RESUMO
As the world is facing challenges such as pandemics, climate change, conflicts, and changing political landscapes, the need to secure access to safe and high-quality abortion care is more urgent than ever. On 27th of June 2023, the Swedish government decided to cut funding resources available for developmental research, which has played a fundamental role in the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally, including abortion care. Withdrawal of this funding not only threatens the fulfilment of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGS) - target 3.7 on ensuring universal access to SRHR and target 5 on gender equality - but also jeopardises two decades of research capacity strengthening. In this article, we describe how the partnerships that we have built over the course of two decades have amounted to numerous publications, doctoral graduates, and important advancements within the field of SRHR in East Africa and beyond.
Main findings: The two-decade long collaboration between Sweden and East Africa, funded by the Swedish government, has resulted in important partnerships, research findings, and advancements within sexual and reproductive health and rights in East Africa.Added knowledge: The Swedish government is now cutting funding for development research, which jeopardises the progress made so far.Global health impact for policy and action: Governments need to prioritise women's sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Assuntos
Fortalecimento Institucional , Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Sexual , Humanos , Fortalecimento Institucional/organização & administração , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Saúde Sexual/educação , África Oriental , Pesquisa/organização & administração , Feminino , Desenvolvimento Sustentável , Aborto InduzidoRESUMO
In the United States, sexual, reproductive, and perinatal health inequities are well documented and known to be caused by a history of systemic oppression along many axes, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic position, sexual orientation, and disability. Medical schools are responsible for educating students on systems of oppression and their impact on health. Reproductive justice advocates, including lay persons, medical students, and teaching faculty, have urged for integrating the reproductive justice framework into medical education and clinical practice. In response to medical student advocacy, we developed introductory didactic sessions on social and reproductive justice for preclinical medical students. These were created in a team-based learning format and include pre-course primer materials on reproductive justice. During the sessions, students engaged with hypothetical clinical vignettes in small groups to identify oppressive structures that may have contributed to the health outcomes described and potential avenues for contextually relevant and level-appropriate advocacy. The sessions took place in November 2019 (in-person) and 2020 (virtually) and were well attended by students. We highlight our experience, student feedback, and next steps, including further integration of reproductive health equity into medical school curricula in concert with department-wide education for faculty, residents, nursing, and allied health professionals. This introduction to social and reproductive justice can be adapted and scaled across different medical school curricula, enhancing the training of a new generation of physicians to become critically aware of how oppressive structures create health inequities and able to mitigate their impact through their roles as clinicians, researchers, and advocates.
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Currículo , Educação de Graduação em Medicina , Equidade em Saúde , Saúde Reprodutiva , Justiça Social , Estudantes de Medicina , Humanos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Estudantes de Medicina/psicologia , Educação de Graduação em Medicina/organização & administração , Estados UnidosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To improve knowledge and competency in providing gender-affirming patient care among newly licensed registered nurses (RNs) working in sexual and reproductive health (SRH). DESIGN: Pilot, pretest/posttest, descriptive design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Participating RNs were employed at a large academic health center in the southeastern United States. All RNs were providing SRH nursing and participating in the health center's new nurse residency program. METHODS AND INTERVENTION: Participants completed an online synchronous training that introduced topics such as sex versus gender, gender dysphoria, and health disparities. This education was followed by in-person training, where an unfolding case study applied concepts to theoretical patient scenarios specific to reproductive health. Participants completed a 20-item survey with a single assessment retrospective pre-post design to measure change in knowledge and competency. RESULTS: Twelve RNs participated in this pilot study. Fewer than half had previously received instruction on providing care to trans∗ persons. Seven self-perceived knowledge and competency areas were evaluated with paired retrospective pre-post design questions. All areas measured showed increases from pretraining to posttraining. Participants also had the opportunity to respond to open-ended questions. Common themes identified in these responses include participants planning to maintain a greater awareness and intentionality with language and abandoning cisgender assumptions. Several participants also described health care-specific systemic barriers that could prevent a trans∗ patient from feeling comfortable. CONCLUSION: Providing new graduate nurses with education specific to trans∗ patients may help them to feel more knowledgeable and competent when caring for these individuals in SRH settings.
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Competência Clínica , Humanos , Feminino , Competência Clínica/normas , Adulto , Masculino , Projetos Piloto , Inquéritos e Questionários , Sudeste dos Estados Unidos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Enfermeiras e Enfermeiros/psicologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Estudos Retrospectivos , Pessoas Transgênero/psicologia , Saúde Sexual/educaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Addressing the gap between research and practice is crucial for enhancing reproductive healthcare outcomes. In Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries, bolstering health researchers' implementation science (IS) capacity is essential. We present a pre-post-intervention study assessing the influence of an intensive IS training program on Rwandan reproductive health researchers' perceived IS knowledge and self-efficacy in applying IS in their own research. METHODS: To introduce IS principles, we held a one-day training for a diverse cohort of 25 sexual and reproductive health researchers in Rwanda. The training encompassed modules on IS concepts, methodologies, and practical applications. Pre- and post-training assessments gauged changes in participants' perceived IS knowledge and self-efficacy in applying IS in their own work. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant improvement in self-efficacy related to performing IS related tasks. Researchers reported heightened confidence in designing and implementing evidence-based interventions. In terms of perceived knowledge, participants retained what they learned at 4 months. The training fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging participants to exchange ideas and experiences. CONCLUSION: Targeted training in IS appears to enhance reproductive health researchers' capacity to translate research into practice, potentially leading to improved healthcare outcomes in Rwanda. Moving forward, we advocate for the Ministry of Health to establish structures for IS research agenda-setting, particularly for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Ideally, universities, health systems, and research institutions will incorporate IS capacity strengthening into their routine activities. Ongoing training is crucial to reinforce and expand IS knowledge. Our findings are expected to inform future interventions and guide policy development.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde , Ciência da Implementação , Saúde Reprodutiva , Autoeficácia , Ruanda , Humanos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Feminino , Pesquisadores/educação , Masculino , Adulto , Fortalecimento InstitucionalRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Medical curricula include advocacy competencies, but how much physicians engage in advocacy and what enables this engagement is not well characterized. The authors assessed facilitators and barriers to advocacy identified by physician alumni of a reproductive health advocacy training program. METHODS: The authors present secondary results from a mixed methods program evaluation from 2018 to 2020, using alumni data from a cross-sectional survey (n = 231) and in-depth interviews (IDIs, n = 36). The survey measured engagement in policy, media, professional organization, and medical education advocacy and the value placed on the community fostered by the program (eight questions, Cronbach's alpha = 0.81). The authors estimated the association of community value score with advocacy engagement using multivariable Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios and analyzed IDI data inductively. RESULTS: Over one third of alumni were highly engaged in legislative policy (n = 90, 39%), professional organizations (n = 98, 42%), or medical education (n = 89, 39%), with fewer highly active in media-based advocacy (n = 54, 23%) in the year prior to the survey. Survey and IDI data demonstrated that passion, sense of urgency, confidence in skills, and the program's emphasis on different forms of advocacy facilitated engagement in advocacy, while insufficient time, safety concerns, and sense of effort redundancies were barriers. The program community was also an important facilitator, especially for "out loud" efforts and for those working in environments perceived as hostile to abortion care (e.g., alumni in hostile environments with high community value scores were 1.8 times [95% CI 1.3, 2.6] as likely to report medium/high levels of media advocacy compared to those with low scores after adjusting for age, gender, and clinical specialty). CONCLUSION: Physician advocacy training curricula should include both skills- and community-building and identify a full range of forms of advocacy. Community-building is especially important for physician advocacy for reproductive health services such as abortion care.
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Liderança , Saúde Reprodutiva , Humanos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Masculino , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Defesa do Paciente , Adulto , Currículo , Médicos/psicologia , Engajamento do MédicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Secondary school students are vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) which may lead to adverse health consequences, such as teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. In Tanzania, the burden of teenage pregnancy was reported to be 27% in 2016. The integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education into the school curriculum is one of the proven crucial interventions. However, there is limited information on the extent to which curriculum-based SRH education is relevant for fostering good practices for coping with RSBs. This study sought to describe students' and teachers' perceptions of the relevance of curriculum-based SRH education. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted from May to June 2020 (involving 5 secondary schools in Ilemela district, Mwanza, Tanzania). In-depth interviews (30) were conducted among secondary school students and 10 interviews for teachers. The data were collected in Swahili and then transcribed and translated into English after which thematic content analysis was performed. RESULTS: The majority (56%) of secondary school students were revealed to have a limited understanding of curriculum-based SRH education, which was limited to a few aspects of health that involved married people and pregnant women. Teachers of different subjects had different perceptions about the relevance of curriculum-based SRH education. Civics teachers had the perception that it was relevant and enough, while Biology teachers thought that it was not enough. Students reported utilizing the information taught in class to manage and navigate RSBs. Moreover, they expressed a need for additional delivery strategies to be used for a comprehensive understanding of sexual and reproductive health. CONCLUSION: Despite the identified gaps in providing a comprehensive knowledge that builds on the appropriate attitudes and skills, the existing curriculum-based SRH education in secondary schools was utilized to help students in addressing and managing RSBs. However, there is a need for more comprehensive information and an improved delivery approach for SRH to equip students with the necessary skills when faced with RSBs.
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education integrated into school curricula has proven effective in addressing risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) among in-school adolescents. Adolescents attending secondary schools, are susceptible to RSBs such as early sexual activity, multiple partners, unprotected intercourse, and unsafe abortions, leading to adverse health outcomes such as teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. Despite the integration of SRH education into secondary school syllabi, these behaviors are still evident among students. There is a lack of data on the impact and relevance of curriculum-based SRH education on RSBs. To explore the relevance and effectiveness of SRH education in addressing RSB patterns, in-depth interviews were conducted among secondary school students and civics and biology teachers focusing on their perceptions and practical outcomes of SRH education in reducing RSBs. After conducting a thematic content analysis three main themes were discovered: (1) Student's understanding of curriculum-based SRH education in coping with RSBs (2), Perceptions of curriculum-based SRH education in coping with RSBs and (3) Utilizing curriculum-based SRH education in coping with RSBs. Majority of secondary school students (56%) had a limited understanding of SRH narrowed to aspects concerning married individuals and pregnancy. Teachers provided varying opinions regarding the efficacy of curriculum-based SRH education, with Civics instructors believing there is relevance while Biology teachers considered it limited. Students acknowledged using the available knowledge to address RSBs but expressed a desire for supplementary strategies to achieve a more thorough understanding of SRH. Improving the SRH education provided in schools will help reduce the consequences of RSBs.
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Currículo , Saúde Reprodutiva , Educação Sexual , Comportamento Sexual , Estudantes , Humanos , Feminino , Tanzânia , Adolescente , Masculino , Estudantes/psicologia , Educação Sexual/métodos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Instituições Acadêmicas , Saúde Sexual/educação , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Assunção de Riscos , Educação em Saúde/métodos , Gravidez na Adolescência/prevenção & controleRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Comprehensive sexual reproductive health care (SRH) in the United States, including abortion, is siloed from primary care, making it more difficult to access. The crisis in access has drastically worsened following the overturning of Roe v Wade, 410 US 113 (1973). Primary care clinicians (PCC) are well-positioned to protect and expand SRH access but do not receive sufficient training or support. The Reproductive Health Access Network ("Network") was created to connect like-minded clinicians to engage in advocacy, training, and peer support to enhance access to SRH in their communities and practices. This evaluation explores PCC leaders' experiences within this SRH organizing network. METHODS: In 2021, we conducted 34 semistructured phone interviews with a purposive sample of current (n=27) and former (n=7) PCC leaders in the Network (N=87). The program's theory of change and network evaluation framework guided reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants viewed Network support as critical to ending isolation through three mechanisms: connecting to a supportive community of like-minded peers, empowering leadership, and providing infrastructure for local organizing. They viewed mentorship as critical in building a sustainable and equitable pipeline of PCC leaders. Participants identified challenges to engaging fully, such as burnout and discrimination experienced both within and outside the Network. CONCLUSIONS: Community-building, peer support, and mentorship are critical to building and sustaining PCC leadership in SRH-organizing communities. Efforts are needed to mitigate burnout, support SRH education and mentorship for PCCs, and transform into a truly inclusive community. The Network structure is promising for amplifying efforts to enhance SRH access through clinician leadership.
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Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Atenção Primária à Saúde , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva , Humanos , Atenção Primária à Saúde/organização & administração , Estados Unidos , Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva/organização & administração , Feminino , Liderança , Masculino , Adulto , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Entrevistas como AssuntoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Evidence globally indicates that female adolescents face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks. Utilization of sexual reproductive health services among adolescents is of global health importance and plays a crucial role in adolescent sexual reproductive health outcomes and their quality of life. AIM: The current study explored sexual reproductive health service utilization concerns among female adolescents in the Tema Metropolis in Southern Ghana using the Anderson and Newman Behavioural model of Health Service Utilization as a guiding framework. METHODS: The study utilized a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit female adolescents. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. In all, 12 interviews were conducted. Each interview lasted between 45 and 60 minutes. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Thematic analysis was guided by the constructs of the Anderson and Newman Behavioural model of health service utilization. RESULTS: Utilization of sexual reproductive health services among female adolescents is low in the Tema metropolis. Factors such as unprotected non-consensual sexual activity or an unwanted pregnancy sometimes triggered the use of these services. Barriers to utilization identified include lack of awareness on sexual reproductive health services, unreliable sources of SRH information, underestimation of the severity of sexual reproductive health problems faced, unmet expectations and poor experiences with service providers. CONCLUSION: The current study identified poor utilization of sexual reproductive health services among female adolescents within the Tema metropolis of Ghana. There is the need to increase the number of adolescent health corners, increase awareness about SRH services among adolescents, improve parent-child SRH communication and provide adequate training for healthcare providers to improve provider attitude towards adolescent SRH service delivery in order to increase utilization of sexual reproductive health services among female adolescents in the Metropolis.
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Qualidade de Vida , Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva , Gravidez , Adolescente , Humanos , Feminino , Gana , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Comportamento Sexual , Saúde Reprodutiva/educaçãoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Clinical oncology guidelines recommend addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns in routine cancer care. However, limited training often hinders clinicians' ability to do so effectively. The objective of this study was to understand the state of current fellowship education on SRH (ie, sexual health, safe sex practices, and fertility) through conducting a national survey of US hematology/oncology fellowship program directors (PDs). METHODS: A survey was sent to all PDs of adult hematology/oncology fellowship programs in the United States via online link. PDs who did not complete the survey were sent up to four follow-up emails and a paper mailing. Descriptive statistics and McNemar tests were conducted. RESULTS: One hundred-fourteen PDs responded (65%). Fewer programs offered formal instruction on sexual health (49%) and safe sex practices (37%) compared with fertility (75%). Informal training in SRH relied heavily on direct clinical experience (73%-78% of programs), with other methods (eg, case-based approaches, webinars, and journal clubs) being less common. Lack of experts to provide instruction was the most commonly cited barrier to offering training in SRH, endorsed by 74% for sexual health, 68% for safe sex practices, and 54% for fertility; difficulty finding space within the curriculum (50%; 54%; and 43%, respectively) and a lack of training requirements were also commonly endorsed (57%; 60%; and 35%, respectively). Barriers were endorsed more commonly for sexual health topics than fertility. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the scarcity of training in SRH, particularly in sexual health, within hematology/oncology fellowship programs. The heavy reliance on informal instruction methods may lead to inconsistent and inadequate education. Efforts to integrate comprehensive training in SRH into fellowship programs are crucial to ensuring that such concerns are included in routine cancer care.
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Bolsas de Estudo , Hematologia , Oncologia , Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Sexual , Humanos , Oncologia/educação , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Hematologia/educação , Estados Unidos , Saúde Sexual/educação , Inquéritos e Questionários , Feminino , Masculino , AdultoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are largely unmet due to poor access to SRH information and services. A multicomponent community-embedded intervention, comprising advocacy to policymakers and community leaders, training of health workers on the provision of youth-friendly SRH services, and establishment of school health clubs, was implemented in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to improve access to SRH information and services for adolescents aged 13-18 years in selected communities and secondary schools. This study explored the extent to which the intervention aligned with goals and roles of stakeholders in the State. METHODS: Qualitative in-depth interviews (30) were conducted with key stakeholders in adolescent health programming in the State, and community gatekeepers (traditional and religious leaders) in the intervention communities. Sex-disaggregated focus group discussions (10) were conducted with health service providers, parents/guardians of adolescents. Data was analyzed deductively based on fit of strategy and two constructs of the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability - burden, and opportunity cost. The transcripts were coded in NVivo 12, and the subthemes that emerged from each construct were identified. RESULTS: Stakeholders perceived the ASRH intervention activities to align with their individual goals of sense of purpose from serving the community and organizational goals of improving the visibility of adolescent reproductive health programs and aligned with their routine work. Hence, implementing or participating in the interventions was not considered a burden by many. Although the delivery of the interventions constituted additional workload and time commitment for the implementers, the benefits of partaking in the intervention were perceived to outweigh the inputs that they were required to make. Some of the community health workers in the intervention felt that provision of financial incentive will help with making the intervention less burdensome. To participate in the intervention, opportunity cost included forgoing work and business activities as well as family commitments. CONCLUSION: Findings from the study show that the intervention aligned with individual/organizational goals of stakeholders. To improve acceptability of the ASRH interventions, interventions should leverage on existing programs and routine work of people who will deliver the interventions.
Adolescence is a period of transition and marked physical and mental changes with an increased need for sexual and reproductive health services. However, these needs are not usually met as adolescent face challenges in receiving care such as negative attitudes of health workers, fear of consequences of disclosing sexual and reproductive care received to parents amongst other things. An intervention aimed at improving their access to sexual and reproductive health services was implemented in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study assessed the alignment of the intervention to the individual and organizational goals of the stakeholders, the burden involved in participating in the intervention as well as the things needed to be forgone. Findings show that the intervention aligned with the stakeholder routine work, organizational work plans and individual goals. Participating in the intervention was not considered bothersome by many stakeholders because the impact their work make in the community makes them feel fulfilled. Participating in the intervention increases workload of the stakeholders. Stakeholders had to forgo work and business engagements to participate and some felt incentives can help to keep them motivated and interested in the project. To improve acceptability of adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions, interventions should be tailored to the routine work of the implementers of the strategy and plans for incentives be made for stakeholders who deliver interventions.
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Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Reprodutiva , Adolescente , Humanos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Saúde do Adolescente , Objetivos , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Comportamento SexualRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Globally, adolescents and youth experience high unmet need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. In Kenya, evidence shows that more than half of teenage pregnancies are unintended and that half of all new HIV infections occur in people ages 15-24-year-olds, with the majority of those being female. The coastal counties in Kenya record a relatively high adolescent pregnancy rate and higher rates of unmet need for contraception for all women of reproductive age compared to the national average. This study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the existing challenges to and opportunities for accessing SRH information and services among adolescents and youth (AY) at the Kenyan coast. METHODS: Using qualitative methods, this study conducted thirty-six focus group discussions with adolescents, youth, and community health volunteers across all the six coastal counties in Kenya. The sample included adolescents aged 10-14 years in school (male and female), adolescents aged 15-19 years not in education (male and female), youths aged 20-24 years (mix of both male and female), and community health volunteers who were conveniently sampled. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data and report the study results. RESULTS: The barriers to accessing AYSRH identified in the study are individual factors (feelings of shame, lack of information, and fear of being judged) parental factors, healthcare worker and health institution factors, teacher/educators factors, and broader contextual factors such as culture, religion, poverty, and illiteracy. Factors that facilitate access to AYSRH information and services included, supportive parenting and culture, AYSRH sessions in schools, peer support, supportive health institutions, gender inclusivity, and digital technology. CONCLUSIONS: AYSRH information and services at the Kenyan coast is strongly influenced by a range of individual, social, cultural, and economic factors. Improving access to AYSHR necessitates meaningful AY engagement, provision of youth-friendly services, use of digital technology as alternative pathways for sharing SRH information, strengthening parent-AY relationships, embracing peer-to-peer support, and the adoption of gender-inclusive approaches in AYSRH programming.
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Infecções por HIV , Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva , Gravidez , Adolescente , Feminino , Masculino , Humanos , Quênia , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Comportamento Sexual , Anticoncepção , Saúde Reprodutiva/educaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Previous initiatives concerning adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Low-or-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) have been limited by cultural norms and misinformation perpetuated within families. Responding to the paucity of research on the implementation of SRH interventions in LMICs and limited knowledge regarding their mechanisms, this study undertakes a process evaluation of a parent-focused intervention to promote parent-adolescent communication about SRH in Uganda. METHODS: This paper explores the implementation, contextual factors and mechanisms of impact of the intervention, using the Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines for process evaluations. Implementation was evaluated through indicators of dose, fidelity and adaptations, acceptability and feasibility. The contextual factors and mechanisms of impact were evaluated to refine the intervention's causal assumptions. Data was collected during April - October 2021 in South-Western Uganda using a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, intervention observations, interviews, focus group discussions and most significant change stories. RESULTS: The acceptability of the intervention was related to its community engagement, the strong rapport with delivery agents, and individual characteristics of participants. Five contextual factors influencing implementation were highlighted; (i) cultural norms, (ii) perceptions about youth SRH, (iii) poverty, (iv) Covid-19 pandemic, and (v) prior research projects in the community. When considering the intervention's mechanisms of impact, four causal pathways were identified; (i) Awareness of SRH needs helped parents overcome stigma, (ii) Parenting skills training improved SRH communication, (iii) Group learning stimulated shared parenting, and (iv) Group learning improved co-parenting. CONCLUSION: The paper presented three key learnings and corresponding recommendations for future research. Firstly, implementation success was credited to meaningful community engagement which improved acceptability and uptake. Secondly, the complex influences of contextual factors highlighted the need for contextual analysis in research studies to inform intervention design. Finally, this evaluation recognised the interplay between mechanisms of impact and suggested further research consider such combined impacts when designing intervention content.
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Comunicação em Saúde , Saúde Reprodutiva , Humanos , Adolescente , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Uganda , Pandemias , Comportamento Sexual , Relações Pais-FilhoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and preferences of parents/guardians of adolescents and young adults (AYA) of childbearing potential with co-occurring epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID) regarding counseling by neurologists on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics such as pregnancy, contraception, menstruation, and folic acid supplementation. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with parents/guardians of AYAs (12-28 years old) of childbearing potential with co-occurring epilepsy and ID, recruited from a tertiary-care children's hospital. We confirmed the diagnoses of epilepsy and ID with the patient's neurologist and parent/guardian. All degrees of ID (e.g. mild/moderate/severe) were eligible. We audio-recorded and transcribed interviews. Two coders performed qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five parents/guardians completed interviews. Themes included: (1) Parents/guardians believe their child to be immune from sexual abuse due to their supervision, yet desire counseling about abuse recognition and prevention, which they also report not occurring (2) A common opinion was that counseling on menstruation was more relevant to their child's life than counseling about pregnancy-related topics (3) Parents/guardians reported a lack of counseling on pregnancy-related topics such as folic acid supplementation and teratogenesis and generally also reported some degree of interest in hearing about these topics from neurologists (4) Parents/guardians also reported a lack of counseling on drug interactions between contraception and ASMs, and were highly interested in learning more about this topic (5) Parents/guardians want neurologists to initiate annual comprehensive SRH counseling at puberty about most topics, but report that they often initiate SRH discussions themselves. CONCLUSION: Parents/guardians of AYAs with epilepsy and ID prefer more frequent, neurologist-initiated, comprehensive conversations surrounding SRH particularly emphasizing menstruation and sexual abuse recognition/prevention. Findings may inform professional and patient education and health systems interventions including development of discussion guides and/or decision aides to improve SRH care for AYAs with epilepsy and ID.
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Epilepsia , Deficiência Intelectual , Gravidez , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Humanos , Adolescente , Criança , Adulto , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Deficiência Intelectual/complicações , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Aconselhamento , Epilepsia/complicações , Pais/psicologia , Ácido FólicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adolescents and their communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria have poor attitudes and beliefs towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This paper reports on the effects of a community-embedded intervention that focused on creating positive changes in the attitudes and beliefs of adolescents and community members to enhance adolescents' access to SRH information and services. METHODS: This study adopted the Qualitative Impact Assessment approach to evaluate the changes in attitudes and beliefs about the SRH of adolescents from the perspectives of the beneficiaries of a community-embedded intervention namely, adolescents, parents, school teachers, and community leaders. The intervention was implemented in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria and the evaluation was undertaken four months after the implementation of the interventions commenced. Eighteen (18) interviews were conducted with 82 intervention beneficiaries including: (i) six in-depth interviews with school teachers; (ii) two sex-disaggregated FGDs with parents; (iii) two sex-disaggregated FGDs with community leaders; and (iv) eight sex-disaggregated FGDs with in school and out of school adolescents. A thematic analysis of data was performed with the aid of NVivo software, version 12. RESULTS: The community-embedded intervention led to changes in individual attitudes and beliefs, as well as changes in community norms and values concerning adolescent SRH. Adolescents reported that following the community-embedded SRH intervention, they have become more comfortable discussing openly SRH issues with their peers, and they could more easily approach their parents and initiate SRH discussions. The parents of adolescents reported that following the intervention, they have become more willing to discuss sensitive SRH issues with adolescents, and frequently make out time to do so. It was also reported that parents no longer use euphemisms to describe sexual body parts, and community leaders now believe that it is all right to discuss SRH with adolescents. Hence, initiating or having SRH discussions with adolescents is no longer misconceived as encouraging sex, and menstruation in unmarried adolescents is no longer viewed as a sign of promiscuity. Respondents also highlighted changes in community norms of, (i) gendered parental communication of SRH matters, as both mothers and fathers have started discussing SRH issues with their adolescent boys and girls; and (ii) public shaming and discipline of pregnant teenage girls are on the decline. CONCLUSION: The community-based intervention had a positive impact on individual attitudes and beliefs, as well as community and societal values and norms about adolescent SRH. Interventions that take into account community norms and values regarding adolescent SRH should be prioritized to enable the achievement of the SRH-related target of SDG 3.
Adolescents face significant sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges which makes it difficult for them to access and utilize SRH services as a result of negative community norms and values. These norms discourage discussions relating to sex and sexuality in Nigeria because sexuality matters are regarded as taboo for young people, and sex is regarded as sacred and the exclusive reserve of the married. This qualitative study explored the views of adolescents, parents, and community leaders on the impact of a community-based intervention on their attitudes and beliefs concerning SRH issues. Using focus group discussions, the community members described the impact of the intervention on the beliefs and attitudes of adolescents, parents/guardians, and the community. Following the SRH intervention, parents started to make out time to discuss SRH issues with adolescents. They became more approachable and willing to discuss sensitive SRH issues with adolescents. Both mothers and fathers started to take up the role of communicating SRH matter with their adolescent boys and girls. Adolescents also started initiating SRH discussions with parents and could openly discuss SRH issues with their peers. In the community, adolescent girls were no longer publicly shamed for engaging in pre-marital sex. There were changes in community leaders' attitudes to teenage pregnancy and they no longer misconceive adolescent SRH issues. Considering the positive changes in individual attitudes, social values, and norms, there is a need for the community-embedded SRH intervention to be sustained and scaled up to other parts of the state by program managers.
Assuntos
Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Sexual , Gravidez , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Adolescente , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Nigéria , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Comportamento Sexual , Saúde Sexual/educaçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) misperceptions constitute a critical precursor to undesired health outcomes for women. Drawing on the model of stigma management communication and exposure effects, we aimed to investigate the underlying processes of SRH misperceptions. METHODS: A nationwide survey was conducted via quota sampling with Chinese women (N = 1000). Structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation and 5000 bootstrapping resamples were used to test the hypotheses. RESULTS: Stigma perceptions positively predicted information avoidance (ß = 0.207, p < 0.001), which, in turn, was positively associated with misperceptions (ß = 0.195, p < 0.001). Misinformation exposure significantly predicted misperceptions (ß = 0.607, p < 0.001), and this relationship was mediated by information avoidance (ß = 0.020, 95% CI [0.007, 0.040]). Moreover, information overload strengthened the relationship between misinformation exposure and information avoidance (ß = 0.153, p < 0.001) as well as the relationship between misinformation exposure and misperceptions (ß = 0.077, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Stigma and misinformation exposure play prominent roles in the formation of SRH misperceptions. Information overload facilitates the misinformation-misperception transformation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To counteract SRH misperceptions, health education should alleviate SRH stigma perceptions and strategically design messages to avoid information avoidance and overload.
Assuntos
Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Sexual , Humanos , Feminino , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Comportamento Sexual , Educação em Saúde , ComunicaçãoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Adolescents have limited access to quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services that are key to healthy sexual lives in many low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Hence, context-specific interventions are required to increase adolescents' access to and utilisation of SRH. This paper provides new knowledge on the acceptability of a community-embedded intervention to improve access to SRH information and services for adolescents in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. METHODS: A community-embedded intervention was implemented for six months in selected communities. Thereafter the intervention was assessed for its acceptability using a total of 30 in-depth interviews and 18 focus group discussions conducted with policymakers, health service providers, school teachers, community gatekeepers, parents and adolescents who were purposively selected as relevant stakeholders on adolescent SRH. The interview transcripts were coded in NVivo 12 using a coding framework structured according to four key constructs of the theoretical framework for acceptability (TFA): affective attitude, intervention coherence, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. The outputs of the coded transcripts were analysed, and the emergent themes from each of the four constructs of the TFA were identified. RESULTS: The intervention was acceptable to the stakeholders, from the findings of its positive effects, appropriateness, and positive impact on sexual behaviour. Policymakers were happy to be included in collaborating with multiple stakeholders to co-create multi-faceted interventions relevant to their work (positive affective attitude). The stakeholders understood how the interventions work and perceived them as appropriate at individual and community levels, with adequate and non-complex tools adaptable to different levels of stakeholders (intervention coherence). The intervention promoted mutualistic relations across stakeholders and sectors, including creating multiple platforms to reach the target audience, positive change in sexual behaviour, and cross-learning among policymakers, community gatekeepers, service providers, and adolescents (intervention effectiveness), which empowered them to have the confidence to provide and access SRH information and services (self-efficacy). CONCLUSIONS: Community-embedded interventions were acceptable as strong mechanisms for improving adolescents' access to SRH in the communities. Policymakers should promote the community-embedded strategy for holistic health promotion of adolescents.
Assuntos
Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Reprodutiva , Adolescente , Humanos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Nigéria , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , ReproduçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Dissatisfaction with one's body and the subsequent rise in the cosmetic surgery trend pose significant public health concerns today. One unusual cosmetic surgical procedure involves enhancing the genital area. Numerous healthy women and girls have recently sought Genital Cosmetic Surgery (GCS) for beauty or improved sexual performance. There is a concern that this phenomenon may be linked to developing a new standard for vulvovaginal appearance. This stringent standard could potentially adversely affect women's mental health in the future, growing feelings of insecurity and possibly leading teenagers to consider plastic surgery. Implementing empowering and awareness-raising programs for women and girls is crucial, especially in light of the constantly evolving gender norms and the medicalization of sexuality and beauty as social constructs. It is essential that such training is integrated into comprehensive sexual education programs for adolescents. These efforts align perfectly with the SDG, recognizing that education in sexual and reproductive health, ensuring access to health, and empowering women are fundamental rights for women and girls. To accomplish these objectives, we will conduct this study to elucidate the needs and concerns related to the increasing trend of GCS. By doing so, we can concentrate on the factors motivating women to undergo GCS. This approach will enable us to develop effective interventions to empower women and girls considering GCS, thus enhancing their sexual and reproductive health. METHODS AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this multistage exploratory sequential mixed-method study will be structured into three phases: First phase: qualitative study. 1. In-depth interviews will be conducted to elucidate the needs and concerns associated with GCS with women with a history of GCS, spouses of willing participants, and women actively seeking these procedures. 2. A literature review in parallel with the qualitative phase will be conducted to gain insights into the needs and concerns of women worldwide considering GCS. Second phase: program design. 1. To formulate an intervention grounded in the primary priorities identified during the qualitative stage and informed by the literature review. 2. To prioritize the needs and concerns of women seeking GCS and to validate and endorse the intervention through input from an expert panel. Third phase: quantitative study. To assess and determine the effectiveness of the intervention designed to address the needs and concerns of women applying for GCS procedures. DISCUSSION: This study marks the first attempt to design and assess an intervention addressing the needs and concerns of cosmetic surgeries performed on the female genital and reproductive system. The hope is that this study's compilation and implementation will yield substantial evidence and documentation regarding the impact of educational interventions on women's and girls' sexual and reproductive empowerment. Given the rising prevalence of GCS among unmarried teenagers, this approach is of utmost significance. It underscores the necessity for gynecological and midwifery service providers to have comprehensive guidance on GCS. Such guidance can be an essential resource for healthcare providers in this field.
Contemporary concerns about body dissatisfaction and the growing trend of cosmetic surgery, including unusual trends of genital cosmetic surgery (GCS), are raising public health issues. This study addresses the needs and concerns related to the increasing trend of GCS among women.A multistage exploratory sequential mixed-method study will be structured into three phases, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative components: 1. A qualitative phase involving in-depth interviews and a literature review 2. A program design phase to formulate an intervention through input from an expert panel. 3. A quantitative phase to assess the intervention's effectiveness. The objectives include understanding the motivations behind GCS, developing an intervention grounded in these insights, and evaluating its impact on women's sexual and Reproductive empowerment. Given the rising prevalence of GCS among unmarried teenagers, this research holds significant importance. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive guidance on GCS for healthcare providers, aligning with empowering women and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health education.
Assuntos
Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , Adolescente , Feminino , Humanos , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Saúde da Mulher , Genitália Feminina , Literatura de Revisão como AssuntoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: One of the key targets of Ghana's Adolescent Health Service Policy and Strategy is to ensure that 90% of adolescents and young people have knowledge of sexual and reproductive health services and rights. This phenomenon has led to the establishment of adolescent-friendly health facilities to increase access to health information and services among adolescents. Despite these efforts, access to health information and service utilisation remains low among adolescents. Our study seeks to examine adolescents' perception of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and access to reproductive health information and services in the Adaklu district of the Volta region of Ghana. METHODS: A baseline cross-sectional household survey of 221 adolescents aged 10-19 years in 30 randomly selected communities was used. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to the respondents. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between adolescents' perception of adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights (ASRHR) and access to reproductive health information and services. RESULTS: Adolescents' perception of SRHR was poor, and this poor perception may have been reflected in a few proportions (10%) of adolescents accessing SRH information and services. Majority (91.9%) of adolescents do not use sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in the Adaklu district. Adolescents who attained primary education (aOR = 5.99, CI: 1.16-30.95), those who never had sexual communication with their father (aOR = 8.89, CI: 1.99-39.60) and adolescents who never experienced any form of sexual coercion (aOR = 11.73, CI: 1.61-85.68) had a higher likelihood of not utilising SRH services in Adaklu district. Regarding access to SRH information, adolescents who ever discussed sexual matters with their fathers, those who ever used contraceptives and adolescents who ever experienced sexual coercion had lower odds of accessing information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and teenage pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Access to and use of sexual and reproductive information and health services among adolescents in Adaklu district remain very low, which has implications for adolescents' knowledge and perception of their SRHR. Considering the factors predicting this phenomenon, it is recommended that interventions can be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent in accessing comprehensive SRH support.
Assuntos
Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva , Saúde Reprodutiva , Adolescente , Feminino , Humanos , Gravidez , Estudos Transversais , Gana , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Percepção , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Direitos Sexuais e Reprodutivos , Comportamento Sexual , Criança , Adulto Jovem , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
La salud sexual y reproductiva, el embarazo en la adolescencia y las infecciones de trasmisión sexual, son temas tratados en salud pública, adicionalmente cuentan con disímiles estrategias que buscan la reducción del embarazo en adolescentes e infecciones de transmisión sexual. Objetivo. Determinar la efectividad de la intervención educativa en la disminución del embarazo y las enfermedades de trasmisión sexual en adolescentes perteneciente a la Unidad Educativa Guillermo Ordóñez Gómez, de la Provincia de Santa Elena, en Ecuador en el periodo de2021-2022. Materiales y Métodos. Se realizó un estudio cuasi- experimental, con una población de 148 estudiantes, de la cual se consideró la muestra de forma aleatoria simple quedando establecida en 74 estudiantes de 1ro de Bachillerato General Unificado y 48 estudiantes de 2do. Primero se realizó un análisis preliminar (Etapa inicial) que permitió determinar cuál fue la situación inicial y el grado de información de las adolescentes. Resultados. El 51% tenían 15 años. Según la localidad la zona urbana con un 52% y la zona rural con un 48%. el 89% refirieron tener conocimientos y el 3% tal vez, en relación al preservativo masculino el 63% mencionaron que sí conocen, el 32% respondieron no conocerlo, y la satisfacción de los estudiantes con la información recibida, fue del 50% de los beneficiarios se sintieron muy satisfecho con la información recibidas, el 30% de los estudiantes satisfechos, mientras que el 20% de forma neutral. Conclusiones. La intervención educativa resultó adecuada, ya que incrementó el nivel de conocimiento de los adolescentes con respecto a los temas de Salud Sexual y Salud Reproductiva para la prevención de embarazo y enfermedades de transmisión sexual y existió un nivel satisfacción con la información recibida.
Sexual and reproductive health, adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are topics addressed in public health, and there are also different strategies aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Objective. To determine the effectiveness of the educational intervention in the reduction of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents belonging to the Guillermo Ordóñez Gómez Educational Unit, in the Province of Santa Elena, Ecuador, during the period of 21-21-2022. Materials and Methods. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with a population of 148 students, from which the sample was considered in a simple random way, being established in 74 students of 1st grade of General Unified High School and 48 students of 2nd grade. First, a preliminary analysis (initial stage) was carried out to determine the initial situation and the degree of information of the adolescents. Results. Fifty-one percent were 15 years old. According to the locality of the urban area with 52% and the rural area with 48%, 89% reported having knowledge and 3% maybe, in relation to the male condom 63% mentioned that they do know, 32% responded that they did not know, and the satisfaction of the students with the information received was 50% of the beneficiaries were very satisfied with the information received, 30% of the students were satisfied, while 20% were neutral. Conclusions. The educational intervention was adequate, since it increased the level of knowledge of adolescents regarding the topics of Sexual and Reproductive Health for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and there was a level of satisfaction with the information received.
A saúde sexual e reprodutiva, a gravidez na adolescência e as infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) são tópicos abordados na saúde pública, com uma variedade de estratégias destinadas a reduzir a gravidez na adolescência e as ISTs. Objetivo. Determinar a eficácia da intervenção educativa na redução da gravidez na adolescência e das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em adolescentes pertencentes à Unidade Educacional Guillermo Ordóñez Gómez, na Província de Santa Elena, Equador, durante o período de 21-21-2022. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo quase experimental com uma população de 148 alunos, dos quais a amostra foi considerada uma amostra aleatória simples de 74 alunos do 1º ano do Ensino Médio Geral Unificado e 48 alunos do 2º ano. Primeiramente, foi realizada uma análise preliminar (etapa inicial) para determinar a situação inicial e o grau de informação dos adolescentes. Resultados. Cinquenta e um por cento tinham 15 anos de idade. De acordo com a localidade da área urbana com 52% e a área rural com 48%. 89% relataram ter conhecimento e 3% talvez, em relação ao preservativo masculino 63% mencionaram que sabiam, 32% responderam que não sabiam, e a satisfação dos alunos com as informações recebidas foi de 50% dos beneficiários estavam muito satisfeitos com as informações recebidas, 30% dos alunos estavam satisfeitos, enquanto 20% eram neutros. Conclusões. A intervenção educativa foi adequada, pois aumentou o nível de conhecimento dos adolescentes em relação aos temas de Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva para a prevenção de gravidez e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, e houve um nível de satisfação com as informações recebidas.
Assuntos
Humanos , Adolescente , Saúde Reprodutiva/educação , Inquéritos sobre o Uso de Métodos Contraceptivos/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores Sociodemográficos , Saúde PúblicaRESUMO
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are a necessity for marginalized persons such as the displaced. The protocol describes an intervention that can contribute to overcoming challenges associated with SRH service delivery of three selected reproductive health (RH) services: HIV/AIDS, contraception, and cervical cancer screening. A pre-and post-intervention approach will be used to evaluate the effect of an intervention with trained Community-Based Reproductive Health Personnel (CBRHP) and/or mHealth technology within the selected IDP camps. Three (3) months of health education through the CBRHP and/or via mHealth technology will be provided. Using a questionnaire, interviews, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide, the researcher will assess the suitability of this intervention to attain the objectives. Data analysis will be done with SPSS version 26. Univariate analysis will include mean and standard deviation, bivariate analysis will include a chi-square test of goodness for the association of variables, and McNemer's test to evaluate the effect of the intervention by comparing consistency in response across the variables under study. Multivariate analysis will be used to assess if sociodemographic, knowledge and health service impacts access and use of RH services. For qualitative analysis, findings will be grouped into themes. The outcomes of each theme will be used to complement the findings of the quantitative analysis. The primary outcome measures will include the level of knowledge of SRH, the number of people who want to access RH services and which RH services are most sought by the respondents. If the use of CBRHP is successful, there will be an increase in knowledge and use of HIV/AIDS, contraception and cervical cancer services. Challenges associated with access and uptake of RH services will also be assessed.
Les services de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) sont une nécessité pour les personnes marginalisées telles que les personnes déplacées. Le protocole décrit une intervention qui peut contribuer à surmonter les défis associés à la prestation de services de SSR de trois services de santé reproductive (SR) sélectionnés : VIH/SIDA, contraception et dépistage du cancer du col de l'utérus. Une approche pré- et post-intervention sera utilisée pour évaluer l'effet d'une intervention avec du personnel de santé reproductive à base communautaire (CBRHP) formé et/ou la technologie mHealth au sein des camps de déplacés internes sélectionnés. Trois (3) mois d'éducation sanitaire via le CBRHP et/ou via la technologie mHealth seront dispensés. À l'aide d'un questionnaire, d'entretiens et d'un guide de discussion de groupe (FGD), le chercheur évaluera l'adéquation de cette intervention pour atteindre les objectifs. L'analyse des données sera effectuée avec SPSS version 26. L'analyse univariée inclura la moyenne et l'écart type, l'analyse bivariée comprendra un test de qualité du chi carré pour l'association des variables et le test de McNemer pour évaluer l'effet de l'intervention en comparant la cohérence de réponse pour les variables étudiée. Une analyse multivariée sera utilisée pour évaluer si les services sociodémographiques, les connaissances et les services de santé ont un impact sur l'accès et l'utilisation des services de SR. Pour l'analyse qualitative, les résultats seront regroupés en thèmes. Les résultats de chaque thème seront utilisés pour compléter les résultats de l'analyse quantitative. Les principales mesures des résultats incluront le niveau de connaissances en matière de SSR, le nombre de personnes souhaitant accéder aux services de SR et quels services de SR sont les plus recherchés par les répondants. Si l'utilisation du CBRHP réussit, il y aura une augmentation des connaissances et de l'utilisation des services liés au VIH/SIDA, à la contraception et au cancer du col de l'utérus. Les défis associés à l'accès et à l'utilisation des services de SR seront également évalués.