SACM - United States of America
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9668
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Item Restricted Resilience and Reality: Exploring the Lived Experiences of People Living with HIV in Texas During the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study.(The University of Texas at Arlington, 2025-05) Alanazi, Ahmed; Eusebius, SmallThis study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and mental health services, while simultaneously highlighting the remarkable resilience of the participants. Adaptive coping mechanisms, community support, and advocacy efforts emerged as critical strategies for navigating the layered challenges of living with HIV during a global health crisis. The study identified key themes such as social isolation and estrangement, the emotional toll of the diagnosis, resilience in navigating health crises, and redefining possibilities through HIV services, with each theme branching into sub-themes that offer deeper interpretations. Participants' narratives underscore the necessity for tailored interventions that address the broad-ranging needs of PLWH, including the integration of mental health services into HIV care and the development of socially-led education campaigns to combat stigma. By focusing on the unique experiences of PLWH, this research contributes to the broader understanding of syndemic health crises, where HIV/AIDS interacts synergistically with other social, economic, and health issues, exacerbating the overall impact on affected communities. The study calls for a paradigm shift in public health policy, emphasizing the need for inclusive and intersectional approaches that prioritize equity, resilience, and community empowerment. The findings also provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, advocating for robust telemedicine infrastructure, stigma reduction initiatives, and comprehensive support systems that ensure continuity of care during public health emergencies. As the global community still grapples with the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study underlines the urgency of reimagining public health strategies. By centering the voices of those living at the intersection of HIV and COVID-19, it challenges existing paradigms and paves the way for innovative solutions that transcend individual health crises, offering a blueprint for more equitable, inclusive, and resilient healthcare systems. The research not only highlights the structural inequities that deepen health disparities but also illuminates the resilience and adaptive capacities of PLWH, providing a foundation for policies and practices that uphold dignity, wellbeing, and social inclusion for all.13 0Item Restricted The Influences of Educational Technology on Comprehension among Elementary School Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic Period in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-01) Al jawad, Fatimah; Hambrock, HelgaThe current study addressed concerns surrounding the impact of educational technology on students’ comprehension during the COVID-19 pandemic. While researchers have shed light on issues like overreliance on technology and potential hindrances to comprehension, a significant gap remains in fully understanding the implications for elementary school students, especially within the unique pandemic context. To bridge this gap, this study explored the effects of various technological tools used in remote learning settings on students’ comprehension, providing valuable insights for educators, parents, and policymakers to promote responsible and effective use of educational technology. A basic qualitative design was employed for this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which provided a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind the effects of technology on students’ comprehension. The findings demonstrated positive outcomes associated with technology integration: students reported improved comprehension, higher engagement with learning materials innovatively, and a deeper grasp of subjects. Parents and teachers also acknowledged the benefits and cited easy access to information and enjoyable learning experiences. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited device availability and health issues from technology overuse impacted comprehension in some cases. Proposed strategies to address these challenges include better education and training for teachers and educational initiatives to enhance students’ familiarity with technology.16 0Item Restricted Three Essays in Behavioral Economics and Macroeconomics: Unraveling Celebrity Influence on Philanthropy, Racial Disparities in Donation Decisions During the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-09-27) Alothaim, Rawan; Zak, PaulThis dissertation encompasses three chapters. Two delve into behavioral aspects of charitable donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, investigating celebrity influence and racial disparities, as well as risk preferences. The third chapter shifts to macroeconomics, examining the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic growth in Saudi Arabia over a long-term horizon. The first chapter investigates the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements on charitable giving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants' donation decisions were compared after exposure to celebrity and non-profit expert endorsements. Logistic regression and Ordinary Least Squares regression were used to analyze the impact of independent variables on the likelihood and total amount of donations. Findings suggest that celebrities did not significantly affect overall donation behavior, consistent with previous research. The study found no significant difference between celebrity and expert endorsements in terms of donation decisions, underscoring that the primary challenge for non-profit organizations is outreach, as the choice of messenger appears to have minimal impact on donation decisions. The second chapter investigates donation decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically examining racial disparities in charitable giving and the relationship between risk preferences and donations. The analysis is based on the financial contributions made by the average US citizen to food banks in the fourth quarter of 2020. The study finds that a substantial portion of the population (57%) was willing to support charitable causes during this challenging period. Additionally, it reveals that Black participants were more likely to donate and, on average, donate more than individuals from other racial groups. This finding aligns with previous evidence highlighting the generosity of Black individuals in charitable giving. Contrary to some prior results, the study uncovers that risk-averse individuals, as indicated by their frequent use of masks during the pandemic, were more likely to donate. These insights shed light on the role of empathy and donation motivations, offering valuable implications for fundraising campaigns targeting diverse racial groups and individuals with different risk preferences. The third chapter explores the implications of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Saudi Arabia's economic growth, a topic of critical importance amidst the country's ongoing economic diversification under Vision 2030. We employ Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models to scrutinize the effects of FDI intensity on the Kingdom's economic performance, utilizing annual data. Results reveal no significant short-term impact of FDI on economic growth. However, there is a notable long-run equilibrium relationship among FDI, inflation, interest rates, and GDP per capita growth. Historical crises and real interest rates also significantly influence economic growth. These findings echo the existing literature on the non-significant short-term effect of FDI on Saudi Arabia's economic growth while pointing to potential long-term relationships.18 0