Interviewing the Interviewers: Perceptions of Interviewer–Respondent Familiarity on Survey Process and Error in Burkina Faso

Field Methods ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1525822X2098149
Author(s):  
Abigail R. Greenleaf ◽  
Shani R. Turke ◽  
Fiacre Bazié ◽  
Nathalie Sawadogo ◽  
Georges Guiella ◽  
...  

A growing body of literature in low- and middle-income countries is challenging the long-held assumption that the respondent and interviewer should be strangers. We conducted a qualitative study in Burkina Faso comprised of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore interviewers’ experiences of collecting data on sexual and reproductive health indicators in their communities, and their perceptions of how familiarity with the respondents influences measurement error and nonresponse. We found that interviewers perceive familiarity to affect the process of collecting data but has minimal impact on responses obtained. Rather, interviewers perceived the personality of the respondent and her willingness to disclose personal information to be of greater influence. This study illustrates the complexities of interviewer–respondent exchange, provides context for the hiring practices of future surveys, and suggests specific variables to check when assessing data quality.

Author(s):  
Tarique Md. Nurul Huda ◽  
Tania Jahir ◽  
Sushobhan Sarker ◽  
Farzana Yeasmin ◽  
Abdullah Al Masud ◽  
...  

In low- and middle-income countries, most latrines are not accessible to young children. We explored how to modify existing pit latrines to make them child friendly. We conducted four focus group discussions with mothers to explore barriers to child latrine use. We then enrolled 20 households with a child aged 3–7 years old to test six enabling technologies developed based on the identified barriers. Two to three weeks after installing the selected enabling technologies in each household, researchers conducted 19 in-depth interviews with caregivers to explore the technologies’ acceptance and feasibility. Common barriers included the discomfort of squatting on a large pan, fear of darkness, and fear of a slippery floor. Of the potential solutions, a ring to stabilize the child while squatting in the latrine was preferred by children and was affordable and available. A wooden board with a smaller hole than the usual pan reduced fears of falling and helped eliminate discomfort but was inconvenient to handle and clean. A transparent fiberglass roof tile was affordable, available, increased visibility, and kept the latrine floor dry. In conclusion, the fiberglass roof tile and stability ring were two affordable and locally available technologies that facilitated latrine use by children aged 3–7 years.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 85-94
Author(s):  
Sudha Ghimire

Managing menstruation in a hygienic way is a challenge in most of the low and middle-income countries (LMIC) including Nepal, where normal and natural physiological process of menstruation is considered as girls’ problem which is viewed as sinful, unholy and matter of shame. This paper explores the current practice and existing difficulties that adolescents girls encounter hygienic management of menstruation (MHM) especially during school days. The study was conducted on five purposively selected community schools of Chitwan district. The study adopted Participatory Action Research (PAR) as an approach, that is encapsulated with mixed method research design. For qualitative information observation, focus group discussions (FGD) and field notes were used, whereas for quantitative data self-administrative questionnaires were used. Quantitative information was collected from 205 girls students who were present at schools on the day of data collection. The finding shows that majority of the girls (93.7%) who encounter hygienic management of menstruation were of 10-14 years old age, whereas nearly one third of them were (29%) from grade eight. Similarly, among the total 205 girls, only 79 girls have already started their menstruation; among those who have started menstruation majority (78%) had heard about menstruation form their mothers. Likewise, 35% girls used homemade cotton pads and 40.5% of them changed pad three times a day. During FGD, adolescents girls shared that lack of water and soap in toilets, stress and lack of concentration during menstruation are the major difficulties which they encounter during days of menstruation. They suggested the concerned authorities to manage pad bank, make soap and water available, and develop skills for proper disposing of used sanitary pads for MHM at schools. 


2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110260
Author(s):  
Mairead Connolly ◽  
Laura Phung ◽  
Elise Farrington ◽  
Michelle J. L. Scoullar ◽  
Alyce N. Wilson ◽  
...  

Preterm birth and stillbirth are important global perinatal health indicators. Definitions of these indicators can differ between countries, affecting comparability of preterm birth and stillbirth rates across countries. This study aimed to document national-level adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of preterm birth and stillbirth in the WHO Western Pacific region. A systematic search of government health websites and 4 electronic databases was conducted. Any official report or published study describing the national definition of preterm birth or stillbirth published between 2000 and 2020 was eligible for inclusion. A total of 58 data sources from 21 countries were identified. There was considerable variation in how preterm birth and stillbirth was defined across the region. The most frequently used lower gestational age threshold for viability of preterm birth was 28 weeks gestation (range 20-28 weeks), and stillbirth was most frequently classified from 20 weeks gestation (range 12-28 weeks). High-income countries more frequently used earlier gestational ages for preterm birth and stillbirth compared with low- to middle-income countries. The findings highlight the importance of clear, standardized, internationally comparable definitions for perinatal indicators. Further research is needed to determine the impact on regional preterm birth and stillbirth rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 515-516
Author(s):  
Nekehia Quashie ◽  
Christine Mair ◽  
Radoslaw Antczak ◽  
Bruno Arpino

Abstract Childless older adults may be at risk for poorer health cross-nationally, yet most studies on this topic analyze only a small number of countries and only 1 or 2 health outcomes. To our knowledge, two papers exist that explore associations between childlessness and multiple indicators of health using data from a large number of regionally diverse countries (e.g., 20 countries from North America, Asia, and Europe), but neither study includes an examination of socioeconomic resources. The level of health risk faced by childless older adults is likely to be distinctly shaped by older adults’ socioeconomic resources (e.g., education, income, wealth). Associations between childlessness, socioeconomic resources, and health may also differ by country context. Using harmonized, cross-national data for adults aged 50 and older across 20 high- and middle-income countries (United States (HRS), European Union (SHARE), Mexico (MHAS), and China (CHARLS) from the Gateway to Global Aging data repository), we explore if and how individual-level socioeconomic resources (income, education, wealth) moderate associations between childlessness and five health indicators (self-rated health, ADL limitations, IADL limitations, chronic conditions, and depression). Results suggest that associations between childlessness and health outcomes vary by individual socioeconomic resources in some country contexts, but not in others. We discuss these findings in light of the impact of individual-level socioeconomic resources on older adults’ support options and health outcomes cross-nationally.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110282
Author(s):  
Osayame Austine Ekhaguere ◽  
Rosena Olubanke Oluwafemi ◽  
Angela Oyo-Ita ◽  
Burke Mamlin ◽  
Paul Bondich ◽  
...  

The wait time clients spend during immunization clinic visits in low- and middle-income countries is a not well-understood reported barrier to vaccine completion. We used a prospective, observational design to document the total time from client arrival-to-discharge and all sequential provider-client activities in 1 urban, semi-urban, and rural immunization clinic in Nigeria. We also conducted caregiver and provider focus group discussions to identify perceived determinants of long clinic wait times. Our findings show that the time from arrival-to-discharge varied significantly by the clinic and ranged between 57 and 235 minutes, as did arrival-to-all providers-client activities. Focus group data attributed workflow delays to clinic staff waiting for a critical mass of clients to arrive for their immunization appointment before starting the essential health education talk or opening specific vaccine vials. Additionally, respondents indicated that complex documentation processes caused system delays. Research on clinic workflow transformation and simplification of immunization documentation is needed.


Author(s):  
Adriana Appau ◽  
Jeffrey Drope ◽  
Firman Witoelar ◽  
Jenina Joy Chavez ◽  
Raphael Lencucha

Tobacco supply remains a pressing challenge to tobacco control. Tobacco remains a dominant cash crop in many low- and middle-income countries, despite the evidence suggesting that it is not as profitable as industry claims and is harmful to health and the environment. In order to implement successful and sustainable alternative livelihood interventions, it is important to understand why farmers continue to grow tobacco. This study explores this question from the perspective of farmers in Indonesia and Philippines. This study was informed by interpretive description methodology. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 7) with farmers (n = ~60). The FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then translated into English. An inductive thematic analysis of the data was conducted to identify and categorize the reason provided by participants. We identified two overarching themes: (1) perceived viability (profitability, ready market, and environmental factors) and (2) financial context. Financial context included lumpsum payments and access to financial loans and credit facilities in light of their lack of capital. These results highlight that, in addition to identifying viable alternatives to tobacco, institutional factors such as improved access to credit and well-developed supply chains are key to the successful uptake of alternative livelihoods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanne K Langlois ◽  
Ilana R Cliffer ◽  
Laetitia Nikiema ◽  
Devika J Suri ◽  
Franck Garanet ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background A trial in Burkina Faso compared the cost-effectiveness of 4 specialized nutritious foods (SNFs) used to prevent stunting and wasting in children aged 6–23 mo. Objectives This article explores differences in SNF use that may have influenced effectiveness, specifically in relation to consumption by the recipient child and by any other person (i.e., sharing), other diversion from the recipient child, preparation, storage, and hygiene. Methods Subsamples from a geographically clustered, longitudinal trial with random assignment to Corn Soy Blend Plus with oil (CSB+ w/oil), Corn Soy Whey Blend with oil (CSWB w/oil), Super Cereal Plus (SC+), or ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) were selected for in-depth interviews, in-home observations, and focus group discussions. Results Sharing was common in all arms, with the highest reported in SC+ (73%) and highest observed in CSWB w/oil (36%). Some reported giving the ration away (highest in SC+ at 17%) or using it for other purposes (highest in CSWB w/oil at 17%). The recipient child was observed consuming the ration in 49% of households on average (38–60% by arm in CSB+ w/oil and RUSF, respectively). Qualitative reports of bitterness and spoilage emerged in the CSWB w/oil arm. Most observed households (excluding RUSF) did not prepare porridge daily as instructed (35–46% by arm). Household water samples showed either high-risk or unsafe contamination with Escherichia coli (72–78% by arm). Low percentages were observed handwashing (both child and server) before consuming the porridge. Conclusions The SNFs were not prepared or served as intended and diversion from the recipient was common. Storage conditions may have resulted in spoilage of the ration containing whey before reaching recipients. This article provides context about factors that may have influenced the effectiveness of these SNFs. Programming and household use of SNFs are as important as their nutrient composition. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02071563.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie E. Armes ◽  
Charity M. Somo ◽  
Sareth Khann ◽  
Desiree M. Seponski ◽  
Cindy J. Lahar ◽  
...  

Global suicide rates are steadily increasing, and suicide completions in Asia outnumber those in Western countries. Young females are especially at risk, with higher rates of completion and lack of suicide support because of familial and cultural stigma and constraints. Lack of infrastructure to systematically record suicide deaths and attempts makes studying suicide in low- and middle-income countries challenging. Given the critical public health need for suicide intervention and prevention, research on suicide is crucial. The present study adds to the lack of information regarding suicide in Cambodia by exploring reports of attempted suicide by women from a nationally representative sample of Cambodian women (N = 1813). In a series of logistic regression models, findings indicate that a culturally salient measure of Cambodian syndromes, symptoms of depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder contributed to increased odds of attempting to commit suicide. Implications for policymakers and interventionists within Cambodia and Asian contexts are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muska Nazir, Dr. Ahmed Farhan Saeed, Dr. Sanam Wagma Khattak

Health is one of the key factor that determines the growth of an economy. It is the improved health of the labor that can translate into increased output levels, higher level of productivity and efficient utilization of resources. For the study, Pooled OLS regression over the period from 1980-2017 is applied on panel data to find the results of health and economic growth nexus for three lower middle income countries that are Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. For Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, their statistics provides further support to existing literature showing a significant and positive relationship of health with economic growth. Comparing their results, it is found that India’s better health facilities are contributing more towards economic growth as compared to Pakistan and Bangladesh. Therefore, their focus too should be on improvement of health indicators in order to achieve higher economic growth levels.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Valia ◽  
Brecht Ingelbeen ◽  
Bérenger Kaboré ◽  
Ibrahima Karama ◽  
Marjan Peeters ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing. WHO recommends monitoring antibiotic use, in particular Watch antibiotics, clinical important but at risk of becoming ineffective due to increasing AMR. We investigated antibiotic use at primary care or community-level in rural Burkina Faso.MethodsDuring 2016-2017, patients aged >3 months admitted with severe acute fever to the rural hospital of Nanoro Health District, Burkina Faso, reported antibiotic use in the two weeks prior to consultation or hospitalization, which we analysed using the WHO Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Most Watch antibiotics, e.g. ceftriaxone, are not recommended at primary health center level, as is also the case for ciprofloxacin in children.ResultsOf 920 participants (63.0% ≤14 years), pre-admission antibiotic use was reported by 363 (39.5%) of whom 58 (16.0%) reported more than one antibiotic. Use was more frequent among health center referrals (231, 54.0%) than among self-referred patients (131, 26.7%, p<0.001). Of 424 antibiotics, 261 (61.6%) were Access and 159 (37.5%) Watch antibiotics. Watch antibiotics use was more frequent among >14 year olds (72, 51.1%) than 0-14 year olds (87, 30.7%) and among referrals (41, 28.1%) compared to self-referred patients (117, 42.2%). Most frequently used Watch antibiotics were ceftriaxone (114, 26.9%) and ciprofloxacin (32, 7.5%). Among antibiotics reported by referral patients, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin were respectively recorded 100 (36.1%) and 12 times (4.3%).ConclusionThe frequent use of Watch group antibiotics prior to presentation to the hospital in rural Burkina Faso highlights the need to address primary care, over-the-counter and informal community-level antibiotic use as part of antibiotic stewardship in LMIC, facilitating referral, access to qualified prescribers, or improving diagnostic tools in health centers.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document