African journal of reproductive health最新文献

Intravenous access is a critical component of clinical care for neonates. Given neonates' underdeveloped vascular systems, fragile skin barrier, and immature immune responses, they experience substantially higher rates of catheter-related complications (including infections and bleeding) compared to adult populations. This research introduces an innovative Full-Cycle Indwelling Needle Management (FCINM), establishing a tripartite framework of "Evaluation-Implementation-Surveillance". By combining advanced dressing techniques and proactive maintenance protocols, this approach significantly enhances first-attempt success rates (92.0% vs. 74.0%, p=0.017) while reducing catheterization time. Post-implementation results showed reductions in complication rates, along with improvements in care adherence. Compared with the standard care group, the observation group showed no significant difference in puncture site infection rates, the observation group demonstrated significantly lower infection rates through antimicrobial-impregnated dressings and proactive maintenance approaches. In conclusion, FCINM enhances the accuracy and safety of neonatal intravenous therapy by integrating technological advancements and procedural refinements.

This prospective cross-sectional comparative study aimed to elucidate the effects of insulin resistance and the role of osteocalcin protein in male infertility. A cohort of 171 infertile men aged 25-55 was examined at an assisted reproduction clinic. Hormone profiles, glucose/insulin levels, osteocalcin concentrations, lipid profiles, and semen parameters were assessed. Using the HOMA index, patients were classified as insulin-resistant (n=87) or insulin-sensitive (n=84). Insulin-resistant patients had significantly lower total testosterone (p<0.001), free androgen index (p<0.001), and carboxylated osteocalcin levels (p=0.039) compared to insulin-sensitive patients. Linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between HOMA-IR and both total testosterone levels (p=0.022) and sperm motility (p=0.037). No association was found between HOMA-IR and osteocalcin levels (p=0.417). These findings suggest that insulin resistance negatively impacts male reproductive function, particularly testosterone levels and sperm motility. Larger studies are needed to confirm the role of osteocalcin in male infertility and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) plays a significant role in the wellbeing of individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Adherence to ART is vital for patients since it helps to prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading through the body. This study explored challenges that hinder patients' adherence to ART at a mobile clinic of KwaZulu-Natal municipality, South Africa. A qualitative research approach was utilised, using an exploratory and descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to select five participants aged 18 years and older, receiving treatment at a mobile clinic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from patients who defaulted ART treatment and analysed thematically. The findings revealed barriers to adherence as socioeconomic factors, stigma, and discrimination. Addressing ART non-adherence requires a multifaceted approach involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community support structures. Recommendations include improving patient education on treatment adherence, ensuring consistent availability of medication at mobile clinics, and implementing patient-centered care strategies to enhance healthcare provider-patient relationships. Strengthening support systems within families and communities can also play a critical role in reducing stigma and encouraging adherence. Future research should explore adherence challenges in diverse settings, including urban areas, to develop broader interventions.

This study aimed to investigate the level of inpatient health care satisfaction and healthy life education consciousness of parents.The study employed a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study design. This study consisted of 211 parents whose children were monitored as inpatients in the pediatric clinic of the State Hospital. The data were collected with the Parent and Child Descriptive Information Form, PedsQL Healthcare Satisfaction Scale (PHSS), and Healthy Life Education Conscious Level Scale in Parents (HLECLSP). The average HLECLSP score of the parents in the study was 125.65±19.65, and the PHSS average score was 69.80±20.25, which was at a moderate level. It was determined that the mean scores of PHSS varied according to the status of the following current developments related to the health and hospitalization process, and these differences were statistically significant. It was determined that the mean scores of HLECLSP differed according to family type, education level, working status, parents' job, and parents' status of following current developments, and these differences were statistically significant. Parents' satisfaction with health care was determined to increase in parallel with their perception of healthy life education consciousness. It is especially recommended that health care environments be improved in terms of parents' emotional support needs, and updated healthy life awareness training programs for parents be included.

Family planning is essential for fertility management in Indonesia, where population increase is still a multifaceted problem. Using data from 2017 Indonesian Health Survey (IDHS), this study examines the perceptions that influence couples to choose sterilization contraception due to its low adoption rate and female domination. The design was cross-sectional with a sample of 8,344 couples of reproductive age. Analysis was conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariate the using logistic regression. The results showed that only 3.8% of PUS used sterilization, with a significant gender disparity (female: 4.5%; male: 0.1%). The perception was found to be significantly associated (OR Model 3 = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.555-2.956). This study demonstrates how male participation in sterilization is hampered by social norms and traditional gender roles, including the belief that contraception is a woman's responsibility. Sterilization adoption rates could be balanced and increased male participation in family planning encouraged by promoting gender equality through education and focused campaigns.

This descriptive study addresses a critical research gap by examining HPV and cervical neoplasia among women who have sex with women (WSW) in Cameroon, an underserved population. WSW typically undergo less frequent cervical cancer screening. We conducted a pilot study in Douala, Cameroon, recruiting WSW through Elle Cameroon, a community organization serving underserved populations. Working within the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, participants underwent HPV screening and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) enhanced by Digital Cervicography (DC). We ran the frequencies and determined the p-values, prevalence odds ratios (POR) and prevalence risk ratios (PRR) using STATA 17. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Of 26 participants enrolled, 19 (73.1%) provided valid HPV results, with 57.9% (11/19) testing positive for HPV. Also 80.8 % (21/26) of the participants were screened for cervical neoplasia and 19.05% (4/19) were positive. There was no significant association between HPV cervical neoplasia. Those who were HPV positive had 1.4 and 1.3 POR and PRR respectively. Our results suggest high prevalence of oncogenic HPV and cervical neoplasia among WSW in Cameroon. An adequately powered study is needed to further elucidate these findings and address healthcare disparities in this underserved population.

This study investigates the impact of menstrual symptoms (MS) on workplace productivity among 384 women in the IT, healthcare and education sectors. Women provided data on menstrual flow, irregularity, pain, tiredness, concentration trouble and rated their performance on a 1-5 scale. Findings suggest that 52.9% of participants had decreased job performance during menstruation ( 53% lower score) while 87.8% had regular cycles and 60.7% experienced normal flow. Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated a stronger association between MS and reduced productivity than with absenteeism (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin or KMO = 0.60 for shared variable structure per standard thresholds; Bartlett's χ² = 3516.13, p<.001 implying <0.1% chance of an identity correlation matrix). Moderate strength was noticed between concentration issues and menstrual cycle characteristics (Cramer's V≈ 0.32, p<.001). The study highlights the urgent need for workplace policies that address menstrual health, including flexible arrangements and improved hygiene support, to enhance employee well-being and efficiency.

Planned to meet medically-defined needs, sexual and reproductive health services face an incongruent demand resulting from different perceptions of individuals seeking care. Pregnancy being a physiological state, as opposed to disease, maternal perspectives need emphasis in policy-formulation for service delivery to acknowledge the difference from medical care sought for health problems. The complex issue of caesarean section on maternal request necessitates professional guidelines adapted to local situations. Having no business in bedrooms, government should fully respect individual rights and not use their political power to curtail services, whether as pertaining to personal practices or pronatalist policies.

This study examined the nexus between poverty, inequality, and teenage pregnancy in South Africa from 2017 to 2023. This study used socioeconomic indicators from the World Bank and United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) to determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in South Africa. The results showed that human development index has a clear inverse relationship with adolescent fertility underscoring the importance of education and healthcare in reducing teenage pregnancy in the country. Similarly, Gross National Income, GNI per capita demonstrated an inverse relationship with teenage pregnancy. This is an indication that high poverty level fuels a rise in the incidence of the teenage pregnancy in South Africa. However, the Gini coefficient reflects a mixed relationship which suggests a complex association between income inequality and adolescent fertility rate. Though the study points towards a positive association in some context, the specific trends suggest that teenage pregnancy in South Africa might be influenced by multiple factors beyond income inequality. Therefore, we recommend that South African policymakers should prioritize investment in human capital development in order to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy.

This qualitative study aimed to explore elderly individuals' perceptions of sexuality and their sexual lives. The study sample consisted of 15 women aged 65 years and above, who were married and voluntarily participated in the research. Using a phenomenological design, data were collected through face-to-face, in-depth interviews with semi-structured questions and analyzed via NVivo software. Five main themes emerged: Perception of sexuality, old age and sexuality, society and elderly sexuality, problems related to sexuality, message to past self. Participants described sexuality as a vital aspect of human health. Despite this recognition, they reported limitations in expressing their sexuality due to social taboos associated with aging. Many expressed regret and emotional distress over missed opportunities for sexual fulfillment caused by societal pressures. The findings highlight the tension between personal needs and cultural expectations regarding sexuality in later life. This study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting the sexual health of older adults as part of holistic well-being.