Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences最新文献_第3页

Barriers to Community Reintegration for People with Spinal Cord Injury in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study. 卢旺达脊髓损伤患者重返社会的障碍：一项定性研究。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.9

Joseph Nshimiyimana, Maurice Kanyoni, Divine Girizina, Felix Niyonkuru, Joanitah Kemigisha, Valens Mbarushimana

{"title":"Barriers to Community Reintegration for People with Spinal Cord Injury in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Joseph Nshimiyimana, Maurice Kanyoni, Divine Girizina, Felix Niyonkuru, Joanitah Kemigisha, Valens Mbarushimana","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.9","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.9","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The incidence of spinal cord injury varies significantly across different countries, with certain regions in Africa reporting higher rates compared to other parts of the world. Spinal cord injury is a chronic condition that leads to various impairments and limitations in activity participation during community reintegration. The study aimed to explore the barriers to community reintegration for people with SCI living in Rwanda.Methodology: A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Fifteen individuals, were purposively selected for diversity and interviewed telephonically. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, saturation occurred at the twelfth participant. Data were thematically analysed.Results: Four themes and Nine corresponding sub-themes emerged; psychosocial challenges (emotional distress and suicidal thoughts, loneliness and social marginalization), physical health issues (chronic pain and secondary, health complications), economic barriers (expensive medical services, costly daily living, and high transportation costs), and environmental barriers and accessibility challenges (physical environment and built accessibility environment barriers).Conclusion: This study explored the barriers, psychosocial, physical, economic, and environmental, faced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Rwanda during community reintegration. It highlights the importance of collaborative action from individuals, government bodies, and NGOs to improve access to rehabilitation, foster inclusion, and offer critical insights to guide future policies and advocacy for people with SCI.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"127-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Lived Experiences of Kidney Transplant Patients at Selected Referral Hospital in Rwanda: A Phenomenological Study. 卢旺达选定转诊医院肾移植患者的生活经历：现象学研究。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.16

Jean De Dieu Rudashirikaka, Liberatha Rumagihwa, Diane Uwitonze, Emile Munyembaraga, Rajeswaran Lakshmi

{"title":"Lived Experiences of Kidney Transplant Patients at Selected Referral Hospital in Rwanda: A Phenomenological Study.","authors":"Jean De Dieu Rudashirikaka, Liberatha Rumagihwa, Diane Uwitonze, Emile Munyembaraga, Rajeswaran Lakshmi","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.16","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.16","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease, offering better survival and quality of life than dialysis. However, patients must manage lifelong medication, follow-up, and lifestyle adjustments. While post-transplant experiences are well documented in high-income countries, little is known about kidney transplant patients in Rwanda. Understanding the experiences of patients who received transplants abroad is important. This study explored the lived experiences of kidney transplant patients attending follow-up care at a referral hospital in Rwanda.Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda. Thirteen purposively selected patients participated in interviews between March 21 and April 17, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive phenomenological thematic analysis. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.Results: Five themes emerged: improved quality of life, emotional challenges, medical management, healthcare system challenges, and cross-cultural challenges. Participants reported systemic gaps, including a shortage of specialists, expensive tests, limited support services, and cross-cultural barriers when treated abroad.Conclusion: Although transplantation improves health and quality of life, recipients continue to face clinical, psychosocial, and financial challenges. Findings highlight the need for holistic, culturally sensitive post-transplant care and strengthened financial support to improve long-term outcomes.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"211-223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effectiveness of Community-based Approach in Reducing the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Exposure and Outcome: A Randomised Controlled Trial of IPV Victimisation and Perpetration in Rwanda. 基于社区的方法在减少亲密伴侣暴力（IPV）暴露和结果方面的有效性：卢旺达IPV受害和实施的随机对照试验。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.1

Claire Bahati, Josias Izabayo, Amina Nyiranteziryayo, Pauline Atete, Vincent Sezibera, Leon Mutesa

{"title":"Effectiveness of Community-based Approach in Reducing the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Exposure and Outcome: A Randomised Controlled Trial of IPV Victimisation and Perpetration in Rwanda.","authors":"Claire Bahati, Josias Izabayo, Amina Nyiranteziryayo, Pauline Atete, Vincent Sezibera, Leon Mutesa","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.1","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Few studies have explored the effectiveness of the Community-Based Approach (CBA) on the reduction of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure and its outcomes in Rwanda. This study, therefore, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Community-Based Approach (CBA) for IPV victimisation and perpetration as well as its associated mental health outcomes in Rwanda.Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted on a sample of 32 couples, with 17 couples assigned in treatment group and 15 assigned in control group. Data analyses were computed using mixed ANOVAs to evaluate the effect of CBA over IPV occurrence and mental health outcomes.Results: The results revealed a noticeable difference across the time points for IPV, anxiety, and depression, while the difference was not significant for PTSD. All variables showed a significant difference between groups, including IPV, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, there was a meaningful interaction between time and group for IPV, anxiety, and depression. A similar interaction was also observed between time and sex for both anxiety and depression. Notably, both males' and females' IPV scores decreased to nearly the same level, while anxiety and depression scores declined more in females than in males.Conclusion: Our findings highlight substantial efficacy of CBA for victims and perpetrators of IPV in reducing IPV, anxiety and depression symptoms in Rwanda, a post-genocide country.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"7-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Marital Expectations as a Mediator between Dysfunctional Beliefs and Commitment among Married Individuals. 婚姻期望在已婚个体功能失调信念与承诺之间的中介作用。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.11

Alphonse Nkurunziza, Japhet Niyonsenga, Jeanne Marie Ntete, Jean Mutabaruka, Claudine Munganyinka

{"title":"Marital Expectations as a Mediator between Dysfunctional Beliefs and Commitment among Married Individuals.","authors":"Alphonse Nkurunziza, Japhet Niyonsenga, Jeanne Marie Ntete, Jean Mutabaruka, Claudine Munganyinka","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.11","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.11","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Marital beliefs and expectations are critical cognitive factors influencing marital satisfaction and stability. Dysfunctional beliefs often generate unrealistic expectations, which can erode marital commitment if left unaddressed. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of marital expectations in the relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and marital commitment among married individuals in Rwanda.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 426 participants, aged 25 to 45, completed questionnaires on marital beliefs, expectations, and commitment. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlational analysis and mediation testing by Hayes PROCESS macro.Results: The study revealed that dysfunctional beliefs were significantly and negatively associated with marital commitment (β = -0.626, p < 0.001). When marital expectations were included, the direct effect decreased but remained significant (β = -0.372, p < 0.001), indicating partial mediation. The indirect effect was also significant (β = -0.254, p < 0.001), showing that marital expectations partially mediate this relationship.Conclusion: These findings underscore the need to target dysfunctional beliefs and unrealistic expectations in therapy to enhance marital commitment, especially in culturally diverse contexts where traditional and modern beliefs intersect.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"156-166"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Moral Distress and Its Institutional Factors among Nurses in the Inpatient Department at a University Teaching Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. 卢旺达基加利某大学教学医院住院部护士的道德困境及其制度因素

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.8

Emmanuel Maniraho, Jean d'Amour Turikumwe, Gaudence Niyonsenga, Clementine Kanazayire

{"title":"Moral Distress and Its Institutional Factors among Nurses in the Inpatient Department at a University Teaching Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda.","authors":"Emmanuel Maniraho, Jean d'Amour Turikumwe, Gaudence Niyonsenga, Clementine Kanazayire","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.8","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.8","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Moral distress has been shown to compromise nurses' ability to deliver high-quality patient care, and may lead to job turnover. However, few studies have been conducted on moral distress and its institutional factors for the nurses in Rwandan. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the moral distress level and its institutional factors among nurses working in selected departments at a teaching hospital in Rwanda.Methods: One hundred and sixty-seven nurses were included in the cross-sectional quantitative study using the revised Moral Distress Scale. A proportional random sampling was used. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The relationship between factors was assessed by the Chi-square test.Results: The moral distress level of the research participants was moderate. The maximum moral distress score was 303, the minimum 73; the standard deviation 43.12 and the mean was 152.Conclusion: The shortage of nursing staff and lack of institutional support contribute markedly to higher levels of moral distress. Addressing these shortfalls should foster nurses' satisfaction and, subsequently, quality care of the patients.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"116-126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161700/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Early Outcomes and Associated Factors in Neonates with Extremely Low Birth Weight Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Selected Referral Hospitals in Kigali. 基加利部分转诊医院新生儿重症监护室收治的极低出生体重新生儿的早期结局和相关因素

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.13

Mechtilde Bankundiye, Pamela Meharry, Vedaste Baziga, Pacifique Umubyeyi, Vincent Dusingizimana, Richard Nsengiyumva, Immaculee Barindikije Muhawenimana

{"title":"Early Outcomes and Associated Factors in Neonates with Extremely Low Birth Weight Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Selected Referral Hospitals in Kigali.","authors":"Mechtilde Bankundiye, Pamela Meharry, Vedaste Baziga, Pacifique Umubyeyi, Vincent Dusingizimana, Richard Nsengiyumva, Immaculee Barindikije Muhawenimana","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.13","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.13","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Every year, 15 million preterm births occur worldwide, and attendant complications are the main reason for mortality in children under five. A small proportion have extremely low birth weight (ELBW), needing close assistance to survive. There is limited information about ELBW neonates born in Rwanda.Objective: To assess the early outcomes and associated factors of ELBW neonates at three selected referral hospitals in Rwanda.Methods: This study conducted in 2020 was of retrospective cross-sectional design. Information was extracted from 108 files of ELBW neonates admitted to neonatal units in a referral hospital in Kigali, Rwanda.Results: The major cause of death was severe prematurity (45.10%). The majority of neonates with ELBW (52.8%) survived in the neonatal unit, and there was association with continuous positive airway pressure (81.48%) and ventilator (14.81%). Likewise, there was association between birth weight and neonatal outcome (p=0.004).Conclusion: This study revealed that the major cause of death of neonates with ELBW is severe prematurity associated with avoidable neonatal infection. However, the majority of ELBW neonates do survive. Continuous positive airway pressure, and ventilator machine are mostly used. Thus, strengthening preventive measures of preterm birth and infection prevention control are recommended to reduce deaths among ELBW neonates.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"177-190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Evaluation of the Knowledge Level and Attitudes of Family Physicians Regarding Circumcision: A Cross-sectional Study. 家庭医生对包皮环切术的知识水平和态度评价：一项横断面研究。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.15

Merve Yüzbaşıoğlu, Y Doruk Bilgili, Güzin Zeren Öztürk

{"title":"Evaluation of the Knowledge Level and Attitudes of Family Physicians Regarding Circumcision: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Merve Yüzbaşıoğlu, Y Doruk Bilgili, Güzin Zeren Öztürk","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.15","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.15","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Male circumcision is more common in countries where Islam and Judaism are widely practiced. Despite its high prevalence, misinformation and misconceptions persist. This study aimed to assess family physicians' (FPs) knowledge and attitudes regarding circumcision.Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 369 FPs. A 36-item questionnaire, assessed sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, knowledge. Knowledge was evaluated using six items scored as correct (1), incorrect/undecided (0), yielding a total score of 0-6. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics with descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results: The mean age of participants was 38.5±9.3, 62.1% were female. Most FPs (73.3%) recommended circumcision before two years of age, while 9.9% favored circumcision during the phallic stage. Twelve percent opposed circumcision without medical indication, and 27.9% believed that anesthesia was unnecessary for newborn circumcision. Awareness of medical benefits varied: 65.9% recognized the association with reduced urinary tract infections, whereas fewer identified associations with sexually transmitted diseases (45.4%) or hydronephrosis-related indications (33.1%). The mean circumcision knowledge score was 4.04±1.24, being higher among physicians with ≥3 children and among those with circumcised sons.Conclusion: Although most FPs demonstrated moderate knowledge, important misconceptions remain. Structured training programs may improve evidence-based counseling provided to parents.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"201-210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Electronic Logistics Management Information System in Managing Medicine Expiries and Stock-Outs at Rwanda Medical Supply. 电子物流管理信息系统在管理卢旺达医疗供应药品过期和缺货方面的好处和障碍。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.3

Germain Niyomugaba, Eric Kirezi, Fiacre Rugamba Rugero, Samuel Munyentwari, Silas Majyambere, Gerard Nyiringango, Gerard Urimubenshi

{"title":"Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Electronic Logistics Management Information System in Managing Medicine Expiries and Stock-Outs at Rwanda Medical Supply.","authors":"Germain Niyomugaba, Eric Kirezi, Fiacre Rugamba Rugero, Samuel Munyentwari, Silas Majyambere, Gerard Nyiringango, Gerard Urimubenshi","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.3","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.3","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Globally, medicine management initially relied on paper-based logistics information systems, which were associated with delayed reporting, poor data quality, weak forecasting, and limited supply chain visibility, resulting in medicine stockouts and expiries. Many countries transitioned to electronic systems to address these challenges. Rwanda introduced an electronic logistics management information system in 2014; however, medicine stockouts and expiries have persisted. This study explored users' perceptions of the benefits and barriers of the electronic logistics management information system in managing medicine stockouts and expiries at Rwanda Medical Supply.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at the central and Kigali regional warehouses of Rwanda Medical Supply. Twenty-two staff involved in inventory management, order processing, data management, and quantification were purposively selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion, and data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.Results: Participants reported improved stock monitoring, data visibility, and order management, supporting the reduction of stockouts and expiries as benefits of using electronic logistic information system. However, inaccurate data, limited interoperability, inadequate training, and absence of alerts reduced system effectiveness.Conclusion: The electronic system improved stock visibility and supported timely ordering, but limited user skills and poor interoperability constrained accurate forecasting and decision-making, contributing to medicine expiries and supply interruptions.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"35-48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Situs Inversus Partialis: An Incidental Discovery in a Young Patient with Obstructed Left Inguinal Hernia. 局部内位：一个偶然发现的年轻患者梗阻性左腹股沟疝。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.18

Jean Paul Rugambwa, Olivier Kubwimana, Jackson Nshimyiyera, Julien Gashegu

引用次数: 0

Mapping Existing Informal Home Caregiver Support Guidelines for Palliative Care: A Scoping Review. 绘制姑息治疗的现有非正式家庭护理人员支持指南：范围审查。

Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences Pub Date : 2026-03-31 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.17

Jean Claude Twahirwa, Marg Fitch, Godfrey Katende, Madeleine Mukeshimana

{"title":"Mapping Existing Informal Home Caregiver Support Guidelines for Palliative Care: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Jean Claude Twahirwa, Marg Fitch, Godfrey Katende, Madeleine Mukeshimana","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.17","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.17","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Although health systems increasingly recognize the benefits of home-based palliative care, informal caregivers often lack adequate training and guidance to support terminally ill patients effectively. This underscores the need for comprehensive guidelines addressing pain and symptom management as well as patients' social, psychological, economic, and spiritual needs. This scoping review aimed to identify reliable guidelines to support informal home-based caregivers for patients cared for in home-based palliative care services.Methods: A literature scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's five-step process identified 1055 studies, excluding non-English publications, opinion pieces, and grey literature without full-texts. Of these, 58 articles were assessed for inclusion, focusing on informal caregivers supporting adults with advanced chronic conditions or in palliative care.Results: The review identified key themes in existing guidelines for home-based palliative caregivers, including recognition of palliative care as a fundamental human right. However, substantial inconsistencies were found in scope, depth, and content, with no standardized approach to guide essential care practices.Conclusion: This review examined global literature on informal home-based caregiver support in palliative care, with relevance to Rwanda. Findings showed that available documents were largely policy-oriented and lacked detailed guidance on comprehensive care and clearly defined caregiver roles. Key priorities include integrating palliative care into health systems, recognizing it as a legal right, ensuring culturally appropriate home-based care, and strengthening caregiver support. Effective service delivery requires holistic approaches, defined team roles, harmonized care models, and ongoing monitoring to ensure sustainable, high-quality care.","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"224-246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161698/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0