Using community‐based participatory methods to design a digital intervention for mothers with substance use disorders: Qualitative results from focus group discussions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phyllis Raynor ◽  
Cynthia Corbett ◽  
Ron Prinz ◽  
Delia West ◽  
Alain Litwin
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Participatory Methods ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Digital Intervention

scholarly journals Setting the global research agenda for community-based HIV service delivery through the faith sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha T. Ndlovu-Teijema ◽  
Maarten O. Kok ◽  
Sabine L. van Elsland ◽  
Hilleen Smeets ◽  
David Barstow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Faith Leaders ◽  
Global Research

Abstract Background While leading AIDS organizations expect faith and health collaborations to play a crucial role in organizing and scaling up community-based HIV services, it is unclear how this can be realized. Little primary research has been conducted into which strategies for collaboration and service provision are most effective, efficient, scalable and sustainable. Seeking to align research with urgent needs, enhance coordination and increase the likelihood that results are used, this study aimed to set an inclusive global research agenda that reflects priority research questions from key stakeholders at the intersection of HIV healthcare and faith. Methods In order to develop this global research agenda, we drew from document analyses, focus group discussions, interviews with purposively selected key informants from all continents (policy-makers, healthcare providers, faith leaders, academics and HIV activists), an online questionnaire, and expert meetings at several global conferences. We carried out focus group discussions and interviews with faith leaders in South Africa. Other stakeholder focus groups and interviews were carried out online or in person in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and South Africa, and virtual questionnaires were distributed to stakeholders worldwide. Respondents were purposively sampled. Results We interviewed 53 participants, and 110 stakeholders responded to the online questionnaire. The participants worked in 54 countries, with the majority having research experience (84%), experience with policy processes (73%) and/or experience as a healthcare provider (60%) and identifying as religious (79%). From interviews (N = 53) and questionnaires (N = 110), we identified 10 research themes: addressing sexuality, stigma, supporting specific populations, counselling and disclosure, agenda-setting, mobilizing and organizing funding, evaluating faith-health collaborations, advantage of faith initiatives, gender roles, and education. Respondents emphasized the need for more primary research and prioritized two themes: improving the engagement of faith communities in addressing sexuality and tackling stigma. Conclusions A wide range of respondents participated in developing the research agenda. To align research to the prioritized themes and ensure that results are used, it is essential to further engage key users, funders, researchers and other stakeholders, strengthen the capacity for locally embedded research and research uptake and contextualize priorities to diverse religious traditions, key populations and local circumstances.

scholarly journals STARC-SUD – Adaptation of a transdiagnostic intervention for refugees with substance use disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Special Issue) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annett Lotzin ◽  
Jutta Lindert ◽  
Theresa Koch ◽  
Alexandra Liedl ◽  
Ingo Schäfer
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cultural Concepts

Background Refugees often suffer from multiple mental health problems, which transdiagnostic interventions can address. STARC (Skills-Training of Affect Regulation – A Culture-sensitive Approach) is a culturally sensitive transdiagnostic group intervention that has been developed for refugees to improve affect regulation. In refugees with substance use disorders (SUD), the consideration of SUD-specific elements might improve the acceptance and effectiveness of such an intervention. We aimed to adapt the STARC program for refugees with SUD in a culturally sensitive way. Method The conceptual framework of Heim and Kohrt (2019) was used to culturally sensitively adapt the STARC program to the needs of Syrian refugees with SUD. The results of five focus group discussions with refugees on cultural concepts of SUD and their treatment informed the adaption. An expert group suggested adaptions and decided by consensus on their implementation. Two pilot groups were conducted with the adapted STARC-SUD program. Interviews with the therapists of these pilot groups informed further adaption. Results The concepts related to SUD identified in focus groups and therapists’ interviews that differed from Western concepts were integrated into the STARC intervention. Discussion Further studies should assess the acceptance and effectiveness of the culturally sensitive STARC-SUD program for refugees with SUD.

USING LAY COUNSELLORS TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY-BASED VOLUNTARY COUNSELLING AND HIV TESTING IN RURAL NORTHERN GHANA: A BASELINE SURVEY ON COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE AND STIGMA

2007 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 721-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. BAIDEN ◽  
G. AKANLU ◽  
A. HODGSON ◽  
P. AKWEONGO ◽  
C. DEBPUUR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Voluntary Counselling ◽  
Hiv Aids

SummaryAccess to voluntary counselling and HIV testing (VCT) remains limited in most parts of Ghana with rural populations being the least served. Services remain facility-based and employ the use of an ever-dwindling number of health workers as counsellors. This study assessed approval for the use of lay counsellors to promote community-based voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and the extent of HIV/AIDS-related stigma in the Kassena-Nankana district of rural northern Ghana. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the tendency to stigmatize people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Focus group discussions were held and analytical coding of the data performed. The majority (91·1%) of the 403 respondents indicated a desire to know their HIV status. Most (88·1%) respondents considered locations outside of the health facility as preferred places for VCT. The majority (98·7%) of respondents approved the use of lay counsellors. About a quarter (24%) of respondents believed that it was possible to acquire HIV through sharing a drinking cup with a PLWHA. About half (52·1%) of the respondents considered that a teacher with HIV/AIDS should not be allowed to teach, while 77·2% would not buy vegetables from a PLWHA. Respondents who believed that sharing a drinking cup with a PLWHA could transmit HIV infection (OR 2·50, 95%CI 1·52–4·11) and respondents without formal education (OR 2·94, 95%CI 1·38–6·27) were more likely to stigmatize PLWHAs. In contrast, respondents with knowledge of the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs were less likely to do so (OR 0·40, 95%CI 0·22–0·73). Findings from the thirteen focus group discussions reinforced approval for community-based VCT and lay counsellors but revealed concerns about stigma and confidentiality. In conclusion, community-based VCT and the use of lay counsellors may be acceptable options for promoting access. Interventional studies are required to assess feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

scholarly journals “Our culture prohibits some things”: Qualitative inquiry into how sociocultural context influences the scale up of community-based injectable contraceptives in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwaseun Akinyemi ◽  
Bronwyn Harris ◽  
Mary Kawonga
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Injectable Contraceptives ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractObjectivesTo explore how sociocultural factors may support or impede the adoption of community-based distribution of injectable contraceptives in Nigeria.DesignA qualitative study based on a grounded theory approach was conducted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.SettingMost participants lived in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Other participants were from Ibadan (South West) and Abuja (Federal capital territory).ParticipantsThrough seven key informant interviews, 15 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions, 102 participants were involved in the study.MethodsThis study, conducted in 2016 was part of a larger study on scale up of community-based distribution of injectable contraceptives. Qualitative data were collected from traditional and religious leaders, health workers and community members. The data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework method.ResultsSociocultural challenges to scale up included patriarchy and men’s fear of losing control over their spouses, traditional and religious beliefs about fertility, and myths about contraceptives and family planning. As a result of deep-rooted beliefs that children are ‘divine blessings’ and that procreation should not be regulated, participants described a subtle resistance to uptake of injectable contraceptives. Since Gombe is largely a patriarchal society, male involvement emerged as important to the success of meaningful innovation uptake. Community leaders largely described their participation in the scale up process as active, although they also identified scope for further involvement and recognition.ConclusionScale up is more than setting up health sector implementing structures, training health workers and getting innovation supplies, but also requires preparedness which includes paying attention to complex contextual issues. This requires the health system and those who work in it, to move beyond a narrow health ‘comfort zone’ by actively engaging with, and learning from, those who are leading, caring for and living in, the community.Strengths and limitations of this studyThe study participants represented a range of stakeholders - users of injectable contraceptives, community members, providers and health system managers.Our results highlighted that scale up is influenced by several socio-cultural factors; thus, showing the importance of paying attention to complex contextual issues during innovation uptake.The findings of our study emphasized how health systems and communities should interact in order to ensure successful scale up of health innovations.As with any qualitative study, the findings of this study are not statistically generalizable.FundingThis research was supported by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA). CARTA is jointly led by the African Population and Health Research Center and the University of the Witwatersrand and funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York (Grant No--B 8606.R02), Sida (Grant No:54100113), the DELTAS Africa Initiative (Grant No: 107768/Z/15/Z) and Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). The DELTAS Africa Initiative is an independent funding scheme of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS)’s Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA) and supported by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency) with funding from the Wellcome Trust (UK) and the UK government. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors.Declarations of interestNone.

scholarly journals Рідна мова vs мова повсякденного спілкування в оцінках українців

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Олена [Olena] Руда [Ruda]
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Ethnic Community ◽  
Russian Language ◽  
Mass Survey ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Actual Choice ◽  
Everyday Communication

Native Language vs the Language of Everyday Communication in Ukrainians’ OpinionsThe Russian language is used every day by a lot of Ukrainians who consider their native language to be Ukrainian and who attribute themselves to the largest ethnic community. Based on a mass survey respondents from different regions of Ukraine, as well as focus group discussions with Ukrainian and Russian-speaking residents of Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Kharkiv, how linguistic and ethnic self-identifications of Ukrainians correlate with the actual choice of language for everyday and situational communication is analyzed. Ukrainians’ interpretations of the concept of “native language” and their explanations regarding what language they use and why in different situations and with different speakers is described. Język ojczysty a język komunikacji codziennej w opiniach UkraińcówJęzyk rosyjski jest używany na co dzień przez wielu Ukraińców, którzy uważają język ukraiński za swój język ojczysty i zgłaszają swój akces do najliczniejszej w kraju społeczności etnicznej. Analizę wyboru języka w komunikacji codziennej i sytuacyjnie nacechowanej wykonano zarówno na podstawie wyników uzyskanych z szeroko przeprowadzonych badań ankietowych w różnych regionach Ukrainy, jak również przy wykorzystaniu materiałów zgromadzonych w trakcie dyskusji prowadzonych z celowo dobranymi grupami ukraińsko- i rosyjskojęzycznych mieszkańców Kijowa, Lwowa, Odessy i Charkowa, w których rozmówcom zadawano pytanie, w jaki sposób językowa i etniczna samoidentyfikacja Ukraińców koreluje z faktycznym wyborem języka. W artykule przedstawiono sposoby interpretacji przez Ukraińców pojęcia „język ojczysty” oraz zasady, jakimi się kierują w doborze języka w zależności od sytuacji komunikacyjnej i typu rozmówcy.

scholarly journals ‘Our culture prohibits some things’: qualitative inquiry into how sociocultural context influences the scale-up of community-based injectable contraceptives in Nigeria

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e035311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwaseun Oladapo Akinyemi ◽  
Bronwyn Harris ◽  
Mary Kawonga
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
North East ◽  
Injectable Contraceptives ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectivesTo explore how sociocultural factors may support or impede the adoption of community-based distribution of injectable contraceptives in Nigeria.DesignA qualitative study based on inductive thematic analysis was conducted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.SettingMost participants lived in Gombe State, North-East Nigeria. Other participants were from Ibadan (South-West) and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory).ParticipantsThrough seven key informant interviews, 15 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions, 102 participants were involved in the study.MethodsThis study conducted in 2016 was part of a larger study on scale-up of community-based distribution of injectable contraceptives. Qualitative data were collected from traditional and religious leaders, health workers and community members. The data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework method.ResultsSociocultural challenges to scale-up included patriarchy and men’s fear of losing control over their spouses, traditional and religious beliefs about fertility, and myths about contraceptives and family planning. As a result of deep-rooted beliefs that children are ‘divine blessings’ and that procreation should not be regulated, participants described a subtle resistance to uptake of injectable contraceptives. Since Gombe is largely a patriarchal society, male involvement emerged as important to the success of meaningful innovation uptake. Community leaders largely described their participation in the scale-up process as active, although they also identified the scope for further involvement and recognition.ConclusionScale-up is more than setting up health sector implementing structures, training health workers and getting innovation supplies, but also requires preparedness which includes paying attention to complex contextual issues. Policy implementers should also see scale-up as a learning process and be willing to move at the speed of the community.

scholarly journals Focus Groups as a Tool to Collect Data in a Community Informatics Project Involving Elderly Rural Women

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronel Smith
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Collecte De Données ◽  
Groupes De Discussion ◽  
Groupe De Discussion

English abstractFocus group research is increasingly being used as a tool when working with traditionally marginalised communities. This paper describes a case study of how focus groups were used as a data-gathering tool by a research team working with middle-aged women in a remote rural community to design an ICT platform which meets their specific needs. The paper makes a methodological contribution by making a normative comparison between traditional focus groups and a community-based focus group in a rural community in South Africa. Feminist and critical views are discussed as sensitising dimensions and techniques for a community-based focus group approach. A description is given of the informed consent process and how the focus group discussions were piloted and are being used as a data-gathering tool. To date six focus groups have been conducted with a number of participants ranging from fifteen to twenty-three women per focus group. Extracts from the focus group discussions are given to show how appropriate this approach is in a rural community where the culture is inherently oral and decisions are reached by consensus. Group interaction, the need for openness and transparency, and the assurance that everybody gets the same information and is given the opportunity to voice their opinions, are very important in rural communities.French abtract -RÉSUMÉ  Cet article décrit une étude de la façon dont les groupes de discussion ont été utilisés comme un outil de collecte de données, par une équipe de recherche qui travaille avec les femmes d'âge moyen, dans une communauté rurale éloignée de la conception d'un forum pour la technologie de communication et de l’information (TCI) qui répondent à leurs besoins spécifiques . L’article apporte une contribution méthodologique en faisant une comparaison normative entre les groupes de discussion traditionnels et un groupe de discussion communautaire dans une communauté rurale en Afrique du Sud. Des vues féministes et critiques sont discutées comme dimensions de sensibilisation et techniques pour une approche de groupe de discussion communautaire. Une description est donnée du processus de consentement annoncée et la façon dont les groupes de discussion ont été mis à l'essai et sont utilisés comme un outil de collecte de données. À ce jour, six groupes de discussion composés d'une moyenne de vingt-trois femmes chacun ont été etudiés . Des extraits des discussions de groupe sont presentés pour montrer comment cette approche est appropriée dans une communauté rurale où la culture est intrinsèquement orale et les décisions prises par consensus. L'interaction en groupe, le besoin d'ouverture et de transparence, et l'assurance que tout le monde reçoit la même information et a la possibilité d'exprimer leurs opinions, sont très importants dans les communautés rurales.Russian abstract - РЕЗЮМЕ Эта статья описывает конкретный пример того, как фокус группы были использованы в качестве инструмента сбора данных группой исследователей, работающих с женщинами среднего возраста в отдаленной сельской общине для проектирования артефакта ИКТ, которая отвечает их конкретным потребностям. Методологический вклад статьи в нормативном сравнении между традиционными фокус-группами и общинными фокус-группами в сельской общинe в Южной Африке. Феминистские и критические взгляды обсуждаются в качестве сенсибилизирующих размерностей и методов подходящих для общинных фокус-групп . Дано описание процесса обоснованного согласия и как дискуссии в фокус-группах были опробованы и используются в качестве инструмента для сбора данных. На сегодняшний день шесть фокус-групп были опробированы, состоящих в среднем из двадцати трех женщин каждая. Выдержки из обсуждений в фокус-группах показывают, как хорошо подходит этот метод в сельской общине, где культура по своей сути устная и решения на основе консенсуса. Взаимодействие в группах, потребность в открытости и ясности, а также уверенность в том что каждый получает ту же информацию и имеет возможность высказать свое мнение, очень важны в сельских общинах.

scholarly journals The influence of community factors in the implementation of community-based interventions to improve antenatal care: a qualitative study based on the IMCHA programme in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chakupewa Joseph ◽  
Stephen O. Maluka
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Community Factors ◽  
Care Services

Abstract Background Efforts to improve antenatal care have been heightened to reduce global maternal deaths. In resource-limited settings, community-based interventions play a pivotal role in improving antenatal care services. However, effective implementation of community-based interventions is influenced by prevailing community-related factors. Drawing from the community-based interventions implemented in Iringa Region in Tanzania, this paper underscores how community factors influence implementation and ultimate improvement of antenatal care services. Methods A qualitative case study design was employed using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews. Data was collected in Kilolo and Mufindi districts in Iringa Region where community-based interventions were implemented. A total of one hundred and forty-six (146) participants were involved in the study. Eighty-six (86) participants were interviewed and sixty (n = 60) participated in focus group discussions. Data were analysed thematically and manually by categorizing and coding emerging issues to facilitate analysis and interpretation. Results Key factors that influenced the implementation of the community-based interventions were the community readiness to adopt the interventions and effective local administrative systems. Stakeholders’ engagement and local health system support were also pivotal for improving antenatal care services. However, the physical environment, bullying of implementers of interventions and family-related challenges constrained the implementation of the interventions. Conclusion This study has shown that the performance of community-based interventions is highly influenced by community-related factors. More specifically, inadequate community engagement may lead to community members’ reluctance to adopt implemented interventions. Therefore, in-depth understanding and adequate management of community engagement are important during the planning, development and implementation of community-based interventions.

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