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White RG, Fay R, Chiumento A, Giurgi-Oncu C, Phipps A. Communication about distress and well-being: Epistemic and ethical considerations. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:413-424. [PMID: 35300551 PMCID: PMC9388952 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221082795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Communication about well-being and distress involves multiple stakeholders, including experts by experience (EBE), researchers, clinical practitioners, interpreters, and translators. Communication can involve a variety of discourses and languages and each of the stakeholders may employ diverging epistemologies to understand and explain experiences. These epistemologies may link to different sources of authority and be articulated using particular linguistic resources. Epistemic injustice can occur when stakeholders, intentionally or unintentionally, fail to recognise the validity of other stakeholders' ways of conceptualising and verbalising their experience of well-being and distress. Language lies at the heart of the risk of epistemic injustice involved in the process of expressing well-being and distress as seen in: 1) the interface between divergent discourses on well-being and distress (e.g., biomedical vs. spiritual); and 2) communications involving multiple linguistic resources, which can be subdivided into multi-language communications involving a) translation of assessment measures, and b) interpreted interactions. Some of the challenges of multi-language communication can be addressed by translators or interpreters who strive for conceptual equivalence. We argue, however, that all stakeholders have an important role as "epistemic brokers" in the languaging of possible epistemological differences. Effective epistemic brokering requires that all stakeholders are reflexively and critically aware of the risks of epistemic injustice inherent in multi-language communication. The article concludes with a set of prompts to help raise stakeholder awareness and reflexivity when engaging in communication about well-being and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross G. White
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Richard Fay
- Manchester Institute of Education, School of Environment, Education and
Development, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anna Chiumento
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Catalina Giurgi-Oncu
- Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie, Victor Babes din Timisoara, Neuroscience Department, Timisoara,
Romania
| | - Alison Phipps
- School of Education, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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“Do I Have to Sign My Real Name?” Ethical and Methodological Challenges in Multilingual Research with Adult SLIFE Learning French as a Second Language. LANGUAGES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/languages7020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, Quebec’s Auditor General reported several major issues regarding government-funded French as a second language (FSL) courses, especially those intended for adult students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). To this day, no official framework or program exists for this specific population, a situation that the government of Quebec wishes to resolve. Our research team was thereby mandated by the Ministry of Immigration to conduct a large-scale multilingual study with the objective of gaining a better understanding of the realities and needs of the various stakeholders involved in low-literate FSL classes. We met 42 teachers, 24 French learning center directors, and 10 pedagogical advisors in individual interviews; we also led 107 group interviews with SLIFE in 26 languages, allowing us to meet 464 adult SLIFE enrolled in low-literate FSL classes from 11 regions of the province of Quebec, most of them being refugees. This article reports on the decision-making process in which we engaged to overcome the ethical and methodological challenges we faced at various stages of the data collection with SLIFE participants: recruitment, informed consent, confidentiality, interview protocol design, instrument piloting, data collection, and data translation and transcription. To make informed decisions, we had to turn to literature outside SLA (i.e., refugee research and translation/interpreting literature) for guidance. In this article we discuss the limitations and contributions of our research to guide researchers who will conduct studies with similar non-academic samples/populations.
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Mörelius E, Munns A, Smith S, Nelson HJ, McKenzie A, Ferullo J, Gill FJ. Pediatric and child health nursing: A three-phase research priority setting study in Western Australia. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 63:39-45. [PMID: 34973465 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Priority settings are important to plan and direct future research. The aim of this study was to identify the top ten pediatric and child health nursing research priorities from the perspectives of consumers, community, and healthcare professionals in Western Australia. DESIGN AND METHODS This study used an adapted James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership design with three phases. 1) A planning workshop to inform a survey. 2) A survey using five open-ended-questions distributed between October 2020 and January 2021 through social media and healthcare professionals' emails. Responders' statements were analyzed with content analysis. 3) A consensus workshop to finalize and rank the themes. RESULTS The planning workshop participants (n = 25) identified gaps such as community child healthcare and confirmed lack of consumer engagement in previous studies. The survey responses (n = 232) generated 911 statements analyzed into 19 themes. The consensus workshop participants (n = 19) merged and added themes, resulting in 16 final themes. The top three ranked themes were: 'access to service', 'mental health and psychological wellbeing', and 'communication'. CONCLUSIONS The research themes are necessarily broad to capture the wide range of issues raised, reflecting the scope of pediatric and child health nursing. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The priorities will inform future research to be directed to areas of priority for stakeholders who have often not had a say in setting the research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evalotte Mörelius
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia.
| | - Ailsa Munns
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, WA, Australia
| | - Stephanie Smith
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - Helen J Nelson
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Anne McKenzie
- Community Engagement Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Jade Ferullo
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Fenella J Gill
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, WA, Australia
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Dubus N. Resiliency with Forced Migrants: A Qualitative Study of Providers and Forced Migrants through a ResiliencePerspective. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12020027. [PMID: 35200279 PMCID: PMC8869212 DOI: 10.3390/bs12020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last ten years, the world has experienced unprecedented, forced migration due to civil unrest, political persecution, and the ever-growing climate crisis. This is a qualitative study of the professional experiences of social workers (n = 73) working with forced migrants (n = 34) and the lived experiences of forced migrants in several countries: Germany, Greece, Iceland, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United States. Social workers reported that most of their interventions involved short-term case management that focused on securing initial housing and healthcare. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was the primary intervention for behavioral health issues. The recipients of these services were appreciative of the pragmatic approach of case management as it helped them meet concrete needs. When resiliency enhancing interventions were used, recipients reported a greater sense of self-control, greater optimism for the future, and less anxious symptoms. The resiliency model used is discussed. This is a possible universal approach to working with forced migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Dubus
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Science, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Green
- Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, United States of America.
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Mohamad Nasri N, Nasri N, Abd Talib MA. Cross-language qualitative research studies dilemmas: a research review. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH JOURNAL 2020; 21:15-28. [DOI: 10.1108/qrj-12-2019-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
PurposeCross-language qualitative research has gained momentum worldwide; yet, there is still a lack of consensus to guide researchers in ensuring the trustworthiness of the research. Several methodological dilemmas related to language differences between researchers and participants should be carefully addressed. Therefore, this study aims to (1) review qualitative literature addressing cross-language, (2) produce a list of methodological criteria and recommendations from the reviewed literature and (3) evaluate systematically published cross-language qualitative researches using the list.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a summative content analysis of 35 published curriculum and pedagogy researches from 2000–2018 that viewed language differences as methodological issue. A list of 20 criteria or recommendations was constructed and used to evaluate the selected researches.FindingsThe findings revealed that majority of the researches lacked understanding of language differences between researchers and participants causing multiple inconsistencies in reporting methodological issues. Failure to address these methodological issues could risk the trustworthiness of the data and the overall rigor of the research.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance to minimize methodological issues related to language differences. It is hoped that the list of criteria or recommendations proposed by this study could support other cross-language qualitative researchers in overcoming these methodological dilemmas.
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Rousham EK, Islam MA, Nahar P, Lucas PJ, Naher N, Ahmed SM, Nizame FA, Unicomb L. Pathways of antibiotic use in Bangladesh: qualitative protocol for the PAUSE study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028215. [PMID: 30782763 PMCID: PMC6352800 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global actions to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) include optimising the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health. In countries with weak healthcare regulation, this requires a greater understanding of the drivers of antibiotic use from the perspective of providers and consumers. In Bangladesh, there is limited research on household decision-making and healthcare seeking in relation to antibiotic use and consumption for humans and livestock. Knowledge is similarly lacking on factors influencing the supply and demand for antibiotics among qualified and unqualified healthcare providers.The aim of this study is to conduct integrated research on household decision-making for healthcare and antibiotic use, as well as the awareness, behaviours and priorities of healthcare providers and sellers of antibiotics to translate into policy development and implementation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In-depth interviews will be conducted with (1) household members responsible for decision-making about illness and antibiotic use for family and livestock; (2) qualified and unqualified private and government healthcare providers in human and animal medicine and (3) stakeholders and policy-makers as key informants on the development and implementation of policy around AMR. Participant observation within retail drug shops will also be carried out. Qualitative methods will include a thematic framework analysis.A holistic approach to understanding who makes decisions on the sale and use of antibiotics, and what drives healthcare seeking in Bangladesh will enable identification of routes to behavioural change and the development of effective interventions to reduce the health risks of AMR. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval for the study has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh following review by the Research and Ethics Committees (PR-16100) and from Loughborough University (R17-P081). Information about the study will be provided in a participant information letter in Bangla (to be read verbally and given in writing to participants). A written informed consent form in Bangla will be obtained and participants will be informed of their right to withdraw from the study. Dissemination will take place through a 1 day dissemination workshop with key stakeholders in public health and policy, practitioners and scientists in Bangladesh, and through international conference presentations and peer-review publications. Anonymised transcripts of interviews will be made available through open access via institutional data repositories after an embargo period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Rousham
- Centre for Global Health and Human Development, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Mohammad Aminul Islam
- Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Paul G Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Papreen Nahar
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex University, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Nahitun Naher
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Syed Masud Ahmed
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fosiul Alam Nizame
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Leanne Unicomb
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Jere DLN, Banda CK, Kumbani LC, Liu L, McCreary LL, Park CG, Patil CL, Norr KF. A hybrid design testing a 3-step implementation model for community scale-up of an HIV prevention intervention in rural Malawi: study protocol. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:950. [PMID: 30071866 PMCID: PMC6090759 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5800-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scaling-up evidence-based behavior change interventions can make a major contribution to meeting the UNAIDS goal of no new HIV infections by 2030. We developed an evidence-based peer group intervention for HIV prevention and testing in Malawi that is ready for wider dissemination. Our innovative approach turns over ownership of implementation to rural communities. We adapted a 3-Step Implementation Model (prepare, roll-out and sustain) for communities to use. Using a hybrid design, we simultaneously evaluate community implementation processes and program effectiveness. METHODS Three communities in southern Malawi begin implementation in randomly-assigned order using a stepped wedge design. Our evaluation sample size of 144 adults and 144 youth per community provides sufficient power to examine primary outcomes of condom use and HIV testing. Prior to any implementation, the first participants in all three communities are recruited and complete the Wave 1 baseline survey. Waves 2-4 surveys occur after each community completes roll-out. Each community follows the model's three steps. During Prepare, the community develops a plan and trains peer group leaders. During Roll-Out, peer leaders offer the program. During Sustain, the community makes and carries out plans to continue and expand the program and ultimately obtain local funding. We evaluate degree of implementation success (Aim 1) using the community's benchmark scores (e.g, # of peer groups held). We assess implementation process and factors related to success (Aim 2) using repeated interviews and observations, benchmarks from Aim 1 and fidelity assessments. We assess effectiveness of the peer group intervention when delivered by communities (Aim 3) using multi-level regression models to analyze data from repeated surveys. Finally, we use mixed methods analyses of all data to assess feasibility, acceptability and sustainability (Aim 4). DISCUSSION The project is underway, and thus far the first communities have enthusiastically begun implementation. We have had to make several modifications along the way, such as moving from rapid-tests of STIs to symptoms screening by a nurse due to problems with test reliability and availability. If successful, results will provide a replicable evidence-based model for future community implementation of this and other health interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov NCT02765659 Registered May 6, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L. N. Jere
- Community and Mental Health Nursing, Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, P.O Box, 415, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chimwemwe K. Banda
- Medical-Surgical Nursing, Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, P.O Box, 415, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Lily C. Kumbani
- Faculty of Midwifery, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, P.O Box, 415, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Li Liu
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Linda L. McCreary
- Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Chang Gi Park
- Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Crystal L. Patil
- Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Kathleen F. Norr
- Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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Miner S, Liebel DV, Wilde MH, Carroll JK, Omar S. Somali Older Adults' and Their Families' Perceptions of Adult Home Health Services. J Immigr Minor Health 2017; 20:1215-1221. [PMID: 28929315 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-017-0658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have identified the vulnerability of ethnic elders, and there is promising evidence indicating home health care (HHC) services can improve the health outcomes of Somali older adults. This study used a community-engaged qualitative descriptive approach with the participation of non-profit organization Refugees Helping Refugees. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe Somali older adults' and their families' perceptions of and experiences with HHC services in order to improve its use and access. Data collection included home visits (n = 15), semi-structured interviews (n = 17) and debriefing sessions (n = 16) with 19 individuals from 14 Somali families. Somali families recognized HHC services were needed and believed having services in the home facilitated learning but HHC agencies should work more with the Somali community. HHC agencies need to work with community organizations to facilitate cultural and health understanding, and better health care for Somali older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Miner
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, 433 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Dianne V Liebel
- University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mary H Wilde
- University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer K Carroll
- University of Colorado Denver Department of Family Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sadiya Omar
- Refugees Helping Refugees, Rochester, NY, USA
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Suurmond J, Woudstra A, Essink-Bot ML. The interpreter as co-interviewer: the role of the interpreter during interviews in cross-language health research. J Health Serv Res Policy 2016; 21:172-7. [PMID: 26888477 DOI: 10.1177/1355819616632020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interviews with ethnic minority patients provide a rich source of data to understand their perspectives of disease and its management. Language barriers are, however, often a problem so interpreters need to be used. We explored the impact of the interpreter on cross-language interviews between researchers and respondents. METHODS Secondary analysis of four interviews between researchers and patients involving professional interpreters. RESULTS Interpreters were actively involved and influenced the interview in several ways: they assumed the interviewer's communicative role, edited information; initiated information-seeking, took over control of the interview, and took over the respondent's role. While the interpreter supported the interviewer, they posed risks to the quality of the interview. CONCLUSION Researchers need to be aware of the influence of interpreters. Researchers should instruct interpreters carefully about their roles though they may benefit from interpreters' strategies to support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Suurmond
- Project Coordinator European projects, Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Centre/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anke Woudstra
- Researcher, Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Centre/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marie-Louise Essink-Bot
- Principal Investigator, Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Centre/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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McCrae N, Blackstock M, Purssell E. Eligibility criteria in systematic reviews: A methodological review. Int J Nurs Stud 2015; 52:1269-76. [PMID: 25726430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews of literature are increasingly important in healthcare. While reviewers are expected to follow reporting guidelines, inconsistencies may be observed in presentation of reviews, potentially detracting from the credibility of findings. Predetermined eligibility criteria are fundamental to the systematic process of reviewing, and should be given primacy in authors' reports. METHOD This methodological review assessed the specification and application of eligibility criteria in systematic reviews in three leading generic nursing journals. RESULTS While reporting guidelines were generally followed, major anomalies were revealed by this review. Over three-quarters of review papers placed eligibility criteria after description of the search strategy. Unjustified time restrictions were common, and many flowcharts omitted vital information. CONCLUSION Greater scrutiny of systematic reviews submitted to nursing journals would enhance the quality of reports and contribute to more robust evidence-based practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall McCrae
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Marlene Blackstock
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Purssell
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, United Kingdom
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Arriaza P, Nedjat-Haiem F, Lee HY, Martin SS. Guidelines for conducting rigorous health care psychosocial cross-cultural/language qualitative research. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 30:75-87. [PMID: 25375998 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2014.938394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to synthesize and chronicle the authors' experiences as four bilingual and bicultural researchers, each experienced in conducting cross-cultural/cross-language qualitative research. Through narrative descriptions of experiences with Latinos, Iranians, and Hmong refugees, the authors discuss their rewards, challenges, and methods of enhancing rigor, trustworthiness, and transparency when conducting cross-cultural/cross-language research. The authors discuss and explore how to effectively manage cross-cultural qualitative data, how to effectively use interpreters and translators, how to identify best methods of transcribing data, and the role of creating strong community relationships. The authors provide guidelines for health care professionals to consider when engaging in cross-cultural qualitative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Arriaza
- a School of Social Work and Human Services, Walden University , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
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Lee SK, Sulaiman-Hill CR, Thompson SC. Overcoming language barriers in community-based research with refugee and migrant populations: options for using bilingual workers. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2014; 14:11. [PMID: 24725431 PMCID: PMC4016643 DOI: 10.1186/1472-698x-14-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the challenges of working with culturally and linguistically diverse groups can lead to the exclusion of some communities from research studies, cost effective strategies to encourage access and promote cross-cultural linkages between researchers and ethnic minority participants are essential to ensure their views are heard and their health needs identified. Using bilingual research assistants is one means to achieve this. In a study exploring alcohol and other drug service use by migrant women in Western Australia, bilingual workers were used to assist with participant recruitment and administration of a survey to 268 women who spoke more than 40 different languages. DISCUSSION Professional interpreters, bilingual students, bilingual overseas-trained health professionals and community sector bilingual workers were used throughout the research project. For the initial qualitative phase, professional interpreters were used to conduct interviews and focus group sessions, however scheduling conflicts, inflexibility, their inability to help with recruitment and the expense prompted exploration of alternative options for interview interpreting in the quantitative component of the study. Bilingual mature-age students on work placement and overseas-trained health professionals provided good entry into their different community networks and successfully recruited and interviewed participants, often in languages with limited interpreter access. Although both groups required training and supervision, overseas-trained health professionals often had existing research skills, as well as understanding of key issues such as confidentiality and referral processes. Strategies to minimise social desirability bias and the need to set boundaries were discussed during regular debriefing sessions. Having a number of workers recruiting participants also helped minimise the potential for selection bias. The practical and educational experience gained by the bilingual workers was regarded as capacity building and a potentially valuable community resource for future health research projects. SUMMARY The use of bilingual workers was key to the feasibility and success of the project. The most successful outcomes occurred with students and overseas-trained health professionals who had good community networks for recruitment and the required linguistic skills. By describing the advantages and disadvantages encountered when working with bilingual workers, we offer practical insights to assist other researchers working with linguistically diverse groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Lee
- Community Development Services Manager, Women's Health and Family Services, Perth, Western Australia.
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