African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 001–008

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000165

Original Research Article

Title: Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal care in Semi-Urban Zimbabwe: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5

Names of Authors: Fennie Mantula¹, Samkelisiwe Mpofu¹

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe.

Abstract:
Male partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is critical for reducing maternal mortality, advancing gender equity, and improving maternal and child health outcomes, yet it remains low in many low-income settings. This study aimed to determine predictors of male partner involvement among women attending ANC services at a semi-urban clinic in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 systematically sampled women using structured researcher-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics. Associations between male involvement and independent variables were assessed using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test where expected cell counts were <5. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Overall, 44.6% of male partners accompanied their partners for ANC appointments. Significant predictors of male partner involvement were cohabitation with the partner (p = 0.02), male partner’s knowledge of ANC benefits (p < 0.001) and awareness of scheduled ANC contact dates (p < 0.001). Main barriers to participation were work commitments (63.6%), insufficient knowledge regarding the importance of ANC (41.8%), and long waiting times at ANC clinics (39.1%). The study concludes that male partner involvement in ANC demands targeted strategies that enhance men’s knowledge of ANC benefits and awareness of appointment dates, with particular focus on cohabiting couples. Collaboration among health systems, communities and work places through inclusive policies and community interventions could be used to engage men in ANC while removing barriers that hinder their higher participation. Future research should collect primary data from men to inform strategies that increase men's involvement in reproductive health services, thereby promoting family health and well-being and advancing gender equity in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Male partner involvement; antenatal care; determinants; maternal mortality; gender equity; Gwanda District; Zimbabwe, sub-Saharan Africa.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 20, 2026; Revised June 04, 2026; Accepted June 06, 2026; Published September 11, 2026.

Citation: Mantula, F., & Mpofu, S. (2026). Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal care in Semi-Urban Zimbabwe: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 298–305. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000165

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 289–297

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000164

Original Research Article

Title: Barriers to the Utilization of Postnatal Care Services Among Postpartum Women in Pastoralist Settlements

Names of Authors: Chipo P. Mutasa¹, Daniel O. Mwamba²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing Science, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
²School of Health Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract:
The early postpartum period is a critically vulnerable window for maternal and infant health, yet postnatal care (PNC) utilization remains dangerously neglected within pastoralist demographics. This mixed-methods study investigated the institutional, structural, and cultural barriers that limit PNC attendance among nomadic women within remote regions. Quantitative data were gathered via a structured survey of 150 postpartum women, while qualitative data were extracted from six focus group discussions. The quantitative assessment showed that only 24.6% of the mothers returned to a healthcare clinic for the critical 6-week postnatal assessment. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that nomadic movement over long physical distances exceeding 10.0 km from static community health centers (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.84–6.42, p < 0.001) and absolute traditional requirements for postpartum maternal seclusion (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.32–5.54, p = 0.003) significantly reduced service uptake. Qualitative feedback underscored an absolute lack of trust in clinic services that failed to incorporate local newborn rituals safely. Expanding clinical postnatal safety to remote settings requires deploying mobile midwifery tracking squads and re-engineering clinic settings to incorporate traditional postpartum birth practices.

Keywords: Postnatal Care; Service Utilization; Pastoralist Communities; Maternal Health; Structural Barriers; Cultural Seclusion.

Manuscript Timeline: Received August 10, 2026; Revised September 18, 2026; Accepted September 27, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Mutasa, C. P., & Mwamba, D. O. (2026). Barriers to the Utilization of Postnatal Care Services Among Postpartum Women in Pastoralist Settlements. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 289–297. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000164

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 280–288

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000163

Original Research Article

Title: Assessment of Knowledge and Adherence to Safe Injection Practices Among General Outpatient Nurses

Names of Authors: Joseph L. Lemayan¹, Abdi I. Yusuf²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
²School of Nursing and Midwifery, Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland

Abstract:
Unsafe injection practices inside busy outpatient departments present severe risks for the transmission of blood-borne viral pathogens among clinicians and patients alike. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated baseline safety knowledge thresholds and observed injection adherence rates among nurses in high-volume outpatient settings. A sample of 125 practicing staff nurses was surveyed using a standardized safety index, backed by independent clinical safety observations across 300 injection procedures. The quantitative results demonstrated that while 88.0% of the nurses achieved excellent scores on theoretical transmission risks, actual observed compliance with universal safety mandates was significantly lower at 51.2% (p < 0.01). The most frequent procedural deviations included using single-dose medication vials for multiple patients (34.4%) and failing to clean vial rubber tops with a sterile alcohol swab before needle access (45.6%). Nurses cited extreme patient over-crowding and structural missing single-dose formulations as major reasons for practice workarounds. The study highlights a dangerous disconnect between safety knowledge and everyday clinical behaviors driven by resource limitations. Improving outpatient clinical safety demands immediate restock guidelines, mandatory sharp container proximity engineering, and routine, non-punitive safety audits.

Keywords: Safe Injection Practices; Outpatient Nursing; Clinical Adherence; Medication Safety; Cross-Infection; Universal Precautions.

Manuscript Timeline: Received August 08, 2026; Revised September 15, 2026; Accepted September 26, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Lemayan, J. L., & Yusuf, A. I. (2026). Assessment of Knowledge and Adherence to Safe Injection Practices Among General Outpatient Nurses. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 280–288. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000163

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 271–279

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000162

Original Research Article

Title: Evaluation of Hand Hygiene Compliance Barriers Across Neonatal Care Wards Following a Multi-Modal Strategy

Names of Authors: Ruth N. Kamau¹, Fatou B. Cisse²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya
²Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal

Abstract:
Nosocomial bacterial transmissions within high-risk infant units drive clinical neonate morbidity, requiring strict adherence to universal sanitization behaviors. This study evaluated long-term hand hygiene compliance markers following the deployment of a structured, multi-modal intervention package inside public hospital neonatal nurseries. A timed, non-participatory observation methodology tracked 110 pediatric care nurses across 450 clinical opportunities before and 6 months following the integration of localized sanitizer access points, continuous visual cue displays, and routine performance reviews. Quantitative results showed that overall hand hygiene compliance grew from 42.3% at baseline to 78.5% post-intervention (p < 0.001). Despite this overall progress, compliance markers prior to starting clean procedures lagged significantly behind post-contamination intervals (54.6% vs 88.4%, p < 0.005). The primary lingering structural barriers reported included critical infant over-crowding and acute structural skin damage from low-grade chemical scrubs (58.3%). While multi-modal campaigns significantly upgrade baseline hygiene adherence, sustaining safety benchmarks requires correcting severe staffing levels and accessing medical-grade moisturizers.

Keywords: Hand Hygiene Compliance; Neonatal Care; Multi-Modal Interventions; Hospital Infections; Patient Safety; Clinical Audits.

Manuscript Timeline: Received August 04, 2026; Revised September 14, 2026; Accepted September 25, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Kamau, R. N., & Cisse, F. B. (2026). Evaluation of Hand Hygiene Compliance Barriers Across Neonatal Care Wards Following a Multi-Modal Strategy. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 271–279. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000162

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 262–270

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000161

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Virtual Simulation Training Formats on Pediatric Advanced Life Support Competencies

Names of Authors: Tewodros W. Assefa¹, Thembeka C. Khumalo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
²Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract:
Maintaining precision during critical pediatric cardiac arrest scenarios requires frequent clinical reviews, yet traditional high-fidelity mannequin courses are highly resource-intensive and restricted. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the efficacy of an online virtual reality simulation package on Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) clinical competency scores and retention metrics. A sample of 140 pediatric staff nurses was allocated to either an automated virtual reality simulation intervention model (n = 70) or a standard classroom presentation model (n = 70). Theoretical knowledge tests and hands-on clinical checklists were applied at baseline, immediate post-test, and 12 weeks follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA configurations isolated longitudinal competency drifts. At the immediate post-test, both strategies improved baseline knowledge scores. However, at 12 weeks, the virtual simulation cohort demonstrated significantly higher score retention indices (86.4 ± 4.5 vs 58.2 ± 6.1, p < 0.001) and superior chest compression rate precision parameters. Virtual simulation models offer an accessible strategy to mitigate clinical decay and maintain high safety metrics for critical pediatric events within resource-constrained medical networks.

Keywords: Pediatric Advanced Life Support; Virtual Reality; Competency Retention; Cardiac Arrest; Nursing Education; Simulation Training.

Manuscript Timeline: Received August 01, 2026; Revised September 11, 2026; Accepted September 24, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Assefa, W. T., & Khumalo, T. C. (2026). Efficacy of Virtual Simulation Training Formats on Pediatric Advanced Life Support Competencies. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 262–270. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000161

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 244–252

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000159

Original Research Article

Title: Perceptions of Bedside Nurses Regarding Collaborative Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units

Names of Authors: Amina O. Bello¹, Zanele T. Ndlovu²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
²Department of Nursing Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Abstract:
Interprofessional collaboration within acute medical spaces directly shapes clinical patient survival and worker retention margins, yet traditional hierarchal boundaries often exclude nursing input. This descriptive cross-sectional study explored the perceptions, structural barriers, and professional satisfaction levels regarding collaborative decision-making among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. A sample of 135 full-time critical care nurses completed the Collaboration and Satisfaction About Care Decisions (CSACD) scale across three public teaching hospitals. The analytics indicated that the aggregate collaborative decision-making index was low, with only 32.6% of participants reporting active nurse inclusion during routine clinical rounds. The primary barriers highlighted included perceived clinical superiority from junior medical residents (78.5%), acute ward overextended hours (64.4%), and an absolute absence of joint ethical review committees. Independent sample t-tests showed that nurses holding advanced critical care certifications reported significantly higher baseline confidence to voice clinical assessments during emergencies (p = 0.004). Structural re-engineering of ICU protocols to mandate integrated bedside rounds, combined with communication strategies, is critical to optimize team performance and minimize professional burnout.

Keywords: Collaborative Decision-Making; Intensive Care Unit; Nursing Autonomy; Interprofessional Communication; Patient Safety; Critical Care.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 25, 2026; Revised September 07, 2026; Accepted September 20, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Bello, A. O., & Ndlovu, Z. T. (2026). Perceptions of Bedside Nurses Regarding Collaborative Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 244–252. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000159

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 253–261

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000160

Original Research Article

Title: Evaluating the Integration of Humanized Birth Care Practices Among Secondary Hospital Midwives

Names of Authors: Mariama S. Diallo¹, Grace M. Mwangi²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea
²Department of Nursing, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract:
Humanized birth paradigms prioritize maternal autonomy, non-supine positioning choices, and restriction of routine episiotomies, offering a direct mechanism to eliminate clinical disrespect. This study evaluated the practical implementation levels and professional barriers regarding humanized care guidelines during labor monitoring among secondary facility midwives. A multi-center cross-sectional design utilized independent clinical observation checklists across 150 delivery events and surveyed 85 practicing midwives. The results showed that standard humanized parameters were systematically executed in only 34.7% of monitored deliveries. Routine, non-consensual lithotomy positioning remained pervasively enforced (78.0%), and the use of unindicated episiotomies for primiparous clients reached 41.3%. Midwives cited acute staff shortfalls (86.4%), unsupportive spatial arrangements in local labor rooms (72.0%), and deep-seated institutional inertia as primary barriers to humanizing delivery care models. Logistic regression models verified that midwives who completed specialized workshops within the prior year achieved significantly higher respectful care index marks (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.34–4.32, p = 0.003). Shifting modern labor practices requires remodeling hospital delivery beds, correcting severe midwifery understaffing, and deploying mandatory clinical humanization updates.

Keywords: Humanized Birth Care; Midwifery Practices; Maternal Autonomy; Episiotomy Restrictions; Delivery Positioning; Respectful Care.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 28, 2026; Revised September 09, 2026; Accepted September 22, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Diallo, M. S., & Mwangi, G. M. (2026). Evaluating the Integration of Humanized Birth Care Practices Among Secondary Hospital Midwives. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 253–261. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000160

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 235–243

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000158

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Nurse-Led Hypertension Management Programs in Urban Slum Settlements

Names of Authors: Chinedu K. Okafor¹, Sarah L. Tetteh²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
²Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Abstract:
Hypertension remains a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity in rapidly growing urban poor environments, where access to specialized medical clinics is severely constrained. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the efficacy of an optimized, nurse-led community hypertension management protocol within an urban informal settlement. A total of 180 hypertensive adults were enrolled and assigned to either a nurse-led intervention group (n = 90) receiving bi-weekly home-based blood pressure monitoring, behavioral modification counseling, and medication tracking, or a standard care control group (n = 90). The primary outcome measures were mean shifts in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels after a 6-month follow-up window. The statistical results demonstrated a significant mean reduction of -14.5 ± 3.2 mmHg in systolic pressure and -8.4 ± 2.1 mmHg in diastolic pressure within the nurse-led intervention cohort compared to flatlined markers in the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, therapeutic compliance metrics grew from 34.5% to 78.4% under continuous nurse surveillance. Systemic integration of decentralized nursing outreach clinics into informal urban settlements offers a highly effective, low-cost model to achieve blood pressure control and lower cardiovascular risks in marginalized demographics.

Keywords: Hypertension; Nurse-Led Interventions; Blood Pressure Control; Urban Slums; Behavioral Counseling; Medication Adherence.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 22, 2026; Revised September 05, 2026; Accepted September 18, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Okafor, C. K., & Tetteh, S. L. (2026). Efficacy of Nurse-Led Hypertension Management Programs in Urban Slum Settlements. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 235–243. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000158

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 225–234

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000157

Original Research Article

Title: Workplace Exposure to Sharp Injuries and Prophylaxis Adherence Among Emergency Department Personnel

Names of Authors: Sibongile M. Ndlovu¹, Grace M. Malfoya²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
²Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract:
Accidental percutaneous sharps injuries inside busy emergency centers present high risks for transmitting blood-borne infections to frontline nurses. This study determined the annual prevalence of sharps injuries and analyzed barriers to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) tracking among emergency nursing staff. A multi-site cross-sectional design distributed a validated percutaneous safety survey to 150 emergency department nurses. The findings showed a past-year injury prevalence rate of 44.6%, with a mean exposure frequency of 1.6 incidents per affected nurse. The single most common mechanism was needle recapping (38.5%), followed by sudden patient movement during urgent intravenous catheter access insertions (28.4%). Worryingly, 52.3% of sustained injury events were never officially reported due to fear of stigma or long administrative delays. Logistic regression models indicated that running continuous shifts longer than 12 hours (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.38–5.12, p = 0.003) significantly elevated puncture risks. Accessing safety-engineered medical devices and simplifying post-exposure administrative reporting protocols are urgent requirements to safeguard emergency personnel.

Keywords: Sharps Injuries; Percutaneous Exposure; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Emergency Nursing; Occupational Health; Needle Safety.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 20, 2026; Revised September 04, 2026; Accepted September 20, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Ndlovu, S. M., & Malfoya, G. M. (2026). Workplace Exposure to Sharp Injuries and Prophylaxis Adherence Among Emergency Department Personnel. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 225–234. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000157

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 216–224

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000156

Original Research Article

Title: Perceptions of Quality Obstetric Care Options Among Rural Pregnant Women utilizing Maternity Centers

Names of Authors: Chisomo T. Banda¹, Kwame O. Mensah²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
²Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract:
The utilization of rural clinical maternity services depends heavily on patient perceptions of safety and respect, which deeply impacts maternal health outcomes. This descriptive mixed-methods study investigated maternal satisfaction tiers, cultural treatment expectations, and care barriers among rural pregnant women visiting peripheral maternity units. A quantitative exit survey of 210 clients was supported by four qualitative focus group sessions. Quantitative scores indicated an overall maternal satisfaction rate of 56.4%. However, long waiting lines emerged as a primary concern, with a mean wait time of 3.8 ± 1.2 hours. Qualitative transcripts identified a lack of physical modesty screens in delivery suites and unsupportive communication styles from overextended staff as major reasons for patient dissatisfaction. Reagent stockouts restricted basic lab tests (urinalysis and hemoglobin profiling) during 64.3% of documented antenatal visits. High satisfaction marks were tied to the availability of clean water facilities and free malaria prophylaxis distribution. Improving clinic utilization requires restructuring rural logistics lines, upgrading privacy barriers inside delivery rooms, and expanding respectful care training for midwives.

Keywords: Obstetric Care; Maternal Satisfaction; Rural Healthcare; Midwifery Communication; Antenatal Monitoring; Patient Privacy.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 18, 2026; Revised September 01, 2026; Accepted September 18, 2026; Published September 28, 2026.

Citation: Banda, C. T., & Mensah, K. O. (2026). Perceptions of Quality Obstetric Care Options Among Rural Pregnant Women utilizing Maternity Centers. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 216–224. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000156