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Nyalela M, Dlungwane T. Using the Nominal Group Technique to Inform Approaches for Enhancing Men's Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:711. [PMID: 38928957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services' underutilization by men remains a global public health challenge. SRH problems constitute major health challenges in that they form almost one-seventh of the disease burden and contribute to higher and earlier morbidity among men. We, therefore, invited subject matter experts to collaborate in co-creating intervention strategies to enhance men's utilization of SRH services. We employed the nominal group technique (NGT) for data collection. The NGT is a structured method that involves gathering a group of people to discuss a problem for the purpose of achieving a group consensus and planning actions for the selected problem. The participants who were purposively sampled included researchers, scientists, academics, clinicians, and policymakers. The participants suggested the need to improve men's knowledge, provide healthcare resources such as equipment, medical supplies, and SRH-trained male healthcare workers, deal with healthcare workers' negative attitudes through training and capacitation, and destigmatize socially constructed gender norms that deter men from seeking medical help. These important intervention strategies can be implemented to encourage men's use of SRH services. Men's current underutilization of SRH services requires the urgent implementation of evidence-based interventions. Collaborating with SRH experts in identifying appropriate intervention strategies can assist program managers and policymakers in designing SRH services tailored to men's sexual health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mpumelelo Nyalela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Dlungwane
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
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Hellwig F, Moreira LR, Silveira MF, Vieira CS, Rios-Quituizaca PB, Masabanda M, Serucaca J, Rudasingwa S, Nyandwi A, Mulu S, Rashad H, Barros AJD. Policies for expanding family planning coverage: lessons from five successful countries. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1339725. [PMID: 38808004 PMCID: PMC11131167 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1339725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Enhancing the design of family planning interventions is crucial for promoting gender equality and improving maternal and child health outcomes. We identified, critically appraised, and synthesized policies and strategies from five selected countries that successfully increased family planning coverage. Methods We conducted a policy analysis through a scoping review and document search, focusing on documents published from 1950 to 2023 that examined or assessed policies aimed at enhancing family planning coverage in Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. A search was conducted through PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Government documents and conference proceedings were also critically analyzed. National health surveys were analyzed to estimate time trends in demand for family planning satisfied by modern methods (mDFPS) at the national level and by wealth. Changes in the method mix were also assessed. The findings of the studies were presented in a narrative synthesis. Findings We selected 231 studies, in which 196 policies were identified. All countries started to endorse family planning in the 1960s, with the number of identified policies ranging between 21 in Ecuador and 52 in Ethiopia. Most of the policies exclusively targeted women and were related to supplying contraceptives and enhancing the quality of the services. Little focus was found on monitoring and evaluation of the policies implemented. Conclusion Among the five selected countries, a multitude of actions were happening simultaneously, each with its own vigor and enthusiasm. Our findings highlight that these five countries were successful in increasing family planning coverage by implementing broader multi-sectoral policies and considering the diverse needs of the population, as well as the specific contextual factors at play. Successful policies require a nuanced consideration of how these policies align with each culture's framework, recognizing that both sociocultural norms and the impact of past public policies shape the current state of family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Hellwig
- International Center for Equity in Health, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alypio Nyandwi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Hoda Rashad
- Social Research Center, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aluísio J. D. Barros
- International Center for Equity in Health, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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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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Sibande GC, Malapela RG. Factors influencing the utilisation of Youth Friendly Health Services in Blantyre, Malawi. Health SA 2024; 29:2411. [PMID: 38628229 PMCID: PMC11019059 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2411] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Usage of Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHSs) remains unsatisfactory in sub-Saharan Africa despite global agreements on the utilisation of these services among the youths. Aim The aim of the study was to identify factors that influence the utilisation of YFHSs in Blantyre, Malawi. Setting Four health centres in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods A descriptive quantitative research design using multistage sampling was used to randomly sample (N = 293) unmarried youths and collect data using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using a computerised statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Chi-square (χ²) was used to test the significance of the association between variables, and the p-value (p < 0.05) was considered significant. Regression analysis was used to examine the influence of independent variables on the utilisation of the services. Results Less than half of the respondents have ever accessed YFHSs (43%). The Chi-square test showed that the following variables had a significant association with utilisation of the services (p < 0.05): gender, age, knowledge, signage, printed health education materials, provider attitudes and being shy or fear of being seen at the services. Conclusion Age, knowledge, signpost, printed health education materials, provider attitudes and being shy or fear of being seen at the YFHSs are factors that influenced the utilisation of the services. Working on these factors would help to increase utilisation. Contribution The study findings will help to fill the gap in the provision of YFHSs and thus increase utilisation of the services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace C Sibande
- Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rakgadi G Malapela
- Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Hussein J, Gobena T, Gashaw T. The practice of menstrual hygiene management and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia: The need for water, sanitation, and hygiene support. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455057221087871. [PMID: 35323073 PMCID: PMC8958694 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221087871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During menstruation, school girls face obstacles connected to menstrual hygiene management in schools. Due to their monthly period, up to 20% of girls miss school globally, and one in ten will drop out entirely. Three hundred thirty-five million girls attended school without access to running water or soap. In Ethiopia, 67% of girls have no access to education on puberty and menstrual health; menstrual hygiene management continues to be one of the major problems among school girls. Thus, context-specific assessment of the practice may be useful in developing customized intervention approaches. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess practices of menstrual hygiene management and associated determinants among secondary school girls in East Hararghe, Ethiopia from 1 to 30 December 2020. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken with 486 randomly selected female students. Data were collected by pretested self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistical tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to describe the study variables and to examine the association. Statistical package for social science version 23 was used for data analysis, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered as a cut-off point for statistical significance. RESULTS Of the total, 328 (68%) of the study participants practiced appropriate menstrual hygiene. Besides, 350 (72.6%) had a good level of understanding about menstrual hygiene. A higher level of knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.28, 3.53), a greater wealth indexed family (adjusted odds ratio = 7.14, 95% confidence interval = 3.98, 12.88), earning permanent pocket money (adjusted odds ratio = 0.495, 95% confidence interval = 0.299, 0.821), and being in grade level (11-12) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.75, 4.501) were significant predictors of the good menstrual hygiene practice. CONCLUSION One-third of the school girls had poor menstrual hygiene practices which may affect their school performance and the reproductive health. Hence, tailored menstrual hygiene information should be given to school girls and parents. Besides, efforts ought to be made for the provision of affordable sanitary materials in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tesfaye Gobena
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Gashaw
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Sidamo NB, Gidebo KD, Wado YD, Abebe A, Meskele M. Exploring Providers' Perception Towards Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Unmarried Adolescents in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4883-4895. [PMID: 34908886 PMCID: PMC8665773 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s334611] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare providers play a critical role in the provision of sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents. In Ethiopia, due to different reasons, including healthcare providers associated reasons, most unmarried adolescents are not accessing the services. However, little is known about healthcare providers’ perception towards the provision of SRH services for unmarried adolescents. This study aimed to explore healthcare provider perception towards the provision of SRH services to unmarried adolescents in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A qualitative phenomenological research design was used in May 2021. Fifteen healthcare providers (HCPs) working in adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health centers were involved in this study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select healthcare providers assuming they are “information-rich” regarding the phenomenon of interest. Inclusion of the study participants was continued until data saturation is reached. To analyze the data, we used inductive thematic analysis, method, and main themes, which captured the diverse views and feelings of the participants. To maintain the trustworthiness of the data, we used dependability, transferability, conformability, and credibility. Results In this study, individual-level attributes such as healthcare provider’s personal belief, attitude, and motivation; community-level influences like socio-cultural norms, religious reasons, and lack of parental support; and health system setbacks like shortage of essential medical supplies and lack of training are identified as major obstacles in the provision of sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents. Conclusion Provision of sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents is constrained by the interplay of factors acting at an individual level, community level, and health system level. The Ministry of Health (MOH), program planners and policymakers are recommended to give due attention to fulfill the necessary inputs, improving healthcare provider’s attitude and skill and engagement of religious and community leaders to create a safe and supportive environment for providing sexual and reproductive health services to unmarried adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigussie Boti Sidamo
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.,Department of Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.,Department of Public Health, PHARMA College Wolaita Sodo Campus, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kassa Daka Gidebo
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | | | - Amene Abebe
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Meskele
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
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