Where do tuberculosis patients go for treatment before reporting to DOTS clinics in southern Nigeria

No Abstract.Tanzania Health Research Bulletin Vol. 9(2) 2007: pp.94-10

Family Life and HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) in Schools in Enugu State: Baseline Study of Reproductive Health Issues among In-School Adolescents in Enugu State

We studied the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and practices among junior secondary school grades 1 and 3 students Enugu State, preparatory to incorporating family life and HIV/AIDSeducation (FLHE) into the school curricula in the state. Results show that over 90% of the respondents were regularly involved in sexual activities. More than seventeen per cent (17.5%) indicated that they would definitely have sex in the next two years while 19.2% may have sex in the next two years. The students lacked proper knowledge of protection and knowledge scores on SRH issues was low especially among the urban dwellers (

Reliability of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, and Uganda

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies of HIV often use self-reported surveys to measure sexual knowledge, attitudes, and practices. However, the self-reported data are vulnerable to social desirability (SD), a propensity of individuals to report favorable responses. The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MC-SDS) was developed as a measure of the effect of social desirability, but it has not been adapted for or used in Africa. This study aimed to apply the MC-SDS nested in an HIV behavioral intervention program and to measure its reliability in four African countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The MC-SDS was adapted based on consultations with local stakeholders and pilot tested in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, and Uganda. Trained interviewers administered the modified 28-item MC-SDS survey to 455 men and women (ages 15-24 years). The scores for the social desirability scales were calculated for all participants. An analysis of the internal consistency of responses was conducted using the Cronbach's α coefficient. Acceptable internal consistency was defined as an α coefficient of ≥ 0.70.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mean social desirability scores ranged from a low of 15.7 in Kenya to a high of 20.6 in Mozambique. The mean score was 17.5 for Uganda and 20.6 for Mozambique. The Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.63 in Kenya, 0.66 in Mozambique, 0.70 in Uganda, and 0.80 in Ethiopia.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The MC-SDS can be effectively adapted and implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. The reliability of responses in these settings suggest that the MC-SDS could be a useful tool for capturing potential SD in surveys of HIV related risk behaviors.</p

"I do what I have to do to survive": An investigation into the perceptions, experiences and economic considerations of women engaged in sex work in Northern Namibia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is little published research investigating sex work in Namibia, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the views of women engaged in sex work in the Oshakati area of Namibia concerning the main factors influencing their use, or non-use, of male condoms during transactional sexual exchanges.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Qualitative interviews were used to better understand the perceptions, experiences and economic considerations of female sex workers in Namibia who were involved in a Behavior Change Communication Program encouraging safer sex practices among high-risk populations in 2006 and 2007.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>While the Behavior Change Communication Program has made significant strides in educating and empowering young women to negotiate more consistent condom use with sexual partners, the gendered economic inequalities and power imbalances within rural and semi-urban Namibian society that favor men hinder further advancement towards positive behavioral change for HIV prevention and also hinder the development of the loving relationships sought by some sex workers.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study found that sex workers and transactional sex encounters are heterogeneous entities dependent upon the characteristics of the man (known, stranger, wealthy, attractive to the woman) and the woman (in financial need, desiring love). These features all influence condom use. The 3 E's 'education, empowerment and economic independence' are critical factors needed to encourage and facilitate consistent condom use to prevent HIV transmission. Without financial independence and occupational alternatives building on their health education and empowerment, women who engage in sex work-and transactional sex more generally-will remain largely marginalized from Namibian society, and will continue engaging in risky sexual practices that facilitate HIV acquisition and transmission throughout the community.</p

Policy and Programs for Reducing Maternal Mortality in Enugu State, Nigeria

Using in-depth and key informant interviews, and review of literature on maternal health in Enugu State, this study focused on describing and analyzing the extent to which the State government is committed to reducing maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the State. The results revealed that the reported MMR of about 1,400/100,000 live-births in the State is attributable to preventable medical causes, and is fueled by socio-cultural factors, including poor access to skilled medical personnel. In response to the challenges of high MMR in the State, the Enugu State government initiated a policy on free maternal and child health (FMCH) care in 2007, as a flagship of its maternal health programmes. The FMCH provides free medical, antenatal, delivery and post-natal care for poor women and children in primary and secondary hospitals, and those referred to tertiary hospitals in the State. However, the ratio of doctors to pregnant women in the State (1:1,581) remains abysmally low. Funding of the FMCH also remains inadequate as Local Government Councils (LGCs) demonstrate weak commitment to making contributions to the FMCH programme. We recommend a series of proactive approaches, including high level advocacy as ways to improve political commitment for reducing maternal mortality in Enugu State (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 19-30).Key words: Maternal Mortality, Enugu State, Needs Assessment Report, Policies and Programs