scholarly journals Left to Their Own Devices? A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Impacts of Smartphone Use on Children’s Outdoor Experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3115
Author(s):  
Jonas Vestergaard Nielsen ◽  
Jan Arvidsen
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
Outdoor Experiences ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
Larger Sample

The growing use of smartphones has been pointed out as one of the main reasons for the decrease in children’s outdoor time. However, there is still a gap in our understanding of how smartphone use affects children’s outdoor experiences and activities. The aim of the study is to explore children’s dependency on their smartphones, what smartphone functions children use when outdoors and how smartphone use affects children’s outdoor experiences. The study uses a mixed methods design which implements interviews with a small sample of children (N = 34) in order to help develop a questionnaire for a larger sample (N = 1148). Both datasets are included in the analysis with a complimentary perspective. The results suggest that children are highly dependent on having their smartphones available as an integrated part of their lives. However, smartphones also create favorable conditions for rich and valuable outdoor lives by expanding children’s and parents’ sense of security, children’s outdoor sociality, and children’s opportunities to mold their outdoor experiences. We stress that children’s passion for the digital world needs to be reconsidered as not ‘all bad’, but more as a condition in modern children’s lives and an asset to embrace in future strategies for actively engaging children in outdoor activities.

scholarly journals Fever and health-seeking behaviour among migrants living along the Thai-Myanmar border: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Napat Khirikoekkong ◽  
Supa-at Asarath ◽  
Mayreerat Munruchaitrakun ◽  
Naw Blay ◽  
Naomi Waithira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Economic Developments ◽  
Context Specific

Abstract The decline of malaria in Southeast Asia has complexified how fever is perceived and what actions are taken towards it. Using a mixed-methods design, we investigated the concept of fever and the determinants influencing health-seeking behaviour among migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border, where rapid economic developments collide with precarious political and socio-economic conditions. Fever corresponded with a high diversity of terms, symptoms and believed causes. The qualitative analysis identified distance and legal status as key barriers for accessing health care. The quantitative analysis further investigated determinants influencing health-seeking behaviour: living near a town where a cost-free clinic operated was inversely associated with seeking care at health posts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [0.19-0.86]), and public hospital attendance (aOR 0.31, 95% CI [0.14-0.67]). Living further away from the nearest town was associated with health posts attendance (aOR 1.05, 95% CI [1.00-1.10] per 1 km). Having legal status was inversely associated with cost-free clinics attendance (aOR 0.27, 95% CI [0.10-0.71]), and positively associated with private clinic (aOR 2.56, 95% CI [1.00-6.54]) and public hospital attendance (aOR 5.15, 95% CI [1.80-14.71]). Fever conception and believed causes are context-specific and should be investigated prior to any intervention.

scholarly journals Characteristics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Osteopathy (COCO) in the Perceptions of Osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/15399 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e15399
Author(s):  
Jan Porthun ◽  
Jonas Manschel
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Training Structures ◽  
Occupational Profile ◽  
Work Area ◽  
Osteopathic Treatment ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Sample Testing

Background Currently, the importance of osteopathy within the health care system is controversial. The training structures and the acknowledgment of the occupational profile strongly differ in the German-speaking territory. Objective This study aims to examine the characteristics of the osteopathic profession as well as the possibilities and challenges for osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Methods This study adopted a mixed methods design. The research topic will be examined based on qualitative and quantitative partial studies that will be conducted in parallel as well as sequentially. By applying different research methods and sample testing and by using standardized, validated measurement methods, we expect to be able to gain new insights into the work area of osteopathy. Results In November 2018, we started the research and data collection. Currently, we are conducting the first two partial studies. The planned duration of each of the partial study is 6-9 months. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2021. Conclusions This study will examine how osteopaths define themselves in comparison with professionals from other occupational profiles and how they describe the characteristics of their work. The identification of central issues is expected to help clarify the issues and define the profession. As such, the results might contribute to the conservation and improvement of the quality of osteopathic treatment. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/15399

scholarly journals Physical Activity and the Menstrual Cycle: A Mixed-Methods Study of Women’s Experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
Petra V. Kolić ◽  
David T. Sims ◽  
Kirsty Hicks ◽  
Laura Thomas ◽  
Christopher I. Morse
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Societal Norms ◽  
Menstrual Symptoms ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

The menstrual cycle is an important biological process in women that is associated with a range of physical symptoms, which can shape how women think, feel, and participate in activities of daily life. This study employed a mixed-methods design to investigate adult women’s physical activity throughout the menstrual cycle. One hundred and twenty-eight participants completed an online questionnaire that explored events of the menstrual cycle (e.g., bleeding, pain, fatigue) and physical activity. Semistructured interviews with 21 questionnaire respondents unpacked individual experiences of physical activity throughout the menstrual cycle. From the questionnaire data, 44 participants were categorized as avoiders and 84 as nonavoiders of physical activity due to menstrual events. Avoiders of physical activity reported longer periods, heavier menstrual flow, and higher levels of fatigue and pain compared with nonavoiders. Interviews revealed that avoidance of physical activity ranged from complete avoidance to adaptation (e.g., types of exercise). Reasons for avoidance and adaptation of physical activity included menstrual symptoms, personal thoughts, and concerns about other people’s views of the period. The present study findings emphasize the importance of not only evaluating prevalent physical symptoms, but also unpacking women’s individual perspectives and established societal norms to better understand and normalize physical activity throughout the menstrual cycle.

scholarly journals ‘Cold bedrooms’ and other cooling facilities in UK children’s hospices, how they are used and why they are offered: A mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632098433
Author(s):  
Julia Hackett ◽  
Bryony Beresford
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Support Intervention ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Changes Over Time

Background: The death of a child is acutely distressing. Evidence on the benefits and value to parents of spending time with their dead child have now been integrated into routine practice and is regarded as a bereavement support intervention. UK children’s hospices have a tradition of using ‘cooling facilities’ (cold bedrooms, cooled blanket/mattress) to extend this period of time by slowing deterioration of the body. Aims: To describe: (1) type and use of cooling facilities in UK children’s hospices, policies and practices regarding their use, and any changes over time. (2) Director of care’s views on the purpose of cooling facilities and the rationale for hospice-specific practices. Methods: An explanatory mixed-methods design consisting two phases: a crosssectional survey of directors of care of UK children’s hospices ( n = 52) followed by semi-structured telephone interviews with a sub-sample of respondents. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interview data using directed content analysis. Results: 41/52 hospices completed the survey and 13 directors of care were interviewed. All hospices had cooling facilities. Some offered use of portable cooling facilities at home, though take-up appears low. Hospices differed in approaches to managing care and duration of use. Views on whether parents should observe deterioration informed the latter. Directors of care believed they provide families with time to say ‘goodbye’ and process their loss. Challenges for staff were reported.

scholarly journals Text-Based Versus Video Discussion to Promote a Sense of Community: An International Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie Murphy ◽  
Kay Swartzwelder ◽  
Joanne Serembus Serembus ◽  
Shauna Roch ◽  
Shannon Maheu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Mixed Methods Design

Creating an engaging online course where students feel part of an online community can be challenging even for the most experienced online educator. Online discussions are a common tool used to connect students in online courses, but it is often limited to text-based posts. This international research study compared the use of text-based versus video-based discussions in online courses to ascertain students’ perceptions of social presence. A mixed-methods design using a modified Social Presence, Likert-scale survey, and open-ended questions was utilized to evaluate students’ perceptions. The results showed that while students preferred text-based to video-based discussions, students perceived more social presence when using video-based discussions.

scholarly journals The Clinical Impacts of Mobile Mood-Monitoring in Young People With Mental Health Problems: The MeMO Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Dubad ◽  
Farah Elahi ◽  
Steven Marwaha
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Young People ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Therapeutic Engagement ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Limited evidence suggests that mobile mood-monitoring can improve mental health outcomes and therapeutic engagement in young people. The aim of this mixed methods study was to explore the clinical impacts of mobile mood-monitoring in youth with mental health problems, using a publicly accessible app.Methods: Twenty-three patients with mental health problems and 24 young people without mental health problems participated in the quantitative study. Participants monitored their mood using a mood-monitoring app twice a day for 3 weeks, which was preceded by a 3-week baseline period. Outcome measures included momentary and retrospective assessments of affect regulation (all participants) and therapeutic engagement (patients only). Following the quantitative study, patients (n = 7) and their clinicians (n = 6) participated in individual interviews. Interview data was analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Use of the mood-monitoring app significantly reduced momentary negative mood (p < 0.001) and retrospectively assessed impulsivity across all 47 participants (p = 0.001). All other outcomes showed no significant difference. Qualitative feedback similarly indicated the potential of apps to improve problems with impulsivity in patients. Furthermore, apps may aid communication, promote empowerment, and ameliorate memory difficulties in clinical appointments.Conclusions: This mixed methods study demonstrated the potential utility of apps for clinical practice. Apps may potentially be an interventional tool, or at a minimum, an adjunct to existing treatments. Data was collected from a small sample size over a short study duration, limiting the generalisability of findings and inferences regarding long-term effects. Potential sources of bias in the qualitative study (e.g., researcher bias) should also be considered.

scholarly journals A comprehensive educational program for promoting Sexual Knowledge and Social Skills Mild Intellectually Disabled Teenagers in Puberty: protocol for a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
leila akrami ◽  
mokhtar malekpour ◽  
salar faramarzi ◽  
ahmad abedi
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Sexual Knowledge ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Intellectually Disabled ◽  
Third Stage

Abstract Background: Puberty is an important period for teenagers with intellectual disability (ID). In this period sexuality education and increasing social skills of adolescent and education of mothers become absolutely vital. The current research aimed to present a comprehensive educational program for promoting sexual knowledge and social skills mild intellectually disabled teenagers in puberty.Methods: This study is a sequential exploratory (qualitative – quantitative) mixed methods design that consists of three consecutive phases. In this study, following a qualitative approach, the researchers will explain state of sexual knowledge and social skills mild intellectually disabled teenagers in puberty. In the second phase, researchers will design an appropriate and comprehensive educational program for promoting sexual knowledge and social skills of MID adolescents and the education of their mothers. The suggested program of expert panel is approved based on prioritization guidelines and will be finalized for the execution. In the third stage, the effectiveness of educational program will be investigated in a semi-experimental study.Conclusions: Findings revealed that the educational program is appropriate MID adolescents and their mothers and will increase their sexual knowledge and social skills in puberty. Educational programs are important for teenagers with MID and their mothers. Family plays an important role in puberty of these adolescents.

scholarly journals Do checklist-induced behavioral changes improve self-confidence in fundoscopic examination?: A mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiki Yokokawa ◽  
Kiyoshi Shikino ◽  
Akiko Ikegami ◽  
Tomoko Tsukamoto ◽  
Kazutaka Noda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Fundoscopic Examination

Abstract BackgroundFundoscopic exams are conducted during outpatient consultations to assess intracranial disease and complications from chronic diseases. Low level of confidence in these skills which physicians have is one of the causes that Implementation frequency is low. We quantitatively verified increases in exam implementation for patients suggested for fundoscopic exams, as well as improvements in physicians' confidence in the procedures, by introducing a checklist. We also conducted a qualitative analysis in order to clarify the process by which they gain confidence in examination procedures.MethodsThis study is a before-after study, within an embedded-experimental mixed methods design. Phase 1 spans April to May 2016, April to May 2017, and October to November 2017. Phase 2 spans the two months following each phase 1 period. We sampled 15 physicians in department of general medicine at a university hospital assigned to initial consultation. The introduction of a checklist that verifies whether the fundoscopic exam was implemented. Measures are implementation ratio of the fundoscopic exam to the total number of indication cases, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) values ​​for the confidence in procedure are measured between the two phases. To analyze, we obtained qualitative data from interviews and used the Modified Grounded Theory Approach.ResultsWe observed significant increases in the implementation ratio (19.2% (29/151 cases) vs. 64.8% (105/162 cases), p<0.001), and in the VAS value for the confidence (1.89mm vs 4.68 mm (p<0.001)) between the two phases. Analysis of the interviews produced five themes from the initial 632 codes, 31 concepts (with <>), and 8 categories. To increase the implementation, it is necessary to reduce the <Lack of confidence> and < Forgetting>, which is preventing by the checklist. The <Lack of successful experiences in detecting abnormalities> leads to a <Lack of confidence>. Repeated executions result in <Successful experiences and confidence building>.ConclusionsThe intervention increased the implementation ratio, thereby increasing successful experiences and confidence among physicians. The growth of confidence boosted motivations to implement fundoscopic exams.

Maximizing experiential co-curricular programs through Stakeholders’ Theory: An explanatory mixed methods study

2022 ◽  
pp. 105382592110732
Author(s):  
Farah Otaki ◽  
Nerissa Naidoo ◽  
Saba Al Heialy ◽  
Anne-Marie John-Baptiste ◽  
Dave Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Quality Of Experience ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Explanatory Mixed Methods

Background: Some medical schools offer co-curricular experiential education programs. Despite the established value of such experiences, there are no published studies that reflect upon the systematic integration of perceptions of primary stakeholders, whose engagement is necessary for program continuity. Purpose: To showcase how stakeholders’ theory can be deployed to holistically evaluate the quality of experiential learning opportunities and the value they offer to all stakeholders. Methodology/Approach: Based on a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, data was solicited from 14 Program Organizers, 107 Participating Students, and 107 Onsite Mentors. Findings/Conclusions: The Program Organizers strongly agreed (95.5%) that the co-curricular program is efficacious. A majority of Participating Students rated the overall quality-of-experience as excellent (81.6%), and most Onsite Mentors rated students’ attendance as excellent (88.7%). There was a dependency between Participating Students’ attendance and extent to which they were engaged in teamwork. The qualitative analysis generated the “Global Citizenship” conceptual framework. Implications: Stakeholders’ theory can be leveraged to broaden the analytic scope of experiential learning, encapsulating the development that occurs at the community level due to individuals’ engagement. This conceptual framework can be utilized by other institutions to guide the development of similar co-curricular programs.

scholarly journals EFL supervisors’ written feedback focus and language functions: a mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abate Demissie Gedamu ◽  
Tesfaye Habtemariam Gezahegn
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Written Feedback ◽  
Language Function ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Frequency Counts

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to examine the EFL supervisors’ written feedback focus, and language functions at selected public universities in Ethiopia. To address the objectives of the study, qualitative and quantitative approaches with concurrent mixed methods design was adopted. 55 supervisees were randomly selected out of 205 for the questionnaire survey. Besides, four supervisors were selected for interviews. Moreover, feedback comments on five theses drafts were utilized as data sources. To decide the language functions and feedback foci, frequency counts and percentages were used. Nonetheless, content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The results showed that thesis supervisors used the directive feedback language function most prevailingly over the expressive function. Besides, the result indicated there was no balance of praise, criticism, and suggestions in the provision of feedback comments. The supervisors largely focused on content knowledge, followed by genre knowledge, and then linguistic accuracy and appropriateness (forms), respectively. Based on the results, supervisors were recommended to write their feedback comments in helpful and constructive ways based on the needs and preferences of their supervisees for the development of writing skills.

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