ISSN 2756-3332
Research Article
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (6), pp. 257-260, August, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A community centered assessment of a doctor of nursing practice curriculum
Michael Elliott, *Harvey E. M and Gwyneth R. Greider
Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of California, Santa Barbara, California.
E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 20 July, 2015
Abstract
A school of Nursing in New York State, USA has admitted five cohorts of students to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum. A longitudinal evaluation of the DNP curriculum was conducted to assess the inherent value of the DNP program. Survey responses highlighted the benefits of the DNP degree to the professional growth of graduates; the benefits that accrued to clients in selected clinical care situations; and to the health care system, when applied within organizational initiatives and programs. A limited response rate constrained the ability to draw generalizable conclusions to the full cohort of DNP graduates.
Keywords: Doctor of nursing practice, Outcomes evaluation, Community-based assessment, Program evaluation
Michael Elliott, *Harvey E. M and Gwyneth R. Greider
Page: 257 - 260
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJNM/1028Research Article
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 121-130, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Factors responsible for perinatal mortality in women giving birth in a health facility in Malawi
*Khumbo J. Malewezi, K. T Muluzi and Bingu H. Chihana
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health and Society, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi.
Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]
Accepted 17 March, 2015
Abstract
The perinatal mortality rate in Malawi is estimated at 40/1,000 births. Annually 6.3 million babies die in the perinatal period globally, with Africa having the highest perinatal mortality rate. This study was conducted to determine perinatal mortality, to identify associated risk factors, and to determine causes of perinatal deaths at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Malawi. The study was designed as a cross sectional study that prospectively reviewed records of 606 births at the health facility. The perinatal mortality rate was 59.9/1,000 births; the stillbirth rate was 36/1,000 births; and the early neonatal death rate was 24/1,000 live births. Of 16 early neonatal deaths, 63% occurred on the day of birth and 19% in next 48 hours. The primary cause (75%) was birth asphyxia. Significant associations with perinatal death included: number of antenatal visits, most in one visit (29.4%); gestation ≤ 31 weeks (47%); prolonged second stage of labour (22%); premature babies with birth weight ≤1499 grams (61%); and severely asphyxiated babies (46%). There is a need to strengthen the care of delivering women for early provision of comprehensive obstetric care. The high perinatal mortality could be reduced by improving health workers’ ability in resuscitation, as well as care of low birth weight babies.
Keywords: Comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care, early neonatal deaths, perinatal mortality, millennium development goal 4.
K. T Muluzi and Bingu H. Chihana, *Khumbo J. Malewezi
Page: 121 - 130
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJNM/1017Research Article
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 115-120, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A study of the effect of consanguineous unions on children wellbeing in Jordan Valley
*Jerry Ventura, Aaron Taft, James Moroe and John Hayes
Faculty of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
Accepted 24 April, 2015
Abstract
Consanguineous unions have been associated with an increased susceptibility to various forms of inherited recessive disease in many parts of the world, including Arab populations. First cousin unions where the individuals share 1/8 of their genes are very common in Middle East cultures and could affect disease risk. Although consanguinity is known to contribute to hereditary and congenital diseases, the incidence of such diseases is still not clear in Jordan population. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of genetic, congenital/mental disorders (ex. Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD), cleft lip, mental and sensory handicap) and chromosomal aberration disorders and their association with parental consanguinity in a selected sample of children in Jordan Valley. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of and their association with parental consanguinity in a sample of children selected from Jordan Valley. The study also explored incidence of children with hereditary diseases, congenital abnormalities and handicaps in Jordan valley in relation to other factors such as sex and mode of transmission. A descriptive analysis of all children with hereditary and congenital diseases among 100 affected children ages 6 months - 15 years was conducted. The study consisted of a 100 children-parents of children whom were having a child affected by a genetic abnormalities and/ or congenital malformations/ diseases. Families-children dyads were approached through local health centres and school. Data were collected through questionnaire which was adopted from health centre. The questionnaire provided information on consanguinity status and date of marriage among two generations: the affected children, and their parents. Data on consanguinity status among 100 children was obtained. Descriptive quantitative analysis was used to analyse data. The overall consanguinity of parents was 74% and the inbreeding coefficient was (0.025). Consanguineous marriages remain an important factor associated with hereditary abnormalities in northern Jordan. The closer the relationship of mates, the greater genetic effect and its associated abnormalities were found. This result is similar to other places with similar social features.
Keywords: Consanguinity, inbreeding, Jordan Valley.
James Moroe and John Hayes, Aaron Taft, *Jerry Ventura
Page: 115 - 120
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJNM/1016Research Article
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 110-114, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Motivating factors for expectant mothers undergoing regular HIV testing and counselling during antenatal clinics at Dedza District hospital in Malawi
*Barbara Humphrey, Hubert Taft, Hillary Mc Carthy and John Rutherford
Department of International Community Health, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 24 April, 2015
Abstract
A study was conducted to explore factors that influence pregnant women to undergo routine HIV testing and counselling during antenatal clinics at Dedza District hospital in Malawi. The study design was descriptive and utilized qualitative data collection and analysis method. Twelve HIV positive women aged between 15 and 49 years were purposively sampled during antenatal clinic and were interviewed using an open ended questionnaire. Qualitative data was manually analysed using thematic content analysis and the resultant themes are reported as results. Results show that the majority of the women decided to undertake HIV testing while they were at home prior to visiting the antenatal clinic. Most women wanted to know their HIV status because they wanted to access PMTCT services if they tested HIV positive. Results show that the desire to protect the unborn babies and to access HIV treatment and care was the main reason that most women opted for HIV testing. In addition, some women opted for the test because they did not know about their right to opt out of the test. However, all women felt that they made the right decision to get tested voluntarily and that the time between counselling and the decision to opt in or out of the test was adequate. Results further show that the PMTCT coverage is high but there is a need for the service providers to adhere to mandatory HIV testing and counselling guidelines, so that quality services are provided. There is also a need to create awareness among the communities so that the pregnant women make informed decision when opting for HIV testing and counselling during antenatal clinics.
Keywords: Routine HIV testing and counselling, PMTCT, HIV/AIDS, opt in and opt out of HIV testing and counselling.
*Barbara Humphrey, Hubert Taft, Hillary Mc Carthy and John Rutherford
Page: 110 - 114
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJNM/1015Research Article
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 102-109, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A study on the perception of adolescents towards contraceptive use in Blantyre District of the Southern Region of Malawi
*Monica Solberg, Karl Akselsen and Bent F. Thomassen
Department of International Community Health, Faculty of Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
*Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]
Accepted 24 April, 2015
Abstract
A study was conducted to explore attitudes towards contraceptive use among sexually active tertiary schooling adolescents in Blantyre District of the Southern Region of Malawi. The study design was exploratory and employed qualitative data collection and analysis method. A purposive sample size of 23 (13 female and 10 male) sexually active adolescents was used in the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews that were conducted using an open ended interview guide. Qualitative data was manually analysed using content analysis. Two themes that emerged from the adolescents’ narrations were positive and negative attitudes towards contraceptive use. Positive attitudes were developed from acknowledging benefits of contraceptives; and having beliefs and values that recognised responsibility; readiness; and motivation for contraceptive. The motivation factors included the desire for good life, health, stable future family, higher education and independence. Negative attitudes on the other hand arose from challenges, disadvantages, misconceptions as well as beliefs and values that disapprove the use of contraceptives among adolescents. To increase contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents, there is a need for adequate information about contraceptives in terms of advantages, disadvantages and side effects. This would help mitigate negative attitudes on contraceptives from misinformation and misconceptions.
Keywords: Contraceptives, contraceptive side effects; condoms, adolescents, contraceptive misinformation and misconception.
Karl Akselsen and Bent F. Thomassen, *Monica Solberg
Page: 102 - 109
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJNM/1014Research Article
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (4), pp. 092-098, April, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Mental and emotional agony experienced by adolescents before, during and after induced abortion in Malawi
*Lazarus Chasowa, Saulos E. K and Jack Gwengwe
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi, Malawi.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 15 March, 2015
Abstract
Unsafe induced abortion among adolescents in Malawi is common but little is known about the psychological experiences of the adolescents before, during and after undergoing the unsafe induced abortion. A descriptive study that utilized qualitative methods was conducted with 18 purposely sampled adolescents that were admitted at the gynecological ward of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi to explore their experiences. Data was collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and was manually analyzed using content analysis. Two themes that emerged from data analysis were psychological distress before and during unsafe induced abortion and psychological distress after unsafe abortion. Before and during unsafe abortion, the adolescents were worried that their pregnancies would disrupt their education, they would lose family support and get arrested. In addition, they were angry and disappointed because of lack of support from their male partners. After abortion, the adolescents felt guilty and regretted to having lost their babies and grieved for their children. Adolescents undergo traumatic experiences before, during and after undergoing unsafe abortion. Counseling and support services should address the psychological needs of adolescents and comprehensive psychological counseling should be integrated into post abortion care services in Malawi.
Keywords: Unsafe induced abortion, adolescent, psychological distress, comprehensive counseling, post abortion care.
Saulos E. K and Jack Gwengwe, *Lazarus Chasowa
Page: 92 - 98
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJNM/1013