scholarly journals Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among health care workers in northern Tanzania.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Mgongo ◽  
Bertha Mlay ◽  
Damian Jeremia Damian ◽  
Caroline Amour ◽  
Beatrice John Leyaro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice is one of the interventions improving child survival. Health workers have been shown to be vital in influencing EBF practices. Objectives To assess the level of knowledge and supportive practices on EBF among healthcare workers Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between April - June 2011 health care providers working in 36 randomly selected health facilities of Hai and Siha districts. A questionnaire was used to obtain information. Observation of health worker-client interaction was conducted using a check list. Results A total of 250 health workers participated in this study. The majority (80%) had adequate knowledge of EBF. However, 36% of providers believed light porridge should be introduced after 4 months and 43% believed infants will feel thirsty on breast- milk alone. Only 7% of providers answered correctly on skills of support, positioning and attachment. Fifty percent of the facilities with labour/maternity wards gave breastfeeding lessons to post delivery women. The majority (90%) gave theoretical information, without practical demonstration with positioning and/or attachment of the baby to the breast. Conclusion Providers had adequate theoretical knowledge of EBF but lacked important skills to support women in breastfeeding practices. Few labor/maternity facilities used the opportunity to educate women on EBF. Pre- and in-service health providers’ training on breastfeeding should target improved practical skills.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Mgongo ◽  
Bertha Mlay ◽  
Damian Jeremia Damian ◽  
Caroline Amour ◽  
Beatrice John Leyaro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice is one of the interventions improving child survival. Health workers have been shown to be vital in influencing EBF practices.Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and supportive practices on EBF among healthcare workers Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between April - June 2011 health care providers working in 36 randomly selected health facilities of Hai and Siha districts. A questionnaire was used to obtain information. Observation of health worker-client interaction was conducted using a check list.Results: A total of 250 health workers participated in this study. The majority (80 %) had adequate knowledge of EBF. However, 36 % of providers believed light porridge should be introduced after 4 months and 43 % believed infants will feel thirsty on breast- milk alone. Only 7 % of providers answered correctly on skills of support, positioning and attachment. Fifty percent of the facilities with labour/maternity wards gave breastfeeding lessons to post delivery women. The majority (90 %) gave theoretical information, without practical demonstration with positioning and/or attachment of the baby to the breast.Conclusion: Providers had adequate theoretical knowledge of EBF but lacked important skills to support women in breastfeeding practices. Few labor/maternity facilities used the opportunity to educate women on EBF. Pre- and in-service health providers’ training on breastfeeding should target improved practical skills.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Garay ◽  
Paul A. Camacho ◽  
Jose Lopez-Lopez ◽  
Juliana Alvernia ◽  
Marcela Garcia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prediabetes has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite the clinical importance of prediabetes, little is known about the level of knowledge, beliefs and barriers to screening and treating prediabetes amongst care health providers in Latin America. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the knowledge and beliefs about prediabetes amongst in Latin American health care providers. Methodology In a cross-sectional study, we adapted the written survey designed by the Johns Hopkins University group, and applied it to health care providers across Latin America during three meetings, in 2017, and with physicians from primary care centers in Bucaramanga, Colombia convened in 2017. The survey consisted of questions under four headings, diabetes screening, management of prediabetes, pharmacological treatment—metformin use, and demographic information. We perform a descriptive analysis to determine the differences in responses between different medical specialties. Results The majority of the care providers that answered the survey were Colombian physicians, 54.5% of respondents had 10 years or more since completing their training and more women responded. Only 9.5% identified the 12 prediabetes risk factors described in the literature. The most common risk factor identified was a family history of diabetes, followed by overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and dyslipidemia, while ethnicity was the risk factor least commonly. 47.1% answered that laboratory tests to detect prediabetes are fasting glucose and HbA1C, 82.5% correctly identified fasting plasma glucose as the best test, 35.9% correctly responded that to the recommended weight loss goal is 5 to 7% and 49.1% that 150 min is considered the minimum level of physical activity per week. 78% agreed that the identification and treatment of prediabetes is important. 56% believed that patients with prediabetes progress more rapidly to diabetes and 40.6% considered that metformin could reduce the risk of diabetes in patients already diagnosed with prediabetes. Conclusion These results demonstrate that there are important gaps in the knowledge of the diagnosis, clinical implications and management of prediabetes amongst Latin America health providers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aashifa Yaqoob ◽  
Sven Hinderaker ◽  
Razia Fatima ◽  
Hina Najmi ◽  
Anwar Haq

Abstract Background: Private providers provide a large portion of health care in Pakistan, including tuberculosis (TB). All TB patients are supposed to be reported to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which provides drugs free of charge in addition to monitoring, supervision and support. It is difficult to confirm the diagnosis of TB in children. We aimed to assess the private health care provider investigation practices and management of childhood TB. Methods: This cross sectional study was based on a national survey that measured under-reporting of children with TB in 12 selected districts in Pakistan from Apr-Jun, 2016. We explored the practices of private health care providers involved in the diagnosis of TB in children under 15 years for investigating and managing children suspected having TB, like general practitioners, pediatricians, pulmonologists and chest specialists. Results: Among 6519 presumptive child TB cases, a total of 5193(79.7%) children under the age of 15 years were diagnosed as TB by private health care providers during second quarter, 2016. Out of all diagnosed TB cases, only 187(3.6%) were notified to NTP. The majority of presumptive child TB cases reported cough, fever, and failure to thrive; few had TB contacts with pulmonary TB patients. For further diagnostic tests, private providers relied on chest X-ray in 41.7% of 0-4 years and 48.2% of 5-14 years. Utilization of Tuberculin skin test and Gene-Xpert MTB/RIF testing was very low. Bacteriological confirmation was present in 9.6%, and clinical assessment was the only basis for diagnosis in 39.3%. Of children with presumptive TB, 3121(47.9%) cases were referred for diagnosis and 2443(37.5%) were referred after diagnosis for treatment; among all the referred, 3812(68.5%) were sent for investigations to District TB Centre(NTP). Conclusion: This study showed that many private providers referred children suspected having TB to laboratories for further diagnosis, but cases identified in investigations were often not notified to the NTP. This problem needs to be resolved by strengthening the referral linkages between private health providers, NTP laboratories and treatment centres through capacity building and training of their staff.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aashifa Yaqoob ◽  
Sven Hinderaker ◽  
Razia Fatima ◽  
Hina Najmi ◽  
Anwar Haq

Abstract Background:Private providers provide a large portion of health care in Pakistan, including tuberculosis (TB). All TB patients are supposed to be reported to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which provides drugs free of charge in addition to monitoring, supervision and support. Diagnosis of TB in children is difficult. We aimed to assess the private health care providers’ investigation practices and management of childhood TB. Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on a national survey that measured under-reporting of children with TB in 12 selected districts in Pakistan from Apr-Jun, 2016. We explored the practices of private health care providers, like general practitioners, pediatricians, pulmonologists and chest specialists, involved in the diagnosis of TB in children under 15 years for investigating and managing children suspected having TB.Results:Among 6519 presumptive child TB cases, a total of 5193(79.7%) children under 15 years were diagnosed as TB by private health care providers during second quarter, 2016. Only 187(2.9%) were notified to NTP. The majority of presumptive child TB cases reported cough, fever, and failure to thrive; few had TB contacts with pulmonary TB patients. Failure to thrive, loss of body weight and absence of BCG scar was more common in female children. Private providers relied on chest X-ray in 46.1%, but tuberculin skin test and Gene-Xpert MTB/RIF testing was little utilized. Bacteriological confirmation was present in 7.6%, and clinical assessment was the only basis for diagnosis in 39.3%. Of children with presumptive TB, only 955(14.6%) children were treated by private provider, while 3121(47.9%) cases were referred for diagnosis and 2443(37.5%) were referred after diagnosis for treatment; among all the referred, 3812(68.5%) were sent for investigations to District TB Centre (NTP).Conclusion:This study showed that many private providers referred children suspected having TB to laboratories for further diagnosis, but cases identified in investigations were often not notified to the NTP. This problem needs to be resolved by strengthening the referral linkages between private health providers, NTP laboratories and treatment centres through capacity building and training of their staff.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zobaer Alam ◽  
Md Monoarul Haque ◽  
Md Rijwan Bhuiyan ◽  
Md Shahinoor Islam ◽  
Monirul Haque ◽  
...  

Background: The burden of childhood disability as a public health problem in developing countries remains relatively unrecognized. One out of 750 children born in the world suffer from club foot among them 80% are in low and middle income countries. Most of these babies have limited access to receive effective treatment for their clubfoot due to lack o knowledge, awareness and some barriers. We actually don’t know the level of knowledge of parents who have child with clubfoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of parents who have children with clubfoot during clubfoot treatment. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 102 parents who have children with clubfoot deformity during its treatment in a selected clinic. The samples were selected purposively from the clinics where clubfoot treatment was given and face to face interview was done by using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the respondents were 24.7 (±6.0) years where 87.3% (n=89) respondents ware female and 59.8 %(n=61) respondent’s educational status ware up to primary level. About 44.1% respondents started treatment of their child within 6 months of birth and 33% within 6 to 12 months where 57% (n=58) respondents are referred by health care professional to this clinics. About 93.1% of parents (n=95) said that they knew nothing about clubfoot deformity before their child was diagnosed where 97% are aware after diagnosis of their child. About 93.1% respondents knew the best time for treatment initiation where 59.8% respondents know the correct follow up time of clubfoot management. In case of knowledge of parents’ roles in the treatment of clubfoot about 91.2%, parents have knowledge weekly visit for treatment and 86.3% know the plaster care where 52.9% (n=54) parents have lack of knowledge about how to use the brace Conclusion: There is need to improve the communication skills of clinicians/health care providers offering treatment to children with clubfoot at the Clinics. Need to share information with the parents about the condition. Finally, there is need to emphasize of educating parents about plaster care and how to use brace. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22882 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 42-46


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (03) ◽  
pp. 518-524
Author(s):  
GHULAM SARWAR ◽  
FARIDA MANZUR ◽  
IMTIAZ HAMID

Objectives: (1) To determine the mode of services being rendered and practices done by the health care providers of the study area. (2) To identify various socio-demographic factors about the health care providers. A health care provider provides preventive, curative, rehabilitative and spiritual health services to the community. Health care is being provided by not only the registered and qualified doctors, but also by non-qualified non-registered and inexperienced persons in Pakistan. Methodology: A total of 57 health care providers from the union council 42 area in district Faisalabad were included. A pre-tested questionnaire to know about the services and practices of the individuals was served upon them to collect the relevant data. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Union council 42 area in district Faisalabad. Period: 2008. Results: Out of 57, 30 (52.63%) were males and 27 (47.37%) were females. Most of them, 18 (31.6%) were above 49 years of age. 51 (89.47%) were practicing in the private; whereas, only 2(3.51%) in the public sector. Most of the individuals, 21 (36.8%) were LHW and only 2(3.5%) were doctors or medical assistants; 3(5.3%) were dispensers, 9(15.8%) were hakeems and 7 (12.3%) homeopaths. Most of them, 40(70.2%) were matriculates and 14(24.6%) graduates. Only 20 (35.1%) were having certificates and 11(19.3%) were diploma holders. Further, only 2(11.76%) out of 57 were registered with PM&DC and Punjab Medical Faculty. 30 (52.6%) individuals were rendering curative and only 5 (8.8%) preventive services. None of the health care providers was rendering laboratory, x-ray or ultrasound services. Most of the individuals, 36 (63.2%) were practicing allopathy and 7(12.3%) homeopathy way of treatment. Further, most of the professionals, 45 (78.95%) were not doing any surgery. As regards sterilization, the most 8(66.7%) were practicing boiling of instruments. Most of them 47 (82.45%) were giving injections to the patients, however, using disposable syringes, and 27(57.4%) were disposing of the syringes by cutting the needles to dump. 20 (42.55%) were referring their patients to DHQ Hospital and 47 (82.46%) were keeping the record. Conclusions: Qualified medical professionals were scarce in the locality. However, allopathic system of medicine was being widely practiced. Only LHWs were providing curative services with proper training to deliver first aid services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 802-808
Author(s):  
Eti Samadder ◽  
Ashees Kumar Shaha ◽  
Irtiza Ahmed Chowdhury ◽  
Sajeda Khatun ◽  
China Rani Mittra ◽  
...  

Sharp medical waste is infectious and hazardous because of their high potential diseases transmission and injury. It poses serious threats to environmental health. A cross sectional study was done to assess the level of knowledge and practices of health workers on safe disposal of sharp medical wastes. This study was done in Pirojpur Sadar Hospital, Nazirpur Upazilla Health Complex and Zia Nagar Upazilla Health Complex. Sample size was 200 Health Workers. A Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were processed and analyzed with the help of SPSS (Version 20) software on the basis of different variables. The period of study was from January to December 2016. The study result shows that among 200 respondent mean age was 44.05 (±7.01) years. The designation varieties were nurses (70.0%), doctor (10.0%), Aya/ward boy (15.0%). This study found that, majority of the respondents had knowledge about the concept of medical waste and sharp medical waste. Among the respondents (90.0%) respondents knew the correct color bin to segregate sharp medical waste. Multiple responses of the respondents (80%) mentioned that they got information from Course curriculum. Knowledge of the respondents on sharp medical waste disposal (64.5%) had Good knowledge, (23%) had Fair Knowledge and (12.5%) had Poor Knowledge. Most of the respondents (47.5%) had Good practices, (33%) had Fair and (20%) had Poor practices regarding safe disposal of sharp medical waste disposal. Adequate supply of equipment’s and strict monitoring system should be established to improvement the practice of the health care providers regarding safe disposal of sharp medical waste. Training on sharp medical waste disposal will help the participants to improve their knowledge and practices. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 802-808


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Alvita Brilliana R. Arafah ◽  
Hari Basuki Notobroto

Breast cancer is cancer with the number of new cases and deaths highest in Indonesia. According to the Data Center and Information Ministry of a health Indonesia in the year 2013, the number of new cases of breast cancer of 819 and the number of deaths amounted to 217. In general, breast cancer known after stepping on an advanced stage. So the methods of early detection of breast cancer are focused on the detection of early stage tumors that are usually small with self-breast examination (SADARI). The purpose of this research is to predict the factors related to the behavior of self-breast examination (SADARI) the housewives aged 40–50 years. This research is an observational study with cross sectional approach. Sample research totaling 100 people  housewife in Kelurahan Sidotopo Wetan Kenjeran Subdistrict Surabaya. The measurement was done by providing a questionnaire to obtain information about the research variables. Variable independent research is k nowledge, attitudes, information accessibility, support health providers and descent with breast cancer. The results of this research showed the variables that are associated with the  SADARI behavior of the housewifes is attitude (p = 0.000), accessibility of information (p = 0.000), and health care providers support (p = 0.010). The majority of housewives in Kelurahan Sidotopo Wetan Kenjeran Sub-district Surabaya showed a good attitude and support toward SADARI. In the area surrounding the residence h ousewife get access information easily. There are no support for doing SADARI from health care providers.


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