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Maregn RT, Bourret K, Egal JA, Esse A, Mattison C, Klingberg-Allvin M. Qualitative study of the roles of midwives in the provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare services in the Somaliland health system. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067315. [PMID: 36921954 PMCID: PMC10030797 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore midwives' perspectives in providing sexual reproductive healthcare services in the Somaliland health system. METHODS An exploratory qualitative design using focus group discussions (n=6) was used. The study was conducted in the capital of Somaliland, Hargeisa, at six maternal and child healthcare centres that provide sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) services. Qualified midwives (n=44) who had been working in the maternal and child health centres for a minimum of 1 year were recruited to participate, and only one did not participate due to illness. RESULTS The results showed that Somaliland midwives face multiple challenges from a lack of formal arrangements, primarily written guidelines and policies, that explicitly define their role as healthcare professionals, which impact the quality of care they provide. They also reported feeling unsafe when practising according to their professional scope of practice due to challenging cultural norms, customary traditions and Somaliland's legal system. Finally, the midwives called for support, including training, institutional protection and psychological support, to enhance their ability and fulfil their role in SRH services in Somaliland. CONCLUSION Midwives are essential to the provision of equitable SRH services to women and girls, yet are not fully supported by policies, laws or institutions, often living in fear of the consequences of their behaviours. Our research highlights the importance of understanding the context of Somaliland midwifery in order to better support the development of the midwifery workforce, stronger governance structures and midwifery leadership. Appropriately addressing these challenges faced by midwives can better sustain the profession and help to improve the quality of care provided to women and girls and ultimately enhance their reproductive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsty Bourret
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jama Ali Egal
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Hargeisa, Hargeisa, Somalia
| | - Amina Esse
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Hargeisa, Hargeisa, Somalia
| | - Cristina Mattison
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie Klingberg-Allvin
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Atuhairwe S, Hanson C, Tumwesigye NM, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Byamugisha J. Second trimester post-abortion family planning uptake and associated factors in 14 public health facilities in Central Uganda: a cross-sectional study. Contracept Reprod Med 2023; 8:4. [PMID: 36639699 PMCID: PMC9840296 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-022-00199-4] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-abortion family planning counselling and provision are known high impact practices preventing unintended pregnancies. Little is known, however, about specific needs in the second trimester. Our study aims to assess post-abortion family planning uptake and its associated factors among women with second-trimester incomplete abortion. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1191 women with incomplete second trimester abortion that received treatment at 14 comprehensive emergency obstetric care public health facilities in central Uganda from August 2018 to November 2021. We computed the post-abortion uptake of family planning within 2 weeks of treatment, described the types of methods accepted, and the reasons for declining family planning. We described the socio-demographic, reproductive, abortion-related, and health facility characteristics. We used mixed effects generalized linear models to obtain percentage differences for factors independently associated with post-abortion family planning uptake. RESULTS Second-trimester post-abortion family planning uptake was 65.6%. Implants (37.5%) and progestin only injectables (36.5%) were the commonly chosen methods; natural (0.1%), permanent (0.8%), and condoms (4%) were the least chosen methods. 45.2% of the women who declined family planning desired another pregnancy soon. Women whose spouses were aware of the pregnancy or had planned pregnancy had 11% (- 10.5, 95% CI - 17.1 to - 3.8) and 12% (- 11.7, 95% CI - 19.0 to - 4.4) less uptake compared to women whose spouses were not aware of the pregnancy or those with unplanned pregnancies respectively. Uptake was 8% (- 7.8, 95% CI - 12.6% to - 3.0%) lower among Islamic women compared to Anglicans. Women who received post-abortion family planning counselling or had more than four live births had 59% (59.4, 95% CI 42.1 to 76.7) and 13% (13.4, 95% CI 4.0 to 22.8%) higher uptake compared to women who did not receive counselling or women with no live births, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The uptake of second-trimester post-abortion family planning in Uganda was higher than previous estimates. Post-abortion family planning counselling, grand multiparity, and the need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy enhance post-abortion family planning uptake in the second trimester. Ministry of Health should strengthen post-abortion family planning counselling, especially couple counselling; at all health facilities in the country and also ensure an adequate and accessible supply of a wide contraceptive method mix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Atuhairwe
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda ,Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claudia Hanson
- grid.465198.7Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and the WHO collaborating centre, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Atuhairwe S, Hanson C, Atuyambe L, Byamugisha J, Tumwesigye NM, Ssenyonga R, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Evaluating women’s acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians: a mixed methods study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:434. [PMID: 36335344 PMCID: PMC9637300 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02027-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies evaluating task sharing in postabortion care have mainly focused on women in first trimester and many lack a qualitative component. We aimed to evaluate patient acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians and also gained a deeper understanding of the patients’ lived treatment experiences in Uganda. Methods Our mixed methods study combined 1140 structured interview data from a randomized controlled equivalence trial and in-depth interviews (n = 28) among women managed with misoprostol for second trimester incomplete abortion at 14 public health facilities in Uganda. Acceptability, our main outcome, was measured at the 14-day follow-up visit using a structured questionnaire as a composite variable of: 1) treatment experience (as expected/ better than expected/ worse than expected), and 2) satisfaction - if patient would recommend the treatment to a friend or choose the method again. We used generalized mixed effects models to obtain the risk difference in acceptable post abortion care between midwife and physician groups. We used inductive content analysis for qualitative data. Results From 14th August 2018 to 16th November 2021, we assessed 7190 women for eligibility and randomized 1191 (593 to midwife and 598 to physician). We successfully followed up 1140 women and 1071 (94%) found the treatment acceptable. The adjusted risk difference was 1.2% (95% CI, − 1.2 to 3.6%) between the two groups, and within our predefined equivalence range of − 5 to + 5%. Treatment success and feeling calm and safe after treatment enhanced acceptability while experience of side effects and worrying bleeding patterns reduced satisfaction. Conclusions Misoprostol treatment of uncomplicated second trimester incomplete abortion was equally and highly acceptable to women when care was provided by midwives compared with physicians. In settings that lack adequate staffing levels of physicians or where midwives are available to provide misoprostol, task sharing second trimester medical PAC with midwives increases patient’s access to postabortion care services. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03622073. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-02027-y. Approximately 9.6% of abortion-related deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. These deaths can be prevented if unintended pregnancies are avoided, women can access safe abortions within the expectations of the country’s laws, and post abortion care (PAC) services are provided equitably. Previous research shows that women with abortion complications in the first trimester of pregnancy can be treated with misoprostol by either midwives or physicians. This sharing of tasks between the midwives and physicians is safe, effective, and acceptable. However, there is a gap in evidence on task sharing in the second trimester. To check practicability of task sharing in second trimester, we aimed to evaluate patient acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians and also gained a deeper understanding of the patients’ lived treatment experiences. Our study therefore combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Women’s acceptability of misoprostol treatment for incomplete second trimester abortion was found to be equally acceptable when provided by midwives compared with physicians. Treatment success, feeling calm and safe after treatment increased acceptability, while experience of side effects and worrying bleeding patterns reduced satisfaction. Counselling of women may address some of these problems since it provides reassurance and reduces anxiety. In settings that lack adequate staffing levels of physicians or where midwives are available to provide misoprostol, task sharing second trimester medical PAC with midwives increases patient’s access to PAC services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Atuhairwe
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda ,Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claudia Hanson
- grid.465198.7Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of disease control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Ssenyonga
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Women and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Atuhairwe S, Byamugisha J, Kakaire O, Hanson C, Cleeve A, Klingberg-Allvin M, Tumwesigye NM, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion with misoprostol provided by midwives and physicians: a randomised, controlled, equivalence trial in Uganda. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1505-e1513. [PMID: 36030801 PMCID: PMC9605879 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00312-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background To address the knowledge gaps in the provision of post-abortion care by midwives for women in the second trimester, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of treatment for incomplete second trimester abortion with misoprostol, comparing care provision by midwives with that provided by physicians in Uganda. Methods Our multicentre, randomised, controlled, equivalence trial undertaken in 14 health facilities in Uganda recruited women with incomplete abortion of uterine size 13–18 weeks. We randomly assigned (1:1) women to clinical assessment and treatment by either midwife or physician. The randomisation sequence was computer generated, in blocks of four to 12, and stratified for study site. Participants received sublingual misoprostol (400 μg once every 3 h for up to five doses). The study was not concealed from the health-care providers and study participants. Primary outcome was complete abortion within 24 h that did not require surgical evacuation. Analysis was per-protocol and intention to treat; the intention-to-treat population consisted of women who were randomised, received at least one dose of misoprostol, and reported primary outcome data, and the per-protocol population excluded women with unexplained discontinuation of treatment. We used generalised mixed-effects models to obtain the risk difference. The predefined equivalence range was –5% to 5%. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03622073. Findings Between Aug 14, 2018, and Nov 16, 2021, 1191 eligible women were randomly assigned to each group (593 women to the midwife group and 598 to the physician group). 1164 women were included in the per-protocol analysis, and 530 (92%) of 577 women in the midwife group and 553 (94%) of 587 women in the physician group had a complete abortion within 24 h. The model-based risk difference for the midwife versus physician group was –2·3% (95% CI –4·4 to –0·3), and within our predefined equivalence range (–5% to 5%). Two women in the midwife group received blood transfusion. Interpretation Clinical assessment and treatment of second trimester incomplete abortion with misoprostol provided by midwives was equally effective and safe as when provided by physicians. In low-income settings, inclusion of midwives in the medical management of uncomplicated second trimester incomplete abortion has potential to increase women's access to safe post-abortion care. Funding Swedish Research Council and THRiVE-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Atuhairwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Othman Kakaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amanda Cleeve
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Exploring health care providers’ experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of second trimester incomplete abortion in Central Uganda. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268812. [PMID: 35587492 PMCID: PMC9119526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women living in low- and middle-income countries still have limited access to quality second trimester post abortion care. We aim to explore health care providers’ experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of second trimester incomplete abortion. Methods This qualitative study used the phenomenology approach. We conducted 48 in-depth interviews for doctors and midwives at 14 public health facilities in central Uganda using a flexible interview guide. We used inductive content analysis and made code frequencies based on health care provider cadre, and health facility level and then abstracted themes from categories. Results Well trained midwives were perceived as competent to manage second trimester post abortion care stable patients, however doctor’s supervision in case of complications was considered important. Sometimes, midwives were seen as offering better care than doctors given their stronger presence in the facilities. Misoprostol received unanimous support and viewed as: safe, effective, cheap, convenient, readily available, maintained patient privacy, and saved resources. Challenges faced included: side effects, prolonged hospital stay, treatment failure, inclination to surgical evacuation, heavy work load, inadequate space, lack of medical commodities, frequent staff rotations which affects the quality of patient care. To address these challenges, respondents coped by: giving patients psychological support, analgesics, close patient monitoring, staff mentorship, commitment to work, team work and patient involvement in care. Conclusion Misoprostol is perceived as an ideal uterine evacuation method for second trimester post abortion care of uncomplicated patients and trained midwives are considered competent managing these patients in a health facility setting with a back-up of a doctor. Health care providers require institutional and policy environment support for improved service delivery.
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