scholarly journals Adolescent sexual and reproductive health research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of substantive focus, research volume, geographic distribution and Africa-led inquiry

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e004129
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Emmanuel Oloche Otukpa ◽  
Meggie Mwoka ◽  
Caroline W. Kabiru ◽  
Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Ssa Countries

BackgroundPrevious review studies have not systematically mapped the existing body of knowledge on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Our scoping review addresses this gap by examining how the body of research on ASRH in SSA has evolved over the past decade, and its present profile, in terms of trends in volume, geographic and substantive focus, and Africa-led inquiry.MethodsWe used a three-step search strategy to identify English and French peer-reviewed publications and relevant grey literature on ASRH in SSA published between January 2010 and December 2019. Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion.ResultsA total of 1302 articles were published over the period, rising from 91 in 2010 to 183 in 2015. However, the bulk of the studies (63.9%) focused on six (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia) of the 46 SSA countries. Ten countries had no ASRH papers, while five others each had only one publication. While issues like HIV (17.2%), sexual behaviours (17.4%) and access to sexual and reproductive health services (13.0%) received substantial attention, only a few studies focused on early adolescence (10–14 years), programme interventions, scaling up of interventions and policy evaluation. Just over half of publications had authors with African institutional affiliations as first authors (51.1%) or last author (53.0%). Sixteen per cent of papers did not include any authors from institutions in Africa.ConclusionsOur review demonstrated that research on ASRH is limited in focus and is unevenly distributed across SSA countries. The identified gaps can guide future research and funding to advance ASRH policies and programmes. It is also vital for stakeholders in the research enterprise, including researchers, donors, ethical review boards, and journal editors and reviewers, to implement measures that foster national investigators’ inclusion.

scholarly journals Mapping adolescent sexual and reproductive health research in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e035335
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie ◽  
Meggie Mwoka ◽  
Emmy Kageha Igonya ◽  
Ramatou Ouedraogo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Full Search

IntroductionPrevious studies have attempted to review the vast body of evidence on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), but none has focused on a complete mapping and synthesis of the body of inquiry and evidence on ASRH in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Such a comprehensive scoping is needed, however, to offer direction to policy, programming and future research. We aim to undertake a scoping review of studies on ASRH in SSA to capture the landscape of extant research and findings and identify gaps for future research.Methods and analysisThis protocol is designed using the framework for scoping reviews developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will include English and French language peer-reviewed publications and grey literature on ASRH (aged 10–19) in SSA published between January 2010 and June 2019. A three-step search strategy involving an initial search of three databases to refine the keywords, a full search of all databases and screening of references of previous review studies for relevant articles missing from our full search will be employed. We will search AJOL, JSTOR, HINARI, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and the websites for the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO and Guttmacher Institute. Two reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion—using Covidence (an online software). We will then extract relevant information from studies that meet the inclusion criteria using a tailored extraction frame and template. Extracted data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results will be presented using tables and charts and summaries of key themes arising from available research findings.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for a scoping review as it synthesises publicly available publications. Dissemination will be through publication in a peer-review journal and presentation at relevant conferences and convening of policymakers and civil society organisations working on ASRH in SSA.

scholarly journals Mapping Evidence of the Power Relations Between Domestic Workers and Their Employers in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Scoping Review Protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thobeka Ntini ◽  
Delarise Mulqueeny ◽  
Vishanthie Sewpaul
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Domestic Work ◽  
Domestic Workers ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
International Labour Organization ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Across various intersectional lines, including race, class and gender, domestic work is profoundly exploitative than other comparable occupations. The private household, within which domestic workers (DWs) work and function, provides for a space of complex and nuanced dynamics of power. According to the International Labour Organization there are more than 65 million DWs in the world, and Africa is the third largest employer of DWs, with more than 5.2 million DWs reported. The inception of the Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) (C189) in 2011 sought to protect DWs from all forms of exploitation and discrimination in the workplace, the convention brought global attention to the violation of their human rights and inequalities within the domestic work sector. Although there are more than 5.2 million DWs in Africa, 39/46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have not ratified this convention. Due to the extremely low ratification of the C189 and scanty evidence on the power relations between DWs and their employers in SSA, this scoping review is relevant to detect the extent and characteristics of domestic work in SSA since the introduction of C189 in September 2011. Methods The literature that will be included in this scoping review are published peer-reviewed articles, grey literature from relevant departmental websites, humanitarian organisations and theses. Electronic searches of databases and search engines such as Google, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, EBSCO Discovery Service, Scopus, World Bank and International Labour Organization (ILO) for literature published between September 2011-2021. Other search engines will include screening citations and references of appearing literature within the stipulated time period. All retrieved literature will be exported to an Endnote X9 library. Duplicate documents will be deleted prior to commencement of title screening. An adapted Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT), developed in a Google form, will be used by two reviewers to quality assess and describe all included studies (qualitative, mixed methods and quantitative). Discussion We anticipate mapping relevant literature on the power relations between domestic workers and their employers in sub-Saharan Africa. Once analysis and summary is finalised, the data will be useful to guide future research.

scholarly journals Nature of, and responses to key sexual and reproductive health challenges for adolescents in urban slums in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohannes Dibaba Wado ◽  
Martin Bangha ◽  
Caroline W. Kabiru ◽  
Garumma T. Feyissa
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Urban Slums ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Addressing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) requires an understanding of the socio-cultural and spatial settings within which they live. One setting of particular importance is the informal settlements or ‘slums’ that are gradually dominating the urban space. We undertook a scoping review and synthesis of existing evidence on adolescent SRHR in slums in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) focusing on the characteristics and nature of existing evidence. Methods The scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley framework and in accordance with the guidance on scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and using PRISMA reporting guidelines for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search was undertaken in PubMed, POPLINE, African Journals Online (AJOL), Bioline International and Google Scholar. The search was confined to studies published in peer reviewed journals and reports published online between January 2000 and May 2019. Studies were included in the review if they addressed SRHR issues among adolescents living in urban slums in SSA. Results The review included a total of 54 studies. The majority (79.5%) of studies were quantitative. The bulk of studies (85.2%) were observational studies with only eight intervention studies. While half (27) of the studies focused exclusively on adolescents (10–19 years), 12 studies combined adolescents with other young people (10–24 years). The studies were skewed towards sexual behavior (44%) and HIV/AIDS (43%) with very few studies focusing on other SRHR issues such as contraception, abortion, gender-based violence and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV. Most of the studies highlighted the significantly higher risks for poor SRHR outcomes among adolescents in slums as compared to their peers in other settlements. Conclusion Young people growing up in slums face tremendous challenges in relation to their SRHR needs resulting in poor outcomes such as early and unintended pregnancy, STIs, and sexual violence. The results of this review point to several potential target areas for programming, policy, and research aimed at improved adolescent SRHR in slums in SSA.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Preventive Practice Towards Novel Coronavirus 2019 in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugochinyere Ijeoma Nwagbara ◽  
Emmanuella Chinonso Osuala ◽  
Rumbidzai Chireshe ◽  
Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background: Recent statistics and studies have shown the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on population health and how knowledge, attitude, perception and practice (KAP) towards the virus can be the main key to limiting its spread in the absence of a vaccine. Thus, this study aims at mapping evidence on the KAP towards COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using scoping review.Methods: The study will employ a systematic scoping review to identify, describe, and map literature on the KAP towards COVID-19 in SSA. The primary search will include peer-reviewed and grey literature. The search will be performed using the EBSCOhost platform and a keyword search from the following electronic databases will be conducted: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Health Organization (WHO) library, and grey literature. The study selection will be guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A data charting table will be used to extract information from the included studies. Data will be analysed using NVIVO version 10 and a thematic content analysis will be used to present narrative account of the review.Discussion: We anticipate finding relevant literature on the KAP towards COVID-19 in SSA. The results of this study will help reveal research gaps in KAP towards COVID-19 and this will guide future research and highlight the new concepts discovered. Systematic review protocol registration: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/sdm46/.

scholarly journals Mapping evidence of free maternal healthcare financing and quality of care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic scoping review protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Ansu-Mensah ◽  
Tahiru Mohammed ◽  
Roseline H. Udoh ◽  
Vitalis Bawontuo ◽  
Desmond Kuupiel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Healthcare Financing ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Ssa Countries

Abstract Background Identifying and addressing research gaps on the implementation of free maternal healthcare financing policies and the quality of service delivery in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is essential in ensuring continuous patronage of the services by clients and sustainability of the policies to meet the intended goals. The proposed scoping review is aimed at mapping evidence on free maternal healthcare financing and quality of care in SSA. Methods Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, Levac and colleagues’ recommendations, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines will be used to guide the proposed study. A complete keyword search for relevant studies presenting evidence on free maternal healthcare financing and perceived quality of care among women in SSA will be performed in EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SCOPUS. Relevant grey literature from university repositories and international organisations such as WHO and government websites, and the reference lists of included studies will be additionally searched. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis: Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to present the results of the proposed scoping review. NVivo version 11 software package will be employed to extract the relevant outcomes from the included studies using content thematic analysis. Quality appraisal of the included studies for this proposed study will be performed utilising the latest mixed methods appraisal tool. Discussion It is anticipated that the results of the proposed study will inform future research and reveal evidence-based information to address potential quality of care issues that may arise because of free maternal healthcare policy implementation in some SSA countries. The proposed study will also be useful to other SSA countries planning to implement free maternal health policy, as they will be able to draw useful lessons to guide them through the process.

scholarly journals Mapping evidence on women’s knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roseline H. Udoh ◽  
Monica Ansu-Mensah ◽  
Mohammed Tahiru ◽  
Vitalis Bawontuo ◽  
Desmond Kuupiel
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
Women's Knowledge ◽  
Women’S Knowledge

Abstract Background Globally, breast cancer is the most common malignant condition in women. Breast self-examination practice following correct procedure potentially can lead to early detection of breast abnormalities. We propose to systematically chart literature and examine the scope of evidence on women’s knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods Our scoping review methods will be guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, Levac et al. and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Literature searches will be conducted in the following electronic databases (from 2008 onwards): PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Health Sources. Grey literature will be identified through searching dissertation databases, Google Scholar and governmental databases. Two reviewers will screen all citations and full-text articles We will abstract data, organise them into themes and sub-themes, summarise them and report the results using a narrative synthesis. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using a mixed-method appraisal tool. Discussion The findings from the scoping review will contribute to obtain an understanding of the women’s knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa, and will likely reveal the depth of evidence helping to identify gaps for future research. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Implications for clinical practice and health policy will be discussed.

scholarly journals Sexual and reproductive health services provided by community pharmacists: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047034
Author(s):  
Javiera Navarrete ◽  
Nese Yuksel ◽  
Theresa J Schindel ◽  
Christine A Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Pharmacy Services ◽  
Reproductive Health Services

ObjectivesPharmacists are increasingly providing patient-focused services in community pharmacies, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Specific SRH areas have been the focus of research, but a broader perspective is needed to position pharmacists as SRH providers. This review explored research that described and evaluated professional pharmacy services across a broad range of SRH areas.DesignScoping reviewData sourcesMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library (January 2007–July 2020).Study selectionStudies reporting on the description and evaluation of professional pharmacy SRH services provided by community pharmacists.Data extractionTwo investigators screened studies for eligibility, and one investigator extracted the data. Data were analysed to primarily describe professional pharmacy services and intervention outcomes.ResultsForty-one studies were included. The main SRH areas and professional pharmacy services reported were sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (63%) and screening (39%), respectively. Findings showed that pharmacists’ delivery of SRH services was feasible, able to reach vulnerable and high-risk groups, and interventions were highly accepted and valued by users. However, integration into daily workflow, pharmacist remuneration, cost and reimbursement for patients, and policy regulations were some of the barriers identified to implementing SRH services. Studies were primarily in specific areas such as chlamydia screening or hormonal contraception prescribing, while studies in other areas (ie, medical abortion provision, long-acting reversible contraception prescribing and vaccine delivery in pregnant women) were lacking.ConclusionThis scoping review highlights the expansion of pharmacists’ roles beyond traditional product-focused services in a number of SRH areas. Given the potential feasibility, users’ acceptability and reach, pharmacists are ideally situated to enhance SRH care access. Future research describing implementation and evaluation of professional pharmacy services in all SRH areas is needed to promote access to these services through community pharmacies and position pharmacists as SRH providers worldwide.

scholarly journals Factors influencing access to and utilisation of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Rose Ninsiima ◽  
Isabel Kazanga Chiumia ◽  
Rawlance Ndejjo
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Youth Friendly

Abstract Background Despite the global agreements on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and rights, access to and utilisation of these services among the youth/adolescents remain unsatisfactory in low- and middle-income countries which are a significant barrier to progress in this area. This review established factors influencing access and utilisation of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services (YFSRHS) among the youth in sub-Saharan Africa to inform programmatic interventions. Methodology A systematic review of studies published between January 2009 and April 2019 using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Studies were screened based on the inclusion criteria of barriers and facilitators of implementation of YFSRHS, existing national policies on provision of YFSRHS, and youth’s perspectives on these services. Findings A total of 23,400 studies were identified through database search and additional 5 studies from other sources. After the full-text screening, 20 studies from 7 countries met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Structural barriers were the negative attitude of health workers and their being unskilled and individual barriers included lack of knowledge among youth regarding YFSRHS. Facilitators of utilisation of the services were mostly structural in nature which included community outreaches, health education, and policy recommendations to improve implementation of the quality of health services and clinics for adolescents/youth to fit their needs and preferences. Conclusion Stakeholder interventions focusing on implementing YFSRHS should aim at intensive training of health workers and put in place quality implementation standard guidelines in clinics to offer services according to youth’s needs and preferences. In addition, educating the youth through community outreaches and health education programs for those in schools can facilitate utilisation and scale up of the service.

Understanding sexual and reproductive health needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada: A scoping review

2021 ◽  
pp. e20210006
Author(s):  
Samantha Louie-Poon ◽  
Mehnaz Rehmani ◽  
Megan Kennedy ◽  
Shannon Scott ◽  
Bukola Salami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Immigrant Adolescents ◽  
School Based ◽  
Strength Based

Despite the large number of immigrant adolescents in Canada, research on their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and information needs is nearly nonexistent. A scoping review was undertaken following the PRISMA-ScR statement to identify and assess the existing literature regarding SRHR needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada. Of the 1514 articles retrieved from our search strategy, 15 studies met our inclusion criteria. The results from our review identifies three unique themes related to immigrant adolescents’ SRHR needs: knowledge needs, access to SRHR education and services, and approaches to SRHR education and services. Immigrant adolescents’ knowledge needs includes needs on HIV/STI transmission and protection, unintended pregnancy, sexual activity, family planning, pubertal education, navigating the health care system, and confidentiality legislations. Our results revealed that immigrant adolescents’ access SRHR education and services through both school-based and community-based settings. Lastly, approaches to SRHR education and services for immigrant adolescents should include cultural sensitivity, an intersectional approach, interactive learning, a strength-based approach, and reassuring confidentiality rights. The multi-faceted SRHR needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada demonstrates that future research, program development, and policymaking requires careful consideration of these intersecting forces. Inclusive SRHR education and services can be achieved through the employment of a critical cultural approach and intersectional strategies.

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