African Journal of Reproductive Health

“We are on our own”: The neglected voices of the boy-child in adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Adolescent reproductive health activities and programmes have been made available to adolescents at schools, non-governmental organisations, and youth-friendly services. However, boys feel neglected as services are mostly catered for girls. This study reflects the neglected voices of a boy-child in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Vhembe District in Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was conducted using a cooperative inquiry design. The data were collected using the Lekgotla discussion method. Data were analysed using NVIVO software version 14 and five steps of thematic analysis were followed during the data analysis. The main themes were as follows: We are on our own, Distorted information on Boko (masturbation); boys don’t get pregnant”; Discussion about sex with elders is taboo; Programmes are centred around a girl-child. The findings revealed that boys felt isolated as they had to rely on friends to teach them methods of preventing pregnancy that can be used by boys, such as masturbation and pulling out. They also felt that discussing sex education with parents and teachers is taboo. It is, therefore, recommended that there is a need for the Department of Health Services to consider having boy-friendly services to assist boys in managing their sexuality.

Attitudes of health sciences students in Turkey towards individuals with different sexual orientations

Vasfiye B. Değer, Havva Kaçan — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Study was planned in a descriptive design to examine how the empathic tendencies of students in the Faculty of Health Sciences affect their attitudes toward individuals who have different sexual orientations and was conducted with seven hundred and six students. The data collected online using the Student Information Form, Empathic Tendency Scale (ETS) and Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Men Scale (ATLGS). Participants’ mean scores were 62.98±18.79 on the ESS and 29.02±10.75 on the ATLGS. When the correlation between ETS and ATLGS scores was analyzed, a positive and moderate (p<0.05) correlation (r = 0.62) was found between ETS and ATLGS scores. These scores were moderate and the correlation between ETS and ATLGS scores was significant (F=438.585; p<0.05). Empathic disposition explained 38.3% of the total change in ATLGS level (R2=0.383) and increased ATLGS level (ß=0.620). It was found that as students' empathic skills improved, their homophobic attitudes decreased.

Midwifery students’ solution-focused thinking and communication skills: A cross sectional study

Nurdan K. Yilmaz — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of present study is to examine midwifery students’ solution-focused thinking and communication skills. Study type is cross sectional research. Present study was conducted on 183 midwifery students. Data of research were collected using a Student Information Form (SIF), Solution Focused Inventory (SFI) and Solution Focality in Communication Scale (SFCS). The study found a significant difference in solution-focused thinking and solution-focused communication skills among first- and fourth-grade students (p<0.05). The mean scores of solution-focused thinking and communication of fourth-grade students were more than the mean scores of first-grade students. There was a significant positive correlation between solution-focused thinking and communication levels of students (p<0.05). According to simple linear regression analyze, students' solution-focused thinking skills were significant predictors of their solution-focused communication and explained 13.1% of the variance. Students' solution-focused thinking and communication skills are at a moderate level and are affected by grade level. As students' solution-focused thinking skills increase, their solution-focused in communication level also increases.

Efficacy and safety of simplified follitropin delta dosing in women undergoing intrauterine insemination in Indonesia

Binarwan Halim, Hilma P. Lubis, Carine A. Widjaja — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Available evidence indicate that Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) cycles with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) yield better oocyte quality and higher pregnancy rates compared to those without COS in infertile women. As follitropin delta is an improved version of recombinant FSH, its ability to stimulate the development of multiple ovarian follicles is supposedly superior to follitropin alfa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of follitropin delta with a simplified dosage equivalent method in Indonesian women undergoing IUI. The design of this study was a retrospective observational study conducted from February 2022 to December 2023 involving 248 IUI cycles at Halim Fertility Center (HFC) IVF Center, Indonesia. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation was performed with follitropin delta with a simplified dosage equivalent method in IUI. From this study, we found that the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) for IUI was 27.8%. The Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) rates was 0.4%, with 2,9% multiple pregnancies in the follitropin delta with a simplified dosage equivalent method. This study showed no statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates based on age groups and BMI (p=0.288 vs p=0.934). WE conclude that follitropin delta may improve the outcome of intrauterine insemination in women undergoing IUI.

Marital experience and challenges of women with disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A phenomenological study

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Women with disabilities, like all women, deserve equal opportunities for marriage. However, their experiences within marriage remain unclear, making it difficult to effectively address the issue. This qualitative study aims to explore the marriage experiences of women with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a developed semi-structured interview to collect data from eight participants registered with a private association in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data analysis followed the six-step Braun and Clarke (2006) model. The study found that some women with disabilities have positive marriage experiences, but they also face societal negativity regarding their right to marry. Additionally, the support from families and partners is often insufficient. Legal and financial challenges also hinder marital stability. The research area is extremely important due to its impact on the physical and psychological health of women with disabilities, as well as on society. The article concludes by discussing implications for practices and future research.

Gynaecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors of women aged 20-65 years: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Beril Nisa Yaşar, Sevda Arslan Şeker — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For both individual and community health, women's health is vital. In particular, gynecological cancers can be prevented or treated by adopting healthy lifestyles, raising awareness, and detecting them early. This study aimed to identify levels of gynecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors among women aged 20-65 years. There were 251 women in the descriptive cross-sectional study. The Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale (GCAS), the Descriptive Characteristics Form, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale-II (HLBS-II) were used to gather data. The data was analyzed using the Pearson's correlation test, multiple linear regression, and descriptive statistics. The average HLBS-II score was 123.53±20.75, while the average GCAS score was 149.64±21.30. The HLBS-II and GCAS scores showed a statistically significant positive correlation. Women knowledgeable about early diagnosis methods scored 10.758 times higher on the GCAS, while women familiar with vulvar self-examination scored 11.016 times higher. Employed women had a mean HLBS-II score 6.124 times higher than non-employed women (p<0.05). Women's awareness of gynecological cancer was high, but they also had moderately good lifestyle choices. To raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices, healthcare professionals are advised to take part in health-promoting initiatives.

The effect of Oketani massage on breastfeeding success and breast engorgement in mothers delivering by cesarean section: Randomized controlled study

Emine S. Çağan, Rumeysa Taşkın, Ebru Solmaz, Rozerin Balcı, Elmin Eminov — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Oketani massage on breastfeeding success and breast engorgement in mothers who give birth by cesarean section. The study is a randomized controlled, two-group comparison, experimental study conducted in a city hospital in eastern Turkey between December 2022 and April 2023 and 116 women participated. The LATCH score was 9.25±1.25 in the massage group and 8.08±2.38 in the control group. breast engorgement scale score was 1.26±0.48 in the massage group and 1.45±0.53 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the massage group and the control group in terms of LATCH score and breast engorgement scale mean score. In this study, it was found that Oketani massage reduces breast engorgement, which is an important problem for the continuation of breastfeeding, and positively affects successful breastfeeding.

Assessment of breastfeeding self-efficacy and effectiveness: A comparison of primiparous and multiparous mothers

Mine Keskin, Tuba G. Emül — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Breastfeeding self-efficacy is influenced by the mother's previous experiences, examples from other mothers, the social environment and the psychological state of the mother. The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to comparatively evaluate the breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous and multiparous mothers and the factors affecting it. The study sample consisted of 280 mothers who gave vaginal birth in a state hospital between 16 February and 4 May 2019. The study data were collected using a personal information form and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. In this study, the mean score of the BMI of primiparous mothers was 55.05±8.40 (Min:36 Max:70), while the mean score of multiparous mothers was 62.53±6.22 (Min:42 Max:70), and the difference between them was found to be significant (p<0.05). However, the difference between the planned pregnancy and the status of receiving prenatal care was also significant (p<0.05). Therefore, it may be recommended that health professionals should prioritise personalised breastfeeding education and counselling for primiparous mothers to increase their self-efficacy immediately after birth.

Prevalence of early childbearing practice among young women in Nigeria: Evidence from 2021 multiple indicators cluster survey

Michael A. Omoyemiju, Soladoye S. Asa — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, Early Childbearing Practice (ECbP) remains one of the harmful practices affecting many young women and denied them the right to make personal and vital decisions related to education, sexual and reproductive health. The UNICEF estimated that not less than 14% of young women gave birth before the age of 18 with associated psychological, social, physical and reproductive health challenges. The study determined the prevalence of ECbP among young women aged 15-19 years in Nigeria and examined the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on ECbP. A cross-sectional data of women aged 15-19 years from the Nigeria 2021 Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) were used. A statistically representative total weighted sample of 8,474 women aged 15-19 years who had had a live birth were selected for the study. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to answer the research questions and hypothesis at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that the prevalence of ECbP in Nigeria was 9.23% and there was a statistically significant association between place of residence and ECbP (χ2 = 296.25, p < 0.05). The logistic regression results showed that ECbP was positively associated with age [OR=3.95, 95% CI= 2.89-5.38] while attaining a higher level of education reduced the likelihood of ECbP [OR=1.45, 95% CI = 0.94-2.24] in Nigeria. The study concluded that ECbP among young women aged 15-19 years was prevalent in Nigeria but mild. Nevertheless, reproductive health policies that would reduce the negative consequences of ECbP must be strengthened for improved overall welfare of young women in Nigeria.

Perceptions and practices of community pharmacists regarding emergency contraceptives in Jordan: A qualitative study

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This exploratory qualitative study examines the awareness, perceptions, and roles of Jordanian community pharmacists in providing emergency contraception. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from two major governorates, exploring their counseling practices, knowledge of emergency contraceptives, product differences, concerns, and views on patient requests. Findings show that pharmacists' decisions are influenced by societal stigma, legal constraints, and personal beliefs, with market trends also affecting dispensing practices. The gap was evident in how pharmacists were short on knowing the variety of different types and approaches to emergency contraception. Patient initiative in seeking information significantly mattered and influenced how pharmacists responded to such situations. Also, they reported ethical dilemmas when they handled these medications. Pharmacies in Jordan are so intertwined with community, where people sought to seek pharmacists’ help in almost every occasion, proving ever strongly how it makes a difference whether the space is safe and supportive or not, especially for reproductive health issues. Our study highlighted where do we fall short and the need to design programs that fill the gaps in knowledge, perception, and practice.

Analysis of the characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia in children and the high-risk factors leading to severe disease in China

Li Liu, Wei Huang, Sisi Zhang, Mingli Li — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This was a research study, analysed the characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and the high-risk factors causing severe disease. Three hundred and ninety CAP children accepted therapy to First Hospital of Qinhuangdao from February 2019 to January 2020 were divided into spring onset group, summer onset group, autumn onset group and winter onset group. The detection rates of streptococcus pneumonia, haemophilus influenzae and mycoplasma pneumoniae in the winter onset group were higher than the other groups, while the detection rate of moraxella mucositis in the spring onset group was higher as than the other groups. Univariate analysis and Logistics regression analysis revealed that C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and white blood cell (WBC) levels, anemia, malnutrition, previous infection history, and preterm birth were the major factors influencing the severity of symptoms in children. The major pathogenic bacteria of CAP in children were streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, and moraxella mucositis. Mycoplasma pneumoniae showed an increasing trend in summer and autumn, and some of them were associated with bacterial infection. We conclude that CRP, PCT, WBC, anemia, malnutrition, previous infection history, and preterm birth were the major factors influencing the severity of symptoms in children.

Assessing the features of mobile Apps for self-management of postpartum depression

Manal Almalki, Asim Mehmood — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern, impacting the well-being of mothers and their infants during the postpartum period. Digital health solutions, particularly mobile applications, have emerged as promising tools for PPD management. This study systematically evaluates the landscape of PPD apps, identifying 115 relevant applications available on iOS and Android platforms. Through a comprehensive analysis, we assess their availability, popularity, key features, and technological advancements. Many of these apps integrate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and wearable devices to enhance risk assessment, personalized support, and real-time monitoring. While these apps offer improved access to mental health resources, early screening, and self-management tools, considerable variability exists in their quality, functionality, and adherence to privacy and security standards. The lack of standardized evaluation frameworks raises concerns about their reliability and clinical effectiveness. Ensuring evidence-based practices, rigorous validation, and quality assurance is critical to optimizing their impact. Our findings emphasize the need for further research, standardized app evaluation frameworks, and implementation studies to facilitate clinical integration. Additionally, expanding multilingual support and telehealth features can improve accessibility for diverse populations. Strengthening mHealth solutions through these advancements can enhance maternal mental health care, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

The conditionality of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: A qualitative study in Pakistan

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding both the motivations for vaccination and the causes of vaccine reluctance is necessary for the present worldwide immunization campaigns against the COVID-19 pandemic. The intention of the article is to compile local perspectives and misconceptions about vaccination choices. The intention of this study is to assemble what is usually recognized in cultural context as conspiracies and post-traumatic phase affects in decision making. This is ethnographic exploratory study of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Purposive sampling is used to acquire data, while in-depth interviews and focus group discussions are used as data collecting strategies. Study reveals the experience of people who faced traumatic events and decision about getting vaccinated, and that impact may arise from social and cultural factors related to both the traumatic event and the vaccination experience. Vaccination decisions can be impacted by the impacts of traumatic experiences, which can be influenced by cultural norms as well as social and cultural variables. During this traumatic period, it is natural for conspiracies to emerge in order to influence people's decisions to get vaccinated. The ability of the COVID-19 vaccine to control the population and its unpleasant side effects are significant topics in this disinformation.

Determinants of life expectancy in China: A comparative analysis of economic and non-economic factors

Congxin Fan, Le Bo — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the determinants (economic and non-economic) of life expectancy in China from 2000 to 2020, focusing on economic development, income inequality, environmental quality, and health facilities. Using graphical analyses, the study identifies trends and patterns that illustrate the relationship between these factors and life expectancy. Findings suggest that robust economic growth from 2000 to 2005 significantly enhanced healthcare infrastructure, living standards, and access to essential services, driving early improvements in LE. Despite declining economic growth and employment rates after 2010, LE continued to rise, reflecting the long-term impact of prior investments in healthcare and public health systems. The unexpected coexistence of rising CO₂ emissions and increasing life expectancy points to the mitigating role of healthcare and social services against environmental degradation. Additionally, improved health infrastructure, particularly hospital bed availability, emerged as a critical driver of LE growth, addressing the needs of an aging population and reducing mortality rates.

Rejigging international commitment 20 years after Beijing

Friday Okonofua — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

No abstract.

Three decades after Beijing: Progress and challenges in Africa

Qiao Weng — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

No abstract.

Three decades after Beijing: Progress and challenges in maternal, reproductive, and child health and rights in Africa

Josephine Aikpitanyi — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

No abstract.

Raising our voices: On the 30th anniversary of the fourth world conference on Women, Beijing, 1995

Anne Baber Wallis — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

No abstract.

The control and prevention of sexually transmitted infections in primary healthcare facilities among key and priority population in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Mohlago A. Seloka, Edith Phalane, Refilwe N. Phaswana-Mafuya — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The syndromic management approach lacks diagnostic accuracy for asymptomatic infections, although it is the standard sexually transmitted infections (STI) treatment method. The study aimed to understand the status quo on STI control in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities among key and priority populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We registered the review on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (ID: CRD42023439416). A systematic search of published articles was done using online databases and grey literature between 2016 and 2024. The search identified 2283 studies, and 1251 were excluded, remaining with 39 eligible studies for inclusion across 15 SSA countries. Of the 39 eligible studies, 11 were conducted on laboratory-diagnostic methods, and 28 were on treatment for STIs. Laboratory-diagnostic methods, including Gene Xpert assay, nucleic acid amplification transcriptase test, and multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, have high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity rates. However, they may result in delayed sampled results. Eighteen studies indicate that the STI syndromic management approach remains the standard care for treatment in PHC facilities, but its challenges include drug resistance, misdiagnosis, and low sensitivity. Integrating syndromic management with laboratory-diagnostic methods can improve diagnostic accuracy and allow early identification, diagnosis and treatment of STIs. These findings aim to inform policymakers and STI stakeholders to provide scientific evidence for targeted approaches to optimise and strengthen the STI response in SSA.