scholarly journals Challenges and strategies in conducting sexual and reproductive health research among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rushdia Ahmed ◽  
Bachera Aktar ◽  
Nadia Farnaz ◽  
Pushpita Ray ◽  
Abdul Awal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Refugee Camps ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Important Lesson ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Challenges And Strategies

Abstract Background Rohingya diaspora or Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), took shelter in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh due to armed conflict in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. In such humanitarian crises, delivering sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is critical for better health outcomes of this most-at-risk population where more than half are adolescent girls and women. This is a reflective paper on challenges and related mitigation strategies to conduct SRH research among FDMNs. The research on which this paper is based employed a concurrent mixed-method design combining a cross-sectional survey and qualitative interviews and group discussions with FDMNs to understand their SRH needs and demand-side barriers. Assessment of health facilities and qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and key stakeholders were carried out to assess facility readiness and supply-side barriers. Challenges and strategies The researchers faced different challenges while conducting this study due to the unique characteristics of the FDMN population and the location of the refugee camps. The three key challenges researchers encountered include: sensitivity regarding SRH in the FDMNs, identifying appropriate sampling strategies, and community trust issues. The key approaches to overcome these challenges involved: actively engaging community members and gatekeepers in the data collection process to access respondents, identifying sensitive SRH issues through survey and exploring in-depth during qualitative interviews; and contextually modifying the sampling strategy. Conclusion Contextual adaptation of research methods and involving community and local key stakeholders in data collection are the key lessons learnt from this study. Another important lesson was researchers’ identity and positionality as a member of the host country may create distrust and suspicion among the refugees. The multi-level complexities of humanitarian settings may introduce unforeseen challenges and interrupt research plans at different stages of research which require timely and contextual adaptations.

scholarly journals Collaborating to co-produce strategies for delivering adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions: processes and experiences from an implementation research project in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii84-ii97
Author(s):  
Chinyere Ojiugo Mbachu ◽  
Ifunanya Clara Agu ◽  
Obinna Onwujekwe
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Document Review

Abstract Implementation science embraces collaboration between academic researchers and key stakeholders/implementers for the dual purpose of capacity building and context-adaptation. Co-production ensures that knowledge created with inputs from various groups of stakeholders is more reflective of local contexts. This paper highlights the experiences of academic researchers and non-academic implementers in collaborating to design implementation strategies for improving access to sexual and reproductive information and services for adolescents. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. Detailed review of project documents such as minutes of research meetings, reports of workshops and outputs of group work activities enabled detailed description of the processes and steps of co-designing implementation strategies. Information on experiences and perspectives of benefits of the collaborative were collected through in-depth interviews of non-academic partners and focus group discussion with academic researchers. Narrative synthesis was done for information extracted through document review. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews was done. The process of designing implementation strategies happened in three chronological steps of setting up the collaborative, selecting intervention areas and convening partners’ meetings to design strategies. Specific activities include stakeholder engagement, situation analysis, selection of intervention areas, designing the implementation strategies and pre-testing implementation tools. The process of analysing and selecting collaborators was iterative, and facilitated by having an ‘insider’ key informant. Working with key stakeholders enabled knowledge sharing and exchange among partners. Information sharing within the collaborative facilitated shifting of mindsets about adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and contextual adaptation of names and labels given to strategies. Co-producing implementation strategies with non-academic implementers enabled stakeholder ownership of implementation strategies and set the scene for their adoption in implementation settings. Some challenges of co-production of knowledge are that it is time consuming; involves several iterations that may influence coherence of strategies; involves multiple interests and priorities and poses a threat to fidelity.

scholarly journals Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions, Barriers, and Willingness for Offering Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10735
Author(s):  
Ali Mofleh Alshahrani ◽  
Mona Y. Alsheikh
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Patient Health

The role of community pharmacists is crucial for promoting health and providing consultation related to sexual and reproductive health. This study measured the perception of community pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) towards the provision of counselling services on sex education and reproductive health, including barriers to and proficiency in the delivery of services. A cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed electronically to pharmacists, and responses were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Graphical representations for various opinions on perception, proficiency and barriers were created. More than 80% of pharmacists placed a high value on counselling patients on sex and reproductive health, about 90% counselled their patients very often (74.6%) or often (22.2%), and 3.2% of pharmacists did not counsel patients. Most respondents believed counselling was very important (65.3%) or important (15.1%), with only 19.6% of respondents indicating it was not important. Barriers to offering services included fear from responsibility and liability (M = 4.8), lack of information about patient health (M = 4.7), gender differences (M = 4.7), and lack of social acceptability (M = 4.6). Community pharmacists in KSA possessed positive attitudes, professional education, and willingness to provide counselling to patients on sex education and reproductive health. Apart from the existing barriers that require augmented community pharmacists’ soft skills, clear policies and authorization for offering this type of service are also needed.

Preparation for sexual and reproductive self-care in Iranian adolescent girls: a qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zainab Alimoradi ◽  
Nourossadat Kariman ◽  
Fazlollah Ahmadi ◽  
Masoumeh Simbar
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Main Theme

AbstractBackgroundAdolescence is one of the most important stages in every individual’s life. Pubertal changes and acquiring reproduction capability require adolescents to perform special health care processes. Also the possibility of involvement in high-risk sexual behaviors endangers adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health.ObjectiveIncrease and deepen the understanding and knowledge of the factors affecting Iranian adolescent girls’ readiness to take care of their sexual and reproductive health.Materials and methodsThe present qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis method. The participants included 18 adolescents who were aged 13–19 years old, single, studying at high school, art school, or university and had no history of chronic medical or psychological diseases; further, most of them had the experience of menstruation. Purposive sampling was initiated and continued until data saturation. Data collection were performed using in-depth and unstructured interviews. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews was conducted simultaneously with data collection using the Graneheim and Lundman approach .MAXQDA 2010 software was used for storage, retrieval, and management of the data.FindingsPreparation for care was the main theme that emerged in this study along with 19 subcategories and four main categories, including desirable interaction between families and adolescents, readiness for puberty and menstruation, life skills and spiritual self-monitoring.ConclusionThe education and health care systems’ authorities of the country can exploit the results of this study for making policies and interventions expedient to the society’s cultural conditions in order to improve the reproductive and sexual self-care status of adolescents’ girls.

scholarly journals 'I feel like a person has a right to use a product to protect themselves…': a qualitative study of the risk–benefit calculus on women's contraceptive use and choice

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 262
Author(s):  
Sofía L. Carbone ◽  
Melissa Guillen ◽  
Jaime J. Ramirez ◽  
Sara E. Vargas ◽  
Connie Fei Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Pregnancy Risk ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Health Products ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes

Background Reducing pregnancy risk requires a multidimensional approach to sexual and reproductive health product development. The purpose of this analysis is to identify, compare, and contrast women’s pre-use beliefs and attitudes about three different forms of contraceptives: intravaginal rings; spermicide in conjunction with condoms; and oral contraceptive pills – and explore how those attitudes and beliefs, along with actual method-use experience, may affect potential choices in contraceptive method moving forward. The relationship of beliefs and attitudes to their risk–benefit calculations when using these methods was also considered.? Methods: Women used one or more contraceptive methods, each for 3–6 months. Qualitative data from individual in-depth interviews completed after each 3-month use period were analysed using a summary matrix framework. Data were extracted and summarised into themes. Each woman’s experiences were compared among the methods she used; comparisons were also made across participants. Results: The data consist of 33 90–120 min in-depth qualitative interviews from 16 women aged 20–34 years, in which they discussed various elements of their method use experience. One prominent theme was identified: the influence of attitudes and beliefs on the risk–benefit calculus. There were six key elements within the theme: pregnancy prevention; dosing and the potential for user error; side-effects; familiarity; disclosure; and sexual partnerships. Conclusions: Women weighed perceived risks and benefits in their decision-making and, ultimately, their contraception choices. Understanding women’s beliefs and attitudes that contribute to a calculation of risk–benefit can inform the development of sexual and reproductive health products.

scholarly journals Maternal health among Venezuelan women migrants at the border of Brazil.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Bahamondes ◽  
Montas Laporte ◽  
Deborah Margatho ◽  
Helder de Amorin ◽  
Cinthia Brasil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Readiness Assessment ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Long Acting

Abstract Background: Guaranteeing the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of populations living in fragile and humanitarian settings is essential and constitutes a basic human right. Compounded by the inherent vulnerabilities of women in crises, substantial complications are directly associated with increased risks of poor SRHR outcomes for displaced populations. The migration of Venezuelans, displaced due to current economic circumstances, is one of the largest in Latin America’s history. This study aims to provide an overview of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues affecting migrant Venezuelan women in the state of Roraima, Brazil.Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted from 24 to 30 November 2019. Data collection covered various issues involving access to and use of SRH services by 405 migrant Venezuelan women aged 18-49 years. The Minimum Initial Service Package readiness assessment tools, available from the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises, were used in the data collection.Results: Most commonly, the women reported unmet family planning needs. Of these, a significant proportion reported being unable to obtain contraceptive methods, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives, either due to the woman’s inability to access them or their unavailability at healthcare centres. Although a significant proportion of women were largely satisfied with the attention received at the maternity hospital, both before and during childbirth, 24.0% of pregnant or postpartum women failed to receive any prenatal or postnatal care. Conclusion: Meeting the essential SRHR needs of migrant Venezuelan women in Roraima, Brazil is a challenge that has yet to be fully addressed. Given the size of this migrant population, the Brazilian healthcare system has failed to adapt sufficiently to meet their needs; however, problems with healthcare provision are similar for migrants and Brazilian citizens. Efforts need to be encouraged not only in governmental health sectors, but also with academic, non-governmental and international organisations, including a coordinated approach to ensure a comprehensive SRHR response. Given the current high risks associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, meeting the SRHR needs of migrant populations has become more critical than ever.

scholarly journals Situation analysis for delivering integrated comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in humanitarian crisis condition for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: protocol for a mixed-method study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e028340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rushdia Ahmed ◽  
Nadia Farnaz ◽  
Bachera Aktar ◽  
Raafat Hassan ◽  
Sharid Bin Shafique ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Refugee Camps ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Situation Analysis ◽  
Humanitarian Crisis

IntroductionRohingya diaspora are one of the most vulnerable groups seeking refuge in camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, arising an acute humanitarian crisis. More than half of the Rohingya refugees are women and adolescent girls requiring quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Minimum initial service package of SRH are being rendered in the refugee camps; however, WHO is aiming to provide integrated comprehensive SRH services to meet the unmet needs of this most vulnerable group. For sustainable and successful implementation of such comprehensive SRH service packages, a critical first step is to undertake a situation analysis and understand the current dimensions and capture the lessons learnt on their SRH-specific needs and implementation challenges. This situation analysis is pertinent in current humanitarian condition and will provide an overview of the needs, availability and delivery of SRH services for adolescent girls and women, barriers in accessing and providing those services in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and similar humanitarian contexts.Methods and analysisA concurrent mixed-methods design will be used in this study. A community-based household survey coupled with facility assessments as well as qualitative in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with community people of Rohingya refugee camps and relevant stakeholders providing SRH services to Rohingya population in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Survey data will be analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariable regression statistics. Descriptive analysis will be done for facility assessment and thematic analysis will be conducted with qualitative data.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval from Institutional Review Board of BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (2018-017-IR) has been obtained. Findings from this research will be disseminated through presentations in local, national and international conferences, workshops, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and interactive project report.

scholarly journals Factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: An online cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Binezero Mambo ◽  
Franck K. Sikakulya ◽  
Robinson Ssebuufu ◽  
Yusuf Mulumba ◽  
Henry Wasswa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care access in many countries. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods This was across-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. A questionnaire was administered online to participants aged 18 to 30 years. Subjects were recruited using a snowballing approach. STATA version 14.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results Of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported that they did not have access to information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). More than a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported that testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections were not available during the lockdown. 27.2% could not obtain contraceptive supplies. Access to HIV services and menstrual supplies were also impaired. Lack of transportation was the commonest factor cited as limiting access to SRH services during the lockdown (68.7%), followed by the long distance from home to SRH facilities (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and the curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest SRH problems related to SRH during the lockdown (40.4%) followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). Marital, educational, and employment status were significantly correlated with the reported experiences of the participants. Conclusion Access to SRH information and services for Ugandan youths was restricted during the COVID-19 lockdown and may have increased the incidence of poor SRH outcomes. Lack of transportation, distance to health facilities, and high cost of services were important limiting factors. The Government and other stakeholders should incorporate SRH among the priority services to be preserved during future outbreaks.

scholarly journals Maternal health among Venezuelan women migrants at the border of Brazil 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Bahamondes ◽  
Montas Laporte ◽  
Deborah Margatho ◽  
Helder de Amorin ◽  
Cinthia Brasil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Readiness Assessment ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Long Acting

Abstract Background: Guaranteeing the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of populations living in fragile and humanitarian settings is essential and constitutes a basic human right. Compounded by the inherent vulnerabilities of women in crises, substantial complications are directly associated with increased risks of poor SRHR outcomes for displaced populations. The migration of Venezuelans, displaced due to current economic circumstances, is one of the largest in Latin America’s history. This study aims to provide an overview of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues affecting migrant Venezuelan women in the state of Roraima, Brazil.Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted from 24 to 30 November 2019. Data collection covered various issues involving access to and use of SRH services by 405 migrant Venezuelan women aged 18-49 years. The Minimum Initial Service Package readiness assessment tools, available from the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises, were used in the data collection.Results: Most commonly, the women reported unmet family planning needs. Of these, a significant proportion reported being unable to obtain contraceptive methods, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives, either due to the woman’s inability to access them or their unavailability at healthcare centres. Although a significant proportion of women were largely satisfied with the attention received at the maternity hospital, both before and during childbirth, 24.0% of pregnant or postpartum women failed to receive any prenatal or postnatal care. Conclusion: Meeting the essential SRHR needs of migrant Venezuelan women in Roraima, Brazil is a challenge that has yet to be fully addressed. Given the size of this migrant population, the Brazilian healthcare system has failed to adapt sufficiently to meet their needs; however, problems with healthcare provision are similar for migrants and Brazilian citizens. Efforts need to be encouraged not only in governmental health sectors, but also with academic, non-governmental and international organisations, including a coordinated approach to ensure a comprehensive SRHR response. Given the current high risks associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, meeting the SRHR needs of migrant populations has become more critical than ever.

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