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Mshamu S, Meta J, Sanga C, Day N, Mukaka M, Adhikari B, Deen J, Knudsen J, Pell C, von Seidlein L. Care seeking for childhood illnesses in rural Mtwara, south-east Tanzania: a mixed methods study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:465-473. [PMID: 38700078 PMCID: PMC11224983 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae022] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care seeking was assessed in preparation for a study of the health impact of novel design houses in rural Mtwara, Tanzania. METHODS A total of 578 residents of 60 villages participated in this mixed-methods study from April to August 2020. Among them, 550 participated in a healthcare-seeking survey, 17 in in-depth interviews and 28 in key informant interviews. RESULTS The decision to seek care was based on symptom severity (95.4% [370]). Caregivers first visited non-allopathic healthcare providers or were treated at home, which led to delays in seeking care at healthcare facilities. More than one-third (36.0% [140]) of respondents took >12 h seeking care at healthcare facilities. The majority (73.0% [282]) visited healthcare facilities, whereas around one-fifth (21.0% [80]) sought care at drug stores. Treatment costs deterred respondents from visiting healthcare facilities (61.4% [338]). Only 10 (3.6%) of the households surveyed reported that they were covered by health insurance. CONCLUSIONS Quality of care, related to institutional factors, impacts timely care seeking for childhood illnesses in Mtwara, Tanzania. Ensuring accessibility of facilities is therefore not sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salum Mshamu
- CSK Research Solutions, Mtwara, Tanzania
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Nicholas Day
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Jakob Knudsen
- Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christopher Pell
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Nyashanu T, Scheibe A, Visser M. 'I went for rehab many times and it never worked, but the harm reduction process has given me renewed hope'. Perceptions on the effectiveness of harm reduction and community-based opioid substitution therapy. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:653-661. [PMID: 37605794 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED The accessibility of opioid substitution therapy (OST), one of the recommended treatments for opioid dependence, remains low. This study sought to explore the perceived effectiveness of OST from the perspectives of peer outreach workers and OST clients in a community-based harm reduction programme. METHODS The research was done within the Community-Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP) in Tshwane, South Africa. Fifteen peer educators (13 males and 2 females) took part in two focus group discussions. Thereafter, there were semi-structured interviews in which 15 OST clients (11 males and 4 females) participated. A convenience cross-sectional study was used. Interviews were audio-recorded. Using thematic analysis, themes were examined to evaluate how OST and the harm reduction approach were perceived to contribute to the improved health status of people with opioid dependence. RESULTS Peer outreach workers and COSUP clients significantly endorsed OST as an effective treatment for opioid dependence. Participants perceived greater effectiveness of OST compared to abstinence-centred inpatient rehabilitation programmes. However, there were sentiments that more community education on OST was needed to motivate people with opioid dependence to access services and to address misconceptions about OST. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of multi-level and multi-sectoral engagement of various stakeholders in opioid dependence services, needed to accelerate utilisation of OST services. SO WHAT?: The research unpacks the need for an integrated approach to service use optimisation, and the need to evaluate the role that increased awareness and community education on harm reduction strategies can play in enhancing the utilisation of OST services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tichaenzana Nyashanu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- Community Oriented Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Maretha Visser
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Tiruneh MG, Fenta ET, Endeshaw D, Eshetu HB, Adal O, Tareke AA, Kebede N, Delie AM, Bogale EK, Anagaw TF. Six in ten female youths in low-income East African countries had problems in accessing health care: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic and health surveys from 2016-2021. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:533. [PMID: 38671487 PMCID: PMC11046753 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10934-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to health care services is a basic human right, and an individual's health and overall quality of life may suffer as a result of barriers to accessing health services. Access to comprehensive and quality health care is fundamental for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and treating diseases, and reducing premature deaths. However, only half of the African population has access to modern health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the health care access and associated factors among female youths in low-income East African countries. METHODS This study used secondary data from 2016 to 2021 demographic and health surveys of 7 low-income East African countries. A total weighted sample of 51,064 youths was included. A multilevel binary logistic regression was employed to identify the associated factors of access to health care since the data has a hierarchical structure. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a p-value less than 0.05 was used to measure the association of variables whereas Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Median Odds Ratio (MOR), and proportional change in variance (PCV) were used to measure random effects. RESULT The overall magnitude of access to healthcare among female youths in low-income East African countries was 38.84% (95% CI: 38.41, 39.26). Youth's educational level, rich wealth status, media exposure, and community level education were the positive while higher youth's age and rural residence were the negative predictors of access to healthcare among female youths. Besides, living in different countries compared to Burundi was also an associated factor for accessing healthcare in low-income East African countries. CONCLUSION About six in ten female youths were not accessing health care in low-income East African countries. Therefore, to increase healthcare access, health managers and policymakers needed to develop strategies to improve the poor household wealth index, and redistribution of health services for rural residents. The decision-makers and program planners should also work on increasing access to education and media exposure for youths. Further research including health system and quality of service-related factors for accessing healthcare should also be considered by researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misganaw Guadie Tiruneh
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Ethiopia.
| | - Eneyew Talie Fenta
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Destaw Endeshaw
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Habitu Birhan Eshetu
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Behaviour, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ousman Adal
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abiyu Abadi Tareke
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, SLL project COVID-19/EPI technical assistant at West Gondar Zonal Health Department, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Kebede
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Mebrat Delie
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Eyob Ketema Bogale
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Fentabel Anagaw
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Ayanore MA, Adjuik M, Zuñiga RAA, Amuna P, Ezechi O, Brown B, Uzochukwu B, Aly NM, Quadri MFA, Popoola BO, Ishabiyi AO, Ellakany P, Yousaf MA, Virtanen JI, Lawal FB, Ara E, Khan ATA, Gaffar B, El Tantawi M, Nguyen AL, Foláyan MO. Economic and social determinants of health care utilization during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic among adults in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:455. [PMID: 38350910 PMCID: PMC10865527 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17912-4] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had socioeconomic effects in Africa. This study assessed the social and economic determinants of healthcare utilization during the first wave of COVID-19 among adults in Ghana. METHODS Information about individuals residing in Ghana was derived from a survey conducted across multiple countries, aiming to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and overall well-being of adults aged 18 and above. The dependent variable for the study was healthcare utilization (categorized as low or high). The independent variables were economic (such as financial loss, job loss, diminished wages, investment/retirement setbacks, and non-refunded travel cancellations) and social (including food scarcity, loss of financial support sources, housing instability, challenges affording food, clothing, shelter, electricity, utilities, and increased caregiving responsibilities for partners) determinants of health. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with healthcare utilization after adjusting for confounders (age, gender, access to medical insurance, COVID-19 status, educational background, employment, and marital status of the participants). RESULTS The analysis included 364 responses. Individuals who encountered a loss of financial support (AOR: 9.58; 95% CI: 3.44-26.73; p < 0.001), a decrease or loss of wages (AOR: 7.44, 95% CI: 3.05-18.16, p < 0.001), experienced investment or retirement setbacks (AOR: 10.69, 95% CI: 2.60-43.88, p = 0.001), and expressed concerns about potential food shortages (AOR: 6.85, 95% CI: 2.49-18.84, p < 0.001) exhibited significantly higher odds of low healthcare utilization during the initial phase of the pandemic. Contrastingly, participants facing challenges in paying for basic needs demonstrated lower odds of low healthcare utilization compared to those who found it easy to cover basic expenses (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.67, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Economic and social factors were associated with low healthcare utilization in Ghana during the first wave of the pandemic. Investment or retirement loss and financial support loss during the pandemic had the largest effect on healthcare utilization. Further research is needed to understand the connection between concerns about food shortages, welfare losses during pandemics and healthcare utilization during pandemics in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Amogre Ayanore
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana.
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.
| | - Martin Adjuik
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - Paul Amuna
- Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Brandon Brown
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Uzochukwu
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Nourhan M Aly
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mir Faeq Ali Quadri
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Texas Tech University and Health Sciences Center, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bamidele Olubukola Popoola
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Child Oral Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Anthonia Omotola Ishabiyi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Sociology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Passent Ellakany
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Abrar Yousaf
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jorma I Virtanen
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Folake Barakat Lawal
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Eshrat Ara
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Government College for Women, Srinagar, Kashmir (J&K), India
| | - Abeedha Tu-Allah Khan
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University, Kot Araian, Raiwind Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Balgis Gaffar
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Moréniké Oluwátóyìn Foláyan
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Edeh NC, Eseadi C. Mental health implications of suicide rates in South Africa. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:8099-8105. [PMID: 38130796 PMCID: PMC10731174 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i34.8099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health challenges are a severe issue that could lead to suicide if not properly addressed. South Africa has a significant burden of mental health issues, which contributes to the soaring rate of suicide. Adequate mental health-care provision could reduce the high suicide rate in South Africa. Since the apartheid regime, the country has made a series of efforts to improve mental health. This study aimed to review and examine available literature on mental health and suicide issues in South Africa and demonstrate the policy implications. This study adopted a narrative review approach. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scilit, Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar) were used to identify published articles in the English language with crucial search terms that included mental health, South African mental health policy, South Africa, suicide and policy. Literature suggests that at the provincial level, there are no adequate mental health policies, and the implementation of the country's mental health policy is faced with many challenges, such as a shortage of professionals and finances. The review also showed that task sharing and counselling have been pilot-tested and shown to be effective methods for the prevention of mental illness and promotion of positive mental health. This study concludes that the mental health treatment gap still exists in South Africa, and this needs to be tackled using effective, multi-level counselling interventions and policy initiatives. Adequate mental health-care provision and effective implementation of mental health policy could reduce the high rate of suicide in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkechinyere C Edeh
- Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 41001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chiedu Eseadi
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
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Afolabi MO, Diaw A, Fall EHB, Sall FB, Diédhiou A, Seck A, Camara B, Niang D, Manga IA, Mbaye I, Sougou NM, Sow D, Greenwood B, Ndiaye JLA. Provider and User Acceptability of Integrated Treatment for the Control of Malaria and Helminths in Saraya, South-Eastern Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:1047-1056. [PMID: 37722662 PMCID: PMC10622492 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of vertical programs for the control of malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis has been recommended to achieve elimination of malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTD) by 2030. This qualitative study was conducted within the context of a randomized controlled trial to explore the perceptions and views of parents/caregivers of at-risk children and healthcare providers to determine their acceptability of the integrated malaria-helminth treatment approach. Randomly selected parents/caregivers of children enrolled in the trial, healthcare providers, trial staff, malaria, and NTD program managers were interviewed using purpose-designed topic guides. Transcripts obtained from the interviews were coded and common themes identified using content analysis were triangulated. Fifty-seven study participants comprising 26 parents/caregivers, 10 study children aged ≥ 10 years, 15 trial staff, four healthcare providers, and two managers from the Senegal Ministry of Health were interviewed. Thirty-eight of the participants (66.7%) were males, and their ages ranged from 10 to 65 years. Overall, the integrated malaria-helminth treatment approach was considered acceptable, but the study participants expressed concerns about the taste, smell, and side effects associated with amodiaquine and praziquantel in the combination package. Reluctance to accept the medications was also observed among children aged 10 to 14 years due to peer influence and gender-sensitive cultural beliefs. Addressing concerns about the taste and smell of amodiaquine and praziquantel is needed to optimize the uptake of the integrated treatment program. Also, culturally appropriate strategies need to be put in place to cater for the inclusion of children aged 10 to 14 years in this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed O. Afolabi
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aminata Diaw
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Adams Diédhiou
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amadou Seck
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Université de Thies, Thies, Senegal
| | - Baba Camara
- Hospital Administration, Saraya Health Centre, Saraya, Senegal
| | - Diatou Niang
- Hospital Administration, Saraya Health Centre, Saraya, Senegal
| | - Isaac A. Manga
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ibrahima Mbaye
- Hospital Administration, Saraya Health Centre, Saraya, Senegal
| | - Ndèye Mareme Sougou
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Doudou Sow
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis, Saint-Louis, Senegal
| | - Brian Greenwood
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Diop ZB, Bernays S, Tumwesige E, Asiimwe A, Kawuma R, Seeley J. Youth migration and access to health services in a trading centre in southern Uganda: A qualitative exploration. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2191689. [PMID: 36973188 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2191689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Impeded access to health services is a major factor influencing migrant health. In Uganda, previous research has shown lower utilisation of health services for young rural-urban migrants compared to their non-migrant counterparts. However, access to health services does not start at utilisation, but can be hampered by being able to identify a need for care. Using qualitative methods, we aimed to explore young rural-urban migrants' perceptions of health and patterns of engagement with health services. We analysed, using thematic analysis, a purposive sample of 18 in-depth interviews with 10 young people who had recently migrated within Uganda. Our results are presented through a framework conceptualising access at the intersection between abilities of people and characteristics of services. Participants perceived a need for care mostly through serious crises. Their ability to obtain care was hindered by a lack of resources, as well as the relative social isolation brought by migration. Our study highlights other barriers to accessing care such as the role of social norms and HIV-related stigma in health issues prioritisation, and healthcare workers' attitudes. This knowledge can inform approaches to ensure that community-based services are able to support healthcare access and improved health outcomes for this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab B Diop
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Bernays
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Allen Asiimwe
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Rachel Kawuma
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
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8
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Nyashanu T, Zirima H. Treatment barriers and gender-based perceptions: Establishing gender-based treatment specialty facilities as a strategy to motivate South African young women to seek treatment for substance use disorders. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:182-200. [PMID: 35700337 PMCID: PMC10083905 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
South Africa alongside other low-middle-income countries have been some of the hardest hit by the substance use scourge. The study sought to identify and measure treatment barriers among young adults (18-29 years) living with substance use disorders, and then examine the role of gender in the perception of treatment barriers, with a view to establish gender-based treatment specialty facilities as a strategy to promote treatment seeking among young South African women. Quantitative method was used for this study, employing simple random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis and independent samples t-tests were used as statistical measures. The identified treatment barriers were found to have a larger effect on females than males. Women were considered less likely to utilise treatment services compared to males. Health promotion practitioners and policymakers can alleviate the situation by establishing gender-based treatment facilities. that respond better to women's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tichaenzana Nyashanu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of HumanitiesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Herbert Zirima
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, College of Health SciencesUniversity of ZimbabweHarareZimbabwe
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Kabir A, Karim N, Billah B. Preference and willingness to receive non-communicable disease services from primary healthcare facilities in Bangladesh: A qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1473. [PMID: 36463166 PMCID: PMC9719224 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08886-3] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing rapidly and account for approximately 68% of mortality and 64% of disease burden. NCD services have been significantly mobilized to primary healthcare (PHC) facilities to better manage the rising burden of NCDs. However, little is known about community members' preference and willingness to receive NCD services from PHC facilities; therefore, this particular subject is the focus of this study. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted from May 2021 to October 2021. Data were collected via 16 focus group discussions involving community members and 14 key informant interviews with healthcare professionals, facility managers, and public health practitioners. Based on a social-ecological model (SEM), data were analyzed thematically. The triangulation of methods and participants was conducted to validate the information provided. RESULTS Preference and willingness to receive NCD services from PHC facilities were influenced by a range of individual, interpersonal, societal, and organizational factors that were interconnected and influenced each other. Knowledge and the perceived need for NCD care, misperception, self-management, interpersonal, and family-level factors played important roles in using PHC facilities. Community and societal factors (i.e., the availability of alternative and complementary services, traditional practices, social norms) and organizational and health system factors (i.e., a shortage of medicines, diagnostic capacity, untrained human resources, and poor quality of care) also emerged as key aspects that influenced preference and willingness to receive NCD services from PHC facilities. CONCLUSION Despite their substantial potential, PHC facilities may not take full advantage of managing NCDs. All four factors need to be considered when developing NCD service interventions in the primary healthcare system to better address the rising burden of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraful Kabir
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nazmul Karim
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Baki Billah
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Tuck CZ, Akparibo R, Gray LA, Aryeetey RNO, Cooper R. What influences cancer treatment service access in Ghana? A critical interpretive synthesis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065153. [PMID: 36198450 PMCID: PMC9535186 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiple social-cultural and contextual factors influence access to and acceptance of cancer treatment in Ghana. The aim of this research was to assess existing literature on how these factors interplay and could be susceptible to local and national policy changes. DESIGN This study uses a critical interpretive synthesis approach to review qualitative and quantitative evidence about access to adult cancer treatment services in Ghana, applying the socioecological model and candidacy framework. RESULTS Our findings highlighted barriers to accessing cancer services within each level of the socioecological model (intrapersonal, interpersonal community, organisational and policy levels), which are dynamic and interacting, for example, community level factors influenced individual perceptions and how they managed financial barriers. Evidence was lacking in relation to determinants of treatment non-acceptance across all cancers and in the most vulnerable societal groups due to methodological limitations. CONCLUSIONS Future policy should prioritise multilevel approaches, for example, improving the quality and affordability of medical care while also providing collaboration with traditional and complementary care systems to refer patients. Research should seek to overcome methodological limitations to understand the determinants of accessing treatment in the most vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Zabrina Tuck
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert Akparibo
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura A Gray
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Richard Cooper
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Gumede D, Meyer-Weitz A, Zuma T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J. A qualitative investigation of facilitators and barriers to DREAMS uptake among adolescents with grandparent caregivers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000369. [PMID: 36962500 PMCID: PMC10022343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents with grandparent caregivers have experienced challenges including the death of one or both parents due to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. They may be left out of existing HIV prevention interventions targeting parents and children. We investigated the facilitators and barriers to DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) programme uptake among adolescents with grandparent caregivers across different levels of the socio-ecological model in rural South Africa. Data were collected in three phases (October 2017 to September 2018). Adolescents (13-19 years old) and their grandparent caregivers (≥50 years old) (n = 12) contributed to repeat in-depth interviews to share their perceptions and experiences regarding adolescents' participation in DREAMS. Data were triangulated using key informant interviews with DREAMS intervention facilitators (n = 2) to give insights into their experiences of delivering DREAMS interventions. Written informed consent or child assent was obtained from all individuals before participation. All data were collected in isiZulu and audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic and dyadic analysis approaches were conducted guided by the socio-ecological model. Participation in DREAMS was most effective when DREAMS messaging reinforced existing norms around sex and sexuality and when the interventions improved care relationships between the adolescents and their older caregivers. DREAMS was less acceptable when it deviated from the norms, raised SRH information that conflicts with abstinence and virginity, and when youth empowerment was perceived as a potential threat to intergenerational power dynamics. While DREAMS was able to engage these complex families, there were failures, about factors uniquely critical to these families, such as in engaging children and carers with disabilities and failure to include adolescent boys in some interventions. There is a need to adapt HIV prevention interventions to tackle care relationships specific to adolescent-grandparent caregiver communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumile Gumede
- Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Morojele NK, Ramsoomar L, Dumbili EW, Kapiga S. Adolescent health series - Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A narrative review. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:1528-1538. [PMID: 34637175 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13687] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by adolescents are major contributors to death and disability in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper reviews the extent of adolescents' ATOD use, risk and protective factors, and studies evaluating prevention interventions for adolescents in SSA. It also describes the harms associated with adolescents' ATOD use in SSA, which mainly include interpersonal violence, sexual risk behaviours, and negative academic outcomes. We use the socio-ecological model as our framework for understanding ATOD use risk and protective factors at individual, interpersonal, peer/school, and societal/structural levels. We used two strategies to find literature evaluating ATOD interventions for adolescents in SSA: (a) we sought systematic reviews of adolescent ATOD interventions in SSA covering the period 2000-2020; and (b) we used a comprehensive evidence review strategy and searched for studies that had evaluated ATOD interventions in all SSA countries between 2000 and 2020. Only two community interventions (a brief intervention and an HIV prevention intervention), out of four that were identified, were partially effective in reducing adolescent ATOD. Furthermore, only one school-based intervention (HealthWise), out of six that we uncovered, had any effect on ATOD use among adolescents. Possible reasons why many interventions were not effective include methodological limitations, involvement of non-evidence-based education-only approaches in some studies, and shortcomings in adaptations of evidence-based interventions. The scale of ATOD and related problems is disproportionate to the number of evaluated interventions to address them in SSA. More ATOD interventions need to be developed and evaluated in well-powered and well-designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neo K Morojele
- Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Leane Ramsoomar
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of the Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Emeka W Dumbili
- Institute for Therapy and Health Research, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Saidi Kapiga
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania.,Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Khumalo S, Mabaso M, Makusha T, Taylor M. Narratives of young black men on barriers to health care and poor health care seeking behaviours at a university setting: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:445. [PMID: 33971874 PMCID: PMC8111892 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06470-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Institutions of higher learning provide education, training, independence and life-long skills for young people. However, for students to achieve their optimal growth and intellectual development they need to be healthy psychologically, mentally and physically. This can be achieved through the development of effective health programs for all university students. This qualitative study was designed to explore Black male students' perspectives and experiences regarding the utilization of on-campus health services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS The study population was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 36 participants and three key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the key patterns and themes that emerged from the data. RESULTS Emerging themes included poor knowledge and awareness, negative perceptions and attitudes, fear and lack of privacy, and negative experiences leading to poor access and utilization of campus health services. The findings suggested a need for more advocacy and awareness campaigns especially among first year students, campaigns for normalization of sexual health, addressing HIV stigma and discrimination, providing youth friendly services to improve students' use of sexual health services, and ultimately, their overall health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS The findings give valuable insights from male students on the barriers and potential solutions to campus health services and highlight where improvements can be directed to increase access and use of health services by the study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinakekelwe Khumalo
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Musawenkosi Mabaso
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tawanda Makusha
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Myra Taylor
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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