https://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalspsd/issue/feedJournal of Social Policy, Social Change and Development2025-06-30T00:00:00+07:00Dr. Mahesh Chouguledrmaheshspd@gmail.comOpen Journal Systems<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The<strong><em> Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Development</em></strong></span><strong><em> </em></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">welcomes articles on all dimensions of social policy, social change and development. Papers will improve and intensify the academical, phillosophical, theoretical, empirical and methodological intuitive understanging and knowledge building in the social policy, social change and development arena. The journal provides greater insight of different social policies, development models, state welfare systems and policy indicators operating globally. We welcome and invite research papers that are in scope with the journal and include those that focus on national, world regional or global social policies. State case studies on social policies, social change and development initiatives with national and international context are welcome. Articles may deal with social policy processes, sustainable development goals, policy analysis, policy evaluation, social change, social work and social policy issues as well as welfare outcomes and cover the full range of the social policy mix with sustainable development. The journal welcomes research articles from the interdisciplinary field of social policy, social change and development. The journal promotes young researchers, Ph.D scholars, and academicians to submit articles to the journal. </span></p>https://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalspsd/article/view/1459The Experiences of Parents in South Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Ecological Systems Perspective2024-10-14T13:21:23+07:00Sipho Sibandasipho.sibanda@uwa.edu.auMegan Lotzmeganlotz88@gmail.com<p>COVID-19 has caused havoc on the stability of families in South Africa. Although researchers have explored the impacts of the pandemic worldwide, no studies have been done to explore the COVID-19 experiences of parents in South Africa. The exploration of parents' lived experiences from an ecological perspective can provide insight to researchers and policy makers on how best to empower parents. Furthermore, it can provide a comprehensive understanding about parents' lived experiences during a pandemic in a developing country. The research question was: ‘What are the lived experiences of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa?’. The study was qualitative in nature, participants were recruited from four provinces in South Africa using non-probability, purposive sampling methods. Data was gathered using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews and subsequently analysed using Creswell’s (2014) model of thematic analysis. The findings from the study indicate both negative and positive experiences around the following issues: COVID-19 perceptions, relationships and spouse relationships, connections and lost connections, changes in routine, financial status, education, and positive experiences. The article concludes that comprehensive interventions for empowering parents during pandemics should be developed.</p>2025-06-30T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Developmenthttps://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalspsd/article/view/2195Examining The Prevalence of Postnatal Depression and Associated Factors Among Women: A Case of Women Delivering at Levy Hospital2025-04-30T20:51:35+07:00Felix Phirifelixphiri609@gmail.comFelix Chibesafelixchibesa@yahoo.com<p>This study examined the prevalence of postnatal depression (PND) and its associated factors among women who delivered at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital in Zambia. The cross-sectional study surveyed postpartum women using standardized questionnaires to assess PND prevalence and identify related socio-demographic, obstetric, psychological, and biological factors. The findings revealed that most respondents were between 26-30 years old, married, and had primary level education. Despite a high unemployment rate of 76.1%, most respondents reported household incomes above K2,000. The study found that 54.8% of participants experienced post-birth sadness, while 48.6% reported anxiety. The overall PND prevalence was 18.2%, aligning with previous research findings. Financial stress emerged as the most significant contributing factor to PND, with 94.3% of respondents identifying it as a concern. Relationship difficulties (77.9%) and lack of social support (75.8%) were also major factors. Notably, childcare-related stress was not perceived as a significant contributor by most respondents, contrasting with existing literature. The study recommended integrating routine mental health assessments into postnatal care and developing culturally sensitive interventions at the hospital.</p>2025-06-30T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Developmenthttps://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalspsd/article/view/2382Determinants of Community Based Mental Health Services Utilization among War Survivor Communities of Gondar and Wollo Zones, Amhara Region2025-05-08T15:11:55+07:00Suleyman Beshirsuleyman.shikur@gmail.com<p>The world faces serious challenges from mental health issues, with untreated illnesses often leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Lack of treatment for mental Illnesses comes from both accesses for the services and patients’ preference for the services. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the Strength based and recovery oriented model called community-based health service (CBMHS) which even though h the response of people to CBMHS use varies across countries and communities. In addition, Ethiopia as a country and war prone communities in the country have their own unique dynamics of context which in turn determines patients’ intention to CBMHS. This study aimed at investigating the associated factors of CBMHS use intention among civil war affected zones of north Ethiopia. Absence of studies specifically on people’s responses for CBMHS was the rationale for choosing this study and the site.</p> <p>Quantitative approach with a cross sectional community survey design and questionnaire were used. The study used SPSS version 24 to analyze descriptive and inferential statistics designed to show the characteristics of the data and explain the association between the factors and CBMHS use intention. </p> <p>CBMHS use intention could be predicted by CMD, self-efficacy and self-concept, attitude, knowledge and expectancy, social norms and social constraints. People with common mental disorders have difficulty to develop intention of using CBMHS. Self-efficacy, self-concept, attitude towards CBMHS and expectancy contributes for the good intention of using CBMHS while knowledge has nothing to do with the intention of people to use CBMHS. Social norms and social constraints are found to be the barriers for the intention of people to consider CBMHS. </p> <p>With the absence of intention of people survived in the civil war to use CBMHS, it is meaningless to invest in any form of mental health services. It is invaluable to enhance self-efficacy, self-concept, attitude, and expectancy of people, and prevent the prevalence CMD, control social norms and social constraints through health and life skill education. Public health policies are imperative for the better utilization and intention of CBMHS in the war survivor community members. Social work services of all kind are important for the better utilization and intention of CBMHS in the war survivor community members.</p>2025-06-30T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Developmenthttps://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalspsd/article/view/2045Health and Psychosocial Needs and Barriers Among Female Fish Traders in Rural Zambia: A Qualitative Mapping Study2025-03-30T23:26:52+07:00Lynn Michalopouloslynnmichalopoulos@gmail.comErin Waltonerin.walton@ssw.umaryland.eduNikita Aggarwalnikita.aggarwal@ssw.umaryland.eduRobert Shulahatsfozambia@gmail.comMario Diazdiazmario1234@gmail.comLinah Mwangolkmwango@cihebzambia.orgThomas Northrupthomas.northrup@umaryland.eduSimona Simonasimonajsimona@gmail.com<p>In Zambia, small-scale fisheries employ about 300,000 people in informal, unregulated sectors, which presents significant health risks, especially for female fish traders involved in “fish-for-sex” transactions, which increase vulnerability to HIV and mental health problems<strong>. </strong>This study mapped available mental health, and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) for female fish traders in the Sinazongwe District of Zambia’s Southern Province to understand the needs of fish traders, assess service provider capacities, and identify barriers to access. Between July and October 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants, including fish traders, community members and leaders, and health workers. Data were analyzed using template analysis to identify themes about local health services and challenges to accessing them. Findings from this study, one of the first to focus specifically on the intersection of informal labor, gender-based health disparities, and rural mental health in Zambia — revealed significant barriers to MHPSS access, including a shortage of mental health professionals, poor infrastructure, and stigma. Many fish traders preferred to rely on traditional healers due to cultural beliefs. These findings reveal the need for developing culturally responsive approaches to improve MHPSS access in underserved fishing communities. Such an approach would involve local leaders, enhanced outreach, and training for health workers. These steps align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for good health and well-being, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.</p>2025-06-30T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Developmenthttps://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalspsd/article/view/2448Pathways to Access Center-Based Early Childhood Education and Care for Families of Foreign Origin in Japan: A Qualitative Analysis Using Levesque’s Framework of Access2025-04-29T13:00:12+07:00Yuki Ohsakaohsaka.yuki.199@s.kyushu-u.ac.jp<p>The number of foreign residents in Japan is increasing, and correspondingly so is the number of preschool-age children of foreign origin living in Japan on a mid- to long-term basis. Thus, it is increasingly important to ensure opportunities for early childhood education and care (ECEC) for these children with diverse origins. Although previous studies have shown a higher rate of non-enrollment in center-based ECEC in children of foreign-national parents compared with children of parents of Japanese nationality, only a limited body of research has comprehensively examined the details of the process through which children of foreign origin gain access to ECEC opportunities. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents from 23 families to identify facilitating and inhibiting factors faced by families of foreign origin who wish to enroll their children in center-based ECEC in Japan. These interviews were analyzed with the aid of the theoretical framework by Levesque et al. As a result, facilitating and inhibiting factors for both service users (parents) and service providers (ECEC facilities and municipalities) were identified. The author found that access to ECEC for families of foreign origin is often a reversible process, with families potentially returning to earlier stages of the process—even after reaching the final stage. It was also confirmed that ECEC access for families of foreign origin is constrained by language and institutional barriers and is promoted by social support from diverse communities. These findings suggest that improved access to ECEC for children of foreign origin requires provision of appropriate enrollment information to the diverse communities that these families engage with, including communities of ethnic minorities, workplaces, and universities.</p>2025-06-30T00:00:00+07:00Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Development