scholarly journals The core competencies for mental, neurological, and substance use disorder care in sub-Saharan Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 26682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Y. Collins ◽  
Seggane Musisi ◽  
Seble Frehywot ◽  
Vikram Patel
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorder ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Core ◽  
Sub Saharan

Spatial Patterns and Trends in Energy Use and Consumption in Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 406-418
Author(s):  
Edwina Kofi-Opata
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Core ◽  
Daunting Task ◽  
Spatial Pattern Formation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Health Complications

Energy lies at the core of every human activity and can be described as having a pervasive influence on all aspects of development making it one of the most important resources that belies the development of any given country. Developing countries on the other hand are constantly faced with the daunting task of providing its industries and citizens with energy in its various forms. The resulting effect is limiting economic development and by extension limited social development. In meeting this need, the Ghanaian populace have and continue to rely on traditional biomass amid associated risks and health complications. This article analyzes the factors accounting for the heavy reliance on traditional biomass in Sub Saharan Africa (ssa) with particular reference to Ghana and to determine if these factors promote a spatial pattern formation in energy use.

scholarly journals Improving Care for Children With Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa Through Distance-Based Nursing Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
Marilyn Hockenberry ◽  
Tadala Mulemba ◽  
Aisha Nedege ◽  
Kitsiso Madumetse ◽  
Jennifer Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Pediatric Oncology ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Oncology Nursing ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Dynamic Learning ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Sub Saharan

PURPOSE Nursing specialization in the care of children with cancer provides the foundation for implementing successful pediatric oncology treatment programs throughout the world. Whereas the burden of childhood cancer care is highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), opportunities for continuing nursing specialization are extremely limited. The Global HOPE Initiative, part of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, has developed and implemented a distance-based training program for nurses working in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS After a needs assessment, the program was developed using the Internet-based, open-sourced education platform, MOODLE. MOODLE is an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, an online learning management system that provides custom learning environments. As Internet access can be difficult at the clinical sites, computer tablets are provided with all educational materials downloaded from the MOODLE learning site. Courses are taught using a modular approach and core competencies established for each module. Zoom and WhatsApp technologies are used for shared learning discussions. A Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) for Global HOPE Nursing was implemented monthly to support the growth of the distance-based learning network. RESULTS This distance-based education program teaches the principles of nursing care for a child with cancer and has been implemented in Malawi, Uganda, and Botswana, where 35 nurses are now enrolled. Formal course evaluation includes written pre- and post-tests and simulated checkoffs on essential pediatric oncology nursing competencies, such as chemotherapy administration. Sixteen nurses have completed the program in the first year and significant improvement in knowledge, self-competency, and skills was found. CONCLUSION The success of this distance-based learning program emphasizes the importance of formal training for nurses in LMICs to become full-time specialists in pediatric oncology nursing. Education programs that build capacity to develop specialists in pediatric oncology nursing are essential to improve global cure rates for children with cancer in LMICs.

Determinants and Effects of Adolescent Substance Use in Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Jumbe ◽  
Tony Mwenda-Kamninga ◽  
Isaac Mwalwimba ◽  
Ukwuori-Gisela Kalu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adolescent Substance Use ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Adolescent Substance ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Substance use among adolescents continues to be a growing major public health concern in Africa. Recent studies infer an overall estimated prevalence of 42% among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not adequately documented across many settings in the continent despite known negative health and social consequences on affected individuals and their communities. Little is known about the social context of substance use in Africa among this population. Our aim is to conduct a systematic review to explore determinants and associated factors that influence adolescent substance use and the effects of substance use in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Scopus, Global Health, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional databases will be searched for population-based observational studies reporting on the prevalence of substance use of adolescents (age 10 - 19 years) across Africa. Search dates will be from January 2000 to December 2019. Data will be extracted from eligible publications, using a data extraction tool developed for this study. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted to pool determinants and effects (at 95% confidence interval) of estimated substance abuse among adolescents. Alternative visual and statistical approaches will be adopted instead of traditional meta-analytic approaches where necessary.Discussion: This systematic review will describe the range of determinants and associated factors that have been found to significantly influence substance use in this population group over the last two decades. Additionally, the review will also describe the possible effects of substance use among adolescents. Documenting this evidence is important as it can potentially be used to inform comprehensive interventions and treatment programmes that are targeted at adolescents and their parents in these settings.Systematic review registration: registered on PROSPERO; registration number tbc.

Distance-Based Education for Nurses Caring for Children With Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 321-329
Author(s):  
Marilyn Hockenberry ◽  
Tadala Mulemba ◽  
Aisha Nedege ◽  
Kitsiso Madumetse ◽  
Jennifer Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Pediatric Oncology ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Oncology Nursing ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Sub Saharan

Nursing specialization in the care of children with cancer provides the foundation for implementing successful childhood cancer and blood disorder treatment programs throughout the world. Excellence in nursing education is at the center of all that is needed to maximize cures for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). While the burden of childhood cancer care is the highest in LMIC, opportunities for continuing nursing education and specialization are extremely limited. Capacity-building programs using distance-based learning opportunities have been successful in sub-Saharan Africa and provide insight into successful, continuing professional development. The Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) program part of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, has developed and implemented a distance-based training program designed for nurses working in sub-Saharan Africa. Following a needs assessment, Global HOPE developed a program using both the Moodle (modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment) distance-based learning platform and computer notebooks that hold the course content. The program teaches basic principles of nursing care for a child with cancer and has been implemented in Malawi, Uganda, and Botswana. Courses are taught using a modular approach and core competencies are established for each module. Frequent teaching sessions using Zoom and WhatsApp reinforce independent learning experiences. Formal course evaluation includes written pre- and posttests, self-competency assessments, and simulated checkoffs on essential pediatric oncology nursing competencies. The success of this distance-based learning program emphasizes the importance of formal training for nurses in LMIC to become full-time specialists in pediatric oncology nursing.

scholarly journals Scaling up interventions for depression in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from Zimbabwe

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Chibanda ◽  
R. Verhey ◽  
E. Munetsi ◽  
S. Rusakaniko ◽  
F. Cowan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
District Health ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Extensive Consultation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Hiv Programs

BackgroundThere is a dearth of information on how to scale-up evidence-based psychological interventions, particularly within the context of existing HIV programs. This paper describes a strategy for the scale-up of an intervention delivered by lay health workers (LHWs) to 60 primary health care facilities in Zimbabwe.MethodsA mixed methods approach was utilized as follows: (1) needs assessment using a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information from nurses (n = 48) and focus group discussions with District Health Promoters (n = 12) to identify key priority areas; (2) skills assessment to identify core competencies and current gaps of LHWs (n = 300) employed in the 60 clinics; (3) consultation workshops (n = 2) with key stakeholders to determine referral pathways; and (4) in-depth interviews and consultations to determine funding mechanisms for the scale-up.ResultsFive cross-cutting issues were identified as critical and needing to be addressed for a successful scale-up. These included: the lack of training in mental health, unavailability of psychiatric drugs, depleted clinical staff levels, unavailability of time for counseling, and poor and unreliable referral systems for people suffering with depression. Consensus was reached by stakeholders on supervision and support structure to address the cross-cutting issues described above and funding was successfully secured for the scale-up.ConclusionKey requirements for success included early buy-in from key stakeholders, extensive consultation at each point of the scale-up journey, financial support both locally and externally, and a coherent sustainability plan endorsed by both government and private sectors.

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