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Kadiyala S, Richter L, Kulkarni B, Chitaya A, Harris-Fry H. Global childhood malnutrition. BMJ 2024; 386:q1874. [PMID: 39214530 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q1874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Suneetha Kadiyala
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Linda Richter
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bharati Kulkarni
- Division of Reproductive and Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, V Ramalingaswami Bhawan, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Anita Chitaya
- Soils, Food and Healthy Communities, Ekwendeni, Malawi
| | - Helen Harris-Fry
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Desai S, Kumar N, Gram L, Hazra A, Sanyal KA, Sivaram S, Nair N, Ved R, Prost A. Individual interventions, collective lessons: Developing mid-range theory on women's groups to improve health. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04152. [PMID: 39148485 PMCID: PMC11327848 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Interventions with women's groups have been widely implemented to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income settings, particularly India. While there is a large evidence base on the effectiveness of single interventions, it is challenging to predict whether a women's group intervention delivered in one setting can be expected to work in another. Methods We applied realist principles to develop and refine a mid-range theory on the effectiveness of women's groups interventions, summarised key lessons for implementation, and reflected on the process. We synthesised primary data from several interventions in India, a systematic review, and an analysis of behaviour change techniques. We developed mid-range theories across three areas: maternal and newborn health, nutrition, and violence against women, as well as an overarching mid-range theory on how women's groups can improve health. Results Our overarching mid-range theory suggested that effective interventions should: build group or community capabilities; focus on health outcomes relevant to group members; and approach health issues modifiable through women's individual or collective actions. We identified four key lessons for future interventions with women's groups, including the importance of skilled and remunerated facilitation, sufficient intensity, supply-side strengthening, and the need to adapt delivery during scale up while maintaining fidelity to intervention theory. Conclusions Our experience demonstrated the feasibility of developing mid-range theory from a combination of evidence and insights from practice. It also underscored the importance of community engagement and ongoing research to 'thicken' mid-range theories to design effective and scalable women's groups interventions in India and similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Desai
- Population Council Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Neha Kumar
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Lu Gram
- UCL Institute for Global Health, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Rajani Ved
- Former ED, National Health Systems Resource Centre, New Delhi, India
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Opina-Tan LA, Hamoy GL. Taking on the Challenge: A Case Study on a Community Health Club for Noncommunicable Disease Control. ACTA MEDICA PHILIPPINA 2024; 58:29-38. [PMID: 39166228 PMCID: PMC11331001 DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i13.8101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Background From 2013 to 2021, the University of the Philippines Community Health and Development Program (UP CHDP) was in partnership with Cavite and its five municipalities of Alfonso, Mendez, Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo, and Amadeo (AMIGA). They aimed to improve the control of hypertension and diabetes through interventions such as the organization of community health clubs, as recommended by the Department of Health in 2016. Currently there is limited information on the experiences and outcomes related to this strategy. Data on this can help the community and public health institutions in understanding and maximizing the benefits of organizing community health clubs for noncommunicable disease control. Objectives This study aimed to determine a community health club's membership profile, its organization and maintenance processes, and the benefits, challenges, and enabling factors experienced. Methods This case study-mixed method was done in 2020 on the Challengers Health Club in Alfonso, Cavite. Group interviews of the club officers and barangay health workers were conducted to explore the club processes, their perceived benefits, challenges, and enabling factors. Health records were reviewed to determine the club's membership profile. Results The community health club showed an increase in membership since it was established. Most members are elderly, female, non-smoker, and hypertensive. There was increase in proportion of members with controlled hypertension after two years. However, this was not observed among those with diabetes. Perceived benefits for members were free, regular, and accessible services, improved knowledge and better control of their condition, and opportunity to socialize with others. Enabling factors were partnership with UP, teamwork and dedication of club leaders, effective management, and community support. The limited funding and supply of medicines, discontinuation of deployment of UP partners, and the COVID-19 pandemic were the challenges identified by the club. Conclusion This study described the experiences of a community health club established to control hypertension and diabetes. Benefits of this intervention were reported despite the challenges they encountered because of the support mechanisms that were in place.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geohari L Hamoy
- Community Health and Development Program, University of the Philippines Manila
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Raj A, Dey A, Rao N, Yore J, McDougal L, Bhan N, Silverman JG, Hay K, Thomas EE, Fotso JC, Lundgren R. The EMERGE framework to measure empowerment for health and development. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351 Suppl 1:116879. [PMID: 38825382 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Women's empowerment is a UN Sustainable Development Goal and a focus of global health and development but survey measures and data on gender empowerment remain weak. Existing indicators are often disconnected from theory; stronger operationalization is needed. OBJECTIVE We present the EMERGE Framework to Measure Empowerment, a framework to strengthen empowerment measures for global health and development. METHOD We initiated development of this framework in 2016 as part of EMERGE - an initiative designed to build the science of survey research and availability of high-quality survey measures and data on gender empowerment. The framework is guided by existing theories of empowerment, evidence, and expert input. We apply this framework to understand women's empowerment in family planning (FP) via review of state of the field measures. RESULTS Our framework offers concrete measurable constructs to assess critical consciousness and choice, agency and backlash, and goal achievement as the empowerment process, recognizing its operation at multiple levels-from the individual to the collective. Internal attributes, social norms, and external contexts and resources create facilitators or barriers to the empowerment process. Review of best evidence FP measures assessing empowerment constructs, social norms, and key influencers (e.g., partners and providers) show a strong landscape of measures, including those with women, partners, and providers, but they are limited in assessing translation of choice to agency to achievement of women's self-determined fertility or contraceptive goals, instead relying on assumption of contraceptive use as the goal. We see no measures on collective empowerment toward women's reproductive choice and rights. CONCLUSION The EMERGE Framework can guide development and analysis of survey measures on empowerment and is needed as the current state of the field shows limited coverage of empowerment constructs even in areas which have received more study, such as family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Raj
- Newcomb Institute, Tulane University, 43 Newcomb Place, Suite 301, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA; Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2460 #8329, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Arnab Dey
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Namratha Rao
- Newcomb Institute, Tulane University, 43 Newcomb Place, Suite 301, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Jennifer Yore
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Lotus McDougal
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nandita Bhan
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat Narela Road, Near Jagdishpur Village, Sonipat, Haryana, 131001, India
| | - Jay G Silverman
- Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2460 #8329, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Katherine Hay
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Edwin E Thomas
- Newcomb Institute, Tulane University, 43 Newcomb Place, Suite 301, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | | | - Rebecka Lundgren
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Buller AM, Pichon M, Hidrobo M, Mulford M, Amare T, Sintayehu W, Tadesse S, Ranganathan M. Cash plus programming and intimate partner violence: a qualitative evaluation of the benefits of group-based platforms for delivering activities in support of the Ethiopian government's Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069939. [PMID: 37137564 PMCID: PMC10163490 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health challenge but there is evidence that cash and cash 'plus' interventions reduce IPV. An increasingly popular design feature of these kind of interventions is the group-based modality for delivering plus activities, however, evidence of the mechanisms through which this modality of delivery impacts IPV is limited. We explore how the group-based modality of delivering plus activities that complemented the Government of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme contributed to modifying intermediate outcomes on the pathway to IPV. DESIGN Qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions between February and March 2020. Data were analysed using a thematic content and gender lens approach. Findings were interpreted, refined and drafted in collaboration with our local research partners. SETTING Amhara and Oromia regions in Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS In total 115 men and women beneficiaries from the Strengthen PSNP4 Institutions and Resilience (SPIR) programme took part in the study. Fifty-eight were interviewed and 57 took part in 7 focus group discussions. RESULTS We found that Village Economic and Social Associations-through which SPIR activities were delivered-improved financial security and increased economic resilience against income shocks. The group-based delivery of plus activities to couples appeared to enhance individual agency, collective power and social networks, which in turn strengthened social support, gender relations and joint decision-making. Critical reflective dialogues provided a reference group to support the shift away from social norms that condone IPV. Finally, there appeared to be gender differences, with men highlighting the financial benefits and enhanced social status afforded by the groups, whereas women's accounts focused primarily on strengthened social networks and social capital. CONCLUSION Our study offers important insights into the mechanisms by which the group-based delivery of plus activities affects intermediate outcomes on the pathway to IPV. It underscores the importance of the modality of delivery in such programmes, and suggests that policy-makers should consider gender-specific needs as men and women might differentially benefit from interventions that enhance social capital to generate gender transformative impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Buller
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marjorie Pichon
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Hidrobo
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Tseday Amare
- CARE International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Meghna Ranganathan
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Akter K, Kuddus A, Jeny T, Nahar T, Shaha S, Ahmed N, King C, Pires M, Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Azad K, Fottrell E, Morrison J. Stakeholder perceptions on scaling-up community-led interventions for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:719. [PMID: 37081438 PMCID: PMC10116471 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engaging communities is an important component of multisectoral action to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted research with non-communicable disease stakeholders in Bangladesh to understand how a community-led intervention which was shown to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in rural Bangladesh could be scaled-up. METHODS We purposively sampled any actor who could have an interest in the intervention, or that could affect or be affected by the intervention. We interviewed central level stakeholders from donor agencies, national health policy levels, public, non-governmental, and research sectors to identify scale-up mechanisms. We interviewed community health workers, policy makers, and non-governmental stakeholders, to explore the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the suggested mechanisms. We discussed scale-up options in focus groups with community members who had attended a community-led intervention. We iteratively developed our data collection tools based on our analysis and re-interviewed some participants. We analysed the data deductively using a stakeholder analysis framework, and inductively from codes identified in the data. RESULTS Despite interest in addressing NCDs, there was a lack of a clear community engagement strategy at the government level, and most interventions have been implemented by non-governmental organisations. Many felt the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should lead on community engagement, and NCD screening and referral has been added to the responsibilities of community health workers and health volunteers. Yet there remains a focus on reproductive health and NCD diagnosis and referral instead of prevention at the community level. There is potential to engage health volunteers in community-led interventions, but their present focus on engaging women for reproductive health does not fit with community needs for NCD prevention. CONCLUSIONS Research highlighted the need for a preventative community engagement strategy to address NCDs, and the potential to utilise existing cadres to scale-up community-led interventions. It will be important to work with key stakeholders to address gender issues and ensure flexibility and responsiveness to community concerns. We indicate areas for further implementation research to develop scaled-up models of community-led interventions to address NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohenour Akter
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Kuddus
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnova Jeny
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tasmin Nahar
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sanjit Shaha
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Naveed Ahmed
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Carina King
- Karolinska Institutet, K9 Global Folkhälsa, K9 GPH Stålsby Lundborg Alfvén, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Malini Pires
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Kishwar Azad
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Edward Fottrell
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Joanna Morrison
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Kuppen R, de Leede M, Lindenberg J, van Bodegom D. Collective Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases in an Ageing Population with Community Care. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3134. [PMID: 36833834 PMCID: PMC9961588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Dutch population is rapidly ageing, and a growing number of people are suffering from age-related health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These diseases can be prevented or delayed by adapting healthy behaviours. However, making long-lasting lifestyle changes has proven to be challenging and most individual-based lifestyle interventions have not been effective on the long-term. Prevention programs focused on lifestyle should involve the physical and social context of individuals, because the (social) environment plays a large role in both conscious and unconscious lifestyle choices. Collective prevention programmes are promising strategies to mobilize the potential of the (social) environment. However, little is known about how such collective prevention programs could work in practice. Together with community care organization Buurtzorg, we have started a 5 year evaluation project to study how collective prevention can be practised in communities. In this paper, we discuss the potential of collective prevention and explain the methods and goals of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kuppen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Hippocratespad 21, 2333 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2333 AA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam de Leede
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Hippocratespad 21, 2333 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Buurtzorg Nederland, Head Office, Postbus 69, 7600 AB Almelo, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Lindenberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Hippocratespad 21, 2333 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2333 AA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David van Bodegom
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Hippocratespad 21, 2333 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2333 AA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Dada S, Cocoman O, Portela A, De Brún A, Bhattacharyya S, Tunçalp Ö, Jackson D, Gilmore B. What's in a name? Unpacking 'Community Blank' terminology in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e009423. [PMID: 36750272 PMCID: PMC9906186 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engaging the community as actors within reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) programmes (referred to as 'community blank') has seen increased implementation in recent years. While evidence suggests these approaches are effective, terminology (such as 'community engagement,' 'community participation,' 'community mobilisation,' and 'social accountability') is often used interchangeably across published literature, contributing to a lack of conceptual clarity in practice. The purpose of this review was to describe and clarify varying uses of these terms in the literature by documenting what authors and implementers report they are doing when they use these terms. METHODS Seven academic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Global Health), two grey literature databases (OAIster, OpenGrey) and relevant organisation websites were searched for documents that described 'community blank' terms in RMNCH interventions. Eligibility criteria included being published between 1975 and 1 October 2021 and reports or studies detailing the activities used in 'community blank.' RESULTS: A total of 9779 unique documents were retrieved and screened, with 173 included for analysis. Twenty-four distinct 'community blank' terms were used across the documents, falling into 11 broader terms. Use of these terms was distributed across time and all six WHO regions, with 'community mobilisation', 'community engagement' and 'community participation' being the most frequently used terms. While 48 unique activities were described, only 25 activities were mentioned more than twice and 19 of these were attributed to at least three different 'community blank' terms. CONCLUSION Across the literature, there is inconsistency in the usage of 'community blank' terms for RMNCH. There is an observed interchangeable use of terms and a lack of descriptions of these terms provided in the literature. There is a need for RMNCH researchers and practitioners to clarify the descriptions reported and improve the documentation of 'community blank' implementation. This can contribute to a better sharing of learning within and across communities and to bringing evidence-based practices to scale. Efforts to improve reporting can be supported with the use of standardised monitoring and evaluation processes and indicators. Therefore, it is recommended that future research endeavours clarify the operational definitions of 'community blank' and improve the documentation of its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dada
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olive Cocoman
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anayda Portela
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aoife De Brún
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Özge Tunçalp
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP),Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Debra Jackson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, UK
| | - Brynne Gilmore
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Lowe H, Dobbin J, Kiss L, Mak J, Mannell J, Watson D, Devakumar D. Mechanisms for the prevention of adolescent intimate partner violence: A realist review of interventions in low- and middle-income countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001230. [PMID: 36962608 PMCID: PMC10022317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls are among those at the greatest risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Despite adolescence being widely regarded as a window of opportunity to influence attitudes and behaviours related to gender equality, evidence on what works to prevent IPV at this critical stage is limited outside of high-income, school-based settings. Even less is understood about the mechanisms of change in these interventions. We conducted a realist review of primary prevention interventions for adolescent IPV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to synthesise evidence on how they work, for whom, and under which circumstances. The review took place in four iterative stages: 1) exploratory scoping, 2) developing initial programme theory, 3) systematic database search, screening and extraction, and 4) purposive searching and refinement of programme theory. We identified eleven adolescent IPV prevention interventions in LMICs, most of which demonstrated a positive impact on IPV experience and/or perpetration (n = 10). Most interventions (n = 9) implemented school- or community-based interactive peer-group education to transform attitudes and norms around gender and relationships for behaviour change. The central mechanism of change related to gender transformative content prompting adolescents to critically reflect on their attitudes and relationships, leading to a reconceptualisation of their values and beliefs. This central mechanism was supported by two secondary implementation mechanisms: 1) the design and delivery of interventions: interactive, age-appropriate education delivered in peer-groups provided adolescents a safe space to engage with content and build communication skills, and 2) the target group: social norms interventions targeting the wider community created enabling environments supportive of individual change. This review highlights the immense potential of gender transformative interventions during the critical period of adolescence for IPV prevention. Future interventions should consider the broader drivers of adolescent IPV and ensure intersectionality informed approaches to maximise their potential to capitalise on this window of opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattie Lowe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Dobbin
- Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ligia Kiss
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joelle Mak
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenevieve Mannell
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniella Watson
- Global Health Research Institute, School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Hazra A, Das A, Ahmad J, Singh S, Chaudhuri I, Purty A, Prost A, Desai S. Matching Intent With Intensity: Implementation Research on the Intensity of Health and Nutrition Programs With Women's Self-Help Groups in India. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00383. [PMID: 35487547 PMCID: PMC9053147 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adding health interventions to women's groups primarily formed for financial purposes, such as self-help groups, is a widely used strategy to reach low-income women. An analysis of implementation intensity highlights the importance of ensuring that women's groups have sufficient time and population coverage to address health issues. Introduction: In India, a large network of self-help groups (SHGs) implements interventions to improve women's and children's health and nutrition. There is growing evidence on the effectiveness of women's group interventions to improve health but limited information on implementation intensity, including how often groups meet, for how long, and with whom, despite this often being cited as a key factor for success. We aimed to assess the implementation intensity of large SHG-based health and nutrition interventions with rural, low-income women, to inform program design, delivery, and measurement. Methods: We synthesized process data from surveys, meeting observations, and process evaluations across 8 maternal and child health and nutrition interventions in India. We examined the implementation intensity of 3 common intervention delivery channels: group meetings, home visits, and community-level activities. Results: SHG members spent approximately 30 minutes in monthly meetings discussing health or nutrition. SHG dissolution or limited participation in meetings was a common challenge. Beyond group meetings, home visits reached approximately 1 in 3 households with an SHG member. Pregnant and breastfeeding women's participation in community events varied across interventions. Discussion: Interventions that aim to capitalize on existing networks of financial women's groups not specifically formed for health and nutrition objectives, such as SHGs, will need to have an implementation intensity that matches the ambition of their health objectives: substantial changes in behavioral or mortality outcomes are unlikely to be achieved with relatively light intensity. Interventions that require sustained interactions with members to achieve health outcomes need to ensure adequate community and individual outreach to supplement group meetings, as well as improved participation through more intensive community mobilization approaches. Evaluations of group-based interventions should report on implementation intensity to support the interpretation of evaluation evidence and to inform further scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Audrey Prost
- UCL Institute of Global Health, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Saville NM, Kharel C, Morrison J, Harris-Fry H, James P, Copas A, Giri S, Arjyal A, Beard BJ, Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Skordis J, Richter A, Baral S, Hillman S. Comprehensive Anaemia Programme and Personalized Therapies (CAPPT): protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial testing the effect women's groups, home counselling and iron supplementation on haemoglobin in pregnancy in southern Nepal. Trials 2022; 23:183. [PMID: 35232469 PMCID: PMC8886560 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06043-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia in pregnancy remains prevalent in Nepal and causes severe adverse health outcomes. METHODS This non-blinded cluster-randomised controlled trial in the plains of Nepal has two study arms: (1) Control: routine antenatal care (ANC); (2) Home visiting, iron supplementation, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) groups, plus routine ANC. Participants, including women in 54 non-contiguous clusters (mean 2582; range 1299-4865 population) in Southern Kapilbastu district, are eligible if they consent to menstrual monitoring, are resident, married, aged 13-49 years and able to respond to questions. After 1-2 missed menses and a positive pregnancy test, consenting women < 20 weeks' gestation, who plan to reside locally for most of the pregnancy, enrol into trial follow-up. Interventions comprise two home-counselling visits (at 12-21 and 22-26 weeks' gestation) with iron folic acid (IFA) supplement dosage tailored to women's haemoglobin concentration, plus monthly PLA women's group meetings using a dialogical problem-solving approach to engage pregnant women and their families. Home visits and PLA meetings will be facilitated by auxiliary nurse midwives. The hypothesis is as follows: Haemoglobin of women at 30 ± 2 weeks' gestation is ≥ 0.4 g/dL higher in the intervention arm than in the control. A sample of 842 women (421 per arm, average 15.6 per cluster) will provide 88% power, assuming SD 1.2, ICC 0.09 and CV of cluster size 0.27. Outcomes are captured at 30 ± 2 weeks gestation. Primary outcome is haemoglobin concentration (g/dL). Secondary outcomes are as follows: anaemia prevalence (%), mid-upper arm circumference (cm), mean probability of micronutrient adequacy (MPA) and number of ANC visits at a health facility. Indicators to assess pathways to impact include number of IFA tablets consumed during pregnancy, intake of energy (kcal/day) and dietary iron (mg/day), a score of bioavailability-enhancing behaviours and recall of one nutrition knowledge indicator. Costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be estimated from a provider perspective. Using constrained randomisation, we allocated clusters to study arms, ensuring similarity with respect to cluster size, ethnicity, religion and distance to a health facility. Analysis is by intention-to-treat at the individual level, using mixed-effects regression. DISCUSSION Findings will inform Nepal government policy on approaches to increase adherence to IFA, improve diets and reduce anaemia in pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 12272130 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi M Saville
- Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| | | | - Joanna Morrison
- Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Helen Harris-Fry
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Philip James
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Andrew Copas
- Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Santosh Giri
- HERD International, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | | | - Jolene Skordis
- Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Adam Richter
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sushil Baral
- HERD International, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Health Research and Social Development Forum (HERD), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sara Hillman
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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Canuto K, Preston R, Rannard S, Felton-Busch C, Geia L, Yeomans L, Turner N, Thompson Q, Carlisle K, Evans R, Passey M, Larkins S, Redman-MacLaren M, Farmer J, Muscat M, Taylor J. How and why do women's groups (WGs) improve the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) care? A systematic review of the literature. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055756. [PMID: 35190438 PMCID: PMC8862452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review was undertaken to assist the implementation of the WOmen's action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB) project which explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community women's group (WG) action to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. There is now considerable international evidence that WGs improve MCH outcomes, and we were interested in understanding how and why this occurs. The following questions guided the review: (1) What are the characteristics, contextual influences and group processes associated with the MCH outcomes of WGs? (2) What are the theoretical and conceptual approaches to WGs? (3) What are the implications likely to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WGs? METHODS We systematically searched electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid); CINAHL (Ebsco); Informit health suite, Scopus, Emcare (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library and Informit), online search registers and grey literature using the terms mother, child, group, participatory and community and their variations during all time periods to January 2021. The inclusion criteria were: (1) Population: studies involving community WGs in any country. (2) Intervention: a program/intervention involving any aspect of community WGs planning, acting, learning and reviewing MCH improvements. (3) Outcome: studies with WGs reported a component of: (i) MCH outcomes; or (ii) improvements in the quality of MCH care or (iii) improvements in socioemotional well-being of mothers and/or children. (4) Context: the primary focus of initiatives must be in community-based or primary health care settings. (5) Process: includes some description of the process of WGs or any factors influencing the process. (6) Language: English. (7) Study design: all types of quantitative and qualitative study designs involving primary research and data collection.Data were extracted under 14 headings and a narrative synthesis identified group characteristics and analysed the conceptual approach to community participation, the use of theory and group processes. An Australian typology of community participation, concepts from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group work and an adapted framework of Cohen and Uphoff were used to synthesise results. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. RESULTS Thirty-five (35) documents were included with studies conducted in 19 countries. Fifteen WGs used participatory learning and action cycles and the remainder used cultural learning, community development or group health education. Group activities, structure and who facilitated groups was usually identified. Intergroup relationships and decision-making were less often described as were important concepts from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander perspective (the primacy of culture, relationships and respect). All but two documents used an explicit theoretical approach. Using the typology of community participation, WGs were identified as predominantly developmental (22), instrumental (10), empowerment (2) and one was unclear. DISCUSSION A framework to categorise links between contextual factors operating at micro, meso and macro levels, group processes and MCH improvements is required. Currently, despite a wealth of information about WGs, it was difficult to determine the methods through which they achieved their outcomes. This review adds to existing systematic reviews about the functioning of WGs in MCH improvement in that it covers WGs in both high-income and low-income settings, identifies the theory underpinning the WGs and classifies the conceptual approach to participation. It also introduces an Australian Indigenous perspective into analysis of WGs used to improve MCH. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019126533.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Canuto
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Naghir Tribe of the Kulkagul Clan, Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyn Preston
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sam Rannard
- Library and Information Services, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catrina Felton-Busch
- Murtupuni Centre Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia
- Yangkaal and Gangaidda, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynore Geia
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Bwgcolman, Palm Island, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lee Yeomans
- Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nalita Turner
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Anmatyerre/Jaru, Northern Territory, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Quitaysha Thompson
- Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation, Kalkaringi, Northern Territory, Australia
- Gurindji woman, Kalkaringi, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Karen Carlisle
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Evans
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Passey
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Larkins
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle Redman-MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Nguma-bada, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jane Farmer
- Swinburne Social Innovation Research Institute, Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melody Muscat
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Bijara, Charleville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Judy Taylor
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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13
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Ranganathan M, Pichon M, Hidrobo M, Tambet H, Sintayehu W, Tadesse S, Buller AM. Government of Ethiopia's public works and complementary programmes: A mixed-methods study on pathways to reduce intimate partner violence. Soc Sci Med 2022; 294:114708. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Desai S, Mehta KM, Singh RJ, Westley AK, Dirisu O, Wong C, De Hoop T, Darmstadt GL. Effects of integrated economic and health interventions with women's groups on health-related knowledge, behaviours and outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046856. [PMID: 34253668 PMCID: PMC8276287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Economic groups, such as microfinance or self-help groups are widely implemented in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Women's groups are voluntary groups, which aim to improve the well-being of members through activities, such as joint savings, credit, livelihoods development and/or health activities. Health interventions are increasingly added on to existing women's economic groups as a public health intervention for women and their families. Here, we present the protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review we will conduct of the evidence on integrated economic and health interventions on women's groups to assess whether and how they improve health-related knowledge, behaviour and outcomes in LMICs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search seven electronic databases for published literature, along with manual searches and consultation. The review will include (1) randomised trials and non-randomised quasiexperimental studies of intervention effects of integrated economic and health interventions delivered through women's groups in LMICs, and (2) sibling studies that examine factors related to intervention content, context, implementation processes and costs. We will appraise risk of bias and study quality using standard tools. High and moderate quality studies will be grouped by health domain and synthesised without meta-analysis. Qualitative evidence will be thematically synthesised and integrated into the quantitative synthesis using a matrix approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol was reviewed and deemed exempt by the institutional review board at the American Institutes for Research. Findings will be shared through peer-reviewed publication and disseminated with programme implementers and policymakers engaged with women's groups. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020199998.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Desai
- Population Council India, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kala M Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Connie Wong
- Lane Medical Library, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thomas De Hoop
- International Development Division, American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gary L Darmstadt
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Morrison J, Giri R, Arjyal A, Kharel C, Harris‐Fry H, James P, Baral S, Saville N, Hillman S. Addressing anaemia in pregnancy in rural plains Nepal: A qualitative, formative study. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17 Suppl 1:e13170. [PMID: 34241951 PMCID: PMC8269150 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Maternal anaemia prevalence in low-income countries is unacceptably high. Our research explored the individual-, family- and community-level factors affecting antenatal care uptake, iron folic acid (IFA) intake and consumption of micronutrient-rich diets among pregnant women in the plains of Nepal. We discuss how these findings informed the development of a home visit and community mobilisation intervention to reduce anaemia in pregnancy. We used a qualitative methodology informed by the socio-ecological framework, conducting semi-structured interviews with recently pregnant women and key informants, and focus group discussions with mothers-in-law and fathers. We found that harmful gender norms restricted women's access to nutrient-rich food, restricted their mobility and access to antenatal care. These norms also restricted fathers' role to that of the provider, as opposed to the caregiver. Pregnant women, mothers-in-law and fathers lacked awareness about iron-rich foods and how to manage the side effects of IFA. Fathers lacked trust in government health facilities affecting access to care and trust in the efficacy of IFA. Our research informed interventions by (1) informing the development of intervention tools and training; (2) informing the intervention focus to engaging mothers-in-law and men to enable behaviour change; and (3) demonstrating the need to work in synergy across individual, family and community levels to address power and positionality, gender norms, trust in health services and harmful norms. Participatory groups and home visits will enable the development and implementation of feasible and acceptable strategies to address family and contextual issues generating knowledge and an enabling environment for behaviour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Morrison
- UCL Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Helen Harris‐Fry
- Department of Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Philip James
- Department of Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | - Naomi Saville
- UCL Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sara Hillman
- UCL Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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16
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Dalglish SL, Costello A, Clark H, Coll-Seck A. Children in All Policies 2030: a new initiative to implement the recommendations of the WHO-UNICEF-Lancet Commission. Lancet 2021; 397:1605-1607. [PMID: 33891894 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helen Clark
- The Helen Clark Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand; Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Belaid L, Atim P, Atim E, Ochola E, Ogwang M, Bayo P, Oola J, Wonyima Okello I, Sarmiento I, Rojas-Rozo L, Zinszer K, Zarowsky C, Andersson N. Communities and service providers address access to perinatal care in postconflict Northern Uganda: socialising evidence for participatory action. Fam Med Community Health 2021; 9:fmch-2020-000610. [PMID: 33731319 PMCID: PMC7978070 DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2020-000610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Describe participatory codesign of interventions to improve access to perinatal care services in Northern Uganda. Study design Mixed-methods participatory research to codesign increased access to perinatal care. Fuzzy cognitive mapping, focus groups and a household survey identified and documented the extent of obstructions to access. Deliberative dialogue focused stakeholder discussions of this evidence to address the obstacles to access. Most significant change stories explored the participant experience of this process. Setting Three parishes in Nwoya district in the Gulu region, Northern Uganda. Participants Purposively sampled groups of women, men, female youth, male youth, community health workers, traditional midwives and service providers. Each of seven stakeholder categories included 5–8 participants in each of three parishes. Results Stakeholders identified several obstructions to accessing perinatal care: lack of savings in preparation for childbirth in facility costs, lack of male support and poor service provider attitudes. They suggested joining saving groups, practising saving money and income generation to address the short-term financial shortfall. They recommended increasing spousal awareness of perinatal care and they proposed improving service provider attitudes. Participants described their own improved care-seeking behaviour and patient–provider relationships as short-term gains of the codesign. Conclusion Participatory service improvement is feasible and acceptable in postconflict settings like Northern Uganda. Engaging communities in identifying perinatal service delivery issues and reflecting on local evidence about these issues generate workable community-led solutions and increases trust between community members and service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Belaid
- CIET/ PRAM Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pamela Atim
- Public Health, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Eunice Atim
- Maternal and child health, Nwoya Health District, Nwoya, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Janet Oola
- Maternal and child health, Nwoya Health District, Nwoya, Uganda
| | | | - Ivan Sarmiento
- Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Kate Zinszer
- Preventive and social medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christina Zarowsky
- Preventive and social medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Neil Andersson
- CIET/ PRAM Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Acapulco, Mexico
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18
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Gram L, Granados R, Krockow EM, Daruwalla N, Osrin D. Modelling collective action to change social norms around domestic violence: social dilemmas and the role of altruism. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 8:53. [PMID: 34553143 PMCID: PMC7611687 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Interventions promoting collective action have been used to prevent domestic violence in a range of settings, but their mechanisms of operation remain unclear. We formalise and combine feminist theoretical approaches to domestic violence into a game-theoretic model of women's collective action to change gendered social norms and outcomes. We show that social norms create a social dilemma in which it is individually rational for women to abstain from action to prevent domestic violence among neighbours, but all women suffer negative consequences if none take action. Promoting altruism among women can overcome the social dilemma. Discouraging women from tolerating domestic violence, imposing additional external punishment on men for perpetrating violence, or lowering costs to women of taking action against violence may not work or even backfire. We invite researchers on community mobilisation to use our framework to frame their understandings of collective action to prevent domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gram
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rolando Granados
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eva M Krockow
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nayreen Daruwalla
- Prevention of Violence against Women and Children, Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), Mumbai, India
| | - David Osrin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Desai S, Misra M, Das A, Singh RJ, Sehgal M, Gram L, Kumar N, Prost A. Community interventions with women's groups to improve women's and children's health in India: a mixed-methods systematic review of effects, enablers and barriers. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e003304. [PMID: 33328199 PMCID: PMC7745316 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION India is home to over 6 million women's groups, including self-help groups. There has been no evidence synthesis on whether and how such groups improve women's and children's health. METHODS We did a mixed-methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies on women's groups in India to examine effects on women and children's health and to identify enablers and barriers to achieving outcomes. We searched 10 databases and included studies published in English from 2000 to 2019 measuring health knowledge, behaviours or outcomes. Our study population included adult women and children under 5 years. We appraised studies using standard risk of bias assessments. We compared intervention effects by level of community participation, scope of capability strengthening (individual, group or community), type of women's group and social and behaviour change techniques employed. We synthesised quantitative and qualitative studies to identify barriers and enablers related to context, intervention design and implementation, and outcome characteristics. FINDINGS We screened 21 380 studies and included 99: 19 randomised controlled trial reports, 25 quasi-experimental study reports and 55 non-experimental studies (27 quantitative and 28 qualitative). Experimental studies provided moderate-quality evidence that health interventions with women's groups can improve perinatal practices, neonatal survival, immunisation rates and women's and children's dietary diversity, and help control vector-borne diseases. Evidence of positive effects was strongest for community mobilisation interventions that built communities' capabilities and went beyond sharing information. Key enablers were inclusion of vulnerable community members, outcomes that could be reasonably expected to change through community interventions and intensity proportionate to ambition. Barriers included limited time or focus on health, outcomes not relevant to group members and health system constraints. CONCLUSION Interventions with women's groups can improve women's and children's health in India. The most effective interventions go beyond using groups to disseminate health information and seek to build communities' capabilities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42019130633.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Desai
- Population Council India, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Lu Gram
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Neha Kumar
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Audrey Prost
- University College London Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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