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Hassan S, Masri H, Sawalha I, Mortensen B. Perceived barriers and opportunities of providing quality family planning services among Palestinian midwives, physicians and nurses in the West Bank: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:786. [PMID: 38982474 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11216-4] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in family planning (FP) services, several barriers persist in the Occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), blocking women's access to suitable, high-quality and equitable FP services. The aim of this study was to understand how healthcare providers perceive their abilities, barriers and opportunities in providing good quality FP services. Furthermore, it seeks to explore knowledge and training regarding FP among healthcare providers engaged in providing FP services. METHODS A qualitative study was undertaken from August to September 2022 in seven Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics distributed in three governorates and operating under the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) in the West Bank. Semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 health providers (Physicians, midwives and nurses), using an interview guide in Arabic language. Transcripts were subsequently analyzed using the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS FP services face various challenges, including shortages in resources such as staff, supplies, infrastructures and FP methods. Midwives possess significant potentials to offer accessible, high-quality, efficient and equitable FP services, yet, their capacities remain underutilized, representing a missed opportunity for a country like Palestine. The study provided a current overview of FP services while illustrating the need for quality FP services and the need for an updated continuous education and training, updated standardized guidelines and protocols and supportive supervision are needed across all levels of healthcare providers. Finally, providers reported a wide range of structural barriers to FP services. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to meticulously address both community-related and health system factors to enhance the fulfillment of FP needs and reduce unintended and closely spaced pregnancies. Policymakers should invest in the development of laws and regulations regarding FP services, promoting a comprehensive and holistic approach to FP services. This includes formulating supportive policies, capacity building of human resources and maintaining security of FP commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Hassan
- Department of Nursing and Master program of Women's Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine.
| | - Hadeel Masri
- Women's Health and Development Unit, Ministry of Health, Ramallah, Palestine
- Master program of Women's Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine
| | - Isra' Sawalha
- Master program of Women's Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine
| | - Berit Mortensen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Nayab, Ahmad T, Fatmee A, Sajjad I, Usmani Z, Khan A, Shahzad S, Khan AA. Utilization of social franchising in family planning services: a Pakistan perspective. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1376374. [PMID: 38826760 PMCID: PMC11140052 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1376374] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pakistan's private sector caters to around 65% of family planning users. Private sector family planning was promoted in the Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK) program by UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in 2019. We use data from DAFPAK to analyze the clientele and products distributed by two major NGOs, Marie Stopes Society (MSS) and DKT Pakistan, that support private providers in Pakistan. We also examined the effect of COVID-19 on client visits and contraceptives uptake at private facilities in Pakistan. Methods DAFPAK used field validation surveys to analyze the volume of clients and products of 639 private facilities across three provinces (Punjab, KPK and Balochistan) of Pakistan. The data was collected in two phases (February 2020 and 2021) using multi-stage cluster sampling at 95% confidence level. Using a generalized negative binomial regression, facility-level characteristics and impact of COVID-19 was analyzed with the volume of clients and products given out at 95% confidence interval alongside descriptive analysis. Results DKT facilities covered 53% of the sample while MSS covered 47%, with 72% facilities in the rural areas. Average facility existence duration is 87 months (7.25 years). While the average experience of the facility staff is 52 months (4.33 years). MSS is serving more clients as compared to DKT during both phase 1 (IRR: 3.15; 95% CI: 2.74, 3.61) and phase 2 (IRR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.79, 2.49). Similarly, MSS had a greater volume of products given out in both phases 1 (IRR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.51, 2.38) and phase 2 (IRR: 2.57; 95% CI: 2.09, 3.14). In both phases, client visits and product distribution decreased when client privacy is invaded (IRR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.82 - phase 1) and (IRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97 - phase 2). Lastly, during COVID-19, products distribution decreased by a factor of 0.84 (IRR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97) but client visits remain unaffected. Conclusion Overall, clientele is low for all facilities. At a facility, privacy is a determinant of client visits and products given out per visit. Transiently, during COVID-19, client volumes decreased, with a shift from oral pills to condoms and emergency contraceptive pills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayab
- Program, Research and Development Solutions (RADS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Taimoor Ahmad
- Program, Research and Development Solutions (RADS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Areesh Fatmee
- Program, Research and Development Solutions (RADS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ibtisam Sajjad
- Program, Research and Development Solutions (RADS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zona Usmani
- Program, Research and Development Solutions (RADS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Urban Impact Lab, Akhter Hameed Khan Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sara Shahzad
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adnan Ahmad Khan
- Program, Research and Development Solutions (RADS), Islamabad, Pakistan
- Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSRC), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Phiri M, Odimegwu C, Adewoyin Y. Social context of contraceptive use transition among sexually active women in Zambia (1992-2018): A decomposition analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300506. [PMID: 38625959 PMCID: PMC11020625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contraception is an important public health initiative for addressing maternal health outcomes associated with unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. Although contraceptive use has been on the rise globally, the observed increases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are sub-optimal and vary among countries. In Zambia, drivers of contraceptive use transition are not well documented. Thus, this study examined the drivers of contraceptive use change among sexually active women in Zambia between 1992 and 2018. METHODS Data came from the six Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1992 and 2018. A sample of 44,762 fecund sexually active women aged 15-49 years was analysed using multivariable Blinder Oaxaca decomposition regression analysis. Analysis took into account the complex survey design. Results were presented using adjusted coefficients, their 95% confidence intervals, and percentages. RESULTS The prevalence of contraceptive use among sexually active women increased significantly by 30.8 percentage points from 14.2% (95% CI: 12.8, 15.6) to 45.0% (95% CI: 43.6, 46.4) during the period 1992 to 2018. The major share of the increase happened during the period 1992-1996 (10.2%) while the least increase occurred between 2013 and 2018 (0.2%). Overall, about 15% of the increase in the prevalence of contraceptive use was attributable to changes in the compositional characteristics of women. On the other hand, 85% of the increase was due to change in contraceptive behaviour of sexually active women. Changes in women's compositional characteristics such as secondary education (5.84%), fertility preference (5.63%), number of living children (3.30%) and experience of child mortality (7.68%) were associated with the increase in contraceptive use prevalence. CONCLUSION Change in contraceptive behaviour of sexually active women contributed largely to the observed increase in contraceptive use prevalence in Zambia. Increase in the proportion of women attaining secondary education, decrease in the percentage of women who want large families and improvement in child survival were the major compositional factors driving the rise in contraceptive use. The findings imply that increasing investment in education sector and enhancing existing family planning programmes has the potential to further improve contraceptive use prevalence in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Million Phiri
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Demography, Population Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Clifford Odimegwu
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yemi Adewoyin
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Sidamo NB, Kerbo AA, Gidebo KD, Wado YD. Exploring Barriers to Accessing Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in South Ethiopia Regional State: A Phenomenological Study Using Levesque's Framework. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2024; 15:45-61. [PMID: 38562442 PMCID: PMC10984202 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s455517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Evidence suggests that adolescents face multiple barriers to accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. However, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding the nuanced interplay between supply-side and demand-side barriers. Therefore, this study aimed to examine barriers to accessing SRH services in the Gamo Zone of South Ethiopia Regional State. Methods A descriptive phenomenology study was conducted from September 04 to October 15, 2023. A total of seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), four with girls and three with boys, with a total of 75 adolescents, and ten Key informant interviews (KIIs)with healthcare providers participated in the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore their lived experiences. All interviews and discussions were audio-recorded. To analyze and manage data framework analysis approach was applied using ATLAS Ti version 7 software. Results The major barriers preventing adolescents from accessing SRH services are related to the interplay between supply and demand-side barriers across all five domains of the Levesque framework. Despite the high need for access to health care, lack of SRH literacy, lack of outreach activities, and integration of SRH information in health facilities often hampered adolescents' healthcare need. Additionally, fear of stigma from family and community, social norms, and lack of discussion of SRH issues hindered their ability to seek health care. Shortage of supplies and healthcare providers' behaviors further hindering adolescents' ability to access health care services. Furthermore, the limited involvement of adolescents in decision-making and the lack of effective coordination further complicate the appropriateness of services for adolescents. Conclusion The finding of this study reveals that adolescents face multifaceted barriers. Therefore, there is a need for high-impact complex interventions, program and policy that address both supply and demand side barriers needs to give due intention to improve access to SRH services for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negussie Boti Sidamo
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Amene Abebe Kerbo
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kassa Daka Gidebo
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
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Thompson AM, Thompson JM, Sharif H, Seemi T, Sharif S. Unveiling Barriers to the Modern Contraceptive Uptake in the Urban Slums of Karachi: Perceptions, Attitude, and Accessibility. Cureus 2024; 16:e56164. [PMID: 38618467 PMCID: PMC11015898 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56164] [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] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Modern contraception plays a vital role in family planning and preventing unintended pregnancies. However, its uptake remains limited in many developing countries, including Pakistan. This study aimed to evaluate the barriers to modern contraception and identify strategies to enhance its adoption in the urban slums of Karachi. Methods A multi-site, cross-sectional study was conducted in 38 slum areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Women aged 15-49 years were interviewed using a comprehensive questionnaire. The questionnaire covered socio-ethnic and economic demographics, knowledge and perceptions of modern contraception, accessibility, affordability, attitudes, and usage. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Results The majority of the respondents identified as Pathan ethnicity (49%), and the age range was predominantly from 23 to 34 years (45.5%). A high proportion of participants demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of contraceptives (87.6%). However, a significant portion perceived contraception or family planning to be in conflict with religious beliefs (84%). Many women expressed a desire for more children (56%) and had concerns about contraceptive side effects (78%). A notable proportion of women reported that their spouses forbade the use of contraceptives (12%). Among the surveyed population, the most widely used contraceptives were injections among women (15.5%) and condoms among their male partners (12%). Conclusion Despite sufficient knowledge and accessibility, considerable barriers exist in the uptake of modern contraception in the urban slums of Karachi, Pakistan. These barriers include religious conflicts, cultural norms, concerns about side effects, spousal disapproval, and desires for larger families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hina Sharif
- Department of Research and Publication, SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust, Karachi, PAK
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Tooba Seemi
- Department of Research and Publication, SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust, Karachi, PAK
| | - Sana Sharif
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Toronto, CAN
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Sileo KM, Muhumuza C, Wanyenze RK, Kershaw TS, Ellerbe B, Muñoz S, Sekamatte S, Lule H, Kiene SM. Effects of a community-based, multi-level family planning intervention on theoretically grounded intermediate outcomes for couples in rural Uganda: Results from a mixed methods pilot evaluation. Br J Health Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38242837 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study tested the theoretically grounded conceptual model of a multi-level intervention, Family Health = Family Wealth (FH = FW), by examining FH = FW's effect on intermediate outcomes among couples in rural Uganda. FH = FW is grounded in the social-ecological model and the social psychological theory of transformative communication. DESIGN A pilot quasi-experimental controlled trial. METHODS Two matched clusters (communities) were randomly allocated to receive the FH = FW intervention or an attention/time-matched water, sanitation and hygiene intervention (N = 140, 35 couples per arm). Quantitative outcomes were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires at baseline, 7-months and 10-months follow-up. Focus group discussions (n = 39) and semi-structured interviews (n = 27) were conducted with subsets of FH = FW participants after data collection. Generalized estimated equations tested intervention effects on quantitative outcomes, and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis-these data were mixed and are presented by level of the social-ecological model. RESULTS The findings demonstrated an intervention effect on family planning determinants across social-ecological levels. Improved individual-level family planning knowledge, attitudes and intentions, and reduced inequitable gender attitudes, were observed in intervention versus comparator, corroborated by the qualitative findings. Interpersonal-level changes included improved communication, shared decision-making and equitable relationship dynamics. At the community level, FH = FW increased perceived acceptance of family planning among others (norms), and the qualitative findings highlighted how FH = FW's transformative communication approach reshaped definitions of a successful family to better align with family planning. CONCLUSIONS This mixed methods pilot evaluation supports FH = FW's theoretically grounded conceptual model and ability to affect multi-level drivers of a high unmet need for family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Christine Muhumuza
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Trace S Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavior Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brooke Ellerbe
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Suyapa Muñoz
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Haruna Lule
- Global Centre of Excellence in Health (GLoCEH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan M Kiene
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Public Health, San Diego, California, USA
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Schaaf M, Lavelanet A, Codjia L, Nihlén Å, Rehnstrom Loi U. A narrative review of challenges related to healthcare worker rights, roles and responsibilities in the provision of sexual and reproductive services in health facilities. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012421. [PMID: 37918835 PMCID: PMC10626880 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012421] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper identifies and summarises tensions and challenges related to healthcare worker rights and responsibilities and describes how they affect healthcare worker roles in the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in health facilities. METHOD The review was undertaken in a two-phase process, namely: (1) development of a list of core constructs and concepts relating to healthcare worker rights, roles and responsibilities to guide the review and (2) literature review. RESULT A total of 110 papers addressing a variety of SRH areas and geographical locations met our inclusion criteria. These papers addressed challenges to healthcare worker rights, roles and responsibilities, including conflicting laws, policies and guidelines; pressure to achieve coverage and quality; violations of the rights and professionalism of healthcare workers, undercutting their ability and motivation to fulfil their responsibilities; inadequate stewardship of the private sector; competing paradigms for decision-making-such as religious beliefs-that are inconsistent with professional responsibilities; donor conditionalities and fragmentation; and, the persistence of embedded practical norms that are at odds with healthcare worker rights and responsibilities. The tensions lead to a host of undesirable outcomes, ranging from professional frustration to the provision of a narrower range of services or of poor-quality services. CONCLUSION Social mores relating to gender and sexuality and other contested domains that relate to social norms, provider religious identity and other deeply held beliefs complicate the terrain for SRH in particular. Despite the particularities of SRH, a whole of systems response may be best suited to address embedded challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schaaf
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonella Lavelanet
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Codjia
- Department of Health Workforce, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Åsa Nihlén
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Muhumuza C, Sileo KM, Wanyenze RK, Kershaw TS, Lule H, Sekamatte S, Kiene SM. Development of a multi-level family planning intervention for couples in rural Uganda: key findings & adaptations made from community engaged research methods. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:545. [PMID: 37865746 PMCID: PMC10590522 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02667-8] [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: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uganda has among the highest fertility rates in the world and multi-level barriers contribute to the low contraceptive use. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to develop a culturally and socially relevant, community-based intervention to increase contraceptive use among couples in rural Uganda through community-engaged research methods. This study reports on the community-engaged research that informed the intervention's content and structure and the final content of the intervention; the evaluation of the pilot intervention will be reported upon completion. METHODS An intervention steering committee of community stakeholders reviewed the initially proposed intervention content and approach. Four (4) gender-segregated focus groups were conducted with twenty-six (26) men and women who had an unmet need for family planning. Fifteen key-informant interviews were conducted with community leaders and family planning stakeholders. Finally, the 4-session intervention was pilot tested with a cohort of couples (N = 7) similar in demographics to the target sample of the future pilot intervention trial. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Findings included the identification of community beliefs to reshape in order to increase family planning acceptance, as well as strategies to engage men, acceptable approaches for community leader involvement in the intervention to endorse family planning, and methods for managing gender dynamics and minimizing risk of unintended negative consequences of participation. The findings were used to inform the ideal structure and format of the intervention, including the distribution of contraceptives directly during group sessions, and identified the need to strengthen health worker capacity to provide Long-Acting Reversable Contraceptives (LARCs) as part of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS These findings were used to refine an intervention before a larger scale pilot test of its feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. They can inform other multi-level family planning interventions in similar settings and the methods can be adopted by others to increase the feasibility, acceptability, and cultural relevance of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Muhumuza
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Trace S Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haruna Lule
- Gombe Hospital, Butambala Local Government, Kayenje, Uganda
| | | | - Susan M Kiene
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
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Sileo KM, Muhumuza C, Wanyenze RK, Kershaw TS, Sekamatte S, Lule H, Kiene SM. A pilot quasi-experimental controlled trial of a community-based, multilevel family planning intervention for couples in rural Uganda: evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and effect on contraceptive uptake among those with an unmet need for family planning. Contraception 2023; 125:110096. [PMID: 37355086 PMCID: PMC10966983 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Effective interventions to reduce the unmet need for family planning in low-income settings are limited. This study aimed to establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Family Health=Family Wealth (FH=FW), a multilevel intervention aimed to increase high-efficacy contraceptive uptake among couples wanting to delay pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN A pilot quasi-experimental controlled trial was conducted in rural Uganda, with 70 couples wanting to delay pregnancy but not using contraceptives (n = 140). Two matched clusters (communities) were randomly allocated to receive FH=FW or a comparator intervention via coin toss. FH=FW included health system strengthening elements and four facilitated group sessions. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted at baseline and at ∼7-month and ∼10-month follow-up, and process data gathered feasibility/acceptability outcomes. RESULTS Of 121 households visited in the intervention community, 63 couples were screened, and 35 enrolled. In the comparator, 61 households were visited, 45 couples screened, and 35 enrolled. Intervention attendance was 99%, fidelity was 96%, and 100% of participants reported being satisfied with the intervention. From no use at baseline, there was 31% more high efficacy contraceptive uptake at 7 months and 40% more at 10 months in intervention versus comparator couples (adjusted odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.78-3.62, p = 0.19). A decline in fertility desires was observed in intervention versus comparator participants from baseline (Wald χ2 = 9.87, p = 0.007; Cohen's d: 7 months, 0.06; 10 months, 0.49). CONCLUSIONS FH=FW is a feasible and acceptable intervention with strong promise in its effect on contraceptive uptake to be established in a future trial. IMPLICATIONS The FH=FW intervention addresses multilevel family planning barriers through four group dialogs with couples paired with efforts to reduce health system barriers. A quasi-experimental controlled trial provides preliminary support for its feasibility, acceptability, contraceptive uptake and fertility desire effects, and success in engaging both women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
| | - Christine Muhumuza
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Mulago Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Trace S Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavior Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | | | - Haruna Lule
- Global Center of Health Excellency (GloCHE), Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Susan M Kiene
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Mulago Kampala, Uganda; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, United States.
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Sen KK, Nilima S, Zahura FT, Bari W. Do education and living standard matter in breaking barriers to healthcare access among women in Bangladesh? BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1431. [PMID: 37495959 PMCID: PMC10373322 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16346-8] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Barriers to healthcare access for women have a substantial influence on maternal and child health. By removing barriers to accessing healthcare, several sustainable development goals can be achieved. The goal of this study, based on the dominance analysis, was to examine how living standards and spousal education play role in removing barriers to healthcare access for women in Bangladesh. METHODS The study used the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2017-18 data. A binary logistic regression model was applied for analyzing different types of health access barriers in the study. Additionally, a dominance analysis was conducted to identify the most responsible factors for removing barriers. RESULTS In Bangladesh, 66% of women faced at least one barrier in accessing healthcare. The results obtained from logistic regression and dominance analysis revealed that women's standard of living and spousal education explained the highest variation of having at least one barrier in accessing healthcare. Specifically, a high standard of living explained 24% of the total explained variation (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.52-0.62), while both spousal education accounted for 27% (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.45-0.54) of the total explained variation. The regression results also showed that women with higher standards of living as well as educated women having educated partners had lower odds of facing barriers in getting permission (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-1.00 and OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58-0.75) to go for advice/treatment, obtaining money (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.39-0.47 and OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.34-0.40), distance to a health facility (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.55-0.66 and OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.65-0.76), and not wanting to go alone (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66-0.89 and OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69-0.81) for getting medical advice/treatment. CONCLUSION The findings of the study suggest paying extra attention to the spousal education and living standard of women to strengthen and reform the existing strategies and develop beneficial interventions to enhance unhindered accessibility to healthcare facilities for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Kumar Sen
- Department of Statistics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
| | - Shahnaz Nilima
- Department of Statistics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Fatima-Tuz Zahura
- Department of Statistics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Wasimul Bari
- Department of Statistics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
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Weldekiros ME, Tamire M, Berhane A, Gufue ZH, Tesfa FH. Utilization Status and Perceived Barriers Towards Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Among Female Youth College Students in Northern Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods Study. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1107-1123. [PMID: 37483889 PMCID: PMC10362868 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s413425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Ethiopia, teenage sexual activity, unintended pregnancy, and unsafe abortions among youth college students have become the most prevalent public health problems. Contraceptive misuse, low use, and a high unmet need for long-acting reversible contraceptives are attributed to the high rate of unintended pregnancy. Objective To assess the utilization status of long-acting reversible contraceptives and to explore the perceived barriers among youth female college students in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia, in 2019. Methods An institutional-based, concurrent, mixed cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative components was conducted among four private and two public colleges in Mekelle City from March 1 to April 30, 2019. A total of 580 female youth college students were included in the quantitative study, and six in-depth and four key informant interviews were conducted for the qualitative study. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency, and percentages. The chi-square test was done to assess the crude association between the outcome variable and independent categorical variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. In addition, ATLAS.ti qualitative software version 7.5 was used to code and analyze the qualitative data. Results With a 93.8% response rate, 544 female youth college students participated, and 177 (32.5%) were sexually active. Seventy-five (42.3%) of students had a history of pregnancy, and of these, 85% of the pregnancies were unplanned. The utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives among sexually active college students was 7.3%. Qualitatively, the following themes emerged as perceived barriers to the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives: knowledge barriers, fear of side effects, misperceptions, health providers' approach, discrimination, and poor confidentiality. Conclusion This study revealed low utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives among college students. The findings indicate that college students are at high risk of unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulu Eyasu Weldekiros
- Health Education and Promotion Unit, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Tamire
- Health Education and Promotion Unit, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adugnaw Berhane
- Health Education and Promotion Unit, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zenawi Hagos Gufue
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | - Ferehiwot Hailemariam Tesfa
- Health Education and Promotion Unit, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
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Sidamo NB, Kerbo AA, Gidebo KD, Wado YD. Socio-Ecological Analysis of Barriers to Access and Utilization of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Open Access J Contracept 2023; 14:103-118. [PMID: 37398897 PMCID: PMC10312343 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s411924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In sub-Saharan African countries (SSA), despite the efforts to enable adolescents to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, there are limited systematic review studies that comprehensively synthesize barriers to accessing services using a social-ecological model. Therefore, this review was conducted to fill this gap. Methods This study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022259095). We followed PRISMA guideline to conduct this review. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and African Journal Online databases were used. Two authors individually screened articles. Only qualitative articles published in the English in last 10 years were included in this review. Results From the total of 4890 studies, 23 qualitative studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Those studies were from 11 SSA countries. This review finding revealed that inadequate information about the services, the incorrect perception about services, low self-esteem, fear of being noticed by family members, and financial constraints are barriers at the intrapersonal level. Unsupportive families and lack of open communication between adolescent-parent about sexuality issues were interpersonal barriers to access. Lack of provider competency, provider attitude, an unsupportive environment, physical inaccessibility of services, and shortage of medicine, and supplies were identified as institutional-level barriers. Moreover, community-level barriers like community stigma, social, religious, and gender norms within the society were identified as the main barriers to accessing services for adolescents. Conclusion This review finding reveals that the main barriers to access SRH services for adolescents living in SSA are misperception about services, low self-esteem to access services, financial constraints, unsupportive families, community stigma and social norms, unsupportive environments in health facilities, healthcare provider behavior, poor competency, being judgmental attitude, and breaking privacy and confidentiality. This study finding calls for new approach like a multi-pronged that works with service providers, with community, with families, and with adolescent to improve SRH services utilization of adolescent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negussie Boti Sidamo
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medicine Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Amene Abebe Kerbo
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medicine Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kassa Daka Gidebo
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medicine Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
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Bazie F, Speizer IS, Castle S, Boukary K, Maytan-Joneydi A, Calhoun LM, Onadja Y, Guiella G. Community perspectives on family planning service quality among users and non-users: a qualitative study from two cities in Burkina Faso. Reprod Health 2023; 20:75. [PMID: 37198684 PMCID: PMC10189908 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01618-8] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies that focus on quality of family planning (FP) services collect data from facilities. These studies miss the perspectives of quality from women who do not visit a facility and for whom perceived quality may be a barrier to service utilization. METHODS This qualitative study from two cities in Burkina Faso examines perceived quality of FP services from women who were recruited at the community level to avoid potential biases based on recruiting women at facilities. Twenty focus group discussions were undertaken with varying groups of women of different ages (15-19; 20-24; 25+), marital statuses (unmarried; married), and current modern contraceptive use experiences (current non-users; current users). All focus group discussions were undertaken in the local language and transcribed and translated into French for coding and analysis. RESULTS Women discuss FP service quality in a variety of locations, depending on their age group. Perspectives on service quality for younger women are often informed by others' experiences whereas for the older women, they are formed by their own and others' experiences. Two important aspects of service delivery emerge from the discussions including interactions with providers and selected system-level aspects of service provision. Important components of provider interactions relate to (a) the initial reception from the provider, (b) the quality of counseling received, (c) stigma and bias from providers, and d) privacy and confidentiality. At the health system level, discussions revolved around (a) wait time; (b) stockouts of methods; (c) costs of services/methods; (d) the expectation for tests as part of service provision; and (e) difficulties with method removal. CONCLUSIONS To increase contraceptive use among women, it is crucial to address the components of service quality they identify as related to higher quality services. This means supporting providers to offer services in a more friendly and respectful manner. In addition, it is important to ensure that full information is provided to clients on what to expect during a visit to avoid false expectations that lead to poor perceived quality. These types of client-focused activities can improve perceptions of service quality and ideally support use of FP to meet women's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiacre Bazie
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP), Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Ilene S. Speizer
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | | | - Kindo Boukary
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP), Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Amelia Maytan-Joneydi
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - Lisa M. Calhoun
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - Yentema Onadja
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP), Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Georges Guiella
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population (ISSP), Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Muhumuza CM, Sileo KSM, Wanyenze RW, Kershaw TKS, Lule HL, Sekamatte SS, Kiene SK. Development of a Multi-Level Family Planning Intervention for Couples in Rural Uganda: Key Findings & Adaptations Made from Community Engaged Research Methods. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2682031. [PMID: 37034818 PMCID: PMC10081372 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2682031/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: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Uganda has among the highest fertility rates in the world and multi-level barriers contribute to the low contraceptive use. Objective The objective of this study was to develop a culturally and socially relevant, community-based intervention to increase contraceptive use among couples in rural Uganda through community-engaged research methods. This study reports on the community-engaged research that informed the intervention's content and structure and the final content of the intervention; the evaluation of the pilot intervention will be reported upon completion. Methods An intervention steering committee of community stakeholders reviewed the initially proposed intervention content and approach. Focus groups were conducted with men and women separately (N=26) who had unmet need for family planning. Fifteen key-informant interviews were conducted with community leaders and family planning stakeholders. Finally, the 4-session intervention was pilot tested with a cohort of couples (N=7) similar in demographics to the target sample of the future pilot intervention trial. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results Findings included the identification of community beliefs to reshape to increase family planning acceptance, as well as strategies to engage men, acceptable approaches for community leader involvement in the intervention to endorse family planning, and methods for managing gender dynamics and minimizing risk of unintended negative consequences of participation. The findings were used to shape the ideal structure and format of the intervention, including the distribution of contraceptives directly during group sessions, and identified the need to strengthen health worker capacity to provide Long-Acting Reversable Contraceptives (LARCs) as part of the intervention. Conclusions These findings were used to refine an intervention before a larger scale pilot test of its feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. They can inform other multi-level family planning interventions in similar settings and the methods can be adopted by others to increase the feasibility, acceptability, and cultural relevance of interventions.
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Nkonde H, Mukanga B, Daka V. Male partner influence on Women's choices and utilisation of family planning services in Mufulira district, Zambia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14405. [PMID: 36950585 PMCID: PMC10025139 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14405] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Family planning services are essential in reducing maternal deaths as well as improving the reproductive and sexual health of women. Although family planning services are frequently focused on women, men are often the primary decision-makers. We conducted a study to explore male partner influence on women's choices and utilisation of family planning services in Mufulira district, Zambia. Methods A qualitative explorative study design that utilised two focus group discussions (n = 20) and in-depth interviews (n = 30) involving women of reproductive age was conducted. Convenient sampling was employed to select participants. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was utilised through code classification and theme identification. Data were imported into NVivo.×64 for coding and node generation. Findings The study revealed key themes on male partner influence on contraception use such as fear of infidelity, fear of physical abuse, preference for a large family size , disruption of sexual pleasure, and perceived side effects of contraceptives. These themes highlight the influence of culturally driven gender and power dynamics on male partner attitudes towards contraception. Participants described how their male partners exhibited prenatal attitudes and control over them thereby limiting their decision-making power on contraception use. Undesirable contraception side effects such as reduced vaginal lubrication contributed to sexual pleasure disruption among men. Concerns that women's use of contraception can lead to infidelity also contributed to male partner disapproval of contraception use. Conclusions Understanding barriers to contraception utilisation presented by male partners is essential in preventing contraception discontinuation and can increase contraception uptake among women. Our findings highlight the influence of culturally driven gender and power dynamics on male partner attitudes towards contraception. Therefore, male partner education on family planning services is key. Also, men need to be incorporated as key stakeholders when planning and implementing family planning programmes.
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Key Words
- Contraception
- FGD, Focus group discussions
- FP, Family planning
- Family planning
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- IDI, Indepth Interviews
- IUD, Intra uterine devices
- LAM, Lactational Amenorrhea Method
- LMIC, Low middle income countries
- Male partner
- SSA, Subsaharan Africa
- STIs, Sexually transmitted Infections
- TDRC, Tropical Diseases Research Centre
- WHO, World Health Organisation
- Zambia
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Phiri M, Kasonde ME, Moyo N, Sikaluzwe M, Simona S. A multilevel analysis of trends and predictors associated with teenage pregnancy in Zambia (2001-2018). Reprod Health 2023; 20:16. [PMID: 36653839 PMCID: PMC9848028 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teenage pregnancy remains a major social and public health challenge in developing countries especially sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where prevalence rates are still increasing. Even if considerable effort has been made over the years to study determining factors of teenage pregnancy in SSA, few studies have looked at the trends and associated factors over a longer period. Furthermore, no known study has focussed on both individual and contextual factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Zambia. This study, thus sought to fill this gap in knowledge by simultaneously investigating trends of teenage pregnancy as well as its individual and contextual determining factors. METHODS A total pooled weighted sample of 10,010 teenagers (in the age group 15-19) from four waves of the Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys were extracted. Using bivariate analysis, we investigated the trends of teenage pregnancy between 2001 and 2018. Separate multilevel logistic regression models were fitted on pooled teenage pregnancy data in relation to several individual and contextual level factors. Both fixed and random effects were produced. Bayesian parameter estimates were produced using lme4 package in R statistical programming environment. RESULTS Results of the trends of teenage pregnancy in Zambia have shown an overall decrease of 2% between 2001 and 2018. Almost all the socioeconomic and demographic variables were consistently associated with teenage pregnancy (p < 0.001) in a bivariate analysis across the four survey. In multilevel analysis, the odds of being pregnant were higher for teenagers who were employed (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42), married (aOR = 7.71, 95% CI: 6.31-9.52) and those with knowledge of ovulation period (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.34-1.90). On the other hand, belonging to households in high wealth quintiles, being literate, exposure to mass-media family planning messages and delayed sexual debut were associated with decreased odds of teenage pregnancy. CONCLUSION The study shows that teenage pregnancy remains a social and public health challenge in Zambia as the country has seen little decrease in the prevalence over the years under consideration. Factors associated with teenage pregnancy include marital status, and employment, knowledge of ovulation period, wealth quintile, sexual debut and exposure to mass-media family planning messaging. Concerted effort must be made to improve literacy levels, reduce poverty and enhance sexual health promotion through the mass media in view of cultural norms, which may prevent parents and children from discussion sexual education topics thus exacerbate the vice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Million Phiri
- grid.12984.360000 0000 8914 5257Department of Population Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia ,grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mwewa E. Kasonde
- grid.12984.360000 0000 8914 5257Department of Population Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nkuye Moyo
- grid.12984.360000 0000 8914 5257Department of Population Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Milika Sikaluzwe
- grid.12984.360000 0000 8914 5257Department of Population Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Simona Simona
- grid.12984.360000 0000 8914 5257Department of Social Work and Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Sigdel A, Bista A, Sapkota H, Teijlingen EV. Barriers in accessing family planning services in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285248. [PMID: 37146025 PMCID: PMC10162517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 virus is still with us, and in resource-limited countries, like Nepal, resurgence of a new variant is still a threat. In this pandemic, low-income countries struggle to provide essential public health services, including family planning. This study was conducted to explore what sorts of barriers are faced by women needing family planning services in Nepal during the pandemic. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in five districts of Nepal. Telephonic in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) who were the regular clients of family planning services. Data were coded deductively using the preexisting themes based on a socio-ecological model (e.g., individual, family, community, and health-facility levels). RESULTS Individual level barriers included low self-confidence, inadequate knowledge on COVID-19, myths and misconception related to COVID-19, limited access to FP services low priority to SRH services, low autonomy in family and limited financial ability. Family level barriers comprised of partner's support, social stigma, increased time at home with husbands or parents, un-acceptance of family planning services as essential health services, financial hardship due to loss of jobs, and communication with in-laws. Movement restrictions and transportation hindering access, unsecured feeling, violation of privacy, and obstacles from security personnel were the community level barriers and unavailability of preferred choice of contraception, increased waiting time, limited outreach services by community health workers, limited physical infrastructures, the behavior of health workers, stock out of commodities, and absence of health workers were health facility level barriers. CONCLUSION This study highlighted key barriers faced by women in seeking family planning services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal. Policymakers and program managers should consider strategies to ensure continued availability of the full method mix during emergency, particularly since disruptions may go unnoticed and strengthen the provision of services through alternative service delivery channels to ensure sustained uptake of such services in this sort of pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Sigdel
- Department of Public Health, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Anu Bista
- Youth and Comprehensive Sexuality Education, Family Planning Association of Nepal, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Hardik Sapkota
- Department of Public Health, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Edwin van Teijlingen
- Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The unmet need for safe and effective contraception still remains high. In 2017, about 25% of women of childbearing age who wanted to avoid pregnancy in the developing world were not using a modern contraceptive method. The biggest proportion (21%) of these women live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Little attention has been paid to the health systems factors impacting the integration of family planning into HIV services. This systematic review intends to document health systems factors constraining or facilitating the integration of family planning into HIV services. METHODS A search of electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using keywords. We considered peer-reviewed articles which were published in English between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2020. The peer-reviewed articles which were considered focussed on identifying barriers and facilitators at the levels of the health system which influence the success or failure of integrated family planning and HIV programs, availability of integrated family planning services in HIV care, the evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of integrating family planning and HIV services and investigating the outcomes of programs aimed at strengthening family planning integration in HIV counselling, testing and care. Twenty-seven articles that identify factors affecting integration of family planning into HIV services met the inclusion criteria and were thematically analysed. RESULTS Health systems factors constraining integration of family planning and HIV services were human resource turnover and shortages, lack of policy guidance on integrated care, poor oversight, unclear service delivery guidelines, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient monitoring systems. Facilitators to the successful integration of family planning into HIV services were identified as training in family planning for service providers, the creation of a supportive policy environment to accommodate service integration, supportive supervision and a positive attitude by service providers towards service integration. CONCLUSION Increase in the health workforce to support integrated service delivery, skills enhancement for service providers and improvement in family planning commodity stock levels play a key role in facilitating the integration of family planning into HIV services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Nkhoma
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Nyblade L, Ndirangu JW, Speizer IS, Browne FA, Bonner CP, Minnis A, Kline TL, Ahmed K, Howard BN, Cox EN, Rinderle A, Wechsberg WM. Stigma in the health clinic and implications for PrEP access and use by adolescent girls and young women: conflicting perspectives in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1916. [PMID: 36242000 PMCID: PMC9563466 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, an urgent need exists to expand access to HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), but the need is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers an effective HIV prevention method. In many countries, however, accessing PrEP necessitates that AGYW visit their local health clinic, where they may face access challenges. Some countries have implemented youth-friendly services to reduce certain challenges in local health clinics, but barriers to access persist, including clinic stigma. However, evidence of clinic stigma toward AGYW, particularly with respect to PrEP service delivery, is still limited. This mixed methods study explores stigma toward AGYW seeking clinic services, in particular PrEP, from the perspective of both clinic staff (clinical and nonclinical) and AGYW who seek services at clinic sites in Tshwane province, South Africa. METHODS Six focus group discussions were conducted with AGYW (43 total participants) and four with clinic staff (42 total participants) and triangulated with survey data with AGYW (n = 449) and clinic staff (n = 130). Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data and descriptive statistics were conducted with the survey data. RESULTS Four common themes emerged across the qualitative and quantitative data and with both AGYW and clinic staff, although with varying degrees of resonance between these two groups. These themes included (1) clinic manifestations of stigma toward AGYW, (2) concerns about providing PrEP services for AGYW, (3) healthcare providers' identity as mothers, and (4) privacy and breaches of confidentiality. An additional theme identified mainly in the AGYW data pertained to stigma and access to healthcare. CONCLUSION Evidence is needed to inform strategies for addressing clinic stigma toward AGYW, with the goal of removing barriers to PrEP services for this group. While awareness has increased and progress has been achieved around the provision of comprehensive, youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, these programs need to be adapted for the specific concerns of young people seeking PrEP services. Our findings point to the four key areas noted above where programs seeking to address stigma toward AGYW in clinics can tailor their programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nyblade
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Global Health Division, RTI International, Washington, DC USA
| | - Jacqueline W. Ndirangu
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Ilene S. Speizer
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Felicia A. Browne
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Courtney Peasant Bonner
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Alexandra Minnis
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA USA ,grid.47840.3f0000 0001 2181 7878School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Tracy L. Kline
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Social Statistics Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Khatija Ahmed
- grid.477887.3Setshaba Research Centre, Tshwane, South Africa ,grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brittni N. Howard
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Erin N. Cox
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Abigail Rinderle
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Wendee M. Wechsberg
- grid.62562.350000000100301493Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.40803.3f0000 0001 2173 6074Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
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Social normative origins of the taboo gap and implications for adolescent risk for HIV infection in Zambia. Soc Sci Med 2022; 312:115391. [PMID: 36183540 PMCID: PMC9582197 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Zambian Demographic and Health Survey data reveal that increased discordance between professed attitudes and measures of behaviour regarding premarital sex among adults is strongly associated with increased risk of HIV in adolescents, particularly girls. We hypothesised that this was due to the reluctance to talk about premarital sex, resulting in a situation we call the “taboo gap” where sexual behaviour is a forbidden topic and adolescents feel unable to seek advice or sexual and reproductive health services. Our analysis revealed that the taboo gap is rooted in harmful gender norms that are perpetuated by schools, churches, cultural influences, development programmes and health systems. Challenges like food insecurity and household poverty may place girls in positions where they are vulnerable to sexual exploitation, increasing their risk of exposure to HIV. Unmarried adolescents, particularly girls, report being ridiculed when they go to reproductive health clinics, which discourages them from seeking care in the future. Strengthening peer support and parent-child interactions are important programmatic elements. We conclude that discordance serves as a novel measure and harbinger for the presence of gender norms which generated a taboo gap that impeded carseeking and increased risk for HIV among adolescents, especially girls, in Zambia. We propose that successful interventions must involve a multifaceted, gender transformative approach which engages peers and stakeholders in schools, churches, clinics, and families, particularly parents, to reduce the gendered gap in HIV risk and transmission. Premarital sex attitude-behaviour discordance is associated with risk of adolescent HIV. Taboo gap occurs where sexual behaviour is a forbidden topic and impedes care-seeking. Taboo gap was generated in schools, churches, culture, and development programmes. Unmarried adolescents, especially girls, risk sanction in seeking reproductive care. Strengthening peer support and parent-child interactions are important programmatically.
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Khan MN, Akter S, Islam MM. Availability and readiness of healthcare facilities and their effects on long-acting modern contraceptive use in Bangladesh: analysis of linked data. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1180. [PMID: 36131314 PMCID: PMC9490900 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08565-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Increasing access to long-acting modern contraceptives (LMAC) is one of the key factors in preventing unintended pregnancy and protecting women’s health rights. However, the availability and accessibility of health facilities and their impacts on LAMC utilisation (implant, intrauterine devices, sterilisation) in low- and middle-income countries is an understudied topic. This study aimed to examine the association between the availability and readiness of health facilities and the use of LAMC in Bangladesh. Methods In this survey study, we linked the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data with the 2017 Bangladesh Health Facility Survey data using the administrative-boundary linkage method. Mixed-effect multilevel logistic regressions were conducted. The sample comprised 10,938 married women of 15–49 years age range who were fertile but did not desire a child within 2 years of the date of survey. The outcome variable was the current use of LAMC (yes, no), and the explanatory variables were health facility-, individual-, household- and community-level factors. Results Nearly 34% of participants used LAMCs with significant variations across areas in Bangladesh. The average scores of the health facility management and health facility infrastructure were 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. Of the facilities where LAMCs were available, 69% of them were functional and ready to provide LAMCs to the respondents. The increase in scores for the management (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.59; 95% CI, 1.21–2.42) and infrastructure (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01–1.69) of health facilities was positively associated with the overall uptake of LAMC. For per unit increase in the availability and readiness scores to provide LAMC at the nearest health facilities, the aORs for women to report using LAMC were 2.16 (95% CI, 1.18–3.21) and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.15–3.20), respectively. A nearly 27% decline in the likelihood of LAMC uptake was observed for every kilometre increase in the average regional-level distance between women’s homes and the nearest health facilities. Conclusion The proximity of health facilities and their improved management, infrastructure, and readiness to provide LAMCs to women significantly increase their uptake. Policies and programs should prioritise improving health facility readiness to increase LAMC uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh, 2222, Bangladesh.
| | - Shahinoor Akter
- Gender and Women's Health, Centre for Health Equity School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - M Mofizul Islam
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3086, Australia
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Fataar K, Zweigenthal V, Harries J. Providers' approaches to contraceptive provision in Cape Town. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:917881. [PMID: 36188423 PMCID: PMC9515548 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.917881] [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: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health care providers can play a significant role in empowering women to make informed decisions when selecting suitable contraceptive methods during contraceptive counseling. This study explores primary care providers' perspectives and approaches to contraceptive service provision for women attending public sector clinics in South Africa, with the intention of ascertaining established practices and training needs. Methods Ten in-depth interviews were conducted at five primary health care facilities in urban areas in Cape Town, South Africa. Eligible participants included nurses providing contraceptive services and willing to participate in the study. The qualitative software package NVivo was used to sort and manage data. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Overall, providers emphasized supporting women in contraceptive decision-making. Sexual and reproductive health training increased providers confidence to deliver appropriate contraceptive services. Contraceptive prescribing practices were influenced by women's medical history and preferred bleeding patterns. Providers' concerns about adherence to methods for younger women and suspected adverse events for older women impacted on prescribing. Challenges experienced when providing contraceptive services included: contraceptive stockouts; time constraints of employed women accessing the service; and their work pressure due to providing other health services. Discussion Health care providers play a critical role in facilitating women's right to access high quality contraceptive services. Providers saw themselves as negotiators during contraceptive counseling. They considered both women's preferences and their own recommendations for contraception, to provide information that would enable women to make informed contraceptive decisions. By reinforcing this approach to contraceptive counseling and focusing on shared decision-making, should encourage autonomy in method selection and limit the influence of provider's contraceptive method selection.
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Ooms GI, van Oirschot J, Okemo D, Reed T, van den Ham HA, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK. Healthcare workers' perspectives on access to sexual and reproductive health services in the public, private and private not-for-profit sectors: insights from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:873. [PMID: 35794551 PMCID: PMC9261038 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to sexual and reproductive health services remains a challenge for many in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Health service delivery in the four countries is decentralised and provided by the public, private and private not-for-profit sectors. When accessing sexual and reproductive health services, clients encounter numerous challenges, which might differ per sector. Healthcare workers have first-hand insight into what impediments to access exist at their health facility. The aim of this study was to identify differences and commonalities in barriers to access to sexual and reproductive health services across the public, private and private not-for-profit sectors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers working in health facilities offering sexual and reproductive health services in Kenya (n = 212), Tanzania (n = 371), Uganda (n = 145) and Zambia (n = 243). Data were collected in July 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data, while binary logistic regression analyses were used to test for significant differences in access barriers and recommendations between sectors. Results According to healthcare workers, the most common barrier to accessing sexual and reproductive health services was poor patient knowledge (37.1%). Following, issues with supply of commodities (42.5%) and frequent stockouts (36.0%) were most often raised in the public sector; in the other sectors these were also raised as an issue. Patient costs were a more significant barrier in the private (33.3%) and private not-for-profit sectors (21.1%) compared to the public sector (4.6%), and religious beliefs were a significant barrier in the private not-for-profit sector compared to the public sector (odds ratio = 2.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.69–3.56). In all sectors delays in the delivery of supplies (37.4-63.9%) was given as main stockout cause. Healthcare workers further believed that it was common that clients were reluctant to access sexual and reproductive health services, due to fear of stigmatisation, their lack of knowledge, myths/superstitions, religious beliefs, and fear of side effects. Healthcare workers recommended client education to tackle this. Conclusions Demand and supply side barriers were manifold across the public, private and private not-for-profit sectors, with some sector-specific, but mostly cross-cutting barriers. To improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, a multi-pronged approach is needed, targeting client knowledge, the weak supply chain system, high costs in the private and private not-for-profit sectors, and religious beliefs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08249-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby I Ooms
- Health Action International, Overtoom 60-2, 1054 HK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Utrecht WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Tim Reed
- Health Action International, Overtoom 60-2, 1054 HK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrika A van den Ham
- Utrecht WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Utrecht WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yongho AM, Chandani Y, Andersson S, Karim A, Saad B, Keddem C. Data to Action: A Mixed-Methods Study of Data Use Teams, Improved Availability of Contraceptives in Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, and Myanmar. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00345. [PMCID: PMC9242612 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Information Mobilized for Performance Analysis and Continuous Transformation (IMPACT) Teams use a people-centered, data-driven approach to strengthen supply chains by fostering a continuous cycle of supply chain improvement. This study demonstrates that IMPACT Teams are an effective approach for improving contraceptive supply chain inventory management and availability. Information Mobilized for Performance Analysis and Continuous Transformation (IMPACT) Teams routinely bring together data, people, processes, and technology, under the leadership of governments, to institute a change in culture that leads to sustained improvements in supply chain processes and outcomes. This mixed methods study examined whether IMPACT Teams were effective in improving reproductive health supply chain outcomes in Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, and Myanmar and identified enablers and barriers to IMPACT Team success and sustainability in Indonesia and Kenya. The study design employed a pre-post intervention comparison panel design with a nonrandomized matched comparison group to examine the IMPACT Teams' effect on 2 supply chain outcomes: stocked according to plan and stock-outs. Additional key informant interviews conducted in Kenya and Indonesia explored enablers and barriers to IMPACT Team success and sustainability. For nearly all products across the 4 countries, an increase in products being stocked according to plan and a reduction in stock-outs can be attributed to the IMPACT Team intervention, demonstrating that IMPACT teams are an effective approach for improving contraceptive supply chain inventory management and availability. However, our findings do not demonstrate a clear causal pathway as theorized in our theory of change, namely that government leadership leads to the installation of a data use culture, which in turn leads to improved product availability. In both Indonesia and Kenya, though product availability improved, there was a lack of leadership and culture change. This suggests that improved product availability does not depend on establishing a data use culture or government leadership, but rather, that a data use culture—rather than product availability—is the outcome of interest for sustained change, and that understanding motivations and incentives for leadership participation may be more important for scaling, institutionalizing, and sustaining gains in supply chain outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Yongho
- Independent, Washington DC, USA
- Correspondence to Ann-Marie Yongho ()
| | | | | | - Ali Karim
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
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Hegdahl HK, Musonda P, Svanemyr J, Zulu JM, Grønvik T, Jacobs C, Sandøy IF. Effects of economic support, comprehensive sexuality education and community dialogue on sexual behaviour: Findings from a cluster-RCT among adolescent girls in rural Zambia. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115125. [PMID: 35724585 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115125] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We present findings from a cluster-randomised trial in rural Zambia on the effects of economic support, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and community dialogue on sexual activity, contraceptive use and beliefs among adolescent girls. We recruited 157 schools in 2016, and all girls in grade 7 were invited to participate. Schools were randomised to either economic support, combined economic support, CSE and community dialogue, or control. Economic support consisted of unconditional cash transfers to girls and their guardians, and payment of school fees for girls continuing to grades eight and nine. CSE and community dialogue meetings focused on practices around girls' fertility, marriage and education. The interventions lasted two years from 2016 to 2018, with follow-up for another two years. The effects on outcomes were measured in 2018 and 2019 and compared using generalised estimating equations. We found that economic support lowered sexual activity (risk ratio (RR) 0.70; 95% C.I. 0.54 to 0.91), with a small added benefit of CSE and community dialogue. Economic support and the additional CSE and community dialogue were effective in lowering unprotected sexual activity (RR 0.53 for combined support vs. control; 95% C.I. 0.37 to 0.75). There was no evidence of intervention effects on contraceptive use among those ever sexually active, but the addition of CSE and community dialogue improved contraceptive use among those recently sexually active (RR 1.26; 95% C.I. 1.06 to 1.50) and knowledge regarding contraceptives (RR 1.18; 95% C.I. 1.01 to 1.38) compared to economic support alone. Perceived community support regarding contraceptives was lower in both intervention arms compared to the control. These findings indicate that economic support in combination with CSE and community dialogue can improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Keyser Hegdahl
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21 (Overlege Danielsens Hus), 5006, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Patrick Musonda
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joar Svanemyr
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, P.O. Box 6033, N-5892, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Taran Grønvik
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21 (Overlege Danielsens Hus), 5006, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Choolwe Jacobs
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ingvild Fossgard Sandøy
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21 (Overlege Danielsens Hus), 5006, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
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Shatilwe JT, Hlongwana K, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Pregnant adolescents and nurses perspectives on accessibility and utilization of maternal and child health information in Ohangwena Region, Namibia. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:284. [PMID: 35382775 PMCID: PMC8985342 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent reproductive health is still a challenge in Low and Middle Income Come Countries (LMICs). However, the reasons for the inability of most pregnant adolescent girls to access and utilize maternal and child health information (MCHI) are not well-documented. This is despite the policy guidelines promoting the provision of this necessary information to pregnant adolescents in order to prepare them for delivery. This provision is one of the strategies envisaged to improve their attendance of ANC visits and their maternal and child health. METHOD Data were generated from 12 adolescent pregnant girls aged 15 to 19 years and eight nurses from four different health centres in the Ohangwena Region of Namibia, using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The study was conducted over the period of three months (December 2018 to March 2019). The data were grouped into clusters aided by NVivo computer software version 12. Data were organized and condensed in small units, prior to being coded, categorized, and finally grouped into main themes and sub-themes. RESULTS Results revealed that long travel hours to reach the nearest clinics was amongst the leading challenges affecting accessibility and utilization of MCHI for pregnant adolescent girls. This was exacerbated by poor support with transport fare, poor road infrastructure and non-availability of transport, and these factors were key barriers to accessibility and utilization of clinic services. Other barriers pertained to the family dynamics, such as disclosing the pregnancy to the family members prior to commencing antenatal care (ANC) visits and harsh treatment from family members after the disclosure. CONCLUSION The pregnant adolescent girls were concerned about their inability to access and utilize MCHI, thereby making them susceptible to maternal complications. Health educational interventions should prioritize both the adolescent girls and their families for proper support, especially since the reactions of families on the pregnancy of their adolescent girls often negatively affect accessibility and utilization of maternal and child health services. Moreover, further research on adolescents' needs during pregnancy should be expanded to include their parents, in order to better inform policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce T Shatilwe
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Khumbulani Hlongwana
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Memon ZA, Reale S, Ahmed W, Spencer R, Lashari TH, Bhutta Z, Soltani H. Effects of Integrating Family Planning With Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services on Uptake of Voluntary Modern Contraceptive Methods in Rural Pakistan: Protocol for a Quasi-experimental Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e35291. [PMID: 35258461 PMCID: PMC8941439 DOI: 10.2196/35291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The uptake of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) remains low, with 25% of women reporting their use in Pakistan. The overarching interventions covering service delivery platforms at facility and community levels necessitate the integration of family planning (FP) with maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services. Objective The main aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of an integrated FP-MNCH service delivery model to increase coverage of MCMs in rural Pakistan. Moreover, we aim to measure the level of effectiveness of interventions regarding the uptake of MCMs. Methods A quasi-experimental, sequential, mixed methods study design with pre- and postevaluation will be adopted to evaluate the impact of integration of FP with MNCH services. The interventions include the following: (1) capacity strengthening of health care providers, including technical trainings; training in counseling of women who attend immunization centers, antenatal care (ANC) clinics, and postnatal care (PNC) clinics; and provision of job aids; (2) counseling of women and girls attending ANC, PNC, and pediatric clinics; (3) ensuring sustained provision of supplies and commodities; (4) community engagement, including establishing adolescent-friendly spaces; and (5) use of District Health Information System data in decision-making. Descriptive statistics will be used to estimate prevalence (ie, proportions) and frequencies of outcome indicators. A univariate difference-in-difference analytical approach will be used to estimate the effect of the interventions. In addition, a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis will be conducted to identify and quantify determinants of the modern contraceptive prevalence rate. Results The intervention phase began in July 2021 and will run until June 2022. The impact assessment will be conducted from July to September 2022. Conclusions This project will evaluate the impact of integrating FP with MNCH services. Furthermore, this study will identify the drivers and barriers in uptake of MCMs and will simultaneously help in modifying the interventional strategies that can be scaled up through existing service delivery platforms within the public and private sectors, according to the local sociocultural and health system context. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05045599; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05045599 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35291
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Ali Memon
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Health Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Reale
- College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Wardah Ahmed
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rachael Spencer
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Zulfiqar Bhutta
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hora Soltani
- Health Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Zulu IZ, Zulu JM, Svanemyr J, Michelo C, Mutale W, Sandøy IF. Application of community dialogue approach to prevent adolescent pregnancy, early marriage and school dropout in Zambia: a case study. Reprod Health 2022; 19:30. [PMID: 35101082 PMCID: PMC8805275 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01335-8] [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: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent pregnancy carries both health and economic risks for the pregnant girl and resulting baby, and it is common in Zambia. Providing alternative methods of preventing early pregnancy than abstinence is regarded as culturally and religiously unacceptable in most parts of the country. The community dialogue approach is being tested to address norms and beliefs around early pregnancy, marriage and school dropout, and is based on Paulo Freire’s transformative communication approach. The objective of this paper was to understand parents’ perspectives on the application of the community dialogue approach in addressing adolescents’ early pregnancy and school dropout in a cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Zambia. Methods/design This was a case study design. We nested the study in the community dialogue intervention arm of the Research Initiative to Support the Empowerment of Girls trial in Zambia. Dialogue meetings were held and economic support was provided for a period of 27 months from September 2016 until November 2018. We held focus group discussions in November 2018 with guardians/parents in six schools in Chibombo District of Central Province. All the discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results The guardians/parents perceived the community dialogue to be a relevant approach for addressing social and cultural norms regarding early pregnancy, marriage and school dropout. It was embraced for its value in initiating individual and collective change. The facilitators’ interactive approach and dialogue in the community meetings coupled with the use of films and role plays with the parents, lead to active participation and open discussions about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics during the community dialogue meetings. Group interactions and sharing of experiences helped parents clarify their SRH values and subsequently made them feel able to communicate about SRH issues with their children. However, cultural and religious beliefs among the parents regarding some topics, like the use of condoms and contraceptives, complicated the delivery of reproductive health messages from the parents to their children. Conclusion The study indicated that the community dialogue was appreciated by the parents and helped in addressing cultural barriers to discussing SRH issues between generations. Adolescent pregnancy carries health and economic risks for the pregnant girl and her baby. However, many adolescent girls in Zambia become pregnant and this is partly due to social norms around fertility and marriage. Community dialogue meetings may be useful in order to discuss norms and beliefs around early pregnancy, marriage and school dropout and encourage reflection around cultural practices in the communities. A cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Zambia tested the effects of organizing community dialogue meetings and providing economic support for families with adolescent girls for a period of 27 months, from 2016 to 2018. The objective of this case study was to understand parents’ perspectives on the use of the community dialogue approach. Focus group discussions were held in November 2018 with guardians/parents in six schools in Chibombo District of Central Province. The guardians/parents perceived the community dialogue to be a relevant approach for addressing social and cultural norms regarding early pregnancy, marriage and school dropout. The facilitators’ interactive approach in the community meetings coupled with the use of films and role plays, lead to active participation and open discussions about sexual and reproductive health topics during the community dialogue meetings. Group interactions and sharing of experiences made the guardians feel able to communicate about sexual and reproductive health issues with their children. However, cultural and religious beliefs among the parents regarding the use of condoms and contraceptives made it difficult for them to touch upon this topic.
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From science to sustainable systems: Evidence based-decision making for adolescent fertility in Zambia. HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2021.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Nkole T, Silumbwe A, Munakampe MN, Cordero JP, Milford C, Zulu JM, Steyn PS. Community and health provider perspectives on the quality of family planning and contraceptive services in Kabwe District, Zambia. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2021; 29:1985945. [PMID: 34747352 PMCID: PMC8583990 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2021.1985945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Quality family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) services result in positive outcomes such as client satisfaction and sustained use of contraceptives. While most assessments of quality in FP/C services are based on measurable reproductive health outcomes, there is limited consideration of the perspectives and experiences of health providers and community members. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap, by exploring health providers’ and community perspectives on the elements of quality FP/C services in Kabwe district, Zambia. Fourteen focus group discussions and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted in October–December 2016, involving community members, key community stakeholders such as religious and political leaders, health committee members and frontline and managerial healthcare providers. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. According to study participants, quality FP/C services would include provision by skilled personnel with positive attitudes towards clients, availability of preferred methods and affordable products. Additional factors included appropriate infrastructure, especially counselling services spaces and adequate consultation time. Participants stressed the need for reduced waiting time and opportunity for self-expression. The efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery factors, such as information dissemination and community engagement, were also considered important elements of quality FP/C. This study underscores the value of considering both community and health provider perspectives in efforts to improve the quality of FP/C services, with the overall aim of increasing client satisfaction and sustained utilisation. However, service delivery processes must also be addressed in addition to providing for community participation, if quality is to be achieved in FP/C services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Nkole
- UPTAKE Local Principal Investigator, Gynaecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Adam Silumbwe
- UPTAKE Data Associate, Lecturer/Researcher, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia. Correspondence:
| | - Margarate N Munakampe
- UPTAKE Data Associate, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joanna Paula Cordero
- UPTAKE Coordinator, Researcher, UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Milford
- UPTAKE Qualitative Lead, Researcher, MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- UPTAKE Data Associate, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Petrus S Steyn
- UPTAKE Coordinator, Researcher, UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hair salons and stylist-client social relationships as facilitators of community-based contraceptive uptake in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a qualitative analysis. Reprod Health 2021; 18:178. [PMID: 34461925 PMCID: PMC8404311 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa faces a high burden of unmet contraceptive need, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Providing contraception in community-based venues may overcome barriers to contraceptive access. Our objective was to explore the potential impact of the social environment and stylist-client interactions on perceived accessibility of contraceptives within hair salons. METHODS We conducted 42 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with salon clients (100% identified as female, 100% identified as Black, median age 27.1 years) and 6 focus groups with 43 stylists (95% identified as female, 98% identified as Black, median age 29.6 years) in and around Umlazi Township, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal to explore perspectives on offering contraceptive services in hair salons. We used an inductive and deductive approach to generate the codebook, identified themes in the data, and then organized findings according to Rogers' Individual Adoption Model as applied to community-based health prevention programs. Twenty-five percent of transcripts were coded by two independent coders to ensure reliability. RESULTS We identified elements of the salon environment and stylist-client relationships as facilitators of and barriers to acceptability of salon-based contraceptive care. Factors that may facilitate perceived contraceptive accessibility in salons include: the anonymous, young, female-centered nature of salons; high trust and kinship within stylist-client interactions; and mutual investment of time. Stylists may further help clients build comprehension about contraceptives through training. Stylists and clients believe salon-based contraceptive delivery may be more accessible due to contraceptive need facilitating client buy-in for the program, as well as a salon environment in which clients may encourage other clients by voluntarily sharing their own contraceptive decisions. The non-judgmental nature of stylist-client relationships can empower clients to make contraceptive decisions, and stylists seek to support clients' continued use of contraceptives through various adherence and support strategies. Some stylists and clients identified existing social barriers (e.g. confidentiality concerns) and made recommendations to strengthen potential contraceptive delivery in salons. CONCLUSION Stylists and clients were highly receptive to contraceptive delivery in salons and identified several social facilitators as well as barriers within this setting. Hair salons are community venues with a social environment that may uniquely mitigate barriers to contraceptive access in South Africa.
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Rosen JG, Mulenga D, Phiri L, Okpara N, Brander C, Chelwa N, Mbizvo MT. "Burnt by the scorching sun": climate-induced livelihood transformations, reproductive health, and fertility trajectories in drought-affected communities of Zambia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1501. [PMID: 34344335 PMCID: PMC8335992 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Climate-induced disruptions like drought can destabilize household and community livelihoods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This qualitative study explores the impact of severe and prolonged droughts on gendered livelihood transitions, women’s social and financial wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in two Zambian provinces. Methods In September 2020, in-depth interviews (n = 20) and focus group discussions (n = 16) with 165 adult women and men in five drought-affected districts, as well as key informant interviews (n = 16) with civic leaders and healthcare providers, were conducted. A team-based thematic analysis approach, guided by the Framework Method, was used to code transcript text segments, facilitating identification and interpretation of salient thematic patterns. Results Across districts, participants emphasized the toll drought had taken on their livelihoods and communities, leaving farming households with reduced income and food, with many turning to alternative income sources. Female-headed households were perceived as particularly vulnerable to drought, as women’s breadwinning and caregiving responsibilities increased, especially in households where women’s partners out-migrated in search of employment prospects. As household incomes declined, women and girls’ vulnerabilities increased: young children increasingly entered the workforce, and young girls were married when families could not afford school fees and struggled to support them financially. With less income due to drought, many participants could not afford travel to health facilities or would resort to purchasing health commodities, including family planning, from private retail pharmacies when unavailable from government facilities. Most participants described changes in fertility intentions motivated by drought: women, in particular, expressed desires for smaller families, fearing drought would constrain their capacity to support larger families. While participants cited some ongoing activities in their communities to support climate change adaptation, most acknowledged current interventions were insufficient. Conclusions Drought highlighted persistent and unaddressed vulnerabilities in women, increasing demand for health services while shrinking household resources to access those services. Policy solutions are proposed to mitigate drought-induced challenges meaningfully and sustainably, and foster climate resilience.
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Some SYM, Pu C, Huang SL. Empowerment and use of modern contraceptive methods among married women in Burkina Faso: a multilevel analysis. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1498. [PMID: 34344339 PMCID: PMC8336087 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11541-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Burkina Faso, gender inequality prevents women from meeting their reproductive needs, leading to high rates of unintended pregnancies, abortions and deaths. Evidence shows that empowering women may increase the proportion of demand for family planning satisfied using modern methods (mDFPS), but few studies have measured this process in multiple spheres of life. We investigated how empowerment influences the mDFPS among married women of reproductive age (MWRA) in Burkina Faso. METHODS We analyzed data from the 2010 Burkina Faso Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) on 4714 MWRA with reproductive needs living in 573 communities. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and Cronbach's alpha test to explore and assess specific and consistently relevant components of women's agency in marital relationships. Aggregated measures at the cluster level were used to assess gender norms and relationships in communities. Descriptive statistics were performed and multilevel logistic regression models were carried out to concurrently gauge the effects of women's agency and community-level of gender equality on mDFPS, controlling for socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Overall, less than one-third (30.8%) of the demand for family planning among MWRA were satisfied with modern methods. Participation in household decision-making, freedom in accessing healthcare, and opposition to domestic violence were underlying components of women's agency in marital relationships. In the full model adjusted for socioeconomic status, freedom in accessing healthcare was significantly (aOR 1.27, CI 1.06-1.51) associated with mDFPS. For community-level variables, women's greater access to assets (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.13-2.61) and family planning messages (aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.64-4.36) increased mDFPS, while higher fertility expectations (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64-0.87) reduced it. Unexpectedly, women in communities with higher rates of female genital mutilation were more likely (aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.52-3.99) to have mDFPS. CONCLUSIONS Empowering women has the potential to reduce gender inequality, raise women's agency and increase mDFPS. This influence may occur through both balanced marital relationships and fair community gender norms and relationships. Progress toward universal access to reproductive services should integrate the promotion of women's rights. TRIAL REGISTRATION No clinical trial has been performed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Y. M. Some
- International Health Program, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- International Health Program, Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. 11221, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Christy Pu
- International Health Program, Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. 11221, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Song-Lih Huang
- International Health Program, Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. 11221, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Al-Sheyab NA, Al Nsour M, Khader YS, Yousif H, Alyahya MS, Taha H, Bardus M, Al Kattan M, Amiri M. Midwives and women's perspectives on family planning in Jordan: human rights, gender equity, decision-making and power dynamics. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07810. [PMID: 34458635 PMCID: PMC8379452 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explored midwives' and Jordanian and Syrian women's perceptions towards family planning (FP) counseling and the process of FP decision making mechanism to provide evidence for expanding the access and improving the quality and utilization of FP services in Jordan. METHODS Explorative qualitative study that purposively recruited 24 women for 4 focus group discussions (FDGs) and 17 midwives for in-depth interviews from two governorates in Jordan. The transcribed narratives were subjected to deductive content analysis. RESULTS Two themes were extracted from the narratives: The power dynamics in FP decision-making process and the barriers and motivators of FP decision making. The first theme was built on the perceived influence of gender equity and social pressures and gender-based violence on FP decision making. The second theme was constructed on the respondents' beliefs about reproductive health including FP as a human right and their perceptions of the obstacles and facilitators of FP Decision Making. Overall, husbands have an influential role, and perhaps the final say, in deciding whether to use FP services or not as well as the type of method to use. However, wives must initiate the family planning conversation with her husband and do so in a way that will be pleasing to the husband. Whether the husband agrees with the wife's idea to use family planning and gives her permission and funds for use, depends largely on her presentation of the idea, her husband's education level, and his personality. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed several relevant issues that play a role in Jordanian and Syrian women's decision to seek FP services. While cultural and social norms related to family planning and decision making continue to exert pressure on women, women have a deep interest in continuing to broaden their knowledge about family planning services. Engaging men and incorporating digital technology in family planning counselling has the potential to improve shared FP decision-making process among Jordanian couples and overcome some of the barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihaya A. Al-Sheyab
- Allied Medical Sciences, Department/Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box (3030), Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohannad Al Nsour
- Global Health Development (GHD), Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), 4 Abu Al Ataheya St. apt 5, Sport City, Amman, Jordan
| | - Yousef S. Khader
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine/ Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hind Yousif
- Global Health Development (GHD), Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), 4 Abu Al Ataheya St. apt 5, Sport City, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad S. Alyahya
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box (3030), Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hana Taha
- Global Health Development (GHD), Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), 4 Abu Al Ataheya St. apt 5, Sport City, Amman, Jordan
| | - Marco Bardus
- Department of Health Promotion & Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Van Dyck - Room 302, P.O. Box (11-0236), Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Malika Al Kattan
- Department of Health Promotion & Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Van Dyck - Room 302, P.O. Box (11-0236), Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Mirwais Amiri
- Global Health Development (GHD), Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), 4 Abu Al Ataheya St. apt 5, Sport City, Amman, Jordan
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Wasswa R, Kabagenyi A, Ariho P. Multilevel mixed effects analysis of individual and community level factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1457. [PMID: 34315436 PMCID: PMC8314485 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In spite of the universal right for women to decide freely for themselves when, and how many children they want to have in life, married women in Uganda are less likely to use modern contraceptives as compared to other marital categories. This study examines the individual and community factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda. Methods The study used data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey which comprised of 8671 married women aged 15–49 years who were fecund and non-pregnant at the time of the survey. Analysis was done using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Results Findings showed that married women who were; Muslims (AOR = 0.78, CI = 0.66–0.91), had more than five children (AOR = 0.76, CI = 0.61–0.98), staying in communities with high poverty (AOR = 0.78, CI = 0.65–0.93), with older age at first birth (AOR = 0.94, CI = 0.92–0.96) as well as having spousal age difference of more than 9 years (AOR = 0.86, CI = 0.76–0.98) were associated with low modern contraceptive use. Women living in communities with higher age at first marriage (AOR = 0.93, CI = 0.88–0.98) or higher sexual debut (AOR = 0.91, CI = 0.85–0.98) were also associated with reduced odds of modern contraception. In addition, older women (AOR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.04), having secondary/higher education (AOR = 1.93, CI = 1.58–2.37), living in a rich household (AOR = 1.32, CI = 1.14–1.53), short distance to health facility (AOR = 1.18, CI = 1.06–1.31), high community education (AOR = 1.38, CI = 1.17–1.62), high community exposure to family planning messages (AOR = 1.24, CI = 1.08–1.42), and communities with high proportion of women working (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.06–1.39) were more likely to use modern contraceptives. Conclusion The study revealed that both individual and community factors were important in explaining the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda. Therefore, there is need to invest in community based programs like: family planning outreach services, mass media campaigns and community mobilization activities to help in dissemination of family planning information, increase awareness and promotion in use of modern contraceptives. Also, expansion of higher education and the need to make family planning services available and accessible to areas with limited physical access to health facilities will lead to sustained increase in uptake of modern contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Wasswa
- Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science, School of Statistics & Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Allen Kabagenyi
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics & Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paulino Ariho
- Department of Sociology and Social Administration, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box 1, Kampala, Uganda
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Shatilwe JT, Kuupiel D, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Evidence on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries: Scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251633. [PMID: 34086686 PMCID: PMC8177524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A majority of women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not able to access healthcare information due to different factors. This scoping review aimed to map the literature on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in LMICs. Methods The literature search was conducted through the following databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic search complete, CINAHL with full text, MEDLINE with full text, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO), Emerald, Embase, published and peer-reviewed journals, organizational projects, reference lists, and grey literature. Results A total of 377 457 articles were identified from all the databases searched. Of these, four articles met inclusion criteria after full article screening and were included for data extraction. The themes that emerged from our study are as follows: accessibility, financial accessibility/affordability, connectivity, and challenges. This study demonstrated that there are minimal interventions that enable women of reproductive age to access healthcare information in terms of accessibility, financial accessibility, and connectivity. Conclusion The findings of the study revealed poor access and utilization of healthcare information by women of reproductive age. We, therefore, recommend primary studies in other LMICs to determine the accessibility, financial accessibility, connectivity, and challenges faced by women of reproductive age in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Twahafifwa Shatilwe
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Desmond Kuupiel
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Bhatt N, Bhatt B, Neupane B, Karki A, Bhatta T, Thapa J, Basnet LB, Budhathoki SS. Perceptions of family planning services and its key barriers among adolescents and young people in Eastern Nepal: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252184. [PMID: 34038439 PMCID: PMC8153486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family planning methods are used to promote safer sexual practices, reduce unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortion, and control population. Young people aged 15-24 years belong to a key reproductive age group. However, little is known about their engagement with the family planning services in Nepal. Our study aimed to identify the perceptions of and barriers to the use of family planning among youth in Nepal. METHODS A qualitative explorative study was done among adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years from the Hattimuda village in eastern Nepal. Six focus group discussions and 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with both male and female participants in the community using a maximum variation sampling method. Data were analyzed using a thematic framework approach. RESULTS Many individuals were aware that family planning measures postpone pregnancy. However, some young participants were not fully aware of the available family planning services. Some married couples who preferred 'birth spacing' received negative judgments from their family members for not starting a family. The perceived barriers to the use of family planning included lack of knowledge about family planning use, fear of side effects of modern family planning methods, lack of access/affordability due to familial and religious beliefs/myths/misconceptions. On an individual level, some couples' timid nature also negatively influenced the uptake of family planning measures. CONCLUSION Women predominantly take the responsibility for using family planning measures in male-dominated decision-making societies. Moreover, young men feel that the current family planning programs have very little space for men to engage even if they were willing to participate. Communication in the community and in between the couples seem to be influenced by the presence of strong societal and cultural norms and practices. These practices seem to affect family planning related teaching at schools as well. This research shows that both young men and women are keen on getting involved with initiatives and campaigns for supporting local governments in strengthening the family planning programs in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navin Bhatt
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Bandana Bhatt
- Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bandana Neupane
- Nepal Health Sector Support Programme (NHSSP)/DFID/Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ashmita Karki
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Tribhuwan Bhatta
- Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Jeevan Thapa
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Lila Bahadur Basnet
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Shyam Sundar Budhathoki
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Rouncivell L, Takuva S, Ledibane N, Musekiwa A, Leong TD. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:840-861. [PMID: 33848393 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13586] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods among healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA method. Two authors independently searched three electronic databases for studies published between 2000 and January 2020 reporting on the KAP of LARC methods among HCWs in SSA. Titles and abstracts were screened against eligibility criteria, data were extracted and the included studies were assessed for risk of bias. A meta-analysis of proportions for 11 pre-determined questions relating to LARC KAP was performed. Heterogeneity was explored using the I2 -statistic and publication bias investigated using funnel plots and Egger's tests. RESULTS Twenty-two studies comprising 11,272 HCWs from 11 SSA countries were included. 50% (95% CI: 34%, 67%) of HCWs had received intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion training while 63% (95% CI: 44%, 81%) expressed a desire for training. Only 27% (95% CI: 18%, 36%) deemed IUCD appropriate for HIV-infected women. Restrictions for IUCD and injectables based on a minimum age were imposed by 56% (95% CI: 33%, 78%) and 60% (95% CI: 36%, 84%), respectively. Minimum parity restrictions were observed among 29% (95% CI: 9%, 50%) of HCWs for IUCDs and 36% (95% CI: 16%, 56%) for injectable contraceptives. Heterogeneity was high and publication bias was present in two of the 11 questions. CONCLUSION The systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that unnecessary provider-imposed restrictions may hinder the uptake of LARC methods by women in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rouncivell
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Simbarashe Takuva
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neo Ledibane
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alfred Musekiwa
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Trudy D Leong
- Essential Drugs Programme, National Department of Health, Affordable Medicines Directorate, Pretoria, South Africa
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Kalyesubula R, Pardo JM, Yeh S, Munana R, Weswa I, Adducci J, Nassali F, Tefferi M, Mundaka J, Burrowes S. Youths' perceptions of community health workers' delivery of family planning services: a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study in Nakaseke District, Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:666. [PMID: 33827502 PMCID: PMC8028711 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10695-y] [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: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of unintended adolescent pregnancy are a significant health problem in Uganda. To improve access to family planning (FP) services, community-based Village Health Teams (VHTs) are widely employed in Uganda to deliver education and services. However, evaluations of FP programs suggest that mainly older, married women use VHT FP services. METHODS To better understand youth reluctance to use VHTs, we collected quantitative FP and contraceptive-seeking behavior data from a survey of 250 youths aged 15-25 in randomly selected households in Nakaseke District, which we triangulated with data from 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 15). RESULTS Most respondents received FP services from the formal health sector, not VHTs. Only half had talked to a VHT, but 65% knew that VHTs provide free FP services, and most (82%) felt comfortable talking to VHTs about FP. The main reasons for discomfort were fear that VHTs would violate privacy (mentioned by 60% of those not comfortable), that VHTs would talk to parents (33%), shyness (mentioned by 42% of those ≤18), and fear of being judged (14%). Concern about side effects was the most common reason for not using FP methods. Survey respondents said having VHTs of the same sex was important, particularly those in the youngest age group (OR = 4.45; 95%CI: 1.24, 16.00) and those who were unmarried (OR = 5.02; 95%CI: 2.42, 10.39). However, FGD participants (who were older than survey respondents on average) often preferred older VHTs of the opposite sex, whom they viewed as more professional and trustworthy. Respondents said the primary deciding factors for using VHTs were whether privacy would be respected, the proximity of care, and the respectfulness of care. CONCLUSIONS VHTs are a known source of FP services but not widely used by youth due to privacy and quality of care concerns. VHT messaging and training should increase focus on ensuring privacy, protecting confidentiality, providing respectful care, and addressing concerns about contraceptive side effects. Preferences for VHTs of similar age and sex may be more important for younger adolescents than older youths for whom quality concerns predominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kalyesubula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Richard Munana
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Weswa
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | | | - Faith Nassali
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | | | - John Mundaka
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
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Ahinkorah BO, Hagan JE, Seidu AA, Hormenu T, Otoo JE, Budu E, Schack T. Linking Female Adolescents' Knowledge, Attitudes and Use of Contraceptives to Adolescent Pregnancy in Ghana: A Baseline Data for Developing Sexuality Education Programmes. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9030272. [PMID: 33802398 PMCID: PMC8001720 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Nearly one out of ten Ghanaian female adolescents aged 15–19 has experienced childbearing in urban settlements compared to twice this number in the rural populations due to unintended pregnancies. This study assessed the linkages between knowledge, attitudes, and use of contraceptives and adolescent pregnancy in one of the highly affected Municipalities (i.e., Komenda-Edina-Eguafo Abrem [KEEA]) in Ghana. (2) Methods: Employing a facility-based sampling method, 378 female adolescents aged 15–19 were selected. Unadjusted odds ratio (uOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values were used for significant variables at p < 0.05. (3) Results: Pregnant adolescents were 2 times more likely to indicate that the procedure of procuring contraceptives is quite uncomfortable (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI = [1.29–4.55]; p = 0.006). Also, pregnant adolescents were 5 times more likely to have ever used traditional contraceptive methods than their non-pregnant counterparts (aOR = 5.02, 95% CI = [2.60–9.71]; p < 0.001). On the contrary, pregnant adolescents had lower odds of indicating that contraceptives are for only married people (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI = [0.20–0.70]; p = 0.002) and that it feels bad to receive contraceptive information from parents and relatives than non-pregnant adolescents (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.24–0.74]; p = 0.003). Pregnant adolescents were less likely to use modern contraceptives than their non-pregnant adolescents (aOR = 0.18, 95% CI = [0.11–0.31]; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The findings indicate that female adolescents’ use of traditional contraceptives is associated with the risk of pregnancy in KEEA Municipality within the Central Region of Ghana. However, adolescents who had the perception that contraceptives are for married people and those who used modern contraceptives were less likely to get pregnant. Government and non-governmental organizations in Ghana should implement educational policies and programmes aimed at educating sexually-active female adolescents on modern contraceptives and the need to use them to prevent pregnancies. The basis for such policies and programmes should be based on evidence that compared to traditional contraceptives, modern contraceptives are more effective. In addition, there is the need to provide accurate information regarding the use of contraceptives to adolescents that will help change their attitudes towards the use of contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - John Elvis Hagan
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, PMB TF0494, Cape Coast, Ghana;
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Bielefeld University, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, PMB TF0494, Cape Coast, Ghana; (A.-A.S.); (E.B.)
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Thomas Hormenu
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, PMB TF0494, Cape Coast, Ghana;
| | - John Ekow Otoo
- Bono Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, P. O. Box 145, Sunyani, Ghana;
| | - Eugene Budu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, PMB TF0494, Cape Coast, Ghana; (A.-A.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Thomas Schack
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Bielefeld University, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany;
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El Weshahi HMT, Galal AF, Sultan EA. Providers' perspectives of socio-cultural and health service challenges related to postpartum family planning in Alexandria, Egypt. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2021; 96:5. [PMID: 33595785 PMCID: PMC7889777 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-020-00066-7] [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] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Postpartum family planning (PPFP) focuses on prevention of unintended pregnancy and closely spaced pregnancies through the first 12 months following childbirth. Adoption of family planning during the postpartum period in Egypt faces unique challenges. This study aimed to explore the socio-cultural and health service challenges related to PPFP in Alexandria, Egypt, from perspectives of family planning providers working in public settings. Methods Three focus group discussions were conducted in the period from May to July 2017. It included 32 family planning physicians working in the family health centers and maternal and child health centers in Alexandria for 3 years or more. A discussion guide was prepared. Analysis of data was done using thematic data analysis using a deductive approach. Results The working experience of participants ranged from 3 to 30 years. The most frequently reported reasons for unmet need for PPFP were cultural norms about the contraceptive effects of lactation and inaccurate knowledge of women about the conditions for appropriate use of the lactation amenorrhea as a contraceptive method. The most commonly cited challenge related to the quality of service was the inadequate health education services about PPFP. Lack of training and supervision of community health workers was one of the underlying causes of the perceived inadequacy of the service. Conclusions Mass media campaigns advocating for family planning are urgently needed with full support from the government. Improvement of health education services is a must. Redistribution of family planning providers with an increase in the staff members is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Fawzy Galal
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman Anwar Sultan
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Hoyt J, Krishnaratne S, Hamon JK, Boudarene L, Chantler T, Demissie SD, Landegger J, Moseti E, Marcus S, Kambanje M, Pryor S, Spilotros N, Gnintoungbe M, Curry D, Webster J. "As a woman who watches how my family is… I take the difficult decisions": a qualitative study on integrated family planning and childhood immunisation services in five African countries. Reprod Health 2021; 18:41. [PMID: 33588879 PMCID: PMC7885443 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family planning (FP) has the potential to improve maternal and child health outcomes and to reduce poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. However, substantial unmet need for modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) persists in this region. Current literature highlights multi-level barriers, including socio-cultural norms that discourage the use of MCMs. This paper explores women’s choices and decision-making around MCM use and examines whether integrating FP services with childhood immunisations influenced women’s perceptions of, and decision to use, an MCM. Methods 94 semi-structured interviews and 21 focus group discussions with women, health providers, and community members (N = 253) were conducted in health facilities and outreach clinics where an intervention was delivering integrated FP and childhood immunisation services in Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda. Data were coded using Nvivo software and an analytical framework was developed to support interpretative and thematic analyses on women’s decision-making about MCM use. Results Most women shared the reproductive desire to space or limit births because of the perceived benefits of improved health and welfare for themselves and for their children, including the economic advantages. For some, choices about MCM use were restricted because of wider societal influences. Women’s decision to use MCMs was driven by their reproductive desires, but for some that was stymied by fears of side effects, community stigma, and disapproving husbands, which led to clandestine MCM use. Health providers acknowledged that women understood the benefits of using MCMs, but highlighted that the wider socio-cultural norms of their community often contributed to a reluctance to use them. Integration of FP and childhood immunisation services provided repeat opportunities for health providers to counter misinformation and it improved access to MCMs, including for women who needed to use them covertly. Conclusions Some women chose to use MCMs without the approval of their husbands, and/or despite cultural norms, because of the perceived health and economic benefits for themselves and for their families, and because they lived with the consequences of short birth intervals and large families. Integrated FP and childhood immunisation services expanded women’s choices about MCM use and created opportunities for women to make decisions autonomously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Hoyt
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Shari Krishnaratne
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jessie K Hamon
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lydia Boudarene
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tracey Chantler
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jayne Webster
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Imtishal M, Mohammadnezhad M. Male partners and medical staff's perception on contributing factors of Family Planning (FP) in Fiji. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06068. [PMID: 33537491 PMCID: PMC7840856 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Male partners play an important role in Family Planning (FP) as they are directly involved in the decision making of FP with their partners. Medical staff are also involved with FP services that have a direct relation to usage of FP among the men and women. This study is aimed to explore the perception of male partners and the medical staff about factors affecting FP decision in Fiji. Materials and methods The qualitative study was carried out among men who were partners of the pregnant women, and medical staff at Ba Mission Hospital (BMH), Fiji in 2019. The study utilised semi-structured questionnaire to guide four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among 10 male partners and 10 medical staff. Interview was audio transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Result The common themes identified from the male interviews were the opposition of male partners, religious norms and cultural beliefs, accessibility of contraception, and previous FP failure. The common themes identified from the medical staff interviews were; effectiveness of counseling, concerns on men involvement in FP, and barriers towards FP. Conclusion This study reveals the need for better counseling, more awareness on FP for men and more involvement of men by the medical staff in FP practices.
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Makwinja AK, Maida ZM, Nyondo-Mipando AL. Delivery strategies for optimizing uptake of contraceptives among adolescents aged 15-19 years in Nsanje District, Malawi. Reprod Health 2021; 18:15. [PMID: 33472646 PMCID: PMC7818728 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-01065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite documented benefits of contraceptives, uptake among young people aged 20–24 years is high compared to adolescents aged 15–19 years in Malawi. As the world’s population of 15–19-year-olds continues to grow the need to meet the increasing demand for contraceptive services and information that address adolescent-specific needs cannot be underestimated. To inform Sexual and Reproductive health services for the youth, we explored strategies for optimizing uptake of contraceptives among this age group. Methods An exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Nsanje District Hospital and Nyamadzere Community Day Secondary School guided by Social-Ecological Framework to understand strategies that may optimize the uptake of contraceptives among adolescents aged 15–19. Nsanje district was purposively selected based on the reason that it is the second district in Malawi with the highest rate of adolescent childbearing of girls aged 15–19 years. We conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 9 traditional leaders, 11 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with health workers, 20 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with 12 adolescents, 4 teachers, and 4 parents. All data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim into English. The data was analyzed and managed using deductive thematic analysis guided by Social-Ecological Framework. Results Adolescents suggested accessing contraceptives from local drug stores, pharmacies and hospitals at a health system level and through Youth Centres, clubs, and corners at a Community level. There is a need to ensure a continuous supply of various kinds of contraceptives and the presence of youth-friendly health care workers in the specified areas. Conclusion There is no one way of delivering contraceptives to adolescents. Multiple avenues existent at the health facility and community could be leveraged to optimize delivery and uptake of contraceptives in a manner that is not intimidating to an adolescent while involving key stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kondaine Makwinja
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi. .,College of Medicine, African Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine (ACEPHEM), University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi. .,Medecins Sans Frontieres-Belgium Malawi Mission, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | | | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
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Zuniga C, Wollum A, Grindlay K, Douglas-Durham E, Higgins S, Barr-Walker J, Blanchard K. The impacts of contraceptive stock-outs on users, providers, and facilities: A systematic literature review. Glob Public Health 2020; 17:83-99. [PMID: 33253043 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1850829] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Contraceptive stock-outs are a world-wide problem, yet published research on the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs have not been comprehensively reviewed and synthesised. This systematic review highlights findings about the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs on users, providers, and facilities and identifies topics that should be explored to ensure everyone can access their preferred method of contraception. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Popline, and JSTOR for studies addressing the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs. Of 435 studies, 25 publications addressed the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs. Only two articles focused solely on contraceptive stock-outs; the remaining studies examined stock-outs alongside other factors that may influence contraceptive service provision. Studies discussed how stock-outs limited individuals' ability to use their preferred contraceptive method, influenced where contraceptive methods were obtained and how much they cost, and limited providers' and facilities' abilities to provide contraceptive care. Comparing the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs across studies was challenging, as reliability of stock was sometimes not distinguished from overall method availability, and studies used variable methods to measure stock-outs. Evidence presented in this review can inform efforts to ensure that preferred contraceptive methods are consistently available and accessible to all.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jill Barr-Walker
- ZSFG Library, University of California, San Francisco, MA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, MA, USA
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Getaneh T, Negesse A, Dessie G, Desta M, Moltot T. Predictors of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia 2019: a systematic review and meta analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 78:102. [PMID: 33088503 PMCID: PMC7566059 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-020-00483-2] [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: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background unmet need for family planning is a common cause of uninteded pregnancy which mostly end up with abortion. Many studies were conducted on predictors of unmet need of family planning in Ethiopia. But, up until now, single evidence has not been synthesized and various point prevalence estimates of unmet need for family planning have been reported. Therefore, this sytematic review and meta analysis was established to identify the predictors of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia. Methods search engines including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, HINARI portal, and Cochrane Library were used to retrieve included articles and reported using the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA) checklist guidelines. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was applied for critical appraisal. All observational studies done on reproductive age women and reported on unmet need for family planning were included. Unmet need for family planning is the percentage of women of reproductive age, either married or in a union, who have an unmet need for family planning to stop or delay childbearing. Random effect model was done to estimate the pooled prevalence of unmet need for family planning. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was considered to determine the association of identified variables with unmet need of family planning. Cochran’s Q statistic, Egger’s and Begg’s test were carried out to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. Results Fifteen articles and 17, 585 reproductive aged women were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of unmet need for family planning and its predictors in Ethiopia. The prevalence of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia ranges from 26.52 to 36.39%. Age at first marriage < 18 yrs. with OR = 2.3 (95% CI: 1.08, 4.87), women with no formal education with OR = 1.9 (95%CI: 1.19, 3.04), partner with no formal education with OR = 1.78 (95%CI: 1.18, 2.68) and absence of discussion with their partner about family planning with OR = 3.52 (95%CI, 2.56, 4.87) were predictors of unmet need of family planning in Ethiopia. Conclusion This meta analysis revealed that, the prevalence of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia was high as compared with the United Nations sphere standard of unmet need for planning, considered to be high if it is greater than 25%. Early marriage, no formal eduaction and lack of discussion with partner on family planning were predictors of unmet need for family planning. Therefore, efforts are needed to empower women through eduaction, avoiding early marriage and facilitating dicussion of partners about family planning in order to improve family planning usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen Getaneh
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Negesse
- Department of Human Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.,Center of excellence in Human Nutrition, School of Human Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Getenet Dessie
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Desta
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tebabere Moltot
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Silumbwe A, Nkole T, Munakampe MN, Cordero JP, Milford C, Zulu JM, Steyn PS. Facilitating community participation in family planning and contraceptive services provision and uptake: community and health provider perspectives. Reprod Health 2020; 17:119. [PMID: 32771028 PMCID: PMC7414747 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-00968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although community participation has been identified as being important for improved and sustained health outcomes, designing and successfully implementing it in large scale public health programmes, including family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) service provision, remains challenging. Zambian participants in a multi-country project (the UPTAKE project) took part in the development of an intervention involving community and healthcare provider participation in FP/C services provision and uptake. This study reports key thematic areas identified by the study participants as critical to facilitating community participation in this intervention. METHODS This was an exploratory qualitative research study, conducted in Kabwe District, Central Province, in 2017. Twelve focus group discussions were conducted with community members (n = 114), two with healthcare providers (n = 19), and ten in-depth interviews with key community and health sector stakeholders. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Four thematic categories were identified by the participants as critical to facilitating community participation in FP/C services. Firstly, accountability in the recruitment of community participants and incorporation of community feedback in FP/C. programming. Secondly, engagement of existing community resources and structures in FP/C services provision. Thirdly, building trust in FP/C methods/services through credible community-based distributors and promotion of appropriate FP/C methods/services. Fourthly, promoting strategies that address structural failures, such as the feminisation of FP/C services and the lack FP/C services that are responsive to adolescent needs. CONCLUSIONS Understanding and considering community members' and healthcare providers' views regarding contextualized and locally relevant participatory approaches, facilitators and challenges to participation, could improve the design, implementation and success of participatory public health programmes, including FP/C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Silumbwe
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Theresa Nkole
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Margarate N. Munakampe
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joanna Paula Cordero
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) and Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH), Geneva, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Petrus S. Steyn
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) and Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH), Geneva, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ooms GI, Kibira D, Reed T, van den Ham HA, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, Buckland-Merrett G. Access to sexual and reproductive health commodities in East and Southern Africa: a cross-country comparison of availability, affordability and stock-outs in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1053. [PMID: 32620159 PMCID: PMC7333276 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09155-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to sexual and reproductive health services continues to be a public health concern in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia: use of modern contraceptives is low, and unmet family planning needs and maternal mortality remain high. This study is an assessment of the availability, affordability and stock-outs of essential sexual and reproductive health commodities (SRHC) in these countries to inform interventions to improve access. METHODS The study consisted of an adaptation of the World Health Organization/Health Action International methodology, Measuring Medicine Prices, Availability, Affordability and Price Components. Price, availability and stock-out data was collected in July 2019 for over fifty lowest-priced SRHC from public, private and private not-for-profit health facilities in Kenya (n = 221), Tanzania (n = 373), Uganda (n = 146) and Zambia (n = 245). Affordability was calculated using the wage of a lowest-paid government worker. Accessibility was illustrated by combining the availability (≥ 80%) and affordability (less than 1 day's wage) measures. RESULTS Overall availability of SRHC was low at less than 50% in all sectors, areas and countries, with highest mean availability found in Kenyan public facilities (46.6%). Stock-outs were common; the average number of stock-out days per month ranged from 3 days in Kenya's private and private not-for-profit sectors, to 12 days in Zambia's public sector. In the public sectors of Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, as well as in Zambia's private not-for-profit sector, all SRHC were free for the patient. In the other sectors unaffordability ranged from 2 to 9 SRHC being unaffordable, with magnesium sulphate being especially unaffordable in the countries. Accessibility was low across the countries, with Kenya's and Zambia's public sectors having six SRHC that met the accessibility threshold, while the private sector of Uganda had only one SRHC meeting the threshold. CONCLUSIONS Accessibility of SRHC remains a challenge. Low availability of SRHC in the public sector is compounded by regular stock-outs, forcing patients to seek care in other sectors where there are availability and affordability challenges. Health system strengthening is needed to ensure access, and these findings should be used by national governments to identify the gaps and shortcomings in their supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby I Ooms
- Health Action International, Overtoom 60-2, 1054, HK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Denis Kibira
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tim Reed
- Health Action International, Overtoom 60-2, 1054, HK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrika A van den Ham
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Shifti DM, Chojenta C, G. Holliday E, Loxton D. Individual and community level determinants of short birth interval in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227798. [PMID: 31935262 PMCID: PMC6959604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 33 months between two consecutive live births to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, determinants of short birth interval have not been well understood in Ethiopia. Objective The aim of this study was to assess individual- and community-level determinants of short birth interval among women in Ethiopia. Methods A detailed analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data was performed. A total of 8,448 women were included in the analysis. A two-level multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated individual- and community-level factors and estimate between-community variance. Results At the individual-level, women aged between 20 and 24 years at first marriage (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.18–1.60), women aged between 25 and 29 years at first marriage (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.20–2.25), having a husband who attended higher education (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.01–1.73), being unemployed (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03–1.31), having an unemployed husband (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.45), being in the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.39–2.39), being in the poorer wealth quintile (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21–2.06), being in the middle wealth quintile (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.24–2.10), being in the richer wealth quintile (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.19–2.00), increased total number of children born before the index child (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–1.10) and death of the preceding child (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.59–2.45) were associated with increased odds of short birth interval. At the community-level, living in a pastoralist region (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.68–2.39), being a city dweller (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.38–2.22), high community-level female illiteracy (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05–1.45) and increased distance to health facilities (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11–1.56) were associated with higher odds of experiencing short birth interval. Random effects showed significant variation in short birth interval between communities. Conclusion Determinants of short birth interval are varied and complex. Multifaceted intervention approaches supported by policy initiatives are required to prevent short birth interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalegn Markos Shifti
- Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Catherine Chojenta
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Holliday
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Loxton
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Adedze M, Osei-Yeboah R. Underuse of modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa: are there implications for sustainable development and climate change? A review of the literature. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2019; 24:314-318. [DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2019.1618448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Adedze
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard Osei-Yeboah
- Division of Computational Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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