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Research Article
Attitudes and Practices of Women Towards Cervical Cancer Screening in Lesotho: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey
Exinia ‘Makhoba Mphunyane*
,
Isabel Nyangu
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
51-57
Received:
31 May 2024
Accepted:
26 June 2024
Published:
8 July 2024
Abstract: In 2020, Lesotho reported 541 new cases of cervical cancer and 362 women died. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of women towards cervical cancer screening. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 289 participants who were selected using convenience sampling from 27 health facilities. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the National University of Lesotho and the Ministry of Health (ID43-2022). The written informed consent was sought from the participants who took part voluntarily. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences) version (26). Respondents aged 30 to 34 years (94.0%) and above 35 years (95.9%) had positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening. Fifty-one percent of the respondents had done cervical cancer screening. Respondents who had two (65.5%) and four to eight children (52.4%) and were employed (64.0%) had cervical cancer screening done before. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that cervical cancer screening detected cervical changes before they became cancerous (55%) and if found early, they are easily curable (56.7%), and made women know if they were healthy (58.8%). Healthcare professionals should conduct health education on cervical cancer and screening on a daily basis in health facilities to improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening.
Abstract: In 2020, Lesotho reported 541 new cases of cervical cancer and 362 women died. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of women towards cervical cancer screening. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 289 participants who were selected using convenience sampling from 27 health facilities. Per...
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Research Article
The Utilization of Contraceptives by Teenagers in Lesotho: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey
Rets’elisitsoe Khiba*,
Isabel Nyangu
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
58-64
Received:
25 June 2024
Accepted:
15 July 2024
Published:
29 July 2024
Abstract: Background: Contraceptive service provision to teenagers prevents pregnancy and childbirth complications, which are the leading causes of death among teenage girls globally. The study aimed to assess how teenagers utilized the contraceptive services provided at selected healthcare facilities in Lesotho. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 194 teenagers who were conveniently sampled from two health facilities in Berea district, Lesotho. Permission to conduct the study was sought and granted from the Ministry of Health and written informed consent was sought from the participants before they completed self-administered questionnaires. Data was captured and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 24. Most (64.5%) of the teenagers knew that contraceptives prevented pregnancy, whilst a fifth of them referred to them as the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Utilization of contraceptives was reported by just over a third and about two-fifths were able to access them at the public health clinics daily. Injectables and condoms were the most preferred methods used by teenagers. Factors that enhanced contraceptive usage included nurses’ friendliness, as well as an understanding of why teenagers are not fully utilizing the contraceptive services provided. Most teenagers were found not to be utilizing contraceptive services due to the belief that they led to weight gain and unsatisfactory intercourse. The study findings provided a need for and importance of contraceptive service provision to teenagers, including the need for education to improve their understanding and reduce myths. Hence, healthcare service providers need to improve access to contraceptive services to improve their utilization by teenagers.
Abstract: Background: Contraceptive service provision to teenagers prevents pregnancy and childbirth complications, which are the leading causes of death among teenage girls globally. The study aimed to assess how teenagers utilized the contraceptive services provided at selected healthcare facilities in Lesotho. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional de...
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Research Article
Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Aged (15-19) in Eastern Province, Zambia
Kelly Nyau*,
Rosemary Ndonyo Likwa,
Jeremiah Banda
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
65-76
Received:
24 April 2024
Accepted:
27 May 2024
Published:
6 August 2024
Abstract: Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among the young people remains a highly contested issue in many traditional societies Zambia included. Access to youth-friendly health services such as contraceptives is vital for ensuring the well-being of adolescents. This study endeavoured to establish determinants of contraceptive use among teenage girls aged 15 to 19 years in Eastern Province, Zambia. This was a mixed methods study that employed a sequential explanatory design. In the quantitative arm, the study utilized the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) women's dataset for Eastern Province, focusing on 326 teenage girls aged 15-19 years. The ZDHS data collection was done using multiple cluster sampling method and through household survey. The qualitative arm involved 6 focus group discussions with parents, 4 interviews with teachers and 6 interviews with healthcare providers in Petauke district. Contraceptive prevalence rate, and socio-economic and demographic factors influencing contraceptive use were measured in the quantitative part. The perception on teenage contraceptive use among key influencers was assessed in the qualitative arm. The prevalence of contraceptive use among teenage girls in Eastern province was at16%. Age, marital status, parity, visiting a health facility, being visited by a health provider and hearing about family planning on radio were significantly associated with contraceptive use (p< 0.05). Moreover, teenage girls who had ever been married had higher odds of contraceptive use than unmarried ones (AOR 3.57, 95% CI, 1.59, 8.01, p = 0.002). Further, those who heard about family planning at the health facility (AOR 2.37, 95% CI, 1.08, 5.21, p = 0.031) and those who heard on radio (AOR 2.55, 95% CI, 1.05-6.19, p = 0.038) had higher odds of contraceptive use than those who did not. The qualitative results found that most parents and teachers opposed the use of contraceptive by teenagers, while health providers supported it. Barriers to contraceptive use included religious beliefs, personal beliefs of healthcare providers, myths and misconceptions, and the fear of social stigma by teenagers. Whether or not adolescents have access to contraceptives, the decision to use them is heavily influenced by parents, and to some extent, teachers and health providers. Therefore, it is important to implement comprehensive educational programs not only for teenagers, but also for parents, teachers and healthcare providers, dispelling myths about contraceptives.
Abstract: Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among the young people remains a highly contested issue in many traditional societies Zambia included. Access to youth-friendly health services such as contraceptives is vital for ensuring the well-being of adolescents. This study endeavoured to establish determinants of contraceptiv...
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Research Article
Determinants of Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Nigeria
Oladayo Olarinre Avwerhota,
Michael Avwerhota*,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Taiwo Aderemi Popoola,
Israel Olukayode Popoola,
Adebanke Adetutu Ogun,
Ahmed Mamuda Bello,
Michael Olabode Tomori,
Aisha Oluwakemi Salami,
Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo,
Olukayode Oladeji Alewi,
Aremu Bukola Janet
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
77-87
Received:
26 July 2024
Accepted:
16 August 2024
Published:
30 August 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant public health challenge with profound implications for neonatal and child health, particularly in low-income countries. Defined by the World Health Organization as a birth weight of less than 2.5 kilograms, LBW contributes to increased neonatal mortality and long-term developmental issues. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of LBW in Nigeria, leveraging data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The study employs a cross-sectional design and a stratified two-stage sampling technique, analyzing 7,728 recorded birth weights. Key findings indicate that maternal age, education, and socio-economic status significantly influence birth weight. Optimal reproductive ages (25-34 years) and higher educational attainment are associated with healthier birth weights, whereas younger (below 20 years) and older mothers (above 40 years), and those with lower education levels, face higher LBW risks. Employment and wealth are positively correlated with better birth outcomes, underscoring the importance of financial stability. Environmental factors such as urban residence, access to improved water sources, and sanitation facilities also play crucial roles in determining birth weight. The study compares frequentist logistic regression and Bayesian structured additive logistic regression models to identify and predict LBW risk factors, highlighting regional disparities within Nigeria. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing socio-demographic, socio-economic, and environmental determinants to reduce the prevalence of LBW and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Enhanced understanding of these factors through advanced statistical modeling can inform policy and health interventions, ultimately contributing to achieving global health targets and improving neonatal health in Nigeria.
Abstract: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant public health challenge with profound implications for neonatal and child health, particularly in low-income countries. Defined by the World Health Organization as a birth weight of less than 2.5 kilograms, LBW contributes to increased neonatal mortality and long-term developmental issues. This study exa...
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Research Article
Factors Hindering Male Participation in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) at National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Huruma Clinic, Nairobi
Antony Murithi Gitonga,
Peter Monda*
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
88-95
Received:
6 January 2024
Accepted:
20 August 2024
Published:
6 September 2024
Abstract: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs when a pregnant woman with Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) passes the virus to her baby either during pregnancy, labour and delivery or breastfeeding period. Vertical transmission during pregnancy is between 20-25%. Globally, about 330,000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2011. It is estimate that more than 90% of these infections were through mother-to-child transmission. According to statistics, 1,400,00 – 1,800,000 people were living with HIV and AIDS by the end of 2007. Male involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV still remains a major challenge. This was facility based descriptive cross-sectional study which was aimed at assessing the factors hindering male participation in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) at National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Huruma clinic in Nairobi. The factors studied were demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and socio-cultural influence on male participation in PMTCT. Systematic random sampling method was used to obtain a sample population of 122 antenatal mothers. The data was collected between October and November 2012 using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. Data was validated, cleaned, coded and entered in the computer. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The results of the study showed that majority of the respondents, 77.87% (n=95), were between the age of 20 to 39 years with the least, 16.39% (n=20) aged between 40-49 years. There were low levels of knowledge and awareness on PMTCT among male partners. Socio-cultural factors were seen to contribute to low male involvement in PMTCT. The study recommends creation of awareness and also formulation of health messages which target men and are culture sensitive.
Abstract: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs when a pregnant woman with Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) passes the virus to her baby either during pregnancy, labour and delivery or breastfeeding period. Vertical transmission during pregnancy is between 20-25%. Globally, about 330,000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2011. It is estimate th...
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