Masters in Public Health and Leadership (Save the Mothers)

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/1043

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Lived Experiences of Labia Minora Elongation Among Adolescent Girls in Wakiso District
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-30) Zaituni Nabateregga
Introduction: Women and girls in different countries practice different Female Genital Modifications (FGMo) for several reasons which may include initiation to adulthood but also preparation for marriage. Labia Minora Elongation (LME) is among those practices carried out in different African countries; In Uganda it is mainly practiced in the central specifically the Buganda region. It refers to the elongation of the inner lips of the external female genitalia. The process takes a long time until the realization of the intended length which ranges from 2 to 8 cm is met. Like many Types 4 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices that do not involve cutting, Labia Minora Elongation does not receive the much-needed attention like Type I, 2, and 3 from researchers, funders, and programmers yet it presents significant impact on the psychological and Physical wellbeing of adolescent girls. The study therefore set to describe the lived experiences of adolescent girls who have experienced Labia Minora Elongation in Wakiso district. Methods: The study used a phenomenological study design to describe the experiences of Labia Minora Elongation following initiation into the practice. In-depth interviews were held with 17 adolescent girls aged 10-15, who had experienced labia minora elongation and these were the primary sources of data. The study looked at the perceptions on LME, the process of elongating the labia minora, major challenges that adolescent girls face after Labia Minora Elongation initiation and the coping strategies they utilize. Findings: Labia Minora Elongation is an unpleasant prolonged process that subjects adolescent girls to months of physical and psychological suffering. It is presents challenges which are usually not acknowledged by the community, and this makes the whole experience a very difficult one. Adolescent girls experience a lot of pain, swelling of the Labia Minora, itchiness from the herbs used, stigma from peers and other psychological effects of engaging in a practice that they are compelled into and don’t fully understand. Discussion: The findings from this study revealed that girls are coerced into modifying their genitals thus there is need for awareness creation to help them have the right information and make their own informed decisions on whether to or not participate in the practice. Even though adolescent girls come up with coping mechanisms to deal with these challenges, they need to be protected against this practice that affects their wellbeing. The study findings will be used to inform policy formulation against the practice and sensitization interventions on the physical and psychological consequences of LME among adolescent girls. The findings will also provide an opportunity for more research on experiences of adolescent girls following LME practice and other silent effects impacting the psychical, sexual, and psychological wellbeing of Adolescents girls in the country and the region.
Access and Utilisation of Antenatal Care Services Among Women With Physical Disabilities Attending Mwananyamala Referral Hospital in Kinondoni District
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-26) Elia Macha
This qualitative study investigated the access and utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women with physical disabilities attending Mwananyamala Referral Hospital in Kinondoni District, Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were to identify barriers and challenges faced by physically disabled women in accessing antenatal care services, to explore the experiences and perspectives of physically disabled women regarding the quality antenatal care services they receive and to examine the support systems and accommodations required by physically disabled women to access antenatal care services effectively. The research employed a case study methodology, and 20 individuals were chosen using the purposive sample technique. Data were gathered through interview while data were analysed using content analysis. Findings from the study reveal a spectrum of barriers faced by physically disabled women, including physical limitations, attitudinal barriers from healthcare providers, policy-related challenges, transportation difficulties, and communication obstacles. Moreover, participants' narratives illuminate the significance of tailored support, education, and accessible infrastructure in facilitating positive antenatal care experiences for this population. From this study, we recommend that there is need to enhance accessibility infrastructure within healthcare facilities, improve transportation options for physically disabled women, and implement training programs for healthcare professionals to become more cognizant of and knowledgeable about the unique requirements of this population. Future research could further explore communication challenges, longitudinal health outcomes, and comparative studies across healthcare facilities, aiming to enhance inclusivity and quality of care for this vulnerable population.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Teenage Girls in Nantabulirirwa Ward Goma Division Mukono Municipality Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-23) Faith Nayebale
Introduction: Menstruation is a natural physiological process and the teenagers undergoing through it require support from different fronts. Globally, 500 million women and teenager girls have poor access to menstrual hygiene facilities, limited education and knowledge about menstrual and its proper hygienic practices. In Uganda, many women (65%) are unable to adequately meet menstrual health and 61.7% of teenagers’ miss school in rural areas of Uganda. Menstruation is is not regularly talked about openly making it difficult for girls to manage their periods. The study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude and practices on menstrual hygiene management among teenage girls in Nantabulirwa slum, Goma Division, Mukono municipality. Methodology: A descriptive analytical cross sectional mixed study was employed involving the use of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection The study used both purposive non-random and simple random sampling methods to select a total of 325 teenagers. Data was analysed using Content Thematic Analysis and Statistical Package for Social sciences version 20 software package. Results: Findings show that teenage girls have negative attitudes towards menstrual hygiene management due to stigma from boys, cultural beliefs and perceptions on menstrual hygiene management. However, the teenagers who lived with both parents and in an enabling school environment had more knowledge and better practices. Overall level of knowledge of the adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management was good due to the menstrual education received before menarche. At P<0.05, there was significant association between menstrual education attainment with age and the education level of the respondents. There was also a significant association (p<0.05) between menstrual education attainment and family type, living arrangement and parent’s level of education. On social economic factors, there was a strong association between menstrual education attainment and interval of towel change during periods, menstrual choice influencer and the used towels disposal. On the cultural aspects, the results showed that at p<0.05, there was significant association between menstrual education attainment and tribe. Conclusion and recommendations: The study establishes that the overall level of knowledge of the adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management was good. Overall, the study findings show teenage girls have negative attitudes towards menstrual hygiene management. The attitudes of the girls were influenced by cultural beliefs, stigma from boys/men, and perceptions on menstruation. Practices of the teenage girls towards menstrual hygiene management was mostly good. During menstruation it was manifested that majority of the teenage girls practiced safe practices. Addressing the findings by involving the men in menstrual hygiene management, need for parents to educate their teenage girls at an early stage, establishing incinerators at strategic sites for proper disposal, amongst others would bridge the gaps and improve the menstrual hygiene management.
Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Use Among Women of Reproductive Age in Uganda: Between 2001–2016
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-05) Joyce Ahumuza
Embarking on a comprehensive exploration of modern contraceptive use in Uganda from 2001 to 2016. This study employs extensive secondary data analysis to unravel the intricate dynamics influenced by socio-economic, demographic as well as other factors on the uptake of modern contraceptives. Amidst moderate changes observed in contraceptive practices over the years, the prevalence of users still falls below expectations set by the Ministry of Health and other institutions in the country. Notably, shifting trends in the initiation of sexual activity among women aged 15-49years are unveiled, peaking at 7.6% in 2001 and gradually declining to 6.3% in 2016. Wealth indices indicate a noteworthy decrease in poverty rates over the same period, possibly linked to government-led poverty reduction initiatives. Educational strides are evident, with 6.8% of women achieving higher education in 2016, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing access. The dominance of rural residence, reported at 85.3% in 2006, mirrors Uganda's primarily rural population, while fluctuations in working status hint at persistent socio-economic challenges and prevalent informal sector employment. Media exposure dynamics exhibit diverse rates, with 58.9% of women exposed to contraceptive information through radios in 2016. Over time, increased exposure to family planning messages, peaking in 2016 across all platforms, contrasts with comparatively lower exposure via TV and newspapers. The study further unveils nuanced patterns in contraceptive use, spotlighting injections as the most prevalent method from 2001 to 2016. These comprehensive insights contribute to a holistic comprehension of Uganda's reproductive health landscape, paving the way for a detailed discussion of the contextual factors shaping modern contraceptive decisions. Keywords: Modern Contraceptive Use, Reproductive Health landscape
Forms and Determinants of Domestic Violence: Acase of Pregnant Women in Mukono Municipality-Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2015-10-26) Richard Mulindwa
Background: Domestic violence against women is a common occurrence all over the world. It cuts across age, ethnicity, religion and educational barriers (Brown ridge, 2009) Domestic violence can take various forms: it can be physical, psychological or sexual. Domestic violence during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, bleeding during pregnancy, preterm Labor, preterm delivery and higher neonatal death (WHO/UNAID, 2010) In a study done in Rakai district of Uganda, 30% of the women had experienced physical threats or physical abuse from their current partners but there is no information about DV particularly in pregnancy, a vulnerable stage in woman’s life. Objective of the study: This study is intended to determine forms and associated factors of domestic violence among pregnant women in Mukono municipality Methods: This study was among the pregnant women. Across sectional study employing a mixed method research design. It utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Qualitative research methods were utilized mainly because of the need for an in-depth understanding of social phenomenon using flexible methods such as interview, Semi-structured and open ended questions while quantitative method was applied to explain the qualitative data

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