Search

Objective: To report the processes and outcomes of a case study on digital technology, diabetes and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Design: The qualitative study was based on a literature review, consultations and testing of a framework through workshops and an interactive information session. Setting: Consultations, workshops and an information session conducted in western regions of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Method: A framework was designed to address the needs of CALD community members to self-manage chronic conditions using innovative digital technology strategies. This was based on the literature review and 20 consultations held with representatives from health service providers and community organizations. The framework was tested with the assistance of the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple through consultations, workshops and an interactive information session about diabetes, YouTube and digital video cameras, in which 38 elderly women from the Vietnamese community participated. A descriptive and thematic analysis of participant feedback was conducted to determine lessons for future practice. Results: Participant feedback indicated that the information session achieved its goal of raising awareness of ways to use and access diabetes information using digital technology. However, participants noted areas for enhancement and improvement, including more focused and targeted engagement with peer-led techniques, the digital proficiency of participants and digital technology preferences based on age and cultural background. Conclusion: Digital technology was used to improve diabetes awareness information with elderly Vietnamese women, demonstrating the potential for application with others from CALD communities. However, there are continuing challenges in this approach, indicating the need for nuanced community engagement strategies that consider cultural context and familiarity with different kinds of digital technology. (Contains 1 figure.)

Two conflicting views emerged from the accounts of two-income parents about their children's participation in housework in an in-depth study conducted during 1991 in NSW, Australia. On the one hand, parents felt the need to socialise children through housework responsibilities and on the other hand their contribution was perceived essential due to a lack of resources. Parents strategically used discipline and, positive and negative reinforcement to integrate children in household division of labour. Parents assigned simple chores to the younger children, complex chores in the later years, and expected more advanced housework such as cooking family meals, lawn mowing, wood cutting, car washing, etc. from teenagers. Mother's time spent in the work-force increased children's task performance, especially girls, as they helped in twice as many tasks compared to boys. Even though parents believed that they should not pay children for housework they encouraged them to earn pocket money for chores such as tidying their own room, ironing, washing the family car, lawn mowing, etc. Children performed about 20 per cent of the household tasks and pitched-in when and where necessary., Note: The International Journal of Comparative Sociology invites communications in the form of short articles and reports about ongoing research, not exceeding 5,000 words, both in the empirical and theoretical [...]

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes rates have increased dramatically in the past two decades and this pattern of increase appears to relate primarily to the obesity epidemic, older maternal age and migration from world areas of high GDM risk. Women from disadvantaged and migrant backgrounds are most at risk of developing and of mismanaging this condition. The aim of the study was to explore the factors that facilitated or inhibited gestational diabetes self-management among women in a socially deprived area. Methods Fifteen pregnant women, with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, were purposively recruited for this study. Qualitative semi structured interviews and 1 focus group were conducted when participants were approximately 28–38 weeks gestation. The study’s theoretical framework was based on interpretative phenomenology and data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Women in this study identified a number of factors that complicated their task of GDM self-management. Barriers included: (1) time pressures; (2) physical constraints; (3) social constraints; (4) limited comprehension of requirements, and (5) insulin as an easier option. Factors facilitating GDM self-management included: thinking about the baby and psychological support from partners and families. Conclusion Women from low socio economic and migrant backgrounds often struggle to comprehend GDM self-management requirements. To improve adherence to management plans, these women require educational and supportive services that are culturally appropriate and aimed at a low level of literacy.

This pilot study explores perception of safety, reasons of safety violation, and improvement of safety in a defined population of a flight training facility. Employees took part in a facilitated focus group discussion and a mailed survey. They argued that considering the nature of aviation operations, safety could only be forecasted, not guaranteed. The findings indicate that safety is being violated for a variety of reasons including personal and financial gain. The study reported that accident and incident reporting structure, human resource management, organisational processes, and the role of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand are some of the areas that require urgent attention to improve safety in the aviation industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]