scholarly journals Social and structural barriers related to menstruation across diverse schools in the Eastern Cape

Author(s):  
Catriona Ida Macleod ◽  
Ryan du Toit ◽  
Sharli Paphitis ◽  
Lindsay Kelland

The barriers to education associated with menstruation vary from country to country and within countries. We report on a cross-sectional survey conducted in diverse schools in 2 districts of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Using multi-stage sampling (stratified random sampling of schools, and purposive sampling of Grade 11 female-identifiedii learners), we accessed 1,035 respondents with an average age of 17.2 years. Respondents completed a questionnaire developed from previous questionnaires and our readings of the literature. We report here on results pertaining to the social and structural barriers related to menstruation. Just over one fifth of young womeniii across the whole sample reported missing an average of 1.8 days of school per menstrual cycle, while a significant minority reported restrictions related to sporting and classroom activities. Results show, contrary to expectations, that young women attending under-resourced schools report missing fewer days than young women attending resourced schools, despite young women in under-resourced schools experiencing inadequate sanitation facilities and feeling unsafe using these facilities. This research indicates the importance of recognising social as well as structural features when considering the gendered barriers to education that menstruation may represent.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-hui Jin ◽  
Li-Ming Tan ◽  
Khalid S. Khan ◽  
Tong Deng ◽  
Chao Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background CPGs are not uniformly successful in improving care and several instances of implementation failure have been reported. Performing a comprehensive assessment of the barriers and enablers is key to developing an informed implementation strategy. Our objective was to investigate determinants of guideline implementation and explore associations of self-reported adherence to guidelines with characteristics of participants in China. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey, using multi-stage stratified typical sampling based on China's economic regional divisions (the East, the Middle, the West and the Northeast). 2–5 provinces were selected from each region. 2–3 cities were selected in each province, and secondary and tertiary hospitals from each city were included. We developed a questionnaire underpinned by recommended methods for the design and conduct of self-administered surveys and based on conceptual framework of guideline use, in-depth related literature analysis, guideline development manuals, related behavior change theory. Finally, multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to produce adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results The questionnaire consisted of four sections: knowledge of methodology for developing guidelines; barriers to accessing guideline; barriers to guideline implementation; and methods for improving guideline implementation. There were 1732 participants (87.3% response rate) from 51 hospitals. Of these, 77.2% reported to have used guidelines frequently or very frequently. The key barriers to guideline use were lack of education or training (46.2%), and overly simplistic wording or overly broad scope of recommendations (43.8%). Level of adherence to guidelines was associated with geographical regions (the northeast P < 0.001; the west P = 0.02; the middle P < 0.001 compared with the east), hospital grades (P = 0.028), length of practitioners’ practice (P = 0.006), education background (Ph.D., P = 0.027; Master, P = 0.002), evidence-based medicine skills acquired in work unit (P = 0.012), and medical specialty of practitioner (General Practice, P = 0.006; Surgery, P = 0.043). Conclusion Despite general acknowledgement of the importance of guidelines, the use of guidelines was not as frequent as might have been expected. To optimize the likelihood of adherence to guidelines, guideline implementation should follow an actively developed dissemination plan incorporating features associated with adherence in our study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 380-387
Author(s):  
Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo ◽  
Adil H. Alhusseiny ◽  
Shukr Mahmood Yaseen ◽  
Mustafa Ali Mustafa Al-Samarrai ◽  
Anmar Shukur Mahmood

Background: Since the 2003 United States–British Coalition military invasion, Iraq has been in a state of continuous deterioration at all levels, including the health sector. This study aimed to elicit the viewpoints of the Iraqi people on the current health system, focusing on many provided health services and assessing whether the public prefers the current health system or that was provided before the invasion. Methods: A cross-sectional survey designed to explore the Iraqi people’s opinions on their health system. A self-administered questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique was distributed in five geographical regions in Iraq to collect the data from the head of household between 1st October and 31st of December 2019. Multiple logistic regressions were recruited to determine the significant contributing variables in this study. Results: A total of 365 heads of households (response rate: 71.7%) with the mean age of 48.36 + 11.92 years (ranged 35-78) included in the study. Most of the respondents (61.4%) complained of healthcare inaccessibility, 59.7% believed that health resources were not available, 53.7% claimed a deterioration in the quality of care, and 62.2% believed that the political / media position did not contribute to positive changes during the past two decades. Indeed, most respondents (66.0%) believe that the current healthcare system is worse than before. In the multivariate analysis, there was a statistically significant relationship between the characteristics and opinions of the respondents. Young age group (p = 0.003), men (p = < 0.001), unmarried (p = 0.001), high educated (p = < 0.001), rural resident (p = < 0.001), unemployed (p = 0.003), monthly income of less than USD 400 (p = < 0.001), consider themselves to be unhealthy (p = 0.001),  and those who think that people are unhappy now than two decades ago (p = 0.012) have a more negative opinion of the health system. Conclusions: Most Iraqis surveyed expressed disappointment from the health system after the 2003 US-led invasion. The current health system is faltering at all levels and does not meet the citizens' basic needs. Health Transformation Program (HTP) has become inevitable to develop an accessible, affordable, high-quality, efficient, and effective health system.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinghui Jin ◽  
Li-Ming Tan ◽  
Khalid S. Khan ◽  
Tong Deng ◽  
Chao Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: CPGs are not uniformly successful in improving care and several instances of implementation failure have been reported. Performing a comprehensive assessment of the barriers and enablers is key to developing an informed implementation strategy. Our objective was to investigate determinants of guideline implementation and explore associations of self-reported adherence to guidelines with characteristics of participants in China.Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey, using multi-stage stratified typical sampling based on China's economic regional divisions (the East, the Middle, the West and the Northeast). 2-5 provinces were selected from each region. 2-3 cities were selected in each province, and secondary and tertiary hospitals from each city were included. We developed a questionnaire underpinned by recommended methods for the design and conduct of self-administered surveys and based on conceptual framework of guideline use, in-depth related literature analysis, guideline development manuals, related behavior change theory. Finally, multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to produce adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).Results: The questionnaire consisted of four sections: knowledge of methodology for developing guidelines; barriers to accessing guideline; barriers to guideline implementation; and methods for improving guideline implementation. There were 1732 participants (87.3% response rate) from 51 hospitals. Of these, 77.2% reported to have used guidelines frequently or very frequently. The key barriers to guideline use were lack of education or training (46.2%), and overly simplistic wording or overly broad scope of recommendations (43.8%). Level of adherence to guidelines was associated with geographical regions (the northeast P<0.001; the west P=0.02; the middle P<0.001 compared with the east), hospital grades(P=0.028), length of practitioners’ practice (P =0.006), education background (PhD, P=0.027; Master, P=0.002), evidence-based medicine skills acquired in work unit (P=0.012), and medical specialty of practitioner (General Practice, P=0.006; Surgery, P=0.043). Conclusion: Despite general acknowledgement of the importance of guidelines, the use of guidelines was not as frequent as might have been expected. To optimize the likelihood of adherence to guidelines, guideline implementation should follow an actively developed dissemination plan incorporating features associated with adherence in our study.


Author(s):  
Ingrid Eloff ◽  
Willem Esterhuysen ◽  
Kavendren Odayar

Background: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are commonly prescribed despite the fact that large, naturalistic studies have failed to show superior efficacy and tolerability when compared with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). In addition to this, the availability of SGAs in the South African public health sector is limited because of higher acquisition costs. Therefore, judicious use of FGAs, which are affordable and more widely available, should be considered.Aims: This study aimed to (1) determine how frequently patients are switched from an FGA to an SGA in an acute psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape, (2) determine reasons for switching and (3) compare the profiles of the switch group to the non-switch group.Method: The study is a cross-sectional survey conducted as a retrospective chart review at a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape over a study period of 2 months. The demographics, diagnostic data, antipsychotic drug used and whether a switch from an FGA to an SGA took place were recorded using a data collection document. The sample included 169 patients.Results: Of the 169 patients, 125 (74%) were initiated on an FGA and 44 (26%) on an SGA on admission. Of the 125 patients who were initiated on an FGA, 43 (34%) were switched to an SGA during the course of the admission. Therefore, 87 (51%) participants were discharged on an SGA. The main reasons for switching were the emergence of extrapyramidal side-effects (EPSE) (63%) followed by lack of efficacy (19%). The only statistically significant difference between the switch and non-switch groups was that the switch group was on average younger than the non-switch group.Conclusion: SGAs, with the exception of clozapine, have not been proven to be superior to FGAs. Although FGAs are more prone to cause EPSE, SGAs carry significant risks of their own. FGAs are also more freely available and cost effective in South-Africa. Despite these facts the prescribing of and switching to SGAs remain prevalent in our setting with a switch rate of 34% and more than half of our patients being discharged on SGAs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-22
Author(s):  
Z. Akhter ◽  
S. Razzaq ◽  
U. Rabbani ◽  
M. Irfan ◽  
P. Burney ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of and risk factors for respiratory symptoms in an adult urban Pakistani population.METHODS: We conducted a multi-stage, community-based, cross-sectional survey from May 2014 to August 2015, comprising 1629 adults from 75 random clusters in Karachi using questionnaire-based interviews.RESULTS: Around 60% of participants were females and 43% belonged to the >37 years age group. At least one respiratory symptom was reported by 37.5% of participants. Breathlessness was the most common symptom (25.2%, 95%CI 23.1–27.3), followed by acute wheeze (10.1%, 95%CI 8.7–11.7). Multivariable models revealed that males and those aged >37 years were more likely to report acute and chronic phlegm and bronchitis, and breathlessness. Participants with a higher level of education were less likely to report acute and chronic cough. Participants with >5 years pack-years of smoking were more likely to report acute and chronic cough and breathlessness. Other risk factors included passive smoking, regular use of air conditioning and mosquito coils, wet spots and mould in the house, and exposure to dusty jobs.CONCLUSION: We found breathlessness to be the most prevalent respiratory symptom and identified various risk factors for respiratory symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Okondu Ogechukwu Emmanuel ◽  
John Nwabiani ◽  
Afolabi Rachael Ayomide ◽  
Atulomah Nnodimele Sonny ◽  
Ikonta Peter C ◽  
...  

Tertiary institutions are ivory towers where academic and moral excellences are expected to be promoted. However, it has become where sexual harassment is a common deviant practice. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and prevalence of sexual harassment among college students in a private institution in Ogun state, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to enroll 394 college students across the undergraduate levels of the university, using a 22-item self-administered validated instrument by a multi-stage sampling procedure. Demographic characteristics, knowledge and prevalence of college students on sexual harassments were measured.&nbsp; The mean age of respondents was 18.84 &plusmn; 1.833years, with majority (71%) being between ages 15&ndash;19, and 70% being females. About 39% and 38% respectively confirmed they have been victims of sexual harassment or know friends that have been harassed sexually. Level of knowledge on sexual harassment was 3.90 &plusmn; 0.866 and prevalence of sexual harassment was 4.88 &plusmn; 3.194 computed on a mean and standard deviation scale, translate to a prevalence score of 40.67%. Prevalence of Sexual Harassment was high among college student even though they had good Knowledge. A more proactive measures needs to be put in place to curb the menace in a Christian own institution of higher learning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-266
Author(s):  
Saumya P Jose ◽  
Tobin Joseph

Aim: To assess the post caesarean complications among young women through a survey study. Background: Caesarean section delivery has many adverse effects in the post natal period and later including pain, muscle weakness, reduced endurance, adverse reactions from anaesthesia and difficulty in breast feeding. There are several studies reported the health-related complications following caesarean section. However it is not been fully understood the various complications and its reasons. Design: An explorative cross sectional survey study. Method: participants were identified based on the inclusion criteria. Information on caesarean section delivery related complications and experience were gathered. Conclusion: The complications following the caesarean survey may increase the risk of physical difficulties, incidence of lower back pain, reduced abdominal strength, and difficulty in selfcare activities. Keywords: caesarean delivery, complications, child labour, Postpartum period pain.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Nyangu ◽  
Tanki Moteane

Abstract Background In Lesotho, cervical cancer is the most common female cancer and leading cause of death amongst women. In 2019, the annual number of new cancer cases was 477 and 346 women died from cancer related complications in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of young women towards cervical cancer screening at a selected higher education institution in Lesotho. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire from 80 young women. Random sampling using a fishbowl technique was used to select study respondents. Permission to conduct the study was sought and granted from relevant authorities. Informed consent was sought from the respondents who were identified using codes and participated voluntarily. Data were analysed using Microsoft excel and presented using proportions and diagrams. Results Fifty percent (n=40) of the women did not know cervical cancer screening tests, 70% (n=56) did not know about the frequency of screening, whilst 75% (n=60) knew that human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, 95% (n=76) had not screened for cervical cancer, 65% (n=52) perceived cervical cancer screening as painful, 35% (n=28) said it caused discomfort, and 95% (n=76) needed more information on cervical cancer screening. Conclusions Even though some respondents had knowledge on cervical cancer and its prevention, the uptake of the screening procedure was low. Negative experiences of pain and discomfort were reported amongst those who had the procedure done. This heightens the need for health education and incorporating regular cervical cancer screening in health care services to increase reassurance, counselling, and the uptake of the procedure amongst young women.


Author(s):  
Fatemeh Modiri ◽  
Rasoul Sadeghi

Objective: Changes in the gendered division of domestic labour are often assumed to influence childbearing intention, but existing evidence is varied and less examined in the Asian context. This paper aims to investigate the association between the gendered division of domestic labour and the intention to have another child. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tehran on 455 married women aged 18-40 years who were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling. Results: Domestic labour is still a feminine role and the majority of women are satisfied with the division of domestic labour. Women’s satisfaction with the division of domestic labour is a predictor of their tendency to have another child, but the actual division of domestic labour has not a significant effect on women’s desire to childbearing, in the multivariate model. Conclusion: Women’s desire for having another child is positively impacted by their satisfaction with the gendered division of labour in their household. To achieve more fertility, gender equality in the family and identifying the factors affecting women's satisfaction with the division of domestic labour is suggested.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaniyan Akintunde Babatunde ◽  
Owoicho Samuel Amifofun ◽  
Sunday Thomas Sola ◽  
Abayomi Akande ◽  
Mathias Besong ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging public health problem with over two million confirmed infections globally. Previous studies show that stigma impede the response activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government using multi-stage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on perceived stigmatization. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using Chi-square and logistic regression respectively.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. The proportion of respondents with poor knowledge was 50.5% and awareness for COVID-19 was 95.2%. Television and radio were the two major sources of awareness for COVID-19. Higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 – 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 – 6.7), ≥ 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 – 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 – 2.9). To reduce the effect of stigmatization, we recommend a holistic response plan designed with basic facts about COVID-19 using programmes targeting married respondents as well as the adults.


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