Building coalitions, creating change: An agenda for gender transformative research in agricultural development

The CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) has developed its Gender Research in Development Strategy centered on a transformative approach. Translating this strategy into actual research and development practice poses a considerable challenge, as not much (documented) experience exists in the agricultural sector to draw on, and significant innovation is required. A process of transformative change requires reflecting on multiple facets and dimensions simultaneously. This working paper is a collation of think pieces, structured around broad the mes and topics, reflecting on what works (and what does not) in the application of gender transformative approaches in agriculture and other sectors, and seeking to stimulate a discussion on the way forward for CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) and other programs to build organizational capacities and partnerships

Influences on uptake of reproductive health services in Nsangi community of Uganda and their implications for cervical cancer screening

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer in Uganda. Over 80% of women diagnosed or referred with cervical cancer in Mulago national referral and teaching hospital have advanced disease. Plans are underway for systematic screening programmes based on visual inspection, as Pap smear screening is not feasible for this low resource country. Effectiveness of population screening programmes requires high uptake and for cervical cancer, minimal loss to follow up. Uganda has poor indicators of reproductive health (RH) services uptake; 10% postnatal care attendance, 23% contraceptive prevalence, and 38% skilled attendance at delivery. For antenatal attendance, attendance to one visit is 90%, but less than 50% for completion of care, i.e. three or more visits.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a qualitative study using eight focus group discussions with a total of 82 participants (16 men, 46 women and 20 health workers). We aimed to better understand factors that influence usage of available reproductive health care services and how they would relate to cervical cancer screening, as well as identify feasible interventions to improve cervical cancer screening uptake.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Barriers identified after framework analysis included ignorance about cervical cancer, cultural constructs/beliefs about the illness, economic factors, domestic gender power relations, alternative authoritative sources of reproductive health knowledge, and unfriendly health care services. We discuss how these findings may inform future planned screening programmes in the Ugandan context.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Knowledge about cervical cancer among Ugandan women is very low. For an effective cervical cancer-screening programme, awareness about cervical cancer needs to be increased. Health planners need to note the power of the various authoritative sources of reproductive health knowledge such as paternal aunts (<it>Sengas</it>) and involve them in the awareness campaign. Cultural and economic issues dictate the perceived reluctance by men to participate in women's reproductive health issues; men in this community are, however, potential willing partners if appropriately informed. Health planners should address the loss of confidence in current health care units, as well as consider use of other cervical cancer screening delivery systems such as mobile clinics/camps.</p

Healthy Environments

This issue of Early Childhood in Focus draws attention to some key global challenges in providing healthy environments for young children. Section 1 recognises that multisectoral policy responses are needed to ensure adequate housing and improved water and sanitation, as well as recreational spaces. For young children, physical spaces are closely intertwined with emotional security and feelings of well-being. Section 2 explores the opportunities and challenges of living in urban environments. Young children are especially vulnerable to the physical harm that urban environments create from pollution in the air, toxins in the ground, contaminated water and waste dumps, traffic, and unsafe housing. Their homes, as well as their neighbourhoods, may be unhealthy places to grow up in. Section 3 is about the design of environments specifically for young children, including innovative ‘democratic spaces’, and ‘child-friendly spaces’ in areas affected by disasters and emergencies

The Information Needs and Information-seeking Behavior of Health Care Practitioners: A Case Study of Health Care Practitioners of the Narh-Bita Hospital, Tema, Ghana.

Health information plays a major role in the delivery of care worldwide. it helps physicians make informed clinical decisions for the betterment of their patients. This study examined the information needs and information-seeking behavior of health care practitioners at the Narh-Bita hospital, Tema. The study employed the survey method and a questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. A sample of 69 health practitioners were randomly selected and given questionnaires to fill. Data obtained was analyzed using frequency accounts and simple percentages. The results showed that practitioners\u27 information needs covered different clinical topic areas. The information-seeking behavior of practitioners was also found to vary towards a range of information resources with computer-based information resources being dominant. The study further revealed that the information resources consulted by practitioners had an impact on their clinical decision-making. It therefore recommended that measures should be put in place to ensure that there is reliable Internet connection for practitioners to access the open Internet and on-line databases to satisfy their numerous information needs

Hygiene and Sanitation Software: An Overview of Approaches

A review of the state of the art in methods and techniques for sanitation and hygiene behaviour change, and other non-hardware aspects of sanitation programming. Includes introductory text and detailed entries on more than 20 approaches and techniques, with key references, summary information on effectiveness and implementation and an assessment of when different approaches should be used

Funding the Future: Resources for Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Programs in Developing Countries

Provides a directory of over 90 foundations, agencies, and organizations that support adolescent reproductive and sexual health related programs in developing countries, through direct and/or indirect financing, technical assistance, and information

A Systematic Review Of The Roles And Competencies Of Medical Information Professionals(Mips) In Evidence-Based Medicine In Thailand

The aim of this study was to systematically review the roles and competencies of Medical Information Professionals (MIPs: non-medical personnel who are information technology and medical library literacy) in supporting clinicians in the practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) as reported in the published literature. It analysed and synthesized information from textbooks on EBM and research and review articles drawn from MEDLINE using the following keywords: ―evidence-based medicine‖, ―information seeking and physician‖, ―information need and physician‖, ―EBM librarian‖, ―clinical librarian‖, ―library service‖, ―informationist‖, and ―knowledge management‖. Information from research articles published in local journals and conference proceedings was also included evidence-based medicine (EBM) is defined as the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about patient care. The impact on the medical profession has been to emphasize information processing such as the searching of and appraising medical evidence. Important obstacles to the practice of EBM, from the point of view of the clinicians, include: lack of time; the complexity in the use of the resources; the quality and quantity of evidence resources; lack of infrastructure, technology and information seeking ability; attitude of information service providers; and location of clinicians‘ office. MIPs can help support clinicians by taking on, and acquiring, new roles and competencies such as: quality filtering; literature searching; teaching and managing medical information and associated technology; basic knowledge of EBM and critical appraisal; and preparing systematic reviews. Studies have shown that MIPs can improve their roles and competencies in helping the implementation of EBM. Outcomes indicate the clinician‘s satisfaction and their improvement in patient care. Supporting the practice of EBM will challenge MIPs in Thailand to adjust their roles and competencies following Thai clinician information seeking behaviour, and thus will set the new roles and competencies for MIPs in Thailand

Female Teenager's Knowledge and Awareness on Reproductive Health in Uganda: Case of Namasuba Village, Wakiso District

The central aim of the study is to assess female teenagers knowledge and awareness  on reproductive health in all its contents and functions. Along with three focus group discussions, 60 respondents were purposively selected who included 50 female teenagers and 10 key informants. About 96% of the respondents were familiar with the reproductive health information that was explored by the study.  Female teenagers were well versed with information on Sex education, access and utilization of contraceptives. Informal education by parents through sex education, formal education in schools and modern technology information channels were important avenues of reproductive health awareness by female teenagers. The paper recommends infusion of reproductive health elements with the educational policy of the country for extensive reproductive health information, education and communication and thus improved reproductive health status of the country. To have greater impact on young people's lives, reproductive health should become a priority on the country's development agendas because health is wealth. Mass media can play a vital role to channelize the importance of reproductive health. Keywords: Female Teenagers, Reproductive Health, Sex Education, Contraceptives, Ugand

Behavior Change and HIV Prevention: (Re)Considerations for the 21st Century

Outlines the evidence base for the effectiveness of HIV-prevention programs aimed at reducing high-risk behaviors. Discusses elements of successful programs, challenges and limitations, and recommendations for expanding behavioral prevention programs