scholarly journals Emotional side-effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: qualitative study

2009 ◽  
Vol 195 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Price ◽  
Victoria Cole ◽  
Guy M. Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Selective Serotonin ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gathering Data

BackgroundSome people who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants report that their experience of emotions is ‘blunted’. This phenomenon is poorly understood.AimsTo understand patients' experiences of this phenomenon.MethodQualitative study, gathering data through individual interviews, a group interview and validation interviews; and searching patient websites for relevant posts.ResultsThere was strong evidence that some people taking SSRIs experience significant emotional symptoms that they strongly attribute to their antidepressant. These emotional symptoms can be described within six key themes. A seventh theme represents the impact of these side-effects on everyday life, and an eighth represents participants' reasons for attributing these symptoms to their antidepressant. Most participants felt able to distinguish between emotional side-effects of antidepressants and emotional symptoms of their depression or other illness.ConclusionsEmotional side-effects of SSRIs are a robust phenomenon, prominent in some people's thoughts about their medication, having a demonstrable impact on their functioning and playing a role in their decision-making about antidepressant adherence.

‘This is your golden time. You enjoy it and you’ve plenty time for crying after’: How dysphagia impacts family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1097-1107
Author(s):  
Dominika Lisiecka ◽  
Helen Kelly ◽  
Jeanne Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
South West ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Background: Dysphagia (swallowing impairments) is a well-recognised symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Caring for a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been recognised as a complex and demanding task. No study to date investigated the impact of dysphagia on the lives of caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aim: To investigate the experiences of dysphagia from the perspective of family caregivers of people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. Individual interviews (n = 15) plus observations of mealtime preparation were conducted, where possible (seven or n). Setting/participants: Participants comprised family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dysphagia living in the South West of Ireland ( n = 10). Findings: Dysphagia transformed the mealtime experiences of the caregivers and changed their approaches to food. Frustration related to the inability to stabilise the weight of the person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the fear of choking emerged strongly. The caregivers strived to ensure the safety of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during meals by providing constant supervision. Despite the challenges precipitated by dysphagia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the caregivers wished to maintain normality for as long as they perceived it to be possible. Conclusion: This study provides a unique contribution in advancing our understanding of the impact of dysphagia on the caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Professionals must explore and recognise the needs of the caregivers and provide them with appropriate support, especially how to manage choking.

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