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A Policy Discussion on Maternity Waiting Home in Zambia to Achieve Its Vision 2030 on Maternal and Perinatal Mortality
Israel Oluwaseyidayo Idris,
Damilola Araoye,
Obasi David Chijioke,
Nataliia Gavkalova
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
1-7
Received:
30 December 2019
Accepted:
17 January 2020
Published:
31 January 2020
Abstract: Maternal and child health, with a focus on perinatal health, remains an area of focus for developing countries. Zambia has identified maternal and child health as an area of concentration in its 2030 vision agenda, with the goal of achieving less than 180 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births by 2030. So far, interventions executed by the government include improving birthing space and providing higher quality services such as emergency obstetric care, post-abortion care and encouraging community level advocacy by safe motherhood action groups. However, the high perinatal and maternal mortality rate in Zambia is associated with the low accessibility to quality obstetric care as a result of delays in decision to seek care, delays in reaching care centers, and delays in receiving care. Consequently, Maternal Waiting Homes (MWH) has been identified as a tool for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality. It is currently being used in Zambia but there is limited data on the operation and its impact. The evidence on MWH for this paper was based on the aggregate review of numerous studies. These identified MWH as an effective, equitable and cost-effective intervention but without concrete evidence of its acceptance. The effectiveness is highly dependent on its strength to promptly identify and refer high-risk pregnant women to skilled obstetric care. In addition, other non-medical interventions including strengthening family planning program at the grassroots level and integration of community mobilization in the MWH program with service quality improvement were recognized as successful. However, the utilization of MWHS has been low in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper also describes potential implications of the MWHs on the political, economic, and social and development sectors of the country. In all, it recommends the upgrading and strengthening of MWH and its health system in Zambia, alongside integration of other suggested interventions.
Abstract: Maternal and child health, with a focus on perinatal health, remains an area of focus for developing countries. Zambia has identified maternal and child health as an area of concentration in its 2030 vision agenda, with the goal of achieving less than 180 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births by 2030. So far, interventions executed by the govern...
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A Quantitative Study Exploring the Social Determinants of Health in the North West Region of Cameroon
Joel Ngwa Ambebila,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Paul Olaiya Abiodun,
Israel Olukayode Popoola,
Stellamaris Moronkeji,
Olayinka Victor Ojo,
Ahmed Mamuda Bello,
Christie Omolola Adams
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
8-14
Received:
15 January 2020
Accepted:
27 January 2020
Published:
12 February 2020
Abstract: Health and wellbeing are shaped by social and economic factors. These factors are known as Social Determinants of Health and are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. A number of factors shape wellbeing including distribution of money, power, and resources both at global, national and local level. The purpose of this study was to explore the social determinants of health and health disparities amongst patients who seek health services in health facilities of the North West Region of Cameroon. The study was a cross sectional survey that used a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data from 430 participants. The main findings of the study show that the vicious cycle of interactions between low educational levels, low income levels and poverty reinforces a pattern of social disadvantages, health inequalities and ill health in the targeted communities. There were some factors identified that put poor communities at a health disadvantage; these included unemployment (43.5%) low income levels (43.8%) and low educational levels (40%). These factors contribute to the social and economic inequalities amongst communities. In conclusion, the study showered that social determinants of health are important factors for understanding health care outcomes. There is the need to further use a larger dataset to explore the effectiveness and progress towards health equity related to social determinants of health in Cameroon.
Abstract: Health and wellbeing are shaped by social and economic factors. These factors are known as Social Determinants of Health and are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. A number of factors shape wellbeing including distribution of money, power, and resources both at global, national and local level. The purpose...
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An Investigation of Nurse Clinicians’ Opinions on Standardized Training Methods for Nurses
Li Qiufeng,
Wang Yu,
Liu Lina,
Zuo Feifei,
Hong Weixi
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
15-19
Received:
5 February 2020
Accepted:
19 February 2020
Published:
28 February 2020
Abstract: Objective: We try to explore new standardized training methods for nurses to further improve the standardized training system for nurse clinicians. Methods: Based on study of previous literature, we used self-designed questionnaires to investigate 262 nurse clinicians. Their opinions on through what training methods they most expect to receive the 25 standardized training contents and the common ways through which they acquire professional knowledge were collected. Results: Most nurses expect the 25 training contents for new nurses to be imparted through instruction of supervisors and intensive teaching mode; the nurses prefer diverisified training methods; they acquire professional nursing knowledge mainly through textbooks, lectures and training on special topics, internet, new media (WeChat, QQ or Official Accounts), literature database searching and other channels. There is significant difference in the number of nurses who acquire professional nursing knowledge through new media between new nurses, and middle and senior nurses (χ2=5.828, P=0.016). Conclusions: When giving standardized training for new nurses, we should choose appropriate training methods according to the training contents. Diversified training can meet different needs of different nurses. We encourage new standardized training mode combined with internet and new media to save training cost and improve training effect.
Abstract: Objective: We try to explore new standardized training methods for nurses to further improve the standardized training system for nurse clinicians. Methods: Based on study of previous literature, we used self-designed questionnaires to investigate 262 nurse clinicians. Their opinions on through what training methods they most expect to receive the ...
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Epidemio-clinical Profile of the Baby Blues in Cameroonian Women
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
20-23
Received:
7 February 2020
Accepted:
21 February 2020
Published:
2 March 2020
Abstract: Background: The baby blues may be defined as a mild and transient depressive state occurring in newly delivered women. It is considered as the most precocious and benign emotional disorder of the puerperium. Objective: This study aimed at describing the epidemiological and clinical aspects of this condition in Cameroonian women. Method: A cross-sectional analysis of women recruited from January to April 2015 in two teaching hospitals of Yaoundé, Cameroon was done. The survey covered 321 newly delivered women who answered the Kennerley and Gath blues questionnaire within the first ten days of postpartum. Demographic information, medical, obstetrical, psychosocial and neonatal data were equally obtained. Results: The prevalence of baby blues in our series was 33.3%, the greatest number of affected women experienced the condition after 4 days into postpartum. The most occurring symptoms were women being tearful (91 patients, 85%), ups and downs in the mood (89 patients, 83.2%), changeable in spirit (84 patients, 78.5%), being mentally tensed (70 patients, 65.4%), depressed (69 patients, 64.5%), and being anxious (65 patients, 60.7%). Conclusion: The baby blues is common in Cameroonian women, occurring in close to one mother out of three. Newly delivered women manifest with mild depressive symptoms which are transient, generally lasting for less than 10 days. The maximum incidence was reported on the 4th day of postpartum. It therefore appears that depressive states in mothers beyond 10 days after delivery may correspond to more serious psychiatric disorders of postpartum such as postpartum depression or psychosis and should be promptly managed. However, maternity preparatory classes should be implemented, prenatal counselling and psychological support reinforced, as prevention against the baby blues.
Abstract: Background: The baby blues may be defined as a mild and transient depressive state occurring in newly delivered women. It is considered as the most precocious and benign emotional disorder of the puerperium. Objective: This study aimed at describing the epidemiological and clinical aspects of this condition in Cameroonian women. Method: A cross-sec...
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Healthcare Reform in the U.S. Must Be Driven by Policy and Data, Not Politics and Ideology
Teresa Waters,
Michael Karpf
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
24-30
Received:
21 February 2020
Accepted:
9 March 2020
Published:
31 March 2020
Abstract: Background U.S. healthcare spending will reach 20% of GDP by 2026. Despite this spending, almost 14% of our under-65 population still lacks health insurance and out-of-pocket healthcare spending is high. To date, much of the healthcare reform debate has focused on who pays—the government, employers or individuals. Objective To review current healthcare reform issues and evidence. Method We address the questions of how much we pay, how we pay and what we receive for the money as a potential foundation for constructive dialogue. Results U.S. healthcare spending continues to exceed that of other countries, without offering universal coverage. Notwithstanding coverage expansions implemented under the Affordable Care Act, uninsurance rates have been rising. Rapid growth of high deductible plans has also significantly increased rates of underinsurance. There is very little evidence that specific policies or interventions employed to date will significantly reduce cost, especially under a fee for service system, where volume makes up for cuts. Global risk payments hold the greatest promise for real cost containment because they can drive true delivery system reform. Conclusion Meaningful, long-term healthcare reform cannot be successful until comprehensive, evidence-based policies that address healthcare costs are fully embraced and implemented.
Abstract: Background U.S. healthcare spending will reach 20% of GDP by 2026. Despite this spending, almost 14% of our under-65 population still lacks health insurance and out-of-pocket healthcare spending is high. To date, much of the healthcare reform debate has focused on who pays—the government, employers or individuals. Objective To review current health...
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