scholarly journals ETHNOMEDICAL PERCEPTIONS OF PREGNANCY THREATS AND HOMEBIRTH PREFERENCE IN RURAL CAMEROON: THE CASE OF NCHANG, SOUTH WEST REGION

2021 ◽  
pp. 138-146
Author(s):  
Ndoh Lawrence Nkwain
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cultural Perceptions ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Control Schemes ◽  
Maternal Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Rural Cameroon ◽  
Delivery Obstetric

The principal objective of this research has been to highlight ethnomedical understanding of risk factors causing mishaps in childbirth as the fundamental determinant to low facility-based deliveries. Skilled obstetric assistance has been proven to significantly reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Reliance on facility-based delivery is therefore fundamental to maternal wellbeing. However, preference for homebirth is still common and prevalent in rural Cameroon where socio-cultural perceptions still exert strong influence on health-seeking decisions and behaviors. Understanding the reasons for this preference is important to design targeted interventions for more effective maternal death control schemes. This qualitative research was carried out in all ten quarters of Nchang using both random and snowball sampling techniques to select participants. Forty in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted using corresponding research tools. Verbatim translation and transcription of audio recordings was done from pidgin or kenyang to English, followed by codification and a thematic analysis. Our findings reveal that low demand for obstetric assistance and its consequential correspondingly higher maternal mortality rates are fundamentally determined by socio-cultural perceptions of pregnancy threats. KEYWORDS: perceptions, facility-based delivery, obstetric assistance, homebirth, maternal mortality

scholarly journals TRADITION PATTERNS OF ANTENATAL CARE AND MATERNAL HEALTH IN MAMFE: UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTOR OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN RURAL CAMEROON

2021 ◽  
pp. 197-202
Author(s):  
Ndoh Lawrence Nkwain ◽  
Aziamin Asongu Norah ◽  
Celestine Arreytta
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Cultural Factor ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
Maternal Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Rural Cameroon ◽  
Traditional Patterns

From the case study of Mamfe, this research has been tailored to highlight and examine the influence of traditional patterns of antenatal care on maternal morbidity and mortality in rural Cameroon. The country is one of the underachievers of the MDGs with strong socio-cultural attachment and a consequential high reliance on traditional patterns for antenatal care. Understanding the influence of this reliance gives a more complete view of the socio-cultural factor critical towards underlining the underlying determinants of maternal deaths. The rationales behind most traditional antenatal beliefs and practices, some of which have been highlighted in this work, scarcely correspond to the biomedical norms for useful maternal healthcare. They reportedly fulfill more superior and collective purposes that understandably prevail over maternal health. Non-respect for these traditional imperatives puts transgressors at odds with the community. Given their understandable vulnerability during pregnancy, expectant women are therefore predisposed to a higher risk of complications and death. The research was both cross-sectional and exploratory, constructed on a qualitative design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to constitute a sample size of 140 participants. Research techniques employed included in-depth interviews, FGDs and direct observation. We discovered that expectant women widely attended conventional antenatal consultations but were rigorously constraint to respect and adhere to beliefs and practices for traditional maternal care. As such widespread facility-based deliveries in rural settings heralded as the ideal solution by many does not necessarily limit the influence of the socio-cultural factor on MMR. KEY WORDS: rural Cameroon, traditional patterns, influence, antenatal care, maternal mortality

Controlling Malaria Spread with Insecticide-treated Nets: Reactions Trailing Usage and Mortality Consequences in Anambra State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Igwe ◽  
Prince Agwu ◽  
Uzoma Okoye ◽  
Nkechi Onyeneho ◽  
Ngozi Aronu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Helping Professionals ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cultural Perceptions ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Very High

Reports reveal that under-5 mortality rates in Nigeria are very high, with malaria being the leading contributor to this. Yet, insecticide treated net (ITN) seems poorly used as a preventive measure. This study investigates the relationship between malaria disease, compliance with using ITNs and under-5 mortality rate in Anambra State, Nigeria. Focus group discussions involving 24 health workers and 48 community dwellers were used in sourcing data. Data analysis was done on recognised themes using NVivo9 software. Theory of planned behaviour guided the study, as it seeks to explain the connection between culturally induced norms and health-seeking behaviours. The study revealed that malaria disease contributes heavily to under-5 mortality in the study area. However, its prevention is marred by certain cultural perceptions towards the disease and preventive measures, as well as by health system inefficiencies. It suggests that more medical and helping professionals, especially social workers, should engage in help improving the situation.

scholarly journals Barriers to uptake of reproductive information and contraceptives in rural Tanzania: an intersectionality informed qualitative enquiry

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e036600
Author(s):  
Allison Carroll ◽  
Anuj Kapilashrami
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Public Health Facility ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Reproductive Choices ◽  
Rural Tanzania ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Social Controls

ObjectivesAccess to reproductive information and contraception (RIC) continues to be a critical unmet need in Tanzania and impedes the realisation of reproductive health rights. This study examined key sources of RIC and the factors influencing their uptake by women in Mbeya region of Tanzania.SettingThis qualitative study was undertaken in a rural ward in a district in the south of the Mbeya regionParticipantsIn-depth interviews were undertaken with 48 women users and 2 nurses working in a public health facility, and focus group discussions with 16 home-based care workers in the district. Participants were recruited through a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) in the region, and via snowball sampling. All interactions were recorded, translated and transcribed and sought to identify the available resources and barriers in using them.ResultsParticipants reported six main sources of reproductive information and contraceptives: public health facilities, NGO mobile clinics, other women, Mganga wa Asili (witchdoctors/traditional doctors) and Duka la Dawa (pharmacy). Women users and healthcare workers identified a range of individual (age, marital status and geography) and health system-wide factors shaping women’s reproductive choices and preventing uptake of contraceptives. The study also revealed structural factors such as gender, ethnicity, indigeneity as key determinants of access and health seeking, placing women from Sukuma and Maasai communities is the most disadvantageous position. Historical social disadvantage, patriarchal social controls and the pressure to preserve sociocultural traditions that women experience in the Maasai and Sukuma tribes underpin their disconnect from mainstream services.ConclusionWomen’s reproductive choices and their uptake of contraceptives are shaped by the interaction of a range of individual, household, institutional and structural factors. An intersectional lens enables examination of the ways in which these factors interact and mutually constitute disadvantage and privilege.

scholarly journals Understanding patient health-seeking behaviour to optimise the uptake of cataract surgery in rural Kenya, Zambia and Uganda: findings from a multisite qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stevens Bechange ◽  
Emma Jolley ◽  
Patrick Tobi ◽  
Eunice Mailu ◽  
Juliet Sentongo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Delivery System ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Rural Kenya ◽  
Rural Zambia

Abstract Background Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment globally, affecting 15.2 million people who are blind, and another 78.8 million who have moderate or severe visual impairment. This study was designed to explore factors that influence the uptake of surgery offered to patients with operable cataract in a free-of-charge, community-based eye health programme. Methods Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with patients and healthcare providers in rural Zambia, Kenya and Uganda during 2018–2019. We identified participants using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was conducted using a combination of an inductive and deductive team-based approach. Results Participants consisted of 131 healthcare providers and 294 patients. Two-thirds of patients had been operated on for cataract. Two major themes emerged: (1) surgery enablers, including a desire to regain control of their lives, the positive testimonies of others, family support, as well as free surgery, medication and food; and (2) barriers to surgery, including cultural and social factors, as well as the inadequacies of the healthcare delivery system. Conclusions Cultural, social and health system realities impact decisions made by patients about cataract surgery uptake. This study highlights the importance of demand segmentation and improving the quality of services, based on patients’ expectations and needs, as strategies for increasing cataract surgery uptake.

Health-seeking behaviour and practices among immigrant retail traders in an urban setting in North-Western Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elijah Yendaw ◽  
Anthony Mwinilanaa Tampah-Naah
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to investigate the health-care-seeking behaviour and practices of West African migrants who reside and operate in Wa, Ghana, as itinerant retailers. Design/methodology/approach The study was cross-sectional and used the quantitative research approach. The analysis was done on a target population comprising 122 itinerant immigrant retail traders in Wa, Ghana. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Findings Malaria was the commonest disease among them. Five in ten of the migrants preferred to report malaria episodes to a private health facility than to a government facility. Significant associations were identified between four dimensions (health facility, self-medication, home remedy and consult others) of health-seeking behaviour, and some background characteristics. The main reason why migrants prefer government health facilities was because of their better health personnel. They self-medicated because of easy accessibility of over-the-counter medicine shops. Also, when ill, the migrants usually consulted family members who would be in a position to take them home when their ailment worsens. Research limitations/implications Snowball sampling was used to select the respondents which could potentially lead to a sample that is not fully representative of the population in general. Originality/value Studies concerning migration and health in Ghana have been focused on internal migrants. Yet, minority immigrant traders equally encounter adverse health conditions but limited studies have been conducted to espouse their health-seeking behaviour. This study imperatively contributes to the subject matter that has limited literature in the country.

Language and Representation: Framing of HIV/AIDS Discourse in Gikuyu “Mukingo” Songs and Common-Talk by Public Transport Operators in Nyeri Town

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-94
Author(s):  
Mary Kamunyu; Phylis Bartoo
Keyword(s):  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
African Languages ◽  
Collection Data ◽  
Hiv Aids

This paper aims to uncover representations and framings of the HIV/AIDS phenomenon. The paper asks: What are the representations and framings of the HIV/AIDS phenomenon in HIV/AIDS discourse in Gikuyu AIDS "Mukingo" songs and common-talk by public transport operators in Nyeri town? Although HIV and AIDS are biomedical and social phenomena that affect Kenyan society to the core, HIV/AIDS discourse has not been investigated adequately, especially with regard to how its discourse is represented in the African languages. The language and topics of research on HIV/AIDS, based on Western perceptions of reality, continue to exclude and marginalize the Third World’s own perceptions of reality and what counts as knowledge in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The paper is hinged within the frameworks of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Systemic Functional Linguistics Theory (SFL) as the theoretical orientations to the study of HIV/AIDS discourse. To get the needed data, the paper used purposive, and snowball sampling was used due to the mobile nature of public transport operators. Structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was also used for data collection. Data analysis was done using a traditional thematic analysis. Unpacking the social constructions of HIV/AIDS in this paper sheds light on the ways in which laypeople construct “common sense assumptions”, of the epidemic in the public realm.

Reducing the distance to walk: establishing a remote maternity facility in Runga, Hoima District, Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Grindle ◽  
Sofia Giannopoulou ◽  
Harriet Jacobs ◽  
Jerome Barongo ◽  
Alexandra Elspeth Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Birth Attendance

Despite a substantial reduction in global maternal mortality, rates in low-income countries remain unacceptably high. Multiple contributing factors exist, grouped into three delays: health-seeking behaviour; accessibility of care; quality of care. In the Hoima District, rates of health facility delivery and skilled birth attendance remain low and maternal mortality exceeds the national average. Establishing the Midwives At Maternity Azur Clinic (February 2017) has addressed these issues at a local level. Health education and antenatal care are provided at the clinic, encouraging women to seek timely, appropriate intrapartum care. Access from surrounding villages is facilitated by a waiting home and weekly transport for antenatal care, alongside transport to a health facility with a staffed operating theatre, when required. It is run by a resident midwife, with regular training updates, and is stocked with the necessary resources for quality healthcare. Since its advent, village leaders report all-cause burials have reduced from one a day to one a week.

scholarly journals Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacists Working in United Arab Emirates: Findings from Focus Group Discussions—A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azhar T. Rahma ◽  
Iffat Elbarazi ◽  
Bassam R. Ali ◽  
George P. Patrinos ◽  
Luai A. Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Genomic Medicine ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
The Right

(1) Background: Genomics and pharmacogenomics are relatively new fields in medicine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and current practices among pharmacists is an important pillar to establish the roadmap for implementing genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics; (2) Methods: A qualitative method was used, with focus group discussions (FGDs) being conducted among pharmacists working in public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Snowball sampling was used. Thematic inductive analysis was performed by two researchers independently. NVIVO software was used to establish the themes; (3) Results: Lack of knowledge of genomics and pharmacogenomics among pharmacists was one of the most prominent findings. Therefore, the role of pharmacist in making the right decisions was highlighted to be a barrier for pharmacogenomics implementation in the UAE. Pharmacists have a positive attitude toward pharmacogenomics, but they are preoccupied with concern of confidentiality. In addition, religion and culture shadowed their attitudes toward genetic testing; (4) Conclusions: It is highly recommended to introduce new courses and training workshops for healthcare providers to improve the opportunities for genomics and pharmacogenomics application in the UAE. Pharmacists agreed that the health authorities should take the lead for improving trust and confidence in the system for a better future in the era of genomics and pharmacogenomics.

scholarly journals A proposed method to determine fumonisin exposure from maize consumption in a rural South African population using a culturally appropriate FFQ

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martani Lombard ◽  
Nelia Steyn ◽  
Hester-Mari Burger ◽  
Karen Charlton ◽  
Wentzel Gelderblom
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Oesophageal Cancer ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractObjectiveTo develop an FFQ for estimating culture-specific maize intake that can distinguish between home-grown and commercial maize. Home-grown maize is more likely to be contaminated with fumonisins, mycotoxins that are associated with increased risk of oesophageal cancer.DesignAn existing FFQ developed for use in urban Xhosa populations was used as the initial framework for the maize-specific FFQ (M-FFQ). The existing questionnaire contained 126 food items divided into ten food groups (bread, cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy, snacks, condiments, beverages and fat). The M-FFQ was developed based on additional data obtained from a literature search, 24 h recalls (n159), in-depth interviews (n4), focus group discussions (n56) and expert consultation. Food items available in local shops (n3) were compared with information obtained from focus group discussions.SettingFive villages in two rural isiXhosa-speaking areas of the Eastern Cape Province, known to have a high incidence of oesophageal cancer, were randomly selected.SubjectsWomen aged 18–55 years were recruited by snowball sampling and invited to participate.ResultsThe final M-FFQ comprised twenty-one maize-based food items, including traditional Xhosa dishes and beverages. The questionnaire focused on maize-specific dishes and distinguished between home-grown maize and commercial maize consumption.ConclusionsA culturally specific dietary assessment method was designed to determine maize consumption and therefore fumonisin exposure. The questionnaire will be tested against 24 h recalls and other methods to determine its validity, after which it will be used in various epidemiological studies to determine fumonisin exposure.

scholarly journals Maternal mortality review by three delay model: a retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital of Chhattisgarh

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 262
Author(s):  
Sangeeta R. Jogi ◽  
Anju R. Ekka
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Maternal Death ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Delay Model ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Very High

Background: SDG 3 includes an ambitious target of reducing the global MMR to less than 70 per 100 000 births by 2030. In order for effective initiation of measures to reduce maternal mortality it is necessary to assess the levels of delays, causes of death, health seeking behavior during antenatal and postnatal period and obstacles in reception of health services.Methods: Retrospective study of 112 maternal death cases from a tertiary medical centre (Medical College) was done. The details of all the maternal mortalities from January 2018 to July 2020 were collected from the individual case sheets, facility-based maternal death review form and MDR Case Summary.Results: The study reported a very high MMR of 802. Hypertensive disorders (36.61%), Obstetric haemorrhage (25.89%) and Sepsis (14.29%) constituted the major direct cause of maternal deaths whereas anaemia was the most common indirect cause (7.14%). First, second and third delays were present in 95.54%, 70.54% and 47.32% cases respectively.Conclusions: Suboptimal ANC, long distances to reach final hospitals, high number of referrals and admission during complicated stage explains the very high maternal mortality in the present study. Application of Three Delay Model revealed that most of the maternal death occurred due to delays in multiple levels and first delay was the most commonly identified delay. Accelerated efforts should be implemented to minimize all the delays in order to achieve SDG goals.

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