scholarly journals A Customized Social Network Platform (Kids Helpline Circles) for Delivering Group Counseling to Young People Experiencing Family Discord That Impacts Their Well-Being: Exploratory Study

10.2196/16176 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. e16176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Campbell ◽  
Brad Ridout ◽  
Krestina Amon ◽  
Pablo Navarro ◽  
Brian Collyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Young People ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Family Discord ◽  
Network Platform ◽  
Online Group

Background It has often been reported that young people are at high risk of mental health concerns, more so than at any other time in development over their life span. The situational factors that young people report as impacting their well-being are not addressed as often: specifically, family discord. Kids Helpline, a national service in Australia that provides free counseling online and by telephone to young people in distress, report that family discord and well-being issues are one of the major concerns reported by clients. In order to meet the preferences that young people seek when accessing counseling support, Kids Helpline has designed and trialed a custom-built social network platform for group counseling of young people experiencing family discord that impacts their well-being. Objective In this exploratory study, we communicate the findings of Phase 1 of an innovative study in user and online counselor experience. This will lead to an iterative design for a world-first, purpose-built social network that will do the following: (1) increase reach and quality of service by utilizing a digital tool of preference for youth to receive peer-to-peer and counselor-to-peer support in a safe online environment and (2) provide the evidence base to document the best practice for online group counseling in a social network environment. Methods The study utilized a participatory action research design. Young people aged 13-25 years (N=105) with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety (not high risk) who contacted Kids Helpline were asked if they would like to trial the social networking site (SNS) for peer-to-peer and counselor-to-peer group support. Subjects were grouped into age cohorts of no more than one year above or below their reported age and assigned to groups of no more than 36 participants, in order to create a community of familiarity around age and problems experienced. Each group entered into an 8-week group counseling support program guided by counselors making regular posts and providing topic-specific content for psychoeducation and discussion. Counselors provided a weekly log of events to researchers; at 2-week intervals, subjects provided qualitative and quantitative feedback through open-ended questions and specific psychometric measures. Results Qualitative results provided evidence of user support and benefits of the online group counseling environment. Counselors also reported benefits of the modality of therapy delivery. Psychometric scales did not report significance in changes of mood or affect. Counselors and users suggested improvements to the platform to increase user engagement. Conclusions Phase 1 provided proof of concept for this mode of online counseling delivery. Users and counselors saw value in the model and innovation of the service. Phase 2 will address platform issues with changes to a new social network platform. Phase 2 will focus more broadly on mental health concerns raised by users and permit inclusion of a clinical population of young people experiencing depression and anxiety. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12616000518460; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370381

scholarly journals A Customized Social Network Platform (Kids Helpline Circles) for Delivering Group Counseling to Young People Experiencing Family Discord That Impacts Their Well-Being: Exploratory Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Campbell ◽  
Brad Ridout ◽  
Krestina Amon ◽  
Pablo Navarro ◽  
Brian Collyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Young People ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Family Discord ◽  
Network Platform ◽  
Online Group

BACKGROUND It has often been reported that young people are at high risk of mental health concerns, more so than at any other time in development over their life span. The situational factors that young people report as impacting their well-being are not addressed as often: specifically, family discord. Kids Helpline, a national service in Australia that provides free counseling online and by telephone to young people in distress, report that family discord and well-being issues are one of the major concerns reported by clients. In order to meet the preferences that young people seek when accessing counseling support, Kids Helpline has designed and trialed a custom-built social network platform for group counseling of young people experiencing family discord that impacts their well-being. OBJECTIVE In this exploratory study, we communicate the findings of Phase 1 of an innovative study in user and online counselor experience. This will lead to an iterative design for a world-first, purpose-built social network that will do the following: (1) increase reach and quality of service by utilizing a digital tool of preference for youth to receive peer-to-peer and counselor-to-peer support in a safe online environment and (2) provide the evidence base to document the best practice for online group counseling in a social network environment. METHODS The study utilized a participatory action research design. Young people aged 13-25 years (N=105) with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety (not high risk) who contacted Kids Helpline were asked if they would like to trial the social networking site (SNS) for peer-to-peer and counselor-to-peer group support. Subjects were grouped into age cohorts of no more than one year above or below their reported age and assigned to groups of no more than 36 participants, in order to create a community of familiarity around age and problems experienced. Each group entered into an 8-week group counseling support program guided by counselors making regular posts and providing topic-specific content for psychoeducation and discussion. Counselors provided a weekly log of events to researchers; at 2-week intervals, subjects provided qualitative and quantitative feedback through open-ended questions and specific psychometric measures. RESULTS Qualitative results provided evidence of user support and benefits of the online group counseling environment. Counselors also reported benefits of the modality of therapy delivery. Psychometric scales did not report significance in changes of mood or affect. Counselors and users suggested improvements to the platform to increase user engagement. CONCLUSIONS Phase 1 provided proof of concept for this mode of online counseling delivery. Users and counselors saw value in the model and innovation of the service. Phase 2 will address platform issues with changes to a new social network platform. Phase 2 will focus more broadly on mental health concerns raised by users and permit inclusion of a clinical population of young people experiencing depression and anxiety. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12616000518460; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370381

scholarly journals The Role of Coping Strategies in Maintaining Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak in South Korea

2021 ◽  
pp. 194855062199059
Author(s):  
Joo Hyun Kim ◽  
Yerin Shim ◽  
Incheol Choi ◽  
Eunsoo Choi
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
The Individual

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose an unprecedented challenge for the world as people strive to cope with this significant threat to their well-being. This intensive longitudinal study of the first 94 days of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea (Phase 1: initial outbreak, Phase 2: intense social distancing) examined individuals’ changes in well-being, in relation to their use of coping strategies and fear of infection. A sample of 10,464 South Koreans participated in surveys during Phase 1 and Phase 2, resulting in 35,846 observations. Multilevel growth models revealed a decrease in well-being while different coping strategies moderated the individual rate of change in well-being. Although preventive measures were associated with a greater decrease in well-being, cognitive appraisal and behavioral strategies predicted stable well-being during the pandemic. Coping strategies further mediated the association between fear of infection and deterioration of well-being.

scholarly journals An evaluation of foundation doctor training: a mixed-methods study of the impact on workforce well-being and patient care [the Evaluating the Impact of Doctors in Training (EDiT) study]

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 1-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mason ◽  
C O’Keeffe ◽  
A Carter ◽  
R O’Hara ◽  
C Stride
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Adequate Quality ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundA major reform of junior doctor training was undertaken in 2004–5, with the introduction of foundation training (FT) to address perceived problems with work structure, conditions and training opportunities for postgraduate doctors. The well-being and motivation of junior doctors within the context of this change to training (and other changes such as restrictions in working hours of junior doctors and increasing demand for health care) and the consequent impact upon the quality of care provided is not well understood.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the well-being of foundation year 2 (F2) doctors in training. Phase 1 describes the aims of delivering foundation training with a focus on the role of training in supporting the well-being of F2 doctors and assesses how FT is implemented on a regional basis, particularly in emergency medicine (EM). Phase 2 identifies how F2 doctor well-being and motivation are influenced over F2 and specifically in relation to EM placements and quality of care provided to patients.MethodsPhase 1 used semistructured interviews and focus groups with postgraduate deanery leads, training leads (TLs) and F2 doctors to explore the strategic aims and implementation of FT, focusing on the specialty of EM. Phase 2 was a 12-month online longitudinal study of F2 doctors measuring levels of and changes in well-being and motivation. In a range of specialties, one of which was EM, data from measures of well-being, motivation, intention to quit, confidence and competence and job-related characteristics (e.g. work demands, task feedback, role clarity) were collected at four time points. In addition, we examined F2 doctor well-being in relation to quality of care by reviewing clinical records (criterion-based and holistic reviews) during the emergency department (ED) placement relating to head injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ResultsPhase 1 of the study found that variation exists in how successfully FT is implemented locally; F2 lacks a clearly defined end point; there is a minimal focus on the well-being of F2 doctors (only on the few already shown to be ‘in difficulty’); the ED presented a challenging but worthwhile learning environment requiring a significant amount of support from senior ED staff; and disagreement existed about the performance and confidence levels of F2 doctors. A total of 30 EDs in nine postgraduate medical deaneries participated in phase 2 with 217 foundation doctors completing the longitudinal study. F2 doctors reported significantly increased confidence in managing common acute conditions and undertaking practical procedures over their second foundation year, with the biggest increase in confidence and competence associated with their ED placement. F2 doctors had levels of job satisfaction and anxiety/depression that were comparable to or better than those of other NHS workers, and adequate quality and safety of care are being provided for head injury and COPD.ConclusionsThere are ongoing challenges in delivering high-quality FT at the local level, especially in time-pressured specialties such as EM. There are also challenges in how FT detects and manages doctors who are struggling with their work. The survey was the first to document the well-being of foundation doctors over the course of their second year, and average scores compared well with those of other doctors and health-care workers. F2 doctors are benefiting from the training provided as we found improvements in perceived confidence and competence over the year, with the ED placement being of most value to F2 doctors in this respect. Although adequate quality of care was demonstrated, we found no significant relationships between well-being of foundation doctors and the quality of care they provided to patients, suggesting the need for further work in this area.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Dear (Digital) Diary

2022 ◽  
pp. 375-389
Author(s):  
Veronica Moretti
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Technological Tools ◽  
The Subject

This chapter investigates how individuals interpreted and considered the audio-diary technique, understanding the interaction between the subject and the medium and the potential of new technological tools (e.g., smartphone, social network) in producing data. The research is based on a previous study conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy, more specifically, the transition from phase 1 to phase 2. Each participant—11 female and 6 male, between 28 and 45 years old, and living in the northern part of Italy—was asked to register one audio per day for a week (7-13 May). After this period, the author undertook a final follow-up semi-structured interview to evaluate how much the audio-diary had an impact both on people's daily lives and on their way of expressing information. The data collected suggest a number of advantages and disadvantages to the use of audio-diary to collect individuals' experience. The author will briefly describe the steps of AD technique by using the collected material (interviews) and what has emerged from the analysis of qualitative data.

scholarly journals Development and validation of a patient-reported measure of compassion in healthcare: the Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ)

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e045988
Author(s):  
Shane Sinclair ◽  
Thomas F Hack ◽  
Cara C MacInnis ◽  
Priya Jaggi ◽  
Harrison Boss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale

ObjectivesCompassion is a key indicator of quality care that is reportedly eroding from patients’ care experience. While the need to assess compassion is recognised, valid and reliable measures are lacking. This study developed and validated a clinically informed, psychometrically rigorous, patient-reported compassion measure.DesignData were collected from participants living with life-limiting illnesses over two study phases across four care settings (acute care, hospice, long term care (LTC) and homecare). In phase 1, data were analysed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), with the final items analysed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in phase 2. The Schwartz Center Compassionate Care Scale (SCCCS), the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r) and Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire (PPEQ) were also administered in phase 2 to assess convergent and divergent validity.Setting and participants633 participants were recruited over two study phases. In the EFA phase, a 54-item version of the measure was administered to 303 participants, with 330 participants being administered the final 15-item measure in the CFA phase.ResultsBoth EFA and CFA confirmed compassion as a single factor construct with factor loadings for the 15-item measure ranging from 0.76 to 0.86, with excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient range: 0.74–0.89) and excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96). The measure was positively correlated with the SCCCS (r=0.75, p<0.001) and PPEQ (r=0.60, p<0.001). Participants reporting higher experiences of compassion had significantly greater well-being and lower depression on the ESAS-r. Patients in acute care and hospice reported significantly greater experiences of compassion than LTC residents.ConclusionsThere is strong initial psychometric evidence for the Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ) as a valid and reliable patient-reported compassion measure. The SCQ provides healthcare providers, settings and administrators the means to routinely measure patients experiences of compassion, while providing researchers a robust measure to conduct high-quality research.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Digital Technologies Tailored to Support Young People’s Self-Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/18315 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. e18315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Slater ◽  
Jennifer N Stinson ◽  
Joanne E Jordan ◽  
Jason Chua ◽  
Ben Low ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Self Management ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Phase 3

Background Digital technologies connect young people with health services and resources that support their self-care. The lack of accessible, reliable digital resources tailored to young people with persistent musculoskeletal pain is a significant gap in the health services in Australia. Recognizing the intense resourcing required to develop and implement effective electronic health (eHealth) interventions, the adaptation of extant, proven digital technologies may improve access to pain care with cost and time efficiencies. Objective This study aimed to test the acceptability and need for adaptation of extant digital technologies, the painHEALTH website and the iCanCope with Pain app, for use by young Australians with musculoskeletal pain. Methods A 3-phased, mixed methods evaluation was undertaken from May 2019 to August 2019 in Australia. Young people aged 15 to 25 years with musculoskeletal pain for >3 months were recruited. Phases were sequential: (1) phase 1, participant testing (3 groups, each of n=5) of co-designed website prototypes compared with a control website (painHEALTH), with user tasks mapped to eHealth quality and engagement criteria; (2) phase 2, participants’ week-long use of the iCanCope with Pain app with engagement data captured using a real-time analytic platform (daily check-ins for pain, interference, sleep, mood, physical activity, and energy levels; goal setting; and accessing resources); and (3) phase 3, semistructured interviews were conducted to gain insights into participants’ experiences of using these digital technologies. Results Fifteen young people (12/15, 80% female; mean age 20.5 [SD 3.3] years; range 15-25 years) participated in all 3 phases. The phase 1 aggregated group data informed the recommendations used to guide 3 rapid cycles of prototype iteration. Adaptations included optimizing navigation, improving usability (functionality), and enhancing content to promote user engagement and acceptability. In phase 2, all participants checked in, with the highest frequency of full check-ins attributed to pain intensity (183/183, 100.0%), pain interference (175/183, 95.6%), and mood (152/183, 83.1%), respectively. Individual variability was evident for monitoring progress with the highest frequency of history views for pain intensity (51/183, 32.3%), followed by pain interference (24/183, 15.2%). For the goals set feature, 87% (13/15) of participants set a total of 42 goals covering 5 areas, most frequently for activity (35/42, 83%). For phase 3, metasynthesis of qualitative data highlighted that these digital tools were perceived as youth-focused and acceptable. A total of 4 metathemes emerged: (1) importance of user-centered design to leverage user engagement; (2) website design (features) promoting user acceptability and engagement; (3) app functionality supporting self-management; and (4) the role of wider promotion, health professional digital prescriptions, and strategies to ensure longer-term engagement. Conclusions Leveraging extant digital tools, with appropriate user-informed adaptations, can help to build capacity tailored to support young people’s self-management of musculoskeletal pain.

scholarly journals Developing Social Media-Based Suicide Prevention Messages in Partnership With Young People: Exploratory Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Robinson ◽  
Eleanor Bailey ◽  
Sarah Hetrick ◽  
Steve Paix ◽  
Matt O'Donnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young People ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
School Students ◽  
Media Messages ◽  
Prevention Messages ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Impact

Background Social media is increasingly being used by young people for health-related issues, including communicating about suicide. Due to the concerns about causing distress or inducing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, to date young people neither have been engaged in the development of social media–based suicide prevention interventions nor have interventions focused on educating young people about safe ways to communicate about suicide online. Given the potential that social media holds to deliver messages to vast numbers of people across space and time and the fact that young people often prefer to seek help from their friends and peers, safely educating and engaging young people to develop suicide prevention messages that can be delivered via social media is an obvious next step. Objectives The objectives of this study were to (1) provide education to a small number of secondary school students about safe ways to communicate about suicide via social media; (2) engage the same young people in the development of a suite of social media–based suicide prevention multimedia messages; (3) assess the impact of this on participants; and (4) assess the acceptability and safety of the messages developed. Methods This study involved two phases. In phase 1, 20 participants recruited from two schools took part in an 8- to 10-week program during which they were provided with psychoeducation about mental health and suicide, including how to talk safely about suicide online, and they were then supported to design and develop their own media messages. These participants completed an evaluation questionnaire at the conclusion of the program. In phase 2, a larger group of participants (n=69), recruited via an opt-in process, viewed the media messages and completed a short questionnaire about each one. Results Participants in phase 1 enjoyed the program and reported that they learned new skills, such as how to talk safely about suicide online, and felt more able to provide emotional support to others (16/20, 80%). No participants reported that the program made them feel suicidal. Participants in phase 2 generally rated the media messages as safe and acceptable, although some messages were rated more highly than others. Conclusions This study suggests that young people can be safely engaged in developing suicide prevention messages, which can be disseminated via social media. Engaging young people in this process may improve the traction that such campaigns will have with other young people. The study also suggests that educating young people regarding how to talk safely about suicide online has multiple benefits and is not associated with distress. Overall, these findings pave the way for new approaches to prevent suicide among young people.

scholarly journals Well-being programmes in prisons in England and Wales: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Turner ◽  
Nigel King ◽  
Dara Mojtahedi ◽  
Viv Burr ◽  
Victoria Gall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Prison Staff ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose In the past decade, there has been growing awareness of well-being and its importance and an increase in the development of activities or programmes aimed at improving well-being. The purpose of this study is to investigate what well-being programmes were being offered to prisoners in England and Wales and what benefits and other outcomes were experienced. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed-methods exploratory design in two phases. Phase 1 was a questionnaire survey of all adult prisons in England and Wales, completed by prison staff. In Phase 2, a sample of survey respondents took part in in-depth interviews. Findings The programmes identified in Phase 1 included physical activities, creative arts, mindfulness, horticulture, reading and animal-assisted activities. Prison staff reported a range of universally positive outcomes shared by all programmes, including enthusiasm from prisoners, enjoyment of the activities and being able to do something different from the usual prison routine. However, in Phase 2, interviewees rarely mentioned direct health and well-being benefits. The impetus for programmes was varied and there was little reference to national policy on health and well-being; this reflected the ad hoc way in which programmes are developed, with a key role being played by the Well-being Officer, where these were funded. Originality/value The literature on well-being programmes in prisons is limited and tends to focus on specific types of initiatives, often in a single prison. This study contributes by highlighting the range of activities across prisons and elucidating the perspectives of those involved in running such programmes.

Assessing the clinical significance of real-time quality of life data in cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6108-6108
Author(s):  
Michele Y. Halyard ◽  
Angelina D. Tan ◽  
Pamela J. Atherton ◽  
William Wong ◽  
Steven E. Schild ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pain Severity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Moderate Effect

6108 Background: This pilot study evaluated whether providing clinicians with patient(pt) QOL results and symptom management pathways linked to QOL domains at the time of clinical appointment would result in improvement in QOL and treatment (tx) satisfaction. The objective was to obtain preliminary effect size estimates and logistical evidence for design of a larger, definitive trial. Methods: Oncology pts receiving 5-7 weeks of radiotherapy (RT) electronically completed QOL assessments (LASA) at baseline and biweekly prior to seeing clinicians. Was It Worth It (WIWI) and Interpersonal Patient-Provider Relationship (IPPRS) were measured at tx end. Pt endpoints (pro-rated primary endpoint LASA area under the curve (AUC), LASA changes from baseline, and WIWI responses) and clinician endpoints (IPPRS) were compared between the control group (Phase 1: no QOL feedback) and the intervention group (Phase 2: QOL feedback) via Wilcoxon, Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests. There was 80% power to detect a 10 point difference in average AUC. Results: 148 pts enrolled (79 Phase 1, 69 Phase 2) from 11/28/2008 to 09/20/2011 (sites GI (27%), Lung (22%) and Head and Neck (52%)). 68% received RT and chemo. There were consistently moderate effect sizes observed but no statistically significant differences in any AUC nor end of tx change from baseline scores. 20% fewer pts in phase 2 reported clinical deficits in overall QOL (pain). In pts receiving 7 weeks of RT, end of tx average overall QOL, mental well-being (WB), physical WB and pain severity were significantly better in Phase 2 pts. WIWI results showed 76% found participation worthwhile, 95% would participate again, and 92% would recommend the study to others. No differences between groups were found in communication between clinicians and pts (IPPRS). Conclusions: Preliminary estimates indicate potentially clinically significant improvements of moderate effect size in mental and physical WB and pain severity when clinicians received QOL real time with symptom management pathways. Further study is warranted in larger trial setting.

scholarly journals Children and handwashing: Developing a resource to promote health and well-being in low and middle income countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sapphire Crosby ◽  
Katie Laird ◽  
Sarah Younie
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Future ◽  
Teacher Trainer ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Objective: Using a participatory action research (PAR) model, this paper reports on findings from a mixed-methods study which aimed to discover whether specifically developed health education resources ( A Germ’s Journey) aid children’s understanding of health-hygiene principles, and how these findings can inform the future development of culturally relevant resources to teach children in low- and middle-income countries about the association between bacteria, handwashing and disease. Design: Educational health-hygiene workshops were conducted at 13 case study sites ( n = 651) in collaboration with local organisations in Ahmedabad, India. During Phase 1 of the study, children’s and teacher–trainer workshops were conducted using UK resources. Following suggestions from local teachers, a Gujarati book was co-created and in Phase 2, workshops (using the Gujarati book) were delivered. Methods: Data were collected from children using quasi-experimental methods, using pre-workshop questions, follow-up questions, observations and baseline and post-workshop assessments. Data were collected from teachers using questionnaires. Results: Following teacher–trainer workshops during Phase 1 of the study, 100% of teachers stated that they would use the resources with their pupils in the future. Two months after participating in the workshops, 60%–73% of children knew how germs can cause illness, and 76%–80% knew how to remove germs from hands. When assessed during Phase 2 of the study, 54% of children scored higher after the intervention, showing an increased understanding of microbiology after using the resources. Conclusion: The results indicate that children had an improved understanding of the causes of bacterial disease and the health implications of not using adequate health-hygiene practices. Recommendations for the future development of resources include the use of a PAR model of research, co-creation with end users, and working alongside local organisations and participants in order to access ‘hard-to-reach’ areas.

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