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Paper short abstract:

This study aims to explore underlying issues related to the overrepresentation of indigenous students with disabilities within the special education system and to understand whether this involves issues around equal educational opportunities.

Paper long abstract:

According to statistical reports published by Special Education Transmit Net and the Ministry of Education, Department of Statistics in Taiwan over the past years, the number of indigenous students with disabilities in elementary and junior high schools within the country has steadily increased with a prevalence rate higher than that of their non-indigenous peers. This study aims to explore underlying issues related to the overrepresentation of indigenous students with disabilities within the special education system and to understand whether this involves issues around equal educational opportunities. To achieve this, the author firstly looked at the prevalence rate of targeted research correspondents in primary and junior high schools and identified the key factors behind this overrepresentation. The study adopted a quantitative research method with a qualitative approach, through an analysis of the information obtained both from Special Education Transmit Net and interviews. The research findings showed that the prevalence of indigenous students with disabilities tends to be higher than that of non-indigenous students with disabilities, with disabilities of indigenous students concentrated within learning and intellectual disabilities. In addition, with regard to the diagnosis of placement, it is found that current policy takes into account the needs of indigenous students with disabilities. Furthermore, factors that affect the prevalence of indigenous students with disabilities include culture, language, personal traits, family and educational resources. In conclusion, the author will provide a number of suggestions for policy changes in light of the research results.

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Paper short abstract:

The researchers conducted ethnographic observation work in a Chinese Medicine clinic to gather data from Chinese population in the UK to understand their healthcare choices. This study suggested more attention paid to the healthcare demands of ethnic minor groups.

Paper long abstract:

Decades after the Chinese population settled in the UK, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remains a popular treatment option for this group. This study aims to explore why TCM has been remaining an important health care option for this population and then discuss whether health coverage could be expanded if the contribution of this medicine is recognised.

Data was gathered through participant observation and un-structured interviews at a TCM clinic in London. Given the closed nature of the Chinese community as a social minor group with sensitivity to ‘foreigners’, one researcher took advantage of ethnic background as Chinese and Mandarin speaking ability to secure a part-timed job in the clinic. While collecting data, researchers naturally engaged with the participants to listen to, communicate and record their daily activities. The observation was carried out for 105 hours, 3 in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. The initial stage of the data analysis was conducted by using a modified grounded theory (M-GT), which holds that the bias from the researcher’s background and experiences is a natural thing. The cross-checking and validation conducted by other authors further reduced the possible prejudice brought by the field staff. Using an intersectional approach, the study found that the use of TCM was related to culture, social class, immigration identity and age.

The analysis recommended that policy makers should realize the importance of TCM for Chinese immigrants, and the access to TCM should be guaranteed. More researches of effective regulations are expected to reduce potential hazards and concerns of TCM.

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Paper short abstract:

Diabetes requires life-long management that is influenced by patients' perspectives and illness narratives. Using Kleinman's patients' explanatory model, this study aimed to explore socio-cultural perceptions and barriers related to proposed diabetes care for improved case management and compliance.

Paper long abstract:

Background: Pakistan ranks third highest in diabetes prevalence globally, with 33 million population living with diabetes. An ethnography was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a diabetes standardized care package, delivered through primary healthcare facilities in district Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. This study aimed to develop an understanding of lay beliefs, information access, norms, social service context, and socio-cultural barriers to contextualize the used diabetes care package, and enhance case management and compliance with the proposed treatment.

Methods: Interview guide and observational checklist were used to conduct in-depth interviews with adherent and non-adherent patients in an intervention site. Kleinman's patients' explanatory model was used to analyze the responses and explore the journey of type-2 diabetics, their experiences, and adherence to treatment.

Results: Several direct social factors (i.e., perception(s) towards public healthcare system, role of paramedic, opportunity cost, and social identity of diabetic) and cross-cutting indirect factors (environmental factors, education, health illiteracy, and age) were found to influence patient's compliance. Adherence to lifestyle modification was found to be influenced by certain direct cultural factors (perception towards the treatment of diabetes (especially desire for cure), gender, and concept of diet and physical activity) and indirect factors (position status in family, perceived seriousness of diabetes, and financial pressures).

Conclusion: Treatment compliance was studied through Kleinman's patients' explanatory model. In-depth patients' perspectives may help generate culturally proficient strategies for troubleshooting barriers and improved compliance throughout diabetes care by scaling up culturally competent patients' education and involvement of key stakeholders in case management.