Potential for revitalisation of the diaphragm for family planning in Uganda: a rapid assessment of the feasibility of introducing the SILCS Diaphragm

This health systems assessment evaluated the feasibility of introducing a new contraceptive device, the SILCS single-size diaphragm, into the existing family planning method mix in Uganda. A total of 26 focus group discussions with 201 female and 77 male potential users and 98 key informant interviews with policymakers and providers were conducted between June and August 2010. Potential users, providers, and policymakers recognised that the SILCS Diaphragm could fill a gap in the method mix and expressed eagerness to make the SILCS Diaphragm available, particularly because it is nonhormonal and woman initiated. The diaphragm was viewed by all stakeholders as a method that would increase choice and could improve women's reproductive health in Uganda. Like many countries, Uganda's family planning programme is financially stretched, and clear support for the SILCS Diaphragm by end-users will need to be demonstrated before the product will be considered for public-sector introduction. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 77-86)

Cardiovascular disease prevention in Ghana: feasibility of a faith-based organizational approach

Objective To examine the feasibility of using community health workers (CHWs) to implement cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programmes within faith-based organizations in Accra; Ghana. Methods Faith-based organization capacity; human resources; health programme sustainability/barriers and community members' knowledge were evaluated. Data on these aspects were gathered through a mixed method design consisting of in-depth interviews and focus groups with 25 church leaders and health committee members from five churches; and of a survey of 167 adult congregants from two churches. Findings The delivery of a CVD prevention programme in faith-based organizations by CHWs is feasible. Many faith-based organizations already provide health programmes for congregants and involve non-health professionals in their health-care activities; and most congregants have a basic knowledge of CVD. Yet despite the feasibility of the proposed approach to CVD prevention through faith-based organizations; sociocultural and health-care barriers such as poverty; limited human and economic resources and limited access to health care could hinder programme implementation. Conclusion The barriers to implementation identified in this study need to be considered when defining CVD prevention programme policy and planning

Exploring a Strategy to Promote Nurses's Health Research Contribution

This article is the last in a series of three articles on a strategy to promote nurses' health research contribution in South Africa. This article describes research that was conducted in the Southern District of the North-West Province to explore a proposed strategy to promote the research contribution of nurses. The proposed strategy is the product of a Delphi study; as described in the preceding article. The need for such a strategy is evident from the seemingly limited recognition of the significance of research conducted by nurses. The purpose of this research was to validate the proposed strategy and to explore its viability in the mentioned district. A qualitative; explorative and descriptive design was followed. Purposive sampling according to selection criteria was used to select participants from a population of stakeholders in the above-mentioned district who are perceived to influence and to be influenced by research. Data gathering took place by means of 11 focus group interviews; after which data saturation was reached; and open coding was employed to analyse data. An independent co-coder assisted with data analysis; and consensus was reached on the results of the research. Results could be categorised into the following : a) opinions that the strategy is necessary but that it should be realistic; b) opinions that there are certain obstacles in the implementation of the strategy and c) suggestions for the implementation of the strategy. The recommendations refer back to the results and conclusions; namely that the latter two aspects describe a refined strategy with suggestions for the implementation of the strategy