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Mgopa LR, Ross MW, Lukumay GG, Mushy SE, Mkony E, Massae AF, Mwakawanga DL, Leshabari S, Mohamed I, Trent M, Wadley J, Bonilla ZE, Rosser BRS. Perceptions of Sexual Healthcare Provision in Tanzania: a Key Informant Qualitative Study. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 19:849-859. [PMID: 36172532 PMCID: PMC9514134 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00607-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual health care services must be standard and unbiased, guided by a structured health care system. There is a scarcity of data on how sexual health care is delivered in Tanzania. METHODS To address this gap, in July 2019 we interviewed eleven key informants: cultural and public health experts, and political, religious, and community leaders, selected from different organizations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were asked for their opinions about clinical practices of health care professionals when providing care to patients, with an emphasis on sexual health. RESULTS Participants' responses were classified into three subcategories: strengths, barriers, and gaps in sexual health care. Availability of services, service delivery to adults, and code of conduct were among the strengths observed in clinical care services. Barriers included the health care provider's attitudes, moral values, and inadequacy in health policies and treatment guidelines. Vulnerable populations including youth were frequently reported to face most challenges when seeking sexual health care services. In terms of gaps, informants emphasized gender equity in sexual health services provision within care settings. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION Data indicate that lack of training in sexual health and guidelines for dealing with sexual issues are a barrier to comprehensive health care. These findings can inform the main areas for curriculum developers to focus on, when developing an Afro-centric sexual health curriculum suitable for students in health care professional courses. Moreover, these findings can be useful when developing treatment guidelines and policies that are beneficial to the sexual health wellbeing of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy R. Mgopa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michael W. Ross
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gift Gadiel Lukumay
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stella Emmanuel Mushy
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ever Mkony
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Agnes F. Massae
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dorkas L. Mwakawanga
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sebalda Leshabari
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Inari Mohamed
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Trent
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Wadley
- Department of Counselling and Health Services, Lincoln University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zobeida E. Bonilla
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - B. R. Simon Rosser
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Mishori R, Naimer K, McHale T, Johnson K, Fateen D, Gillette-Pierce Z. To confront sexual violence, we must train non-forensic experts to perform medico-legal evaluations. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2022; 62:149-153. [PMID: 34184950 DOI: 10.1177/00258024211029075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence is a global crisis. Forensic evaluations are critical for obtaining evidence and increasing the likelihood of accessing justice, as many cases fail due to lack of evidence or poor evidence. In some countries, only board-certified forensic specialists are authorized to conduct forensic evaluations. However, the high number of sexual violence cases coupled with the shortage of forensic physicians make that restriction a fundamental impediment to a rights-based response to sexual violence crimes. Governments and regulatory bodies should expand the pool of those capable of conducting forensic sexual violence evaluations by partnering with clinicians of different specialties and facilitating their training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranit Mishori
- Georgetown University School of Medicine and Physicians for Human Rights, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dahlia Fateen
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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Lewis NV, Munas M, Colombini M, d'Oliveira AF, Pereira S, Shrestha S, Rajapakse T, Shaheen A, Rishal P, Alkaiyat A, Richards A, Garcia-Moreno CM, Feder GS, Bacchus LJ. Interventions in sexual and reproductive health services addressing violence against women in low-income and middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051924. [PMID: 35193906 PMCID: PMC8867339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To synthesise evidence on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and barriers to responding to violence against women (VAW) in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). DESIGN Mixed-methods systematic review. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, Cochrane, Cinahl, IMEMR, Web of Science, Popline, Lilacs, WHO RHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google, Google Scholar, websites of key organisations through December 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies of any design that evaluated VAW interventions in SRH services in LMICs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Concurrent narrative quantitative and thematic qualitative syntheses, integration through line of argument and mapping onto a logic model. Two reviewers extracted data and appraised quality. RESULTS 26 studies of varied interventions using heterogeneous outcomes. Of ten interventions that strengthened health systems capacity to respond to VAW during routine SRH consultation, three reported no harm and reduction in some types of violence. Of nine interventions that strengthened health systems and communities' capacity to respond to VAW, three reported conflicting effects on re-exposure to some types of VAW and mixed effect on SRH. The interventions increased identification of VAW but had no effect on the provision (75%-100%) and uptake (0.6%-53%) of referrals to VAW services. Of seven psychosocial interventions in addition to SRH consultation that strengthened women's readiness to address VAW, four reduced re-exposure to some types of VAW and improved health. Factors that disrupted the pathway to better outcomes included accepting attitudes towards VAW, fear of consequences and limited readiness of the society, health systems and individuals. No study evaluated cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Some VAW interventions in SRH services reduced re-exposure to some types of VAW and improved some health outcomes in single studies. Future interventions should strengthen capacity to address VAW across health systems, communities and individual women. First-line support should be better tailored to women's needs and expectations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019137167.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Lewis
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Muzrif Munas
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Manuela Colombini
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - A F d'Oliveira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Pereira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Satya Shrestha
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
- School of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Thilini Rajapakse
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Amira Shaheen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-najah National University, Nablus, State of Palestine
| | - Poonam Rishal
- School of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Abdulsalam Alkaiyat
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-najah National University, Nablus, State of Palestine
| | - Alison Richards
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
- NIHR ARC West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Claudia M Garcia-Moreno
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Organisation mondiale de la Sante, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Gene S Feder
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Loraine J Bacchus
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Arora S, Rege S, Bhate-Deosthali P, Thwin SS, Amin A, García-Moreno C, Meyer SR. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care providers trained in responding to violence against women: a pre- and post-intervention study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1973. [PMID: 34724912 PMCID: PMC8561996 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12042-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women is a serious public health concern, and is highly prevalent globally, including in India. Health-care providers [HCPs] can play an important role in addressing and reducing negative consequences of violence against women. We implemented a pre-post intervention study of HCP training in three tertiary care facilities in Maharashtra, India. METHODS The study used a pre-post intervention design with assessment of HCPs' (n = 201) knowledge, attitudes, perceived preparedness and practice at three time points: before training, after training and at 6 months follow- up. RESULTS Total median score of knowledge about common signs and symptoms of violence (8.89 vs, 10.00), attitudes towards acceptability of violence (9.05 vs. 10.00), individual (6.74 vs. 10.00) and system level preparedness (6.11 vs. 8.14) improved from pre to post- training. The generalized estimating equation [GEE] model, adjusted for age, sex, site and department, showed an improvement in knowledge, attitudes and preparedness post- training. The change from pre to 6 months follow- up was not significant for attitude. CONCLUSIONS This package of interventions, including training of HCPs, improved HCPs' knowledge, attitudes and practices, yet changes in attitudes and preparedness did not sustain over time. This study indicates feasibility and positive influence of a multi-component intervention to improve HCP readiness to respond to violence against women in a low-resource setting. Future phases of intervention development include adapting this intervention package for primary and secondary health facilities in this context, and future research should assess these interventions using a rigorous experimental design. Finally, these results can be used to advocate for multi-layered, systems-based approaches to strengthening health response to violence against women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjida Arora
- CEHAT - Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes, Mumbai, India.
| | - Sangeeta Rege
- CEHAT - Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Soe Soe Thwin
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Avni Amin
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia García-Moreno
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah R Meyer
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Mgopa LR, Rosser BRS, Ross MW, Mohammed I, Lukumay GG, Massae AF, Mushy SE, Mwakawanga DL, Mkonyi E, Trent M, Bonilla ZE, Wadley J, Leshabari S. Clinical Care of Victims of Interpersonal Violence and Rape in Tanzania: A Qualitative Investigation. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:727-741. [PMID: 34335058 PMCID: PMC8318211 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s301804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Africa has high rates of interpersonal violence and rape, although little is known about how these cases are handled in the clinical setting. Methods We enrolled 121 health care professionals and students in Tanzania from the fields of midwifery, nursing and medicine, and conducted 18 focus group discussions stratified by both professional and clinical experience. Two clinical scenarios were presented across all groups and participants were asked to give their opinions on how the hospital they worked in would manage the cases. Case 1 focused on how to address a case of an injured woman beaten by her husband (and whether the perpetrator would be reported to the police). Case 2 focused on how to handle a rape victim who is brought to the hospital by the police. Results Participants considered both cases as emergencies. There was a similarity in the clinical care procedures across both scenarios. This included building rapport with the patient, prioritization of the medical care, history taking, and referring to other specialties for follow-up. Participants differed in how they would handle the legal aspects of both cases, including whether and how to best follow mandated reporting policies. Providers wondered if they should report the husband in case study 1, the criteria for reporting, and where to report. Providers displayed a lack of knowledge about resources needed for sexual violence victim and the availability of resources. Conclusion These findings indicate that cases of intimate partner violence and rape are likely to be under-reported within hospitals and clinics in Tanzania. Health care providers lack training in their required obligations and procedures that need to be followed to ensure victim’s safety. The findings confirm that there is a need for health care students in Tanzania (and possibly Africa) to receive comprehensive training in how to handle such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy R Mgopa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - B R Simon Rosser
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael W Ross
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Inari Mohammed
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gift Gadiel Lukumay
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Agnes F Massae
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stella E Mushy
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dorkasi L Mwakawanga
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ever Mkonyi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Trent
- Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zobeida E Bonilla
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James Wadley
- Department of Counseling and Health Services, Lincoln University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sebalda Leshabari
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Harris B, Ajisola M, Alam RM, Watkins JA, Arvanitis TN, Bakibinga P, Chipwaza B, Choudhury NN, Kibe P, Fayehun O, Omigbodun A, Owoaje E, Pemba S, Potter R, Rizvi N, Sturt J, Cave J, Iqbal R, Kabaria C, Kalolo A, Kyobutungi C, Lilford RJ, Mashanya T, Ndegese S, Rahman O, Sayani S, Yusuf R, Griffiths F. Mobile consulting as an option for delivering healthcare services in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries: A mixed-methods study. Digit Health 2021; 7:20552076211033425. [PMID: 34777849 PMCID: PMC8580492 DOI: 10.1177/20552076211033425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Remote or mobile consulting is being promoted to strengthen health systems, deliver universal health coverage and facilitate safe clinical communication during coronavirus disease 2019 and beyond. We explored whether mobile consulting is a viable option for communities with minimal resources in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS We reviewed evidence published since 2018 about mobile consulting in low- and middle-income countries and undertook a scoping study (pre-coronavirus disease) in two rural settings (Pakistan and Tanzania) and five urban slums (Kenya, Nigeria and Bangladesh), using policy/document review, secondary analysis of survey data (from the urban sites) and thematic analysis of interviews/workshops with community members, healthcare workers, digital/telecommunications experts, mobile consulting providers, and local and national decision-makers. Project advisory groups guided the study in each country. RESULTS We reviewed four empirical studies and seven reviews, analysed data from 5322 urban slum households and engaged with 424 stakeholders in rural and urban sites. Regulatory frameworks are available in each country. Mobile consulting services are operating through provider platforms (n = 5-17) and, at the community level, some direct experience of mobile consulting with healthcare workers using their own phones was reported - for emergencies, advice and care follow-up. Stakeholder willingness was high, provided challenges are addressed in technology, infrastructure, data security, confidentiality, acceptability and health system integration. Mobile consulting can reduce affordability barriers and facilitate care-seeking practices. CONCLUSIONS There are indications of readiness for mobile consulting in communities with minimal resources. However, wider system strengthening is needed to bolster referrals, specialist services, laboratories and supply chains to fully realise the continuity of care and responsiveness that mobile consulting services offer, particularly during/beyond coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Motunrayo Ajisola
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Raisa Meher Alam
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Beatrice Chipwaza
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Kibe
- African Population and Health Research
Center, Kenya
| | - Olufunke Fayehun
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Akinyinka Omigbodun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical
Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Eme Owoaje
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, College
of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Senga Pemba
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | - Rachel Potter
- Clinical Trials Unit Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, University of Warwick, UK
| | - Narjis Rizvi
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Jackie Sturt
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s
College London, UK
| | | | - Romaina Iqbal
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | | | - Albino Kalolo
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | | | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental
Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Titus Mashanya
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | - Sylvester Ndegese
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | - Omar Rahman
- University of Liberal Arts
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
| | - Saleem Sayani
- Aga Khan Development Network Digital Health Resource Centre (Asia
and Africa), Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Rita Yusuf
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK
- Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, South
Africa
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Ei AN, Chuemchit M. How prepared are Myanmar's health care professionals in their response to gender-based violence? JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-08-2019-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeGender-based violence (GBV) has negative impact on the health and well-being of the survivors. The initial response can lessen the magnitude of the effect, and thus the health care sector's readiness to respond to GBV cases is important. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and its association to practice regarding GBV response among health care personnel.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 public hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar, involving 398 participants including doctors and nurses, by a self-administered structured questionnaire.FindingsAmong 398 participants, most of the participants had moderate level of knowledge, attitude and supportive environmental factors. Only 12.8% had experienced GBV management. The respondents with a bachelor's degree were more likely to practice on health care management towards GBV cases than those who finished with a diploma degree. The medical officers and senior medical officers were more likely to practice than the junior nurses. The participants who had already attended the trainings had more practice than those who had not. Those who work in the regional hospitals were less likely to practice than those who work in the station-level hospital.Originality/valueThis paper explored the associated factors to health care personnel's practice of health care management towards GBV survivors in Myanmar which contains information about knowledge, attitude and supportive environmental factors. The study results can be used for a supportive data for health system strengthening the response of GBV cases in Myanmar.
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