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Mulubwa C, Zulu JM, Hurtig AK, Goicolea I. Being both a grandmother and a health worker: experiences of community-based health workers in addressing adolescents' sexual and reproductive health needs in rural Zambia. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1228. [PMID: 38702694 PMCID: PMC11069181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18685-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community-based health workers (CBHWs) possess great potential to be the missing link between the community and the formal health system for improving adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. Yet, their role in addressing adolescents' SRHR within the context of the community-based health system has received very little attention. This paper analyses how CBHWs experience and perceive their role in addressing adolescents' SRHR needs in rural Zambia, including the possible barriers, dilemmas, and opportunities that emerge as CBHWs work with adolescents. METHODS Between July and September 2019, we conducted 14 in-depth interviews with 14 community-based health workers recruited across 14 different communities in the central province of Zambia. The interviews were focused on eliciting their experiences and perceptions of providing sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents. Charmaz's grounded theory approach was used for the analysis. RESULTS We present the core category "being both a grandmother and a CBHW", which builds upon four categories: being educators about sexual and reproductive health; being service providers and a link to SRHR services; being advocates for adolescents' SRHR; and reporting sexual violence. These categories show that CBHWs adopt a dual role of being part of the community (as a grandmother) and part of the health system (as a professional CBHW), in order to create/maximise opportunities and navigate challenges. CONCLUSION Community-based health workers could be key actors providing context-specific comprehensive SRHR information and services that could span all the boundaries in the community-based health system. When addressing adolescents SRHR, playing dual roles of being both a grandmother and a professional CBHW were sometimes complimentary and at other times conflicting. Additional research is required to understand how to improve the role of CBHWs in addressing adolescents and young people's sexual and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chama Mulubwa
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, SE, Sweden.
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), P.O Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anna-Karin Hurtig
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, SE, Sweden
| | - Isabel Goicolea
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, SE, Sweden
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Chipako I, Singhal S, Hollingsworth B. Impact of sexual and reproductive health interventions among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1344135. [PMID: 38699461 PMCID: PMC11063325 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1344135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this scoping review was to identify and provide an overview of the impact of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions on reproductive health outcomes among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Searches were carried out in five data bases. The databases were searched using variations and combinations of the following keywords: contraception, family planning, birth control, young people and adolescents. The Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of-Interventions tools were used to assess risk of bias for articles included. Results Community-based programs, mHealth, SRH education, counselling, community health workers, youth friendly health services, economic support and mass media interventions generally had a positive effect on childbirth spacing, modern contraceptive knowledge, modern contraceptive use/uptake, adolescent sexual abstinence, pregnancy and myths and misperceptions about modern contraception. Conclusion Sexual and reproductive health interventions have a positive impact on sexual and reproductive health outcomes. With the increasing popularity of mHealth coupled with the effectiveness of youth friendly health services, future youth SRH interventions could integrate both strategies to improve SRH services access and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Chipako
- Health Economics and Policy Department, Division of Health Research Graduate College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Saurabh Singhal
- Economics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Hollingsworth
- Health Economics and Policy Department, Division of Health Research Graduate College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Sikaluzwe M, Phiri M, Lemba M, Shasha L, Muhanga M. Trends in prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancies in Zambia (2001-2018). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:148. [PMID: 38383354 PMCID: PMC10880343 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06311-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unintended pregnancies can pose significant public health concerns for both maternal and child health because of their associated risks and implications. Experience of unintended pregnancies may lead to delay in seeking antenatal care, thus leading to increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Globally, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies has declined. However, the problem remains acute in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to examine the factors associated with an experience of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive ages in Zambia. METHODS This study used secondary data from the Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHSs) which were conducted between 2001 and 2018. A pooled weighted sample of 4,090 pregnant women of reproductive age 15-49 years at the time of the survey was included in the analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between independent correlates and experience of unintended pregnancy. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software. RESULTS Findings show that the proportion of women of reproductive age who experienced unintended pregnancy in Zambia declined from 50.4% (95% CI: 47.1, 53.8) in 2001 to 45.2% (95% CI: 40.5, 49.9) in 2018. The decline in the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is more pronounced among women age groups 25-29 years and 30-34 years. Increasing age was associated with an increased risk of experiencing unintended pregnancies. On the other hand, women who were living in rural areas (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.00) and those with tertiary education (aOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.80) were less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy. Women who desired a large family (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.85) and those who watched television (aOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.94) had lower odds of experiencing unintended pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS The study has established that the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is still high in Zambia. Women's age, place of residence, level of education, desired family size and exposure to media were associated with the risk of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Enhancing access to family planning services and commodities targeting women with low education levels will be key to further reduce unintended pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milika Sikaluzwe
- Department of Demography, Population Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Million Phiri
- Department of Demography, Population Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Musonda Lemba
- Department of Demography, Population Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Liness Shasha
- Department of Demography, Population Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mikidadi Muhanga
- Department of the Development and Strategic Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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George G, Beckett S, Cawood C, Kharsany ABM. Exposure to comprehensive sexuality education in schools in South Africa: the implications on the uptake of HIV testing services among HIV positive adolescent girls. AIDS Care 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38295267 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is seen as a key instrument through which to affect behaviour and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes amongst adolescents. However, few studies have to date evaluated key SRH outcomes following exposure to CSE within a school setting. This study estimates the association between CSE and HIV testing and HIV testing self-efficacy amongst HIV positive adolescent girls. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey administered in four high HIV prevalence districts . Independent variables included exposure to CSE, with outcome variables measuring uptake of HIV testing in the 12 months preceding the survey, and HIV testing self-efficacy. The sample comprised 505 HIV positive adolescent girls aged 12-19. . Attending CSE was associated with both; being more confident to get an HIV test (AOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.47-4.06, p < 0.001) and having ever tested for HIV (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.39-3.33, p < 0.001) while controlling for numerous variables. Results suggest CSE can play an important role in not only affecting HIV-related behaviours themselves, but also critical factors that affect HIV behaviours, including self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B M Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Murphy N, Rarama T, Atama A, Kauyaca I, Batibasaga K, Azzopardi P, Bowen KJ, Bohren MA. Changing climates, compounding challenges: a participatory study on how disasters affect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Fiji. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013299. [PMID: 38103898 PMCID: PMC10729163 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pacific youth are at the forefront of the climate crisis, which has important implications for their health and rights. Youth in Fiji currently bear a disproportionate burden of poor experiences and outcomes related to their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). There is limited information about how the increasing climate impacts may affect their SRHR, and what the implications may be for climate action and disaster risk reduction. We aimed to explore the experiences of 21 Fijian youth in fulfilling their SRHR when living through multiple natural hazards. We conducted 2 workshops and 18 individual semistructured interviews using visual and storytelling methods. Irrespective of the type of hazard or context of disasters, participants identified limited agency as the main challenge that increased SRHR risks. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four themes centred around 'youth SRHR agency'; (1) information and knowledge, (2) community and belonging, (3) needs and resources, and (4) collective risks. These themes encompassed multiple factors that limited youth agency and increased their SRHR risks. Participants highlighted how existing challenges to their SRHR, such as access to SRHR information being controlled by community gatekeepers, and discrimination of sexual and gender diverse youth, were exacerbated in disasters. In disaster contexts, immediate priorities such as water, food and financial insecurity increased risks of transactional early marriage and transactional sex to access these resources. Daily SRHR risks related to normalisation of sexual and gender-based violence and taboos limited youth agency and influenced their perceptions of disasters and SRHR risks. Findings offer important insights into factors that limited youth SRHR agency before, during and after disasters. We underscore the urgency for addressing existing social and health inequities in climate and disaster governance. We highlight four key implications for reducing youth SRHR risks through whole-of-society approaches at multiple (sociocultural, institutional, governance) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabreesa Murphy
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tamani Rarama
- Fiji Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (FYSA), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Alanieta Atama
- Fiji Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (FYSA), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Ilaisa Kauyaca
- Fiji Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (FYSA), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Kelera Batibasaga
- Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Peter Azzopardi
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Program, Telethon Kids Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kathryn J Bowen
- Melbourne Climate Futures, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Institute for Sustainability-Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Hinoveanu D, Anastasiu DM, Citu C, Popa ZL, Erdelean I, Dumitru C, Biris M, Olaru F, Neda-Stepan O, Fericean RM, Boia ER, Domuta EM, Stelea L. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Contraception Awareness and Mental Well-Being in Teenagers and Young Adult Women: A Three-Year Cross-Sectional Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2990. [PMID: 37998482 PMCID: PMC10671367 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant shifts occurred in reproductive health, especially among teenagers and young adult women in Romania. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2022, aimed to longitudinally assess contraceptive awareness and its correlation with mental well-being in this demographic. A cohort of 210 participants aged 15-25, with a history of wanted or unwanted pregnancy, was studied. The research involved collaborations with Romanian educational institutions and strict adherence to ethical standards. Participants' data on contraceptive knowledge and practices were analyzed, considering factors like substance use and prior sexual education. Mental well-being was evaluated using the SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales. The study revealed a positive correlation between increased contraceptive knowledge and improved mental health scores. In 2022, 68% of participants displayed proficient contraceptive awareness, up from 52% in 2020. Those with good contraceptive knowledge had an average SF-36 score of 72, indicating a better quality of life, compared to a score of 58 among those with limited knowledge. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores among individuals with better contraceptive awareness, suggesting reduced anxiety and depression levels. The SF-36 survey results showed significant improvements across the years: the physical score increased from 52.1 (±6.3) in 2020 to 56.5 (±6.8) in 2022, the mental score from 51.4 (±7.2) to 55.0 (±6.9), and the total score from 53.6 (±7.9) to 57.5 (±8.0). WHOQOL-BREF results showed a substantial increase in the social domain score from 53.6 (±18.2) in 2020 to 63.0 (±20.5) in 2022. GAD-7 scores declined from 7.9 (±2.6) in 2020 to 6.5 (±3.3) in 2022, indicating a decrease in anxiety symptoms. PHQ-9 scores, measuring depression, also showed a downward trend, from 4.8 (±2.2) in 2020 to 3.9 (±2.8) in 2022. These findings highlight the intertwined nature of contraceptive awareness and mental well-being. The improvements in contraceptive awareness positively impacted mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions in this demographic, particularly during global crises like the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Hinoveanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (R.M.F.)
| | - Doru Mihai Anastasiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Izabella Erdelean
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Marius Biris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Flavius Olaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Oana Neda-Stepan
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (R.M.F.)
- Department VIII—Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (R.M.F.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eugen Radu Boia
- Department of ENT, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eugenia Maria Domuta
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Piata 1 Decembrie 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Lavinia Stelea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
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Villalobos A, Estrada F, Hubert C, Torres-Ibarra L, Rodríguez A, Romero I, Schiavon R, Campero L. Sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in vulnerable contexts in Mexico: Needs, knowledge, and rights. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002396. [PMID: 37910453 PMCID: PMC10619806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring sexual and reproductive health, and rights for adolescents entails the prevention of early pregnancies, which are widely recognized as a public health problem. Based on the ecological model for early pregnancy, this article identifies the healthcare requirements for preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies in predominantly indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods study design, we surveyed adolescents (12-15 years old) and health personnel, organized focus groups with adolescents and their parents, and conducted in-depth interviews at the individual, family, school and community levels. Results showed that adolescents recognized their right to receive sexuality education (64.5%) as well as information on contraceptive methods (53.0%), with indigenous language speakers and individuals living in overcrowded households less likely to know about these rights. Parents of adolescents knew little about contraception and pregnancy. School teachers lacked necessary tools for offering comprehensive sexuality education. A traditional, patriarchal perspective predominated among participants, fostering gender inequalities. In conclusion, it is essential to implement multifocal strategies under a human-rights, intercultural, and health-equity approach. Special attention should be directed to the spheres in which adolescents interact, and efforts should focus on improving knowledge, empowering adolescents, and enhancing their access to sexual and reproductive health resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aremis Villalobos
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Celia Hubert
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - Leticia Torres-Ibarra
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - Irma Romero
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Lourdes Campero
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
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Duke T. Randomised controlled trials in child and adolescent health in 2023. Arch Dis Child 2023; 108:709-714. [PMID: 37474280 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
In the year July 2022 to June 2023 there were 501 publications from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in child and adolescent health in developing countries identified through a standardised search strategy that has been going for 20 years. This year, trials addressed the widest range of diseases and conditions that affect the health, development and well-being of children, newborns, adolescents and mothers. RCTs reflected old, neglected and new problems, the changing epidemiology of child health, social and economic circumstances in many countries, local and global priorities of low-income and middle-income countries, environmental causes of poor child health, and inequities. The RCTs tested new and refined treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, holistic management, and prevention approaches, and explored many outcomes, including mortality, nutrition, psychosocial measures, and neurodevelopment. The studies were conducted in numerous hospitals and healthcare clinics, schools, and communities, including among some of the world's most disadvantaged populations in humanitarian and refugee emergencies. Some studies are of the highest quality, and others fall short. Many RCTs will influence guidelines, practice and policies for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Duke
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, and Intensive Care Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Child Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
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