African Journal Of Reproductive Health[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Parasocial interaction and mental health outcomes among female viewers of douyin girl-group live broadcasts: A systematic literature review.
Zhang L, Fernandez K
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773417 · Publisher ↗
Parasocial interaction plays a significant role in live-streaming, yet research on female audiences, particularly on platforms like Douyin, remains fragmented. This systematic review consolidates quantitative studies (20...
Parasocial interaction plays a significant role in live-streaming, yet research on female audiences, particularly on platforms like Douyin, remains fragmented. This systematic review consolidates quantitative studies (2018-2025) to examine the connections between parasocial interaction and mental health outcomes in female viewers of girl-group livestreams. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 22 studies were analyzed. The findings reveal a consistent correlation between parasocial interaction and mental health impacts. Stronger emotional bonds were often associated with higher levels of psychological distress, particularly when combined with compulsive viewing behaviors. Perceived social support emerged as a moderating factor, sometimes alleviating distress but at other times amplifying susceptibility. Gender-specific trends suggest that female fans are more likely to form deep emotional connections through parasocial ties, which can lead to both heightened risks and notable benefits. In conclusion, parasocial interaction within live-streaming substantially affects the mental health of female viewers. This underscores the importance of theory-driven platform designs, effective content moderation, and longitudinal studies to better understand and manage these long-term psychological implications.
Understanding the intersection of perinatal HIV and sexual and reproductive health: A scoping review protocol.
Ndlazi BE, Mphuthi DD
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773416 · Publisher ↗
With the increasing prevalence of adolescents and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (AYA-PHIV) globally, there is a pressing need for a holistic management approach that addresses the sexual and reproduct...
With the increasing prevalence of adolescents and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (AYA-PHIV) globally, there is a pressing need for a holistic management approach that addresses the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of this population. The proposed scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature on perinatal HIV and SRHR, thereby enhancing our understanding of the global response to these issues and informing future research. The review will be conducted through a comprehensive electronic search across various databases. To facilitate the screening and reporting of relevant literature, scoping and systematic review software along with reference management tools will be utilised. A qualitative content analysis approach will be employed to gain insights into the phenomena. The review may serve as a precursor for a systematic review, guided by the findings. The collaborative approach of this review is expected to enhance the credibility of the processes and findings.
Attitudes of mothers to male circumcision in North-East Democratic Republic of Congo: A cross-sectional study.
Dochynets V, Schellenberg AE, Wood P
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773384 · Publisher ↗
Male circumcision is an accepted HIV prevention measure in high-incidence countries and is now part of global HIV prevention programs. We interviewed 63 mothers at four major hospitals in Bunia, North-Eastern Democratic...
Male circumcision is an accepted HIV prevention measure in high-incidence countries and is now part of global HIV prevention programs. We interviewed 63 mothers at four major hospitals in Bunia, North-Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between February and March 2014, about their circumcision practices for their sons, including reasons and timing. All participants indicated that their son's father was circumcised and that they have or will circumcise their son. The most common reason given was adherence to social norms. Only 12.7% mentioned prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The mean age of circumcision was 2.5 ± 1.8 years, with reasons including greater strength to tolerate surgery (34.9%) and better pain tolerance (27.0%). All responses were recorded, entered into Microsoft Excel, and analyzed to calculate the mean, average, and standard deviation statistics. Few mothers planned circumcision in the newborn period. These findings suggest that circumcision in the DRC is culturally driven rather than motivated by HIV prevention and typically occurs after the newborn period. Parental education on optimal timing is needed to reduce surgical risks and maximize health benefits.
Constructing well-being through music education: A qualitative inquiry into older women's emotional, social, and cognitive lives in China.
Li Z, Wu X, Wang H
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773383 · Publisher ↗
This study explores how music education enhances happiness among Chinese elderly women. Focusing on their lived experiences, the research involved 120 women aged 60-70 from twelve senior universities in nine Chinese citi...
This study explores how music education enhances happiness among Chinese elderly women. Focusing on their lived experiences, the research involved 120 women aged 60-70 from twelve senior universities in nine Chinese cities. Data was collected via in-depth interviews and analyzed using grounded theory methodology through open, axial, and selective coding. This process yielded nine core categories and a theoretical model centered on "happiness construction." The findings reveal three primary pathways through which music education boosts well-being: First, it improves physical and mental states via emotional regulation and health promotion. Second, it shapes the external environment through social belonging, family influence, and economic conditions. Third, it stimulates intrinsic motivation through self-identity, cognitive stimulation, learning drive, and teaching feedback, thereby rebuilding self-worth and fostering a sense of achievement. This study confirms the role of social activities in elderly well-being and highlights the unique capacity of music education to integrate emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural functions.
Contributions of women workforce to the Nigerian economic growth from 1990 to 2022.
Huang YY, Chang HJ, Chen TM … +2 more , Aderemi TA, Bassey R
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773343 · Publisher ↗
The study employs descriptive and econometric methods in examining the contribution of women's participation to the economic growth of Nigeria from 1990 to 2022. Data sources employed were World Bank Development Indicato...
The study employs descriptive and econometric methods in examining the contribution of women's participation to the economic growth of Nigeria from 1990 to 2022. Data sources employed were World Bank Development Indicators. Through examination of the data, the study finds that industry remains the largest employer of women in Nigeria, followed by the agricultural sector. Besides, the contribution of female employment in agriculture, services, and manufacturing sectors on Nigerian economic growth was found to be negative although statistically insignificant. Similarly, the female labor participation rate also does not have any significant effect on the economic growth of the nation. In response to these findings, the study recommends that Nigerian policymakers and other stakeholders' direct investment to the industrial, service, and agricultural sectors in order to promote SDG 8-inclusive economic growth-through increased involvement of women in the working population. Gender balance also must take center stage in recruitment exercises in these sectors as a method of reducing discrimination against women in jobs.
Assessment of the effectiveness of "conceive, design, implement, and operate-based" flipped classroom approach to laparoscopic nursing training.
Shao Q, Zhou K
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773335 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach based on the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) framework in training newly recruited gynecologic operating room nurses in laparoscopic n...
This study investigated the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach based on the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) framework in training newly recruited gynecologic operating room nurses in laparoscopic nursing. A total of 74 nurses were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving traditional instruction or an observation group receiving CDIO-based flipped classroom teaching. Key learning outcomes were compared between the two groups, including performance in laparoscopic surgery assistance, procedural proficiency, theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, self-directed learning, and teaching satisfaction. Results showed that while both groups improved after training, the observation group outperformed the control group in all measured areas (P < 0.05). Nurses in the flipped classroom group showed better understanding of endoscopy, more accurate instrument handling, and greater gains in theoretical knowledge. They also demonstrated significantly improved critical thinking and independent learning skills, along with higher satisfaction with the teaching experience. These findings suggest that integrating the CDIO framework with a flipped classroom model can significantly enhance the clinical competence and learning engagement of new gynecologic OR nurses, making it a more effective alternative to traditional teaching methods.
The effect of health anxiety on attitudes and sexual function in women during the menopausal period.
Günaydin Y, Kir E, Toker S
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773319 · Publisher ↗
This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between health anxiety, attitudes toward menopause, and sexual function in menopausal women. The participants' mean total scores were 38.67 ± 11.16...
This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between health anxiety, attitudes toward menopause, and sexual function in menopausal women. The participants' mean total scores were 38.67 ± 11.16 for the Attitudes Toward Menopause Scale (ATMS), 21.12 ± 6.63 for the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI-18), and 15.01 ± 5.50 for the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6). A negative correlation was found between ATMS scores and both SHAI-18 and its "Bodily Symptom Hypersensitivity" subscale (p<0.05). Additionally, a negative association was observed between SHAI-18 and FSFI-6 scores (p<0.05). Regression analysis revealed that ATMS had a statistically significant effect on SHAI-18 (p<0.001), with a 1-point increase in SHAI-18 associated with a 0.160-point decrease in ATMS scores. Furthermore, ATMS scores were found to explain 7% of the observed differences in SHAI-18 scores. In conclusion, increased health anxiety in menopausal women negatively affects their attitudes toward menopause, leading to psychosexual difficulties.
The effect of mindfulness meditation nursing on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.
Chen X, Ding L
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773318 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the impact of mindfulness meditation (MM) nursing on outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). A total of 100 infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET were randomly assigned to eith...
This study investigated the impact of mindfulness meditation (MM) nursing on outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). A total of 100 infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET were randomly assigned to either a conventional care group or an MM group, with 50 patients in each. While both groups received routine nursing, the MM group received additional MM-based nursing interventions. Compared to the conventional group, the MM group showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores (VAS) and better psychological outcomes, as evidenced by improvements in anxiety (SAS), depression (SDS), sleep quality (PSQI), and overall quality of life (WHO-QOL-BREF) (all P<0.001). Moreover, the MM group had higher numbers of punctured follicles and retrieved oocytes (P<0.001), more embryos transferred on day 3 post-retrieval (P=0.047), and a higher pregnancy rate (P=0.045). These findings suggest that incorporating MM into nursing care during IVF-ET can effectively reduce psychological stress, enhance well-being, and improve clinical outcomes.
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Batswana women towards indigenous contraception.
Arthur M, Moroole M, Albert S … +3 more , Materechera S, Oladapo A, Aremu A
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773304 · Publisher ↗
Indigenous contraception can play a significant role in reducing unwanted pregnancies in Africa. The objective of the study was to evaluate women's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards indigenous contraction. Th...
Indigenous contraception can play a significant role in reducing unwanted pregnancies in Africa. The objective of the study was to evaluate women's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards indigenous contraction. Three hundred and eighty-three (383) women were sampled randomly. Data was collected using a research questionnaire that included multiple choice questions and a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square (x2) test of independence were used for data analysis, with P-value < 0.05. The overall knowledge was poor, with abstinence being the only technique known by majority women. Most young women (20-40 years) had a negative attitude and bad perception about indigenous contraception. Older women were associated with more knowledge and better attitudes toward indigenous contraception (P<0.05). Older women need to assist in awareness campaigns to improve young women's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards indigenous contraception.
Dynamic changes of cervical microbiome during pregnancy for preterm birth risk prediction: A prospective cohort study.
Ma H, Hu K, Wang Y
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773303 · Publisher ↗
This prospective cohort study investigated the dynamic changes in the cervical microbiome during pregnancy and developed a predictive model for preterm birth risk. Ninety-three singleton pregnant women were enrolled, inc...
This prospective cohort study investigated the dynamic changes in the cervical microbiome during pregnancy and developed a predictive model for preterm birth risk. Ninety-three singleton pregnant women were enrolled, including 41 with preterm birth and 52 with term delivery. Cervical secretions were collected at four gestational stages and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, alongside ELISA testing for inflammatory markers. The preterm group exhibited significantly lower microbial diversity and a progressively increasing ratio of Lactobacillus iners to Lactobacillus crispatus throughout pregnancy. Early pregnancy IL-6 levels were also significantly elevated in this group. Logistic regression identified the L. iners/L. crispatus ratio, IL-6, history of preterm birth, and short cervical length as independent risk factors. The integrated prediction model demonstrated high accuracy (AUC 0.847), with even stronger performance in predicting births before 34 weeks (AUC 0.892). These findings suggest that microbiome patterns and inflammatory markers can effectively predict preterm birth risk, supporting early clinical intervention.
Awareness and utilization of obstetric services among pregnant women: Healthcare providers' perceptions and experiences in Lejweleputswa District, South Africa.
Magaisa S, Dorasamy N
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773196 · Publisher ↗
This study examines pregnant women's awareness and utilization of antenatal and obstetric services in the Lejweleputswa District, South Africa. A qualitative case study design was employed, using interviews conducted bet...
This study examines pregnant women's awareness and utilization of antenatal and obstetric services in the Lejweleputswa District, South Africa. A qualitative case study design was employed, using interviews conducted between October and November 2024 with 32 healthcare providers, including nurses, midwives, and facility managers. The study explored factors shaping service uptake, such as socio-economic barriers, cultural beliefs, late antenatal booking, and health system challenges. Findings show that limited awareness of available services, persistent cultural misconceptions, long travel distances, and shortages of skilled staff reduce early and consistent antenatal care (ANC) attendance. The study recommends strengthening community health education, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing provider-patient communication to address these barriers. Practical implication: The results can support district-level policies aimed at increasing early ANC use and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal complications in rural settings.
The cognitive impact of AI-generated content on sexual and reproductive health cognition among women in Africa and Latin America: opportunities, challenges, and future paths.
Wang Y, Yuan S, Lin X … +2 more , Zhang G, Chen H
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773063 · Publisher ↗
AI-Generated Content (AIGC) is reshaping information landscapes in Africa and Latin America, impacting women's Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) cognition. This paper explores AIGC's dualistic role through...
AI-Generated Content (AIGC) is reshaping information landscapes in Africa and Latin America, impacting women's Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) cognition. This paper explores AIGC's dualistic role through systematic literature synthesis, critical analysis of reports from international health organizations and government agencies, and the development of illustrative case scenarios grounded in documented experiences from these regions. Rather than presenting primary ethnographic data, this conceptual analysis synthesizes existing evidence and constructs contextually informed vignettes to illuminate the complex interplay between emerging technology, cultural contexts, and health cognition. The study highlights the digital divide, cultural factors, and trust as crucial mediators, demonstrating AIGC's dual potential: a tool for empowerment by improving information accessibility, personalization, and discussion of sensitive issues, yet also a risk for exacerbating inequalities through misinformation, algorithmic bias, and ethical concerns. It underscores women's active negotiation of AIGC within their specific socio-cultural contexts. The paper proposes strategic recommendations for technology developers, health systems, and policymakers to responsibly leverage AIGC, promoting a human-centric, equitable, and culturally sensitive approach to foster health equity.
Young people's perceptions of access to sexual and reproductive health services in Manzini, Eswatini: a qualitative study.
Fakudze S, Mmusi-Phetoe RM
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773062 · Publisher ↗
Despite the global agreements on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), access to and utilisation of these services among the young people including adolescents remain unsatisfactory in low- and m...
Despite the global agreements on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), access to and utilisation of these services among the young people including adolescents remain unsatisfactory in low- and middle-income countries including eSwatini. This study aimed to explore and describe young people's aged 10-24 perceptions of accessing SRHR services. Convenience purposive sampling was used to recruit fourteen (14) participants who were seeking SRHR services at Family Life Association of Swaziland clinic in Manzini. Semi-structured interviews were used through face-to-face in-depth and audiotaped interviews, in October 2017. Colaizzi's seven steps of data analysis was used. Barriers to service access include low health literacy, stigma, privacy and confidentiality. Enablers of utilisation of the services were mostly structural in nature which included community outreaches and health education. Providing young people with SRHR information and services through the existing healthcare system, presents an opportunity that should be further optimised.
Sexual and reproductive health and mental health interactions in women: A call for integrated care.
Okonofua F
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 41773056 · Publisher ↗
This edition of the journal publishes two papers1,2 and several others in previous editions of the journal, that establish an interlink between sexual and reproductive health and mental health in women. Given the rising...
This edition of the journal publishes two papers1,2 and several others in previous editions of the journal, that establish an interlink between sexual and reproductive health and mental health in women. Given the rising incidence of mental ill-health especially in young women, it is important to flag this relationship and to emphasize the need for further research and related interventions. This editorial synthesizes the evidence from previous studies and underscores the need for integrated care that addresses the interlinked physical and mental health needs of women.
A scoping review of abortion law liberalisation in Africa and prospects for Nigeria.
Ogunne KO, Ajuwon AJ
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 41738331 · Publisher ↗
Globally, there is a strong trend toward liberalizing safe abortion laws, with Africa leading in expanding legal grounds for safe abortion over the past two decades. Despite this progress, Nigeria still maintains restric...
Globally, there is a strong trend toward liberalizing safe abortion laws, with Africa leading in expanding legal grounds for safe abortion over the past two decades. Despite this progress, Nigeria still maintains restrictive, century-old abortion laws. Given Nigeria's alarming contribution to maternal deaths and unsafe abortions, this paper examines empirical evidence on the factors influencing abortion policy changes in African countries.The study utilised scoping reviews, which involved a search of databases - Web of Science, Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed - that yielded 8793 records. After screening for relevance, only 14 studies were included in the review, which focused on factors and processes of abortion law liberalisation in African countries. The study found the following factors vital in influencing liberalisation in most African countries: scaling-up awareness through research, medical society engagements, women's movement, the transnational influence of international human rights norms, and multi-stakeholders coalition. Drawing from the lessons of other African countries, liberalising Nigeria's abortion laws and providing accessible safe abortion services can significantly reduce unsafe, illegal abortions. To achieve policy reforms, researchers, advocates, and other stakeholders must strategically navigate Nigeria's murky abortion policy space collectively and strategically.
Self-managed abortion practices and post-abortion care experiences among women of reproductive age in Southwest Nigeria.
Agunbiade-Oche VT
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 41738329 · Publisher ↗
Self-managed abortion poses risks and challenges, and the current healthcare system fails to adequately address post-abortion issues. This study aimed to examine self-managed abortion practices, post-abortion care experi...
Self-managed abortion poses risks and challenges, and the current healthcare system fails to adequately address post-abortion issues. This study aimed to examine self-managed abortion practices, post-abortion care experiences, and the difficulties in accessing abortion drugs in Southwest Nigeria, among women in their reproductive ages. Qualitative research methods were employed. Between February and April 2023, fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with women aged 15 to 49 years. Self-managed abortions were associated with both satisfying and disappointing outcomes. Women used various drugs such as misoprostol, mifepristone, Mifestad, Cytotec, white quinine, and a combination of 'alabukun' and lime to induce abortion. Accessing abortion drugs presented several challenges. In conclusion, self-managed abortion poses challenges related to accessing safe drugs and resorting to the use of alternative remedies to prescription-based drugs. At least as a harm reduction strategy, it is crucial to ensure the availability of safe abortion medications to discourage women from choosing risky self-managed abortion methods as alternatives.
Facility readiness and availability of sexual and reproductive health services for female undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Ondo State.
Aladegboye MK, Fatusi AO
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 41738317 · Publisher ↗
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Nigeria have a high burden of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems. SRH burden may be higher among female undergraduates, given the peculiarity of campus environments t...
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Nigeria have a high burden of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems. SRH burden may be higher among female undergraduates, given the peculiarity of campus environments that allow for more sexual freedoms. Studies on AGYW SRH issues in Nigeria have not sufficiently focused on female undergraduates and the campus setting of SRH service provision. Consequently, very little is known about the availability of SRH services in institution-based health facilities and the facilities' readiness to respond to SRH needs. This cross-sectional study assessed the availability of SRH services to 638 female undergraduates in six private and public tertiary institutions in Ondo State and the readiness of the institution-based facilities for service delivery across six SRH domains: sexuality education; family planning; safe motherhood; post-abortion care; sexually transmitted infections; and, sexual violence. Analysis was undertaken using SPSS. The findings show a low level of availability of SRH services to female undergraduates and poor readiness of institution-based health facilities centers regarding SRH service provision. Identified gaps in the readiness of institution-based health facilities need to be addressed to facilitate improved availability and accessibility of female undergraduates to comprehensive SRH services.
Availability and readiness of post-abortion care in public and private healthcare facilities in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Adejugbe BO, Joshua AO, Akanni AI … +2 more , Ogunoye OR, Adejugbe OJ
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 41738316 · Publisher ↗
This study examined the availability, readiness and barriers of post-abortion care (PAC) services in healthcare facilities. Using a cross-sectional design, mixed-method data was collected from 25 selected public and priv...
This study examined the availability, readiness and barriers of post-abortion care (PAC) services in healthcare facilities. Using a cross-sectional design, mixed-method data was collected from 25 selected public and private health facilities across three Local Government Areas (Ife Central, Ife East, and Ife North) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Quantitative findings reveal significant disparities in PAC service readiness, with private facilities demonstrating higher availability for essential services such as blood transfusions (75.0%) and removal of retained products beyond 12 weeks (65.0%), compared to public facilities (40.0% for both services). Private facilities also had better emergency response capacity (45.0%) than public facilities (20.0%). Qualitative insights identified systemic factors, patient non-compliance, high service costs, inadequate PAC facilities, and negative attitudes of healthcare providers towards abortion as key barriers to quality PAC. PAC service readiness is better in private than public facilities. Addressing systemic barriers is essential for equitable access to PAC.
Determinants and barriers to safe abortion care in Nigeria: A mixed method study.
Abatan SM, Asa SS
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 41738297 · Publisher ↗
Barriers to safe abortion care are major contributors to the high levels of maternal death, ill health, and disability in Nigeria. This study employed a mixed-method approach to investigate the determinants and barriers...
Barriers to safe abortion care are major contributors to the high levels of maternal death, ill health, and disability in Nigeria. This study employed a mixed-method approach to investigate the determinants and barriers to safe abortion care in Nigeria. The quantitative aspect of this study used data from the 2019-2020 follow-up survey. These were 1388 women from six Nigerian states who reported an abortion experience in the 2018 baseline cross-sectional survey of Nigeria Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) datasets. Twenty in-depth interviews were performed with women seeking post-abortion treatment at two teaching hospitals in southwest Nigeria (FETHI and LAUTECH). Approximately 30% of the 1388 abortions performed were unsafe. Younger women were less likely to practice safe abortion care (OR=0.64, p<0.05). The odds of safe abortion care increased with education level (OR=1.83, p<0.05),(OR=2.62, p<0.001), and (OR=3.84, p<0.001) for primary, secondary, and higher education. Other are residence, marital, and wealth status, The IDI results revealed that the majority of abortions are performed in a private, unconventional location. Low socioeconomic position, sociocultural norms, and legislative constraints all pose significant challenges to safe abortion care in Nigeria. To enhance access to safe abortion in Nigeria, the government must evaluate socio-legal obstacles.
Evaluation of the outcomes of a capacity strengthening project on abortion research in Nigeria.
Ajuwon AJ, Agunbiade OM, Adedini SA … +8 more , Akinyemi A, Fatusi A, Ogunoye O, Fagbemi A, Asa S, Stillman M, Owolabi O, Bankole A
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 41733481 · Publisher ↗
Unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion are major public health problems in Nigeria. In 2021, the Guttmacher Institute, USA, the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), and the Centre for Research, Evaluation Resources,...
Unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion are major public health problems in Nigeria. In 2021, the Guttmacher Institute, USA, the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), and the Centre for Research, Evaluation Resources, and Development (CRERD), launched the Capacity Strengthening for Abortion Research in Nigeria (CSARN) project to equip early-career researchers with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to conduct and disseminate abortion-related research in Nigeria. Twenty-five mid- and early-career researchers were selected as CSARN fellows. We evaluated the impact of the CSARN program on the fellows' research achievements and professional development. Data were collected through an online survey among 17 out of the 24 fellows trained. Six of the fellows participated in in-depth interviews that further investigated their experiences and scholarly achievements. Most of the survey respondents (12; 70.6%) were female, with a mean age of 37.7±5.8. After the training, most participants (88.2%) had published an article in a scholarly journal, made oral (76.5%) or poster presentations (64.7%) at scientific conferences. In addition, 41.2% had won a research grant, with a combined value of $61,573 USD. There was consensus among in-depth interviewees that the CSARN training has positively impacted their career development, describing the program as 'superb', 'eye opener', 'exciting and interesting'. The CSARN program is a model that can be scaled up and/or adapted in other settings to help meet the research and professional training needs of young researchers interested in sexual and reproductive health.
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