Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.4
Journals
IJERPH
Special Issues
Health Information in Vulnerable Groups
ijerph-logo
Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Health Information in Vulnerable Groups

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Communication and Informatics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 22916

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gisela Redondo-Sama

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Deusto, Unibertsitate Etorb., 24, 48007 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
Interests: social impact; social work; socially vulnerable groups; gender violence; health inequalities
Dr. Ariadna Munté-Pascual

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Social Work Training and Research Section, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: social work; group social work; scientific evidence of social impact; successful actions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the existing concerns about how health information spreads and the need of mitigating false news, conspiracy theories or misleading contents. This is particularly relevant in the case of vulnerable groups, for whom the impact of health inequalities is still a dimension to be further investigated. This Special Issue addresses the ways in which health information (including “infodemic”) reaches vulnerable groups, the limitations of such information and the actions which are having success in overcoming these limitations. We welcome manuscript submissions from different disciplines and all social aspects about actions showing to be effective in providing solutions with regards health information for migrant families, elderly people, homeless, Roma, youth, women, indigenous groups, or any other vulnerable group. The contributions will provide elements of success with potential to be transferable to vulnerable groups in other social contexts, thus generating social impact.

Dr. Gisela Redondo-Sama
Prof. Dr. Ariadna Munté-Pascual
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • health information
  • pandemic
  • vulnerable groups
  • health inequalities
  • Roma
  • women
  • homeless
  • migrant
  • youth
  • indigenous groups

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

10 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
You Are Not Alone: The (In)Visible Homeless and the Role of Social Workers and Related Professionals
by Ariadna Munté-Pascual, Gisela Redondo-Sama, Irene De Vicente and Virginia Matulic
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10070; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610070 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1993
Abstract
The scientific literature has already shown that health information is a factor that contributes to reduce health disparities, improving the situation of vulnerable groups, such as homeless people. However, less is known about the ways that health information has been spread by social [...] Read more.
The scientific literature has already shown that health information is a factor that contributes to reduce health disparities, improving the situation of vulnerable groups, such as homeless people. However, less is known about the ways that health information has been spread by social workers and related professionals to homeless people in the first moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. This work analyses some social work actions related to health information addressed to homeless people and to identify its impact during the lockdown in Barcelona. This qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews with social workers and related professionals involved in developing interventions related to health information with homeless people in Barcelona. The data analysis is based on the communicative methodology to identify exclusionary and transformative dimensions. The results show the improvement in the health information of homeless people during the pandemic through the design and development of actions facilitated and promoted by some social workers and related professionals. The findings demonstrate the role that some social workers and related professionals have played in the improvement of health information of homeless people during the lockdown in Barcelona. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
14 pages, 363 KiB  
Article
From Bystanders to Upstanders: Supporters and Key Informants for Victims of Gender Violence
by Lidia Puigvert, Marta Soler-Gallart and Ana Vidu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8521; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148521 - 12 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1990
Abstract
Scientific literature has presented relevant evidence about the existence of gender violence in science and has evaluated some programs and actions against this problem. Although many researchers have identified the importance of those intervention programs to overcome this harassment, it is still a [...] Read more.
Scientific literature has presented relevant evidence about the existence of gender violence in science and has evaluated some programs and actions against this problem. Although many researchers have identified the importance of those intervention programs to overcome this harassment, it is still a predominant reality in institutions, surrounded by the law of silence. Emerging lines of research are studying which of those programs are successful in this endeavor, and their transferability to other contexts. This research has analyzed one program: Programme of Women’s Dialogic Action (ProWomenDialogue). To gather evidence for expressing whether or not ProWomenDialogue has an impact, and whether it constitutes a successful action against harassment, the SIOR (Social Impact Open Repository) criteria, emerging from the FP7 IMPACT-Project, have been used for the evaluation of this research’s social impact. Drawing on SIOR, ProWomenDialogue shows unprecedented transformations in academia through six lines of action. The political impact led to legislation that made compulsory the creation of equality committees and protocols against sexual harassment. Social impact, aligned with SDG 5, inspires the reduction of GBV, while encouraging the career promotion of female researchers. ProWomenDialogue embodies a Successful Action platform against violence, presenting their features as recommendations to be implemented in other settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
13 pages, 358 KiB  
Article
Connecting Roma Communities in COVID-19 Times: The First Roma Women Students’ Gathering Held Online
by Emilia Aiello, Andrea Khalfaoui, Xavier Torrens and Ramón Flecha
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095524 - 02 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2545
Abstract
COVID-19 has exacerbated the vulnerability of the Roma communities in Europe. However, these communities have a strong sense of resilience, and the role of Roma women must be highlighted since they have historically nurtured solidarity networks even in the most challenging situations. Aim: [...] Read more.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the vulnerability of the Roma communities in Europe. However, these communities have a strong sense of resilience, and the role of Roma women must be highlighted since they have historically nurtured solidarity networks even in the most challenging situations. Aim: A particular action organized by a Roma Association of Women is analyzed: the Roma Women Students’ Gathering (RWSG, or gathering). In its 19th edition, this democratic space aimed at tackling the challenges the pandemic has raised and its impact on the Roma communities. Method: The 19th RWSG, which was the first one held online, was inductively analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of the key aspects that the Roma women highlight when they organize themselves. Results: RWSG generates optimal conditions where Roma women identify the challenges affecting their community and, drawing on the dialogues shared, agree on strategies to contest them. RWSG also enhanced solidarity interactions that enabled the conquering of the virtual space, transforming it into an additional space where the Roma could help each other and thus better navigate the uncertainties unleashed by COVID-19. Key features of the Roma culture emerged in these spaces of solidarity, such as protecting the elderly and prioritizing community wellbeing rather than only the individual’s preferences. Conclusions: Roma women play a key role in weaving an organized response to the uncertainty derived from COVID-19, and connecting them to the public sphere, potentially achieving social and political impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
12 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
Mental Health and Access to Information in Times of COVID-19: The Role of Social Work
by Ana C. Romea, Diana Valero, Carmen Elboj and Patricia Melgar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084483 - 08 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2079
Abstract
The confinements and limited social interactions that have derived from COVID-19 have aggravated the situation of people with previous pathologies. As a result, access to health and its rehabilitation or support resources has been limited and redirected toward online care. People with mental [...] Read more.
The confinements and limited social interactions that have derived from COVID-19 have aggravated the situation of people with previous pathologies. As a result, access to health and its rehabilitation or support resources has been limited and redirected toward online care. People with mental health problems have considerably suffered during the pandemic because, for many of them, accessing different information resources through telematic means proved to be a great difficulty in their everyday lives. This exploratory research work aims to establish which elements have successfully facilitated access to online information for people with mental health problems. This is especially urgent in times of COVID-19 when misinformation has significantly harmed this group. To do so, we followed the communicative methodology and held interviews with two professionals and nine users who participated in the case study. The main results show that, in developing digital communicative competencies in accessing information with this group, individualization of care to overcome barriers, the link with social workers as references of truthful information, and the importance of emotional work and interactions are critical elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
11 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
An Instagram Hashtag Fostering Science Education of Vulnerable Groups during the Pandemic
by Lídia Puigvert, Beatriz Villarejo-Carballido, Regina Gairal-Casadó, Aitor Gómez, Paula Cañaveras and Teresa Sordé Martí
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 1974; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19041974 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4306
Abstract
Scientific literature presents young people as a vulnerable group at risk of poverty and social exclusion. One of the elements that have the most significant impact on reducing their vulnerability is promoting education. Little is known about how social networks can promote the [...] Read more.
Scientific literature presents young people as a vulnerable group at risk of poverty and social exclusion. One of the elements that have the most significant impact on reducing their vulnerability is promoting education. Little is known about how social networks can promote the education of young people. To address this, the present study aims to analyse how social networks, specifically Instagram, which is one of the most used by young people, has promoted, among other aspects, the scientific education of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyses 5000 education-related Instagram posts made during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2021) European research project ALLINTERACT. We have analysed those posts that show, on the one hand, how citizens benefit from scientific research and, on the other hand, citizens’ awareness of the impact of scientific research. Through the analysis of the posts, it has been observed how Instagram has been a social network that has provided information and scientific advances in various branches of knowledge, created knowledge networks, and provided a channel for information about the pandemic. Through the analysis of the 5000 posts, it is evident how Instagram has provided spaces for scientific learning, fostering access to scientific education for young people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
Bridging the Digital Divide for Rural Older Adults by Family Intergenerational Learning: A Classroom Case in a Rural Primary School in China
by Hao Cheng, Keyi Lyu, Jiacheng Li and Hoiyan Shiu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 371; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010371 - 30 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4787
Abstract
Rural older adults often feel disconnected from the ever-expanding digital world. To bridge the digital divide, researchers have investigated the effectiveness of formal education and training offered by various social institutions. However, existing research highlights a critical shortcoming in these approaches: a lack [...] Read more.
Rural older adults often feel disconnected from the ever-expanding digital world. To bridge the digital divide, researchers have investigated the effectiveness of formal education and training offered by various social institutions. However, existing research highlights a critical shortcoming in these approaches: a lack of attention paid to rural older adults’ individual needs and interests. Based on the theories of post-metaphorical culture, endogenous development, home-school cooperation, and technology adoption and acceptance, this study implements a family intergenerational learning (FIL) project. FIL characterizes learning between grandparents and grandchildren within the household, suggesting a more practical and individualized strategy to help rural older adults gain digital literacy. By conducting a three-month FIL Project in a rural primary school class in China, the study employs a qualitative method to analyze learning records and interviews from 10 sets of participating grandparents and grandchildren. The analysis renders two critical findings on the effectiveness of the FIL Project for rural older adults. First, FIL can help rural older adults adapt into the digital world by (1) gaining knowledge about digital society, (2) improving their digital skills, (3) changing their lifestyles, and (4) understanding the integration between technology and society. Second, among grandchildren, FIL can cultivate an awareness of lifelong learning and their moral obligations to their grandparents. By illustrating this specific case, this study puts forward a new approach to help the older adults overcome the digital divide in rural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 356 KiB  
Article
Lived Experiences of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study
by Montserrat Venturas, Judith Prats, Elena Querol, Adelaida Zabalegui, Núria Fabrellas, Paula Rivera, Claudia Casafont, Cecilia Cuzco, Cindy E. Frías, Maria Carmen Olivé and Silvia Pérez-Ortega
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10958; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182010958 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3990
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many hospitalized patients and deaths worldwide. Coronavirus patients were isolated from their relatives and visits were banned to prevent contagion. This has brought about a significant change in deeply rooted care habits in Mediterranean and Latin American [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many hospitalized patients and deaths worldwide. Coronavirus patients were isolated from their relatives and visits were banned to prevent contagion. This has brought about a significant change in deeply rooted care habits in Mediterranean and Latin American countries where the family normally accompanies vulnerable hospitalized patients. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the hospitalization experience of COVID-19 patients and their family members. A phenomenological qualitative approach was used. Data collection included inductive, in-depth interviews with 11 COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The mean age of patients was 55.4 years and 45% were female. Nearly 50% required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Ten meaningful statements were identified and grouped in three themes: Positive and negative aspects of the care provided, the patient’s perspective, and perception of the experience of the disease. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients, aware of the severity of the pandemic, were very adaptable to the situation and had full confidence in health professionals. Patient isolation was perceived as necessary. Technology has helped to maintain communication between patients and relatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Information in Vulnerable Groups)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop