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Jakubowski A, Aborigo RA, Kuwolamo I, Meredith JD, Abuosi AA. It takes a village: A pilot cross-randomized trial to enhance pregnancy care and support in northern Ghana. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04217. [PMID: 39453695 PMCID: PMC11506688 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04217] [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: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal mortality remains a challenge in Ghana, where 263 women per 100 000 live births die during pregnancy or childbirth. Barriers to reaching the recommended antenatal care (ANC) include poor access to quality health care, cultural factors, and lack of support for pregnant women. Methods We piloted two cross-randomized interventions: durbars, or local community meetings that incorporated education about ANC and supporting pregnant women, and an enhanced ANC model that added phone calls and a home visit to standard care. The study took place in 30 villages in the Upper East Region of Ghana between August 2021 and November 2022. Results We tracked 277 women during pregnancy, with 120 women randomly assigned to the enhanced ANC intervention and 142 women living in villages randomized to the durbar intervention. Women who were randomized to the enhanced ANC intervention were 13.2 percentage points (pp) (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1, 24.3) more likely to have average or above average knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, 22.1 pp (95% CI = 9.1, 36.5) more likely to have a birth plan, 28.2 pp (95% CI = 13.0, 42.4) more likely to prepare the plan with their partners, and 16.4 pp (95% CI = 0.9, 29.3) more likely to pay for delivery with funds set aside in birth plan. They were also 35 pp (95% CI = 16.1, 48.1) more likely to make blood donor arrangements than control women who made birth plans. We found no impact of the durbar intervention on study outcomes. Conclusions Evidence from this pilot suggests that interventions that increase interactions between health providers and pregnant women outside of the health facility may substantially improve women's experience during pregnancy and maternal health outcomes. Providing structured ways for men to get engaged in ANC increased their involvement. Although we found no evidence the community meetings improved study outcomes, larger studies with repeated meetings and community-wide surveys are needed to make causal conclusions. Registration American Economic Association RCT Registry: 10360; ISCRNT: ISRCTN95961119.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Jakubowski
- Department of Public Health and Health Sciences, Department of Economics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Jesse D Meredith
- Department of Economics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wambete SN, Serwaa D, Dzantor EK, Baru A, Poku-Agyemang E, Kukeba MW, Bashiru Y, Olayemi OO. Determinants for male involvement in family planning and contraception in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda; An urban slum qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003207. [PMID: 38820444 PMCID: PMC11142587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Current evidence shows that male involvement in family planning (FP) is crucial to women's contraceptive use decisions. This study explored the reasons for male involvement in FP and contraception in slum areas in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda. A qualitative study was conducted among sexually active males in a slum area in Nakawa Division, Kampala. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to recruit 40 men for a Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), and 2 key informants (KI) for critical perspective interviews. A semi-structured FGDs and interview guides were used to collect the data. The FGDs were conducted in both English and the local language, Luganda. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts for both FGDs and KI interviews were imported into the NVivo Qualitative Data Analysis Software version 10 application, and thematic data analysis was conducted. The findings show that males' involvement in FP and its decisions were minimal. The findings also show that several factors emerged as contributing to male's participation in FP and utilisation of contraceptives. Inadequate understanding of FP and contraceptives, lack of clarity on males' role in FP, unfriendly healthcare environment and community members' perceptions of male involvement in FP were reported as reasons contributing to male participation in FP and contraction. There is limited involvement of males in FP. There is a need for renewed efforts that will positively alter the factors that impact male involvement favourably. Promotion and education about FP for males will significantly address issues of limited understanding and clarity of males' role in FP services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Namee Wambete
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Save The Mothers East Africa, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Network/Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dorcas Serwaa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Edem Kojo Dzantor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
- Research and Innovation Unit, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu, North-East Region, Ghana
| | - Ararso Baru
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
- Slum and Rural Health Initiative Network/Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Evelyn Poku-Agyemang
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Methodist Health Training Institute, Afosu, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | - Margaret Wekem Kukeba
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, CKT-University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Upper-East Region, Ghana
| | - Yussif Bashiru
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Methodist Health Training Institute, Afosu, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | - Oladapo O. Olayemi
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Lyaatu I, Mosha D, Sando MM, Jeong J, Yousafzai A, PrayGod G, Evarist R, Galvin L, Kieffer MP, Kumalija E, Simpson J, Ambikapathi R, Boncyk M, Matangi E, Gunaratna NS. Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania (EFFECTS): study protocol for a five-arm, cluster-randomized trial. Trials 2024; 25:188. [PMID: 38486278 PMCID: PMC10938806 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-07002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 144 million children under 5 years are undernourished and 250 million do not meet their developmental potential. Multi-input interventions, such as bundled nutrition and parenting interventions, are designed to mitigate risks for multiple child outcomes. There is limited evidence that bundled interventions have additive benefits to nutrition, growth, or development outcomes. These outcomes share common risks; therefore, designing interventions to tackle these risks using a common theory of change may optimize effectiveness. Emerging evidence suggests explicit engagement of fathers may benefit child outcomes, but few trials have tested this or included data collected from fathers. METHODS Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania (EFFECTS) is a community-based cluster-randomized controlled trial that will be implemented in the rural Mara Region, Tanzania. The trial aims (1) to test a bundled nutrition and parenting program delivered to mothers' groups, with or without fathers' groups, over 12 months on child and caregiving outcomes compared to a nutrition program alone, and (2) to test nutrition or bundled nutrition and parenting programs delivered to mothers' and fathers' groups over 12 months on child and caregiving outcomes compared to programs delivered to mothers alone. The trial comprises five arms: (1) mothers' groups receiving a nutrition program, (2) mothers' groups receiving a bundled nutrition and parenting program, (3) mothers' and fathers' groups receiving a nutrition program, (4) mothers' and fathers' groups receiving a bundled nutrition and parenting program, and (5) control receiving standard of care health services. The primary outcomes are child dietary diversity and early child development (mental and motor development). Parents with a child under 18 months will be enrolled in peer groups and receive twice monthly intervention by trained community health workers. Data will be collected from mothers, fathers, and children at baseline (pre-intervention), midline, and endline (post-intervention). DISCUSSION EFFECTS will generate evidence on the effects of bundled nutrition and parenting interventions on child nutrition, growth, and development outcomes; determine the benefits of engaging fathers on child, caregiving, and caregiver outcomes; and investigate common and unique pathways between treatments and child outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03759821. Registered on November 30, 2018.
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Mithra P, Unnikrishnan B, T R, Kumar N, Holla R, Rathi P. Paternal perspectives towards infant and young child feeding (IYCF): a qualitative analysis from Coastal South India. Fam Pract 2023; 40:805-809. [PMID: 36933195 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) decide child growth and well-being. Paternal perspectives and involvement in IYCF are of paramount importance and are grossly under-studied. AIMS To study the experiences and opinions of fathers of infants and young children towards feeding practices. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Two focus group discussions (FGD) were carried out in the community settings in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka State. METHODS AND MATERIAL FGDs were carried out in the areas of two selected primary health centres. FGD guide was used and the discussions were audio recorded. Themes were derived from the transcript. RESULTS Four main themes were generated from the transcripts of two FGDs. Lack of time to involve in child feeding, lack of felt need for increased involvement, sense of being complete in providing paternal care and readiness to learn were the generated themes. All participating fathers had favourable attitudes towards learning more about IYCF. CONCLUSIONS Lack of time felt need for higher paternal involvement in IYCF and sense of being complete in providing paternal care were the themes extracted, along with favourable attitude towards increasing their involvement in IYCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Mithra
- Additional Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan
- Dean and Professor of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rekha T
- Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Priya Rathi
- Regional Medical Advisor, GLP-1, Novo Nordisk, Raipur, India
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Schnefke CH, Flax VL, Ubanmhen F, Alayon S, Bose S, Daniel O, Grimes KEL, Allotey D, Seiger ER, Arije O. Attitudes, beliefs and social norms regarding infant and young child feeding among Nigerian mothers, fathers and grandmothers across time. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19:e13524. [PMID: 37173816 PMCID: PMC10483957 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) interventions in low-resource countries mainly target pregnant women and mothers of young children; however, fathers and grandmothers also influence IYCF practices. We conducted focus group discussions with mothers, fathers and grandmothers of young children across three time points in areas where an IYCF social and behaviour change intervention was implemented in Nigeria to explore differences by participant type and shifts over time in attitudes, beliefs and social norms related to breastfeeding and dietary diversity (DD). Overall, across time points, we found more discrepancies in attitudes, beliefs and social norms for early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among different participant types than for DD. Although most participants agreed EIBF and EBF are good practices, mothers believed this more strongly than fathers and grandmothers; however, at endline, a shift towards acceptance of EIBF and EBF appeared among fathers and grandmothers. Across time points, all participant types acknowledged the nutritional and health benefits of green leafy vegetables and animal-source foods but described various barriers to feeding them to children. Across time points, all participant types also highlighted the importance of health workers and antenatal visits as important sources of IYCF knowledge and facilitators to following recommended practices. Insights from this study highlight the importance of including key influencers of IYCF practices in qualitative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney H. Schnefke
- Public Health Research DivisionRTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Valerie L. Flax
- Public Health Research DivisionRTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Silvia Alayon
- Department of Global HealthSave the ChildrenWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Sujata Bose
- FHI Solutions, MonitoringLearning and EvaluationDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Obinna Daniel
- Public Health Research DivisionRTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Diana Allotey
- Department of NutritionUniversity of North Carolina‐Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Emily R. Seiger
- Department of NutritionUniversity of North Carolina‐Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Olujide Arije
- Institute of Public HealthObafemi Awolowo UniversityIle‐IfeOsun StateNigeria
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Paul PL, Pandey S. An examination of the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care in India. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:532. [PMID: 37481558 PMCID: PMC10362642 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05851-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of literature indicates that including male partners in antenatal care can be instrumental to improving women's health service utilization and maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this, very few studies have documented overall trends in male partner attendance and what factors influence this involvement within the Indian context. In this study, we used nationally representative data to examine levels of male partner attendance in antenatal care and the factors associated with male partner attendance. METHODS Data were used from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015-16. Weighted (probability weights) descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the level of male partner attendance in antenatal care in India, and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care. RESULTS In 2015, of the women who had attended at least one antenatal care contact during their pregnancy, about 85% reported that their male partners had accompanied them to antenatal care contacts, with variations across regions. Level of education, household wealth, knowledge of pregnancy-related issues, men's age at marriage, region, and women's level of autonomy emerged as significant predictors of male partner attendance in antenatal care. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study highlight the multiple influences that shape male partners' attendance in antenatal care. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to programs and interventions aimed at encouraging male partner involvement; recognizing men both as individuals, as well as being situated within the family/household and community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja L Paul
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, 901 87, Sweden.
| | - Shanta Pandey
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Ouahid H, Mansouri A, Sebbani M, Nouari N, Khachay FE, Cherkaoui M, Amine M, Adarmouch L. Gender norms and access to sexual and reproductive health services among women in the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:407. [PMID: 37268874 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05724-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improving access to sexual and reproductive health remains a public health challenge, especially for women, whose access is affected by several determinants, such as gender inequality, which is the underlying barrier to all other determinants. Many actions have been carried out, but much remains to be done before all women and girls can exercise their rights. This study aimed to explore how gender norms influence access to sexual and reproductive health services. METHOD A qualitative study was conducted from November 2021 to July 2022. The inclusion criteria were women and men aged over 18 years old, living in the urban and rural areas of the Marrakech-Safi region in Morocco. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with selected participants. The data were coded and classified using thematic content analysis. RESULTS The study highlighted inequitable, restrictive gender norms that lead to stigmatization and affect the sexual and reproductive healthcare-seeking behavior and access of girls and women in the Marrakech-Safi region. These most common gender norms for women include parental refusal, stigmatization, and social exclusion of girls from sexual and reproductive health education services; strong decision-making power of family members over contraceptive use and women's adherence to pregnancy monitoring and access to supervised delivery; and culturally constructed role allocation, assigning a reproductive role to women and making them responsible for the health of new-borns. CONCLUSION Sexual and reproductive health projects must strive to be gender sensitive. Gender-blind projects are missed opportunities to improve health outcomes and advance gender equality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Ouahid
- Bioscience and Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - Adil Mansouri
- Clinical Research Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Majda Sebbani
- Bioscience and Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- Clinical Research Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
- Department of Public Health, Community Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Nadia Nouari
- Bioscience and Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Fatima Ezzahra Khachay
- Bioscience and Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Cherkaoui
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Anthropobiology, and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Amine
- Bioscience and Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- Clinical Research Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
- Department of Public Health, Community Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Latifa Adarmouch
- Bioscience and Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- Clinical Research Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
- Department of Public Health, Community Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
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Roudsari RL, Sharifi F, Goudarzi F. Barriers to the participation of men in reproductive health care: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:818. [PMID: 37143008 PMCID: PMC10158256 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite emphasizing the importance and benefits of men's active engagement in reproductive health programs, their engagement in reproductive health care is low. Researchers have identified different barriers to men's avoidance of participation in various aspects of reproductive health in different parts of the world. This study provided an in-depth review of the hindrances to men's non-participation in reproductive health. METHODS This meta-synthesis was conducted using keyword searches in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ProQuest until January 2023. Qualitative English-language studies that investigated barriers to men's participation in reproductive health were included in the study. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the articles' quality. Data synthesis and thematic analysis were done using the standard method. RESULT This synthesis led to the emergence of four main themes such as failure to access all inclusive and integrated quality services, economic issues, couples' personal preferences and attitudes, and sociocultural considerations to seek reproductive healthcare services. CONCLUSION Healthcare system programs and policies, economic and sociocultural issues, and men's attitudes, knowledge, and preferences, influence men's participation in reproductive healthcare. Reproductive health initiatives should focus on eliminating challenges to men's supportive activities to increase practical men's involvement in reproductive healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robab Latifnejad Roudsari
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farangis Sharifi
- Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
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Uhawenimana TC, Gray NM, Whitford H, McFadden A. Development and early validation of questionnaires to assess system level factors affecting male partners' attendance at childbirth in LMICs. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:258. [PMID: 37069553 PMCID: PMC10108494 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05580-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that a woman who receives continuous labour support from a chosen companion can have shorter labour duration, is more likely to give birth without medical interventions, and report a satisfying childbirth experience. These outcomes result from the beneficial effects of emotional and practical support from the woman's chosen companion, and care provided by health providers. When a woman's chosen companion is her male partner, in addition to the above benefits, his presence can promote his bonding with the baby, and shared parenthood. However, there may be healthcare system barriers, including organisational, management and individual (staff) factors, that inhibit or restrict women's choice of companion. There are currently no suitable survey tools that can be used to assess the system level factors affecting the implementation of male partners' attendance at childbirth in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). METHODS We designed two questionnaires to help to address that gap: the Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire for Heads of Maternity Units (MPAC-QHMUs); and the Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire for Maternity Staff (MPAC-QMS). We carried out an extensive review to generate initial items of the two questionnaires. We assessed the content and face validity of the two questionnaires in a three-round modified Delphi study. RESULTS The Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire for Heads of Maternity Units (MPAC-QHMUs) focused on organisational and management factors. The Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire of Maternity Staff (MPAC-QMS) focused on individual staff factors. The final MPAC-QHMUs and MPAC-QMS included items which garnered over 80% content relevance according to the experts' rating. After all three consensus rounds of the Delphi study, 43 items were retained for the MPAC-QHMUs and 61 items were retained for the MPAC-QMS. CONCLUSIONS The MPAC-QHMUs and the MPAC-QMS may help understanding of barriers affecting male partners' attendance at childbirth in LMICs in order to devise implementation strategies to enable wider availability and to maximize women's choices during labour and childbirth. The MPAC-QHMUs and the MPAC-QMS as newly-developed questionnaires require further validation of their acceptability and feasibility in different cultural contexts, and languages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Claudien Uhawenimana
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, University of Rwanda, Po. Box: 3286, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Nicola M Gray
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Heather Whitford
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Alison McFadden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
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Tsegaye D, Tamiru D, Belachew T. Effect of a theory-based nutrition education intervention during pregnancy through male partner involvement on newborns' birth weights in Southwest Ethiopia. A three-arm community based Quasi-Experimental study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280545. [PMID: 36649344 PMCID: PMC9844912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birth weight is one of the most serious public health issues affecting newborns, with estimates ranging from 15% to 20% of all births worldwide. According to the Ethiopian demographic health survey report, the prevalence of Low Birth Weight rose from 11% in 2011 to 13% in 2016. The high proportion of birth weight in Ethiopia is hypothesized to be due to inadequate maternal diet which is associated with poor nutrition education during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the effect of theory-based nutrition education during pregnancy through male partner involvement on birth weight in rural parts of the southwest Ethiopia. STUDY DESIGN A community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted. METHODS A total of 403 pregnant women were selected from 22 rural kebeles of Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from June to December 2019. Participants were assigned to one of the three study arms: Couple group:-husband and wife received nutrition education together, women alone:-pregnant women received the nutrition education alone and control group:-received the routine care during Antenatal care. The nutrition education was guided by theory of planned behavior. Monthly home visits were made to the pregnant women in the intervention groups and leaflets with key counseling messages were distributed to each woman in the intervention arms. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A qualitative 24-h dietary recall was used to assess dietary data, and the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference was used to assess nutritional status. Birth weight was measured within 24 hours of birth. Analysis of variance, linear mixed-effects model, and mediation analysis were used to assess effect of the intervention on birth weight. RESULTS A higher proportion of the newborns in the control group had low birth weight as compared to the couple group and the women alone group (18.1% vs 7.0% vs 11.5%, p = 0.037) respectively. The mean birth weight of babies born to women from the couple group was 0.42 kg greater than that of newborns born to women in the comparison group (3.34 vs 2.92 kg, p< 0.001). The linear mixed effect model showed that the average birth weight of babies born from women in the couple group was 0.40 kg higher than that of the control group (β = 0.400, P<0.001). The direct effect of the intervention on birth weight of babies born from women in the couple group was 0.23 (β = 0.227, P<0.001) whereas the indirect effect mediated by maternal dietary diversity practice was 0.18 (β = 0.178, P<0.001), accounting for 43.9% of the total effect of the intervention. CONCLUSION The involvement of males and the application of the theory of planned behavior in nutrition education interventions during pregnancy resulted in improved birth weight. Maternal dietary diversity mediated the effect of nutrition education on birth weight. The findings highlight the implication of improving pregnant women's nutrition education through male involvement and the application of theories to improve birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Tsegaye
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Exploring cultural determinants to be integrated into preterm infant care in the neonatal intensive care unit: an integrative literature review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:15. [PMID: 36624421 PMCID: PMC9830862 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05321-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cultural practices are an integral part of childrearing and remain a significant aspect for healthcare professionals to ensure culturally sensitive care, particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit. OBJECTIVE To synthesise literature on the cultural determinants that can be integrated into care of preterm infants admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS The current review followed the integrative literature review steps proposed by Lubbe and colleagues. The registration of the review protocol was in PROSPERO. There was a literature search conducted in the EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases using the search string developed in collaboration with the librarian. Three reviewers employed a three-step screening strategy to screen the articles published in English between 2011 and 2021 that focused on culturally sensitive care. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Evidence critical appraisal toolkit assessed the methodological quality of the articles included at the full-text screening level. RESULTS There were 141 articles retrieved, and 20 included on the full-text screening level; the exclusion of one article was due to a low critical appraisal grade. Four topical themes emerged from 19 articles: spiritual care practices, intragenerational infant-rearing practices, infant physical care practices, and combining treatment practices. CONCLUSION Overall, the findings indicated that parental cultural beliefs and practices mostly influenced infant-rearing practices, emphasising the significance of integrating cultural practices when rendering healthcare services. The recommendation is that healthcare professionals understand various cultural determinants, mainly those specific to the community they serve, to provide culturally sensitive care.
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Morgan AK, Awafo BA, Quartey T, Cobbold J. [Husbands' involvement in antenatal-related care in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana: inquiry into the facilitators and barriers]. Reprod Health 2022; 19:216. [PMID: 36456980 PMCID: PMC9714231 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01506-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper explored the facilitators and barriers to husbands' involvement in antenatal-related care in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana from the perspectives of husbands, pregnant women with and without delivery experience, nursing mothers, midwives and traditional birth attendants. METHODS The study relied on the qualitative research design to collect and analyse data on the facilitators and barriers to husbands' involvement in antenatal-related care. The unit of analysis was made up of 36 participants-husbands (14), pregnant women with delivery experience and, nursing mothers (8), pregnant women without delivery experience (6), male and female midwives (6) and traditional birth attendants (2) who were purposively selected. The study's data was gathered using in-depth interviews and analysed through the content approach. RESULTS Various economic [work and time constraint], cultural [the association of childbearing and its allied duties to women] and health-system factors [lack of antenatal services targeted at husbands and health professionals' attitude] hinder husbands' active participation in antenatal care. Despite these, some husbands participated in antenatal care owing to the importance they accord to the health and safety of their wives and the foetus; changing gender roles and preferential treatments received by their wives at antenatal clinics [as a result of the involvement of their husbands in prenatal care]. CONCLUSION The implementation of alternative strategies, like, couple counselling, prolonging operating times of health centres to accommodate working men are recommended to provide a more accommodative and attractive avenue for husbands to support their wives during pregnancy. These efforts must be reinforced by the entire society through modifying the "ill-held view" that pregnancy and childcare is the sole duty of a woman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kwame Morgan
- grid.9829.a0000000109466120Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ,grid.9829.a0000000109466120Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Beatrice Aberinpoka Awafo
- grid.9829.a0000000109466120Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Theophilus Quartey
- grid.9829.a0000000109466120Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Justin Cobbold
- grid.9829.a0000000109466120Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Cai Q, Chen DQ, Wang H, Zhang Y, Yang R, Xu WL, Xu XF. What influences the implementation of kangaroo mother care? An umbrella review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:851. [PMID: 36401193 PMCID: PMC9675107 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an evidence-based intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. However, it has not yet been fully integrated into health systems around the world. The aim of this study is to provide a cogent summary of the evidence base of the key barriers and facilitators to implementing KMC. Methods An umbrella review of existing reviews on KMC was adopted to identify systematic and scoping reviews that analysed data from primary studies. Electronic English databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library, and three Chinese databases were searched from inception to 1 July 2022. Studies were included if they performed a review of barriers and facilitators to KMC. Quality assessment of the retrieved reviews was performed by at least two reviewers independently using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist and risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool. This umbrella review protocol was documented in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42022327994). Results We generated 531 studies, and after the removal of duplicates and ineligible studies, six eligible reviews were included in the analysis. The five themes identified were environmental factors, professional factors, parent/family factors, access factors, and cultural factors, and the factors under each theme were divided into barriers or facilitators depending on the specific features of a given scenario. Conclusions Support from facility management and leadership and well-trained medical staff are of great significance to the successful integration of KMC into daily medical practice, while the parents of preterm infants and other family members should be educated and encouraged in KMC practice. Further research is needed to propose strategies and develop models for implementing KMC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05163-3.
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Bowen A, Chen YM, Kodam RS, Odoi JA, Anto-Ocrah M. "At Least Somebody Sees You as a Hero": Fatherhood Stress and Well-Being in Ghana. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221138185. [PMID: 36377730 PMCID: PMC9669687 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221138185] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fathers' mental health and behaviors influence child development and partner well-being, yet paternal stress and well-being are frequently overlooked; especially in non-Western settings. The aim of this mixed-methods study was to quantitatively assess the impact of parenting stress on fathers' overall well-being in Ghana, West Africa; while qualitatively delving into their lived experiences as fathers. We used a qual/quant mixed-methods approach in this study. The study was conducted in three distinct locations in Ghana (a) Ada, a rural community on the Southeastern coast; (b) Kumasi, an urban setting in upper Southern Ghana; and (c) Sunyani, a peri-urban setting in West-central Ghana. Paternal stress was measured with the Aggravation in Parenting Scale (APS) and well-being was assessed using the Secure Flourishing Index (SFI). Textual data from focus group interviews were sorted using inductive coding and aggregated into overarching themes. Thirty-eight Ghanaian fathers ages 21 to 74 years participated in the study, average age 43 (±12.12 SD), median 39.5. Correlation analyses showed a strong, negative association between paternal stress and well-being (R = -0.63; p < .0001), which was supported in linear regression models (β = -1.04; 95% CI: -1.62, -0.45; p<.0001). Emergent themes of fatherhood stress included financial (employment, food, education, and health care), social (norms and expectations), and psychological (mental work, discipline, relationships, and coping strategies) stressors. A fourth overarching theme of pride and joy in parenting permeated the interviews. Ghanaian fathers with higher parenting stress experience lower overall well-being. Identified stressors could guide interventions that bolster the well-being of fathers and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bowen
- School of Medicine and Dentistry,
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Martina Anto-Ocrah
- School of Medicine and Dentistry,
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine,
Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Chiang RKQ, Shorey S. Men's experiences of antenatal care services in low-income and middle-income countries: A qualitative systematic review. Birth 2022; 50:276-286. [PMID: 36309934 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12688] [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] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men's involvement in antenatal care is critical for the family's overall well-being, yet remains low in many low-income and middle-income countries. The goal of this study was to consolidate and synthesize currently available literature on men's experiences of antenatal care services in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched through December 2020. Qualitative studies were included exploring the antenatal care experiences of men whose pregnant partners utilized antenatal care services, regardless of ethnicity, race, and education levels. Studies examining men's participation in antenatal care that specifically focused on certain conditions such as the human immunodeficiency virus, known pregnancy complications, as well as contraception/fertility treatment, were excluded. Quality appraisal of the included studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist, and Sandelowski and Barroso's two-step approach was used to meta-summarize and meta-synthesize the extracted data. RESULTS Four themes were derived from the 27 studies included: (a) Factors enabling men's participation in antenatal care; (b) Barriers affecting men's participation in antenatal care; (c) Men's self-perceived care roles; and (d) Recommendations to improve men's involvement. CONCLUSIONS Men's involvement in antenatal care depended on community perceptions, traditional gender roles, and work commitments. Although men often regarded antenatal care services as exclusive to women, some expressed their willingness to participate. Current findings highlight the need for community educational programs, male role models, and training of healthcare providers to improve men's participation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Malaria Knowledge-Base and Prevalence of Parasitaemia in Asymptomatic Adults in the Forest Zone of Ghana. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1719-1731. [PMID: 36261782 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00629-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the levels of knowledge, awareness and perception of malaria, and to determine the infection status among asymptomatic adults in selected districts. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study recruited 849 participants from seven districts in the malaria meso-endemic forest zone of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to elicit responses from asymptomatic adults on malaria awareness, knowledge and insecticide-treated net (ITN) usage. Capillary blood samples were taken from study subjects for malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and microscopy. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS Ninety-eight percent of participants were aware of malaria, 94.0% owned ITNs but only 35.5% consistently used them. Also, 56.7% correctly associated malaria with mosquitoes and 54.5% identified stagnant water as the breeding site. Twelve percent (12.2%) and 13.1% of the subjects tested positive for malaria via RDT and microscopy, respectively. Of the 111 confirmed malaria cases, 107 had Plasmodium falciparum infections, two had Plasmodium ovale infections and there were two Plasmodium falciparum-Plasmodium ovale mixed infections. CONCLUSION Awareness and knowledge of malaria was satisfactory but this did not translate into mosquito avoidance behaviour due to deep-seated perceptions and myths. With the prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia observed, this reservoir of infection could be dislodged with appropriate health education targeted at women in the rural communities.
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Barriers and recommendations for a cervical cancer screening program among women in low-resource settings in Lagos Nigeria: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1906. [PMID: 36224656 PMCID: PMC9560022 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14314-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally despite being a largely treatable and preventable malignancy. Developing countries account for over 80% of all new cases. Women residing in low-resource settings such as those residing in slums have a higher risk of cervical cancer, and lower uptake of cervical cancer screening. Diverse barriers influence the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in low-resource settings. Objectives This qualitative study was done prior to the introduction of a cervical cancer screening program in two slum areas in Lagos Nigeria and explored women’s knowledge about cervical cancer, and their perceived barriers and recommendations for the program. Method Four focus group discussions(FGD) were conducted among 35 women between the ages of 21–65 years residing in two urban slums in Lagos, Nigeria from February to April 2019. Each FGD was limited to 8–10 participants of women of similar ages. Voice recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was done. Results Most of the women were not aware of cervical cancer and none knew the symptoms or risk factors of cervical cancer. The participants felt that the cervical cancer screening program would be well accepted in the community, however, expressed concerns about the cost of the screening test and the sex of the person performing the test. The recommendations proffered for a successful cervical cancer screening program include; reducing the cost of the test or providing the test free of charge, having people that speak the local language as part of the team, using female health care providers, using a private location within the community or nearby primary health center, and publicizing the program with the use of SMS, phone calls, town crier, and health talks. It was recommended that organizing health education sessions would help improve women’s poorly perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Conclusion Interventions to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in low resource settings need to improve knowledge of cervical cancer and address barriers to cervical cancer screening such as cost, distance, and as much as possible, sex of the healthcare provider should be considered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14314-2.
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Tsegaye D, Tamiru D, Belachew T. Theory-based nutrition education intervention through male involvement improves the dietary diversity practice and nutritional status of pregnant women in rural Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A quasi-experimental study. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2022; 18:e13350. [PMID: 35315583 PMCID: PMC9218320 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Maternal undernutrition is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects women in low-income countries. Despite attempts to address maternal nutritional needs, Ethiopia still has a high rate of undernutrition. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of theory-based nutrition education through male engagement on dietary practice and the nutritional status of pregnant women. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted among 403 pregnant women selected from 22 kebeles of Illu Aba Bor zone, Southwest Ethiopia from July to December 2019. A pre-tested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. A qualitative 24-h dietary recall was used to assess dietary diversity, and the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference was used to assess nutritional status. The intervention effect was evaluated using difference-in-difference, generalized estimating equation, and linear mixed-effects models. The mean dietary diversity score differed significantly between the couple group, women-alone and the control group (p < 0.001). According to the multivariable generalized estimating equations model, couples were 3.9 times; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.91, 95% CI: (2.57, 6.88) and women alone were 2.8 times; AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: (2.17, 3.88) more likely to consume a diverse diet than the control group. The nutritional status of the women in the couple group improved significantly by the end of the intervention (p < 0.001). This study showed that involving males in nutrition education intervention was effective in improving the dietary diversity practice and nutritional status of pregnant women. The findings imply the need for targeting couples in designing nutrition education interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Tsegaye
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of HealthJimma UniversityJimmaEthiopia
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of HealthJimma UniversityJimmaEthiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of HealthJimma UniversityJimmaEthiopia
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Carandang RR, Sakamoto JL, Kunieda MK, Shibanuma A, Yarotskaya E, Basargina M, Jimba M. Effects of the maternal and child health handbook and other home-based records on mothers' non-health outcomes: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058155. [PMID: 35728908 PMCID: PMC9214383 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058155] [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] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to investigate the effects of the maternal and child health (MCH) handbook and other home-based records on mothers' non-health outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, CENTRAL, NHS EED, HTA, DARE, Ichuushi and J-STAGE through 26 March 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Original research articles examining home-based records and mothers' non-health outcomes published in English or Japanese across various study designs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the risk of bias. We assessed the certainty of evidence for each study using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, we conducted a narrative synthesis of their findings. RESULTS Of the 4199 articles identified, we included 47 articles (20 in Japanese) in the review. Among the different types of home-based records, only the MCH handbook provided essential information about the mother-child relationship, and its use facilitated the mother-child bonding process. Mothers reported generally feeling satisfied with the use of home-based records; although their satisfaction with health services was influenced by healthcare providers' level of commitment to using these records. While home-based records positively affected communication within the household, we observed mixed effects on communication between mothers/caregivers and healthcare providers. Barriers to effective communication included a lack of satisfactory explanations regarding the use of home-based records and personalised guidance from healthcare providers. These records were also inconsistently used across different health facilities and professionals. CONCLUSIONS The MCH handbook fostered the mother-child bond. Mothers were generally satisfied with the use of home-based records, but their engagement depended on how these records were communicated and used by healthcare providers. Additional measures are necessary to ensure the implementation and effective use of home-based records. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020166545.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogie Royce Carandang
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer Lisa Sakamoto
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mika Kondo Kunieda
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akira Shibanuma
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ekaterina Yarotskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Milana Basargina
- Department of Neonatal Pathology, National Medical Research Center for Children's Health, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Dzinamarira T, Kuupiel D, Vezi P, Mashamba-Thompson TP. A scoping review on health education programs for improving Men's engagement with health services in low- and middle- income countries. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100177. [PMID: 36101570 PMCID: PMC9461485 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to map evidence on health education programs (HEPs) for men engagement in health services in LMICs to guide future research. Study design A scoping review was conducted. Methods We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Health Source, Nursing, Academic Edition and Academic Search Complete) and WEB of Science electronic databases for publications from January 2000 to March 2019. We also searched Researchgate, the WHO library, and universities repositories for grey literature such as dissertations, theses, and reports. The search terms included “health,” “education,” “program,” “men”, with Boolean terms, AND and OR, being used to separate the keywords. Articles reporting evidence on HEPs for men aged 15 and older in LMICs and HEPs improving men's engagement in health services in LMICs published in any language between January 2000 to March 2019 were included in this review. We appraised included studies using the 2018 version of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We used thematic content analysis to extract emerging themes and presented a narrative account of the findings. Results Database search retrieved 8905 eligible articles. Of these, only six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. All included studies reported evidence of health education for men engagement in health services. The total number of men reported in the studies was 4372 with an age range of 15–54. Included studies were conducted in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. Included studies presented evidence on HEPs for men engagement in health services. Two main themes emerged from thematic content analysis of included studies: mode of health delivery (the process of enabling men and boys to become involved in health services as patients/clients) and health benefits to men (to achieve better health outcomes). Conclusion Our review revealed limited evidence of HEPs for men engagement in health service. Regardless of mode of health education delivery, notable health benefits to men were reported. We recommend implementation research on HEPs for men engagement in health services to better understand the social, cultural and economic influences in LMICs.
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How do women, men, and health providers perceive interventions to influence men's engagement in maternal and newborn health? A qualitative evidence synthesis. Soc Sci Med 2021; 291:114475. [PMID: 34695645 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there is growing awareness of the important contributions men can make as key stakeholders in maternal and newborn health (MNH), and increased investment in interventions designed to influence men's engagement to improve MNH outcomes. Interventions typically target men, women, couples or health providers, yet how these stakeholders perceive and experience interventions is not well understood and the fact that women may experience these interventions as disempowering has been identified as a major concern. This review aims to synthesise how women, men, and providers perceive and experience interventions designed to influence men's engagement in MNH, in order to identify perceived benefits and risks of participating in interventions, and other key factors affecting uptake of and adherence to interventions. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis based on a systematic search of the literature, analysing a purposive sample of 66 out of 144 included studies to enable rich synthesis. Women, men and providers report that interventions enable more and better care for women, newborns and men, and strengthen family relationships between the newborn, father and mother. At the same time, stakeholders report that poorly designed or implemented interventions carry risks of harm, including constraining some women's access to MNH services and compounding negative impacts of existing gender inequalities. Limited health system capacity to deliver men-friendly MNH services, and pervasive gender inequality, can limit the accessibility and acceptability of interventions. Sociodemographic factors, household needs, and peer networks can influence how men choose to support MNH, and may affect demand for and adherence to interventions. Overall, perceived benefits of interventions designed to influence men's engagement in MNH are compelling, reported risks of harm are likely manageable through careful implementation, and there is clear evidence of demand from women and men, and some providers, for increased opportunities and support for men to engage in MNH.
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Daniele MAS. Male partner participation in maternity care and social support for childbearing women: a discussion paper. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200021. [PMID: 33938279 PMCID: PMC8090816 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Male partners/fathers are key support persons for many childbearing women and their involvement in pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum/postnatal period has beneficial effects on a wide range of outcomes related to maternal and child health and family wellbeing. Social support is implicated in the relevant causal pathway, but has received largely tangential attention in the public health literature. This discussion paper aims to reframe men's participation in maternity care as an opportunity to enhance their readiness and ability to provide social support to women, contributing to the debate on the definition and rationale for male partner involvement, and paving the way for further empirical work. I begin by presenting a theory of change illustrating the causal pathway leading from male partner participation, through the key intermediate step of social support, to improved health and wellbeing for women and children. I proceed by arguing that many people desire male partner participation in maternity care; however, in practice, this is often limited owing to cultural, social and institutional barriers. I use examples from the intervention literature to demonstrate how participation in care can boost men's motivation to support women and enhance their ability to do so by increasing their knowledge and skills. Finally, I draw up general implications for further male partner involvement programmes, suggesting that in order to achieve meaningful and sustainable gains, attention to design is crucial in order to avoid reinforcing patriarchal gender norms. Programmes should be implemented alongside other efforts to improve quality and promote woman-centred care. This article is part of the theme issue 'Multidisciplinary perspectives on social support and maternal-child health'.
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Ampim GA, Blystad A, Kpoor A, Haukanes H. "I came to escort someone": Men's experiences of antenatal care services in urban Ghana-a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2021; 18:106. [PMID: 34039342 PMCID: PMC8157438 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male involvement in maternal healthcare has been widely recognized as essential for positive health outcomes for expectant mothers and their unborn babies. However, few studies have explored men's experiences of maternal health services. The purpose of this paper is to explore men's involvement in antenatal care in urban Ghana and to discuss how men navigate their roles in a space that has been constructed as feminine. The study draws upon theories of space, place, and gender. METHODS A qualitative exploratory study using semistructured interviews, focus group discussion, and observation was conducted in Accra, Ghana. Expectant fathers and health workers were interviewed, and observation was conducted at a selected public hospital in Accra. RESULTS The findings suggest that the few men who attend antenatal care with their expecting partners become involved to a limited extent in the clinic's activities. Beyond a few who take an active role, most men stay on the outskirts of the hospital grounds and rarely participate in consultations with their partner and midwife. Men still view their presence as necessary to acquire knowledge and as sources of emotional, financial, and physical support for their partners. On the health workers' side, the study found no clear agenda for engaging men at the clinic, and nurses/midwives felt there was a lack of staff who could engage more directly with the men. CONCLUSION The study indicates that most expecting fathers feel too shy and uncomfortable to locate themselves in the female space that makes up antenatal care/maternity wards. Health workers do not feel they have the necessary resources to involve men fruitfully. Thus, men do not engage in the activity as hoped but rather remain on the outskirts of the maternity clinic. However, if men continue to negotiate their involvement at the clinic and become more assertive in their roles, the maternity clinic as a female space could, with time, be transformed into a space in which both expecting mothers and fathers can actively participate and be engaged to the benefit of all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Abena Ampim
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Astrid Blystad
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Albert Kpoor
- Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Haldis Haukanes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abdullah ASM, Dalal K, Yasmin M, Ussatayeva G, Halim A, Biswas A. Perceptions and practices on newborn care and managing complications at rural communities in Bangladesh: a qualitative study. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:168. [PMID: 33836717 PMCID: PMC8033655 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community misperception on newborn care and poor treatment of sick newborn attributes to neonatal death and illness severity. Misperceptions and malpractices regarding neonatal care and neonatal complications are the leading causes of neonatal deaths in Bangladesh. The study was conducted to explore neonatal care’s perceptions and practices and manage complications among Bangladesh’s rural communities. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in Netrakona district of Bangladesh from April to June 2015. Three sub-districts (Upazilas) including Purbadhala, Durgapur and Atpara of Netrakona district were selected purposively. Five focus group discussions (FGDs) and twenty in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted in the rural community. Themes were identified through reading and re-reading the qualitative data and thematic analysis was performed. Results Community people were far behind, regarding the knowledge of neonatal complications. Most of them felt that the complications occurred due to lack of care by the parents. Some believed that mothers did not follow the religious customs after delivery, which affected the newborns. Many of them followed the practice of bathing the newborns and cutting their hair immediately after birth. The community still preferred to receive traditional treatment from their community, usually from Kabiraj (traditional healer), village doctor, or traditional birth attendant. Families also refrained from seeking treatment from the health facilities during neonatal complications. Instead, they preferred to wait until the traditional healers or village doctors recommended transferring the newborn. Conclusions Poor knowledge, beliefs and practices are the key barriers to ensure the quality of care for the newborns during complications. The communities still depend on traditional practices and the level of demand for facility care is low. Appropriate interventions focusing on these issues might improve the overall neonatal mortality in Bangladesh. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02633-z.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Koustuv Dalal
- Department of Public Health Science, School of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden. .,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and EBM; Faculty of Medicine and Health Care, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | | | - Gainel Ussatayeva
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and EBM; Faculty of Medicine and Health Care, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Abdul Halim
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Galle A, Plaieser G, Van Steenstraeten T, Griffin S, Osman NB, Roelens K, Degomme O. Systematic review of the concept 'male involvement in maternal health' by natural language processing and descriptive analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004909. [PMID: 33846143 PMCID: PMC8048011 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experts agree that male involvement in maternal health is a multifaceted concept, but a robust assessment is lacking, hampering interpretation of the literature. This systematic review aims to examine the conceptualisation of male involvement in maternal health globally and review commonly used indicators. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for quantitative literature (between the years 2000 and 2020) containing indicators representing male involvement in maternal health, which was defined as the involvement, participation, engagement or support of men in all activities related to maternal health. RESULTS After full-text review, 282 studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in Africa (43%), followed by North America (23%), Asia (15%) and Europe (12%). Descriptive and text mining analysis showed male involvement has been conceptualised by focusing on two main aspects: psychosocial support and instrumental support for maternal health care utilisation. Differences in measurement and topics were noted according to continent with Africa focusing on HIV prevention, North America and Europe on psychosocial health and stress, and Asia on nutrition. One-third of studies used one single indicator and no common pattern of indicators could be identified. Antenatal care attendance was the most used indicator (40%), followed by financial support (17%), presence during childbirth (17%) and HIV testing (14%). Majority of studies did not collect data from men directly. DISCUSSION Researchers often focus on a single aspect of male involvement, resulting in a narrow set of indicators. Aspects such as communication, shared decision making and the subjective feeling of support have received little attention. We believe a broader holistic scope can broaden the potential of male involvement programmes and stimulate a gender-transformative approach. Further research is recommended to develop a robust and comprehensive set of indicators for assessing male involvement in maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Galle
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Plaieser
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Sally Griffin
- International Centre for Reproductive Health - Mozambique (ICRHM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Nafissa Bique Osman
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Degomme
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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Mwendwa P, Karani C, Kamolo E, Kroll T, De Brún A, McAuliffe E. What contextual factors and mechanisms facilitate male involvement in women's sexual and reproductive health in Sub-Saharan Africa? A rapid realist review protocol. HRB Open Res 2021; 3:55. [PMID: 33665545 PMCID: PMC7907758 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13113.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of women within low resource contexts continue to be of concern to policymakers. Notably, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to lag behind other regions of the world in improving SRH outcomes for women in the region. A key suggested strategy is male involvement through interventions that respect, promote and facilitate women in taking care of themselves and their new-borns. However, factors such as social-cultural barriers may preclude men's involvement in these programmes. There is a need for a context-specific understanding of gender dynamics and interaction and the mechanisms that enhance or impede men's involvement. Methods: We will employ a rapid realist review (RRR) methodology to examine what mechanisms and contextual factors are essential to facilitate the involvement of men in women's SRH programmes in SSA. In keeping with the realist literature we will follow six steps, which will include: (1) developing a theory, (2) developing a search strategy, (3) selecting and appraising documents, (4) extracting data, (5) analysing data and synthesising the evidence, and (6) presenting and disseminating a revised theory. We will also engage with key stakeholders who will provide local contextual insights and with experts in the subject area. The review findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders using a variety of avenues including through publications, at conferences and on social media platforms. Discussion: This review will identify the mechanisms and contextual factors that facilitate or hinder men's involvement in women's SRH programmes in SSA. The rationale for adopting an RRR approach is to help gather the information within a relatively short period to ensure relevance of findings to policymakers in SSA. Results from this work also have the potential to be adapted to the other contexts, for example, Ireland and the UK, which have a growing population of people from SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purity Mwendwa
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
| | - Caroline Karani
- School of Nursing, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Kamolo
- School of Nursing, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - Thilo Kroll
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
| | - Aoife De Brún
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
| | - Eilish McAuliffe
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
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Mithra P, Unnikrishnan B, Thapar R, Kumar N, Holla R, Rathi P. Modular intervention to improve paternal involvement and support for better infant and young child feeding in a district of coastal South India: a randomized controlled trial protocol. F1000Res 2021; 10:121. [PMID: 34113435 PMCID: PMC8160583 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.36376.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The major determinant to the well-being of infants and young children (IYC) is their feeding practices. These practices are the responsibility of both parents, meaning that fathers have an equal role to mothers. Fathers' involvement can have an impact on the overall health of the children. Despite this, paternal involvement towards IYC feeding (IYCF) have not been studied adequately. Methods: This randomized control trial (n=120) will be conducted among fathers of infants (children aged <1 year) and young children (children aged 12-23 months) in selected households in Dakshina Kannada District of the southern Indian State of Karnataka. The study will be conducted after an initial baseline assessment on awareness, attitude and involvement of fathers in IYCF. Fathers with scores less than the 50 th percentile in the practice component will be categorized as fathers with poor involvement and will be potential participants for the trial. A visual module will be developed and validated for improving paternal involvement in IYCF. Using a simple randomization technique, the participants will be allocated to modular intervention and control group (1:1 allocation). Each participant in the intervention arm will be visited once a month to implement the module, for six months on a one-to-one basis. Following the intervention, a post-test assessment will be done for both groups to measure the level of paternal involvement in IYCF. Ethics and dissemination: Approval has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. The dissemination plans include scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals. Registration: The study is registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India ( CTRI/2017/06/008936).
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rekha Thapar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Priya Rathi
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Mithra P, Unnikrishnan B, Thapar R, Kumar N, Holla R, Rathi P. Modular intervention to improve paternal involvement and support for better infant and young child feeding in a district of coastal South India: a randomized controlled trial protocol. F1000Res 2021; 10:121. [PMID: 34113435 PMCID: PMC8160583 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.36376.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 04/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The major determinant to the well-being of infants and young children (IYC) is their feeding practices. These practices are the responsibility of both parents, meaning that fathers have an equal role to mothers. Fathers' involvement can have an impact on the overall health of the children. Despite this, paternal involvement towards IYC feeding (IYCF) have not been studied adequately. Methods: This randomized control trial (n=120) will be conducted among fathers of infants (children aged <1 year) and young children (children aged 12-23 months) in selected households in Dakshina Kannada District of the southern Indian State of Karnataka. The study will be conducted after an initial baseline assessment on awareness, attitude and involvement of fathers in IYCF. Fathers with scores less than the 50 th percentile in the practice component will be categorized as fathers with poor involvement and will be potential participants for the trial. A visual module will be developed and validated for improving paternal involvement in IYCF. Using a simple randomization technique, the participants will be allocated to modular intervention and control group (1:1 allocation). Each participant in the intervention arm will be visited once a month to implement the module, for six months on a one-to-one basis. Following the intervention, a post-test assessment will be done for both groups to measure the level of paternal involvement in IYCF. Ethics and dissemination: Approval has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. The dissemination plans include scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals. Registration: The study is registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India ( CTRI/2017/06/008936).
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Mithra
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rekha Thapar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Nithin Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ramesh Holla
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Priya Rathi
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Mwendwa P, Karani C, Kamolo E, Kroll T, De Brún A, McAuliffe E. What contextual factors and mechanisms facilitate male involvement in women's sexual and reproductive health in Sub-Saharan Africa? A rapid realist review protocol. HRB Open Res 2021; 3:55. [PMID: 33665545 PMCID: PMC7907758 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13113.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of women within low resource contexts continue to be of concern to policymakers. Notably, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to lag behind other regions of the world in improving SRH outcomes for women in the region. A key suggested strategy is male involvement through interventions that respect, promote and facilitate women in taking care of themselves and their new-borns. However, factors such as social-cultural barriers may preclude men's involvement in these programmes. There is a need for a context-specific understanding of gender dynamics and interaction and the mechanisms that enhance or impede men's involvement. Methods: We will employ a rapid realist review (RRR) methodology to examine what mechanisms and contextual factors are essential to facilitate the involvement of men in women's SRH programmes in SSA. In keeping with the realist literature we will follow six steps, which will include: (1) developing a theory, (2) developing a search strategy, (3) selecting and appraising documents, (4) extracting data, (5) analysing data and synthesising the evidence, and (6) presenting and disseminating a revised theory. We will also engage with key stakeholders who will provide local contextual insights and with experts in the subject area. The review findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders using a variety of avenues including through publications, at conferences and on social media platforms. Discussion: This review will identify the mechanisms and contextual factors that facilitate or hinder men's involvement in women's SRH programmes in SSA. The rationale for adopting an RRR approach is to help gather the information within a relatively short period to ensure relevance of findings to policymakers in SSA. Results from this work also have the potential to be adapted to the other contexts, for example, Ireland and the UK, which have a growing population of people from SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purity Mwendwa
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
| | - Caroline Karani
- School of Nursing, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Kamolo
- School of Nursing, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - Thilo Kroll
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
| | - Aoife De Brún
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
| | - Eilish McAuliffe
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Ireland
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Masaba BB, Mmusi-Phetoe RM. Barriers to and Opportunities for Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care in Efforts to Eliminate Mother-to-child Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Kenya: Systematic Review. Open Nurs J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874434602014010232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Men’s involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is intended to encourage husbands to support women’s care and associated interventions, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission from pregnancy to delivery, and throughout the postnatal period. The present study aimed to systematically review the barriers and opportunities for male partner involvement in antenatal care in efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Kenya.
Methods:
A systematic search of articles was from the following databases; Scopus, Science Direct, PUBMED, OVID, and Google scholar. The reference list of included studies was manually searched for possible additional eligible articles. The searches were conducted from May 2019 to April 2020. Qualitative analysis was done and data were presented in thematic domains.
Results:
The search generated 2208 articles, of which only 19 met the inclusion criteria. The major findings were discussed under two thematic domains: 1) Barriers: Knowledge, Social-cultural/economic factors, Institutional factors, and Age. 2) Opportunities: Skilled Birth Attendant, Human Immunodeficiency virus-free infant and Human Immunodeficiency virus testing.
Conclusion:
The review notes that the main barriers to male partner involvement in antenatal care in efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency virus in Kenya include; socio-cultural factors, the low maternal-child health education by the male partner, and institutional factors. It further provides insight on the opportunities associated with male partner involvement in antenatal care/prevention of mother-to-child transmission, which includes; having Human Immunodeficiency virus-free infants and increased, skilled birth deliveries. The review strongly calls out for sustainable initiatives to incorporate males into the antenatal care/prevention of mother to child transmission programs.
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Odwe G, Ndwiga C, Okondo C, Sripad P, Abuya T, Warren CE. Exploring communities' perceptions of the etiology of illnesses in newborns and young infants 0-59 days old in 4 counties in Kenya. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240852. [PMID: 33201913 PMCID: PMC7671537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding communities' beliefs about the causes of illnesses in sick young infants (SYIs) is key to strengthening interventions and improving newborn health outcomes. This study explored communities' perception of the etiology of illnesses in SYIs 0-59 days old in four counties in Kenya. METHODS We used an exploratory qualitative study design. Data were collected between August and September 2018 and involved 23 in-depth interviews with female caregivers aged 15-24years; 25 focus group discussions with female caregivers aged 15-18 years, 19-24 years and 25-45 years; and 7 focus group discussions with fathers aged 18-34 years and 35 or more years. Participants were purposely sampled, only those with SYIs 0-59 days old were eligible to participate. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis framework approach. RESULTS Female caregivers and fathers attributed illnesses in SYIs 0-59 days old to natural (biomedical) and supernatural causes which sometimes co-existed. There were commonalities in perceived natural causes of illness in SYIs across sites, age groups and gender. Perceived natural causes of illness in SYIs include unfavorable environmental and hygiene conditions, poor maternal and child nutrition, and healthcare practices. Perceived supernatural causes of illness in SYIs such as 'evil eyes' were common across the four counties while others were geographically unique such as the belief that owls cause illnesses. CONCLUSION Communities' understanding of the etiology of illnesses in SYIs in the study settings overlapped between natural and supernatural causes. There is need for child health programmes to take into consideration communities' beliefs and practices regarding disease and health to improve newborn health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pooja Sripad
- Population Council, Washington, DC, United States of America
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The Effect of Positivity Approach Counseling on Acceptance and Adaptation to Parental Role in Husbands of First-Time Mothers. PREVENTIVE CARE IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.52547/pcnm.10.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Chavula K, Guenther T, Valsangkar B, Lwesha V, Banda G, Bøe Wensaas M, Luhanga R, Chimtembo L, Kinney MV, Dube Q. Improving Skin-to-Skin Practice for babies in Kangaroo Mother Care in Malawi through the use of a customized baby wrap: A randomized control trial. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229720. [PMID: 32191729 PMCID: PMC7082027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complications of prematurity are a leading cause of newborn death in Malawi. Despite early adoption of Kangaroo mother care (KMC), coverage remains low and women have expressed challenges in using the traditional wrapper–chitenje. In 2016, a study was conducted to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a customized KMC wrap in improving adherence to KMC practices among mothers. Methods Mother-baby dyads (301) were randomized to receive either a customized CarePlus Wrap developed by Lærdal Global Health or a traditional chitenje. Enrolled mother-baby dyads were assessed in the KMC ward at 2–3 days after of admission, and then again at 7–15 days post-discharge. Topics covered included skin-to-skin practices, breastfeeding, perceptions of the wrap, and family/community support. Chi square tests were used to assess associations between wrap type and KMC practices. The study received ethics approval. Results This study found that a customized KMC wrap is highly acceptable to women and improved skin-to-skin practices in facility-based KMC: 44% of mothers using a customized wrap reported 20 or more hours per day, compared to 33% of mothers using the traditional chitenje. Women using the customized wrap reported being comfortable in keeping the baby in skin-to-skin position more often than women using the chitenje (96% vs. 71%), and they were able to tie on the wrap themselves (86% vs. 10%). At the time of discharge from KMC, more women who used the customized wrap were satisfied with the wrap than those who used the traditional chitenje (94% vs. 56%). The customized wrap did not appear to impact other newborn practices, such as breastfeeding. Conclusions This study provides evidence that a customized KMC wrap is highly acceptable to mothers, and it can contribute to better skin-to-skin practices. Use of a customized wrap may be one mechanism to support mothers in practicing KMC and skin-to-skin contact in addition to other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanya Guenther
- Department of Global Health, Save the Children US, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Bina Valsangkar
- Department of Global Health, Save the Children US, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary V Kinney
- Department of Global Health, Save the Children US, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Queen Dube
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Kashaija DK, Mselle LT, Mkoka DA. Husbands' experience and perception of supporting their wives during childbirth in Tanzania. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:85. [PMID: 32039718 PMCID: PMC7011545 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2715-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order improve the quality of birth care and women satisfaction with birthing process it is recommended that every woman should be offered the option to experience labour and childbirth with a companion of her choice. Involving husbands who are decision makers in the household may a play role in reducing maternal mortality which is unacceptably high despite the targeted goal to reduce this mortality up to three quarters as targeted in the MDGs by 2015. This is still addressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015/30. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of husbands' support of their wives during pregnancy, labour and deliveries in Tanzania. METHODS Qualitative descriptive study design was employed; involving men aged between 24 and 63 years. Participants were selected purposefully at the clinic and in labour ward of SekouToure Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH). The in-depth interview, guided by semi structured interview guide was used to collect the audio recorded and hand written information. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with husbands of women attended for antenatal care and those came for deliveries. Four themes emerged; Demonstrating care, love and affection, adopting modern life style, observing women's right and meeting social economic difficulties. Husbands' support to their partners is a good behaviour practiced during matrimonial lives. Husbands who support their partners during pregnancy and delivery consider themselves as being modern men as they at home take duties beside their usual tasks to let their wives have adequate time to rest during pregnancy. Poor road infrastructure makes difficult to get transport to the healthcare facility especially when labour is imminent. Also ward infrastructure is not supportive to accommodate husbands when they accompany their wives to the healthcare facility. CONCLUSIONS The healthcare settings in low income countries need to accommodate men during the routine antenatal and intranatal care for the positive outcome of labour and delivery. Educating men on importance of active involvement in reproductive and child health services is important. Exploratory research should be conducted to understand how education and urbanisation affects men involvement in maternal and child health specifically in the low income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Kampayana Kashaija
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SekouToure Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 132, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Lilian Teddy Mselle
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, PO Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Ally Mkoka
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, PO Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Falade-Fatila O, Adebayo AM. Male partners' involvement in pregnancy related care among married men in Ibadan, Nigeria. Reprod Health 2020; 17:14. [PMID: 31992315 PMCID: PMC6988334 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-0850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal death remains a public health burden in the developing countries including Nigeria and the major causes are pregnancy related. Lack of male involvement in pregnancy related care is one of the contributing factors. Previous studies on male involvement focused on family planning services and were majorly targeted at women. This study, therefore, was carried out to assess the knowledge, perception and involvement of male partners in pregnancy related care among married men in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted using a four-stage sampling technique to select 367 married men in an urban community in Ibadan. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the knowledge, perception and involvement of respondents regarding pregnancy related care. Responses to questions on knowledge of pregnancy related care were converted to a 33-point scale. Scores greater than or equal to the mean knowledge score (26.2) were categorized as good knowledge of pregnancy related care. Similarly, responses to involvement in pregnancy related care questions were converted to a 24-point scale with scores greater than or equal to the mean (15.1) classified as good involvement in pregnancy related care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and association between qualitative variables was established using Chi-square test at p < 0.05. RESULTS Sixty-three percent had good knowledge of pregnancy related care. Majority believed that they had roles to play in their partners' care during pregnancy (89.9%), labor and delivery (92.9%), and in newborn care (97.5%). Overall, 56.9% had good involvement in pregnancy related care. About 20% followed their partners to antenatal care (19.6%) and postnatal (19.9%) clinics. A significantly higher proportion of respondents with good knowledge accompanied their partners for antenatal care (p = 0.008) and postnatal care clinic (p = 0.014); participated in birth preparedness (p < 0.001) and assisted with newborn care (p < 0.001). Job demands, social stigma and long waiting time at the health facilities were reasons highlighted for non-involvement in pregnancy related care. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed gaps in knowledge and involvement in pregnancy related care. There is a need for reproductive health policy review to strongly emphasize the need for involvement of male partners in reproductive health issues including pregnancy related care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayodeji Matthew Adebayo
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Mohammed S, Yakubu I, Awal I. Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Women's Perspectives on Male Involvement in Antenatal Care, Labour, and Childbirth. J Pregnancy 2020; 2020:6421617. [PMID: 32411466 PMCID: PMC7204155 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6421617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that in patriarchal societies such as Ghana, access to and survival of maternal and child healthcare services require the active involvement of men. However, interventions to promote men's involvement in maternal and child health care are less likely to succeed if the views and concerns of women are not considered. This study provides an understanding of women's perspective on men's involvement in antenatal care, labour, and childbirth in the Northern Region of Ghana. METHODS Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from 300 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were then used to determine the socio-demographic factors associated with women's perspectives on men's involvement in antenatal care, labour, and childbirth. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 28 (SD = 5.21) years. More than four-fifths of the women in this study express the desire for male partner involment in natenatal care (ANC) services (n = 258, 86%) and as companions during labour and child birth (n = 254, 84.7%). We found that married women were 9.8 times more likely (95%CI 1.59, 60.81) to encourage male involvement in ANC compared to women who were unmarried. The probability of encouraging male involvement in ANC decreased with increased level of education among the women while support for male companionship during childbirth increased significantly with an increased level of education. After accounting for the effect of other significant covariates, there was good evidence to suggest that married women (p = 0.002), women with only primary/Junior High School education (p = 0.048) and those with two (p = 0.010), three (p = 0.008), or ≥4 (p = 0.044) previous pregnancies had a desire for male partner involvement in ANC while women who attained secondary (p = 0.004) or tertiary (p = 0.001) level education expressed the desire for male companionship in labour and childbirth in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION Male involvement in antenatal care, labour, and childbirth received overwhelming support from the women in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamsudeen Mohammed
- Postgraduate Programme, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health Kwame, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Nursing, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Nalerigu, Ghana
| | - Ibrahim Yakubu
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Gushegu, Ghana
| | - Issahaku Awal
- Department of Medicine, Renal Dialysis, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
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Bapolisi WA, Ferrari G, Blampain C, Makelele J, Kono-Tange L, Bisimwa G, Merten S. Impact of a complex gender-transformative intervention on maternal and child health outcomes in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: protocol of a longitudinal parallel mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:51. [PMID: 31937267 PMCID: PMC6961329 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) programs targeting women are implemented. In the context of the ‘Mawe Tatu’ program more equitable intra-household decision-making is stipulated by accompanying women’s participation in VSLAs with efforts to engage men for more gender equality, expecting a positive effect of this combined intervention on the household economy, on child nutritional status, on the use of reproductive health services including family planning, and on reducing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Methods A longitudinal parallel mixed method study is conducted among women participating in VSLAs in randomly selected project areas and among a control group matched for socioeconomic characteristics. Descriptive statistics will be calculated and differences between intervention and control groups will be assessed by Chi2 tests for different degrees of freedom for categorical data or by t-tests for continuous data. Structural equation modelling (SEM) will be conducted to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways that will affect household economic status, child nutritional status and use of reproductive health services. Analysis will be conducted with STATA V.15. Concomitantly, qualitative data collection will shed light on the intra-household processes related to gender power-relations that may be linked to women’s participation in economic activities and may lead to improvements of maternal and child health. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews will be conducted. All narrative data will be coded (open coding) with the help of qualitative data analysis software (Atlas TI). Discussion Women’s empowerment has long been identified as being able to bring about progress in various areas, including health. It has been shown that men’s commitment to transforming gender norms is a sinequanone factor for greater equity and better health, especially in terms of reproductive health and child nutrition. This study is one of the first in this genre in DRC and results will serve as a guide for policies aimed at improving the involvement of men in changing attitudes towards gender norms for higher household productivity and better health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyvine Ansima Bapolisi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Giovanfrancesco Ferrari
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clara Blampain
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean Makelele
- CARE International DRC, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Ghislain Bisimwa
- Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sonja Merten
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Aberese-Ako M, Magnussen P, Ampofo GD, Tagbor H. Health system, socio-cultural, economic, environmental and individual factors influencing bed net use in the prevention of malaria in pregnancy in two Ghanaian regions. Malar J 2019; 18:363. [PMID: 31718677 PMCID: PMC6852762 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2994-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improving maternal health remains a priority to the Ghanaian government. Consequently, it has implemented the World Health Organization recommendation of distributing free long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) to pregnant women—one of the effective strategies to combating malaria in pregnancy. However, the burden of negative outcomes of malaria in pregnancy such as low birth weight and miscarriages is still high. This may be related to the health system, socio-cultural and economic dynamics that influence LLIN use, but their role is not well understood. This ethnographic study sought to understand health system, socio-cultural, economic and environmental dynamics in utilization of LLINs among pregnant women in two Ghanaian regions. Methods An ethnographic study design was used. In-depth interviews and conversations were conducted among health workers, pregnant women and opinion leaders. Observations were conducted in 12 communities and eight health facilities. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Health and Allied Sciences’ Research Ethics Committee. Nvivo 11 was used to support data coding. Data were triangulated and analysed using a thematic approach. Results Findings suggest health system, socio-cultural, economic, environmental and individual factors influenced LLIN use. Health facility readiness in stocking LLINs influenced ownership and use. Receiving appropriate information from health providers and encouragement from public officials improved LLIN use. Women with a history of LLIN use prior to becoming pregnant and women who had young children remained consistent users. Experiencing irritating effects of LLINs and preference for traditional methods to wade off mosquitoes, reduced LLIN use. Pregnant women whose household and family members used LLINs were influenced positively to use them. Gender power relations between husbands and wives influenced women’s use of LLINs. The type of housing and weather conditions contributed to inconsistent use. Staying out late for business purposes and to converse, exposed pregnant women to mosquito bites. Conclusion Giving out LLINs at facility level should be accompanied with comprehensive information, which is relevant to the socio-cultural context that women live in. Mass distribution should factor in individual and public information to promote community acceptance and proper use of ITNs. Facilities should be encouraged to constantly maintain LLINs stock in order to ensure that ANC registrants receive LLINs for use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gifty D Ampofo
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Harry Tagbor
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
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Supported motherhood? An examination of the cultural context of male participation in maternal health care among tribal communities in India. J Biosoc Sci 2019; 52:452-471. [DOI: 10.1017/s0021932019000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn many cultural settings worldwide, within families, men tend to be responsible for important choices relating to the allocation of household resources and care-seeking behaviour that directly impact on the health of women and newborns. This study examines the extent of male participation in antenatal care (ANC), delivery, postnatal care (PNC), household chores and providing food to wives among tribal communities in India. In addition, health care providers’ views on male participation in maternal health were examined. Primary data were collected from 385 men aged 15–49 from rural Gadchiroli District in Maharashtra, India. Interviews of 385 men whose wives had delivered a child within the previous 2 years were conducted between November 2014 and March 2015. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. The results showed that the tribal men’s participation in maternal health care was minimal. Around 22% of the men reported accompanying their wives to ANC, 25% were present at the time of delivery of their children and 25% accompanied their wives to PNC. Participation in household work, and support for wives in other ways, were slightly better. The main reason given by men for not participating in maternal health care was that they didn’t think it was necessary, believing that all maternal health issues were women’s concern. Health care providers among these tribal communities in India should encourage men to participate in issues related to maternal health care.
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Sharma V, Leight J, Giroux N, AbdulAziz F, Nyqvist MB. "That's a woman's problem": a qualitative analysis to understand male involvement in maternal and newborn health in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria. Reprod Health 2019; 16:143. [PMID: 31533839 PMCID: PMC6751687 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0808-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal and newborn mortality continue to be major challenges in Nigeria. While greater participation of men in maternal and newborn health has been associated with positive outcomes in many settings, male involvement remains low. The objective of this analysis was to investigate male involvement in maternal and newborn health in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria. Methods This qualitative study included 40 event narratives conducted with families who had experienced a maternal or newborn complication or death, in-depth interviews with 10 husbands and four community leaders, and four focus group discussions with community health workers. The interviews focused on understanding illness recognition and care seeking as well as the role of husbands at each stage on the continuum of maternal and newborn health. Data were transcribed, translated to English, and coded and analyzed using Dedoose software and a codebook developed a priori. Results This paper reports low levels of knowledge of obstetric and newborn complications among men and limited male involvement during pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period in Jigawa state. Men are key decision-makers around the location of the delivery and other decisions linked to maternal and newborn health, and they provide crucial resources including nutritious foods and transportation. However, they generally do not accompany their wives to antenatal visits, are rarely present for deliveries, and do not make decisions about complications arising during delivery and the immediate post-partum period. These gendered roles are deeply ingrained, and men are often ridiculed for stepping outside of them. Additional barriers for male involvement include minimal engagement with health programs and challenges at health facilities including a poor attitude of health providers towards men and accompanying family members. Conclusion These findings suggest that male involvement is limited by low knowledge and barriers related to social norms and within health systems. Interventions engaging men in maternal and newborn health must take into account these obstacles while protecting women’s autonomy and avoiding reinforcement of gender inequitable roles and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Sharma
- Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 400 Main Street E19-201, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Present Address: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Jessica Leight
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
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Joseph FI, Earland J. A qualitative exploration of the sociocultural determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among rural mothers, North West Nigeria. Int Breastfeed J 2019; 14:38. [PMID: 31452669 PMCID: PMC6701117 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-019-0231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Suboptimal breastfeeding is responsible for 96% of deaths among children under 12 months of age in developing countries. However, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria from birth to 6 months is just 23%. The study explored the sociocultural factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding among rural mothers. Methods The social constructionism-interpretivist epistemological approach underpinned this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers aged 18–39 years, purposefully sampled from two Local Government Areas in Katsina State, Nigeria. Thematic content approach was utilised for analysis. Results Three major themes were developed from the analysis: (1) Breastfeeding initiation – the determinants of how soon a mother initiated breastfeeding included traditional new-born care practices, the birth attendant and place of delivery. (2) Exclusive breastfeeding - motivation to sustain exclusive breastfeeding was influenced by the conflict between the obligation to perform traditional rites, the mother’s awareness and family support. (3) Decision-making about infant feeding – the husband, grandmother, traditional birth attendant and the health workers all influenced participants’ decisions around infant feeding. Despite awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among most mothers interviewed, they expressed concerns that they may not win their family’s support if their views were contrary to those held by other family members. Conclusion While mothers have limited powers to make decisions, the key role that grandmothers and husbands have in decisions about breastfeeding demonstrates the need to engage the support of partners and relatives through community-driven policies and integrated interventions that address social and cultural barriers throughout the prenatal and postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Earland
- 2Department of Public Health and Policy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Al Tarawneh T, Shoqirat N, Almalik M. "Being relieved and puzzled": A qualitative study of first time fathers' experiences postpartum in Jordan. Women Birth 2019; 33:e320-e325. [PMID: 31371178 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the transition to fatherhood is a point of attention for researchers, little is known about the first time father's postpartum experience. This study aims to explore the first time fathers postpartum experience in the country of Jordan. METHODS An exploratory qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample consisting of twelve first time fathers. The study was conducted in a public university in Jordan. The data was collected in 2017 and was thematically analysed using the colour and file index method. RESULTS The analysis revealed two main themes. The first theme centred around a feeling of relief which can be further divided into two sub-themes of self-actualisation and continuation of the family line. The second theme centred around the feeling of puzzlement, and this can also be further divided into two sub-themes of feeling unable to deal with a newborn baby and struggling to care for a recovering wife. The study identified fathers as willing to engage in the private care of their new babies and recovering wives but at a limited level of engagement. The fathers verbalised the lack of knowledge and exhibited sociocultural stereotypes related to masculinity and the role of the man in the family. CONCLUSIONS The first time fathers' experiences ranged from feelings of relief to puzzlement. The fathers experiences were shaped by religion, culture, and masculinity which suggests education during antepartum may enhance the experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamador Al Tarawneh
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Mutah, P.O. Box 7, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan.
| | - Noordeen Shoqirat
- Adult Health Nursing, Nursing Faculty, Mutah University, Karak, 61710, Jordan.
| | - Mona Almalik
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Mutah, P.O. Box 7, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan.
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Ongolly FK, Bukachi SA. Barriers to men's involvement in antenatal and postnatal care in Butula, western Kenya. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2019; 11:e1-e7. [PMID: 31368318 PMCID: PMC6676928 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v11i1.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men have a lot of influence on their partners' and children's health. However, studies have shown their involvement in antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) is relatively low owing to several factors. AIM To explore the barriers to men's involvement in ANC and PNC in Butula sub-county, western Kenya. SETTING Butula sub-county, Busia county, western Kenya. METHODS A mixed methods study design, descriptive in nature, was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 96 men were selected to participate in the surveys. Also, four focus group discussions and four key informant interviews were conducted. RESULTS We found out that some men still participate in ANC and PNC despite the barriers. The perception that maternal health is a women's domain and existence of alternative traditional maternal services were key cultural barriers. The men's nature of work, low income and expenses incurred at ANC/PNC clinics were significant economic barriers. The lack of services targeting men, provider attitude, non-invitation to the clinic, time spent at the clinic and lack of privacy at the clinics were key facility-based barriers. CONCLUSION A myriad of cultural, economic and health-facility barriers hinder men from active involvement in ANC and PNC. Awareness creation among men on ANC and PNC services and creating a client-friendly environment at the clinics is key in enhancing their involvement. This should be a concerted effort of all stake holders in maternal health services, as male involvement is a strong influencer to their partners' and children's health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernandos K Ongolly
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; and, Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
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Mselle LT, Kohi TW, Dol J. Humanizing birth in Tanzania: a qualitative study on the (mis) treatment of women during childbirth from the perspective of mothers and fathers. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:231. [PMID: 31277609 PMCID: PMC6612108 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there has been a trend for greater number of women to deliver at health facilities across Tanzania, mothers and their family members continue to face mistreatment with respectful maternity care during childbirth being violated. The objective of this study was to describe the experience of mothers and fathers in relation to (mis) treatment during childbirth in Tanzania. METHODS Using a qualitative descriptive design, 12 semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions were held with mothers and fathers who were attending a postnatal clinic in the Lake Zone region of Tanzania. Mothers' age ranged from 20 to 45 years whereas fathers' age ranged from 25 to 60 years. Data were analyzed using a priori coding based on Bohren's et al. typology of the mistreatment of women during childbirth. RESULTS Mothers reported facing mistreatment and disrespectful maternity care through verbal abuse (harsh or rude language and judgmental or accusatory comments), failure to meet professional standards of care (refused pain relief, unconsented surgical operations, neglect, abandonment or long delays, and skilled attendant absent at time of delivery), poor rapport between women and providers (poor communication, lack of supportive care, denied husbands presence at birth, denied mobility, denied safe traditional practices, no respect for their preferred birth positions), and health system conditions and constraints (poor physical condition of facilities, supply constraints, bribery and extortion, unclear fee structures). Despite some poor care, some mothers also reported positive birthing experiences and respectful maternity care by having a skilled attendant assistance at delivery, having good communication from nurses, receiving supportive care from nurses and privacy during delivery. CONCLUSION Despite the increasing number of deliveries occurring in the hospital, there continue to be challenges in providing respectful maternity care. Humanizing birth care in Tanzania continues to have a long way to go, however, there is evidence that changes are occurring as mothers notice and report positive changes in delivery care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian T Mselle
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Thecla W Kohi
- School of Medicine, St. Joseph College of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Justine Dol
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Hay K, McDougal L, Percival V, Henry S, Klugman J, Wurie H, Raven J, Shabalala F, Fielding-Miller R, Dey A, Dehingia N, Morgan R, Atmavilas Y, Saggurti N, Yore J, Blokhina E, Huque R, Barasa E, Bhan N, Kharel C, Silverman JG, Raj A. Disrupting gender norms in health systems: making the case for change. Lancet 2019; 393:2535-2549. [PMID: 31155270 PMCID: PMC7233290 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)30648-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Restrictive gender norms and gender inequalities are replicated and reinforced in health systems, contributing to gender inequalities in health. In this Series paper, we explore how to address all three through recognition and then with disruptive solutions. We used intersectional feminist theory to guide our systematic reviews, qualitative case studies based on lived experiences, and quantitative analyses based on cross-sectional and evaluation research. We found that health systems reinforce patients' traditional gender roles and neglect gender inequalities in health, health system models and clinic-based programmes are rarely gender responsive, and women have less authority as health workers than men and are often devalued and abused. With regard to potential for disruption, we found that gender equality policies are associated with greater representation of female physicians, which in turn is associated with better health outcomes, but that gender parity is insufficient to achieve gender equality. We found that institutional support and respect of nurses improves quality of care, and that women's empowerment collectives can increase health-care access and provider responsiveness. We see promise from social movements in supporting women's reproductive rights and policies. Our findings suggest we must view gender as a fundamental factor that predetermines and shapes health systems and outcomes. Without addressing the role of restrictive gender norms and gender inequalities within and outside health systems, we will not reach our collective ambitions of universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. We propose action to systematically identify and address restrictive gender norms and gender inequalities in health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lotus McDougal
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Valerie Percival
- Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Sarah Henry
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeni Klugman
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haja Wurie
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joanna Raven
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Fielding-Miller
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Arnab Dey
- Sambodhi Research & Communications, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Rosemary Morgan
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer Yore
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elena Blokhina
- Vladman Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, First Pavlov State Medical University of St Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Edwine Barasa
- Kemri-Wellcome Trust, Kenya Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nandita Bhan
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Jay G Silverman
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Hill Z, Amare Y, Scheelbeek P, Schellenberg J. 'People have started to deliver in the facility these days ': a qualitative exploration of factors affecting facility delivery in Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025516. [PMID: 31196898 PMCID: PMC6576119 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand the recent rise in facility deliveries in Ethiopia. DESIGN A qualitative study. SETTING Four rural communities in two regions of Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 12 narrative, 12 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with recently delivered women; and four focus group discussions with each of grandmothers, fathers and community health workers. RESULTS We found that several interwoven factors led to the increase in facility deliveries, and that respondents reported that the importance of these factors varied over time. The initial catalysts were a saturation of messages around facility delivery, improved accessibility of facilities, the prohibition of traditional birth attendants, and elders having less influence on deciding the place of delivery. Once women started to deliver in facilities, the drivers of the behaviour changed as women had positive experiences. As more women began delivering in facilities, families shared positive experiences of the facilities, leading to others deciding to deliver in a facility. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to employ strategies that act at multiple levels, and that both push and pull families to health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelee Hill
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yared Amare
- Consultancy for Social Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Key Decision Makers and Actors in Selected Newborn Care Practices: A Community-Based Survey in Northern Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16101723. [PMID: 31100814 PMCID: PMC6572448 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of key decision makers and actors in newborn care is necessary to ensure that health interventions are targeted at the right people. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Lira district, Northern Uganda. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mothers being the key decision maker regarding where to give birth from and when to initiate breastfeeding. Fathers were the key decision makers on the place of birth (54.3%, n = 505) and on whether to seek care for a sick newborn child (47.7%, n = 92). Grandmothers most commonly bathed the baby immediately after birth (55.5%, n = 516), whereas mothers and health workers were common decision makers regarding breastfeeding initiation. Predictors for a mother being the key decision maker on the place of birth included: Mother having a secondary education (AOR 1.9: 95% C.I (1.0–3.6)) and mother being formally employed (AOR 2.0: 95% (1.5–2.9)). Mothers, fathers, grandmothers, health-workers, and traditional birth attendants were the most influential in the selected newborn care practices. Programs that aim to promote newborn care need to involve husbands, grandmothers, and health workers in addition to mothers.
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Hollowell J, Dumbaugh M, Belem M, Kousse S, Swigart T, Korsaga C, Lankoande PS, Lawson KH, Hill Z. ' Grandmother, aren't you going to sing for us?' Current childcare practices and caregivers' perceptions of and receptivity to early childhood development activities in rural Burkina Faso. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001233. [PMID: 30997165 PMCID: PMC6441292 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective stimulation and responsive caregiving during the first 2 years is crucial for children's development. By age 3-4 years, over 40% of children in sub-Saharan Africa fail to meet basic cognitive or socioemotional milestones, but there are limited data on parenting and childcare practices. This study, conducted to inform the design of a mass media intervention, explored practices, perceptions, motivators and obstacles to childhood development-related practices among parents and caregivers of children aged 0-2 years in rural Burkina Faso. METHODS We performed two rounds of six focus groups with 41 informants in two villages, using an adapted version of the Trials of Improved Practices methodology. These first explored beliefs and practices, then introduced participants to the principles and benefits of early childhood development (ECD) and provided illustrative examples of three practices (interactive ways of talking, playing and praising) to try with their children. One week later, further discussions explored participants' experiences and reactions. Data were analysed inductively using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Existing activities with young children were predominantly instructive with limited responsive interaction and stimulation. Participants were receptive to the practices introduced, noted positive changes in their children when they adopted these practices and found engagement with children personally rewarding. CONCLUSION Interactive, stimulating activities with young children did not appear to be widespread in the study area, but caregivers were receptive to information about the importance of early stimulation for children's development. ECD messages should be tailored to the local sociocultural context and consider time limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mireille Belem
- Develpment Media International, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Sylvain Kousse
- Develpment Media International, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | | | - Zelee Hill
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Chikalipo MC, Chirwa EM, Muula AS. Acceptability of couple antenatal education: A qualitative study of expectant couples attending antenatal clinics in Blantyre, Malawi. Malawi Med J 2019; 30:146-151. [PMID: 30627347 PMCID: PMC6307057 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v30i3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of male partner involvement in antenatal education. Yet, male involvement in antenatal care including antenatal education has been proposed as a strategy to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. We conducted this study to add to the body of knowledge on acceptability of male partner involvement in antenatal education following an intervention. Methods This was a cross sectional qualitative study using 18 in-depth interviews with 10 couples, 5 women from the couples group and 3 nurse-midwife technicians. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed between July and November, 2017. The study setting was South Lunzu and Mpemba Health Centres and their catchment areas. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and translated from Chichewa into English. Data were coded in Nvivo 10.0 and analyzed thematically. Findings We identified three themes: benefit of content received; organization of couple antenatal education appropriate for male partner involvement; and delivery of couple antenatal education incentive for male involvement and learning. However, some improvements were suggested regarding content, organization and delivery of the education sessions. Conclusion Couple antenatal education was acceptable to the couples and the facilitators in terms of content received, organization and delivery. Nevertheless, adding naming the baby to the list of topics, creating a special day for couples to attend antenatal education and providing a readable leaflet are likely to make couple antenatal education more user friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chifuniro Chikalipo
- University of Malawi - School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Adamson Sinjani Muula
- University of Malawi - School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,University of Malawi - Africa Center of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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Kaiser JL, Fong RM, Hamer DH, Biemba G, Ngoma T, Tusing B, Scott NA. How a woman's interpersonal relationships can delay care-seeking and access during the maternity period in rural Zambia: An intersection of the Social Ecological Model with the Three Delays Framework. Soc Sci Med 2019; 220:312-321. [PMID: 30500609 PMCID: PMC6323354 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To reduce maternal mortality, countries must continue to seek ways to increase access to skilled care during pregnancy and delivery. In Zambia, while antenatal attendance is high, many barriers exist that prevent women from delivering with a skilled health provider. This study explores how the individuals closest to a pregnant woman in rural Zambia can influence a woman's decision to seek and her ability to access timely maternity care. At four rural health centers, a free listing (n = 167) exercise was conducted with mothers, fathers, and community elders. Focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 135) were conducted with mothers, fathers, mothers-in-law, and community health workers (CHWs) to triangulate findings. We analyzed the FGD data against a framework that overlaid the Three Delays Framework and the Social Ecological Model. Respondents cited husbands, female relatives, and CHWs as the most important influencers during a woman's maternity period. Husbands have responsibilities to procure resources, especially baby clothes, and provide the ultimate permission for a woman to attend ANC or deliver at a facility. Female relatives escort the woman to the facility, assist during her wait, provide emotional support, assist the nurse during delivery, and care for the woman after delivery. CHWs educate the woman during pregnancy about the importance of facility delivery. No specific individual has the role of assisting with the woman's household responsibilities or identifying transport to the health facility. When husbands, female relatives, or CHWs do not fulfill their roles, this presents a barrier to a woman deciding to deliver at the health facility (Delay 1) or reaching a health facility (Delay 2). An intervention to help women better plan for acquiring the needed resources and identifying the individuals to escort her and those to perform her household responsibilities could help to reduce these barriers to accessing timely maternal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette L Kaiser
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Rachel M Fong
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, One Boston Medical Center Pl, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Godfrey Biemba
- Zambia Center for Applied Health Research and Development, Plot 4186 Addis Ababa Drive, Long Acres, P.O. Box 30910, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Thandiwe Ngoma
- Zambia Center for Applied Health Research and Development, Plot 4186 Addis Ababa Drive, Long Acres, P.O. Box 30910, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brittany Tusing
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Nancy A Scott
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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