Chavane L, Dgedge M, Bailey P
… +3 more, Loquiha O, Aerts M, Temmerman M
J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
· 2017 Jul · PMID 27609667
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: The contraceptive prevalence rate in Mozambique was estimated as 11.3% in the last Demographic and Health Survey. The impact of family planning (FP) on women's health and on the reduction of maternal mortalit...BACKGROUND: The contraceptive prevalence rate in Mozambique was estimated as 11.3% in the last Demographic and Health Survey. The impact of family planning (FP) on women's health and on the reduction of maternal mortality is well known. METHODS: Acknowledging the importance of user satisfaction in the utilisation of health services, exit interviews were used to assess women's satisfaction with FP services in Mozambique. The survey, conducted in 174 health facilities, was representative at the national level, covered all provinces, and both urban and rural areas. RESULTS: Overall, 86% of respondents were satisfied with FP services, but issues such as insufficient supplies of oral contraceptives and the low quality of healthcare provider/client interactions were given as reasons for women's dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: Defined actions at the level of health service provision are needed to tackle the identified issues and ensure improved satisfaction with, and better utilisation of, FP services in Mozambique.
Budhathoki SS, Bhattachan M, Pokharel PK
… +2 more, Bhadra M, van Teijlingen E
J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
· 2017 Apr · PMID 27507295
·
Publisher ↗
It is a normal human tendency to 'run for your life' when an earthquake occurs. Adolescent girls and women of reproductive age leave their homes with only the clothes they are wearing to save their own and their families...It is a normal human tendency to 'run for your life' when an earthquake occurs. Adolescent girls and women of reproductive age leave their homes with only the clothes they are wearing to save their own and their families' lives. Immediate disaster relief aid with its (unintentional) lack of gender sensitivity has little or no materials for the appropriate management of menstrual hygiene. The biological needs of disaster-affected women will not change despite the dire need for basic food, shelter and security. Timely identification and preparation beforehand with appropriate and culturally sensitive techniques and locally available materials that are reusable can help introduce sustainable and acceptable means of managing menstrual hygiene in a crisis. The use of reusable sanitary towels is well accepted for menstrual hygiene management in non-disaster situations and is appropriate in post-earthquake relief in Nepal.
J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
· 2016 Jul · PMID 27387582
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Although teenage pregnancy levels are declining, the North East of England still has the highest rate of young parenthood (age <18 years) in the UK. Young parents and their children often face many health and...BACKGROUND: Although teenage pregnancy levels are declining, the North East of England still has the highest rate of young parenthood (age <18 years) in the UK. Young parents and their children often face many health and social problems, requiring interactions with a wide range of health professionals, such as midwives, doctors and health visitors. AIM: This qualitative interview study aimed to explore young parents' views and experiences of interactions with health professionals. METHODS: Young mothers and fathers (n=10) were recruited from youth groups and Sure Start parenting classes in Newcastle upon Tyne during the period April-June 2013. They took part in one-to-one or small group semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences of interacting with health professionals about their own health and that of their child. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Emergent themes included: beliefs about children's health; proving oneself as a parent; and positives of parenting. All the participants distinguished between being a 'first-time parent, not just a young parent' and all, to varying degrees, challenged the authority and judgement of medical and nursing practitioners with regard to their children's health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the need for health professionals to be particularly aware of the sensitivities arising from the power imbalances perceived by young parents of ill children. This can be achieved by following communication skills frameworks (e.g. the Calgary-Cambridge framework) that emphasise the importance of techniques such as active listening and building rapport.
J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
· 2017 Jul · PMID 27312425
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The motivation to have a child may be complex with numerous influencing factors, particularly among individuals living with HIV. This study sought to understand factors influencing fertility decision-making f...BACKGROUND: The motivation to have a child may be complex with numerous influencing factors, particularly among individuals living with HIV. This study sought to understand factors influencing fertility decision-making for HIV-infected men and women in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: Thirteen focus groups were conducted among HIV-infected individuals enrolled in antiretroviral treatment services. RESULTS: Participants identified a hierarchy of influences in fertility decisions including the importance of childbearing, patriarchal influence, family influences and concern regarding HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing fertility conversations beyond the confines of a relationship may be important, as family plays a significant role in fertility choices. Childbearing remains a fundamental desire among many individuals with HIV; however, concerns regarding transmission risk need to be addressed with efforts made to overcome misconception and assist individuals in balancing what may be competing influences.
J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
· 2017 Apr · PMID 27267798
·
Publisher ↗
A new generation of expert witnesses in sexual and reproductive health is needed, including those in nursing as well as medical roles. Being an expert witness is a significant commitment alongside clinical work. Neverthe...A new generation of expert witnesses in sexual and reproductive health is needed, including those in nursing as well as medical roles. Being an expert witness is a significant commitment alongside clinical work. Nevertheless, the work is stimulating and rewarding. Training is essential before starting medicolegal work. In particular expert witnesses need to be able to apply appropriate legal tests to the evidence, to deal with the range of expert opinion on a matter, and explain clearly what constitutes an appropriate standard of care for a clinician in their discipline and specialty. Expert witnesses must be aware of pitfalls such as being sued for substandard work and being reported to their professional regulator for straying outside their area of expertise. Expert witnesses must be truly independent and ideally their reports should be the same whoever they receive their instructions from. In addition to report writing, expert witnesses are required to comment on court documents, participate in conferences with a barrister and hold formal discussions with an opposing expert witness. Expert witnesses need to be administratively efficient and responsive. Although appearance in court is not that common, this is an essential part of the role. Apart from litigation in the civil courts, other types of case may present themselves including patent cases, work in the Court of Protection and health professionals' Fitness to Practise hearings.
J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
· 2016 Jul · PMID 27267797
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Presenting risk information to patients is an important part of clinical encounters. Good risk communication improves patient satisfaction with their care and the decisions they make. In sexual and reproducti...OBJECTIVES: Presenting risk information to patients is an important part of clinical encounters. Good risk communication improves patient satisfaction with their care and the decisions they make. In sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH), women frequently need to make decisions based on their perceived risk. Risk perception can be altered by how actual risk is presented to patients. METHODS: Databases were searched using MeSH terms combined with a keyword search for articles relevant to SRH; the search was limited to English language. RESULTS: Personalised risk communication where a risk score is provided, increases knowledge and slightly increases uptake of screening tests. Decision aids improve a patient's knowledge of the options, create realistic expectations of their benefits and harms, reduce difficulty with decision-making, and increase participation in the process. The most effective way to present risks uses a range of structured, tailored presentation styles; interactive formats are best. Framing the information improves patient understanding. Most people understand natural frequencies or event rates better than probability formats with varying denominators. Expressing changes in risk as an absolute risk reduction or relative risk reduction with baseline risk formats improves understanding. Descriptive terms such as 'low risk' or 'high risk' should be quantified as a frequency rather than a percentage. Using a consistent denominator to portray risk is recommended. Using the 'number needed to treat' and visual aids puts benefits or risks into perspective. The duration of risk should be presented. CONCLUSION: Presenting risk information to patients can be optimised using a number of strategies.