The East African health research journal最新文献

{"title":"Assessing the Feasibility of Visual Charts to Augment Diarrheal Disease Prevention Practices: A Qualitative Study with Caregivers in Kenya.","authors":"Frida A Okeyo, Edna Nyangechi, Bernard Guyah","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.846","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, particularly in low-income urban settings. Despite interventions such as rotavirus vaccination, vitamin A supplementation, improved hand hygiene, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, diarrhoeal episodes persist. Visual charts offer a potentially effective educational tool for low-literacy populations. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of using visual charts to support diarrhoeal disease prevention practices among caregivers in Nyalenda, Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 14 caregivers of children aged 6 to 24 months and key informant interviews with 2 community health assistants and 2 health facility in-charges. Participants were purposively sampled based on child age, recent diarrhoeal episodes, and residence stability. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Caregivers had considerable knowledge of diarrhoeal disease and prevention, but practices were inconsistent due to economic and environmental constraints, including limited soap and safe water access, unimproved sanitation, and congested living conditions. None of the participants had prior exposure to visual charts. All caregivers and health providers expressed strong interest in using visual charts, suggesting content on handwashing, water treatment, food hygiene, and solid and liquid waste management, with materials in English, Kiswahili, and Luo. Charts were envisioned as household reminders and training aids.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Visual charts were well-received and considered feasible to support diarrhoeal disease prevention in resource-limited settings. Findings highlight high receptivity and potential for future interventions to enhance knowledge and adherence to preventive practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"278-281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824484","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":"Influence of Antenatal Family Planning Counselling on Attitude Towards Early Postpartum Family Planning: A Randomised Controlled Trial in Kenya.","authors":"Morris Senghor Shisanya, Mary Kipmerewo, Everlyne Nyanchera Morema, Collins Ouma","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.858","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.858","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, women value postpartum family planning (PPFP) for health and pregnancy spacing. It is imperative to understand the diverse aspects influencing women's attitudes towards early PPFP to address them effectively. There is a lack of comparative studies on the effectiveness of interventions to improve attitudes towards early PPFP. Bridging this gap is vital for evidence-based FP promotion and better maternal and child health outcomes. This study, therefore, compared attitudes toward early PPFP across nurse-led, community-based, and routine ANC groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was a randomised control trial conducted in Kisumu County among pregnant women. Three arms were established: nurses' and community interventions and a control. Sample size was determined based on expected differences in contraceptive use postpartum. Multistage sampling involving purposive, cluster, and simple random sampling was used. The intervention involved providing antenatal information on postpartum family planning (PPFP) using a mobile phone-based tool. Attitudes towards PPFP were measured using Likert scales and analysed through ANOVA. The study aimed to assess the impact of interventions on attitudes towards early PPFP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants (96.4%) had a positive attitude towards early PPFP, though some factors were linked to reduced positivity. Higher education (OR 0.6, 95% CI, 0.4 to 0.9, <i>P</i>=.026), comorbidity (OR 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.6, <i>P</i>=.006), and longer counselling waiting and turnaround times (OR 0.9, 95% CI, 0.8-1.0, <i>P</i>=.059) and (OR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0, <i>P</i>=.032) were associated with more negative attitudes, while good perceived health increased positivity (OR 3.1, 95% CI, 1.0 to 9.2, <i>P</i>=.043). There was no significant difference in attitude between study arms (F (2,243) =3.0, <i>P</i>=.053).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a generally positive attitude towards early PPFP among participants, but no significant difference in attitude between intervention and control arms. Negative attitudes were associated with comorbidities, longer waiting times, and counselling turnaround times. The study recommends improvements in counselling quality by optimising waiting and turnaround times.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"368-376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824545","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":"Awareness and Risk Reduction of Hypertension Among Adults in Ilala and Mkuranga Districts, Tanzania.","authors":"Alison Kabanda, Hadijah Ally Mbwana, Helena Aminiel Ngowi","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.834","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is one of the major global public health problems that has been associated with an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. This study aimed to assess awareness and the practice of risk reduction of hypertension among adults in Ilala and Mkuranga districts, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community based cross sectional study was conducted whereby a total of 295 participants were interviewed using a questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO). Stepwise approach for chronic disease risk factor surveillance was used to obtain the socio-demographic information, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding hypertension using a structured set of questions. Blood pressure was measured and recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and summarize the study findings. Pearson Chi-square test was used to compare and determine the association between categorical variables and hypertension. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of hypertension.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistical association for all comparisons was set at <i>P</i><.05. Hypertension prevalence was high (36.9%) with high proportion of hypertensive individuals being aged between 30 to 44 years (48.6%), married or cohabiting (70.6%), self-employed (59.6%), attained primary education level (59.6%), earn <TZS 250,000 per month (47.7) and living in rural Mkuranga (48.6%). Over a third of hypertensive individuals were unaware of their condition. Although over half of studied individuals had good knowledge of risk factors for hypertension, their risk reduction practices were limited. Only 44.4% engaged in physical activity, 7.5% quit smoking, and 9.2% reduced their alcohol intake. However, in multiple logistic regression age and knowledge maintained its significant association with hypertension. Tailored community interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness and enhance preventive practices against hypertension.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced hypertension prevention strategies in study population. Significant gaps remain in awareness, risk perception, and adoption of preventive practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"158-164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591015/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484036","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":"Reported Adverse Events (Side Effects) Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among University Students and Staff: A Case of Islamic University in Uganda.","authors":"Rashid Naziru, Madinah Nabukeera Ssebyala, Francis Tamale, Zakariyah Mukasa, John Turyagumanawe, Alex Daama, Areemu Abdul Mujeeb Babatunde, Swaibu Zziwa, Kharim Mwebaza Muluya","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.821","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.821","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has brought several disastrous effects on the healthcare and economic systems of different countries globally. There is still no approved curative medicine for COVID-19; thus, the disease can only be controlled through preventive measures, especially vaccination through herd immunity. However, this is still far from being realized, as vaccination is still being affected by hesitancy and resistance from people, mainly due to the fears of side effects and other adverse events following vaccination. Therefore, understanding the incidence and associated factors, nature, and management of these adverse events is paramount for ensuring public confidence in vaccination programmes. The current study therefore aimed at documenting reported adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination among students and staff at the Islamic university in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study design that was prospective in nature that recruited staff and students from Islamic University in Uganda that received COVID-19 vaccination between February and June 2022. Data was collected using Google Forms; participants were reached through the institutional ERP, emails, text messages and WhatsApp (social media). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study recruited 225 participants; 64.0% were female, and the median age range was between 26 and 30 years. Most of the respondents, 76.4%, reported receiving at least one side effect. More than 73% did not report any comorbidity (chronic conditions). 70.5% had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and AstraZeneca was the most received brand at 51.8%. Most participants reported minor side effects, including pain at the injection site (44.4%). fever, chills, headache, and dizziness at 18.1%, and muscle pains and backpains at 14.6%. Only 1.2% reported vaccine sexual reproductive health.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and recommendation: </strong>The study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, as most of the reported side effects were minor with no life-threatening events. More sensitization of the community about the safety of vaccines is encouraged. Ongoing pharmacovigilance surveys for COVID-19 vaccines are recommended to detect possible long-term side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"41-47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484114","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":"Navigating Scientific Inquiry in East Africa Amidst Declining Research Funding.","authors":"Steve Wandiga, Leonard Ntakarutimana, Fabian Mashauri, Novat Twungubumwe","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.816","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.816","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>East African scientific research confronts an unprecedented funding crisis that has fundamentally transformed the region's research landscape. Traditional funding mechanisms, heavily dependent on international grants and donor aid, have proven increasingly unsustainable amid global economic volatility, shifting donor priorities, and persistent COVID-19 impacts. Between 2022 and 2024, research funding to sub-Saharan Africa declined by approximately 18%, with East Africa experiencing particularly severe reductions as university research budgets stagnated while inflation eroded purchasing power by 15-20% annually across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Even if the traditional funding reduction undermined scientific production in the EA region at the beginning, an impressive capacity of resiliency and innovation was thereafter quickly observed that catalyzed unprecedented innovation and collaboration among researchers. Rather than diminishing scientific capacity, this funding crisis has catalyzed unprecedented innovation and collaboration, spurring the development of resilient, self-sustaining research models that maintain scientific excellence despite severe resource constraints. This paper examines 6 transformative case studies that demonstrate how East African researchers have revolutionized scientific inquiry approaches, creating sustainable alternatives to traditional funding-dependent models through a comprehensive analysis spanning 2020-2025. The cases described in this paper reveal comprehensive strategic frameworks integrating diversified funding portfolios, resource-efficient methodologies, robust community engagement ensuring research relevance, and collaborative networks facilitating expertise and infrastructure sharing. Successful programs strategically leverage expanding digital connectivity, open science practices, and South-South partnerships while systematically building sustainable local capacity and maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Strategic policy engagement and research translation create additional sustainability pathways by aligning research priorities with pressing societal needs and generating diverse funding opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12590995/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484135","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":"From MDGs experience to SDGs Actions: Insights from Tanzanian Nurses and Midwives.","authors":"Peter Taratara, Elaine Bennett, Selma Alliex","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.861","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.861","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nurses and midwives constitute the largest proportion of the health workforce and play a central role in achieving maternal and child health outcomes. During the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era, particularly MDGs 4 and 5, their engagement was considered essential. However, anecdotal evidence from low- and middle-income countries suggests that nurses and midwives were insufficiently involved in MDG-related planning and decision-making. This study explored the enabling and inhibiting factors influencing Tanzanian nurses' and midwives' participation in the implementation of MDGs 4 and 5, with the aim of identifying lessons to strengthen engagement during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive, holistic case study design was employed. Data were collected in 2017 from five hospitals in Tanzania (three public and two private) using surveys, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews. Participants included 66 clinical nurses and midwives and eight nursing and midwifery administrators. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify key themes related to awareness, participation, enablers, inhibitors, and future engagement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants reported awareness of the MDGs, primarily through mass media, workplace meetings, and colleagues. However, awareness was uneven across facilities, with notable gaps in some hospitals. Nurses' and midwives' participation in MDGs 4 and 5 was largely limited to routine clinical activities, such as patient education and record-keeping, rather than involvement in planning or decision-making processes. Major enablers included their professional knowledge, numerical dominance in the workforce, and close proximity to patients. Key barriers included heavy workloads, limited time, inadequate representation in policy forums, insufficient empowerment, and organizational and resource constraints. Despite these challenges, participants expressed strong willingness to engage more actively in future global health initiatives.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nurses and midwives in Tanzania played a largely indirect and constrained role in the implementation of MDGs 4 and 5, with participation primarily embedded in routine clinical practice rather than strategic decision-making. Strengthening leadership support, improving access to information, enhancing professional empowerment, and increasing involvement in policy and planning processes are critical to maximizing nurses' and midwives' contributions to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 and future global health agendas.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"392-400"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824586","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":"Exploring Emotional Violence in Intimate Relationships during Pregnancy in Central Tanzania: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.","authors":"Fabiola Vincent Moshi, Keiko Nakamura, Yuri Tashiro, Ayano Miyashita, Runa Katoh, Hideko Sato, Mayumi Ohnishi","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.827","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.827","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>During pregnancy and the puerperal period, women become more sensitive both physically and emotionally, making them particularly vulnerable to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Despite this heightened vulnerability, emotional violence in intimate relationships during pregnancy remains under-researched. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the experiences of emotional violence among pregnant women in central Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study employed a qualitative descriptive study design, utilizing purposive sampling to recruit twenty-nine (29) participants for both in-depth interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The respondents were post-delivery mothers with infants aged 42 days to six months. Data analysis was conducted using an inductive thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The women who participated in the study were, on average, 27.76 years old, with ages ranging from 19 to 43 years. Most of the women had attained only a primary level of education and resided in rural areas. Thematic analysis of their experiences revealed five key themes related to emotional violence during pregnancy: frequent conflict and arguments, verbal abuse and insults, emotional trauma resulting from persistent mistreatment, neglect and abandonment by partners, and coercive control marked by degrading and manipulative behavior.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of emotional intimate partner violence and its profound impact on pregnant women's mental health. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that include raising awareness, enhancing support systems, and implementing targeted interventions to protect and empower women during this vulnerable period. Keywords: Emotional Violence, Intimate Partner, Experiences, Pregnancy, Tanzania.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"96-105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484178","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":"Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Ct Value: A Quick Indicator of Sputum Bacillary Load and Smear Status Prediction in Individuals with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.","authors":"Davis J Kuchaka, Saumu P Juma, Erick A Shekimweri, Buliga M Swema, Philoteus A Sakasaka, Blandina T Mmbaga, Margaretha L Sariko","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.823","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.823","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, necessitating continuous advancements in diagnostic techniques for effective management and control. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of smear microscopy and the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test in TB diagnosis, focusing on the correlation between Cycle threshold (Ct) values and disease severity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region, enrolling 472 participants suspected of pulmonary TB. Sputum samples were subjected to smear microscopy, and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra testing. Data were analysed using R software. The ROC curve was created to assess the performance of the Ct values, and Spearman's correlation and Mann-Whitney test to evaluate the association of Ct value and smear microscopy. Ethical approval was obtained from local and national ethical review boards.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed discrepancies between smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, testing in identifying patients with high bacterial loads. The Ct value in predicting the smear grading yielded a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI 55.2 - 82.7) and specificity of 79.2% (95% CI 64.1 - 89.2), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.806. Analysis of Ct values revealed a negative correlation with smear grading, suggesting the potential utility of Ct values as predictive biomarkers for disease severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques, such as the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test, in enhancing TB diagnosis and management. The correlation between Ct values and disease severity highlights the potential of Ct values as predictive indicators, offering promising prospects for personalized treatment strategies. Addressing discrepancies between diagnostic methods and further research into Ct value correlations are essential for refining TB diagnostic protocols and improving patient outcomes globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"58-65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484183","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":"National Consensus on Introducing and Delivery of Paediatric Praziquantel for Curative and Preventive Treatment of Schistosomiasis Among Pre-school Children in Tanzania.","authors":"Kijakazi Obed Mashoto, Prince Pius Mutalemwa, Corinne Simone Collette, Edward Mberu Kamau, Marie-Eve Raguenaud, George Kabona, Mohamed Nyati, Paul Erasto Kazyoba","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.843","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Global and national strategies to control and/or eliminate schistosomiasis focus mainly on MDA for School-Aged Children (SAC) and in some areas, adults. Following growing demand for specific intervention for paediatric schistosomiasis, paediatric praziquantel (arPZQ) formulation has been developed, and it is expected to be on market in 2025.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of the project was to prepare the health system for the introduction and delivery of paediatric praziquantel to pre-school aged children in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This was cross-sectional implementation research which employed qualitative methods including group discussions, consultative meetings, and stakeholder's engagements at different levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The engagement of multi-stakeholders from national to community levels led to the identification of implementation gaps and challenges which have the potential to delay the introduction of arPZQ. Through engagement process, stakeholders addressed the gaps and identified potential delivery models relevant to the context of Tanzanian health system.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To ensure no pre-school child is left behind, consensus was reached to target children in the communities and those visiting health facilities for routine healthcare or child health growth monitoring services, and during vitamin A supplementation campaigns. Prior to starting the delivery of arPZQ, capacity of the healthcare facilities to deliver arPZQ should be strengthened to ensure healthcare workers do the right thing.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 2","pages":"251-258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126606/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824513","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":"Barriers to Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: A Hospital-Based Qualitative Study.","authors":"Davis Rubagumya, Muzdalfat Abeid, Eric Aghan, Mariam Noorani","doi":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.825","DOIUrl":"10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding is a key intervention to improve global targets on nutrition, health and survival. The World Health Organization recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth to prevent infections, strengthen neonatal-maternal bonding, maintain thermoregulation and promote long term breastfeeding success. Global prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding is 46% while in Tanzania it is 70%. The target set by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative guidelines for hospital deliveries is at least 80%.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding in a hospital setting using a descriptive qualitative approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to explore barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding from the perspective of midwives and post-partum mothers. Data was analysed using Systematic Text Condensation as described by Malterud.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants perceived that inadequate and sometimes conflicting information during antenatal period, especially on ideal time to start breastfeeding contributed to delayed initiation. Post-delivery practices such as perineal tear repair, along with environmental factors, including perceptions of unclean labour rooms and the presence of male personnel in the delivery room further hindered timely initiation. Overall, barriers were linked to gaps in knowledge, non-conducive postpartum environments and restrictive hospital practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Improving early initiation of breastfeeding requires policies and programs aimed at strengthening the provision of breastfeeding related education to mothers during antenatal visits and enhancing the knowledge of midwives. At the health facility level, creating a supportive post-partum environment with individualised care, and implementing evidence-based practices are essential for promoting timely initiation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74991,"journal":{"name":"The East African health research journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"78-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484021","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}