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Rahman M, Islam MJ, Adam IF, Duc NHC, Sarkar P, Haque MN, Mostofa MG. Assessing the readiness of health facilities to provide family planning services in low-resource settings: Insights from nationally representative service provision assessment surveys in 10 Countries. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290094. [PMID: 37972005 PMCID: PMC10653533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290094] [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: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many low-income countries continue to have high fertility levels and unmet need for family planning (FP) despite progress in increasing access to modern contraceptive methods and in reducing the total fertility rate (TFR). Health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia (SA) are thought to be unable to adequately deal with the burden of high unmet FP demands due to their weaker health systems. As a result, determining the readiness of health facilities that offer FP services is critical for identifying weaknesses and opportunities for continued development of FP health systems in those regions. Service Provision Assessment (SPA) tools-which break down health systems into measurable, trackable components-are one useful way to assess service readiness and the ability of health institutions to deliver FP services. METHODS Using data from nationally representative SPA surveys, we conducted a study that aimed to: (1) evaluate healthcare facilities' readiness to provide FP services; and (2) identify the factors that affect FP service readiness. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we used data from SPA surveys conducted in 10 low-resource SA and SSA countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We analyzed data from public and private health facilities in Afghanistan (84), Bangladesh (1,303), Kenya (567), Malawi (810), Namibia (357), Nepal (899), Rwanda (382), Senegal (334), Tanzania (933), and the DRC (1,061) for a total of 6,730 facilities. We used 17 items/indicators recommended by the Service Availability and Readiness Assessment to measure a health facility's readiness to provide FP services across four domains. RESULTS Only 3.6% to 34.1% of the health facilities were reporting at least 75% (12-13 of 17) of the relevant items for FP service provision. Most of the health facilities in the countries under investigation suffered from lack of readiness, meaning that they did not fulfill at least 75% of the standards (12-13 items of 17 items on the availability of trained staff and guidelines, equipment, and commodities components). The factors associated with higher readiness scores varied among the 10 countries analyzed. Regression models showed that increases in the number of FP healthcare providers available at a health facility and infection control measures for FP exams were factors linked to increased readiness scores in all 10 countries. The low readiness of health facilities to provide FP services in the countries studied showed that the health systems in these low-resource settings faced significant problems with providing FP services. Differences in country-specific variability in the characteristics linked with better preparedness ratings could be attributed to data collected across different years in different nations or to country-specific healthcare financing policies. CONCLUSIONS To increase a health facility's readiness to offer FP services, country-specific factors must be addressed, in addition to common factors found in all 10 countries. Further research is required to determine the causes of country-level differences in FP tracer item availability to develop targeted and effective country-specific strategies to improve the quality of FP services in the SA and SSA regions and address unmet need for FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosiur Rahman
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Jahirul Islam
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Prosannajid Sarkar
- Dr. Wazed Research and Training Institute, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nuruzzaman Haque
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Golam Mostofa
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
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Roudsari RL, Sharifi F, Goudarzi F. Barriers to the participation of men in reproductive health care: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:818. [PMID: 37143008 PMCID: PMC10158256 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite emphasizing the importance and benefits of men's active engagement in reproductive health programs, their engagement in reproductive health care is low. Researchers have identified different barriers to men's avoidance of participation in various aspects of reproductive health in different parts of the world. This study provided an in-depth review of the hindrances to men's non-participation in reproductive health. METHODS This meta-synthesis was conducted using keyword searches in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ProQuest until January 2023. Qualitative English-language studies that investigated barriers to men's participation in reproductive health were included in the study. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the articles' quality. Data synthesis and thematic analysis were done using the standard method. RESULT This synthesis led to the emergence of four main themes such as failure to access all inclusive and integrated quality services, economic issues, couples' personal preferences and attitudes, and sociocultural considerations to seek reproductive healthcare services. CONCLUSION Healthcare system programs and policies, economic and sociocultural issues, and men's attitudes, knowledge, and preferences, influence men's participation in reproductive healthcare. Reproductive health initiatives should focus on eliminating challenges to men's supportive activities to increase practical men's involvement in reproductive healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robab Latifnejad Roudsari
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farangis Sharifi
- Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
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Seabela ES, Modjadji P, Mokwena KE. Facilitators and barriers associated with breastfeeding among mothers attending primary healthcare facilities in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1062817. [PMID: 36998907 PMCID: PMC10043338 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1062817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDespite the health benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child, early cessation of breastfeeding remains a public health problem in South Africa, attributed to contextual barriers and facilitators. Within the context of Mpumalanga province, which is characterized by low breastfeeding rates and high infant mortality rates in children under 5 years, we explored the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding among mothers attending the three primary health facilities in Ermelo.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide suggested by the socio-ecological model, three focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews were conducted among mothers selected using a purposive sampling. Transcripts from audiotaped and transcribed verbatim interviews were assessed through thematic analysis using NVivo version 10.ResultsMothers were aged between 18 and 42 years and from poor sociodemographic backgrounds. At the individual level, mothers valued breastfeeding facilitated by their commitment, maintaining it, eating healthy foods, and having sufficient breast milk. However, returning to work, insufficient breast milk, misconceptions about breastfeeding, and interference with social life were the barriers for mothers to breastfeed continuously. At the interpersonal level, the family was identified as the main form of support to breastfeeding mothers; however, family interference was also identified as a barrier. At the community level, mothers shared some family beliefs and practices but were still split between societal and cultural norms and traditional beliefs as facilitators or barriers to breastfeeding. At the organizational level, most mothers valued the support provided by healthcare workers on childcare and techniques for breastfeeding at the health facilities. They did however articulate concerns on the miscommunication some healthcare workers offered regarding breastfeeding, which negatively influenced their infant feeding practices.DiscussionIntervention efforts should focus on behaviour change to educate and equip mothers to overcome the barriers that are within their control. Such interventions should further focus on family-centered education and strengthening the proficiency of healthcare workers on advising breastfeeding mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Sekori Seabela
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Perpetua Modjadji
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Perpetua Modjadji
| | - Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Osuafor GN, Akokuwebe ME, Idemudia ES. Male Involvement in Family Planning Decisions in Malawi and Tanzania: What Are the Determinants? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5053. [PMID: 36981959 PMCID: PMC10048949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The participation of males in joint spousal decisions is urgently needed in achieving the fundamental indicators of reproductive health. The low involvement of males in family planning (FP) decision-making is a major determining factor in low FP usage in Malawi and Tanzania. Despite this, there are inconsistent findings regarding the extent of male involvement and the determinants that aid male participation in FP decisions in these two countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of male involvement in FP decisions and its associated determinants within the household context in Malawi and Tanzania. We used data from the 2015-2016 Malawi and Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) to examine the prevalence and the determinants inhibiting male involvement in FP decisions. The total sample size of 7478 from Malawi and 3514 males from Tanzania aged 15-54 years was employed in the analysis by STATA version 17. Descriptive (graphs, tables and means), bi-variate (chi-square) and logistic regression analyses (unadjusted (U) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR)) were performed to identify the determinants associated with male involvement in FP decisions. The mean age of respondents in Malawi was 32 years (±8 SD) and in Tanzania, 36 years (±6 SD), with the prevalence of male involvement in FP decisions being 53.0% in Malawi and 26.6% in Tanzania. Being aged 35-44 years [AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.59-2.05] and 45-54 years [AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.22-1.67], educated (secondary/higher) [AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.31-1.99], having access to media information [AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.21-1.51] and having a female head of household [AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.70-1.90] were determinant factors of male involvement in FP decisions in Malawi. Primary education [AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.39-2.72], having a middle wealth index ranking [AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.17-1.81], being married [AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.38-1.90] and working [AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 2.10-3.88] were higher predictors of male involvement in FP decisions in Tanzania. Increasing the role of males in FP decisions and involvement in FP utilization may improve uptake and continuity of FP usage. Therefore, the findings from this cross-sectional study will support redesigning the ineffective strategic FP programs that accommodate socio-demographic determinants that may increase the likelihood of male involvement in FP decisions, especially in the grassroots settings in Malawi and Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godswill Nwabuisi Osuafor
- Department of Population Studies and Demography, North-West University, Mafikeng 2735, South Africa;
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Boydell V, Galavotti C. Getting Intentional about Intention to Use: A Scoping Review of Person-Centered Measures of Demand. Stud Fam Plann 2022; 53:61-132. [PMID: 35119110 PMCID: PMC9303959 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been much reflection on the measures used to assess and monitor contraceptive programming outcomes. The meaning and measurement of intention‐to‐use (ITU) contraception, however, has had less attention and research despite its widespread inclusion in many major surveys. This paper takes a deeper look at the meaning and measurement of ITU around contraception. We conducted a scoping review guided by the following questions: What is the existing evidence regarding the measurement of ITU contraception? What definitions and measures are used? What do we know about the validity of these measures? We searched databases and found 112 papers to include in our review and combined this with a review of the survey instruments and behavioral theory. Our review found growing evidence around the construct of ITU in family planning programming and research. However there are inconsistencies in how ITU is defined and measured, and this tends not to be informed by advances in behavioral theory and research. Further work is needed to develop and test measures that capture the complexity of intention, examine how intention differently relates to longer‐range goals compared to more immediate implementation, and demonstrate a positive relationship between ITU and contraceptive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Boydell
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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Degu Ayele A, Yenealem Beyene F, Getnet Kassa B, Nibret Mihretie G. Men's Knowledge of Vasectomy and Its Associated Factors in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Open Access J Contracept 2021; 12:27-34. [PMID: 33603509 PMCID: PMC7886249 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s296798] [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: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Even though vasectomy is one of the safest, simplest, and most effective family planning methods available for men, it is one of the least used contraceptive methods in the developing world, including Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to assess the level of knowledge towards vasectomy and its associated factors among married men in Debre Tabor Town. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 5-25, 2019. A total of 413 married men participated and selected by simple random sampling. Data was entered using EpiData version 4.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was carried out. Finally, variables having a P-value of <0.05 at 95% CI were considered as statistically significant. Results In this study, 38.5% of men had an adequate level of knowledge about vasectomy. Multivariable logistic regression showed that an educational status of secondary education and college and above (AOR=4.70, 95% CI=1.26-17.55; and AOR=8.36, 95% CI=2.41-28.97, respectively), having four or more alive children (AOR=0.51, 95% CI=0.29-0.89), and positive attitude (AOR=2.47, 95% CI=1.58-3.86) were significantly associated with knowledge of vasectomy. Conclusion Knowledge of married men towards vasectomy was relatively low. Educational status, number of children, and attitude were statistically significant with the men's knowledge about vasectomy. Emphasis should therefore be put on improving the educational status of men and positively changing the male upbringing culture right from their childhood which will also improve their attitude towards vasectomy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemu Degu Ayele
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Fentahun Yenealem Beyene
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Getnet Kassa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Gedefaye Nibret Mihretie
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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Ayele AD, Beyene FY, Wudineh KG, Kassa BG, Goshu YA, Mihretie GN. Intention to use vasectomy and its associated factors among married men in Debre Tabor Town, North West Ethiopia, 2019. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238293. [PMID: 32881873 PMCID: PMC7470275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasectomy is one of the most effective and permanent male contraceptive methods, and involves cutting and ligating the vas deferens to make the semen free of sperm during ejaculation. Although it is effective, simple, and safe, it is not well known and practiced in the majority of our community. This study assessed the intention to use vasectomy and its associated factors among married men in Debre Tabor Town, North West Ethiopia, 2019. METHODS A community- based cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 married men from March 05 to April 15, 2019. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data was collected by face to face interview using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Questions concerned socio-demographic and reproductive variables and views on vasectomy. The association between variables was analyzed using a bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model. RESULT A total of 402 participants were included with a response rate of 98.75%. The mean participant age was 37.12(SD ± 6.553) years with the age range of 20-56 years. The prevalence of intention to use vasectomy was 19.6% with 95%CI (15.6%-23.4%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that age from 30-39 years (AOR = 3.2(95% CI: 1.19-8.86)), having more than three living children (AOR = 2.5(95% CI: 1.41-4.68)), good knowledge (AOR = 3.4(95%CI: 1.88-6.40)) and positive attitude (AOR = 4.8(95% CI: 2.61-8.80)) of married men were significantly associated with intention to use vasectomy. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Intention to use vasectomy was comparable with findings in four regions of Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Tigray). Age, the number of living children, knowledge, and attitude were significantly associated with the intention to use vasectomy. Improving the level of knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy is an essential strategy to scale up the intention of men to use vasectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemu Degu Ayele
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Fentahun Yenealem Beyene
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kihinetu Gelaye Wudineh
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Getnet Kassa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Yitayal Ayalew Goshu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Gedefaye Nibret Mihretie
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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