Survey of ophthalmologists-in-training in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa: A regional focus on ophthalmic surgical education

Background: There are 2.7 ophthalmologists per million population in sub-Saharan Africa, and a need to train more. We sought to analyse current surgical training practice and experience of ophthalmologists to inform planning of training in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. Potential participants included all current trainee and recent graduate ophthalmologists in the Eastern, Central and Southern African region. A link to a web-based questionnaire was sent to all heads of eye departments and training programme directors of ophthalmology training institutions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, who forwarded to all their trainees and recent graduates. Main outcome measures were quantitative and qualitative survey responses. Results: Responses were obtained from 124 (52%) trainees in the region. Overall level of satisfaction with ophthalmology training programmes was rated as ‘somewhat satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ by 72%. Most frequent intended career choice was general ophthalmology, with >75% planning to work in their home country post-graduation. A quarter stated a desire to mainly work in private practice. Only 28% of junior (first and second year) trainees felt surgically confident in manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS); this increased to 84% among senior trainees and recent graduates. The median number of cataract surgeries performed by junior trainees was zero. 57% of senior trainees were confident in performing an anterior vitrectomy. Only 29% of senior trainees and 64% of recent graduates were confident in trabeculectomy. The mean number of cataract procedures performed by senior trainees was 84 SICS (median 58) and 101 phacoemulsification (median 0). Conclusion: Satisfaction with post-graduate ophthalmology training in the region was fair. Most junior trainees experience limited cataract surgical training in the first two years. Focused efforts on certain aspects of surgical education should be made to ensure adequate opportunities are offered earlier on in ophthalmology training.

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Family medicine residency training in Ghana after 20 years: resident attitudes about their education

Family Medicine and Community Health ◽

10.1136/fmch-2020-000394 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. e000394

Author(s):

Ghazwan Toma ◽

Akye Essuman ◽

Michael D Fetters

Keyword(s):

Family Medicine ◽

Academic Career ◽

Training Programme ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Constructive Feedback ◽

The Family ◽

Recent Graduates ◽

Residency Programme ◽

Training Programmes

ObjectiveIn addition to assessing educational needs of family medicine trainees in Ghana, we sought to assess whether those entering the training programme aimed to pursue an academic career.DesignA case study using an anonymous cross-sectional survey through collaboration between faculty members from the family medicine departments of Ghana and the University of Michigan.SettingThe family medicine postgraduate trainees and the most recent graduates in the three training sites, Accra, Kumasi and Mampong, as well as modular residents in Ghana served as the targeted participants during data collection between October and November of 2018.ParticipantsSecond and third year family medicine residents, fellows (known as senior residents in Ghana) and recent graduates were invited to participate in this study. Thirty-five of 77 eligible subjects provided responses (46% response rate), but five records were eliminated due to incomplete data to yield a survey completion rate of 39% (30/77).ResultParticipants were mostly men (n=19), and the average age of respondents was 37 years old. The participants indicated the residency programmes needed more faculty 97% (n=29), supervision during outpatient care 87% (n=26) and lectures 83% (n=25). The main reason provided by respondents for entering residency programme in family medicine, which is currently not required for practising primary care in Ghana, was to obtain more education 93% (n=28). Participants who had completed the residency programme were much more likely to be interested in becoming faculty compared with those still in residency (p <0.001).ConclusionThe research confirms the need for more faculty and the importance of investing in faculty development resources for ensuring a robust programme. These findings provide constructive feedback that could improve residency curricula of the local and regional family medicine training programmes and supports investing in trainees and new graduates as future faculty candidates.

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Suicidal ideation and associated factors among school-going adolescents in rural Ghana

Current Psychology ◽

10.1007/s12144-021-01378-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽

Samuel Kofi Odame

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Attempted Suicide ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Rural Adolescents ◽

African Countries ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Ghana ◽

Sub Saharan

AbstractSuicidal ideation is a critical risk for attempted suicide and eventual suicide. Little is known about suicidal ideation among rural adolescents in most sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and to describe some of the common and gender-specific associated factors among in-school adolescents in rural Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 1101 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years in a rural district in Eastern Ghana. The Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess suicidal ideation. Overall, 25.1% participants (95% CI = 22.5–27.7), representing 28.3% females (95% CI = 24.7–32.2) and 21.5% males (95% CI = 18.0–25.2) reported suicidal ideation during the previous 12 months. Females who experienced personal and interpersonal adversities mainly outside the family context were likely to report suicidal ideation, while suicidal ideation among males was associated with conflict with parents. Regardless of gender, adolescents who reported exposure to a friend’s attempted suicide were about two times more likely to report suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents in rural Ghana compares with in-school estimates from other countries within sub-Saharan Africa, but also underscores the need for targeted and universal prevention programmes and intervention efforts to mitigate the potential transition from suicidal ideations to suicidal attempts and eventual deaths by suicide among rural adolescents.

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Hepatitis B Vaccination in Senegalese Children: Coverage, Timeliness, and Sociodemographic Determinants of Non-Adherence to Immunisation Schedules (ANRS 12356 AmBASS Survey)

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050510 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 510

Author(s):

Lauren Périères ◽

Fabienne Marcellin ◽

Gora Lo ◽

Camelia Protopopescu ◽

El Ba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Dose Schedule ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽

Detailed Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hbv Vaccination

Detailed knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination coverage and timeliness for sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. We used data from a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018–2019 in the area of Niakhar, Senegal, to estimate coverage, timeliness, and factors associated with non-adherence to the World Health Organisation-recommended vaccination schedules in children born in 2016 (year of the birth dose (BD) introduction in Senegal) and 2017–2018. Vaccination status was assessed from vaccination cards, surveillance data, and healthcare post vaccination records. Among 241 children with available data, for 2016 and 2017–2018, respectively, 31.0% and 66.8% received the BD within 24 h of birth (BD schedule), and 24.3% and 53.7% received the BD plus at least two pentavalent vaccine doses within the recommended timeframes (three-dose schedule). In logistic regression models, home birth, dry season birth, and birth in 2016 were all associated with non-adherence to the recommended BD and three-dose schedules. Living over three kilometres from the nearest healthcare post, being the firstborn, and living in an agriculturally poorer household were only associated with non-adherence to the three-dose schedule. The substantial proportion of children not vaccinated according to recommended schedules highlights the importance of considering vaccination timeliness when evaluating vaccination programme effectiveness. Outreach vaccination activities and incentives to bring children born at home to healthcare facilities within 24 h of birth, must be strengthened to improve timely HBV vaccination.

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Perceived Stress at Work and Associated Factors among E-Waste Workers in French-Speaking West Africa

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19020851 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 851

Author(s):

Nonvignon Marius Kêdoté ◽

Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh ◽

Steve Biko Tobada ◽

Aymeric Joaquin Darboux ◽

Pérince Fonton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

West Africa ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Associated Factors ◽

African Region ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family Responsibilities ◽

Factors Associated ◽

French Speaking ◽

Stress At Work

Perceived stress at work is an important risk factor that affects the mental and physical health of workers. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with perceived stress in the informal electronic and electrical equipment waste processing sector in French-speaking West Africa. From 14 to 21 November 2019, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among e-waste workers in five countries in the French-speaking West African region, and participants were selected by stratified random sampling. Participants were interviewed on socio-demographic variables and characteristics related to e-waste management activities using a questionnaire incorporating Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (10-item version). Factors associated with perceived stress were determined by multivariate logistic regression. A total of 740 e-waste workers were interviewed. The mean age of the workers was 34.59 ± 11.65 years, with extremes of 14 and 74 years. Most of the interviewees were repairers (43.11%). The prevalence of perceived stress among the e-waste workers was 76.76%. Insufficient income, number of working days per week, perceived violence at work, and the interference of work with family responsibilities or leisure were the risk factors that were the most associated with perceived stress. The high prevalence of perceived stress and its associated factors call for consideration and improvement of the working conditions of e-waste workers.

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Stigmatising Attitudes Towards Co-workers with HIV in the Workplace of a Metropolitan State, Southwestern Nigeria

The Open AIDS Journal ◽

10.2174/1874613601711010067 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 67-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Idongesit Godwin Utuk ◽

Kayode Omoniyi Osungbade ◽

Taiwo Akinyode Obembe ◽

David Ayobami Adewole ◽

Victoria Oluwabunmi Oladoyin

Keyword(s):

Sampling Technique ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Southwestern Nigeria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Aids

Background:Despite demonstrating global concerns about infection in the workplace, very little research has explored how co-workers react to those living with HIV in the workplace in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the level of stigmatising attitude towards co-workers living with HIV in the workplace.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 403 respondents. They were recruited from selected companies through a multistage sampling technique. Survey was carried out using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to generate frequencies, cross tabulations of variables at 5% level of significance. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors at 95% confidence intervals.Results:Mean age of respondents was 32.9 ± 9.4 years with 86.1% being females. Overall, slightly below two-third (63.0%) had good knowledge on transmission of HIV/AIDS while 218 (54.1%) respondents had a high stigmatising attitude towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace. More female respondents (69.6%) demonstrated high stigmatising attitudes towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace (p = 0.012). Female workers were twice more likely to have high stigmatising attitudes towards co-worker with HIV [OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.13 – 3.83)].Conclusion:Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDs is still very persistent in different settings. Good knowledge amongst our participants about HIV/AIDs did not translate to low stigmatising attitudes among workers. Concerted efforts and trainings on the transmission of HIV/AIDs are essential to reduce stigma that is still very prevalent in workplace settings.

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Prevalence and Correlates of Pregnancy Self-Testing Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Western Kenya

10.21203/rs.3.rs-78174/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nina Njeri Nganga ◽

Julia Dettinger ◽

John Kinuthia ◽

Jared Baeten ◽

Grace John-Stewart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Western Kenya ◽

Self Testing ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract In sub-Saharan Africa little is known about how often women use pregnancy self-tests or characteristics of these women despite evidence that pregnancy self-testing is associated with early antenatal care (ANC) attendance. Understanding the characteristics of women who use pregnancy self-tests may facilitate early access to ANC and preventive interventions in pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey on an ongoing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation study which enrolled pregnant women to determine the prevalence and factors associated with pregnancy self-testing among women in western Kenya. Overall in our study population, the prevalence of pregnancy self-testing was 22% and higher among women who were employed, currently in school, had previous pregnancy complications, received services from urban health facilities, and had partners who had at least attended secondary school. The most reported reasons for non-use of pregnancy self-tests included not thinking it was necessary, lack of knowledge, and lack of money to pay for the test. Future research should focus on understanding the knowledge and attitudes of women toward pregnancy self-testing.

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Strengthening district healthcare in rural Africa: a cross-sectional survey assessing difficulties in pulse oximetry use and handoff practices

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20185227 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 57

Author(s):

Herbert G. Masigati ◽

Grant W. Potter ◽

Masahiro J. Morikawa ◽

Rashid S. Mfaume

Keyword(s):

Pulse Oximetry ◽

Patient Care ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Information Reporting ◽

Rural Africa ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Developing Settings

Background: Rural hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from numerous disparities in resources and practices, and subsequently patient care is affected.Methods: In order to assess current practices and opportunities for improvement in pulse oximetry use and patient-care handoffs, a cross-sectional survey was administered to clinicians at a referral level hospital serving a large rural area in Shinyanga, Tanzania.Results: Respondents (n=46) included nurses (50%), medical doctors (48%), and clinical officers (2%). A response rate of 92% was achieved, and 81% of clinicians acknowledged routine difficulties in the use of current devices when obtaining pulse oximetry. Although 83% of respondents reported using a written handoff at shift change, information reporting was inconsistent and rarely included specific management guidance.Conclusions: Further research is needed to elucidate handoff practices in developing settings, but there is a large opportunity for novel point-of-care devices and tools to improve both pulse oximetry use and patient care handoffs in rural Africa.

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Youth Empowerment as a Pathway towards Attaining the Demographic Dividend in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Ghana

Commonwealth Youth and Development ◽

10.25159/2663-6549/9208 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Claudious Chikozho ◽

Emmanuel Sekyere ◽

Akanganngang Joseph Asitik

Keyword(s):

Quantitative Research ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Full Potential ◽

Youth Empowerment ◽

Demographic Dividend ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quantitative Research Methods ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Sub Saharan

While empowerment of the youth in Ghana could enable them to make a more meaningful contribution to the economy, a myriad of challenges faces the youth during their transition from school into the employment sector and limits the realisation of their full potential. As a result, the recent and significant increase in the size of the youth population in Ghana cannot justifiably be romanticised as an obvious stepping stone towards the realisation of a demographic dividend. In this study, qualitative and quantitative research methods were deployed to carry out a cross-sectional survey that enabled a detailed exploration of the main challenges and opportunities facing the youth in Ghana. Some of the options for enabling greater youth empowerment in the country were also identified. The study established that unemployment, skills limitations, lack of access to finance, and poorly coordinated institutional structures for implementing youth empowerment policies and programmes are major barriers to youth empowerment in Ghana. We conclude that there is a need for more targeted interventions that address these challenges and leverage any evident opportunities available for increased youth empowerment before Ghana can confidently expect to reap a demographic dividend.

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Parental concerns and uptake of childhood vaccines in rural Tanzania – a mixed methods study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09598-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lavanya Vasudevan ◽

Joy Noel Baumgartner ◽

Sara Moses ◽

Esther Ngadaya ◽

Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Parental Concerns ◽

Childhood Vaccines

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized as an important barrier to timely vaccinations around the world, including in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, 1 in 4 children is not fully vaccinated. The objective of this mixed methods study was to describe and contextualize parental concerns towards vaccines in Tanzania. Methods Between 2016 and 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey (n = 134) and four focus group discussions (FGDs, n = 38) with mothers of children under 2 years of age residing in Mtwara region in Southern Tanzania. The survey and FGDs assessed vaccination knowledge and concerns and barriers to timely vaccinations. Vaccination information was obtained from government-issued vaccination cards. Results In the cross-sectional survey, 72% of mothers reported missed or delayed receipt of vaccines for their child. Although vaccine coverage was high, timeliness of vaccinations was lower and varied by vaccine. Rural mothers reported more vaccine-related concerns compared to urban mothers; literacy and access to information were identified as key drivers of the difference. Mothers participating in FGDs indicated high perceived risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses, but expressed concerns related to poor geographic accessibility, unreliability of services, and missed opportunities for vaccinations resulting from provider efforts to minimize vaccine wastage. Conclusions Findings from our cross-sectional survey indicate the presence of vaccination delays and maternal concerns related to childhood vaccines in Tanzania. In FGDs, mothers raised issues related to convenience more often than issues related to vaccine confidence or complacency. Further research is necessary to understand how these issues may contribute to the emergence and persistence of vaccine hesitancy and to identify effective mitigation strategies.

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Emergency medicine registrar training in Africa: overview of programmes, faculty and sustainability

Emergency Medicine Journal ◽

10.1136/emermed-2019-208668 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. emermed-2019-208668

Author(s):

Abena Obenewaa Akomeah ◽

Hendry Robert Sawe ◽

Juma A Mfinanga ◽

Michael S Runyon ◽

Erin Elizabeth Noste

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medicine ◽

Training Programme ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

African Countries ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Career Options ◽

Survey Responses ◽

Collaborative Efforts ◽

Registrar Training

BackgroundThe specialty of emergency medicine (EM) is new in most African countries, where emergency medicine registrar (residency) programmes (EMRPs) are at different stages of evolution and little is known about the programmes. Identifying and describing these EMRPs will facilitate planning for sustainability, collaborative efforts and curriculum development for existing and future programmes. Our objective was to identify and provide an overview of existing EMRPs in Africa and their applicant requirements, faculty characteristics and plans for sustainability.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey of Africa’s EMRPs between January and December 2017, identifying programmes through an online search supplemented by discussions with African EM leaders. Leaders of all identified African EMRPs were invited to participate. Data were collected prospectively using a structured survey and are summarised with descriptive statistics.ResultsWe identified 15 programmes in 12 countries and received survey responses from 11 programmes in 10 countries. Eight of the responding EMRPs began in 2010 or later. Only 36% of the EMRPs offer a 3-year programme. Women make up an average of 33% of faculty. Only 40% of EMRPs require faculty to be EM specialists. In smaller samples that reported the relevant data, 67% (4/6) of EMRPs have EM specialists who trained in that EMRP programme making up more than half of their faculty; 57% of Africa’s 288 EMRP graduates to date are men; and an average of 39% of EMRP graduates stay on as faculty for 78% (7/9) of EMRPs.ConclusionEMRPs currently produce most of their own EM faculty. Almost equal proportions of men and women have graduated from a predominantly >3-year training programme. Graduates have a variety of opportunities in academia and private practice. Future assessments may wish to focus on the evolution of these programme’ curricula, faculty composition and graduates’ career options.

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