scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE REGARDING RCH SERVICES AMONG HEALTH WORKERS, PREGNANT MOTHERS AND ADOLESCENTS IN RURAL FIELD PRACTICE AREA

2013 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 046-050
Author(s):  
Anusha Rashmi ◽  
N. Udaya Kiran ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Field Practice

AbstractMaternal mortality and morbidity are significant health problems in developing countries. Improving maternal health has been an essential element for achieving health for all and has been included in MDG to be achieved by 2010. Apart from mothers and children, the health of adolescents came into light as one of the important area mainly because of their role as future or immediate mothers. Role of health care providers especially the grass root level workers becomes particularly important not just in imparting the intending services, but also in imparting knowledge about reproductive health.To assess the knowledge about RCH services among the health care workers, pregnant women, mothers and adolescent girls.A cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice areas of K. S. Hegde Medical Academy. A total of 37 health workers, 50 pregnant women and mothers and 56 adolescents were interviewed using a pre tested questionnaire for assessing their knowledge regarding RCH services. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis.Knowledge regarding high risk pregnancy identification, normal birth weight and identifying anaemia in the field was good among health workers. Only 10.8% of them knew the minimum strength of medical officers in a FRU and only 5.4% knew about fast breathing in less than 2 months old infant. With regard to mothers knowledge 64% were aware of the number of ANC visits, 44% knew about correct interval between 2 pregnancies, 38% knew about methods to prevent STI transmission. 82% of adolescents had good knowledge regarding legal age for marriage. 75% were aware of various methods of contraception.

scholarly journals Disclosure of herbal medicine use to health care providers among pregnant women in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansoor Ahmed ◽  
Hyea Bin Im ◽  
Jung Hye Hwang ◽  
Dongwoon Han
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Pregnant women’s disclosure of herbal medicine (HM) use to their health care providers during pregnancy is crucial, as misuse of HM can have a detrimental effect on both pregnant woman and the fetus. However, the lack of disclosure of HM use to physicians remains a public health concern in developing countries such as Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 postpartum women admitted at Maternity and Women’s Hospital located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The survey instrument included 30 questions on the use of HM during pregnancy, sociodemographic and health characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes. Chi-square test and logistic regression were conducted for data analysis using SPSS ver. 21.0., and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results 60.3% of respondents used at least one herbal remedy during their previous pregnancy, and the overall disclosure rate of HM use to healthcare providers was 54.6%. Women with secondary education level and four or more antenatal care visits were more likely to disclose their HM use to healthcare providers. Conclusions This study highlights that despite the popular use of HM among pregnant women in Nepal, most women obtained HM-related information from informal sources and did not disclose their HM use to physicians. To ensure the safe use of HM, physicians should integrate questions regarding patients’ HM use into their routine patient assessments to facilitate active communication and improve the quality of care.

scholarly journals Exploring the lived experiences of pregnant women and community health care providers during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Bangladesh through a phenomenological analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadika Akhter ◽  
Feroza Akhter Kumkum ◽  
Farzana Bashar ◽  
Aminur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Maternal And Newborn Health ◽  
Community Health Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background Like many countries, the government of Bangladesh also imposed stay-at-home orders to restrict the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) in March, 2020. Epidemiological studies were undertaken to estimate the early possible unforeseen effects on maternal mortality due to the disruption of services during the lockdown. Little is known about the constraints faced by the pregnant women and community health workers in accessing and providing basic obstetric services during the pandemic in the country. This study was conducted to explore the lived experience of pregnant women and community health care providers from two southern districts of Bangladesh during the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods The study participants were recruited through purposive sampling and non-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Data was collected over the telephone from April to June, 2020. The data collected was analyzed through a phenomenological approach. Results Our analysis shows that community health care providers are working under tremendous strains of work load, fear of getting infected and physical and mental fatigue in a widely disrupted health system. Despite the fear of getting infected, the health workers are reluctant to wear personal protective suits because of gender norms. Similarly, the lived experience of pregnant women shows that they are feeling helpless; the joyful event of pregnancy has suddenly turned into a constant fear and stress. They are living in a limbo of hope and despair with a belief that only God could save their lives. Conclusion The results of the study present the vulnerability of pregnant women and health workers during the pandemic. It recognizes the challenges and constraints, emphasizing the crucial need for government and non-government organizations to improve maternal and newborn health services to protect the pregnant women and health workers as they face predicted waves of the pandemic in the future.

scholarly journals Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among health care workers in northern Tanzania.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Mgongo ◽  
Bertha Mlay ◽  
Damian Jeremia Damian ◽  
Caroline Amour ◽  
Beatrice John Leyaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Child Survival ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Northern Tanzania

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice is one of the interventions improving child survival. Health workers have been shown to be vital in influencing EBF practices. Objectives To assess the level of knowledge and supportive practices on EBF among healthcare workers Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between April - June 2011 health care providers working in 36 randomly selected health facilities of Hai and Siha districts. A questionnaire was used to obtain information. Observation of health worker-client interaction was conducted using a check list. Results A total of 250 health workers participated in this study. The majority (80%) had adequate knowledge of EBF. However, 36% of providers believed light porridge should be introduced after 4 months and 43% believed infants will feel thirsty on breast- milk alone. Only 7% of providers answered correctly on skills of support, positioning and attachment. Fifty percent of the facilities with labour/maternity wards gave breastfeeding lessons to post delivery women. The majority (90%) gave theoretical information, without practical demonstration with positioning and/or attachment of the baby to the breast. Conclusion Providers had adequate theoretical knowledge of EBF but lacked important skills to support women in breastfeeding practices. Few labor/maternity facilities used the opportunity to educate women on EBF. Pre- and in-service health providers’ training on breastfeeding should target improved practical skills.

scholarly journals Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among health care workers in Northern Tanzania.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Mgongo ◽  
Bertha Mlay ◽  
Damian Jeremia Damian ◽  
Caroline Amour ◽  
Beatrice John Leyaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Child Survival ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Northern Tanzania

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice is one of the interventions improving child survival. Health workers have been shown to be vital in influencing EBF practices.Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and supportive practices on EBF among healthcare workers Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between April - June 2011 health care providers working in 36 randomly selected health facilities of Hai and Siha districts. A questionnaire was used to obtain information. Observation of health worker-client interaction was conducted using a check list.Results: A total of 250 health workers participated in this study. The majority (80 %) had adequate knowledge of EBF. However, 36 % of providers believed light porridge should be introduced after 4 months and 43 % believed infants will feel thirsty on breast- milk alone. Only 7 % of providers answered correctly on skills of support, positioning and attachment. Fifty percent of the facilities with labour/maternity wards gave breastfeeding lessons to post delivery women. The majority (90 %) gave theoretical information, without practical demonstration with positioning and/or attachment of the baby to the breast.Conclusion: Providers had adequate theoretical knowledge of EBF but lacked important skills to support women in breastfeeding practices. Few labor/maternity facilities used the opportunity to educate women on EBF. Pre- and in-service health providers’ training on breastfeeding should target improved practical skills.

scholarly journals Pattern of oral diseases and associated contributing factors in pregnant women attending a maternity center in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
Mumtahana Nabi ◽  
Abul Masud Md Nurul Karim ◽  
SM Mamun Ur Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Prenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Oral health care in pregnancy is often neglected by women and is also not appropriately addressed by prenatal and other health care providers and justify appropriate attention. The purpose of this cross sectional study was to describe percentage of oral disease occurrence and underlying causes in this sample of pregnant women. Methods: The study included 147 women aged between 15 to 49 years receiving prenatal care at the outdoor department of Azimpur Maternal and Child Health Training Institute in Dhaka, Bangladesh were invited to participate in this study from January 2013 to April 2013. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Clinical exam data were recorded using validated scales in a special form. Results: Majority (72%) of the women were  between  20 to 24 years.  57%  had secondary  school  education.  88% of the women were unemployed and 52% women had very low family income of BOT s;10000. More than 90% of the women had good oral hygiene practices. However, 68% liked to  have  sugary  snacks  or  drinks  in  between  main meals, 7% visited their dentists during pregnancy , only 3% received advice  for  routine  oral  health  screening  from their prenatal care providers and only 4% women started their antenatal check-up during first trimester.  All  these negative influences might expose expecting mothers to high level of dental caries (54%), dental  erosion  (52%),  gingivitis (100%) and periodontitis (27%). This study also showed that majority of the women acquired oral health information through watching television (61%) or reading  newspaper  (12%)  while  only  4%  received  information from doctors/dent ists throughout their lifetime. Conclusion: The undertaken research highlighted the importance of using media in modifying Bangladeshi pregnant woman's behaviours toward oral health. It also emphasizes the need for inclusion of oral health preventive programme as part of pre and postnatal care. Further study in this area on a large scale will facilitate formulation of appropriate oral health policy to achieve satisfactory oral and general health outcomes during pregnancy and ensure optimum oral health conditions of their offspring. JOPSOM 2020; 39(1): 50-59

scholarly journals Protective Behaviour against COVID 19 and Telemedicine Use among the Pregnant Women during Pandemic Period: A Cross Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
S. Anil Bindu Sukumaran ◽  
L. Manju ◽  
Divija Vijith ◽  
Regi Jose ◽  
Meghana Narendran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Protective Behaviour

Even though pregnant women are more prone to have severe COVID 19, few studies have been conducted on their protective behaviours against this disease in our country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of getting COVID infection may prevent antenatal women from visiting hospitals for routine antenatal checkups and utilization of telemedicine may be an alternative to get connected with their health care providers during the pandemic. Aims: To evaluate the protective behaviour adopted by pregnant women during the COVID pandemic and their utilization of teleconsultation for antenatal care. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending three selected hospitals in Trivandrum District in Kerala during May to August 2020. The data was collected from a random sample of 252 pregnant women registered in these hospitals using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Around 89% of pregnant women had adopted good practice to protect themselves against the COVID 19. About 94% wore a mask whenever they went outside. About 72% completely avoided crowded place. About 72% had rated themselves to have good or very good knowledge regarding protective measures of COVID 19. Among the pregnant women, 61(24.2%) missed their scheduled antenatal visit once, 32(12.7%) missed twice and 8(3.2% missed three or more times during the pandemic period. Half of the pregnant women utilized telemedicine facility during the pandemic to stay connected with their doctors. But 31% were not aware of telemedicine facility in hospitals, while 1.6% does not have an internet access. Higher age group, current employment status and area of residence was found to be associated with poor practice. Conclusions: Nearly 89% pregnant women adopted good protective measures against COVID19. Measures need to be taken to improve the availability of telemedicine facility in hospitals for antenatal women and to improve awareness about it among public which may help the antenatal women to stay connected with their health care providers during this pandemic.

scholarly journals Importance of n-3 PUFA consumption during pregnancy: perception discrepancies between pregnant women and gynaecologists–obstetricians in Belgium

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axelle Hoge ◽  
Florence Bernardy ◽  
Anne-Françoise Donneau ◽  
Nadia Dardenne ◽  
Sylvie Degée ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Dietary Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiven-3 PUFA during pregnancy have been subject to intense research interest, but also much controversy, creating a situation of confusion among patients and health-care providers. The present study was carried out to explore knowledge, attitude and practices regardingn-3 PUFA in two independent populations of pregnant women and gynaecologists–obstetricians in Belgium and to assess the relationship between the pregnant women’s attributes and theirn-3 PUFA status measured by the omega-3 index.DesignCross-sectional study. Knowledge, attitude and practices were collected by self-administered questionnaires while laboratory data were available for each pregnant woman.SettingDuring the first antenatal hospital appointment (for the pregnant women) and by email (for the gynaecologists–obstetricians).ParticipantsWomen in early pregnancy (n122) and gynaecologists–obstetricians (n67).ResultsMarked discrepancies in perception were evidenced between the pregnant women and health-care providers. While 82 % of the women attached high importance ton-3 PUFA during pregnancy, only a third of the gynaecologists–obstetricians did. About 35 % of the women declared paying particular attention to their consumption ofn-3 PUFA. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, these positive dietary practices were significantly associated with higher omega-3 index (P=0·04). Overall, 43·3 % of professionals did not provide any information aboutn-3 PUFA to their pregnant patients and 46·3 % did not take any preventive actions.ConclusionsEvidence-based guidelines, refreshment training and communication tools are needed to improve awareness and clinical practices among caregivers regardingn-3 PUFA to benefit both mothers and their children.

scholarly journals Beliefs, Practices, and Advice Received on Nutrition and Health During Pregnancy: Qualitative Reports from Pregnant Women in Rural Bangladesh (P10-021-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Preyanka Nath ◽  
Kendra Byrd ◽  
Jyoti Das ◽  
Afsana Sharmin ◽  
Ruhul Amin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Rural Bangladesh

Abstract Objectives Many Bangladeshi women consume a diet that is low in nutrients, and in addition do not gain enough weight during pregnancy. We sought out to identify practices and perceptions that act as barriers to consuming both enough food and nutrient-dense foods during the pregnancy period. We also asked women where they received support and information regarding their pregnancy. Methods We randomly selected households in two villages of the Kishorganj district in rural Bangladesh and conducted purposive sampling to identify households with currently pregnant women. Women were invited to a central location to attend a focus group discussion (FGD) in a small group of other pregnant women. Discussion guides were created based on barriers to healthy eating that had been documented in the literature in similar settings. All interviews were conducted in Bengali with a trained field staff. Interviews were recorded and transcribed in Bengali. Data reduction was achieved by using an analytic questionnaire. Results Four focus group discussions were carried out with 40 pregnant women, of which the average age was 24 years. Data collection was done during the month of May 2017. Some women reported that they increased their food consumption during pregnancy, while others reported that they had trouble consuming enough food as fatigue and nausea decreased their desire to eat. Regardless of amount, most women reported consumption patterns of rice and vegetables daily, fish weekly, and meat fortnightly. However, many women reported the avoidance of certain foods such as specific fish, fruits, and vegetables according to the advice from the family members and/or health care providers. Additionally, we uncovered some knowledge gaps regarding recommended weight gain during pregnancy. Family members, neighbors, and health workers were found as part of the support system for pregnant women. Conclusions Women overall have many positive dietary practices in this region of rural Bangladesh, but there is potential to increase both the quality and quantity with additional community-wide sensitization on nutrition. Community health programs may consider incorporating more messages on nutrition during pregnancy for all family members and rural health care providers. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Reproduction and Language

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sallie Han
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Social Study ◽  
Linguistic Anthropology ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Medical Health Care ◽  
Medical Health

The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate the importance and necessity of bringing together the considerations of language and reproduction. While other topics of sexuality have aroused interest in sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology, the ideas, practices, and experiences of human reproduction, notably pregnancy, remain understudied. At the same time, a discussion of language has been largely absent from the anthropology of reproduction, which has emerged in the last twenty years as an especially vibrant area of cultural and social study. The chapter examines the metaphors and discourses or the “talk about” reproduction; the interactions and “talk between” people, like pregnant women and medical health care providers, which shapes the ordinary experiences of reproduction; the “talk to” parties (specifically, fetuses and imagined children) who themselves become constituted through talk; and reproduction as literacy event or one that is mediated and experienced in relation to texts. It is asserted that language is a practice of reproduction.

scholarly journals Brazil’s Community Health Workers Practicing Narrative Medicine: Patients’ Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogério Meireles Pinto ◽  
Rahbel Rahman ◽  
Margareth Santos Zanchetta ◽  
W. Galhego-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Narrative Medicine ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
Care Providers

Abstract Background Narrative medicine (NM) encourages health care providers to draw on their personal experiences to establish therapeutic alliances with patients of prevention and care services. NM medicine practiced by nurses and physicians has been well documented, yet there is little understanding of how community health workers (CHWs) apply NM concepts in their day-to-day practices from patient perspectives. Objective To document how CHWs apply specific NM concepts in Brazil’s Family Health Strategy (FHS), the key component of Brazil’s Unified Health System. Design We used a semi-structured interview, grounded in Charon’s (2001) framework, including four types of NM relationships: provider–patient, provider–colleague, provider–society, and provider–self. A hybrid approach of thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 27 patients. Key Results Sample: 18 females; 13 White, 12 “Pardo” (mixed races), 12 Black. We found: (1) provider–patient relationship—CHWs offered health education through compassion, empathy, trustworthiness, patience, attentiveness, jargon-free communication, and altruism; (2) provider–colleague relationship—CHWs lacked credibility as perceived by physicians, impacting their effectiveness negatively; (3) provider–society relationship—CHWs mobilized patients civically and politically to advocate for and address emerging health care and prevention needs; (4) provider–self relationship—patients identified possible low self-esteem among CHWs and a need to engage in self-care practices to abate exhaustion from intense labor and lack of resources. Conclusion This study adds to patient perspectives on how CHWs apply NM concepts to build and sustain four types of relationships. Findings suggest the need to improve provider–colleague relationships by ongoing training to foster cooperation among FHS team members. More generous organizational supports (wellness initiatives and supervision) may facilitate the provider–self relationship. Public education on CHWs’ roles is needed to enhance the professional and societal credibility of their roles and responsibilities. Future research should investigate how CHWs’ personality traits may influence their ability to apply NM.

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