Community-Academic Research Links (CARL)https://hdl.handle.net/10468/82672024-03-28T09:17:33Z2024-03-28T09:17:33Z1421"It's not all negative like": exploring adolescent girls' perceptions of their social media useFlynn, Laurenhttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/110072023-03-31T07:15:21Z2020-04-20T00:00:00Zdc.title: "It's not all negative like": exploring adolescent girls' perceptions of their social media use
dc.contributor.author: Flynn, Lauren
dc.description.abstract: This dissertation was completed as part of the UCC CARL initiative in conjunction with The Shona Project. This research explores the social media habits of 14-17 year old girls in Ireland, as well as their perception of how social media affects their lives. The existing research in the area is largely concerned with the negative implications of social media use on mental health, body image and social comparison, and cyberbullying; this is addressed in the literature review.
The epistemological positioning applied to this research is social constructivism; this was underpinned by interpretivism as the theoretical perspective. Community-based participatory research is a core component of this dissertation. Primary research was carried out and data was collected from 98 participants via questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using the IBM statistical analysis software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics relating to social media habits were extracted and outlined in the research findings. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The themes highlighted in the findings include: using social media to keep in contact with friends and family, adult misperceptions of social media, responsible social media use, social media as a positive influence, and concerns regarding social media. The majority of participants reported positive experiences of social media, including using it as a tool for communication and source of inspiration, motivation and education. Participants reported feeling that adults have an unduly negative view of adolescent social media use as well as a lack of understanding of the logistics of social media. A number of concerns relating to social media were also reported, including cyberbullying and anonymity online, fake content, addictive potential, digital footprint, and social pressure of social media. A number of recommendations informed by the findings are also outlined.
2020-04-20T00:00:00Z"Making a house a home: the lived experience of older adults residing in sheltered housing in Ireland"Dolan, GráinneFoley, Rachelhttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/92892023-04-05T12:35:13Z2019-05-10T00:00:00Zdc.title: "Making a house a home: the lived experience of older adults residing in sheltered housing in Ireland"
dc.contributor.author: Dolan, Gráinne; Foley, Rachel
dc.description.abstract: Introduction: The home is a locus point in older adults’ lives and having a sense of home is essential to older adults’ identity, occupational engagement, social interaction and wellbeing. As Ireland’s population continues to grey, there is an increasing number of older adults moving to sheltered housing. Therefore, it is essential that sheltered housing supports older adults in creating a sense of home and belonging following the transition to sheltered housing. Method: This qualitative phenomenological study explored Irish older adults’ lived experience of creating a sense of home following the transition to sheltered housing. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven residents, aged 66-88, living in sheltered housing. Purposive sampling was used to recruit people with diverse characteristics in terms of dwelling, age, gender and sheltered housing complex location. Findings: Three themes that captured the lived experience of older adults creating a sense of home following the transition to sheltered housing were; a) personal values, b) environmental aspects and c) occupational engagement. These findings confirmed that developing a sense of home following the transition to sheltered housing is influenced by numerous factors. Discussion: In adherence with the literature, factors which impacted the development of the participants’ sense of home included, having autonomy and choice, and engaging in meaningful occupations. Novel factors included the influence of a sense of permanency and generativity, and reciprocal relationships on the sense of home. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into the essential elements which older adults require to create a sense of home when moving to sheltered housing. In order to promote the wellbeing of older adults living in sheltered housing, it is essential that occupational therapists and sheltered housing organisations understand the factors which contribute to the development of a sense of home.
2019-05-10T00:00:00Z'If you use speed and then downers, would you be back to normal?’ An analysis of the perspectives of young people regarding alcohol, drugs and tobacco: a Togher Link Up case studyO'Dwyer, Louisehttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/84972023-04-05T12:34:27Z2013-05-02T00:00:00Zdc.title: 'If you use speed and then downers, would you be back to normal?’ An analysis of the perspectives of young people regarding alcohol, drugs and tobacco: a Togher Link Up case study
dc.contributor.author: O'Dwyer, Louise
dc.description.abstract: This research was conducted as part of a community-academic research link (CARL) initiative run within University College Cork and was carried out as part of a BSW 4 dissertation. The research was carried out in partnership with “Togher Link Up” which is a community based drug awareness programme which operates on the south side of Cork city. In order for society to plan effective services and interventions for children, they must first consider the varied perspectives of the children concerned. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990) states that children must be able to express their views and become included in decisions that affect their lives. It also states that children must be protected from the use of narcotic or psychotropic drugs. Qualitative research carried out amongst children offers them not only a channel to air their views but also an opportunity to teach us how to protect them through the analysis of their perspectives. The principal aim of this research is to utilise existing data collected by “Togher Link Up” to investigate the current perspectives of its young people regarding drugs, alcohol and tobacco and through this identify any potential gaps in the service provided currently and to tailor make the service to make it a more client led service.
2013-05-02T00:00:00ZA case study evaluation of a drugs education awareness program delivered by the Togher Link-Up Project to a girls’ secondary school in the south side of Cork cityRiordan, Roberthttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/87972023-04-05T12:34:41Z2016-04-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: A case study evaluation of a drugs education awareness program delivered by the Togher Link-Up Project to a girls’ secondary school in the south side of Cork city
dc.contributor.author: Riordan, Robert
dc.description.abstract: The focus of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of a preventative drugs awareness program that has been delivered to an all-girls secondary school in the south side of Cork city over the last six years. The programme has been delivered by ‘Togher Link-Up’, a local drugs awareness and outreach group based in the above-mentioned catchment area of Cork city. It was the group’s hope to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of the programme as this year’s sixth years (2016) are the first group to have completed a full-cycle of same. The programme was delivered to students throughout the six years of secondary school, this consistency over a substantial period of time being its unique feature. As such, research with this year’s sixth years presented an invaluable opportunity for evaluating the programme.
2016-04-01T00:00:00ZA qualitative analysis of the efficacy of the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for AutismLynch, Paddyhttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/109672024-02-22T14:57:14Z2020-05-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: A qualitative analysis of the efficacy of the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism
dc.contributor.author: Lynch, Paddy
dc.description.abstract: In light of recent changes to diagnostic criteria and increased knowledge around the subject, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become far more prevalent in society over the last two decades. For children who are diagnosed, ASD causes difficulties in communication and developing relationships and can have a profound effect on one’s ability to function in the world around them. It can also be a huge burden for parents both emotionally and financially, as treatment and therapies can be extremely costly. Furthermore, children with ASD often receive diagnoses of other disorders, such as anxiety disorders. The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism (RCCCA) was founded in 2015 in response to the lack of services at the
disposal of families with a diagnosis of ASD. It runs social groups for children, as well as therapies such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for example. It also aims to help families through parental support groups. This study seeks to use thematic analysis to evaluate the quality of the service being run and ways it can improve in the future.
One employee of the RCCCA, a former service user with ASD, and a mother of a child with ASD who attends the club were interviewed. The themes identified show the major social and personal benefits children avail of from the club as well as the great sense of community which helps children and families to thrive. However, the restrictions being placed on the club financially are significant and are holding the club back somewhat. In all, the service offered by the club is highly satisfactory and backed by research, but the growth of the club from this point forward is reliant on further funding being made available.
2020-05-01T00:00:00ZA qualitative analysis of the experience of referring clients to S.H.A.R.E and exploring the relevancy of S.H.A.R.E’s housing modelO'Mahony, Liamhttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/121252023-04-05T12:35:29Z2021-04-27T00:00:00Zdc.title: A qualitative analysis of the experience of referring clients to S.H.A.R.E and exploring the relevancy of S.H.A.R.E’s housing model
dc.contributor.author: O'Mahony, Liam
dc.description.abstract: Housing is a constant talking point in Irish society. The housing sector is
frequently associated with structural and systemic issues that permeate
throughout society. A common challenge faced by people is gaining access to
suitable and affordable housing. This is especially true for older members of the
population and in particular those who are seeking access to supported
accommodation. S.H.A.R.E is a housing charity who provide supported
independent living accommodation for the over 60 population in Cork City. The
research undertaken is an exploration and discussion of the process of
connecting clients to the organisation. The aim of the research is to explore the
referral pathway to S.H.A.R.E and to discuss the overall relevancy of the housing
model of S.H.A.R.E.
This research was undertaken in collaboration with S.H.A.R.E and completed as
part of a CARL initiative in UCC. The research conforms to social constructionism,
an interpretivist approach and a community-based research process. The
primary research was completed through conducting six semi-structured
interviews with professionals working in the housing sector. The findings of the
research illustrate the importance of providing suitable housing for older people
in Ireland and the value of having a housing model that allows for ‘ageing in
place’. The research also alludes to the importance of communication and
collaboration between different housing providers for the benefit of their
clients. A number of recommendations informed by the findings are outlined
and put forward.
2021-04-27T00:00:00ZA qualitative and quantitative study investigating staff attitudes to special educational needs pupils attending second-level education in IrelandO'Sullivan, Moirahttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/85042023-04-05T12:34:26Z2013-10-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: A qualitative and quantitative study investigating staff attitudes to special educational needs pupils attending second-level education in Ireland
dc.contributor.author: O'Sullivan, Moira
dc.description.abstract: The overriding objective of the research is to establish the current attitudes of educators towards special educational needs students with a view to identifying what changes in training and resourcing would result in more effective education of both mainstream and special educational needs students. It is hoped that this will highlight the experiences of educators and that it will reveal how their attitudes have been impacted by dealing with special needs students in mainstream classes. The principal concern of the research is twofold. Firstly, an effort will be made to reveal the existing attitudes of educators. Armed with this information, consideration will be afforded to whether or not the correct training programs and practices are being provided to staff either outside or within the school and, if they are, how effective are they? It is hoped that the answers to these questions will yield practical recommendations which could aid not only the educators, but the students and parents alike.
2013-10-01T00:00:00ZA qualitative exploration of the benefits of and the barriers to volunteering for migrantsDressel, Nicholahttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/110162024-02-22T15:29:27Z2020-04-30T00:00:00Zdc.title: A qualitative exploration of the benefits of and the barriers to volunteering for migrants
dc.contributor.author: Dressel, Nichola
dc.description.abstract: The objectives of this research were to complete a review of relevant Irish and international literature in order to inform the researcher of possible benefits of and barriers to volunteering for migrants. The objectives of this research were to build upon existing literature and highlight any gaps in the literature by conducting semi-structured interviews with five migrants, who are currently in or have completed a volunteering role. Therefore, this research explores such benefits of voluntary work on migrants and also explores some of the barriers that prevent them from partaking in voluntary work, from the migrants’ perspectives.
2020-04-30T00:00:00ZA qualitative study of the effect of limb injury/surgery on participationKhan, Talhahttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/120962023-04-05T12:35:24Z2021-03-16T00:00:00Zdc.title: A qualitative study of the effect of limb injury/surgery on participation
dc.contributor.author: Khan, Talha
dc.description.abstract: Objectives: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) defines
participation as involvement in life. Participation is a key component of human functioning that is at
risk of being impaired when an individual experiences illness or disability. One context in which
participation may be impaired is in the event of Limb Injury or Surgery. Older people are particularly
vulnerable, with impaired participation due to pre-existing disability or illnesses potentially being
exacerbated by the impact of a Limb Injury/Surgery. The aim of this project is to explore the effect of
Limb Injury/Surgery on participation in older clients of the Westgate Foundation Active Retirement
Club.
Methods: The data was collected by using six face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, lasting
approximately 30 minutes, with members of the Westgate Foundation Active Retirement Club. The
interview topics focused on the nature of the injury/surgery and how this has impacted participation.
Transcripts of the interviews were then coded and analysed using Thematic Analysis.
Results: Participation was negatively impacted following Limb Injury/Surgery for all participants
interviewed. Participation was decreased in the domains of mobility, self-care, domestic life,
interpersonal interactions and relationships, and community, social and civic life. Mobility was
independently decreased and also led to a subsequent decrease in the other domains of participation.
Participation in the domains of communication and major life areas was not decreased among those
with limb injury or surgery. Supports varied, including home support services and disability aids, with
family help and organizations such as the Westgate Foundation highlighted as significant facilitators
for participation.
Conclusion: Limb Injury/Surgery has a negative impact upon participation. Increasing mobility, both
within the home and outside, can increase participation across most domains due to its knock-on
effect. Access to supports should be considered prior to discharge to facilitate allocation of
appropriate resources and services within a community setting. This highlights the need for
community services and organisations that may serve as protective factors against the loss of
participation in those with limb injuries or surgeries.
2021-03-16T00:00:00ZA review of respiratory medicines expenditure in the primary care reimbursement services: 2005-2015O'Dwyer, Jackiehttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/88602023-04-05T12:34:50Z2017-03-20T00:00:00Zdc.title: A review of respiratory medicines expenditure in the primary care reimbursement services: 2005-2015
dc.contributor.author: O'Dwyer, Jackie
dc.description.abstract: Respiratory disease, is part of the Governments chronic disease management policy. The aim is to manage chronic disease patients as close to their home for as long as possible. The economic benefit of this is to improve medicine adherence and avoid the cost of emergency hospital admissions. One adherence barrier is cost of medicines. The aim of this report was to gain clarity on respiratory medicines expenditure for an eleven year period from 2005-2015. Findings showed that expenditure on all medicines have been decreasing in recent years, with 2015 figures being less than expenditure in 2006. Respiratory medicines have been less than 10% of total medicines expenditure in the PCRS during this time. Drugs for OPD are the most frequently prescribed and highest expenditure medicine class. B2 stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drug group and B2 stimulants and corticoids have the highest expenditure.87% of drugs to treat OPD are dispensed publicly and 13% privately. A scenario analysis estimated that the extra cost to the State ranged between €20.2m to €33.8m, to provide respiratory medicines through public schemes, thus removing a barrier to adherence. By improving adherence rates the department is providing best outcomes and use of its finite resources.
2017-03-20T00:00:00Z