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Zolfaqari Z, Ayatollahi H, Ranjbar F, Abasi A. Acceptance and use of mobile health technology in post-abortion care. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1130. [PMID: 39334105 PMCID: PMC11428438 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abortion and its complications have always been associated with challenges such as the lack of awareness, high cost of receiving in-person services, lack of access to the skilled healthcare workers, distance from healthcare centers in remote areas, and cultural sensitivities. Therefore, the use of mobile health technology in post-abortion care has been suggested. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the acceptance and use of mhealth technology in post-abortion care. METHOD A mixed-methods study was completed in 2023. Initially, a literature review was conducted. Then, a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire was designed based on the results of the literature review. The research participants were gynecologists (n = 24), midwives (n = 38), and women who had experience of abortion (n = 183). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS The findings revealed that the participants had different opinions about the importance of motivating and inhibiting factors which included individual, technical, economic, organizational, and ethico-legal aspects. It seems that the individual, organizational, economic, and ethico-legal motivating factors as well as the ethico-legal inhibiting factors were more important than other factors and had higher mean values. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean values of gynecologists and patients regarding the individual motivating (P = 0.014) and technical inhibiting factors (P = 0.016). The gynecologists' opinions regarding the technical motivating factors were also significantly different from midwives (P = 0.044) and patients (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION Multiple factors may influence the acceptance and use of mhealth technology in post-abortion care. Therefore, mhealth service developers must consider these factors to improve the quality of services and increase technology adoption. This will lead to saving costs, improving health, reducing abortion complications, and ultimately improving quality of life for women. However, further research in patient engagement and health interventions tailored to diverse cultural contexts are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zolfaqari
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Ayatollahi
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Ranjbar
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Abasi
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bolarinwa OA, Odimegwu C, Tapera T. Improving the sexual health of women with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of published studies. Reprod Health 2024; 21:116. [PMID: 39107772 PMCID: PMC11304614 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An essential aspect of human well-being is positive sexual health outcomes. However, the issue of adverse sexual health outcomes continues to be a major public health concern, particularly for women with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this current scoping review mapped studies conducted in the last twenty-nine years on the sexual health of women with disabilities from these five dimensions: sexual activity, contraceptive use, sexual autonomy, sexual violence and risky sexual behaviour, whilst seeking to identify the current state of knowledge and address the study gaps in SSA. METHODS This current scoping review was informed by the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Exploratory searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, African Journals Online, etc., to identify studies conducted in SSA that focus on sexual activity, contraceptive use, sexual autonomy, sexual violence and risky sexual behaviour among women with disabilities in SSA since the inception of the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 to 30th of March 2024. This process resulted in the inclusion of seventeen (17) studies. RESULTS Of the 1362 identified through various databases, 34 studies were included for the full-text retrieval and screening; only 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The eligible studies were conducted across six countries in SSA and published between 2008 and 2023. Eight studies used quantitative study type, six utilised qualitative approach, and three employed mixed-methods analysis. Two studies were conducted on sexual activity, ten were conducted on contraceptive use, four were conducted on sexual violence, and one study was conducted on risky sexual behaviour, whilst no study on sexual autonomy met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSION This review showed that there were few or scarce studies on sexual activity, contraceptive use, sexual autonomy, sexual violence and risky sexual behaviour among women with disabilities in SSA and even where the studies were substantial (contraceptive use), the majority of the studies were conducted in a country. Future studies should consider examining dimensions of sexual health, such as sexual autonomy, sexual activity and risky sexual behaviour of women with disabilities that were not available or were scarce in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Department of Public Health, York St John University, London, UK.
| | - Clifford Odimegwu
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Talent Tapera
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Castleton P, Meherali S, Memon Z, Lassi ZS. Understanding the contents and gaps in sexual and reproductive health toolkits designed for adolescence and young adults: a scoping review. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:387-400. [PMID: 38736215 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescence is a crucial stage of physical and sexual maturation and development and a period in which understanding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is important. SRH interventions and toolkits provide a range of valuable resources and information to young people, educators, and members of the community on numerous topics, including contraception and puberty. OBJECTIVES The usefulness and reliability of these available toolkits have not been previously studied, thus limiting our understanding of their appropriateness and contents. Hence, this scoping review aimed to synthesize the available toolkits aimed at the SRH of adolescents and young adults to understand the contents, design, and information gaps. METHODS A systematic search was conducted of 6 medical databases and 12 gray literature sites. Sixteen toolkits published globally before May 2023 were included in our review. RESULTS The majority of toolkits (n = 12) contained information related to general SRH knowledge and contraception, whereas only 3 contained information on teenage pregnancy. We found that aiming the toolkits toward educators and health care workers was a favorable design over targeting adolescents and young adults directly and that vulnerable youth-including LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, asexual or allied, intersex, and additional identities) and youth from humanitarian settings-were not well represented. CONCLUSION We identified key gaps in the inclusion of information in a range of SRH topics, such as LGBTQI+ sexuality, teenage pregnancy, and safe abortion, in the currently available SRH toolkits and their lack of applicability in a global context. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for areas of improvement to encourage adolescents' agency in their SRH education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Castleton
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Salima Meherali
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Zahid Memon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
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Safari K, Fadilah N, McKenna L, Hariati S. Quality and measurement properties of sexual health knowledge tools for adolescents: A rapid review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 122:108173. [PMID: 38335768 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108173] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of instruments designed for assessing sexual and reproductive health knowledge among adolescents. METHODS Rapid review using the 2018 version of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. RESULTS This review included fourteen studies from 1983-2022, identifying sixteen Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), mainly using Likert scales and self-administration. The overall methodological quality was deemed "Inadequate" per COSMIN standards. Although studies often addressed reliability and structural validity, only five covered hypothesis testing. Responsiveness and interpretability were addressed in one study each, while criterion validity was neglected. Among the instruments, the Sexual Health Questionnaire (SHQ) was distinguished for its robustness in several areas including notable construct validity, explaining 68.25% of the variance, high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.90), and reliable test-retest results over 7 weeks, confirmed by Wilcoxon nonparametric test. CONCLUSION The study underscores the urgent need for standardised, comprehensive development and validation of the PROMs on sexual health in adolescents. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This review highlights the urgent need for research to refine existing PROMs and develop new ones for assessing adolescent sexual and reproductive health knowledge, aligning with global educational commitments and advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolsoom Safari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Nur Fadilah
- Paediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
| | - Lisa McKenna
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Suni Hariati
- Paediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
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Waghmare BV, Jajoo S. Navigating the Challenges: A Comprehensive Review of Adolescent Gynecological Problems. Cureus 2024; 16:e56200. [PMID: 38618317 PMCID: PMC11016329 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56200] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the spectrum of adolescent gynecological problems, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals between the ages of 10 and 19. Covering normal developmental changes, common issues such as menstrual disorders, and the intricate interplay of psychosocial and cultural factors, the review provides a holistic understanding of adolescent gynecological health. Key findings underscore the importance of tailored education, destigmatizing reproductive health discussions, and recognizing the critical role of mental health in overall well-being. The conclusion issues a compelling call to action, urging healthcare providers to adopt patient-centered practices, educators to integrate comprehensive sexual education, and policymakers to advocate for inclusive policies. This review serves as a valuable resource, guiding collective efforts to enhance the well-being of adolescents as they navigate the challenges of gynecological health on their journey to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana V Waghmare
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Shubhada Jajoo
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
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Mousavi ZS, Janighorban M, Noroozi M. Development, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve the sexual competence of young adult women about to get married: a protocol study. Reprod Health 2024; 21:24. [PMID: 38365733 PMCID: PMC10874025 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having competence in initiating sexual interactions is one of the challenges of sexual health in any society. Given that the social, cultural, and religious background of some societies can prevent the acquisition of sexual competence in young women, this study will be done to design, implement, and determine the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve the sexual competence of young women on the eve of marriage. METHODS The current research is a mixed-method study in a qualitative-quantitative sequence. In the first phase, a qualitative study will be conducted to explore the needs of sexual competence in young adult women about to get married and ways to improve it. Then, after the literature review and combining it with the results of the qualitative study, a draft of the intervention program will be developed. After reviewing the content of the program and validating it in the panel of experts, the final program will be developed. In the second phase, the effect of the program to promote the sexual competence of adult women about to get married will be determined in a quantitative study with a two-group quasi-experimental method. DISCUSSION Providing a comprehensive and practical intervention program to promote sexual competence based on cultural, social, and religious background can help to improve the quality of sexual interactions of young women about to get married, reduce harm caused by lack of sexual competence, and ensure women's sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Mousavi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Janighorban
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Noroozi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Moolla A, Constance M, Ngcobo N, Mngadi S, Govathson C, Long L, Pascoe SJ. "I want one nurse who is friendly to talk to me properly like a friend": Learner preferences for HIV and contraceptive service provision in Gauteng, South Africa. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3725260. [PMID: 38168214 PMCID: PMC10760307 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3725260/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Research with adolescents indicates that youth aged 15-24 years, especially females, are at high risk for HIV infection. The overall HIV prevalence among youth in this age group was 6.2% estimated in 2022. In addition, > 800,000 adolescents are newly infected with HIV every year and 79% of these infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The health service provision preferences and needs of adolescents are critical to reaching this population. Methods This qualitative study was conducted with learners from three public secondary schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Using convenience sampling, 22 in-depth stakeholder interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 55 learners aged ≥ 15, were conducted between March and October 2018. Learners < 18 were given assent and parental consent forms, whilst those ≥ 18 could consent of their own accord. KIIs and FGDs were conducted in private venues in the preferred language by trained interviewers and audio-recorded. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and translated into English if needed. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo version 11. Results The findings from both stakeholders and learners indicate many critical accessibility barriers which include: negative healthcare staff attitudes from older judgemental staff; stigmatisation from healthcare workers, the community as well as family; a lack of private consulting spaces and no confidentiality of patient information at facilities; inconvenient clinic operating times; long queues and facility resource issues. Both groups of participants suggested that accessibility to healthcare could be improved through value-added services (including free Wi-Fi and food), social gatherings and educational information sessions, as well as being staffed by younger, friendlier, confidential and non-judgemental staff in a private healthcare setting. Conclusion It is clear that there are many critical barriers that deter learners from accessing HIV and contraceptive services. Provision of private rooms and trying to ensure information confidentiality for youth-friendly services at locations and times that can be easily accessed by learners is key. Greater emphasis on learner-parent-teacher communication around sexual health education at school is needed along with making this information being more readily available to learners.
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