Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in Ghana

Background In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV are major public health problems. This study, therefore, sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIsamong sexually active men in Ghana. Methods Data from the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey wereused to conduct the study. This research included a total of 3051 sexually active men aged 15–59 years. Self-reported STI was the outcome variable. The data were analyzed using both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analysis. Results The prevalence of self-reported STIs in the past 12 months preceding the survey was 6.0% (CI:4.7–6.8). Compared to men aged 45-59 years, those aged 25–34 (aOR = 2.96, CI: 1.64–5.35), 15–24 (aOR = 2.19, CI: 1.13–4.26), and 35–44 (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.23–4.24) were more likely to report an STI. Men who had 2 or more sexual partners apart from their spouse were more likely to report an STI compared to those with no other partner apart from spouse (aOR = 4.24, CI: 2.52–7.14). However, those who had their first sex when they were 20 years and above (AOR = 0.66, CI: 0.47–0.93) and men who read newspaper/magazine had lower odds (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.37–0.77) of reporting STIs compared to those who had sex below 20 and those who did not read newspaper/magazine respectively. Conclusion The study has revealed a relatively low prevalence of self-reported STI among sexually active men in Ghana. Sexually active men aged 25–34 years, those whose age at first sex is below 20 years and those with two or more sexual partners apart from their spouse had higher odds of reporting STIs. However, reading a newspaper was found to be positive in reducing the odds of reporting STIs. To reduce STIs among sexually active men in Ghana, it is important for health systems and stakeholders to consider these factors and put in place measures to mitigate those that put men at risk of STIs and encourage the adoption of the protective factors. Mass media can be used as a useful avenue for encouraging men to report STIs in order to avoid transmitting them to their partners

Individual and contextual factors associated with disposal of children's stools in Papua New Guinea: evidence from the 2016-2018 demographic and health survey.

BackgroundProper sanitation has been one of the topmost priorities on the global public health agenda. In the past few decades, sanitation programs targeting households have often paid little attention to the disposal of children's stools. We assessed the individual and contextual factors associated with disposal of children's faeces in Papua New Guinea.MethodsThe data used for this study forms part of the 2016-2018 Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS). For this study, we focused on women with children less than five years (n = 2095). Both descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, using frequency counts and percentages. The inferential analysis used multilevel logistic regression models to investigate the individual and contextual factors associated with disposal of children's stools. These models were presented as adjusted odds ratio (AORs), together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p ResultsMore than half (56%) of the women had disposed of their children's stools unsafely. With the individual level factors, the results showed that women with children ConclusionBoth individual and contextual factors predict unsafe disposal of children's faeces in Papua New Guinea. It is recommended that sanitation programs should focus on behavioral change and not only on the extension of water and improved toilet facilities. Such programs should also focus on both individual and contextual factors of women

Modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among married and cohabiting women in Papua New Guinea: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundUniversal access to family planning has been emphasized by the international development agenda, as evident in the Sustainable Development Goal 3.7. This notwithstanding, the use of modern contraceptives has been minimal in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Papua New Guinea. In view of this, we investigated the factors associated with the use of modern contraceptives and the associated factors among married and cohabiting women in Papua New Guinea.MethodsThe study utilised the Demographic and Health Survey data of 2345 women in sexual unions in Papua New Guinea. We employed a descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses. We presented the results as crude Odds Ratios (COR) and adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI) signifying level of precision. Level of statistical significance was set at p ResultsWe found that 74.4% of the women were using modern contraceptives ranging from injectables (44.5%) to other modern methods (0.23%). Women aged 15-19 [AOR = 7.425, 95% CI = 2.853, 19.32], residents of the Highland region [AOR = 1.521, 95% CI =1.086, 2.131], self-employed women in the agricultural sector [AOR = 1.710, 95% CI = 1.218, 2.400], and women who listened to radio at least once a week [AOR = 1.409, 95% CI = 1.048, 1.895] had higher odds of modern contraceptive usage. However, women in the Islands region [AOR = 0.291, 95% CI = 0.224, 0.377], women whose husbands had higher education [AOR = 0.531,95%CI = 0.318,0.886], women in professional/technical/managerial work [AOR = 0.643, 95% CI = 0.420, 0.986], and those with no child [AOR = 0.213, CI = 0.0498,0.911] had lower odds of modern contraceptive use.ConclusionOut of the 2345 participants, we found that majority of them were using modern contraceptives and the commonly used modern contraceptive was injectables. Age, region of residence, partner's education, employment, partner's desire for children, and frequency of listening to radio are associated with modern contraceptive usage. Tailored reproductive healthcare should be developed for women who are disadvantaged when it comes to the usage of modern contraceptives in order to boost modern contraceptive use among them. Further investigation is needed to unravel the motivation for the high usage of injectables among married and cohabiting women in Papua New Guinea

Contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age in Papua New Guinea.

BACKGROUND: Papua New Guinea has one of the lowest contraceptive prevalence rates among women of reproductive age in the Western Pacific Region and this makes contraceptive discontinuation in this country a critical public health issue worth studying. This study sought to assess the factors associated with contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age in Papua New Guinea. METHODS: The data used for the analysis were obtained from the Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey which was conducted in 2016-2018. The outcome variable for this study was contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: About 33.26% of the women discontinued injectables, 19.15% discontinued pills and 3.77% discontinued other contraception methods. Women aged 20-24 [aOR = 2.12, CI = [= [1.04,4.31] through to those aged 30-34 [aOR = 1.98, CI = 1.03,3.79] had higher odds to discontinue contraceptive usage compared to those aged 45-49. Women with no information on choice of contraception [aOR = 2.85, CI = 2.31,3.51], those with two or more births in the last five years [aOR = 2.35, CI = 1.65,3.35] and those living in the Highland region [aOR = 1.71, CI = 1.28,2.29] were more likely to discontinue contraceptive usage compared with those with information on contraceptive choices, those with no births and those living in the Island region respectively. However, women in the rural areas [aOR = 0.78, CI = 0.61,0.99], women using LARC [aOR = 0.10, CI = 0.06,0.15], injectables [aOR = 0.43, CI = 0.30,0.63] and other modern contraception methods including condom [aOR = 0.22, CI = 0.15,0.34] were less likely to discontinue contraceptive usage. CONCLUSION: A nationwide mass education on the benefits of contraception is recommended for the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health to tackle the key findings of this study which were high contraceptive discontinuation prevalence with lack of information on choice, disproportionately high contraceptive discontinuation rate in the Highland Region and the desire to give birth to more than two children as some factors associated with contraceptive discontinuation in Papua New Guinea

Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect individuals of all ages, but adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected. We examined the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIs (SR-STIs) among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS: Demographic and Health Survey data of 27 sub-Saharan African countries were used for the study. The sample size comprised 68944 adolescent girls and young women (15-24 y of age). The outcome variable was SR-STIs. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with SR-STIs. RESULTS: On average, the prevalence of SR-STIs among adolescent girls and young women in SSA was 6.92%. The likelihood of SR-STIs was higher among young women aged 20-24 y (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.36 [confidence interval {CI} 1.27 to 1.46]), those not married (aOR 1.64 [CI 1.51 to 1.79]), those working (aOR 1.20 [CI 1.12 to 1.27]), those whose age at first sex was ≤19 y (aOR 1.99 [CI 1.80 to 2.20]), those with two or more sex partners (aOR 1.56 [CI 1.35 to 1.80]), those who listened to radio (aOR 1.26 [CI 1.17 to 1.35]), those in urban areas (aOR 1.42 [CI 1.30 to 1.51]) and those with a wealth index of rich (aOR 1.28 [CI 1.17 to 1.40]) compared with their counterparts. In contrast, those with a primary (aOR 0.86 [CI 0.78 to 0.94]) or secondary/higher level of education (aOR 0.83 [CI 0.75 to 0.92]) compared with those with no formal education and those who were exposed to television (aOR 0.90 [CI 0.84 to 0.98]) compared with those who were not exposed were less likely to report STIs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the need for countries in SSA to commit towards reducing the incidence of STIs. Community-based health educational programs are required to intensify the awareness of STIs and their prevention in various sub-Saharan African countries considering the factors that expose adolescent girls and young women to STIs

Suicidal behaviours among in-school adolescents in Mozambique: Cross-sectional evidence of the prevalence and predictors using the Global School-Based Health Survey data.

IntroductionDespite interventions by low and middle-income countries toward the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on promoting mental health and well-being of their populace by the year 2030, suicidal behaviours continue to be major causes of premature mortality, especially among young people. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviours among in-school adolescents in Mozambique.Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 1918 in-school adolescents using data from the 2015 Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) of Mozambique. The outcome variables (suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, and suicidal attempt) were measured with single items in the survey. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression respectively. Results are presented as Adjusted Odds Ratios for the binary logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at pResultsThe prevalence of suicidal behaviours 12 months prior to the survey were 17.7%, 19.6% and 18.5% for suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, and suicidal attempt respectively. Adolescents who experienced anxiety had higher odds of suicidal ideation [AOR = 1.616, 95%CI = 1.148-2.275], suicidal plan [AOR = 1.507, 95%CI = 1.077-2.108], and suicidal attempt [AOR = 1.740, 95%CI = 1.228-2.467]. Adolescents who were physically attacked in school were also more likely to ideate [AOR = 1.463, 95%CI = 1.115-1.921], plan [AOR = 1.328, 95%CI = 1.020-1.728], and attempt [AOR = 1.701, 95%CI = 1.306-2.215] suicide. Having close friends was, however, an important protective factor against suicidal ideation [AOR = 0.694, 95%CI = 0.496-0.971], plan [AOR = 0.625, 95%CI = 0.455-0.860], and attempt [AOR = 0.529, 95%CI = 0.384-0.729]. Peer support also reduced the risk of suicidal ideation [AOR = 0.704, 95%CI = 0.538,0.920] and plan [AOR = 0.743, 95%CI = 0.572,0.966] among the in-school adolescents.ConclusionSuicidal behaviours constitute major public health challenges among in-school adolescents in Mozambique. The behaviours are predominant among adolescents who are physically attacked and those who experience anxiety. Conversely, having close friends serves as a protective factor against suicidal behaviours. To ensure that Mozambique meets the SDG target of promoting the mental health of all by the year 2030, the Government of Mozambique and educational authorities should urgently design and implement innovative interventions and strengthen existing ones that seek to address physical attacks and anxiety among in-school adolescents. School administrations should also incorporate programmes that seek to congregate students and offer platforms for social interaction and cohesion

Barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Ghana: a multilevel modelling.

BackgroundWomen's health remains a global public health concern, as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals. This study, therefore, sought to assess the individual and contextual factors associated with barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Ghana.MethodsThe study was conducted among 9370 women aged 15-49, using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Barrier to healthcare, derived from four questions- whether a woman faced problems in getting money, distance, companionship, and permission to see a doctor-was the outcome variable. Descriptive and multilevel logistic regression analyses were carried out. The fixed effect results of the multilevel logistic regression analyses were reported using adjusted odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsMore than half (51%) of the women reported to have at least one form of barrier to accessing healthcare. Women aged 45-49 (AOR = 0.65, CI: 0.49-0.86), married women (AOR = 0.71, CI:0.58-0.87), those with a higher level of education (AOR = 0.51, CI: 0.37-0.69), those engaged in clerical or sales occupation (AOR = 0.855, CI: 0.74-0.99), and those who were covered by health insurance (AOR = 0.59, CI: 0.53-0.66) had lower odds of facing barriers in accessing healthcare. Similarly, those who listened to radio at least once in a week (AOR =0.77, CI: 0.66-0.90), those who watched television at least once a week (AOR = 0.75, CI: 0.64-0.87), and women in the richest wealth quintile (AOR = 0.47, CI: 0.35-0.63) had lower odds of facing barriers in accessing healthcare. However, women who were widowed (AOR = 1.47, CI: 1.03-2.10), those in the Volta Region (AOR 2.20, CI: I.38-3.53), and those in the Upper West Region (AOR =2.22, CI: 1.32-3.74) had the highest odds of facing barriers to healthcare accessibility.ConclusionThis study shows that individual and contextual factors are significant in predicting barriers in healthcare access in Ghana. The factors identified include age, marital status, employment, health insurance coverage, frequency of listening to radio, frequency of watching television, wealth status, and region of residence. These findings highlight the need to pay critical attention to these factors in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 3.1, 3.7, and 3.8. It is equally important to strengthen existing strategies to mitigate barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Ghana

A multi-country cross-sectional study of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundDespite the importance of self-reporting health in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) control, studies on self-reported sexually transmitted infections (SR-STIs) are scanty, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with SR-STIs among sexually active men (SAM) in SSA.MethodsAnalysis was done based on the current Demographic and Health Survey of 27 countries in SSA conducted between 2010 and 2018. A total of 130,916 SAM were included in the analysis. The outcome variable was SR-STI. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with a statistical significance set at p ResultsOn the average, the prevalence of STIs among SAM in SSA was 3.8%, which ranged from 13.5% in Liberia to 0.4% in Niger. Sexually-active men aged 25-34 (AOR = 1.77, CI:1.6-1.95) were more likely to report STIs, compared to those aged 45 or more years. Respondents who were working (AOR = 1.24, CI: 1.12-1.38) and those who had their first sex at ages below 20 (AOR = 1.20, CI:1.11-1.29) were more likely to report STIs, compared to those who were not working and those who had their first sex when they were 20 years and above. Also, SAM who were not using condom had higher odds of STIs (AOR = 1.35, CI: 1.25-1.46), compared to those who were using condom. Further, SAM with no comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge had higher odds (AOR = 1.43, CI: 1.08-1.22) of STIs, compared to those who reported to have HIV/AIDS knowledge. Conversely, the odds of reporting STIs was lower among residents of rural areas (AOR = 0.93, CI: 0.88-0.99) compared to their counterparts in urban areas, respondents who had no other sexual partner (AOR = 0.32, CI: 0.29-0.35) compared to those who had 2 or more sexual partners excluding their spouses, those who reported not paying for sex (AOR = 0.55, CI: 0.51-0.59) compared to those who paid for sex, and those who did not read newspapers (AOR = 0.93, CI: 0.86-0.99) compared to those who read.ConclusionSTIs prevalence across the selected countries in SSA showed distinct cross-country variations. Current findings suggest that STIs intervention priorities must be given across countries with high prevalence. Several socio-demographic factors predicted SR-STIs. To reduce the prevalence of STIs among SAM in SSA, it is prudent to take these factors (e.g., age, condom use, employment status, HIV/AIDS knowledge) into consideration when planning health education and STIs prevention strategies among SAM

Individual and contextual factors associated with barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Papua New Guinea: insights from a nationwide demographic and health survey.

BackgroundThis study sought to assess the individual and contextual factors associated with barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Papua New Guinea.MethodsThe study was conducted among 14 653 women aged 15-49 y using data from the 2016-2018 Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable was barriers to accessing healthcare. Descriptive and multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at P ResultsWomen aged 15-19 y were more likely to experience at least one barrier compared with those aged 40-49 y (adjusted OR [AOR]=1.48; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.86). Women with secondary/higher education (AOR=0.68; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.81), women in the richest wealth quintile (AOR=0.36; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.46) and those in the least disadvantaged socioeconomic status (AOR=0.46; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.64) had lower odds of having challenges with at least one barrier to healthcare. However, living in rural areas increased the odds of facing at least one barrier to healthcare (AOR=1.87; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.77).ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that both individual and contextual factors are associated with barriers to healthcare accessibility among women in Papua New Guinea. To enhance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 3.1, 3.7 and 3.8, it is critical to deem these factors necessary and reinforce prevailing policies to tackle barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Papua New Guinea