This study examines the challenges faced by HIV-positive mothers in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Despite increased availability of PMTCT services, many mothers are lost to follow-up (LTFU) or fail to adhere to treatment, leading to new infections. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study found that social factors like family dynamics, fear … [Read more...] about Social patterns of loss to follow-up and non-adherence in the Limpopo Province prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes
Africa
Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy
In South Africa, around half a million people live with epilepsy, affecting many families and caregivers. This study examined the knowledge and support healthcare providers offer to these families. Fifteen participants from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces were interviewed, including community health workers, nurse practitioners, and auxiliary nurses. Data analysis identified … [Read more...] about Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy
Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
In South Africa, HIV testing rates among men are lower than for women and fall short of national targets. This study evaluated a strategy where community health workers (CHWs) distributed HIV self-screening (HIVSS) kits and provided follow-up support to men in Johannesburg who hadn't been tested in the past 12 months. Follow-up was either personal support (PS) or automated SMS. … [Read more...] about Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
The Role of Community Health Workers in the Management of Hypertension in Nigeria
This study in Nigeria assessed the role of community health workers (CHWs) in managing hypertension and patient satisfaction. It involved 381 CHWs across five states, finding that only a third could correctly diagnose hypertension and few knew the necessary baseline investigations. Supervision by doctors was linked to better diagnostic knowledge. Patient satisfaction with CHW … [Read more...] about The Role of Community Health Workers in the Management of Hypertension in Nigeria
Perception and reasons for the choice of informal provider among women receiving antenatal care services from traditional birth attendants in rural communities of Lagos state, Nigeria
Unskilled delivery, especially with traditional birth attendants (TBAs), poses a major risk to reducing maternal mortality in Africa. This study examined why pregnant women in rural Lagos, Nigeria, continue to use TBA services. Among 347 pregnant women surveyed, 70.3% used only TBA services, while 29.7% used both TBA and healthcare facilities. Positive perceptions of TBAs were … [Read more...] about Perception and reasons for the choice of informal provider among women receiving antenatal care services from traditional birth attendants in rural communities of Lagos state, Nigeria