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Background:The aim of this paper is to provide the reader with an overall impression of the stepwise user-centred design approach including the specific methods used and lessons learned when transforming paper-based assessment forms into a prototype app, taking the Housing Enabler as an example. Methods:Four design iterations were performed, building on a domain study, workshops, expert evaluation and controlled and realistic usability tests. The user-centred design process involved purposefully selected participants with different Housing Enabler knowledge and housing adaptation experience. Results:The design iterations resulted in the development of a Housing Enabler prototype app. The prototype app has several features and options that are new compared with the original paper-based Housing Enabler assessment form. These new features include a user friendly overview of the assessment form; easy navigation by swiping back and forth between items; onsite data analysis; and ranking of the accessibility score, photo documentation and a data export facility. Conclusion:Based on the presented stepwise approach, a high-fidelity Housing Enabler prototype app was successfully developed. The development process has emphasized the importance of combining design participants’ knowledge and experiences, and has shown that methods should seem relevant to participants to increase their engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2016 WHO launched the priority assistive products list (APL) consisting of 50 products and recommended that using this as a reference, countries should develop their own contextually relevant national APLs. This paper describes the development of Malawi's APL. Two hundred and ninety-six persons with disabilities participated in a rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) with people with various types of disabilities were conducted. The rATA questionnaire and FGDs collected data on assistive products (APs) participants used, APs they needed and the challenges they experienced. Data collection was done in six districts spread across the three regions in Malawi. All age groups were included in the survey. Persons with disabilities aged less than 18 participated but went with their guardians. All persons who participated in this study provided consent. Survey and FGDs results were presented at an APL consensus meeting with policymakers, service providers, disabled peoples' organizations and development partners in the disability sector. Based on the results and further discussions, a consensus was reached on the priority APs for Malawi. More than a third of respondents used wheelchairs (32%), followed by auxiliary crutches (25%), walking sticks (13%), reading glasses (11%), prosthesis (10%), elbow crutches (9%) and orthosis (8%). There is also a high demand for products such as pull-up underwear (incontinence products) (79%), hearing aids (70%), reading glasses (59%) and diapers (63%). After intensive discussions during a consensus meeting, an agreement was reached on the 22 priority APs for Malawi. There is a wide range of APs being used by people with different functional limitations in Malawi. There is also a demand for APs that are not readily available. When developing an APL, the list should include products in use, those in demand, and those recommended by service providers. Following the development of the priority assistive products list (APL) by WHO, member states should develop their own contextually based APL. The development of the APL should be based on research evidence. All key stakeholders including persons with disabilities and other functional limitations, government, and development partners should participate in this process. The APL should be part of the national health system or community services. The Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, being the Government of Malawi line ministry coordinating disability issues participated actively in this study including inviting participants in the stakeholders' validation workshop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black Alaskans face serious barriers to health care. This paper reports on qualitative results of a health needs assessment to understand the health challenges facing Black Alaskans. Utilizing exploratory thematic analysis, the findings indicate that Black Alaskans experience barriers such as high cost of care, underinsurance, lack of information and education, a shortage of BIPOC health providers, stigma, negative perceptions by health-care providers, and racism both in the community and in the health-care system. The paper concludes by discussing emerging health equity initiatives to advance responsive care for Black Alaskans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online activities have spiked due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including language learning activities. As the world is aging, this affects senior citizens too. Yet, few studies have been conducted studying online (language) learning in this age-group. Moreover, no concrete pointers exist on how to go about such an online language learning course. This paper examines what should be considered when designing and implementing online language learning courses for seniors. To that end we present data from 73 senior language learners from two independent language learning contexts: the Netherlands and Scotland. The data were collected between May 2020 and August 2021. Data includes spoken and written samples from lessons, focus groups, interviews and questionnaires. Given the qualitative nature of the data and the aim of identifying patterns of meaning across the respective datasets, a reflexive thematic analysis (TA) approach was adopted. We employed an inductive approach to coding, using both semantic (explicit or overt) and latent (implicit, underlying) coding frameworks, in order to inform two overarching themes: "Navigating the digital highway" and "Camera ready for new friends." We discuss these themes and their sub-themes and arrive at concrete recommendations for the third-age language learning classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, the UK Government published its long-awaited reform strategy for England's children's social care system. Whilst the strategy set out planned reforms for several aspects of the wider system, an area requiring particular 'priority' was the purported workforce instability seen within child protection social work. However, the strategy has subsequently faced criticism on the basis that the suggested reforms were not satisfactorily informed by the testimonies of practicing social workers. This paper draws from a mixed-method study to report on the lived experiences of a sample of 201 child protection social workers practicing across England, in the context of better understanding the factors which they believed were impacting on workforce stability within England's child protection system. Implications that emerge are the need for an increase in the monetary commitment offered by the UK Government (especially in the context of tackling high caseloads, and improving local authority pay scales to reduce the allure of agency work); a targeted emphasis on challenging local cultures preoccupied with evidencing compliance over time spent with children; and the Government taking a more assertive role in tackling the often-counterproductive commentary perpetuated by politicians and media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a tool to track participation in activity-based therapy (ABT) for people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) was identified as a priority of the Canadian ABT Community of Practice. The objective of this study was to understand multi-stakeholder perspectives on tracking ABT participation across the continuum of care. Forty-eight individuals from six stakeholder groups (persons living with SCI/D; hospital therapists; community trainers; administrators; researchers; and funders, advocates and policy experts) were recruited to participate in focus group interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions concerning the importance of and parameters around tracking ABT. Transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Themes reflected the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of tracking ABT. Participants described the importance of involving hospital therapists, community trainers and individuals with SCI/D in tracking ABT to capture both subjective and objective parameters across the continuum of care and injury trajectory. Digital tracking tools were favoured, although paper-based versions were regarded as a necessity in some circumstances. Findings highlighted the importance of tracking ABT participation for individuals with SCI/D. The information may guide the development of ABT practice guidelines and support the implementation of ABT in Canada. Tracking the details of activity-based therapy (ABT) sessions and programs across the continuum of care and injury trajectory may provide important information to support the development of ABT practice guidelines and implementation strategies. Tracking objective and subjective parameters are needed to provide a comprehensive description of an ABT session and program. Clinicians and individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) should both be able to track ABT to accommodate all settings and types of data. Digital tracking tools, such as an app, may provide an accessible, versatile and efficient way of tracking ABT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses how online practices relate to empowering outcomes at individual and community levels. To understand the phenomenon in a natural setting, a virtual ethnography approach to Indonesian online domestic migrant workers' communities was adopted to explore the empowerment of migrant domestic workers. The findings show that, at an individual level, migrant domestic workers need to engage in various practices, which contribute to their well-being. The well-being of migrants can be assessed in terms of their self-efficacy, self-esteem, reduced loneliness and reduced stress, all of which enhance their capabilities to take control over migration processes. But, as a community, they can conduct online practices that contribute to their ability to improve their communal external engagement. Community's external engagement contributes to the awareness of their power and abilities to take action towards change. Online communities enable migrant domestic workers, who live in an isolated workplace, to penetrate the boundaries and engage in various practices that empower them as individuals and community as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the intention to use peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment. Although mobile technology has become part of everyday life, certain actions and services, such as mobile payments, are still used relatively infrequently. In this paper, we analyse consumers' adoption of P2P mobile payment services. Following a review of previous literature in this field, we identify the main factors that determine the adoption of mobile payments, and then perform a logistic regression (LR) analysis and propose a neural network to predict this adoption. From the logistic regression results obtained we conclude that six variables significantly influence intentions to use P2P payment: ease of use, perceived risk, personal innovativeness, perceived usefulness, subjective norms and perceived enjoyment. With respect to the nonparametric technique, we find that the multilayer perceptrons (MLP) prediction model for the use of P2P payment obtains higher AUC values, and thus is more accurate, than the LR model. This paper is a pioneer study of intention to use with mobile payment using these methodologies. The outcome of this research has important implications for the theory and practice of the adoption of P2P mobile payment services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talking about death and dying is promoted in UK health policy and practice, from a perception that to do so encourages people to plan for their end of life and so increase their likelihood of experiencing a good death. This encouragement occurs alongside a belief that members of the public are reluctant to talk about death, although surveys suggest this is not the case. This paper describes findings from a research study in which people participated in deliberative discussion groups during which they talked about a range of topics related to death, including talking about death, the good death, choice and planning and compassionate communities. Here we report what they had to say in relation to talking about death and dying. We identified three themes: 1. The difference between talking about death as an abstract concept and confronting the certainty of death, 2. how death and dying presents issues for planning and responsibility, and 3. approaches to normalising death within society. For our participants, planning was considered most appropriate in relation to wills and funerals, while dying was considered too unpredictable to be easy to plan for; they had complex ideas about the value of talking about death and dying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults are a vulnerable yet resilient population who face unique stressors as they foresee health decline. This paper presents the results of a study about community-dwelling LGBT older adults’ anticipated needs and fears related to nursing homes and assisted living. Methods: This qualitative study collected data through seven focus groups. The sample (N = 50) consisted of LGBT-identified adults age 55 and over. We used an inductive, thematic analysis approach to data analysis. Results: Participants seek an inclusive environment where they will be safe and feel connected to a community. They fear dependence on healthcare providers, dementia, mistreatment, and isolation. Importantly, these fears can lead to identity concealment and psychological distress, including suicide ideation. Discussion: This study adds to the existing literature about the worries of older LGBT adults as they anticipate long-term care. The results suggest that older LGBT adults seek LGBT-inclusive residential care settings that encompass two distinct yet related aspects of LGBT-affirmative care: the procedural (e.g. culturally competent skills and knowledge of practitioners) and the implicit (e.g. the values and mission of the organization). This paper identifies implications for practice, policy, and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As artificial intelligence (AI) became a part of daily life, it has become important to determine user competence in using AI technology. Here, we propose the concept of AI literacy and develop a quantitative scale for obtaining accurate data regarding the AI literacy of ordinary users. We first identified the primary core constructs of AI literacy, including awareness, use, evaluation, and ethics. Next, we generated 65 items to capture these four constructs; only 31 items were retained after a three-step content validation process. Then, we conducted a survey, and collected two samples of data. By reducing the number of items using the first sample and performing reliability and validity tests on the second sample, we obtained a 12-item instrument for the quantitative measurement of AI literacy. The results confirmed that the proposed four-construct model is an adequate representation of AI literacy. Further, AI literacy is significantly related to digital literacy, attitude towards robots, and users' daily usage of AI. This study will not only aid researchers in understanding how user competence in using AI technology affects human–AI interactions but will also help designers develop AI applications that are aligned with the AI literacy levels of the target users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within homelessness services recent policy developments have highlighted the need for integration and improved collaborative working and also, the need for 'Psychologically Informed Environments' (PIES) in which workers are better equipped to manage the 'complex trauma' associated with homelessness. Drawing on the findings of an evaluation of a multi-site development programme, this paper demonstrates how both these policy aspirations might be implemented through a single delivery vehicle (a community of practice). The paper describes how organizational, educational and psychosocial theory was used to inform programme design and reflects on the utility of these approaches in the light of the evaluation findings. It is reported that communities of practice can deliver significant performance gains in terms of building collaborative relationships and opening-up opportunities for interprofessional education and learning. Filling an important knowledge gap, it also suggested how (professional) participation in a community of practice might work to improve outcomes for service users. Most likely we see those outcomes as being linked to tackling exclusion by sustaining the workforce itself, that is in motivating workers to remain engaged and thinking positively in what is an emotionally challenging and stressful job role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of formative research conducted from January to June 2020 in the Department of Atlántico, Caribbean region of Colombia, whose findings were used as inputs to design the national strategy for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) outside school – Tírala Plena – including its curriculum. This is within the framework of the multi-country project coordinated by UNFPA and WHO aimed at generating evidence on the role of facilitators in the delivery of CSE in non-school contexts. The research was carried out in four municipalities in northern Colombia, in rural and marginal urban contexts with conditions of vulnerability for the adolescent population, including a strong presence of migrant populations from Venezuela. A total of 150 male and female adolescents ages 10–17 participated in the formative research. Workshops such as patchwork quilt, body mapping and talking maps were used as methods to gather information. The groups were divided by sex and age (10–13 years old and 14–17 years old). Knowledge, attitudes and social norms regarding adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, and gender-based violence, were identified in adolescents (schooled and not schooled, but with minimal or no access to CSE). All of the above enabled us to establish a set of recommendations for the strengthening of the CSE strategy Tírala plena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of youth self-produced sexual images (SPSI) raises complex practice challenges for professionals supporting victims of sexual abuse. This paper examines the views and perspectives about youth SPSI among professionals with expertise in child sexual abuse, who in the course of a study on child sexual abuse images, commonly raised SPSI without prompting. Eighty-four participants from three professional sectors (Internet child exploitation law enforcement, child protection, and children's mental health) took part in 12 focus groups, the analysis of which indicates that most participants regarded youth SPSI as a complex social phenomenon, and had trouble fitting it into their existing professional expertise. Participants were immersed in larger cultural narratives about youth sexual agency, the dangers of constantly evolving technology, and the digital age compounding generational differences. Lack of clarity about when and whether a young person requires support and/or legal intervention arose from a tangled web of punitive, permissive, and ambivalent perspectives on youth SPSI. Professionals experienced with victims of sexual abuse focused on SPSI as opposed to child abuse images, and struggled to distinguish between what is normal versus problematic youth sexuality in the digital age, confounding efforts to settle on appropriate legal and support responses and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trainees may be interested in careers in aging but unfamiliar with career options, leading to a shortage in the geriatric workforce. In response to needs identified at a national geropsychology training conference, a multisite faculty group developed a six-session webinar series about careers in geropsychology, detailing career options in six unique settings. Each webinar session featured a moderated discussion with a panel of four professionals currently employed in the career of interest. The webinar was advertised to clinical and counseling psychology trainees with a potential interest in age-related careers, with evaluation of the series primarily including trainees from graduate programs, clinical internships, and postdoctoral fellowships. Participants rated their attitudes and beliefs about each career option at pre- and post-discussion. On average, each webinar session was attended by 48 individuals (SD = 12, range = 33–60). At baseline, attendees reported significantly more interest in careers in clinical practice compared to other careers, and interest in university settings increased from pre- to post-discussion. Across all six sessions, participants reported increased understanding of training experiences that would be helpful in pursuing that specific career. Findings point to the feasibility and utility of webinars for enhancing interest and confidence in pursuing careers in aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Australian Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper reports on findings derived as part of a two-year project funded by the European Union's Daphne III scheme, involving collaboration between seven partner organisations across six European countries. The project involved an evaluation, using questionnaires and focus groups, of domestic abuse prevention education programmes delivered in schools in the UK, France and Spain. This paper presents the findings from the UK focus group discussions, conducted with young people aged 10–11 years, and 13–14 years to explore their opinions about the intervention delivered in their school. The focus groups revealed the following challenges for service providers in this area: young people can misunderstand issues related to domestic abuse, especially the role of power and control within relationships; there is a tension between educators giving young people free expression to share their opinions and challenging sexism and other prejudices; and boys can become disengaged with gender-based interventions. These issues point towards three key considerations when implementing a domestic abuse prevention education intervention: programme content (the what); the teaching methods used (the how); and whether teachers or external organisations should deliver the programme (the who). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings from an innovative project funded by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and undertaken by an international team of academics investigating the development of a global curriculum for social work in the context of political conflict. Coupled alongside the emerging research and literature on the subject, our small-scale survey findings indicate support for the need for social work educators to address political conflict more systematically within social work curricula at both undergraduate and post-qualifying levels of social work education. This paper illuminates the opportunities for creative pedagogy whilst also examining the threats and challenges permeating the realisation of such initiatives. In this way, the implementation of a proposed curriculum for political conflict is given meaning within the context of IASSW's Global Standards for social work education. Given the exploratory nature of this project, the authors do conclude that further research is warranted in regard to potential curriculum development and suggest using a comparative case study approach with more in-depth qualitative methods as a way to address this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Families and workers often suffer significant stress while supporting people who are experiencing problems related to methamphetamine use yet there is little evidence on how best to help. Small pilot studies can provide valuable information about potential ways to intervene. This paper presents a pilot study of an Aboriginal family wellbeing intervention with workers in an Aboriginal health service. The pilot indicated that participation in the intervention improved the psychosocial empowerment and wellbeing of workers, that these workers perceived the program as relevant to families, and that this was an intervention they felt they could deliver to clients themselves. IMPLICATIONS An Aboriginal family wellbeing intervention was piloted and found to improve the empowerment and wellbeing of workers. Participants regarded it as highly relevant for families supporting people using methamphetamines and other drugs. This research has added to our knowledge about how to assist those supporting Aboriginal people using methamphetamines and other drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper details findings from an evaluation of a gendertransformative sexual and reproductive health and rights group education programme facilitated with young men aged 15-24 years in South Africa. A total of 475 young men participated in the group education programme. A self-administered pre- and postquestionnaire survey was conducted with a sample of the participants, and focus group discussions were facilitated. A total of 265 young men completed both the pre and post-questionnaires. Findings from the surveys as well as the focus group discussions showed positive changes in gender equitable attitudes, contraception and condom use. Results indicate that the young men who participated in the group education learned to identify harmful gender norms and actively questioned these constructs both within their personal lives and in the broader community. The intervention enabled some participants to envision alternative versions of masculinity and femininity, thus enabling them to adopt a new way of being, with transformed attitudes concerning household and gender roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the outcomes of a research study on the early implementation of a strengths-based family-centred model of practice in Ireland known as the Meitheal model. The paper aims to translate the key messages from this research to practice with families involved in the child welfare system. This is done by highlighting the process by which intervention focused on support and prevention using a strengths perspective has begun to occur in practice. Using data collected from stakeholders involved in the implementation of the practice model, the research provides insight into the opportunities and challenges involved at macro and micro-levels of practice. The discussion links this development in Ireland to the wider international context, using three broad frameworks informed by the ecological model; a framework for determining thresholds in children’s services and the continuum of intervention between support and protection to inform system change aimed at enhancing family support and better outcomes for children and families. Underpinning this is an emphasis on how Meitheal as a strengths-based approach can influence the achievement of the principles of early intervention, prevention and family support in the child welfare system in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To reduce ergonomic risks for their workforce, many industries in Thailand seek assistance from professional ergonomists. However, most academic programs are delivered by instructors with limited human factor and ergonomics (HFE) background, who incorporate either physical or cognitive parts of HFE. To reliably assess and design systems according to HFE principles and standards, programs should be provided by creditable HFE professionals and based on holistic HFE knowledge. The objective of the present study was to initiate a transformation of the professional development in Thailand. The process included a consolidation of the details of HFE education through questionnaires, and identification of requirements from industries through a focus group interview. The results showed a prevalent lack of holistic considerations of HFE knowledge and a primary focus on physical ergonomics. Problems with lack of resources and basic knowledge in design were also reflected by concerns from the industry regarding limited experience, design competency and use of objective methodologies of HFE practitioners. This information was subsequently used to constitute the development of preliminary competencies and a pilot certification system. The proposed competencies and system were then disseminated and additional requirements that need to be incorporated into the professional HFE system were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses whether eco-driving may be encouraged by providing drivers with feedback, and how eco-driving attitudes fit with other environmental attitudes. Eight focus groups, including fleet drivers, discussed how feedback and other motives might affect driving behaviour. A survey of 350 respondents investigated attitudes towards saving fuel, the role of incentives and use of eco-friendly products. The focus groups' findings show that the environment is a lower priority than comfort and convenience, that feedback might provide a stimulus to eco-driving and that saving money was less important than saving time. The attitude survey showed that price, convenience, attitudes and eco-driving are not conceptually linked together, that convenience is rated as more important than saving money from fuel efficiency and that although the environment is of concern, it is not a high enough priority to increase fuel efficiency. The findings are discussed in relation to the low level of priority given to environmental concerns and the inability of financial incentives presenting significant challenges in terms of changing the subjective norms of the majority of drivers. Practitioner summary:This paper, using focus groups and a questionnaire, aims to understand how feedback devices, attitudes and motivation can improve eco-driving behaviours. The incentive to save money by better fuel economy was found to be insufficient, and roles for feedback devices and how information is presented are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Innovation will be required to improve the informed consent process in research. We aimed to obtain input from key stakeholders—research participants and those responsible for obtaining informed consent—to inform potential development of a multimedia informed consent “app.”Methods: This descriptive study used a mixed-methods approach. Five 90-minute focus groups were conducted with volunteer samples of former research participants and researchers/research staff responsible for obtaining informed consent. Participants also completed a brief survey that measured background information and knowledge and attitudes regarding research and the use of technology. Established qualitative methods were used to conduct the focus groups and data analysis.Results: We conducted five focus groups with 41 total participants: three groups with former research participants (totaln= 22), and two groups with researchers and research coordinators (totaln= 19). Overall, individuals who had previously participated in research had positive views regarding their experiences. However, further discussion elicited that the informed consent process often did not meet its intended objectives. Findings from both groups are presented according to three primary themes: content of consent forms, experience of the informed consent process, and the potential of technology to improve the informed consent process. A fourth theme, need for lay input on informed consent, emerged from the researcher groups.Conclusions: Our findings add to previous research that suggests that the use of interactive technology has the potential to improve the process of informed consent. However, our focus-group findings provide additional insight that technology cannot replace the human connection that is central to the informed consent process. More research that incorporates the views of key stakeholders is needed to ensure that multimedia consent processes do not repeat the mistakes of paper-based consent forms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptance of Global Positioning System (GPS) used to help people with dementia, who are at risk for wandering in their communities. We used a mixed methods research approach that included use logs, pre and post paper-based questionnaires, and focus groups. Forty-five client-caregiver pairs (dyads) were included to use one of the GPS devices for an average of 5.8 months over a 1-year period. GPS acceptance was high; dyads were likely to continue using the GPS. According to the participants, the GPS provided caregivers peace of mind and reduced anxiety in dyads when clients got lost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young bisexual women experience worse mental and sexual health outcomes in comparison to their heterosexual and lesbian peers. These disparities are associated with stigma and devaluation of bisexual identities. The current paper addresses a community-based focus group project in which participants discussed bisexual stigma in regard to bisexual erasure and other stereotypes. Specifically, participants detailed experiences of feeling pressured to provide evidence of their bisexual identity, modifying their relationship or sexual behavior to conform to these expectations, as well as feeling excluded from queer community. Further, participants discussed how these experiences were related to decreased mental and sexual health. Future research should further investigate the relationship between bisexual stigma, pressure to provide evidence of bisexual identity, and negative mental and sexual health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The University of Calgary joined the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network in 2018. As part of our university's AFU action plan, a baseline assessment of the institution's age-friendliness will be conducted to identify areas of strength and growth. To inform our approach and that of other institutions undertaking this work, an environmental scan was performed to determine methods used by post-secondary institutions to date to assess age-friendliness. Both academic and grey literature published between 2012 and 2022 in the English language was searched using diverse keywords. The academic literature was identified from four databases (Abstracts in Social Gerontology, Academic Search Complete, Education Research Complete, Scopus) and the grey literature from 84 institutional websites of AFU Global Network members. Twelve academic sources and four grey sources were included in the analysis. Seven methods were used to assess age-friendliness, with the most common approaches being surveys, inventories, focus groups, interviews, and photovoice. The Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (Silverstein et al., 2022) was selected to evaluate the University of Calgary's age-friendliness due to its alignment with all 10 AFU principles, comprehensiveness, and involvement of multiple stakeholders. Other post-secondary institutions should consider their context and resources when selecting an assessment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the evaluation of post-programme outcomes of the ISIBINDI model, a community-based intervention to promote physical and psychosocial well-being of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in South Africa. A mixed methods quasi-experimental design was used to investigate the differences between former ISIBINDI participants (18 years and older) and a control group of similar background. ISIBINDI ex-participants at 12 sites (n= 427) and a control group of non-participants (n= 177) completed a questionnaire which explored level of education and employment, psychosocial well-being and HIV risk behaviour. Focus group discussions were conducted with various stakeholders. Ex-participants reported higher self-esteem and problem-solving abilities, family support and lower HIV risk behaviour than the control group. High levels of unemployment especially in rural areas resulted in unemployment of out-of-school OVC which creates new forms of vulnerability. The benefits of the programme may be compromised by the lack of community resources. An effective exit strategy is needed to contribute to financial independence of OVC after exiting the programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum was introduced in Fiji schools in 2010 in response to concern about increasing teenage pregnancies and young people's vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and other health and social problems. However, conservative and suspicious parental attitudes towards FLE have been an obstacle. The need for an educational programme for parents to complement the FLE curriculum taught in schools is now urgent. This study examines parents' views on the sex and sexuality component of the FLE curriculum. Data were collected from 474 individuals using questionnaires, focus groups and face-to-face interviews. Participants represented different ethnic groups with Indigenous Fijians, women and Christians in the majority. The influence of the Christian religion on negative attitudes towards homosexuality and the use of protection is strong, as is parents' resistance to discussing sex education with their children. The paper concludes with suggestions on how to counter parents’ resistance to what they negatively perceive as Western or unbiblical ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The mental health challenges and service needs of immigrant populations within the US remain under-addressed. This study presents landscape analysis results from a community-led mental health project with the Atlanta-area Ethiopian immigrant community. The landscape analysis included focus group discussions with community stakeholders and surveys. Key themes that emerged included: (1) indicators of mental health challenges; (2) perceptions of causes of mental health challenges; (3) responses to mental health challenges; (4) barriers to treatment; and (5) community mental health resources. Study findings revealed patterns of mental health concerns and experiences of racism in the Ethiopian immigrant community. Faith-based beliefs and practices emerged across all key themes. Stigma surrounding mental illness is a barrier to mental health care-seeking. This was differentiated from stress, which was more freely discussed among family and friends. Study results highlight religious communities and leaders as key sources of support and critical to community-led mental health programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending praxis is a critical step in developing interventions that can have a real-world impact on people's lives. In this paper, we reflect on the lessons learned in the development of a curriculum for young people living in informal settlements in eThekwini, who are exposed to numerous vulnerabilities, including HIV-related risks associated with precarious urban livelihoods. Behavioural interventions have not led to commensurate reductions in HIV incidence, and the impact of these approaches remains regulated by numerous contextual conditions affecting those participating. Our collaborative project tested the impact of implementing a combination of the well-tested gender transformation intervention, Stepping Stones, with a new livelihood transformation curriculum, Creating Futures, among young people in eThekwini's informal settlements. Creating Futures was grounded in the theory and practice of sustainable livelihoods, but equally in the experience of the multi-disciplinary project team members who have conducted both research and development work among youth in the eThekwini area. Our approach was founded on the work of Doug Kirby, and we are indebted to him for his inputs. His logical model approach ensured that the team remained orientated to specific curriculum outcomes. Analysis of the results at 12 months post-baseline indicates positive livelihood outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Australian Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper is focused on grandparents who offer auxiliary care to their grandchildren. The objectives were twofold: (a) examining the satisfaction and difficulties that grandparents who provide auxiliary care drew from that task; (b) determining to what extent different care-related variables (such as the intensity of the type of provided care) and the perception of satisfaction and difficulties predict grandparent’s health and well-being. The sample was made up of 312 grandparents whose age ranged from 46 to 91. They cared for at least one grandchild whose age was 12 years or less for 10 hours a week or more. Data were gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire designed by the researchers. As well as sociodemographic variables, the questionnaire included questions related to the intensity and type of care provided, grandchildren’s behavioral problems, satisfaction and difficulties drew from caring, health, and well-being. Results indicated that auxiliary care for grandchildren is more a source of positive emotions and an opportunity to establish a rewarding affective relationship than a burden or a stressing responsibility. Intensity and type of care provided did not have any significant effect on grandparents’ health and well-being. In contrast, the perception of care-related difficulties did predict lower levels of health and well-being among grandparents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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HIV/AIDS prevention projects that pay special attention to the socio-cultural context of a community have been implemented in a number of Asian and African countries recently. Such projects integrate scientific approaches, such as condom promotion, with cultural approaches that focus on regional social norms. This paper explores effective intervention strategies in the context of sex workers’ mobility patterns, and the sex industry's internal organization in China. It argues that a social network based on quasi-familial relations and regional ties recruits young women into the business, helps them move vertically as well as horizontally within the business, and facilitates the smooth operation of the business. A sound understanding of the specific characteristics of sex work in China, therefore, is instrumental in formulating effective intervention tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is important for delivering safe patient care and can be enhanced through interprofessional education (IPE). In postgraduate medical education, the most effective model for delivering IPE remains unclear. A multi-site non-randomized mixed methods study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of a simulation-based IPE (SB-IPE) intervention on changing attitudes among higher specialty trainee (HST) physicians in general internal medicine and registered nurses (RNs). The intervention, underpinned by intergroup contact theory, is comprised of paired participants (HSTs:RNs) undertaking six simulated scenarios. The Jefferson Scale of Attitudes toward Interprofessional Collaboration (JeffSATIC) was administered pre-and-post intervention. Focus groups were conducted to explore participants' perceptions of IPC and the SB-IPE intervention. Fifty-six participants attended the SB-IPE intervention and 37 completed focus group interviews. Overall, attitudes toward IPC changed positively (p <.001), with greater change among HSTs (p =.001) compared to RNs (p =.12). Attitudes to "working relationships" significantly increased for HSTs (p <.001) but not RNs (p =.047). Focus group analysis identified three processes by which SB-IPE led to attitudinal change: 1) Shared vulnerability, 2) Positive affirmation, and 3) Negotiating professional hierarchies, mainly through relationship building. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term impact of attitudinal change, including the extent to which benefits transfer into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication about menstrual health continues to be influenced by institutional and social practices which deem it to be unclean and impure. In a country such as India, several customs and traditions reinforce secrecy and shame about menstruation. As such, scholars advocate the need to generate knowledge that can open opportunities to converse on the topic of menstruation and understand issues related to bodily changes. Using a culture-centered approach, this study examined how college-going adult women from two cities in Northern India made sense of menstrual health. Data collection included 20 focus groups with 180 college-going women and interviews with 16 female family members. Participants discussed communication patterns surrounding menstrual health and how they uphold, challenge, and change social practices. Specifically, participants reflected on how they were communicated to about their menstrual health with underpinnings of secrecy and shame and how the influence of current opportunities for openness encourage them to anticipate positive change. Theoretical and practical implications for studying communication around menstruation in diverse cultural contexts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early integration of oncology and patient-centered palliative care is the recommended clinical practice model for patients with advanced cancer. General and specific communication skills are necessary to achieve integrated patient-centered care, but require organized training to be adequately mastered. Challenges and barriers on several levels, i.e. organizational, professional and individual may, however, hamper implementation. The development, implementation, and evaluation of such an educational program focusing on communication skills contain many steps, considerations and lessons learned, which are described in this article. Methods: A multi-professional faculty developed, implemented, and evaluated an educational program through a 5-step approach. The program was part of a Norwegian cluster-randomized controlled trial aiming to test the effect of early integration of oncology and palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Results: The result is the PALLiON educational program; a multi-faceted, evidence-based, and learner-centered program with a specific focus on physicians' communication skills. Four modules were developed: lectures, discussion groups, skills training, and coaching. These were implemented at the six intervention hospitals using different teaching strategies. Evaluation in a subgroup of participants showed a positive appraisal of the group discussions and skills training. Conclusion:We present our experiences and reflections regarding implementation and lessons learned, which should be considered in future developments and implementations; (1) Include experienced faculty with various backgrounds, (2) Be both evidence-based and learner-centered, (3) Choose teaching strategies wisely, (4) Expect resistance and skepticism, (5) Team up with management and gatekeepers, (6) Expect time to fly, and (7) Plan thorough assessment of the evaluation and effect. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03088202. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describe health concerns of Black Americans as they age and what influences their participation in aging and clinical research. Fifty participants attended focus groups and completed questionnaires to identify barriers to research participation and attitudes toward dementia screening. Bivariate correlations explored associations between barriers to research participation and attitudes toward dementia screening. Cancer, hereditary conditions, vascular conditions, memory disorders, and psychological disorders were the greatest health concerns. Time demands, mistrust, lack of knowledge about potential research, and stigma were identified as barriers for research participation. Incentives, better understanding of how proposed research will benefit the community, lifestyle modification studies, active presence of principal researchers/clinicians, and community investment were identified as factors to improve participation. Questionnaires revealed mistrust and religious beliefs to be among the primary barriers. Attitudes toward dementia screening reflected perceived stigma, suffering, and subsequent loss of independence. Higher barriers to participation were associated with perceived stigma and loss of independence related to dementia screening. Successfully recruiting Black Americans for aging and clinical research remains a challenge. This study identifies barriers to participation and offers suggestions for planning and recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To specify intervention content to enhance influenza vaccination uptake among adults with chronic respiratory conditions using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Cross-sectional, multi-modal data collection and theory-informed analysis and expert stakeholder engagement. Content analysis was used to identify barriers and enablers to influenza vaccination from nine focus groups (n = 38), individual interviews (n = 21) and open-ended survey responses (n = 101). The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the BCW were used to specify evidence-based and theoretically-informed recommendations. Expert stakeholders refined recommendations using the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity (APEASE) criteria to yield a range of potentially actionable ideas. TDF analysis identified perceptions of vaccine side effects (beliefs about consequences [BACons]) was the most common barrier to vaccination, followed by time constraints (environmental context and resources [ECR]) and fear of needles (Emotion). Enablers included protection from influenza (BACons), receiving reminders (ECR) and support from others (Social Influences). These factors mapped to seven BCW intervention functions and 22 behaviour change techniques. Factors affecting vaccine uptake are multifaceted and multileveled. The study suggested a suite of complementary multi-level intervention components to enhance vaccination uptake involving a range of diverse actors, intervention recipients and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an official HIV infection rate of 18.5%, approximately one in five South Africans are HIV positive. Despite this prevalence, stigma and discrimination associated with being HIV positive is widespread. HIV-related stigma emanates from the fact that HIV is associated with risky behaviors such as drug use, sexual promiscuity, homosexuality and transactional sex. Participants were recruited through announcements in classrooms and during community meetings. Participants were selected if they knew someone who was discriminated against HIV as a result of being affected by HIV. The status of the participants was irrelevant. Seven focus group sessions were conducted with 62 participants. The results show that stigma is seen as a result of lack of HIV knowledge, with participants from rural areas showing more knowledge regarding HIV transmission and care as compared to urban participants. Most participants agreed that disclosure leads to more voluntary HIV testing, obtaining treatment and preventing further transmission of HIV. The results of this study provide indications that stigma can be mitigated by increasing knowledge of HIV prevention, targeted information campaigns in urban areas, and encouraging discussion about stigma and discrimination against the disease. Programmes should apply the Theory of Planned Behavior for the development of such interventions, take culture, creed, and other social affiliation into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace-based interprofessional education (IPE) offers opportunities for pre-registration students to interact with patients in authentic settings. Senior dietetic, medical, nursing, physiotherapy and radiation therapy students took part in a workplace IPE initiative on cancer and palliative care informed by experiential learning theory and run by clinical tutors. Research was undertaken to gauge students and tutors' experiences of the initiative. The mixed methods approach included: Pre and post-administration of the University of West England Interprofessional questionnaire 'Communication and Teamwork Scale, 'Interprofessional Learning Scale,' 'Interprofessional Interaction Scale.' Two questions were added relating to cancer and palliative care. Separate focus group interviews were held with students and tutors. There was a positive shift in the Communication and Teamwork scale based on students' pre and post questionnaires, but no change in the other two scales. Analysis of student and tutor focus group data showed that both affirmed the IPE initiative for a range of reasons. A brief experiential, theory-informed IPE initiative with a focus on cancer and palliative care was well received by both students and clinical tutors. The mixed method approach highlighted some discrepancies between quantitative and qualitative results but when synthesized were explicable, demonstrating the value of using a mixed methods approach to research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a community-based action research project in a low-income neighborhood in Hong Kong that adopted the Working from the Ground Up (WFGU) model. In the context of the neoliberal turn, the WFGU approach reminds researchers and practitioners to begin with the disadvantaged groups' perceptions of the neighborhood and priorities for changes. The WFGU and action research process involved four phases: observation, reflection, planning, and actions. The four-year action research project indicates the potential of promoting the participation of tenants of sub-divided units (SDUs), a type of sub-standard housing in Hong Kong. The SDU tenants used Photovoice in community assessment. They critically assessed the causes of neighborhood issues and were committed to making changes collectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) has become increasingly popular for collecting data on sensitive topics among populations with lower levels of literacy. However, the development of an ACASI tool is an involved process that can be further complicated when working in humanitarian contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the development of an ACASI tool to be used in a family-focused intervention evaluation. Participants included adolescent girls aged 10-14, adolescent boys aged 15-19, and caregivers in Borno State, Nigeria. Data to inform the tool's development were collected using cognitive interviews, ACASI demonstrations, and post-demonstration assessments with adolescent girls, adolescent boys, and caregivers, as well as a focus group discussion with enumerators. Data found high levels of acceptance for the tool and helped identify appropriate visual representations for various answer options to maximize usability. The survey was found to be too long to administer solely through ACASI; the final tool employs a combination of ACASI and computer-assisted personal interview formats. Findings highlight the importance of repeatedly piloting and testing these types of tools to ensure content and language resonate with intended users. However, the steps employed demonstrate that researchers can maintain a commitment to developing high-quality, community-grounded research tools despite challenges germane to humanitarian settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that physical activity can improve health, the present study was conducted to affect education based on the theory of planned behavior on the promotion of physical activity and awareness in the prevention of diabetes in students. This parallel quasi-experimental study with two equal groups of intervention and control was carried out in three stages by multistage sampling method. Students who were physically ill or had absence were excluded from the study. Only the intervention group received the required intervention and the evaluation was done before, immediately after and 3 months after the intervention in both groups. The educational program was implemented in various forms such as oral, pamphlets, brain storming, group discussions, role play for behavior modeling, and written media such as posters, and exercise demonstrations. Data collection was performed in primary schools of Mashhad. The questionnaire was contained; demographic information, diabetes awareness, physical activity based on the theory of planned behavior and physical activity (IPAQ). Data analysis was done by SPSS-16 software using Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, and marginal longitudinal models at the significance level of 0.05. The mean scores of knowledge (p < 0.001), subjective norm (p < 0.001), perceived behavior control (p = 0.015) and physical activity (p < 0.001) immediately after the intervention were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group and the differences were significant. Results of this study supported the effectiveness of education based on theory of planned behavior in the promotion of physical activity and knowledge of students regarding diabetes prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusion of evidence-based practice (EBP) in entry-level physical therapy (PT) curricula is meant to develop the necessary competencies for better EBP uptake in clinical practice. This study aimed to: 1) determine the practice, knowledge, and values for EBP of the graduates of an entry-level PT curriculum with EBP education; 2) compare graduates' EBP practice profile to their EBP knowledge and values; and 3) explore their views on their EBP education and how EBP education influenced their practice. A convergent parallel design was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The Evidence-based Practice Profile - 2 (EBP2) questionnaire was used for quantitative data. Focus group discussions and open-ended questions in the EBP2 were sources for qualitative data. Seventy-seven completed the questionnaire and eight participated in focus group discussions. Participants scored highest for Relevance domain (standardized mean = 75.3) and lowest for Practice (standardized mean = 45.5). Three themes, 'Positive impact of EBP education,' 'Realities of PT clinical practice, and 'Strategies to improve EBP education' were derived. Data integration confirmed findings that graduates have good knowledge, value for, and confidence in doing EBP Findings suggest that early EBP education led to adequate knowledge, confidence, and positive attitudes, but practice barriers hinder EBP uptake. The medical model of service delivery was identified as a factor that influences EBP use. There is a need to revisit the EBP education program to complement real-world demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disparities that Black/African-American women experience in health care are persistent and staggering. Findings from health outcomes research continue to demonstrate poorer outcomes for African-American women compared to women of other race/ethnicity in several conditions. These racial/ethnic and gender health disparities observed are complex, heavily nuanced and multi-factorial. To understand these, there is a need to apply an 'intersectionality' lens. Intersectionality refers to the experience of persons with multiple intersecting statuses. The objective of this exploratory study was to gain insight into the healthcare experiences of low-income African-American women. In-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted with 22 women and 2 focus group discussions with community leaders and advocates. Investigators conducted a thematic analysis of the transcripts. The thematic analysis revealed four major themes, which tell the story of the intersectional invisibility experienced by low-income AA women in the healthcare system. These included (1) the perception of 'not feeling heard'; (2) patient as 'expert of her own body'; (3) disregard of patient preferences; and (4) the need for self-advocacy. Black/African-American women, and particularly those with socioeconomic disadvantage, experience intersectional invisibility resulting from provider implicit bias, stereotypical assumptions, and systemic structures that enable discriminatory practices in healthcare delivery. Healthcare provider education that more explicitly addresses these biases and stereotypes should be complemented with system-level interventions that aim to dismantle the structural racism inherent in healthcare policies and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iWalk study showed that 10-meter walk test (10mWT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) administration post-stroke increased among physical therapists (PTs) following introduction of a toolkit comprising an educational guide, mobile app, and video. We describe the use of theory guiding toolkit development and a process evaluation. We used the knowledge-to-action framework to identify research steps; and a guideline implementability framework, self-efficacy theory, and the transtheoretical model to design and evaluate the toolkit and implementation process (three learning sessions). In a before-and-after study, 37 of the 49 participating PTs completed online questionnaires to evaluate engagement with learning sessions, and rate self-efficacy to perform recommended practices pre- and post-intervention. Thirty-three PTs and 7 professional leaders participated in post-intervention focus groups and interviews, respectively. All sites conducted learning sessions; attendance was 50-78%. Self-efficacy ratings for recommended practices increased and were significant for the 10mWT (p ≤ 0.004). Qualitative findings highlighted that theory-based toolkit features and implementation strategies likely facilitated engagement with toolkit components, contributing to observed improvements in PTs' knowledge, attitudes, skill, self-efficacy, and clinical practice. The approach may help to inform toolkit development to advance other rehabilitation practices of similar complexity. Toolkits are an emerging knowledge translation intervention used to support widespread implementation of clinical practice guideline recommendations. Although experts recommend using theory to inform the development of knowledge translation interventions, there is little guidance on a suitable approach. This study describes an approach to using theories, models and frameworks to design a toolkit and implementation strategy, and a process evaluation of toolkit implementation. Theory-based features of the toolkit and implementation strategy may have facilitated toolkit implementation and practice change to increase clinical measurement and interpretation of walking speed and distance in adults post-stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A 'webnovela', an adaptation of the traditional fotonovela, is an engaging and educational story told with photographs and dialog, and specifically designed for use online. We developed a bilingual, interactive webnovela prototype to assess its acceptability, feasibility, and knowledge-imparting capabilities to help address the disproportionate incidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer among United States Latinas. The primary aim of the study was to test the webnovela format. The secondary aim was to test content related to the HPV vaccine, Pap tests, HPV prevention, and early detection of cervical cancer. Methods To offer feedback on the webnovela: 84 Spanish- and English-speaking Latinas 18–26 years first completed a pre-survey, then engaged in a focus group discussion (10 focus groups total), and after the discussion, completed a post-survey; and 41 Latino-serving health professionals completed an online survey. Results Latina respondents demonstrated HPV and cervical cancer knowledge gain in post-surveys, and reported an increase in their intention to speak with someone about HPV, the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer. They were more likely to intend to obtain the HPV vaccine in the next month compared with pre-survey reports. Latinas reported that the webnovela was age-appropriate and interactive. Health professional respondents agreed the webnovela was informative and entertaining and useful to their Latina audiences. They also offered suggestions for improvement. Discussion Our preliminary webnovela study indicates that this format would be well-received by, and motivational to, Latinas 18–26 years of age and the health professionals who serve them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010, following its approval by the Ministry of Health, the medical abortion combination pack Medabon (containing mifepristone and misoprostol) was made available at pharmacies and in a restricted number of health facilities in Cambodia. The qualitative study presented in this paper was conducted in 2012 as a follow-up to longer-term ethnographical research related to reproductive health and fertility regulation between 2008 and 2012. Observations were carried out at several clinic and pharmacy sites and in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 20 women who attended two MSI Cambodia centres and 10 women identified through social networks; six men (women’s male partners); eight health care providers at the two MSI centres and four pill sellers at private or informal pharmacies (who also provided health care services in private clinics). Although the level of training among the drug sellers and providers varied, their knowledge about medical abortion regimens, correct usage and common side effects was good. Overall, women were satisfied with the services provided. Medical abortion was not always a women-only process in this study as some male partners were also involved in the care process. The study illustrates positive steps forward being taken in making abortion safe and preventing and reducing unsafe abortion practices in Cambodia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]