{"title":"Knowledge Enhancement on Cardiogenic Shock Following Self-Instructional Module among Rwandan Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Study.","authors":"Ernestine Mukawitonze, Assumpta Yamuragiye, Abdullateef Isiaka Alagbonsi","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.2","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition requiring early recognition and immediate intervention. Nurses, often the first responders in hospitals and communities, need adequate knowledge to manage such emergencies effectively. This study assessed the effectiveness of a self-instructional module (SIM) in improving nurses' knowledge about cardiogenic shock at a level-two teaching hospital in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental design was used involving 113 nurses. Structured multiple-choice questionnaires were administered before and after exposure to the SIM. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, x<sup>2</sup> and paired t-tests were used to assess changes in knowledge levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed a significant improvement in post-test scores following the SIM intervention. The proportion of nurses with adequate knowledge increased from 10.6% to 60.2%, while those with inadequate or moderate knowledge dropped from 32.7% to 4.4% (x<sup>2</sup> = 92.4; p < 0.001). Demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, education level, and experience did not significantly influence the knowledge gain.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The SIM proved to be an effective educational tool for enhancing nurses' knowledge of cardiogenic shock. Its implementation can be a valuable strategy for improving clinical preparedness among nursing staff.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"25-34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161711/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937315","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}
Vianney Nyirimana, Janvier Yubahwe, Bizoza Rutakayile, Aimable Musafili
{"title":"Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences : A Cross-Sectional Study among Inpatients at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital in Rwanda.","authors":"Vianney Nyirimana, Janvier Yubahwe, Bizoza Rutakayile, Aimable Musafili","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.4","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are the potentially traumatic events that occurred during childhood. Understanding their magnitude and the way exposure to one type triggers other types of ACEs could lead to more focused psychiatric interventions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the prevalence of ACEs and explore the associations between household challenges and child maltreatment among inpatients with mental disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional design was used from August to September 2019 at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. We informed 176 adult inpatients, 159 consented to have their eligibility examined, and 122 were eligible and then interviewed using the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most of the participants (57%) were men, 61% were in the 20-35 age range, and 67% had attended primary school. Almost everyone (98%) reported at least one ACE. Having separated/divorced or deceased parents was the most common ACE (65%). Child maltreatment was associated with household challenges.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a high prevalence of ACEs among psychiatric inpatients. Therefore, the burden associated with the high prevalence of ACEs could be alleviated through interventions targeting ACE preventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"49-61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937256","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}
Jean Claude Twahirwa, Marg Fitch, Godfrey Katende, Madeleine Mukeshimana
{"title":"Exploring Satisfaction and Support Needs of Informal Home Caregivers Using Palliative Care Services: A Mixed-Methods Study from Rwanda.","authors":"Jean Claude Twahirwa, Marg Fitch, Godfrey Katende, Madeleine Mukeshimana","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Informal home-based caregivers play a key role in supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses in Rwanda, often assuming primary responsibility for daily palliative care. Despite the sense of purpose caregiving may bring, it is frequently accompanied by emotional, physical, and financial strain that affects caregivers' well-being. However, limited evidence exists regarding their satisfaction with palliative care services and their unmet support needs.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed at exploring the support needs and satisfaction levels of informal home-based caregivers regarding palliative health services in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods study design, involving twenty (20) informal home-based caregivers for the qualitative approach was employed. One hundred sixty-one (161) informal caregivers were recruited for the quantitative approach. The data was conducted in two districts of Nyamasheke and Rusizi in Rwanda. Descriptive statistics were performed on the quantitative data while structured thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that informal home-based caregivers experienced significant emotional, physical, and financial strain due to inadequate training and limited support. Feelings of burnout, loss of personal time, and dissatisfaction with the caring roles as well as palliative care services were reported. Informal home-based caregivers needed better training, financial aid, and consistent medical support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Training and support systems for informal home-based caregivers' satisfaction are key facets to palliative care services. Palliative policy and programmatic reforms are needed to address these issues for enhanced palliative care services in Rwanda.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"62-83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937325","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}
{"title":"Prevalence and Factors Associated With Diarrhoea among Children under Five in Murambi Sector, Gatsibo District, Rwanda.","authors":"Alex Manzi, Monica Mochama, Rosemary Okova","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.12","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.12","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diarrhoea remains a major public health concern among children under five in developing countries due to inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. Evidence on specific factors contributing to diarrhoea in Murambi Sector, Gatsibo District, Rwanda, is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of diarrhoea and its associated factors among children under five.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 339 children under five. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0, applying bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the participants, 56.6% were female. The prevalence of diarrhoea was 14%. Factors significantly associated with diarrhoea included having an improved toilet, presence of a handwashing facility, and washing hands before feeding a child (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Improved sanitation and hand hygiene practices are essential to reduce diarrhoea among children under five in Murambi Sector. These findings support interventions aimed at promoting household hygiene and enhancing access to sanitation facilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"167-176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147937248","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}
{"title":"Predicting and Preventing Intimate Partner Homicide: Learning from Perpetrators and Survivors.","authors":"Providence M Umuziga, Madeleine Mukeshimana, Gerard Nyiringango, Vedaste Bagweneza, Clementine Kanazayire, Dieudonne Kayiranga","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.13","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intimate partner homicide (IPH) has emerged as a significant public health and social concern globally, with women disproportionately affected. In Rwanda, despite significant progress in addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) through various national strategies, IPV continues to pose serious challenges, sometimes escalating to IPH. This study seeks to explore the risk factors associated with IPH and identify effective strategies for its prevention.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A qualitative research design employing a phenomenological approach was used to gain deep insights into participants' lived experiences. Data were collected from 22 participants through in-depth interviews and were analysed thematically, supported by the use of Atlas. ti software for coding and data management.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The major themes that emerged from the analysis included: Participants' perspectives on (1) warning signs and predictors of intimate partner homicide, which included reunions following a partner's imprisonment, jealousy or perceived infidelity, communication avoidance, polygamy, financial irresponsibility, and sexual denial; and (2) alternative actions that perpetrators or survivors could take to prevent IPH, along with their proposed strategies for reducing or eliminating its occurrence. These strategies included early identification of relationship conflicts, engagement in preventive counseling, fostering open communication, ensuring financial autonomy, abstaining from alcohol, and, in high-risk situations, considering pre-emptive divorce.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early intervention, preventive counselling, and financial empowerment are essential in mitigating the risk of intimate partner homicide. Policymakers and researchers should prioritize these strategies in designing comprehensive prevention programs that address both individual and relational factors of IPH.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"605-616"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204828","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}
Marie Grace Sandra Musabwasoni, Marie Klingberg-Allvin, Donatilla Mukamana, Stephen Rulisa, Oliva Bazirete
{"title":"Stage-Specific Psychological Distress, Coping, and Social Support among Women Undergoing Pregnancy Termination in Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.","authors":"Marie Grace Sandra Musabwasoni, Marie Klingberg-Allvin, Donatilla Mukamana, Stephen Rulisa, Oliva Bazirete","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.16","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.16","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Termination of pregnancy is a complex, emotionally charged experience. This study assessed psychological outcomes, including coping mechanisms and social support, among women undergoing pregnancy termination in Rwanda, aiming to identify predictors of psychological distress and resilience and to inform culturally sensitive, stage-specific interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional comparative design was employed among 305 women sampled once at different stages of the termination process (pre, peri, and post termination) across 11 district hospitals. Data were collected using validated instruments to measure distress, coping, and social support. Stage-specific comparisons were conducted using ANOVA (F tests), correlations, and linear regressions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The peri-termination phase emerged as the most emotionally vulnerable, with elevated stress (F = 6.12, p = 0.003), depression (F = 5.03, p = 0.008), declining self-esteem (F = 3.78, p = 0.024), reduced adaptive coping (F = 2.45, p = 0.01), and lowest perceived support (F = 5.67, p = 0.01). Distress intensified into the post-termination phase, where stress and depression peaked. Regression models confirmed perceived stress (β = .41, p < 0.001), maladaptive coping (β = .29, p < 0.001), and lower perceived social support (β = -.16, p = 0.004) as significant predictors of anxiety (R<sup>2</sup> = .52), and depression (R<sup>2</sup> = .49). Overall, 28% of participants reported moderate-to-severe anxiety, 25% reported moderate-to-severe depression, and 33% reported high stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings underscore the need for integrated emotional support and empathetic provider communication, alongside community-based interventions to reduce stigma, promote recovery, contribute to Rwanda's maternal health strategy, and global efforts to humanize the service.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"650-668"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204838","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}
Israel Cyubahiro Munyambaraga, Pasteur Dushimimana, Isdore Tuyishime, Jean Leonard Turabayo, Philemon Manishimwe, William Gerard Nayituriki, Theophilla Kayitesi Mushimiyimana, Aimee Cyubahiro, Hesron Byiringiro, Emma Marie Umutoniwase, Jean Pierre Nizeyimana, Clement Ikuzwe, Pascal Ubuzima, Michael Habtu
{"title":"The Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Rwanda: A Secondary Data Analysis of the RDHS 2019/2020.","authors":"Israel Cyubahiro Munyambaraga, Pasteur Dushimimana, Isdore Tuyishime, Jean Leonard Turabayo, Philemon Manishimwe, William Gerard Nayituriki, Theophilla Kayitesi Mushimiyimana, Aimee Cyubahiro, Hesron Byiringiro, Emma Marie Umutoniwase, Jean Pierre Nizeyimana, Clement Ikuzwe, Pascal Ubuzima, Michael Habtu","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial for infant survival, growth, and development. However, factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices in Rwanda remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding and identify associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A secondary data analysis of the 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 4,359 children under five years. A weighted analysis was conducted. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified key determinants for exclusive breastfeeding with significance level set at p value <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 80.5%. Mothers in the Southern Province (AOR 1.948, 95% CI: 1.151-3.299), Western Province (AOR 2.391, 95% CI: 1.549-3.690), and Northern Province (AOR 2.091, 95% CI: 1.141-3.831) had higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding than those in Kigali. Wealthier mothers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively (AOR 0.524, 95% CI: 0.364-0.753). Children aged 6-23 months had significantly lower odds of breastfeeding compared to those under 6 months (AOR 0.014, 95% CI: 0.011-0.018).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the need to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices, particularly among mothers in Kigali and higher-income households, to improve child health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"502-513"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204299","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}
Kevin Uchechukwu Nwanna, Theophile Ngendahimana, Samuel Maniraguha, Jean Paul Twiringiyimana, Kitema Felix, Mojeed Gbadomosi
{"title":"Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Its Associated Factors among Workers of Roofing Factories in Rwanda.","authors":"Kevin Uchechukwu Nwanna, Theophile Ngendahimana, Samuel Maniraguha, Jean Paul Twiringiyimana, Kitema Felix, Mojeed Gbadomosi","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.17","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.17","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>An estimated 2.78 million work-related deaths and 374 million non-fatal injuries occur at workstations annually. Developing Countries place a low priority on safety, and many companies still operate without even the most basic health and safety procedures. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the level of compliance with occupational safety and health standards and their associated factors among roofing factory workers in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study utilised a simple probability sampling technique with a sample size of 202 participants from the roofing industry. A structured questionnaire was utilized to gather primary data. The compliance level was the outcome variable. Univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariable analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Analysis revealed that the compliance level was high (64%); the major challenge faced with occupational safety and health standards was lack of training (44.5%); the predicting factors to OSH compliance were age (36-45 years) (AOR=3.12, P-value=0.008, CI-1.35-7.21), being married (AOR=2.15, P-value=0.047, CI=1.01-4.58), and workers level of experience (16 years and above) (AOR=4.12, P-value=0.001, CI=1.76-9.64); these were statistically significant at P<0.05.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Absence of training, age, marital status, and workers' level of experience influenced occupational safety and health compliance. Thus, refresher and constant training on compliance with occupational safety and health standards should be effectively and continuously carried out.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"669-679"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204835","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}
Emile Tuyishimire, Jean Aime Ngirinshuti, Herbert Tendayi Mapira, Vedaste Nsanzimana, Cuthbert Musarurwa
{"title":"Thyroid Function Test Abnormalities in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at Matyazo Health Center, Huye, Rwanda.","authors":"Emile Tuyishimire, Jean Aime Ngirinshuti, Herbert Tendayi Mapira, Vedaste Nsanzimana, Cuthbert Musarurwa","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.8","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is commonly found in people living with HIV infection (PLHIV) and is exacerbated by ART. While TD is documented in PLHIV, its prevalence in Rwanda remains underexplored. This study investigated thyroid dysfunction in HIV-positive patients on ART at Matyazo Health Centre, Butare, Rwanda. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of thyroid function test (TFT) abnormalities among HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Matyazo Health Centre, Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study involving 200 participants (100 HIV-positive on ART and 100 HIV-negative controls, mainly healthcare workers and university students) was undertaken. Blood specimens were obtained for thyroid function assessments, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) when indicated. A standardised questionnaire captured sociodemographic information and clinical data were extracted from medical records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thyroid dysfunction prevalence was greater among HIV-positive participants compared to HIV-negative controls (47% vs. 16%). The predominant abnormality was central hypothyroidism/euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS), particularly in those on ART for over 24 months. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was less common. Educational attainment (p=0.006) and employment status (p=0.028) were significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of TD among HIV-positive patients on ART suggests an association between HIV infection, ART, and thyroid dysfunction, underscoring the importance of regular thyroid function screening. To build on these findings, longitudinal studies are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"538-549"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204307","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}
Violette Dushimiyimana, Louise Marie Tuyishimire, Christine Igikundiro, Michel Nkuranyabahizi, Deborah Mukamuhirwa, Leatitia Marie Ishimwe, Joella Mukashyaka, Christine Marie Umutesi, Seraphine Nyiraneza, Richard Nsengiyumva, Claudien Thierry Uhawenimana, Triphonie Mukaziboneye, Jean de Dieu Habimana, Ferdinard Bikorimana, Ruth Dusabe, Vincent Dusingizimana, Gerard Kaberuka
{"title":"Prevalence and Factors Influencing Family Planning Use among Women with Non-Communicable Diseases in Urban Areas in Rwanda.","authors":"Violette Dushimiyimana, Louise Marie Tuyishimire, Christine Igikundiro, Michel Nkuranyabahizi, Deborah Mukamuhirwa, Leatitia Marie Ishimwe, Joella Mukashyaka, Christine Marie Umutesi, Seraphine Nyiraneza, Richard Nsengiyumva, Claudien Thierry Uhawenimana, Triphonie Mukaziboneye, Jean de Dieu Habimana, Ferdinard Bikorimana, Ruth Dusabe, Vincent Dusingizimana, Gerard Kaberuka","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.18","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.18","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are at an elevated risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications. Usually, they are advised to use effective family planning (FP) methods. This study assessed the prevalence of FP use and the factors influencing their use among women with NCDs in urban areas in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for 244 women aged 15-49 years attending follow up care in NCDs clinics at selected health centers and hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Simple logistic regression was used to identify the association between independent variables and FP use, while multinomial logistic regression examined the strength of the identified association between both modern and natural FP methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of FP use among female with NCDs in reproductive age is 68.4%. The most common NCDs in the group are hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and heart failure. Women aged 25-34 mostly prefer to use modern FP method, the same as women living in the Southern Province. Furthermore, living with a partner had higher odds of using both natural and modern methods of FP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Use of FP among women with NCDs remains suboptimal. There is a need for more individualized health education and counselling to support reproductive aged women with NCDs in making informed decisions about FP. Such efforts are essential to empower these women and promote their overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"680-690"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12895267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204815","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}