Huong Thien Ngoc Cai, Hang Thi Tran, Yen Hong Thi Nguyen, Giao Quynh Thi Vu, Thao Phuong Tran, Phuong Bich Bui, Huong Thi Thu Nguyen, Thai Quang Pham, Anh Tuan Lai, Jennifer Ilo Van Nuil, Sonia Lewycka
Frontiers in Public Health
Antibiotic use in the community for humans and animals is high in Vietnam, driven by easy access to over-the counter medicines and poor understanding of the role of antibiotics. This has contributed to antibiotic resistance levels that are amongst the highest in the world. To address this problem, we developed a participatory learning and action (PLA) intervention. Here we describe challenges and lessons learned while developing and testing this intervention in preparation for a large-scale One Health trial in northern Vietnam. We tested the PLA approach using community-led photography, and then reflected on how this approach worked in practice. We reviewed and discussed implementation documentation and developed and refined themes. Five main themes were identified related to challenges and lessons learned: understanding the local context, stakeholder relationship development, participant recruitment, building trust and motivation, and engagement with the topic of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Partnerships with national and local authorities provided an important foundation for building relationships with communities, and enhanced visibility and credibility of activities. Partnership development required managing relationships, clarifying roles, and accommodating different management styles. When recruiting participants, we had to balance preferences for top-down and bottom-up approaches. Building trust and motivation took time and was challenged by limited study team presence in the community. Open discussions around expectations and appropriate incentives were re-visited throughout the process. Financial incentives provided initial motivation to participate, while less tangible benefits like collective knowledge, social connections, desire to help the community, and new skills, sustained longer-term motivation. Lack of awareness and perceived importance of the problem of AMR, affected initial motivation. Developing mutual understanding through use of common and simplified language helped when discussing the complexities of this topic. A sense of ownership emerged as the study progressed and participants understood more about AMR, how it related to their own concerns, and incorporated their own ideas into activities. PLA can be a
powerful way of stimulating community action and bringing people together to tackle a
common problem. Understanding the nuances of local power structures, and allowing
time for stakeholder relationship development and consensus-building are important
considerations when designing engagement projects
Asian Journal of Dietetics
Asian Journal of Dietetics
This study aimed to describe mental health service utilization and examine associated factors among students in Vietnam. Data were collected at eight universities in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2018 using an administered questionnaire. The total number of participants was 9,120 (95.1% response rate). Among stu dents participating in our survey, 12.5% (95% CI: 10.9–14.1) with depression and/or anxiety symptoms used mental health service in the last 12 months. In the multivariable regression models, significant factors associated with mental health ser vice utilization were marital status, types of housemate, men tal health problems, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol drinking. Our study made recommendations to stake holders for improving mental health services utilization among students in Vietnam. These findings had important implica tions for future research on factors associated with mental health service utilization among university students.
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