scholarly journals Adolescent motherhood in rural Nepal: passive sensing data illuminates daily experiences in maternal lives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Hagaman ◽  
Damaris Lopez Mercado ◽  
Anubhuti Poudyal ◽  
Dorte Bemme ◽  
Clare Boone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Behavioral Patterns ◽  
Young Infants ◽  
Passive Sensing ◽  
Passive Data

Abstract Background: Adolescent pregnancy, particularly in low-income settings, is associated with adverse health and social outcomes for both mother and child. Nepal has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in South Asia alongside high rates of maternal depression and suicide. While the maternal morbidity risks of adolescent pregnancy are well researched, impacts on everyday lives, including behaviors and predictable patterns are less well-known. Passive sensing (geographic movement, physical activity, and proximity to infants using Bluetooth technology) is an emerging technology that can enhance the detection of behavior patterns. Given the risk of the postpartum period in LMIC settings, we sought to characterize normal behavioral patterns via passive sensing technology. Methods: We collected passive data over a two-week period with 22 mothers using phone-based GPS, accelerometry, and Bluetooth technologies. Passive data was aggregated for each mother, collapsed into hourly readings, and descriptively summarized. We triangulated this information in a constant comparative approach with a range of qualitative data including multiple in-depth interviews, a daily diary, and systematic fieldnotes. Results: Passive data illuminated a range of behaviors that varied across our participants. Women, during the average time window of 4am and 8pm, spent more than 80% of the day with their infants, were detected as ‘active’ 10-20% of the time in any given hour with peaks in the morning and mid-afternoon, and traveled fewer than 1675 meters from their homes. Household work, instrumental childcare, and household support, paired with the infant’s age, appeared to drive activity patterns. Women with higher amounts of activity and GPS movement had more household support for chores and childcare. Women with young infants had smaller amounts of activity and GPS movement. Women that had nearly no time away from their infant expressed overwhelming responsibilities and increased stress, but also role fulfillment in that time with their infant was an indicator of good mothering. Conclusion: We reveal typical behavioral patterns of rural adolescent mothers and highlight opportunities for integrating this information to improve health and well-being.

scholarly journals Stigma and utilization of treatment for perinatal depression among adolescents in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lola Kola ◽  
Ian M Bennett ◽  
Amritha Bhat ◽  
Olatunde O. Ayinde ◽  
Bibilola D. Oladeji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Service Utilization ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Perinatal Depression ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Service Engagement

Abstract Background. Depression is a common and serious disorder among low-income adolescent mothers in low-and middle-income countries where resources for treatment are limited. We wished to identify, among adolescents with perinatal depression and their health providers, factors influencing health service utilization for the condition in Nigeria to inform new strategies of care delivery.Methods. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out among low-income adolescent women with a history of perinatal depression and separately with primary care clinicians treating this condition in Ibadan, Nigeria. Semi-structured interview guides were used to obtain views on the factors that promote or hinder help-seeking and engagement. FGDs were conducted until saturation of themes was achieved. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis framed by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable PopulationsModel and triangulation between patients and providers. Results. A total of 17 women and 25 care providers participated in 6 FGDs. Perceived benefits of treatment received for perinatal depression were strong motivation for service utilization. Significant stigma regarding adolescent pregnancy and perinatal depression created obstacles to care. Providers expressed negative stereotypes associated with adolescent pregnancy. However, individual patient resilience was a major enabling factor facilitating service engagement. Older and more experienced care providers were perceived to deliver more tolerant and supportive care that adolescent mothers valued. Conclusions. Participants identified an unsupportive and stigmatizing clinic environment as a major barrier to accessing available care. Interventions to reduce stigma among healthcare providers may improve services for this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Utilizing passive sensing data to provide personalized psychological care in low-resource settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Prabin Byanjankar ◽  
Anubhuti Poudyal ◽  
Brandon A Kohrt ◽  
Sujen Man Maharjan ◽  
Ashley Hagaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Behavioral Patterns ◽  
Proximity Data ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
Lay Counselors ◽  
Sensing Data ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
Passive Sensing

Background: With the growing ubiquity of smartphones and wearable devices, there is an increased potential of collecting passive sensing data in mobile health. Passive data such as physical activity, Global Positioning System (GPS), interpersonal proximity, and audio recordings can provide valuable insight into the lives of individuals. In mental health, these insights can illuminate behavioral patterns, creating exciting opportunities for mental health service providers and their clients to support pattern recognition and problem identification outside of formal sessions. In the Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment in Low Resource Settings (StandStrong) project, our aim was to build an mHealth application to facilitate the delivery of psychological treatments by lay counselors caring for adolescent mothers with depression in Nepal. Methods: This paper describes the development of the StandStrong platform comprising the StandStrong Counselor application, and a cloud-based processing system, which can incorporate any tool that generates passive sensing data. We developed the StandStrong Counselor application that visualized passively collected GPS, proximity, and activity data. In the app, GPS data displays as heat maps, proximity data as charts showing the mother and child together or apart, and mothers’ activities as activity charts. Lay counselors can use the StandStrong application during counseling sessions to discuss mothers’ behavioral patterns and clinical progress over the course of a five-week counseling intervention. Achievement Awards based on collected data can also be automatically generated and sent to mothers. Additionally, messages can be sent from counselors to mother’s personal phones through the StandStrong platform. Discussion: The StandStrong platform has the potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of psychological services delivered by non-specialists in diverse global settings.

Exploring teacher leadership during COVID-19 in Africa and Latin America: A rapid qualitative study in six countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerrie Proulx ◽  
Karen Mundy ◽  
Carly Manion ◽  
Tatiana Feitosa de Britto
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Teacher Leadership ◽  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Early Marriage ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
High Tech ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Central Pillar

There is limited evidence about teacher leadership during education emergencies, such as that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on interviews with 70 teachers and education stakeholders in parts of Africa and Latin America, this exploratory study investigates grassroots examples of teacher leadership during COVID-19 school closures. The findings indicate that teachers worked individually and collectively to find high-tech and low- or no-tech solutions to ensure learning continuity. In addition, teacher-led efforts often prioritised student and community well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic by building and maintaining social connections with students and families, supporting student mental health and physical health, and protecting students from heightened risk factors early marriage, adolescent pregnancy and child labour. Teachers also acted by taking the lead as community mobilisers - educating local communities about COVID-19 risks and prevention. The paper discusses barriers and facilitators to teacher leadership in low-income contexts. It concludes by identifying emerging lessons to strengthen teacher leadership and recommendations to activate teachers as a central pillar of resilience in education systems during crises.

scholarly journals Utilizing passive sensing data to provide personalized psychological care in low-resource settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Prabin Byanjankar ◽  
Anubhuti Poudyal ◽  
Brandon A Kohrt ◽  
Sujen Man Maharjan ◽  
Ashley Hagaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Behavioral Patterns ◽  
Proximity Data ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
Lay Counselors ◽  
Sensing Data ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
Passive Sensing

Background: With the growing ubiquity of smartphones and wearable devices, there is an increased potential of collecting passive sensing data in mobile health. Passive data such as physical activity, Global Positioning System (GPS), interpersonal proximity, and audio recordings can provide valuable insight into the lives of individuals. In mental health, these insights can illuminate behavioral patterns, creating exciting opportunities for mental health service providers and their clients to support pattern recognition and problem identification outside of formal sessions. In the Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment in Low Resource Settings (StandStrong) project, our aim was to build an mHealth application to facilitate the delivery of psychological treatments by lay counselors caring for adolescent mothers with depression in Nepal. Methods: This paper describes the development of the StandStrong platform comprising the StandStrong Counselor application, and a cloud-based processing system, which can incorporate any tool that generates passive sensing data. We developed the StandStrong Counselor application that visualized passively collected GPS, proximity, and activity data. In the app, GPS data displays as heat maps, proximity data as charts showing the mother and child together or apart, and mothers’ activities as activity charts. Lay counselors can use the StandStrong application during counseling sessions to discuss mothers’ behavioral patterns and clinical progress over the course of a five-week counseling intervention. Awards based on collected data also can be automatically generated and sent to mothers. Additionally, messages can be sent from counselors to mother’s personal phones through the StandStrong platform. Discussion: The StandStrong platform has the potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of psychological services delivered by non-specialists in diverse global settings.

Experience of Adolescent Mothers During Pregnancy: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumarni Sumarni ◽  
◽  
Farida Kartini ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Maternal Age ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Population Exposure ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Young Maternal Age

Background: Every year, around 14 million women and girls aged 15 to 19 (both married and unmarried) give birth. This age group might lead to negative outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth. This scoping review aimed to identify the outcomes of adolescent pregnancy and its contributing factors. Subjects and Method: A scoping review method was conducted in eight stages including (1) Identification of study problems; (2) Determining priority problem and study question; (3) Determining framework; (4) Literature searching; (5) Article selec­tion; (6) Critical appraisal; (7) Data extraction; and (8) Mapping. The research question was identified using population, exposure, and outcome(s) (PEOS) framework. The search included Wiley Online Library, EBSCO, ProQuest, and PubMed databases. The inclusion criteria were English-language and full-text articles published between 2009 and 2019. A total of 307 articles were obtained by the searched database. After the review process, seven articles were eligible for this review. The data were reported by the PRISMA flow chart. Results: Six articles from developing countries (Brazil, Mexico, Zambia, Malawi, and Romania) and one report from developed countries (Australia) met the inclusion criteria with qualitative, quantitative (cross-sectional), and descriptive studies. The existing studies stated that adolescent pregnancy had adverse effects on both mother and babies’ health and well-being. Young maternal age is associated with low parity, lack of prenatal care, premature, and low birth weight. Factors contributed to the increased adolescent pregnancy rate were early sexual initiation, low use of contraception, low educational level, low socioeconomic status, inadequate knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and gender disparity. Conclusion: Young maternal age contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes of both mothers and babies. Early sexual health education and health promotion on teenage girls may reduce the risk of adolescent pregnancy rates. Keywords: adolescent pregnancy, birth outcome, maternal age Correspondence: Sumarni. Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta. Jl. Siliwangi (Ringroad Barat) No. 63, Nogotirto, Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta, 55292. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: +6282346354512. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.02.28

scholarly journals Adolescent pregnancy and parenting: Perceptions of healthcare providers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desiree Govender ◽  
Saloshni Naidoo ◽  
Myra Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

Abstract Background Adolescent pregnancy and parenting have attracted much attention as global public health and social concerns. Several studies have reported the prevalence of adverse maternal and child health outcomes due to adolescent pregnancy and it has been highlighted that the care rendered by healthcare providers plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents. However, a dearth of available literature suggests that the role of healthcare providers as a source of sexual-related and reproductive health information is limited, regarding adolescent women in general. Aim The aim of this study was to explore healthcare providers’ perceptions of adolescent pregnancy and parenting. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a district hospital in the Ugu district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Healthcare providers rendering care to pregnant and parenting adolescents were recruited from the maternity, antenatal, paediatrics, psychology, dietetics, physiotherapy and social work departments, as well as from the HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST) programme. The sample comprised 33 healthcare providers who were individually interviewed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The healthcare providers acknowledged that adolescent pregnancy is a problematic issue in Ugu district. Furthermore, they felt that the postpartum sexual-related and reproductive health of adolescent mothers was not given priority. In the healthcare providers’ view, the problems experienced by pregnant and parenting adolescents were school dropout, financial constraints, breakdown of relationships, abandonment, stigmatisation, parenting and child rearing difficulties, and both physical and mental health problems. Some of the participants were of the opinion that healthcare services were not channelled towards pregnant and parenting adolescents Conclusion The findings will contribute to existing literature on adolescent pregnancy as perceptions of adolescent pregnancy and parenting were elicited from a diverse group of healthcare providers. When appropriately disseminated, the findings will assist relevant healthcare providers, administrators in healthcare institutions, policy makers, and officials of the Department of Health and the Department of Education in South Africa to address the lack of appropriate care for pregnant and parenting adolescents. Our findings also highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of pregnant and parenting adolescents.

Problems Facing the Arab Pharmaceutical Industry: A Case Study from Yemen

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-241
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-Shakka ◽  
Ebtesam Abood ◽  
Adel Al-Dhubhany ◽  
Sami Abdo Radman Aldubai ◽  
Khaled Said ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Domestic Market ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Political Crisis ◽  
Pharmaceutical Manufacturer ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs

Because of the almost-instant connection with the welfare and well-being of individuals, pharmaceutical industry stands prominently as a very important factor for the improvement and progress of a healthy productive nation. These days, pharmaceutical industry thrives as one of the largest and exponentially expanding global industries. Nonetheless, millions of people in low income developing countries, have to suffer from the fatal consequences of the inaccessibility and non-availability of essential drugs. This is also happening in Yemen, where the pharmaceutical manufacturers sector have to face up to many challenges. The Yemen Drug Company (YEDCO) was founded in 1964 by the Yemeni government as it collaborated with private investors. It was endorsed as a company with the expertise in the medicinal drug marketing. YEDCO started its work by taking in drugs from foreign companies and then locally marketing and distributing them. In 1982, YEDCO built the first medicinal factory for drugs in Sana’a. Since then, seven companies were set up to manufacture medicines in Yemen. The expanding population has led to the need to have more pharmaceutical products. It may be understandable that pharmaceutical manufacturer companies are also hit by the political crisis in the country. Inadequate amount of fuel and raw material as well as low security status were some of the underlying factors behind these ill-effects in Yemen. Imported drugs make up about nearly 90% % of the pharmaceutical market compared to 10% drugs from the domestic market. This situation has led to an additional burden being shouldered by the national economy, where Yemen spends about US$263 million annually on pharmaceutical drugs, in reference to the national Supreme Drugs Authority. Although there is a very quick growth in the population and drugs consumption, the pharmaceutical industry has not been very active, where global pharmaceutical products play their role dominantly on the domestic market. The pharmaceutical production necessitates skilled human resources like university graduates. By contrast, the government and the private sector should also motivate the pharmaceutical industry and make use of the local employment

Eating NAFTA

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyshia Gálvez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The North ◽  
The World

In the two decades since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, Mexico has seen an epidemic of diet-related illness. While globalization has been associated with an increase in chronic disease around the world, in Mexico, the speed and scope of the rise has been called a public health emergency. The shift in Mexican foodways is happening at a moment when the country’s ancestral cuisine is now more popular and appreciated around the world than ever. What does it mean for their health and well-being when many Mexicans eat fewer tortillas and more instant noodles, while global elites demand tacos made with handmade corn tortillas? This book examines the transformation of the Mexican food system since NAFTA and how it has made it harder for people to eat as they once did. The book contextualizes NAFTA within Mexico’s approach to economic development since the Revolution, noticing the role envisioned for rural and low-income people in the path to modernization. Examination of anti-poverty and public health policies in Mexico reveal how it has become easier for people to consume processed foods and beverages, even when to do so can be harmful to health. The book critiques Mexico’s strategy for addressing the public health crisis generated by rising rates of chronic disease for blaming the dietary habits of those whose lives have been upended by the economic and political shifts of NAFTA.

Living on a low income as a systemic impediment to socio-economic development of Ukraine

2020 ◽  
pp. 99-109
Author(s):  
NATALIIA TOLSTYKH
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Human Potential ◽  
Subsistence Level ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
The Government

The article sheds light on various approaches that seek to determine how widespread poverty and life on a low income are in Ukraine nowadays. As a social phenomenon, poverty has traditionally been associated with destitution and living below the subsistence level set by the government. However, the author holds the view that life on a low income not only means living near or below the poverty line. There is another part of Ukraine’s population that should also be considered needy — those whose income is less than twice as the subsistence level, and most of them are also subject to socio-economic deprivation. Drawing upon the findings of a social survey conducted by the Institute of Sociology of the NAS of Ukraine in 2019, the paper analyses the standard of living among different income groups. Particular attention is given to consumption patterns and social well-being of respondents in the lower income brackets. From the data, it can be inferred that living conditions of many Ukrainians are inadequate to sustain and develop human potential; furthermore, the low-income households have literally to struggle every day to make ends meet. The author brings into focus the main macroeconomic factors contributing to this situation and its adverse effect on the nation’s social potential. Some of the most common social consequences of living on a low income have been identified, such as limited consumption, a person’s dissatisfaction with life and his/her position in society. The above-mentioned survey also provides the estimates of how much the current subsistence level (with regard to Ukraine) should be. Having been made by different socio-demographic and occupational groups of Ukraine’s population, these estimates are a useful source of information — given that subsistence level is considered the basic social standard. According to the survey, all these figures are at variance with the official subsistence level, which is noticeably lower, and this indicates that the current subsistence level needs an upward revision. Today, the overall socio-economic situation in Ukraine is unfavourable for neoliberal economic reforms initiated by the government. Since these policies are primarily designed to reduce the role of state in managing the economy and implementing social welfare programmes, following this path will inevitably result in the entrenchment of mass poverty and in a major loss of Ukraine’s human potential, as well as labour force. The author argues that tackling the country’s chronic low income problem is only possible if a new strategy for socio-economic development is adopted, where social welfare is prioritised.

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