"If only balls could talk…": barriers and opportunities to participation for students with blindness and visual impairment in specialized PE

Purpose

For children with blindness and visual impairment (BVI) of all ages, disability sport and/or regular Physical Activity (PA) are deemed beneficial, promoting physical and mental health as well as increasing wellbeing and life satisfaction. In this regard, Physical Education (PE) serves as a foundation to regular and lifelong participation in PA, mainstream and/or disability sport. Research points towards manifold participation barriers for children with BVI in PE, which so far have mainly been investigated in inclusive settings and from the perspectives of sighted parents, teachers and peers. Consequently, people with BVI frequently consider PE a missed opportunity for lifelong PA. As transitioning from general to special schooling deems the only alternative to continue their education, questions arise in how far and in which ways specialized schools manage to accommodate their needs in PE. To address these gaps in literature, we investigated BVI students' perceived opportunities and barriers to participation in PE within a specialized school setting and their imaginations for possible (digital) improvements and solutions.

Materials and methods

Within the framework of Inclusive and Youth Participatory Action Research, we adopted the Mosaic Approach to investigate a sample of 19 students aged 14-20 at lower and upper secondary level in a specialized school in Austria. Data material included audio-recordings of interviews, student-guided school tours, photographs of significant places and objects and field protocols. The analysis was conducted with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results and conclusion

Through the analysis, we identified three themes. The data material firstly revealed the complex intricacies of how PE teachers can act as facilitators and gatekeepers to autonomous PA. Secondly, material norms function not only as barriers to participation even in a specialized school setting, but also constitute the basis for social hierarchies between students with various degrees of visual impairment. Thirdly, students imagined manifold digital solutions to enhance participation derived from their perceived barriers. The findings contribute to amplifying BVI individuals' voices and provide revealing insights in how participation in PA is enabled and prohibited for students with BVI which can not only help to improve specialized but also inclusive settings.

Breaking the silence around infertility: a scoping review of interventions addressing infertility-related gendered stigmatisation in low- and middle-income countries

Infertility is a reproductive health concern that deserves attention, as reconfirmed by the 2018 report of the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). However, governments and SRHR organisations tend to neglect infertility. We conducted a scoping review of existing interventions aiming to decrease the stigmatisation of infertility in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The review consisted of a combination of research methods: academic database (Embase, Socological abstracts, google scholar; resulting in 15 articles), Google and social media searches, and primary data collection (18 key informant interviews and 3 focus group discussions). The results distinguish between infertility stigma interventions targeted at intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural levels of stigma. The review shows that published studies on interventions tackling infertility stigmatisation in LMICs are rare. Nevertheless, we found several interventions at intra- and interpersonal levels aiming to support women and men to cope with and mitigate infertility stigmatisation (e.g. counselling, telephone hotlines, and support groups). A limited number of interventions addressed stigmatisation at a structural level (e.g. empowering infertile women to become financially independent). The review suggests that infertility destigmatisation interventions need to be implemented across all levels. Interventions geared to individuals experiencing infertility should include women and men and also be offered beyond the clinical setting; and interventions should also aim to combat stigmatising attitudes of family or community members. At the structural level, interventions could aim to empower women, reshape masculinities and improve access to and quality of comprehensive fertility care. Interventions should be undertaken by policymakers, professionals, activists, and others working on infertility in LMICs, and accompanied with evaluation research to assess their effectiveness.

Public Health Directives in a Pandemic: Paradoxical Messages for Domestic Abuse Victims in Four Countries

When the COVID-19 pandemic manifested urgent concerns were raised around the globe about the increased risk that public health restrictions could pose for victims of domestic abuse. Governments, NGOs and community services swiftly responded to convey the message that services for victims were operational and restrictions did not apply to those fleeing harm. This paper reports on the various approaches used to communicate this public health messaging during COVID-19, further highlighting strengths and learning which could inform future crises messaging. It utilises data gathered through a rapid review and mapping of policy and practice initiatives across 4 high-middle income countries: UK, Australia, South Africa and Ireland. Four themes were identified: (1) Top-down: National media messaging; (2) Top-down: Political leadership; (3) Traditional media vs. social media and (4) Bottom-up messaging: Localised, community-based messaging. It was found that a strong, clear top-down stance on domestic abuse was perceived as beneficial during COVID-19. However, a stronger focus on evaluation, reach and impact, particularly for minority groups may be required. Newer forms of media were shown to have potential in conveying messaging to minority groups. Community and grassroots organizations demonstrated their experiential knowledge in reaching target audiences. Harnessing this expertise for future crises messaging may be valuable.

Young People's Experiences of Attending a Theater-in-Education Program on Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) has grave implications for the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. It has been linked to a wide range of difficulties which may extend into adulthood. School-based prevention programs that aim to raise awareness (and thereby have the potential to prevent CSEA) are popular, however, have historically lacked robust and consistent evaluation. The purpose of the present study was therefore to explore young people's experiences of attending a school-based theater-in-education program, and the impact this had on their awareness and understanding of CSEA. Four focus groups of between four to six participants each were conducted with young people from two co-educational State schools in the United Kingdom. The approach of Template Analysis was used to analyze the data, and revealed a number of themes related to the superordinate themes of "Information and Detail Delivered" and "Format and Timing." The results suggest that participants gained new awareness and understanding of aspects related to CSEA, including other forms of (criminal) exploitation, as well as how to avoid harm and what to do "if bad things happen." Participants further reported that the theater performance/live element of the program was particularly impactful, feeling that this was delivered to them at the right time, but suggesting that younger people would also benefit from the important messages. In addition, areas for improvement were identified in terms of the delivery of the program, and the issue of victim blaming. Findings are discussed with a view to practical implications and directions for future research.

Residues of xenobiotics in the environment and phytotoxic activity in Armenia

The article presents the results of a dynamic study (spring, summer, and fall) of the residues of certain xenobiotics such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), synthetic surfactants (SSs) in surface water, soil, sludge, snow and phytotoxic activity in Ararat and Lori marzes of Armenia (2016-2017). A comparative analysis of the environmental status showed that all pollutants studied such as γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (4,4'-DDT), and p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE) were identified in Ararat marz with the average concentrations and detection rates higher than in Lori marz. The prominent contaminant was γ-HCH. The findings indicated the concentrations of OCPs below of regulatory concern. In Ararat marz an increase in the number of sterile pollen grains of certain wild plants was revealed (14.8-26.0%), compared with Lori marz with the levels within the contingent standard of 5-11%. The phytotoxic activity of soil samples from the Ararat marz studied on Avena sativa seedlings was significantly higher in the summer-fall period. These data correlated with monitoring findings showed an increase in the levels of γ-HCH, 4,4'-DDT, SS in the soil and sludge sampled in summer-fall in Ararat marz. This difference in the environmental status can be considered as the result of active agriculture in Ararat marz, whose share of contribution to a relevant branch of the economy of Armenia is two times higher than in Lori marz, 15.4% and 7.9%, respectively. Mentioned rates of agricultural production may be one of the reasons for the environmental deterioration in Ararat marz. The detection of 4,4-DDT, γ-HCH residues testifies the circulation of these formulations in the environment indicating their use in recent past and confirming their persistence. Although since the 70s of the last century the application of OCPs in the Republic of Armenia has been prohibited. The current situation may be explained by low awareness of farmers on different issues related to the safe management of pesticides. To ensure safe working conditions and raise awareness among the farmers we have developed "Recommendations on Safety requirements when working with pesticides" that are approved by the State Service for Food Safety at the Ministry of Agriculture of RA and included in the reference booklets for farmers as guiding information. Our study shows the understanding of associations between the deterioration of the environmental status and share of agriculture contribution to the economy that provides the evidence for future research programs.

Dementia-friendly prisons: a mixed-methods evaluation of the application of dementia-friendly community principles to two prisons in England

OBJECTIVES

To apply and evaluate dementia-friendly community (DFC) principles in prisons.

DESIGN

A pilot study and process evaluation using mixed methods, with a 1-year follow-up evaluation period.

SETTING

Two male prisons: a category C sex offender prison (prison A) and a local prison (prison B).

PARTICIPANTS

68 participants-50 prisoners, 18 staff.

INTERVENTION

The delivery of dementia information sessions, and the formulation and implementation of dementia-friendly prison action plans.

MEASURES

Study-specific questionnaires; Alzheimer's Society DFC criteria; semi-structured interview and focus group schedules.

RESULTS

Both prisons hosted dementia information sessions which resulted in statistically significant (p>0.05) increases in attendees' dementia knowledge, sustained across the follow-up period. Only prison A formulated and implemented a dementia action plan, although a prison B prisoner dedicated the prisoner magazine to dementia, post-information session. Prison A participants reported some progress on awareness raising, environmental change and support to prisoners with dementia in maintaining independence. The meeting of other dementia-friendly aims was less apparent. Numbers of older prisoners, and those diagnosed with dementia, appeared to have the greatest impact on engagement with DFC principles, as did the existence of specialist wings for older prisoners or those with additional care needs. Other barriers and facilitators included aspects of the prison institution and environment, staff teams, prisoners, prison culture and external factors.

CONCLUSIONS

DFC principles appear to be acceptable to prisons with some promising progress and results found. However, a lack of government funding and strategy to focus action around the escalating numbers of older prisoners and those living with dementia appears to contribute to a context where interventions targeted at this highly vulnerable group can be deprioritised. A more robust evaluation of this intervention on a larger scale over a longer period of time would be useful to assess its utility further.

Dementia Friendly Communities in England: A scoping study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics of Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) across England in order to inform a national evaluation of their impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.

METHODS

DFCs in England were identified through online searches and Alzheimer's Society records. A subsample (n = 100) were purposively selected for in-depth study based on online searches and, where necessary, follow-up telephone calls. Data collection and analysis were guided by a pilot evaluation tool for DFCs that addressed how DFCs are organised and resourced and how their impact is assessed. The evidence was predominantly qualitative, in addition to some descriptive quantitative information.

RESULTS

Of 284 DFCs identified, 251 were defined by geographical location, while 33 were communities of interest. Among 100 sampled DFCs, 89 had been set up or started activities following policy endorsement of DFCs in 2012. In the resourcing of DFCs, statutory agencies and charities played an important role. Among DFC activities, awareness raising was cited most commonly. There was some evidence of involvement of people living with dementia in organisational and operational aspects of DFCs. Approaches to evaluation varied, with little evidence of findings having effected change.

CONCLUSIONS

DFCs are characterised by variation in type, resourcing, and activities. England has policy endorsement and a recognition system for DFCs. These can be important catalysts for initiation and growth. A systematic approach to evaluation is lacking. This would enable DFCs to be consistent in how they demonstrate progress and how they enable people living with dementia to live well.

The Vulnerability Scan, a Web Tool to Increase Institutional Biosecurity Resilience

The importance of vigilance within organizations working with high-risk biological material receives increasing attention. However, an in-depth and comprehensive tool, dedicated to increase awareness of potential risks and to assess an organization's current biosecurity vulnerabilities, has not been available yet. We developed the "Biosecurity Vulnerability Scan," a web tool that identifies biosecurity gaps in an organization based on eight biosecurity pillars of good practice. Although the tool aims primarily to assist biosafety and biosecurity officers, it can also be useful to researchers working with dangerous pathogens, their principal investigators, management, or those responsible for security issues in the life sciences. Results are only stored locally and are provided in an "overview report," which includes information on relevant risks and control measures. This can support well-substantiated decision-making on strengthening biosecurity measures within a specific organization. With this article, we aim to support institutes to increase their overall security resilience and to improve institutional biosecurity in particular by providing practical recommendations. The Biosecurity Vulnerability Scan is available at www.biosecurityvulnerabilityscan.nl.

Limited impact of awareness-raising campaigns on hepatitis C testing practices among general practitioners

The global hepatitis strategy calls for increased effort to diagnose those infected, with a target of 90% diagnosed by 2030. Scotland's Action Plan on Hepatitis C included awareness-raising campaigns, undertaken during 2008-2011, to promote testing by general practitioners. We examined hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing practice among general practitioners before and following these campaigns. Scottish general practitioners were surveyed, using Dillman's method, in 2007 and 2013; response rates were 69% and 60%, respectively. Most respondents offer testing when presented with a risk history (86% in 2007, 88% in 2013) but only one-fifth actively sought out risk factors (19% in 2007, 21% in 2013). Testing was reportedly always/almost always/usually offered to people who inject drugs (84% in 2007, 87% in 2013). Significant improvements in the offer of testing were reported in patients with abnormal LFTs (41% in 2007, 65% in 2013, P<.001) and who had received medical/dental treatment in high prevalence countries (14% in 2007, 24% in 2013, P=.001). In 2013, 25% of respondents had undertaken HCV-related continued professional development. This group was significantly more likely to actively seek out risk factors (P=.009) but only significantly more likely to offer a test to patients who had received medical/dental treatment in high prevalence countries (P=.001). Our findings suggest that government-led awareness raising campaigns have limited impact on general practitioners' testing practices. If the majority of the HCV-infected population are to be diagnosed, practitioner-based or physician-centred interventions should be considered alongside educational initiatives targeted at professionals.

[Cardiovascular disease in women in 2017]

From an anatomical, physiological and clinical point of view, cardiovascular diseases in women are specific. Long considered as being less exposed to these risks, women are nevertheless victims of coronary disease, which remains, in developed countries, the leading cause of death in women. The situation is all the more concerning given that the number of young women presenting risk factors is constantly rising. Encouraging female patients to become players in their health care with regard to this pathology is especially important given that effective treatments exist which can improve the prognosis.

Applying Game Thinking to Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

Gamification is about the way in which 'game thinking' can engage participants and change behaviours in real, non-game contexts. This paper explores how game thinking can be applied to help prevent slips, trips and falls (STF), which are the largest cause of accidental death in older people across Europe. The paper contributes to the assistive technology, digital health and computer science/human behaviour communities by responding to a gap in the literature for papers detailing the innovation process of developing interventions to improve health and quality of life. The aim of the paper is of interest to the many stakeholders involved in enabling older people to live independent, confident, healthy and safe lives in the community.

A training and development project to improve services and opportunities for social inclusion for children and young people with autism in Romania

In 2010, the Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation launched a 3-year national training and development programme to develop and deliver a model of diagnostic and therapeutic services aimed at promoting social inclusion for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders. The project adopted a number of strategies aimed at developing knowledge and skills among professionals and increasing awareness in political and public spheres: (a) a three-stage training programme designed to increase knowledge of autism spectrum disorders and promote best practice among professionals working in services providing for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families, on a nationwide basis; (b) two online courses for general practitioners and psychiatrists, with content relating to the identification, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; (c) a total of 40 counselling and assistance centres for people with autism spectrum disorders were launched in partnership with local authorities; (d) a national strategy for social and professional integration of people with autism spectrum disorders developed through consultation with political, statutory and voluntary sector partners; and (e) a nationwide media campaign to raise awareness of the needs of children and young people with autism spectrum disorders that reached over eight million people. The project provides a transferable model to achieve important improvements in the quantity and quality of services on a national level within a brief time frame.

Telehealth and Telecare: supporting unpaid carers in Scotland

The Scottish Government Joint Improvement Team (JIT) and the Scottish Centre for Telehealth (SCT), now merged as the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare (SCTT), published an Education and Training Strategy for Telehealthcare in Scotland in March 2010. In implementing the Strategy’s dedicated Carers Workstream, the SCTT has been working with Carers Scotland and other carer organisations to promote awareness of the benefits of telehealth and telecare in helping to support unpaid carers. Following on from research undertaken by the University of Leeds into the benefits of telecare for carers, developments to date includes the publication of a Training Toolkit for professionals and carer organisations to assist with raising awareness of the benefits of telehealth and telecare specifically for unpaid carers. The toolkit includes outline training programmes, handouts, digital stories and case studies which all adaptable for local use. The presentation will provide an overview of the broader strategic carers’ agenda in relation to telehealth and telecare service delivery, an in-depth look at the Carers and Telehealthcare Training Toolkit and an update on an exciting new technology project to support young carers, being developed in collaboration with Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Glasgow Caledonian and Edinburgh Universities.

Project objectives/deliverables:

Work with local authority, health boards and other partners to raise awareness of telehealth and telecare care amongst carers nationally and locally.

Identify methods and programme for delivery to ensure that carers have access to appropriate information about access to telehealth and telecare services.

Develop core content and supporting materials in carer awareness and telehealth and telecare training to form a Carers and Telehealthcare Training Toolkit.

Evaluate impact of Telehealthcare Training Toolkit on staff and carers to inform future development of Toolkit contents.

Incorporate telehealth and telecare for carers’ content into core curriculum and CPD modules for health and social care staff.

Identify methods and programme for delivery to facilitate the integration of telehealth and telecare needs into carer, community care and health assessment processes.

Work with Glasgow Caledonian University and partners to enhance young carers’ access to information and support via a technology solution.