scholarly journals Breastfeeding knowledge of mothers in protracted crises: The Gaza Strip example

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Iellamo ◽  
Emily Monaghan ◽  
Samar AL Moghany ◽  
Jonathan Latham ◽  
Nihal Nassereddin
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Security Officers ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding is the most effective intervention to prevent child morbidity and mortality in all contexts. During Palestine-Israel conflict that started in the middle of the 20 th century, healthcare services are understaffed and lack basic resources, with frequent power cuts and stock-outs of essential drugs and equipment. This case study seeks to answer the questions: (1) How does the protracted crisis in Gaza affect the breastfeeding practices of the most vulnerable population; and (2) What is the role that midwives can play in improving breastfeeding practices? A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) study was used to collect data. A total of 1044 respondents had a child less than 24 months at the time of the study. A total of 62.75 percent practice early initiation of breastfeeding and 42 percent confirmed that their new-borns were given liquids other than breast milk during the first three days of life. Fifty percent of mothers addressed breast milk insufficiency by drinking additional fluids and 40 percent by using infant formula. Discussion: This study confirms the need to a) implement the IYCF-E operational guidance in the Gaza strip and b) review the pre-service and in-service training for midwives. For vulnerable populations in humanitarian contexts, the impact of this cannot be underestimated. Conducting research in humanitarian settings is particularly challenging. Our experience included integration and linkage with international organizations security officers on the ground, co-ordination of activities with authorities and communities, regular supportive supervision during data collection, allocation of buffer days and geographical areas and in-country and remote assistance to data collection teams Conclusions: This research focuses on a protracted emergency in insecure populated areas. The unpredictable security situation meant that the team adopted a flexible approach during data collection. Lessons learned throughout this process include the importance of a) allocating additional research time, to account for potential interruption b) daily coordination with security officers to ensure safe access to localities c) identification of extra sites, in case escalation of conflict d) training of additional enumerators in case conflict escalation e) negotiation with authorities to ensure compliance with requirements.

scholarly journals The role of midwives in improving breastfeeding practices in protracted crises: The Gaza Strip example

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Iellamo ◽  
Emily Monaghan ◽  
Samar AL Moghany ◽  
Jonathan Latham ◽  
Nihal Nassereddin
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Security Officers ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding is the most effective intervention to prevent child morbidity and mortality in all contexts. During the Palestine-Israel conflict that started in the middle of the 20th century, healthcare services are understaffed and lack basic resources, with frequent power cuts and stock-outs of essential drugs and equipment. This case study seeks to answer the questions: (1) How does the protracted crisis in Gaza affect the breastfeeding practices of the most vulnerable population; and (2) What is the role that midwives can play in improving breastfeeding practices?A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) study was used to collect data. A total of 1044 respondents had a child less than 24 months at the time of the study. A total of 62.75 percent practice early initiation of breastfeeding and 42 percent confirmed that their new-borns were given liquids other than breast milk during the first three days of life. Fifty percent of mothers addressed breast milk insufficiency by drinking additional fluids and 40 percent by using infant formula. Discussion:This study confirms the need to a) implement the IYCF-E operational guidance in the Gaza strip and b) review the pre-service and in-service training for midwives. For vulnerable populations in humanitarian contexts, the impact of this cannot be underestimated. Conducting research in humanitarian settings is particularly challenging. Our experience included integration and linkage with international organizations security officers on the ground, co-ordination of activities with authorities and communities, regular supportive supervision during data collection, allocation of buffer days and geographical areas and in-country and remote assistance to data collection teams Conclusions:This research focuses on a protracted emergency in insecure populated areas. The unpredictable security situation meant that the team adopted a flexible approach during data collection. Lessons learned throughout this process include the importance of a) allocating additional research time, to account for potential interruption b) daily coordination with security officers to ensure safe access to localities c) identification of extra sites, in case escalation of conflict d) training of additional enumerators in case conflict escalation e) negotiation with authorities to ensure compliance with requirements.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding knowledge of mothers in protracted crises: The Gaza Strip example

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Iellamo ◽  
Emily Monaghan ◽  
Samar AL Moghany ◽  
Jonathan Latham ◽  
Nihal Nassereddin
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Security Officers ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding is the most effective intervention to prevent child morbidity and mortality in all contexts, especially in humanitarian crisis. During the Palestine-Israel conflict that started in the middle of the 20th century, healthcare services are understaffed and lack basic resources, with frequent power cuts and stock-outs of essential drugs and equipment. This case study seeks to answer the questions: (1) How does the protracted crisis in Gaza affect the breastfeeding practices of the most vulnerable population; and (2) What is the role that midwives can play in improving breastfeeding practices?A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) study was used to collect data. A total of 1044 respondents had a child less than 24 months at the time of the study. A total of 62.75 percent practice early initiation of breastfeeding and 42 percent confirmed that their new-borns were given liquids other than breast milk during the first three days of life. Fifty percent of mothers addressed breast milk insufficiency by drinking additional fluids and 40 percent by using infant formula. More than 50% of women said that they received most breastfeeding information during antenatal care visits. Only 18% of women said that they received breastfeeding information during contact with health professionals throughout labour, delivery, and subsequent post-natal care visits. Many mothers during the FGDs confirm using milk to top up or replace breast milk even if they know how important breastfeeding is for the childrenDiscussion: This study confirms the need to a) adapt the IYCF-E operational guidance in the Gaza strip and b) include breastfeeding counselling in the pre-service and in-service training for midwives. For vulnerable populations in humanitarian contexts, the impact of this cannot be underestimated. Conducting research in humanitarian settings is particularly challenging. The experience included integration and linkage with security officers on the ground, co-ordination with authorities and communities, supportive supervision during data collection, allocation of buffer days in-country and remote assistance to data collection teams Conclusions: This research focuses on a protracted emergency in insecure populated areas. The uncertain security situation, meant that the team adopted a flexible approach. Lessons learned throughout this exercise included the importance of a) allocating additional research time, to account for potential interruption b) daily coordination with security officers to ensure safe access to localities c) identification of extra sites, in case escalation of conflict d) training of additional enumerators in case conflict escalation e) negotiation with authorities to ensure compliance with requirements.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding knowledge of mothers in protracted crises: the Gaza Strip example

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iellamo Alessandro ◽  
Emily Monaghan ◽  
Samar A. L. Moghany ◽  
Jonathan Latham ◽  
Nihal Nassereddin
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Conflict Escalation ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
The Gaza Strip

AbstractThe protection and support of breastfeeding is the most effective intervention to prevent child morbidity and mortality especially in humanitarian crisis.During the Palestine-Israel conflict healthcare services are understaffed and lack basic resources, with frequent power cuts and stock-outs of essential drugs and equipment. This case study seeks to answer the questions: (1) How does the protracted crisis in Gaza affect the breastfeeding practices of the most vulnerable population; and (2) What is the role that midwives can play in improving breastfeeding practices?The study was conducted using a mixed method approach with quantitative and qualitative methods. Purposeful selection of women and children was conducted utilising eligibility criteria, women with children less than 2 years of age were included. All the respondents were asked if they agreed to participate in the survey.A total of 63% practice early initiation of breastfeeding and 42% confirmed that their new-borns were given liquids other than breast milk during the first 3 days of life. Fifty percent of mothers addressed breast milk insufficiency by drinking additional fluids and 40% by using infant formula. Only 18% of women said that they received breastfeeding information during contact with health professionals throughout labour, delivery, and subsequent post-natal care visits. Many mothers during the focus group discussions (FGDs) confirm using milk to top up or replace breast milk.Myths and misconceptions around breastfeeding remain, while women do access antenatal care services and deliver in the health facilities. There is a need to a) adapt the recommendations of the operational guidance for infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E) in the Gaza strip, to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and b) include skilled breastfeeding counselling in the pre-service and in-service training for midwives.Lessons learned included the importance of a) allocating additional research time, to account for interruption b) daily coordination with security officers to ensure safe access to localities c) identification of extra sites, in case of conflict escalation d) training of additional enumerators in case conflict escalation e) negotiation with authorities to ensure compliance with requirements.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a 1 MW, 250 kW-hr Battery Energy Storage System for Grid Services for the Island of Hawaii

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Stein ◽  
Moe Tun ◽  
Keith Musser ◽  
Richard Rocheleau
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Energy Storage System ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Battery Energy Storage ◽  
Utility Company ◽  
Battery Energy ◽  
The Impact

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are being deployed on electrical grids in significant numbers to provide fast-response services. These systems are normally procured by the end user, such as a utility grid owner or independent power producer. This paper introduces a novel research project in which a research institution has purchased a 1 MW BESS and turned ownership over to a utility company under an agreement that allowed the institution to perform experimentation and data collection on the grid for a multi-year period. This arrangement, along with protocols governing experimentation, has created a unique research opportunity to actively and systematically test the impact of a BESS on a live island grid. The 2012 installation and commissioning of the BESS was facilitated by a partnership between the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and the utility owner, the Hawaiian Electric and Light Company (HELCO). After the test period ended, HELCO continued to allow data collection (including health testing). In 2018, after 8500 equivalent cycles, the BESS continues to operate within specifications. HNEI continues to provide HELCO with expertise to aid with diagnostics as needed. Details about the BESS design, installation, experimental protocols, initial results, and lessons learned are presented in this paper.

scholarly journals Assessment of Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Smoking Cessation Management in the Gaza Strip

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Smoking Habit ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Palestinian Territories ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
The Impact

Background: Despite its negative effects, approximately 23% of Palestinians (≥ 18 years) smoke cigarettes. Studies have shown physicians to be an important channel for smoking cessation intervention. This investigation examines physicians’ smoking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in the Gaza strip (Palestinian Territories). Methods and Findings: A convenience sample of 154 physicians in medical and surgical units took part in this investigation (87.7% response rate). The data show that 37.8% of physicians in Gaza smoke, and most of them about 72% smoke in the hospital’s public spaces, thereby implicitly giving public approval for smoking. While 82.4% reported that they advise patients who smoke to stop, the majority (59%) also believe that their own smoking habits negatively influence the impact of that advice. Unfortunately, our survey showed that physicians’ knowledge levels towards smoking addiction and management were lower than expected (e.g. only 34% knew that nicotine dependence is a psychiatric disorder that necessitates treatment). The physicians in this study believed that the primary barriers to failure of their patients’ smoking cessation were the perceived lack of will (81.3%), and the strength of patients’ addiction (67.9%). Moreover, (61%) of physicians did not spend enough time to convince their patients to quit smoking. Conclusion: Smoking is common among Gaza-strip physicians, and unfortunately, most of them smoke in the hospital’s public spaces. Many obstacles face the smoking cessation program that some physicians linked it to patients, and others linked it to the health-care system. Furthermore, smokers in Gaza receive poor care regarding assessment, referral, and management of their smoking habit.

scholarly journals Pre- and in-service training of health care workers on immunization data management in LMICs: a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Nicol ◽  
Eunice Turawa ◽  
George Bonsu
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Data Management ◽  
Data Use ◽  
Capacity Development ◽  
Data Handling ◽  
Training Curriculum ◽  
Periodic Review ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Healthcare providers (HCPs) are recognized as one of the cornerstones and drivers of health interventions. Roles such as documentation of patient care, data management, analysing, interpreting and appropriate use of data are key to ending vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). However, there is a great deal of uncertainty and concerns about HCPs’ skills and competencies regarding immunization data handling and the importance of data use for improving service delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Questions about the suitability and relevance of the contents of training curriculum, appropriateness of platforms through which training is delivered and the impact of such training on immunization data handling competencies and service delivery remain a source of concern. This review identified and assessed published studies that report on pre- and in-service training with a focus on HCPs’ competencies and skills to manage immunization data in LMICs. Methods An electronic search of six online databases was performed, in addition to websites of the WHO, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), Oxfam International, Save the Children, Community Health Workers Central (CHW Central), UNAIDS and UNICEF. Using appropriate keywords, MeSH terms and selection procedure, 12 articles published between January 1980 and May 2019 on pre- and in-service training of HCPs, interventions geared towards standardized data collection procedures, data documentation and management of immunization data in LMICs, including curriculum reviews, were considered for analysis. Results Of the 2705 identified references, only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review provides evidence that shows that combined and multifaceted training interventions could help improve HCPs’ knowledge, skills and competency on immunization data management. It further suggests that offering the right training to HCPs and sustaining standard immunization data management is hampered in LMICs by limited or/lack of training resources. Conclusion Pre-service training is fundamental in the skills’ acquisition of HCPs; however, they require additional in-service training and supportive supervision to function effectively in managing immunization data tasks. Continuous capacity development in immunization data-management competencies such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, synthesis and data use should be strengthened at all levels of the health system. Furthermore, there is a need for periodic review of the immunization-training curriculum in health training institutions, capacity development and retraining tutors on the current trends in immunization data management.

Climate change and its impact on domestic water consumption in Sub-urban regions in the Gaza Strip

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdy Jarboo ◽  
Husam Al-Najar
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Domestic Water Consumption ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the priorities on water sector planning. The priorities are identified by comparing the climate change impact on water consumption and the impact of using domestic water illegally to irrigate the urban agricultural holdings in suburban areas. Design/methodology/approach – Metered water consumption in summer and winter in both urban and suburban areas was studied in Rafah city. A backward chronological linear model of climate change (precipitation and temperature) influence on water consumption was developed using software STATISTICA 10. The developed statistical relation was used to predict the impact of various climate change scenarios for domestic water consumption. Hence, four climate change scenarios were hypothesized – an increase in temperature by 1 and 20°C and a reduction in the rainfall by 10 and 20 per cent, respectively. Findings – The most influential climate change scenario was the increase of temperature by 20°C, which caused an increase of 1.4 per cent on the average domestic water consumption compared to the current value. The hypothesized reduction of 20 per cent in precipitation caused a negligible increase in water consumption by 0.1 per cent from the current value. Urban agriculture and current practice of using municipal water to irrigate cultivated urban holdings have a significant negative influence on domestic water consumption. The aforementioned practice led to a high percentage of unaccounted for water (UFW) of 33, 38 and 45 per cent for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Practical implications – The concerned decision-makers should consider the right track in prioritizing dilemmas for planning water sector in suburban areas. Originality/value – This research could be considered the first of its kind because impacts of urban agriculture and climate change on domestic water consumption have never been previously considered in the Gaza Strip.

scholarly journals Conflict and cooperation in the age of COVID-19: the Israeli–Palestinian case

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lior Lehrs
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Politics ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Palestinian Authority ◽  
Government Relations ◽  
Conflict And Cooperation ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
Disaster Event ◽  
The Impact

Abstract How do disasters influence conflict and diplomacy in conflict areas? The scholarship shows that while they can provide opportunities for cooperation and ‘disaster diplomacy’ between parties to a conflict, they can also intensify tension and hostility. This article uses the Israeli–Palestinian conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, exploring the impact of the crisis on relations between the rival parties and examining the conditions under which an ongoing pandemic might lead to either conflict or cooperation in a conflict area. The research is based on within-case analysis, comparing three conflict arenas: Israel–Palestinian Authority relations in the West Bank; relations between Israel and the Palestinian community in East Jerusalem; and Israel–Hamas government relations in the Gaza strip. The article outlines the possibilities and limitations of ‘disaster diplomacy’ in intractable conflicts and contributes to the literature by identifying how different contexts, relations and actors in each conflict arena affect the development of patterns of conflict and cooperation with regard to the pandemic. The study analyses the factors that shape how the pandemic affects the conflict, and the COVID-19-related diplomacy, in each sub-case, with attention to three main variables: the structure of the conflict arena, domestic politics and the developments in the pandemic. The analysis addresses the unique conditions of an ongoing global pandemic, as opposed to an isolated disaster event, and traces the changing impact of the pandemic on the conflict and on disaster-related cooperation at various stages.

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