scholarly journals Exploring the characteristics of a local demand for African wild meat: A focus group study of long-term Ghanaian residents in the Netherlands

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246868
Author(s):  
Sandrella M. Morrison-Lanjouw ◽  
Roel A. Coutinho ◽  
Kwasi Boahene ◽  
Robert Pool
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
West African ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Wild Meat ◽  
The City

While there is a growing body of research documenting unregulated African wild meat imports into Europe from the Africa continent, the drivers of this demand are virtually unknown. This study employs focus group discussions and a survey questionnaire to examine the attitudes and practices related to African wild meat consumption in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Ghanaian community was selected as the object of this study, as it is the largest West African population in the Netherlands and represents an important part of Dutch society. We model our report on a recent US study of the Liberian community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which allows for the comparison of results between two Western countries. The overall perceived health risk of consuming African wild meat in The Netherlands is low and unlikely to deter consumption. However, local prices for the meat may be prohibitive in some cases. Incentives include health benefits, cultural drivers and a strong preference for the taste of African wild meat over all local meat alternatives. The study calls for further research into the nature of the drivers of demand for African wild meat as well as its public health consequences, in the Netherlands and beyond.

scholarly journals A qualitative study of consumer perceptions and use of traffic light food labelling in Ecuador

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 805-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilma B Freire ◽  
William F Waters ◽  
Gabriela Rivas-Mariño ◽  
Tien Nguyen ◽  
Patricio Rivas
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse patterns of knowledge, comprehension, attitudes and practices regarding the traffic light label placed on processed food packages to inform Ecuadorian consumers about levels of added fat, sugar and salt.DesignTwenty-one focus group discussions organized by age group, sex and place of residence. Interviews with representatives of companies that manufacture or market processed foods. Analysis of regulations and structured observations of processed food labels.SettingCities and towns in Ecuador’s coastal, highland and eastern lowland regions.SubjectsOne hundred and seventy-eight participants in twenty-one focus group discussions and nine key informants.ResultsFocus group participants knew about the traffic light label and understood the information it conveys, but not all changed their attitudes and practices related to the purchase and consumption of processed foods. Children, adolescents and adult males reported using the information infrequently; adolescents interested in health and adult women used the label the most to select products. Representatives of companies that manufacture or market processed foods generally opposed the policy, stating that the information is misleading. Nevertheless, some companies have reduced levels of added fat, sugar or salt in their products.ConclusionsThe traffic light label is an effective tool for conveying complex information. Its potential contribution to reduce consumption of products with high levels of fat, sugar and salt could be enhanced by promoting healthy diets among consumers who have not changed purchasing and consumption behaviour, by placing the label on front panels and by monitoring the production and marketing of processed foods.

scholarly journals Decolonising the mindsets, attitudes and practices of the allopathic and indigenous health practitioners in postcolonial society: An exploratory approach in the management of patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon M. Nemutandani ◽  
Stephen J. Hendricks ◽  
Mavis F. Mulaudzi
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background: The indigenous health care system continues in the postcolonial era to be perceived by antagonists as a threat to Western medicine. It has been associated with ‘witchcraft’, actively discouraged and repressed through official government prohibition laws. Despite that, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(HIV and AIDS) patients consult both allopathic and indigenous health practitioners.Aim: The study explored a collaboration model between allopathic and traditional health practitioners in the management of patients living with HIV and AIDS in postcolonial South Africa.Setting: We conducted six combined focus group discussions and four separate group discussions with each category of co-researchers.Methods: Combined and separate focus group discussions were conducted with community members, allopathic and indigenous health practitioners, applying the cyclical method in the decolonisation process. Their perceptions and experiences in the management of HIV and AIDS patients were explored, and finally decolonisation strategies suitable for collaboration in their context were identified.Results: The two health systems were rendering services to the same HIV and AIDS communities.Lack of communication created confusion. Collaboration was long overdue. A change in mindsets, attitudes and practices among practitioners was critical, with an acknowledgementthat ‘neither health system is better than the other, but the two should be complementary, recognising that the culture and beliefs of patients influence their health-seeking behaviour’.Conclusion: Co-researchers were committed to working together in the fight against HIV and AIDS infections. Their model for collaboration addresses the challenges of patients’ secrecy, treatment overdose and the abandonment of antiretroviral treatment. Through the application of a decolonisation process, their mindsets, attitudes and practices towards each other were changed, enabling the joint development of a custom model for collaboration between allopathic health practitioners and indigenous health practitioners in the management of patients living with HIV and AIDS.

scholarly journals Exploring views on long term rehabilitation for people with stroke in a developing country: findings from focus group discussions

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin ◽  
Noor Azah Abd Aziz ◽  
Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz ◽  
Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh ◽  
Nor Aishah Omar Othman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

scholarly journals Pediatric Early Warning Score Systems, nurse’s perspective – a focus group study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Claus Sixtus Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Clinical Judgment ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Early Warning Score ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Nurses Perceptions

Background: Pediatric early warning score (PEWS) systems are used to monitor pediatric patients’ vital signs and facilitate the treatment of patients at risk of deteriorating. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge about nurses’ experiences with PEWS and to highlight factors facilitating and impeding the use of PEWS tools in clinical practice we aim to obtain knowledge about nurses’ experiences with PEWS. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was chosen using focus group discussions to gain a deeper understanding of nurses’ experiences with PEWS. A total of five focus group discussions were conducted at three hospitals, and the analyses performed were inspired by Kvale and Brinckman. Results: Seven themes were identified, including i) lack of interdisciplinary awareness, ii) clinical judgment and PEWS—a multi-faceted approach, iii) PEWS supports a professional language, iv) monitoring equipment—a challenge, v) PEWS helps to visualize the need for escalating care, vi) an inflexible and challenging tool, and vii) supportive tools enhance the nurses’ experiences of PEWS positively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that attention should be given to nurses’ perceptions of how both clinical judgment and PEWS should be seen as essential in providing nurses with information about the patients’ conditions. If not, the risk of failing to recognize patients’ deteriorating conditions will remain. From the nurses’ perspective, medical doctors seemed unaware of their role in using PEWS.

scholarly journals Socio-Economic Participation of Somali Refugees in the Netherlands, Transnational Networks and Boundary Spanning

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 264-274
Author(s):  
Ilse Van Liempt ◽  
Gery Nijenhuis
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Immigrant Group ◽  
Transnational Networks ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Somali Refugees ◽  
Economic Participation ◽  
The Uk

<p>In this article we analyse the socio-economic participation of Somali refugees in the Netherlands. Unemployment is higher among Somalis than any other refugee or immigrant group in the Netherlands and they face many obstacles when it comes to social and economic participation. At the same time, they are known for having a strong transnational orientation. We were interested to learn whether and, if so, how Somalis use their transnational networks to overcome obstacles on the Dutch labour market and how boundaries around formal labour markets are negotiated in order to access employment and to participate. We did so by focusing on two strategies employed to participate, namely through Somali organizations in the Netherlands and elsewhere, and by Somalis moving to the UK. In doing so, we looked at Somalis’ ability to span boundaries to create opportunities. The concept of transnational networks is helpful in understanding Somalis’ daily realities, but conceptually it does not seem to fit entirely as these networks usually only refer to connections with the ‘homeland.’ We argue that Somalis’ boundary-spanning activities move beyond national levels and involve various scales, sites, and settings. The data we refer to are derived from focus group discussions with 66 Somali people in Amsterdam and 20 interviews with experts who work with the Somali community in the Netherlands. These discussions and interviews were held in 2013–14. We also draw on 20 interviews with Somali organizations in the Netherlands about their transnational orientation, which were conducted between 2010 and 2013 in the context of another research project.</p>

scholarly journals Ex-combatants at the polls: Exploring focus groups and electoral meaning

1970 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Söderström
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Voting Behaviour ◽  
Vote Buying ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Collection Method ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Post Conflict

This paper investigates the meaning attached to elections among ex-combatants in Liberia, in relation to the historic elections of 2005. These elections were generally considered successful, and should therefore be instrumental in the consolidation of democracy; this paper investigates the extent of such consolidation that can be seen in their wake. In particular, the meaning attached to elections is described in terms of voting behaviour and motivation, as well as the application of the equality principle, and finally in relation to the perceived legitimacy of the elections, based on focus group discussions carried out in the spring of 2008 in Liberia. This paper also tries to gauge the advantages and disadvantages of using focus groups as a data collection method. The creation of trust in a well designed focus group, which given the field of research – post-conflict context – may be especially important. The conclusions presented in this paper point to problems vis-à-vis the legitimacy of the elections which may have long term implications for the consolidation of democracy in Liberia. However, other areas, in particular attitudes towards vote buying, show more positive tendencies.

Engaging the Public on Technical Issues

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Breen ◽  
Elizabeth Atherton ◽  
Steve Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
The Uk

United Kingdom Nirex Limited (Nirex) is responsible for providing the UK with environmentally-sound and publicly-acceptable options for the long-term management of radioactive materials generated by the Nation’s commercial, medical, research and defence activities. An important part of Nirex’s responsibilities in developing these options is to build acceptance of its concepts through effective dialogue and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. One of the options developed by Nirex for the long-term isolation of intermediate-level and some low-level from the accessible environment is to place these wastes in a deep underground repository, excavated in stable rock formations. The repository would remain accessible to allow future generations to have the choice of continuing to store the waste, or to dispose of the wastes by sealing and closing the repository. In conducting the scientific and technical research on this phased disposal concept, Nirex wanted its work programmes to take account of any public concerns with regard to radioactive waste and its management and proposed to develop its understanding of such concerns through public engagement. In October 2001, Nirex engaged an independent organisation to conduct a series of focus group discussions. Focus group meetings were arranged in 4 locations across the UK, selecting varying groups in terms of age, lifestage and socio-economic circumstances in order to engage a broad cross-section of the UK population. Each group attended two, 2-hour sessions on successive evenings. The first session was a general discussion of the issues of nuclear energy and radioactive waste. The second session focused on the more specific detail of the Nirex Phased Disposal Concept. Explanatory material was given to participants at each session. The work has provided some very useful information on issues, which the focus groups considered significant. The groups were able, in the short time available, to grasp many important issues and to provide their views across a range of technical areas. This work has helped Nirex to better understand ways of engaging the public in technical issues and to appreciate some of the key areas and concerns on the more technical areas associated with phased disposal. Several technical queries were identified, which the facilitators were unable to answer during the focus group discussions — Nirex has subsequently provided answers to these questions and made these available on the Nirex Bibliography. This paper describes the approach taken for the focus groups and outlines key findings from the work and some implications for Nirex in communicating technical issues to the public.

scholarly journals Experiences of using a digital type 2 diabetes prevention application designed to support women with previous gestational diabetes

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winifred Ekezie ◽  
Helen Dallosso ◽  
Ponnusamy Saravanan ◽  
Kamlesh Khunti ◽  
Michelle Hadjiconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diagnosed during pregnancy, and women with a history of GDM are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Prevention strategies focused on lifestyle modification help to reduce long-term complications. Self-management technology-based interventions can support behaviour change and diabetes control. The Baby Steps programme, a randomised controlled trial intervention offering group education and access to a mobile web application, was evaluated to explore user experience of the app and barriers and facilitators to app usability. Methods Ten semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with 23 trial participants between 2018 and 2019. Interviews and focus group discussions were audiotaped, transcribed and independently analysed. The analysis was informed by thematic analysis, with the use of the Nvivo 12 software. Results Themes identified were: (1) GDM and post-pregnancy support from healthcare services; (2) Impact of Baby Steps app on lifestyle changes; (3) Facilitators and barriers to the usability of the Baby Steps app. The Baby Steps app served as a motivator for increasing self-management activities and a tool for monitoring progress. Peer support and increased awareness of GDM and T2DM enhanced engagement with the app, while poor awareness of all the components of the app and low technical skills contributed to low usability. Conclusions This study documents experiences from existing GDM support, user experiences from using the Baby Steps app, and the barriers and facilitators to app usability. The app was both a motivational and a monitoring tool for GDM self-management and T2DM prevention. Peer support was a key trait for enhanced engagement, while barriers were low technical skills and poor awareness of the app components. A digital app, such as the Baby Steps app, could strengthen existing face-to-face support for the prevention of T2DM. The results also have wider implications for digital support technologies for all self-management interventions. Further research on the effect of specific components of apps will be required to better understand the long term impact of apps and digital interventions on self-management behaviours and outcomes. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN17299860. Registered on 5 April 2017.

scholarly journals Leprosy perceptions and knowledge in endemic districts in India and Indonesia: Differences and commonalities

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. e0009031
Author(s):  
Anna Tiny van’t Noordende ◽  
Suchitra Lisam ◽  
Panca Ruthindartri ◽  
Atif Sadiq ◽  
Vivek Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Levels

Background Understanding how knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding leprosy differ in endemic countries can help us develop targeted educational and behavioural change interventions. This study aimed to examine the differences and commonalities in and determinants of knowledge, attitudes, practices and fears regarding leprosy in endemic districts in India and Indonesia. Principle findings A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Persons affected by leprosy, their close contacts, community members and health workers were included. Through interview-administered questionnaires we assessed knowledge, attitudes, practices and fears with the KAP measure, EMIC-CSS and SDS. In addition, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. The quantitative data were analysed using stepwise multivariate regression. Determinants of knowledge and stigma that were examined included age, gender, participant type, education, occupation, knowing someone affected by leprosy and district. The qualitative data were analysed using open, inductive coding and content analysis. We administered questionnaires to 2344 participants (46% from India, 54% from Indonesia) as an interview. In addition, 110 participants were interviewed in-depth and 60 participants were included in focus group discussions. Knowledge levels were low in both countries: 88% of the participants in India and 90% of the participants in Indonesia had inadequate knowledge of leprosy. In both countries, cause, mode of transmission, early symptoms and contagiousness of leprosy was least known, and treatment and treatability of leprosy was best known. In both countries, health workers had the highest leprosy knowledge levels and community members the highest stigma levels (a mean score of up to 17.4 on the EMIC-CSS and 9.1 on the SDS). Data from the interviews indicated that people were afraid of being infected by leprosy. Local beliefs and misconceptions differed, for instance that leprosy is in the family for seven generations (Indonesia) or that leprosy is a result of karma (India). The determinants of leprosy knowledge and stigma explained 10–29% of the variability in level of knowledge and 3–10% of the variability in level of stigma. Conclusion Our findings show the importance of investigating the perceptions regarding leprosy prior to educational interventions in communities: even though knowledge levels were similar, local beliefs and misconceptions differed per setting. The potential determinants we included in our study explained very little of the variability in level of knowledge and stigma and should be explored further. Detailed knowledge of local knowledge gaps, beliefs and fears can help tailor health education to local circumstances.

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