Ease of understanding and performing HIV self-tests by pregnant women and their male partners in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242098393
Author(s):  
Kisa Rose ◽  
Joseph KB Matovu ◽  
Caroline J Vrana-Diaz ◽  
Esther Buregyeya ◽  
Joseph Kagaayi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Understanding and following HIV self-testing (HIVST) instructions is a critical step in the use of HIVST kits. We analyzed data on pregnant women and their partners’ self-assessment on the usability of kits delivered by their pregnant women. Methods: Quantitative data were collected on 399 pregnant women and 238 male partners enrolled in the intervention arm of a large cluster-randomized HIVST trial. Each pregnant woman received HIVST demonstrations, detailed pictorial instructions on how to use OraQuick HIVST kits, and two kits; for herself and her male partner. Follow-up was at one month (baseline for male partners) and 3 months. Descriptive statistics were conducted to compare understanding and following of HIVST instructions by age and education level. Results: The proportion of those who understood HIVST instructions was almost the same (98%) for women and their partners, although partners (26.5%) were nearly twice as likely than women (16.0%) to report needing pretest counseling (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.27–2.79). Partners’ understanding of the HIVST instructions did not vary by education level, but 4.4% of women with primary education reported difficulty in understanding HIVST instructions compared with 0.5% and 0% of those with secondary and university education, respectively ( p = 0.05). However, 5.6% of women aged 30–68 years and 3.3% of partners aged 20–24 years found it more difficult to understand the HIVST instructions. Conclusion: Both pregnant women and their male partners were correctly able to perform an HIVST without or (with minimal) support suggesting that this mode of delivery will help the national program reach more men. Because more male partners than women required HIVST pretest counseling support, male-targeted HIVST promotional messages may be needed to increase men's self-efficacy to perform HIVST unsupported.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-72
Author(s):  
Liphapang Dimene ◽  
Mutseyekwa Fadzai ◽  
Jephat Chifamba ◽  
Gerald Nyakatawa ◽  
Carol Mahachi ◽  
...  

Background: Traditional medicines are widely used in the rapidly growing health system and are of economic importance. The study aimed at determining the frequency, pattern of use and factors that influence traditional medicines use during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at four district hospitals in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, using questionnaire based convenience sampling. Results: Traditional medicines use was found to be high with 54% (n = 337) of pregnant women using traditional medicines during pregnancy. The major purpose of use of traditional medicine was found to be preparation for delivery; cervical dila- tion in particular. The following factors showed a significant statistical association for use of traditional medicines: previous mode of delivery (p = 0.006), level of education (p = 0.016), family income (p = 0.007), and residential settlement (p = 0.026). Some of the common traditional medicines used during pregnancy include Camellia sinensis, Aloe, Spirostachys Africana, Thumbergia lancifolia, Dalbergiella nyasae, Steganotaenia oraliacea, Stomatostemma monteiroae and Cussonia arborea. Conclusion: A number of pregnant women use traditional medicines as partus preparators (labour aids) throughout the entire pregnancy period. This calls for obstetricians, general practitioners and midwives to inquire about use of traditional medicine in history. Keywords: Traditional medicines; pregnancy; Zimbabwe.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeliz Mercan ◽  
Kevser TARI SELCUK ◽  
Figen DIGIN ◽  
Hasan SAYGIN

Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the level and predictors of prenatal distress in pregnant women according to gestational age.Methods: This a cross-sectional study was conducted in eight Family Health Centers (FHCs) in Kirklareli, in Turkey. The study included 179 pregnant women who presented to the FHCs, who were at ≥12th week of gestation. Results:The frequency of prenatal distress in the participants was 21.2% (between 12th-27th weeks:16.5%, between 28th-41st weeks: 26.8%). It was found that level of education, age of the spouse, current pregnancy being unplanned, and social support levels were associated with the level of prenatal distress in ≥12th week or between 12th-27th weeks or between 28th-41st weeks (p<0.05). And also, perceived income level, abortion, and the number of pregnancies were associated with the level of prenatal distress in ≥12th weeks; the age of women, perceived income levels, previous abortion experience, and the number of pregnancies were associated with the level of prenatal distress in between 12th-27th weeks; the age of women, education level of spouse', and previous birth experience prenatal distress levels were associated in between 28th-41st weeks (p<0.05).Conclusion: The level of prenatal distress according to the gestational age, the education level of the woman, the age of her spouse’, the unplanned pregnancy, and social support levels were predictors. In both periods, the age of women were determinants in prenatal stress levels in pregnant women. Pregnant women should be screened and evaluated for prenatal distress in their application to FHCs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getachew Asmare ◽  
Dabere Nigatu ◽  
Yamrot Debela

Abstract Background: Maternity waiting home is a direct strategy to improving newborn and maternal survival. The utilization of maternity waiting home, however, remains very low in Ethiopia. The involvement of men in maternal health programs is a key strategy to increase utilization of various maternal health services including maternity waiting home. Thus, this study is aimed to determine the proportion of and factors affecting male partners’ involvement in maternity home utilization.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 01 – December 30, 2018. A total of 403 male partners were involved in the study. Data were analyzed by statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23. Independent predictors were identified by multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was reported.Results: The proportion of male partner’s involvement in maternity waiting home utilization was 55.6% (50.71, 60.45). Age (AOR=0.88, 95% CI=0.82-0.94), knowledge (AOR=4.75, 95% CI=2.65-8.49), decision making power (AOR=4.00, 95% CI=1.38-11.57), and male partners’ who got counseling about maternity waiting home during spousal antenatal care visit (AOR=9.15, 95% CI=3.34-25.03) had statistically significant association with male partner’s involvement in maternity waiting home utilization.Conclusions: Nearly, a half of male partners were involved in maternity waiting home utilization. Men’s age, knowledge, decision making power, and receiving counseling were factors for male partner involvement in maternity waiting home utilization. Targeted interventions on increasing men’s knowledge about maternity waiting home and changing patriarchal thinking in the society can improve men’s involvement in maternity waiting home utilization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Hamdia M. Ahmed ◽  
Safyia S. Piro

Inadequate knowledge or inappropriate attitude about breastfeeding may lead to undesirable consequences. This study assessed the breastfeeding knowledge and attitude of pregnant women about breastfeeding. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 pregnant women from four primary health-care centers in Erbil City/Iraqi Kurdistan from March 15, 2017, to May 15, 2017. A structured questionnaire was developed based on the evidence in the literature. A face to face interview technique was used for data collection. Overall, 61.7% of mothers had a poor level of knowledge of breastfeeding despite having a positive attitude (96.7%). There was a significant association between mothers’ knowledge and mothers’ education level, age, occupation, and type of family. However, no significant association was found between mothers’ attitude and their education level, age, occupation, parity, type of family, and having the plan to breastfeed. As general, the highest percentage of correct responses was about knowing about early skin-to-skin contact (69.2%), initiation of breastfeeding (57.5%), knowing the colostrum (76.7%), necessity of giving colostrum (79.2%), no necessity prelacteal feeding (79.2%), exclusive breastfeeding age (69.2%), complementary age food (70.8%), and optimal weaning time (70%) while the lowest percentage of correct responses was about breastfeeding benefits for infant and mother; as well as the contraindication of breastfeeding. Having good attitude regarding breastfeeding is not ensuring to have good knowledge. A significant number of pregnant mothers had not sufficient knowledge that indicating the necessity of interventional programs by the health system.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Fabiola V. Moshi ◽  
Stephen M. Kibusi ◽  
Flora Fabian

Background. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, an intention to carry out a certain behavior facilitates action. In the context of planning for birth, certain preparations and planning may better ensure maternal and neonatal survival. Little is known on the predictors of birth preparedness intention among expecting couples. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of birth preparedness intentions among expecting couples. Methods. A community based cross-sectional study targeting pregnant women and their partners was performed from June until October 2017. A three-stage probability sampling technique was employed to obtain a sample of 546 couples A structured questionnaire based upon the Theory of Planned Behavior was used. The questionnaire explored three main domains of birth preparedness intentions. These three domains included (1) attitudes towards birth preparedness, (2) perceived subjective norms towards birth preparedness, and (3) perceived behavior control towards birth preparedness. Results. The vast majority of study participants had birth preparedness intentions. This included 521 (95.4%) pregnant women and 543 (99.5%) of their male partners. After adjusting for the confounders, the predictors of birth preparedness intentions among pregnant women were attitude (AOR=70.134, 95% CI=12.536-392.360, p<0.001) and perceived behavior control (AOR=7.327, 95% CI=1.545-34.761, p<0.05) which were significant. Among male partners, only attitudes (AOR=31.315, 95% CI=1.497-655.149, p<0.05) influenced the birth preparedness intention. Conclusion. Birth preparedness intention among male partners was higher compared to their female partners. The reason for the difference could be the concern each group puts on the issue of birth preparedness. Among the three domains of intention, attitude and perceived behavior control were statistically significant predictors of birth preparedness intention among pregnant women. Attitude was the only domain which influenced birth preparedness intention among male partners. Therefore, interventional studies are recommended targeting attitudes and perceived behavior control in order to boost birth preparedness intention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
NM Murphy ◽  
AS Khashan ◽  
DI Broadhurst ◽  
O Gilligan ◽  
K O’Donoghue ◽  
...  

Background To examine perinatal determinants of the antenatal levels of D-dimers. Methods Cross-sectional study of 760 low risk pregnant women recruited into five gestational groups. Variables examined in antenatal groups included maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, family history venous thromboembolism (VTE) and previous use of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Onset of labour and mode of delivery were also examined in the post-natal group. Results D-dimer levels in group 4 (38–40 + 6) were significantly lower in the women with a history of taking the OCP when compared to those that had not taken it in the past ( P = 0.027). In the day 2 post-natal group, the median level of D-dimer was significantly higher in primparous when compared to multiparous women ( P = 0.015). The median D-dimer levels were significantly lower in the elective Caesarean section group in comparison to spontaneous onset ( P = 0.003) and induction of labour ( P = 0.016). When the mode of delivery was examined, the median D-dimer levels were significantly lower in those that had an elective Caesarean section when compared to normal vaginal delivery ( P = 0.008) and instrumental vaginal delivery ( P = 0.007). Women post elective Caesarean section had a significantly lower D-dimer than those after emergency Caesarean section ( P = 0.008). Discussion There are some significant differences in D-dimer levels when certain perinatal determinants are examined. This work is potentially beneficial to the future diagnosis of VTE in pregnancy as it supports previously published recommended D-dimer levels for the diagnosis of VTE in pregnancy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dedius E. Peter ◽  
Walter C. Millanzi ◽  
Angelina A. Joho

Abstract Background Partograph is the graphic recording for labour management and monitoring of pregnant women in labour pain. The well-plotted data allow the nurse to recognize any abnormal conditions earlier and decide to employ proper actions to the particular pregnant mother in labour pain during the delivery of nursing care. However, its uses have been recommended by WHO among nurses around the globe but it is not fully utilized. This study aimed to determine the level of practice and factors influencing partograph utilization among nurses in Singida, Tanzania. Methods Analytical cross sectional study was conducted involving 150 nurses randomly selected from Sokoine health center and Singida Regional Referral Hospital in Singida municipality, Tanzania from January to February 2020. A self-administered structured questionnaire on partograph use to deliver maternal care among pregnant women was the main data collection tool. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software program version 23 was used for data entry, screening, processing, and analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in which findings were presented in tables. Results Out of 150 nurse midwives 58.7% (n = 88) were females. Only 38.7% (n = 58) of the study respondents had a high level of practice on the utilization of partograph during labour monitoring. Their levels of education were identified to be a protective factor because those who had University education were more times likely to practice using partograph when delivering care compared to other lower education levels (AOR = 16.757; 95%CI: 6.394; 43.915; p < 0.01). Also, their professional qualifications were discovered to be a protective factor because nurse officers and midwives officers were more times likely to practice using partograph as compared to other professional qualifications (AOR = 8.323; p = 0.004; 95%CI: 0.098; 0.642). Conclusion This study found that many nurses in Singida municipality had a low level of practice in utilizing partograph when delivering of health care among patients. Continuous and formal supportive supervisions and on job training at national and health facilities need to be emphasized and adhered to promote quality of health services by use of partograph and cost-effective maternal and newborns health.


Author(s):  
Feriha Fatima Khidri ◽  
Rubina Amjad ◽  
Farah Naz ◽  
Abid Hussain ◽  
Faiza Kamran Ali

Objectives: To determine the hemoglobin levels in normal pregnant women and investigate the association of anemia with gestational age, number of antenatal visits, obstetrical complications and mode of delivery. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Lady Willingdon Hospital, Khairpur Mirs, Pakistan from May 2021 to August 2021. A total of 139 normal pregnant women were recruited during antenatal visits. Patients were grouped into normal and anemic groups based on serum hemoglobin levels. Gestational age, obstetrical complications, mode of delivery and fetal outcome were recorded to find its association with anemia. Data was analyzed on SPSS 20.0 and p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of n=139 normal pregnant women, n=26 women had normal hemoglobin levels, n=49 were mild anemic, n=46 had moderate anemia whereas n=18 had severe anemia. Overall, the prevalence of gestational anemia was 81%. There was significant association between hemoglobin status and number of antenatal visits and complications in previous pregnancies. Hemoglobin status was not significantly associated with gestational age and mode of delivery. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that gestational anemia is highly prevalent in Pakistan. Early detection of anemia and its correction via supplementations are recommended.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manisha Acarya ◽  
Praveen Kumar ◽  
Rubina Shrestha ◽  
Puja Baniya Chhetri ◽  
Mamta Lamichhane ◽  
...  

Introduction: Breech is the commonest malpresentation. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of breech presentation at term. It also aims to present the mode of delivery conducted and to highlight the maternal and fetal complications associated with it. Methods:  This   was   a   descriptive   cross-sectional   study   conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of College of Medical Sciences done over a period of 2 years. All term pregnant women (≥ 37 weeks) aged 16 years and above, admitted to the maternity and labor ward with the diagnosis of singleton breech presentation during the study period were included in the study. Results: The incidence of breech presentation at term was 5.03%. Out of these, only 7 (18.92%) patients underwent breech vaginal delivery. Mean maternal age was 28.07 (± 11.56) years and  majority were primigravidae. The mean birth weight of newborn was 2.8±0.5 kg. Conclusions: Breech presentation can result in both maternal and fetal complications. Skills related to conducting delivery in  breech presentation must be learned by all those who manage pregnant women.   


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