Socioeconomic Dynamics in Women’s Access and Utilization of Health Technologies in Rural Nigeria

Author(s):  
Ngozi Idemili Aronu ◽  
Chiemezie S. Atama ◽  
Ngozi E Chukwu ◽  
Igwe Ijeoma

Background Technology has become a powerful tool for resolving women’s health problems hence women’s access and use of healthcare technologies have become an important aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals. Though health technologies have improved the lives of women worldwide, in Nigeria, especially in rural settings, use of health technologies remains low. The objective of this study was to examine the socioeconomic dynamics that influence the use of health technologies by women in rural Nigeria. Methods A cross sectional survey using qualitative methods to collect data from 147 purposively selected women (15–65 years) was conducted in three rural Local Government Areas in Enugu State. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth interview guides were used to collect information from 147 purposively selected women and healthcare workers on access and use of health technologies among women in rural communities. Thematic analytic method was used to analyze the data. Results The data gathered revealed that there was unavailability of health technologies in some communities studied while many had skeletal provision of health technologies. Bad road networks, cost of transportation and unavailability of health technologies impacted on access. Low socioeconomic status of rural women influenced their use of health technologies. Conclusion Health technologies especially diagnostic technologies are not available in rural communities. Women cannot access what is not available. The study recommends need for the provision of these lifesaving technologies at little or no cost.

Author(s):  
Shubhanshu Gupta ◽  
Sanjeev Kumar ◽  
Piyush D Swami ◽  
Anjana Niranjan

Background: According to World Health Organization, adolescents constitute about one fifth of the world population, and in India they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at sub-optimal level. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for improvement of health status of adolescent girls.  Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in Rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014. Results: Among the various morbidities eye problem was seen in maximum no of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls. Conclusions: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent, anemia, morbidity, vaginal discharge.


Mousaion ◽  
10.25159/2054 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-67
Author(s):  
Mahlaga Johannes Molepo ◽  
Linda M. Cloete

The way in which an institution treats its records is crucial for its survival in a rapidly changing society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the records management practices and challenges faced by traditional institutions of leadership and governance in Ga Molepo, Limpopo, South Africa. The researcher employed a cross-sectional survey in order to quantitatively examine the challenges faced by members of traditional councils. A researcher administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to study a stratified sample of 35 members from an estimated population of 350. The findings revealed patterns and trends of non-compliance with records management standards and guidelines. Although there were sporadic cases of record keeping, a greater number of respondents revealed that traditional institutions lack the facilities, equipment, education and trained/skilled personnel to apply correct records management procedures in their daily administration of their traditional communities. The main value of the study is to create awareness of records management as one of the neglected areas in traditional institutions – which are by current legislative arrangement, the closest form of leadership and governance for rural communities in light of their relationship with local municipalities and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
ANNE Wangari Mberia

Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Northhouse, 2011). In time and space, women leadership remains a subject talked about but hardly appreciated (Wren, 2013). Among the factors contributing to poor representation of women in leadership is stakeholder’s attitude (Coleman, 2005). The study sought to investigate stakeholder’s attitudes impeding women teachers' ascension to leadership positions in mixed public secondary schools, focusing in Tharaka South Sub – County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional survey design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sample size. Data was collected from women classroom teachers, heads of departments, school principals, education officers, education trade unionists, Parents and Teachers Association officials and School Board of Management officials. Questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussion guides were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis was assisted by computer software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences for quantitative data and NVIVO for qualitative data). The study established that education stakeholders have a general negative attitude towards women leadership in schools.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-352
Author(s):  
Oghenechoja Dennis Veta

This study sought to investigate factors militating against community participation in development projects executed under the Micro Projects Programme and how to reduce such factors to the barest minimum in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A questionnaire, an in-depth interview (IDI) guide and a focus group discussion (FGD) guide were used for data collection. Borehole water, generator-house, health centres, staff quarters and markets were the projects executed. Inadequate devolution of power to the grassroots, among others, was the major problem that hindered involvement of community members in the development process of the Micro Projects Programme in the study areas. To enhance active participation of beneficiaries in the development process of the programme, suggestions are proffered.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esong Miranda Baame ◽  
André Pascal Goura ◽  
Bertrand Hugo Ngahane Mbatchou ◽  
Berenice Walage ◽  
Herman Styve Yomi Simo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Household air pollution (HAP) is a recognised risk factor for many diseases, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular/circulatory disorders, adverse pregnancy outcomes and cataracts. Population exposure to biomass fuels, including wood, varies among countries and from one fuel source to the other. This study aimed to investigate the different sources of HAP in peri-urban and rural communities in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of households from the Dschang Health District (DHD) region. This included 848 homes in which a range of fuels for cooking including biomass (firewood, charcoal, sawdust), kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were used both indoors and outdoors. Results: Of the study households, 651 (77%) reported exclusive use of firewood and 141 (17%) reported using more than one source of fuel. Exclusive use of firewood was greater in rural communities (94%) than in peri-urban communities (38%). In peri-urban communites, use of multiple fuels including LPG, wood, sawdust and kerosene, was more common (44.75%). A total of 25.03% of households in both peri-urban and rural communities reported using bottled gas (or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. Motivations for choice of fuel included, price, availability (easy access), rapidity, tradition or culture related factorsConclusion: Wood is the main cooking fuel in both peri-urban and rural communities in the Dschang Health District. Work to help households (especially those who are resource poor) to adopt LPG equipment for cooking, and use in a more exclusive way is required.


Author(s):  
Wabusya Moses Wetiba ◽  
Mugatsia Tsingalia ◽  
Njira Njira Pili ◽  
Vincent Kakembo

Aims: This study assessed the level of climate change awareness among the forest-adjacent communities in the Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem complex. Four locations were chosen for the study, Buyangu and Isecheno in the Kakamega forest, Kaptumo in Nandi South and Kipsamoite in Nandi North forest ecosystems. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from primary sources. Structured questionnaires were administered to the residents aged 25years and older within the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The Kakamega, north and south Nandi forest ecosystems in western Kenya between June -December 2019. Methodology: A total of 280 questionnaires were randomly administered to the forest-adjacent respondents with, Kakamega forest 163 respondents, South Nandi forest 60, while North Nandi had 57respondents. A total of 217 questionnaires were filled and returned and the information wherein used in data analysis. Focused Group Discussion and key informants were used to supplement data collects by the questionnaires. Results: Majority of the residents (54%) were less concerned about climate change. In addition, 85% of the respondents had very little knowledge on coping and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. Some 40 % and 45% of the respondents got information about climate through televisions and radios, respectively. Further analysis of the results revealed that climate change was responsible for fourteen key impacts. These included an increase in rainfall, prolonged drought, decrease in the quality and quantity of fresh water, decrease in food security, an increase in temperature, a decrease in agricultural resources, an increase in sickness and disease, a decrease in quality of life, flooding, decrease in forest cover, loss of homes, reduction in biodiversity, and rise in storm surge. A Chi test revealed a significant relationship between forest cover decline and changes in rainfall patterns (X2 = 111.86, df =12, p<0.001), increasing temperature (X2 = 80.492, df =12, p<0.001);, drought( (X2 = 204.84, df =16, p<0.001) and storm surges (X2 = 74.34, df =8, p<0.001)]. The respondents' level of education was significantly different from their level of climate change awareness (X2=44.88, df=4, p<0.001). Conclusion: Forest-adjacent communities in the Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem complex are vulnerable to climate change as a result of insufficient knowledge about climate change and its impacts. The Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem is already experiencing climate change effects such as erratic rainfall and increasing food insecurity.


2020 ◽  
pp. 097300522096500
Author(s):  
William Yaw Amuesi Kodwiw ◽  
John Victor Mensah

The role of microenterprise in providing economic opportunities and employment options to the poor due to their ease of entry is recognised across the world. To enhance rural job creation through microenterprise development interventions, it is essential to understand how microenterprise establishment decisions are made among rural dwellers. The study examined how the option to migrate to other localities affects microenterprise establishment decisions among rural dwellers in the Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana. A mixed method design was used in the study. This involved a cross-sectional survey of 20 rural communities, during which data was collected from 800 respondents. Data were also collected from one focus group in each of the 20 communities. A conjoint decision analysis was carried out from interactions of the attributes of each respondent with the migration factor and other socio-economic factors. The migration option reduced the probability of local microenterprise establishment, with the most significant effect among people aged between 15 and 30 years. Furthermore, rural microenterprise establishment decisions are least influenced by the interactive effect of personal attributes and the migration factor as compared to interaction with other factors including access to electricity, institutional support services, market for outputs and returns on investment.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajat Das Gupta ◽  
Ibrahim Hossain Sajal ◽  
Mehedi Hasan ◽  
Ipsita Sutradhar ◽  
Mohammad Rifat Haider ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aimed to discern the association between the frequency of television viewing and overweight and obesity among reproductive age women of Myanmar.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.SettingThis study used Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015–2016) data.ParticipantsTotal of 12 021 women both aged 15–49 years and also not pregnant or did not deliver a child within the 2 months prior to the survey were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was overweight (23.0 kg/m2to <27.5 kg/m2) and obesity (≥27.5 kg/m2), which was measured using the Asian body mass index cut-off. Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to find the association between the explanatory and outcome variables. The potential confounders controlled in the multivariable analyses were age, place of residence, region of residence, highest educational status, current employment status, wealth index, parity and number of household members.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight was 26.5% and obesity was 12.2% among the study participants. The odds of being overweight and obese were 20% higher (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32; p=0.023) among those who watched television at least once a week compared with those who did not watch television at all. Rural women who watched television at least once a week were 1.2 times more likely to be obese (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.34; p=0.040) compared with those who did not watch television at all.ConclusionsFrequent television watching was associated with obesity among rural women of reproductive age in Myanmar.


2012 ◽  
Vol 02 (01) ◽  
pp. 03-07
Author(s):  
Sonia Jacob ◽  
Fatima D'Silva

AbstractA descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted for the study to assess and compare the level of knowledge of women on early symptoms of cancer. The sample consisted of 200 women, 100 from urban area of Jeppu and 100 from rural area of Natekal PHC. Stratified Sampling technique was used for selection of the samples. The data was collected by a demographic pro forma and a knowledge questionnaire which consisted of 23 multiple choice and 11 dichotomous (Yes/No) questions.Reliability of the tool was assessed using split half method and the reliability coefficient was found to be 0.9.Though the overall knowledge score of urban women was comparatively higher (38.26) than their rural counterparts (34.79), It was encouraging to note that rural women (53.6%) had better knowledge regarding risk factors and etiology of cancer when compared to urban women (51.02%).In India cancer related mortality is very high due to lack of awareness of the early symptoms leading to delayed screening and increased exposure rate of the risk factors. Nurses play a significant role in the disease prevention and health promotion of patients with cancer. Educational programs on healthful living with cost effective and motivating teaching strategies can be undertaken for the community so as to curb the mortality and morbidity associated with cancer


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 826-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yewande Adetoro Adewunmi ◽  
Reuben Iyagba ◽  
Modupe Omirin

Purpose Benchmarking in FM practice although understood and applied globally, little is known about the practice in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to guide the use of benchmarking. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires on FM organizations in Lagos metropolis, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The results of the survey were supplemented with interviews with FM unit heads in the study areas. The framework was validated using a focus group discussion with ten FM industry experts. Findings A framework which serves as a guide for the use of best practice benchmarking was developed. It showed that there is a relationship between best practice benchmarking and location. Research limitations/implications The evaluation of the framework was limited by the number of participants involved and being that it has not been put to use. Originality/value This study develops a multi-sector framework to guide the use of best practice benchmarking in facilities management (FM). The framework explains the relationship between organizational characteristics and best practice benchmarking. In addition, there are limited empirical benchmarking frameworks in FM literature.


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