Use of contraceptive methods in rural areas in Cote d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional survey took place in May, 2018 in Kodjokro, a village in the south-east of Côte d'Ivoire. The study population consisted of women of reproductive age, from 15 to 49 years old. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, gyneco-obstetrical characteristics, knowledge and attitudes and he use of contraceptive methods. The chi-square test was used to measure the associations between the use of contraceptive methods and each of the characteristics studied

Sexually transmitted infection (STI): A malady with skewed marital unfaithfulness, the Nigerian experience

Marital unfaithfulness is a major contributor to sexually transmitted infections in both sexes; however, societal view of the menace seems to use various lenses for the different sexes. Globally, evidence suggests that marital infidelity has existed in history. In Africa, as well as in Western society, infidelity is a problem facing many families and accounts for high incidence of divorce. This narrative review described and synthesized literature on marital infidelity and its association with sexually transmitted infections. We conducted informal interviews with married women on their experiences with marital infidelity in Nigeria. Associated physical, social and psychological cultured imposed consequences were experienced by women in Nigeria. The recurrent themes felt helplessness, enduring physical, emotional and psychological torture, accepting fate with reservation and being strangers in marital union. This narrative review could initiate critical thoughts and discussions on the factors in skewed marital unfaithful and the contribution to reproductive health and family life.

Knowledge of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Ibadan north lga, Oyo State, Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease claiming the lives of many women in developing countries due to late presentation which might be influenced by a lack of knowledge of the disease and its prevention. Method: This descriptive study examined the knowledge assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (15-49), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 426 women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Result: Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (77%; n=328) but many (62.9%; n= 268) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although 41.3% (n=176) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention, only 9.4% (n=40) had Pap smear tests done. Conclusion: Health care professionals, need to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Facteurs favorisant la douleur postopératoire aiguë après césarienne au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Androva, Mahajanga, Madagascar / Risk factors for acute postoperative pain after caesarean section at the Androva University Hospital, Mahajanga, Madagascar

Une douleur aiguë postopératoire peut être source de complications à court voire à long terme si elle est sous-évaluée et sous traitée. Plusieurs facteurs interviennent à l'exacerbation de cette douleur. Notre objectif était de déterminer les facteurs cliniques influençant la sévérité de la douleur post opératoire immédiate après une césarienne. Méthodes : Une étude type cas-témoin portant sur les patientes césarisées était réalisée en salle de soins post-interventionnels du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Professeur Zafisaona Gabriel Mahajanga allant de janvier 2019 au décembre 2019. L'étude statistique a été réalisée avec le logiciel Epi-Info® 3.5.4 de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Genève et CDC Atlanta. Les mesures d'association ont été mesurées par le calcul d'Odds ratio. Le seuil de signification statistique (p) a été fixé à une valeur < 0,05. Résultats : Nous avons retenu 32 cas pour 64 témoins. La population d'étude était jeune et la majorité appartenait dans la tranche d'âge de 16 à 29 ans. Les facteurs qui interviennent sur l'intensité de la douleur postopératoire étaient surtout des facteurs liés à la patiente tels que le jeune âge (OR= 3,46 [1,17 - 10,18]; p=0,009), la gestité en l'occurrence la primigestité et la paucigestité (OR=2,77 [1,33 - 5,79]; p=0,002), la primiparité et la pauciparité (OR=5,67 [2,16 - 14,94]; p=< 0,001), l'anxiété préopératoire (OR=5,04 [1,99 - 12,74]; p=0,0003) et l'appartenance à la classe 2 selon la classification de l'American Society ofAnesthesiologists (OR=4,2 [1,49 - 11,76]; p=0,004). Conclusion : La connaissance de ces fac

Autodétermination des femmes dans la santé sexuelle et reproductive à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo / NA

ntroduction.La santé reproductive est caractérisée par une vie sexuelle satisfaisante, sûre et la capacité de se reproduire et de prendre des décisions. La vie de beaucoup de femmes estmarquée par les capacités d'action réduites quant aux décisions portant sur leur propre vie. L'objectif était d'évaluer l'autodétermination des femmes en matière de la santésexuelle et reproductive.Matérieletméthodes.Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive transversale effectuée dans 5 maternités de la ville de Lubumbashi au mois de juillet 2021 au près des 46 accouchées ayant accepté librement de participer à cette étude basée sur le questionnaire préétabli. Résultats.L'analyse des données montre que la moyenne d'âge était de 27,8 ± 3,6 ans avec les extrêmes entre 17 et 41 ans, dont 58,7% d'entre elles avaient le niveau de secondaire et paucipares dans 52,17%. La décision des rapports sexuels revenait au couple dans 58,70%. La décision d'avoir les enfantsrevenait au couple alors que celle de nommer les enfants revenait au mari dans 45,65% et 45,65%. Le nombre d'enfants était déterminé par le couple dans 45,65%. L'espacement des naissances était déterminé par la femme dans 45,65%. Le début de la CPN était décidé par la femme dans 86,6% et le choix du lieu des consultation prénatales(CPN) étaient décidés par la femme dans 89,13%. Le moment de se rendre à la maternité était décidé par la femme dans 73,91%. Le retour à domicile était décidé par le couple dans 39,13% et la décision des rapports sexuels après l'accouchement revenait à l'homme dans 52,17%.Conclusion.La femme congolaise n'a pas toujours une autodétermination maximale dans la santé reproductive. Ainsi des efforts supplémentaires sont nécessairespour laisser la liberté aux femmes de prendre des décisions qui conviennent mieux pour leur santé

Zoom sur le cancer du col utérin chez les adolescentes à Kananga au Kasaï-Central, en République Démocratique du Congo / NA

Introduction. Le cancer du col de l'utérus (CCU) demeure un problème majeur de santé publique et il est le quatrième cancer le plus répandu chez les femmes à l'échelle mondiale. L'objectif est de contribuer à l'améliorationde niveau de connaissance des adolescentes sur le cancer du col utérin dans la ville de Kananga.Matériel et méthodes.Il s'agit d'une étude transversaledescriptive sur le cancer du col utérin, réalisée dans la ville de Kananga et dont l'étude était basée sur l'interview de 436 Adolescentes selon un échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés, dans les Aires de Santé de la Zone de Santé Urbaine de Kananga.Résultats. La moyenne d'âge des répondantes était de 17,7 ± 1,2 ans. Le niveau de connaissances sur le cancer du col utérin s'est révélé inadéquat chez presque toutes les participantes (90%). Les signes couramment connus étaient le saignement vaginal (80,3%), dyspareunie (4,8%) et règles prolongés (2,3%). Le sexe était pratiqué dans55,5% des adolescents alors que 70,9% savaient l'existence du lien entre le cancer du col utérin et les infections sexuellement transmissible (IST). Les connaissances sur lesfacteurs de risque de survenu du cancer du col étaient: la consummation de tabacdans 31,9% et le rapport sexuel précoce dans 25,5%; la pratique du dépistage était observée dans 0,2% des cas et 37,2% d'adolescentes connaissaient que toutes les femmes étaient prédisposées de développer la pathologie.Conclusion.Le niveau de connaissances de cancer du col utérin s'est révélé inadéquat chez les adolescents et nécessité des campagnes destinées à sensibiliser d'avantage toutes les femmes en particulier et le public de la ville de Kananga en général au sujet de ce cancer du col utérin

Sexual Experiences of Infertile Women: A Qualitative Study

It is suggested that stress related to infertility causes marriage conflicts and decreases in the frequency of sexual intercourse. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of the sexuality of infertile women. Patients and Methods: A phenomenological design was used in this study. We conducted face-to-face, semistructured, in-depth interviews with 11 infertile women. The interviews were audio-recorded, and a thematic approach was used to assess the data. Results: The average age of the women was 33.05 ± 3.40 years, and their age of first sexual intercourse was 23.0 ± 2.8 years and all of them are legally married. The durations of experiencing the problem of infertility were as follows; 3-5 years in 33%, 6-10 years in 27%, and 11 years and above in 38%. According to interpretative phenomenological analysis, two main themes emerge. Two main themes were determined: Perception of Sexuality and Sexual Problems. The results show that infertile women have a higher risk for sexual dysfunction than fertile women. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the diagnosis of infertility is an important factor in assessing the differences in the sexual satisfaction of women. In infertility counseling, health professionals must explain the gender differences. Also, infertile couples must encourage to share each other's feelings and this may help couples to cope with the communication problems they may experience.

The reliability of smartphone goniometry technology in measuring postural changes in South African female youths carrying head loads

Background: Four empirical studies have measured the impact of head-loading on female African porters posture using expensive radiography and manual kin anthropometry and goniometry. The reliability of cheaper, pragmatic smartphone goniometric technology as an alternate clinical tool to assess posture is needed. Objectives: This study was designed to test the inter-rater reliability of smartphone goniometry technology against manual goniometry in measuring selected sagittal postural angles in South African female youth who habitually head-load. Methods: Female South African youth who habitually headload voluntarily participated in the study (N = 100) and were randomly allocated into experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. An observational randomized control design involving a pre-test post-test crossover was used, after which the control group crossed over into the experimental group and vice versa. The control group stood in the unloaded phase without a head load, while the experimental group carried the head load. The daily head loads and body mass were measured on an electronic scale. Demographic characteristics (age, body mass, and stature) were recorded and selected biomechanical angles were measured on the right side. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 12.3 ± 2.5 years; average body mass was 44.5 ± 13.7 kg. The average head load habitually carried was 8.0 ± 2.5 kg. The inter-rater reliability between the smartphone goniometry technology and manual goniometry was 0.9. Conclusion: The findings support the use of smartphone goniometry as a pragmatic method for assessing sagittal plane postural changes among rural South African youth who habitually head-load. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Determinants of the use of family planning methods among rural women in Plateau state, Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the factors that influence family planning practice among rural women of Pankshin district inPlateau state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study using a simple random sampling method was conducted from October to December 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection among 302 respondents. Among respondents, 48.3% had practised family planning and the most popular family planning method ever practised was injectables (57.5%). The determinants of family planning practice were age group 29-39 and 40-49 years old (AOR=4.373, p<0.001; AOR=5.862, p<0.001), discussion with partner (AOR=9.192, p<0.001) and partner's approval (AOR=2.791, p=0.007). Findings showed an encouraging family planning prevalence with the main determinants involving male partners. Further efforts need to be made to promote family planning practice among male partners and to empower women of all reproductive age groups by providing them with relevant information that is needed for them to make informed decisions. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 32-41).

Women autonomy and demand for maternal health services in Nigeria: Evidence from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

mproving women autonomy can be vital in determining the uptake of healthcare services, especially in a patriarchal society with gender rights concerns. Using the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and employing Zero Inflated Negative Binomial regression, the effect of household decision-making power with considerations to women autonomy on the demand for maternal health services in Nigeria was examined. The result of the analysis suggests that women autonomy in deciding expenditures on household healthcare services, and autonomy in deciding their income expenditures significantly increases the likelihood of demand for maternal healthcare services. On the other hand, when the husband/partner makes sole decision, as well as joint decision making concerning expenditure on household healthcare services and expenditure of woman's income reduces the likelihood of demand for maternal healthcare services in the country. This reduction was however much more when husband alone takes the decision than when decisions were taken jointly. Other socioeconomic variables like higher maternal education, and household wealth, also increased the demand for maternal healthcare services. We recommend that government should put in place policies that will help increase women's participation in household decision-making through the sensitization and capacity building initiatives such as improved educational quality for women. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 65-74).

"When America Sneezes, the World Catches a Cold" What does overturning Roe v. Wade mean for women's reproductive health in Africa?

Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women." - Michelle Obama, 2016 On 24 June 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decided on Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Center, overturning the historic Roe v. Wade decision that has, since 1973, confirmed and enshrined the constitutional right of a woman to seek an abortion1 . Restrictions to legal, safe abortions are known to have serious repercussions for maternal and infant health. Evidence shows that restricting access to abortion does not reduce the number of abortions; it only makes abortion less safe and more likely to lead to preventable complications, including maternal death. Conversely, expanding access to safe, legal abortion­a common medical procedure that carries very little risk when performed by a trained provider in an appropriate environment­is associated with improved maternal health outcomes. Further, illegal abortion results in negative societal outcomes, including chronic morbidity for the individual woman; economic burdens to women and their communities when they cannot work or finish school; and added stress to families, communities, and already over-stretched public health systems.

Sex-ratio at birth in Nigeria: A demographic perspective

The study attempts at estimating the sex-ratio at birth in Nigeria. The study focuses on demographic surveys with complete maternity histories, including some 0.50 million births. It compares results with published estimates from births in health facilities and a few data from vital registration, including some 1.13 million births. Results from demographic surveys give an estimate of about 106 boys for 100 girls. There were no significant variations by large region in the country, and no significant trend over the years (1990-2018). Published estimates provided a similar value (106.2), with somewhat lower value in health facilities (105.3), and somewhat higher values in local vital registration (106.8), and major variations among available studies. Despite uncertainty, Nigeria appears to have higher sex-ratios than most African countries, with the exception of Ethiopia, and higher values than its five neighboring countries. Reasons for these high values of the secondary sex-ratio are discussed. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 92-97).

Perspectives of African American women about barriers to breast cancer prevention and screening practices: A qualitative study

Breast cancer is a severe illness that often has fatal consequences. Adherence to the recommendations for breast cancer surveillance is poorly practiced among African American women. The study aimed to identify barriers to preventative screening for breast cancer among African American women (AAW) using a qualitative research design. We explored the influence of personal barriers,stereotypes, socioeconomic status, culture, attitudes, and beliefs on African American women's behavior regarding breast cancer screening. Fourteen African American women were interviewed. Data analysis was completed with Interpretative Phenomenology Approach (IPA). This study's findings demonstrated that African American women perceived the barriers to breast cancer screening include lack of information about available resources, belief that screening cannot change genetic predisposition, embarrassment from exposing the breast for a mammogram, fear of mammograms, and fear of a positive result. These findings may be used to develop interventions to increase AAW's participation in breast cancer screening. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 22-28).

The magnitude of episiotomy among women who gave birth in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Episiotomy is one of the most common obstetric procedures done by health providers putting the client at high risk of developing complications and lacerations. These days, episiotomy has been done at an alarming rate in Ethiopia as compared to the slant set by World Health Organization. Be that as it may, there is a need for nationally representative data. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of episiotomy practice among women who gave birth at public health institutions in Ethiopia. We accessed PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and manual search was used to retrieve articles. The extractions of the data were done by using Microsoft Excel and analyzed by STATA version 11 statistical software. The publication bias was checked by funnel plot visually and Egger's test and Begg's test, with P < 0.05 considered indicating potential publication bias. I2 was used to check the presence of heterogeneity of the studies. Overall estimated analysis was done. Subgroup analysis was done by region. We carried out a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. The Joanna Briggs Institute risk of bias assessment tool was used. Out of 254 articles retrieved, 9 studies met the eligibility criteria and are thus included in this study. The overall episiotomy practice in Ethiopia was 45.01% (95% CI: 36.288, 53.741). Based on the sub-group analysis, prevalence of episiotomy practice was 49.32% (95%CI: 12.67, 85.97), 46.92% (95%CI: 29.47, 64.37), 44.23 (95%CI: 37.77, 50.99) and 38.29 (95%CI: 32.38, 44.20) among South region, Addis Ababa, Amhara region and Tigray region respectively. The findings revealed that the prevalence of episiotomy practice in Ethiopia was high (45.01%). Therefore, it is better to have periodic training for birth attendants on the indication of episiotomy and the appropriate use of guidelines to reduce the rate of episiotomy. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 98-109).

Religion and non-marital fertility: A qualitative study of the perspectives and experiences of South African Muslim women

In light of the rising number of children born outside of formal marriage, there is increasing concern about the well-being of these mothers and children, especially since they mostly come from disadvantaged populations. This study aims to determine the role religion plays in the experience of non­marital fertility. This study draws on data from ten in-depth interviews with women in Durban, South Africa. The study found that women did not anticipate the negative impact of non­marital fertility prior to experiencing their first birth. The main reason contributing to the experience of non­marital fertility was the lack of sex education.Many women believed that Islam allowed only married women to use contraceptives because unmarried women are expected to practice celibacy and their religion advocates for a two-parent household. As a result, unmarried women with children found themselves often ostracised from their community. The study recommends a comprehensive sexual education regime to address the challenges associated with non-marital fertility. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 49-58).

Drivers of contraceptive use choice in Zambia

Modern approaches of birth control have emerged as broadly accepted family planning methods in replacement of traditional alternatives. However, the effectiveness of modern contraceptives has been challenged by serious side effects, either experienced or expected, with inhibiting consequences on the acceptability and utilisation of family planning service. This paper disentangles the drivers of none-use, traditional and modern contraceptive use in Zambia using the 2018 Zambian Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) data. The Conditional logit choice modelling technique is employed to account not only for the differences in alternative contraceptive options but also the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of individual woman making the choice. Empirical results indicate that educated, older and poorer women are likely to adopt the traditional contraceptive methods whereas employed women are indifferent between traditional and modern birth control options. Furthermore, Christian women and those from other religions as well as women with no education prefer no birth control method. The study concludes that employment has the potential to serve as an alternative and safer birth control tool in developing countries and namely in Zambia. Therefore, government's effort to expand family planning program should mainly target non-educated women while promoting safer contraceptive methods. This can be achieved through women education and job creation. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]:13- 27).

The social and cultural consequences of infertility in rural and periurban

Relatively little is known about infertility experiences among women in rural Malawi and the impact of infertility on women's marital and family relations. This article examines the perspectives of women and health care providers regarding women's concepts of reproductive health and attitudes toward infertility. The paper explores the supports and barriers to managing infertility at the individual, household, and community levels. The data presented was drawn from semi-structured interviews with health care providers and patients within a prevention of mother to child transmission program and focus group discussions with community men and women in four communities in Southern Malawi. Seventy-eight patients, 12 health care providers, and 32 community leaders participated in the study. The findings suggest that gender inequities and kinship relations intersect to produce infertility related stigma which exacerbates the social and cultural consequences of being infertile in these study communities. Social support from other women experiencing infertility is one strategy to help women manage the social and cultural burden of infertility in these study communities. These results shed light on the meaning of motherhood to women living in rural and periurban Sub-Saharan African communities and call for an expansion of infertility services, social services, and mental health services for both women and men who experience infertility. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 112-126).

Attitude and knowledge of women between 45 and 65 years on menopause syndrome at the university college hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

This research was designed to find out the attitude and knowledge of women between 45 and 65 years on menopause syndrome and its management. The study was conducted in University College Hospital located in Ibadan North Local Government of Oyo state. A self-designed forced-choice questionnaire was distributed to 100 women using random sampling technique. Furthermore, our study showed that most women view the onset of menopause positively and that few seek treatment. They report relatively low prevalence of menopausal symptoms, with the most significant being irregular menstrual cycles and increased blood pressure and urinary tract infections. Furthermore, our study revealed that 41% of the participants had no idea why their menstrual period stopped, while why 60% of the women had no idea what could be done to reduce menopausal symptoms. This study reveals a low level of awareness about menopausal syndrome and more should be done. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]: 57-62).

Herbalists' explanations of infertility: The case of Northern and Southern Ghana

In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional medical practitioners also referred to as herbalists, offer diagnostics and therapeutics for diverse medical conditions irrespective of the cause. Given their traditional role as healers and repository of knowledge about medicinal plants, spirituality, customs and religion, people use their services regardless of their location, education, or socio-economic backgrounds. The aim of the study is to explore herbalists´ views and explanations on infertility and women with infertility. Using an exploratory qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 herbalists, 5 from the North-East region, 2 from Ashanti region and 3 from the Greater Accra region. Following thematic analysis, findings show that infertility has multiple causes - medical, natural, spiritual and lifestyle. Some herbalists stated that everyone was created to bear children while others refuted this notion. They shared the common consensus that not everyone can have children even though they may be medically and spiritually fit. The public should be advised on the need for periodic reproductive health checks. Also, there should be a conscious, concerted efforts to gradually dissociate unhealthy explanations of infertility from the actual empirically proven realities.This would empower society to rise above those entrenched beliefs, thereby reducing the stigma associated with infertility and women with infertility. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]: 96-106).

A comparative study of the effect of health insurance on women's use of health facility delivery: Evidence from demographic health survey in Benin Republic

Studies in the Benin Republic have identified contextual factors that determine health facility delivery among women of reproductive age. However, it is not certain if the same set of factors predicts facility delivery for women who enrolled in health insurance and those who did not. The study seeks to compare the determinants of health facility delivery for mothers under health insurance and those that are not in the Benin Republic. The study used data for 33,078 women of reproductive age, drawn from the most recent Benin demographic and health survey (2017-18). The characteristics of the women were described using simple proportions and frequency. Binary Logistic regression was used to examine determinants of health facility delivery for both groups of women. The result showed that only 0.7% of the women were under health insurance coverage. The prevalence of health facility delivery was high in the enrolled group but not in the unenrolled group (98.3% vs. 87.8%). The uniform determinants of health facility delivery across the two groups were household wealth, education, employment, land/house ownership, media exposure, a minimum of four antenatal contacts, and place of residence. To improve the coverage of health facility delivery, a multi-pronged approach should be used to improve household socioeconomic status, encourage media use among women, expand education opportunities for women, and specifically target rural women in Benin. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:104-115).