Search Results (36)

Background/Objectives: Sexual health research involving young adolescents remains scarce despite rising rates of early sexual debut, pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this population. We explored community stakeholders’ perspectives on engaging young adolescents in sexual health research in Western New York to inform strategies for engaging young adolescents in sexual health research. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted from April 2022 to June 2023. Seventeen community stakeholders, including health education teachers, youth counselors, and adolescent health providers, participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis, managed by MAXQDA 2020. The rigor and trustworthiness of the data were ensured through triangulation with observations, peer debriefing, team analysis, and respondent validation. Results: Participants were predominantly female (94.1%), 52.9% Black/African American, 41.2% White, and 5.9% Caucasian–Indian American, and aged 23–59 years. Four themes emerged: perspectives on conducting sexual health research with young adolescents, recruitment strategies, sexual health questions appropriate for young adolescents, and building readiness for participation in sexual health research. Participants reported the need for sexual health research with young adolescents and recommended building a trusting relationship and involving schools, parents, and trusted community organizations in the research process. Suggested research questions included those related to awareness of sex, STIs, available resources, experiences with sexual education, and desired support. The findings also revealed the need to initiate sexual health conversations early when children start asking questions, as a foundation for meaningful participation in sexual health research. Conclusions: The findings suggest that sexual health research with young adolescents is feasible and necessary, with implications for the design of developmentally appropriate sexual health research and interventions grounded in trust and community collaboration. Future research should explore the perspectives of caregivers and young adolescents to inform studies and programs that are attuned to young adolescents’ developmental needs. Full article

While studies consistently show that the popular media often provide medicalized images of disabled people as “other” or inferior, dynamic societal changes, such as the diffusion of human rights laws, increasing public awareness, and the mediatization of disability activism, also influence media representations. The present research aims to identify relevant discursive practices in Hungarian online news media, a non-Western European country with about 50 years of a state party system under communism, and offer insight into how progressive policy changes and mediatized activism shape media features on disability. To establish the dataset, the most visited and independent online news media portal in Hungary (24.hu) was searched for articles discussing disability between 2019 and 2022. The 481 relevant articles extracted were analyzed using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with the help of MAXQDA 2020. The findings reveal a multiplicity of disability representations: medicalized and victimized images on the one hand, and reports of resilience and “heroism” on the other. Three distinct discursive practices are identified: (1) traditional/ableist representations, (2) alternative representations with ableist framing, and (3) agency and the co-creation of disability representations. Results suggest that even 30 years after the political changes, disabled people’s collective agency is marginal in Hungary, and that socio-legal changes and mediatized disability activism are yet to influence news media features. Full article

Balancing modernisation with cultural heritage preservation remains a core challenge in integrating smart technologies into historic cities. This study conducts a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis of 42 peer-reviewed articles across the fields of urban planning, smart technologies, heritage conservation, and place making to address this issue. Through thematic coding using MAXQDA (2020), it identifies recurring themes and patterns that inform the development of a conceptual framework. The findings reveal that cultural heritage sites contribute to smart city planning by reinforcing place-based identity, enabling participatory governance, and supporting culturally sustainable innovation. The study also addresses a critical gap in existing smart city frameworks, which often fail to systematically incorporate cultural values and local identity in their planning logic. The proposed framework integrates cultural heritage with smart city development through place making and provides structured guidance for policymakers and urban planners by outlining four key areas—digital infrastructure, community participation, spatial design, and heritage preservation—while also acknowledging the challenges of applying it across diverse socio-cultural and technological contexts. Full article

Background: This study aimed to analyze the challenges faced by professionals and volunteers in search and rescue operations after the earthquake that struck the southeastern region of Turkey, with its epicenter in Kahramanmaraş, on 6 February 2023. Method: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach; specifically, a phenomenological method. It presents the results of semi-structured individual interviews with eight sampled volunteers who participated in the search and rescue activities following the earthquake. Participants were between the ages of 24 and 45, and three were nurses, three were journalists, and two were civilian volunteers with no formal training in search and rescue. In terms of nationality, five participants were citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) only, while three had both TRNC and Turkish citizenship. Field duties included providing medical support, documenting incidents, and assisting survivors in collaboration with civil society organizations. The research data were analyzed using MAXQDA Analytic Pro 2020. Results: Within the scope of this research, four main themes and twenty-one sub-themes were identified. The first theme is related to the nature of the traumatic events and reflects the characteristics of the traumatic experiences of the participants. The second theme is secondary trauma symptoms, showing that the participants experienced symptoms such as overstimulation, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, anger, and concentration difficulties. The third theme focuses on post-traumatic growth symptoms. Participants reported experiencing developmental changes following trauma, such as changes in self-perception, the ability to recognize new situations, understanding the value of life, and positive relationships related to personal growth. Finally, the fourth theme is related to the coping skills used to cope with traumatic events; participants shared their coping strategies and the impact of these strategies. Conclusions: This study highlights the need to assess individuals in search and rescue operations in terms of secondary trauma. Our findings may be used as a reference to develop post-disaster psychosocial support services for volunteer search and rescue teams. Additionally, the findings can be used to renew the content of pre-field preparation training. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study identifies barriers to maternal and child healthcare access in Afghanistan under the Taliban and proposes solutions using the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework. Methods: Midwives and mothers were recruited via chain-referral sampling. After obtaining IRB and the participants’ informed consent, in-depth virtual interviews, guided by Social Cognitive Theory, were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis in MAXQDA 2020. Results: Data analysis revealed four primary consequences of the political unrest in Afghanistan that have exacerbated barriers to accessing maternal and child healthcare: (a) Taliban-imposed restrictions on women’s education and mobility, reducing female healthcare providers and limiting mothers’ access to care; (b) increased poverty, preventing women from attending perinatal visits due to out-of-pocket costs; (c) the deterioration of healthcare services, including medicine shortages, weakened health financing due to donor withdrawals, lack of insurance, and poor governance; and (d) the increased perpetuation of misinformation and harmful practices, such as the use of clergymen for medical advice instead of doctors. Using the WHO Health Systems Framework, we recommend solutions that address issues in service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, financing, and governance. Conclusions: This is the first qualitative study capturing Afghan mothers’ and healthcare providers’ experiences under Taliban rule. Our findings can inform international efforts to advocate for women’s healthcare and education rights and guide global aid programs in strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for the tourism industry, disrupting operations, reducing customer demand, and forcing businesses to adapt quickly to a new reality. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and hospitality industry and addresses a specific research gap: the limited application of structured theoretical frameworks—particularly the three-R stakeholder collaboration model—in examining recovery strategies. Prior studies have largely focused on individual tactics or short-term impacts, rather than a structured, stakeholder-driven, multi-phase recovery process. Employing a qualitative research design, this study used grounded theory to investigate how tourism service providers and key stakeholders navigated the challenges of the pandemic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, including tourism business owners, hotel and event managers, public sector employees, and academics. These insights offer a comprehensive, multi-perspective view of how the industry navigated the pandemic. Grounded theory was used to inductively develop a model of recovery behaviors, with data coded through open, axial, and selective stages using MAXQDA 2020 software. Findings revealed several key strategies—such as cost-cutting, digital transformation, and cultural adaptation—that enabled businesses to maintain operations during the pandemic and recover in its aftermath. Finally, refashioning business models through digital transformation, the diversification of services, and a shift to local markets helped tourism providers adapt to the changing environment and ensure long-term resilience. Full article

Background: Infertility is a neglected global public health issue, particularly in the Global South, where policy interventions and research remain limited. In China, rising public demand and declining birth rates have renewed interest in integrating fertility care into reproductive health policies, though operational challenges and systemic gaps persist. Objectives: This study aims to explore the perceptions of health system professionals regarding the opportunities and barriers to integrating fertility care into China’s reproductive health policy. Methods: This qualitative study involved 31 interviewees, including health system leaders (n = 5), health practitioners (n = 21), and civil society advocates (n = 5), from November 2023 to October 2024. The transcribed and anonymized data were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA version 2020, guided by the World Health Organization’s health system building blocks framework. Results: Interviewees reported that integrating fertility care has markedly improved service accessibility and quality, driven by strong governmental leadership. They identified opportunities for further progress through focused government initiatives, expanded public–private partnerships, and the adoption of international best practices, while also noting obstacles such as operational challenges, systemic policy gaps, uneven resource distribution, and persistent cultural stigma. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for a robust national policy framework, sustainable funding mechanisms, and enhanced primary healthcare capabilities, along with cultural advocacy and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and foster equitable access. Full article

This study aims to assess the impact of work on managers, specialists, and probation officers in Türkiye. The research seeks to enhance understanding of how work life affects personnel and to propose policy recommendations from a social work perspective to improve professional well-being. A qualitative research design utilizing a phenomenological approach was adopted. Data collection involved an individual information form and a semi-structured in-depth interview form, developed by the researchers, to evaluate work-related impacts. Through purposive quota sampling, 30 participants, including specialists, managers, and probation officers, were recruited from probation offices with the highest workload across Türkiye’s seven regions. The data were descriptively analyzed using the Maxqda 2020 software. The findings reveal that professional, individual, and institutional stress factors significantly impact the well-being of probation personnel. While staff report deriving satisfaction from helping individuals break the cycle of crime and receiving positive feedback, they encounter challenges such as emotional labor, lack of professional recognition, and inadequate working conditions. Security concerns related to working with probationers were also emphasized. During the pandemic, disruptions in rehabilitation programs, increased recidivism, and perceptions of impunity were noted. The study underscores the necessity for improved working conditions, benefits, and professional respect to enhance the welfare of probation personnel. Full article

Introduction: Child trafficking is a clear violation of human rights, robbing minors of their fundamental entitlements. These encompass the right to personal identity, familial bonds, cultural heritage, access to healthcare and proper nourishment, education, freedom of speech, and the assurance of safety and security. Children and young people, given their inherent vulnerability and limited access to support networks, frequently struggle to safeguard themselves effectively. This predicament presents traffickers with opportunities to exploit and manipulate them. Therefore, it is essential for professionals across various sectors—including education, healthcare, protective and social services, as well as the justice system—to undergo comprehensive training and be integrated into a robust social protection system. This preparation should equip them to conduct screenings, accurately assess needs, and adhere to international guidelines when addressing cases of child trafficking. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the child-centered anti-trafficking approaches employed by Italy and Turkey, situated along migration pathways in the Mediterranean region and experiencing significant regular and irregular migration flows in recent years. Both nations fall within the classification of southern European welfare regimes. Methodology: This research specifically delves into the social protection policies aimed at children and young victims established by these two countries. Carried out between 1 February 2020 and 20 May 2021, this study employed a semi-structured interview approach, conducting qualitative in-depth interviews in both Italy and Turkey. This research targeted experts from various disciplines engaged in combating human trafficking in both countries, with a total sample size of 46 participants, comprising 15 experts from Italy and 31 from Turkey. Grounded theory formed the basis of the study, with data analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 Pro Analytics program, employing a multidisciplinary and empowerment approach. Results: The analysis yielded 2942 codes, 17 sub-themes, and four main themes. The study identified four main themes: (i) characteristics of child victims and vulnerable child groups, (ii) services provided to at-risk groups and child trafficking victims within the current national counter-trafficking framework, (iii) challenges encountered in delivering services to children and young individuals, and (iv) recommendations for establishing an effective and child-centered protection system. Discussion and Conclusion: It is imperative to ensure that victims of child trafficking have access to comprehensive social protection measures. It has been noted that both Italy and Turkey offer various services to victims of child trafficking, including in-kind and -cash social assistance, free legal aid, shelter services, access to education and healthcare, as well as prevention, awareness, and advocacy programs. However, there are also differences between the two countries in certain aspects. Recommendations aimed at addressing these differences can be developed by adhering to the minimum standards outlined in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Full article

This study explores the Potaxie, Fifes, and Tilinx subcultures on TikTok, examining their origins, characteristics, and cultural significance. Originating from a viral video in 2020, the Potaxie subculture emerged within the Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ community and evolved to symbolise inclusivity and gender equality. Potaxies use vibrant aesthetics influenced by Japanese and Korean pop culture to express their identities and resistance. In contrast, Fifes, associated with cisgender heterosexual men, embody traditional patriarchal values, often sexist and homophobic, creating a narrative of resistance between the groups. The Tilinx, symbolic descendants of the Potaxies, are inspired by ballroom culture and drag houses, with “Potaxie mothers” continuing the fight for inclusion and diversity. Using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis through the TikTok API and qualitative content analysis via MAXQDA and Python, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the subculture that accumulates over 2.3 billion interactions. The findings highlight how TikTok serves as a platform for identity construction, cultural resistance, and the redefinition of social norms. Additionally, the study examines how digital platforms mediate intersectional experiences, favouring certain types of content through algorithms, and how participants navigate these opportunities and constraints to express their intersecting identities. The implications for communication strategies, youth policies, educational plans, and research on the commercialization of these subcultures are profound, offering insights into the transformative potential of social media in shaping contemporary cultural and social narratives. Full article

Investors are one of the primary target audiences for corporate communication; they seek non-financial as well as financial information from the companies they invest in, and they consider the social and environmental sustainability of these companies in addition to their economic sustainability. Because of this, as a tool for investor relations, annual reports now routinely and regularly incorporate non-financial information. This study examined thirty annual reports from six public airline firms issued between 2018 and 2022. A total of 8115 expressions on social, economic, and environmental sustainability issues—divided into 125 themes—were coded and analyzed in Maxqda 2020. Among the conclusions was the fact that, in 2022, all of the examined companies devoted 9% of their pages to sustainability statements and included them as an individual topic in their reports. It was found that 64% of both the sustainability-related pages of the reports and the messages of the company managers included in the report consisted of social sustainability statements, with the theme of governance playing an important role in these explanations. Additionally, it was revealed that the topics of governance issues (22.6%), the natural environment (21.7%), and human resources development (15.5%) are the most frequently discussed social, environmental, and economic sustainability themes in corporate annual reports. Full article

Rural areas face multiple challenges. Among these are population decline and the attendant economic and social problems, namely demographic issues. Although the factors that draw immigrants to other countries are known, comprehending the factors that result in immigrants remaining in rural areas after their arrival could support informed local policies and practices. The purpose of the study is to explore the motivations that shape immigrants’ intentions to stay in Alentejo, a depopulated region in Portugal. The research questions are as follows: What motivates immigrants to remain in depopulated regions in Portugal? Furthermore, what contributions can practitioners and immigrants make to local policies and practices? Practitioners (n = 8) and non-European Union immigrants (n = 15) living in this region were interviewed between 2020 and 2021. The empirical data were analyzed using the MaxQDA software. The results indicated that the intention to remain in rural areas arises from a progressive process: this is a process that immigrants experience that motivates them to stay there long-term. The factors influencing the process include four components described throughout this work: (1) Instrumental and material motivations; (2) Emotional and social motivations; (3) Motivations based on the quality of life; and (4) Motivations based on the political dimension. The conclusions highlight the implications for policies and practices, suggesting more investment into rural regions to reverse the depopulation trend. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the closure of educational centers, forcing the teaching–learning process to become virtual at all levels of the educational system. The main objective of this study was to describe and analyze how students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents perceived their quality of life and the educational response offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted with 50 students with grade 1 ASD, aged 8–11 years, and their parents. The methodology used was qualitative and descriptive, with semi-structured, individual interviews. The data were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 program. The results show that students with ASD state that they need social contact and that the fact of not experiencing it, as occurred during the COVID-19 situation, had a negative impact on their perception of their quality of life, as well as the perception of their parents, significantly affecting their emotional well-being. Likewise, it was detected that both students with ASD and their parents perceived that the educational response was inadequate during that period. Full article

Informal/family caregivers (ICs) of older people with dementia (PwD) can suffer from depression and burnout. However, digital solutions can potentially provide innovative ways to facilitate care provision. The aim of this study was to analyze the opinions of end users (EUs), i.e., PwD aged 65 years and over and their ICs and healthcare professionals (HPs), on the use of digital technology to support care activities. Qualitative data were collected during the co-design phase of the European project “DemiCare—Personalized support for informal caregivers of people with dementia”. This study focused on the Italian context and included two PwD, three ICs, and seven HPs. Three focus groups were held in April–June 2022. Qualitative data were analyzed using MaxQDA 2020 software. Seven thematic areas were identified: daily activities, care tasks, information needs, support received, relationship with and expectations from technology, functionality of the DemiCare integrated system, and ethical issues. Smart devices seemed to be received positively by ICs and HPs, although older PwD seemed to have difficulty accepting the technology. Overall, despite the low number of participants, it seems important and potentially effective to consider the needs and preferences of PwD during exploratory co-design to allow social interactions with them. This study was not registered. Full article

Traveling to space and walking on other planets has always been a great dream for many tourists. Given that space tourism is not available to everyone, adventurers have always been looking for special and strange places that evoke the feeling of traveling to other planets, especially Mars. One of these places which is very similar to Mars is the Lut Desert World Heritage Site. The present study aims to introduce the Martian sites of the Lut Desert and offers a special type of trip to this beautiful desert that can further preserve it with a sustainable development approach. The statistical sample of the research is based on the qualitative analysis method, consisting of 18 participants, which consists of experts, desert tour guides, and tourists who have visited the studied sites. After the data collection process, the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Maxqda 2020 software. The results of the research indicate that the four sites identified in the research, according to the participants, are similar to the images and videos published of Mars. Moreover, this new branch of desert ecotourism can develop sustainable ecotourism in the Lut Desert. Full article