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Online communication tools are increasingly being used by qualitative researchers; hence it is timely to reflect on the differences when using a broad range of data collection methods. Using a case study with a potentially hard-to-reach substance-using population who are often distrustful of researchers, this article explores the use of a variety of different platforms for interviews. It highlights both the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Face-to-face interviews and online videos offer more opportunity to build rapport, but lack anonymity. Live Webchat and audio-only interviews offer a high level of anonymity, but both may incur a loss of non-verbal communication, and in the Webchat a potential loss of personal narrative. This article is intended for sociologists who wish to broaden their methods for conducting research interviews.

Approximately 3.5 million Nepalese are working as migrant workers in the Gulf countries, Malaysia, and India. Every year there are more than 1000 deaths and many hundreds cases of injuries among Nepalese workers in these countries excluding India. A postmortem examination of migrant workers is not carried out in most of these countries, and those with work-related injuries are often sent back to home. Uninsured migrant workers also do not have easy access to health care services in host countries due to the high medical and hospital fees. Greater efforts are needed to protect the health and well-being, labor rights, and human rights of migrant workers from Nepal and other South-Asian nations. There is a need to enforce universal labor laws in these countries and to develop accurate records of mortality and morbidity and their causes.

Background: Oedema of the hemiplegic upper limb is a common complication following stroke and can restrict mobility and function. Limited evidence is available regarding the assessment and treatment of post-stroke upper limb oedema by occupational therapists. Objective: To determine consensus amongst occupational therapists with regard to the use of light retrograde massage for the treatment of post-stroke upper limb oedema. Method: A Delphi technique was used to gather opinion from a national sample of stroke occupational therapists. Two rounds of questionnaires were undertaken. Data were analysed from the 31 respondents to round two, using the chi-square goodness of fit to determine consensus in relation to statements about the use of light retrograde massage. Results: Of the 85 therapists who volunteered for the study, 58 returned round one questionnaires and 56 were eligible to participate. Most of the therapists who responded to round one (41/56, 73%) used light retrograde massage to reduce post-stroke upper limb oedema. Agreement regarding the definition and application of light retrograde massage was identified in round two. Conclusion: Despite a lack of evidence for the efficacy of light retrograde massage in stroke patients, this study found that it is often used in clinical practice and that consensus exists about many components of the treatment method. Further research is recommended to investigate the efficacy of light retrograde massage for reducing post-stroke upper limb oedema.

Within the European Union, as well as in Canada and the United States (US), health promoters employ a number of strategies to encourage community-based health improvements. This involves the creation of innovative health promotion partnerships to support and enable people to choose and engage in healthy living practices. Compared to the US, in other Western countries, such as the United Kingdom, faith communities have largely been ignored in health promotion partnerships. This study established existing evidence about health promotion in faith communities in Scotland by examining the perceptions and attitudes concerning health promotion among faith leaders and health promotion professionals. We conducted 33 semi-structured interviews with health promotion professionals ( n = 9) and representatives of Christian and non-Christian faith communities ( n = 24). The majority of participants expressed an interest in the concept of health promotion in a faith community and could readily envision its application in their area of work. Both groups identified multiple physical assets, as well as social supports within faith communities that could be directed towards healthy living activities. Faith groups and church organisations may constitute potential partners and new settings to increase community capacity for health promotion. Further research and funding for demonstration projects may be particularly helpful to provide evidence of the strengths and limitations of faith-based health promotion in Scotland, which in turn could inform health promotion practice and policy.

Faith groups constitute a growing health promotion partner in North America where they help increase community capacity. However, in the United Kingdom this collaboration is seemingly far less developed. This study sought to find evidence of health promotion in faith communities and examine perceptions and attitudes concerning health promotion among faith leaders. It also sought to establish the level to which health-promoting activities currently occur in, and are organized by, places of worship in one Scottish city, Dundee. The authors distributed a self-administered questionnaire to representatives of all faith communities in Dundee (response rate 71%, n = 50). The survey identified existing, well-formed community groups, some of whom already engaged in health-promoting activities, and shared similar interests with health promotion professionals. Generally, faith leaders were positive towards the concept of health promotion and many considered health promotion to be compatible with their mission. Not all denominations were equally involved in health promotion activities, for example, some conducted annual one-off activities, while others had well-established walking groups or exercise classes. The responses suggest a degree of readiness by faith communities to engage, if invited, in health promotion programmes. These results also indicate that faith groups may constitute untapped resources, poised to contribute to local health promotion efforts. The article concludes that as the National Health Service (NHS) invests in community-based health initiatives that can have long-term sustainability, it is reasonable to make links between what is happening in North America, the interest in health promotion reported by faith leaders in this study and the possibilities for their participation in voluntary sector community health partnerships.

This study aimed to quantify the following: (1) health research in academic journals covering Nepal, (2) location of authors, and (3) most prevalent specialties. Published health research conducted in Nepal during 1996 to May 2007 was assessed by searching from 4 electronic databases, and 631 research articles met the inclusion criteria. Only 11% was published in Nepalese journals. Most research covered urban districts. About two thirds of articles had Nepalese authors, but only 41% had a Nepalese first author. Child health and nutrition (11%), maternal health and women’s health (11%), and sexual reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, and family planning (11%) were the most common topics. Most articles (78%) reported quantitative methods. The number of research articles from Nepal is fairly small and concentrated on a limited number of topics and districts. Strategic planning is required to improve the research capacity of Nepal to achieve public health improvements using locally produced evidence.

This article addresses methodological and practical issues that arose during the evaluation of the Grampian Smokebusters Campaign. This longitudinal study started early in 1988, with a first follow-up in late-1989/early-1990, and a second follow-up in the Autumn of 1991. A number of problems became apparent and there are general lessons to be learnt from the attempts to deal with them. Before expanding on the evaluation problems, however, the principles and workings of this health promotion activity are briefly outlined.

Review of:Pinto, Sarah (2011 Where There is No Midwife: Birth and Loss in Rural India (Fertility, Reproduction and Sexuality). Berghahn Books: Oxford