Identifying the barriers to the integration of research into graduate midwives' professional practice in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Background: Research is fundamental in improving health through informing health practices and policies. Despite significant capacity building in some areas to support health research efforts, research capacity in low-middle countries, such as Papua New Guinea, is weak. Bachelor of Midwifery students at the University of Goroka, between 2012 and 2016, were introduced to research and produced a proposal for a small study to be implemented when they returned to their place of work as qualified midwives. Despite students being very enthusiastic about carrying out the research during the development of their research proposal, there was limited evidence of them being able to successfully complete their research. This study aimed to understanding the barriers perceived by the graduate midwives to performing research in their own setting so as to inform development of strategies to support the students and graduates in their research efforts in the future. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine Bachelor of Midwifery graduates from the University of Goroka practising in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Data was thematically analysed using Braun and Clark’s six stage approach and themes and sub-themes identified. Findings: Participants viewed research as a skill set and a tool that could be used for problem solving, improving practice and creating evidence. Although some participants were confident with some research skills and had started a research study, they felt they did not have enough skills to complete the study. Others stated that although they were interested to undertake research, they did not understand the research process, and were lacking in knowledge and skills. Barriers to performing research identified by participants included lack of time, lack of support in the workplace, lack of resources and no culture of research in the workplace. Enablers identified included having an experienced researcher as a mentor, having access to ongoing training in research and other skills, e.g. computer and internet use, having resources such as books and internet access, having time during work to undertake research, and having support in workplace. Conclusion: Despite some introductory integration of research knowledge and skills into undergraduate midwifery curriculum and a perception by graduate midwives that research is important it does not translate into graduate midwives professional practice. Bachelor of Midwifery curricula must increase the amount of time spent on research content which must be taught in practical ways and by experienced educators so students are inspired and skilled to undertake research

A review of existing methods used to assess demand for integrated education in Northern Ireland

The education system in Northern Ireland (NI) is complex with the diversity of management structures reflecting religious affiliation and academic selection. Within the system, integrated education provides a mechanism to promote reconciliation among divided communities. Integrated education has been aided by legislation—most recently, the Integrated Education Act (NI) 2022, which places responsibility on the Department of Education and the Education Authority to encourage, facilitate and support integrated education. However, there is no standardised or agreed operational methodology on assessing demand for this. This study aims to examine the current approaches to assessing demand for integrated education in NI by collating existing evidence from key stakeholders and reviewing academic literature. Publicly available information was synthesised from the websites of key stakeholders, and a rapid literature review was conducted to identify methods used in NI and internationally to ascertain demand for education provision. The literature review returned limited results, and the review of key stakeholders' websites illustrated that although existing methods used in NI monitor support in principle for integrated education, they do not capture the full range of factors considered by parents when selecting a school. As a result, the findings indicate a mismatch between articulated preferences for integrated education, the availability of places in integrated schools, and the uptake of these. This study concludes that although existing methods provide part of the evidence jigsaw necessary to assess demand, alternative approaches must be considered to acknowledge the existing complexities within the education system and wider societal structures in NI

Developing a critical agenda to understand pro-environmental actions: contributions from social representations and social practices theories

Debates over the value and compatibility of different approaches to understanding and changing environmental-relevant actions proliferate across the social sciences. This article reviews and discusses some of the (socio-)psychological and sociological approaches in those debates. We will start by critically reviewing the (socio-)psychological perspectives, highlighting two main shortcomings. First, they are often partial in their focus—concentrating on the consumption side of climate-relevant actions and, relatedly in changing these actions at the individual level. They tend to assume that individual change equates to social change and, with that, fail to contextualize ‘anti’-environmental actions in current neoliberal, capitalist societies. Second, they usually present the mainstream (socio-)psychological approaches, which are ontologically individualistic and cognitive, as the only existent ones, therefore neglecting other perspectives within Social Psychology which might actually be (more) compatible with sociological perspectives. We then suggest that Social Representations Theory (SRT), as an ontologically social-psychological approach and a theory of social change, might be reconciled with sociological approaches, such as Social Practices Theory (SPT), in contrast to the more individualistic (socio-)psychological perspectives. After reviewing the main tenets of SRT, its discrepancies and potential synergies with SPT, we discuss how both can be articulated to understand different stages of the social change process toward more environmentally sustainable societies. While SPT might be more suitable to understand stability or how some actions become habitual, SRT might be better equipped to understand how those change, or how individuals and groups negotiate new actions with old ones

Polymer Matrix Composites Fabrication and Testing

This project involves two separate processes for fabricating carbon fiber composite parts using Hexcels RTM6 resin system and Kanekas IR-6070 toughened resin system to impregnate carbon fiber tow and weave. These two resins were chosen to model microcracking in parts using RTM6 compared to parts using IR-6070. Plies of the composites were made by painting resin onto 8 harness satin weave or impregnating IM7 12k tow in a prepregging machine. Plies were consolidated using an out-of-autoclave oven or a heat press. Fabrication of the composite parts were conducted with the end goal of sending the composites to be tested and modeled for microcracking. The data will be used for computer modeling in the future

Factors associated with public knowledge of and attitudes to dementia: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionDementia is a major public health concern but one that continues to be stigmatised. We examine lay knowledge of dementia and attitudes to people with dementia as potential precursors of public anxiety, focusing on the social characteristics associated with (a) the formation of these attitudes, and (b) the perception of the need for restriction and control for people with dementia.MethodsAnalysis of the 2014 Northern Ireland Life and Times survey, which included questions on knowledge of, attitudes to and personal experience with dementia. We used (a) latent class analysis and (b) logistic regression to examine factors associated with respondent attitudes towards dementia.ResultsRespondents (n = 1211) had relatively good general knowledge of dementia, but limited knowledge of specific risk factors. Negative perceptions of dementia were mitigated somewhat by personal contact. A high proportion of respondents felt that high levels of control were appropriate for people diagnosed with dementia, even at early stages of the disease.ConclusionPersonal antipathy to dementia was highly prevalent despite ongoing public campaigns to increase public awareness of developments in its prevention, treatment and consequent care pathways and hampering efforts to widen social inclusion. Fresh thinking and more resources may be needed to challenge persisting common misapprehension of the condition and the formation of entrenched stigma

The Journey of Drug Dependents towards Recovery

Drug addiction is a worldwide phenomenon which generates problems not only affecting families but the society as well. Addictive substances are rampant among our societies today and minors are easy victims. It is in this premise why the government provides rehabilitation and treatment to this at risk population. The researchers used qualitative case study method to get to know the experiences of the three participants in the rehabilitation agency, the DCTRCDD or Davao City Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents. The three participants were using prohibited drugs before admission to the center. The participants shared their journey towards recovery in the agency and because of this, they were able to conceptualize their vision in life and developed values for their welfare and development