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Dada S, Cocoman O, Portela A, De Brún A, Bhattacharyya S, Tunçalp Ö, Jackson D, Gilmore B. What's in a name? Unpacking 'Community Blank' terminology in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-009423. [PMID: 36750272 PMCID: PMC9906186 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009423] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engaging the community as actors within reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) programmes (referred to as 'community blank') has seen increased implementation in recent years. While evidence suggests these approaches are effective, terminology (such as 'community engagement,' 'community participation,' 'community mobilisation,' and 'social accountability') is often used interchangeably across published literature, contributing to a lack of conceptual clarity in practice. The purpose of this review was to describe and clarify varying uses of these terms in the literature by documenting what authors and implementers report they are doing when they use these terms. METHODS Seven academic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Global Health), two grey literature databases (OAIster, OpenGrey) and relevant organisation websites were searched for documents that described 'community blank' terms in RMNCH interventions. Eligibility criteria included being published between 1975 and 1 October 2021 and reports or studies detailing the activities used in 'community blank.' RESULTS: A total of 9779 unique documents were retrieved and screened, with 173 included for analysis. Twenty-four distinct 'community blank' terms were used across the documents, falling into 11 broader terms. Use of these terms was distributed across time and all six WHO regions, with 'community mobilisation', 'community engagement' and 'community participation' being the most frequently used terms. While 48 unique activities were described, only 25 activities were mentioned more than twice and 19 of these were attributed to at least three different 'community blank' terms. CONCLUSION Across the literature, there is inconsistency in the usage of 'community blank' terms for RMNCH. There is an observed interchangeable use of terms and a lack of descriptions of these terms provided in the literature. There is a need for RMNCH researchers and practitioners to clarify the descriptions reported and improve the documentation of 'community blank' implementation. This can contribute to a better sharing of learning within and across communities and to bringing evidence-based practices to scale. Efforts to improve reporting can be supported with the use of standardised monitoring and evaluation processes and indicators. Therefore, it is recommended that future research endeavours clarify the operational definitions of 'community blank' and improve the documentation of its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dada
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland .,UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olive Cocoman
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anayda Portela
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aoife De Brún
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Özge Tunçalp
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Debra Jackson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, UK
| | - Brynne Gilmore
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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A meta-ethnography of participatory health research and co-production in Nepal. Soc Sci Med 2022; 301:114955. [PMID: 35452892 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
As global health research seeks to decolonialise, democratise, and become more culturally engaging, researchers are increasingly employing participatory and co-productive methods. Working from post-structural perspectives, this meta-ethnographic review explores how such health research in Nepal engages with the epistemological, methodological, and ethical questions it encounters. Five databases including Nepali NepJOL were searched for studies from inception to March 2021. The review included seven studies covering women's group co-production, interviews guided by photo-elicitation, observational methods to explore maternal and child health, mental health, and environmental determinants of health. This meta-ethnography identified that, against the background of a pluralist heritage of health practices, global collaborations involving Nepali researchers and practitioners used participatory research methodology to work with the local populations to improve health and co-production seek primarily to promote Western biomedical and psychosocial interventions. Both advantages and disadvantages were acknowledged. Empirical verification and global acceptance of Western biomedical and psychosocial knowledge were seen as beneficial. Moreover, Western biomedicine was perceived by some as more effective than some local practices in improving health; nevertheless, Nepal faces many challenges that neither can address alone. For participatory and co-productive approaches to become epistemologically enculturated within Nepali health research, researchers need to co-develop more local models and methods which are culturally sensitive and appropriate. Meaningful and effective participatory research can promote active involvement of people who deliver as well as people who use the community-based health care support. These are crucial to optimise sustainable change that global health research partnerships set out to achieve. This meta-ethnography recommends that researchers engage at a deeper level with the epistemological differences between themselves and the communities with whom they seek partnership. Cross-cultural research teams should discuss and address the power differentials which might affect them.
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Allaham S, Kumar A, Morriss F, Lakhanpaul M, Wilson E, Sikorski C, Martin J, Costello A, Manikam L, Heys M. Participatory learning and action (PLA) to improve health outcomes in high-income settings: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050784. [PMID: 35228277 PMCID: PMC8886484 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Participatory learning and action (PLA) is a form of group reflection and learning with documented efficacy in low-income countries to improve social and health outcomes. PLA represents both a learning philosophy and a practical framework that could be applied to a variety of contexts. To date, PLA has not been widely implemented within high-income countries (HICs) to improve health and health-related outcomes. We aim to synthesise the literature currently available by means of a systematic review to form a foundation for future applications of PLA methodology in HICs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers will independently search predefined terms in the following electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The search terms will encompass PLA and PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) projects, as well as studies using the Triple/Quadruple Aim model. We will include randomised controlled trials that incorporate online or face-to-face components using the PLA/PDSA methodology. Our data will be extracted into a standardised prepiloted form with subsequent narrative review according to the SWiM (Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis) guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethics approval is required for this study. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in a leading peer-reviewed academic journal in this field. Additionally, a report will be produced for the funders of this review, which can be viewed for free on their website. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020187978.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen Allaham
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, London, UK
- Aceso Global Health Consultants, London, UK
| | - Ameeta Kumar
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, UK
| | | | - Monica Lakhanpaul
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Wilson
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Catherine Sikorski
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Anthony Costello
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Logan Manikam
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, London, UK
- Aceso Global Health Consultants, London, UK
| | - Michelle Heys
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Specialist Children's and Young People's Services, East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Canuto K, Preston R, Rannard S, Felton-Busch C, Geia L, Yeomans L, Turner N, Thompson Q, Carlisle K, Evans R, Passey M, Larkins S, Redman-MacLaren M, Farmer J, Muscat M, Taylor J. How and why do women's groups (WGs) improve the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) care? A systematic review of the literature. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055756. [PMID: 35190438 PMCID: PMC8862452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review was undertaken to assist the implementation of the WOmen's action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB) project which explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community women's group (WG) action to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. There is now considerable international evidence that WGs improve MCH outcomes, and we were interested in understanding how and why this occurs. The following questions guided the review: (1) What are the characteristics, contextual influences and group processes associated with the MCH outcomes of WGs? (2) What are the theoretical and conceptual approaches to WGs? (3) What are the implications likely to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WGs? METHODS We systematically searched electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid); CINAHL (Ebsco); Informit health suite, Scopus, Emcare (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library and Informit), online search registers and grey literature using the terms mother, child, group, participatory and community and their variations during all time periods to January 2021. The inclusion criteria were: (1) Population: studies involving community WGs in any country. (2) Intervention: a program/intervention involving any aspect of community WGs planning, acting, learning and reviewing MCH improvements. (3) Outcome: studies with WGs reported a component of: (i) MCH outcomes; or (ii) improvements in the quality of MCH care or (iii) improvements in socioemotional well-being of mothers and/or children. (4) Context: the primary focus of initiatives must be in community-based or primary health care settings. (5) Process: includes some description of the process of WGs or any factors influencing the process. (6) Language: English. (7) Study design: all types of quantitative and qualitative study designs involving primary research and data collection.Data were extracted under 14 headings and a narrative synthesis identified group characteristics and analysed the conceptual approach to community participation, the use of theory and group processes. An Australian typology of community participation, concepts from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group work and an adapted framework of Cohen and Uphoff were used to synthesise results. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. RESULTS Thirty-five (35) documents were included with studies conducted in 19 countries. Fifteen WGs used participatory learning and action cycles and the remainder used cultural learning, community development or group health education. Group activities, structure and who facilitated groups was usually identified. Intergroup relationships and decision-making were less often described as were important concepts from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander perspective (the primacy of culture, relationships and respect). All but two documents used an explicit theoretical approach. Using the typology of community participation, WGs were identified as predominantly developmental (22), instrumental (10), empowerment (2) and one was unclear. DISCUSSION A framework to categorise links between contextual factors operating at micro, meso and macro levels, group processes and MCH improvements is required. Currently, despite a wealth of information about WGs, it was difficult to determine the methods through which they achieved their outcomes. This review adds to existing systematic reviews about the functioning of WGs in MCH improvement in that it covers WGs in both high-income and low-income settings, identifies the theory underpinning the WGs and classifies the conceptual approach to participation. It also introduces an Australian Indigenous perspective into analysis of WGs used to improve MCH. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019126533.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Canuto
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Naghir Tribe of the Kulkagul Clan, Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyn Preston
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sam Rannard
- Library and Information Services, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catrina Felton-Busch
- Murtupuni Centre Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia
- Yangkaal and Gangaidda, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynore Geia
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Bwgcolman, Palm Island, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lee Yeomans
- Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nalita Turner
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Anmatyerre/Jaru, Northern Territory, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Quitaysha Thompson
- Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation, Kalkaringi, Northern Territory, Australia
- Gurindji woman, Kalkaringi, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Karen Carlisle
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Evans
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Passey
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Larkins
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle Redman-MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Nguma-bada, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jane Farmer
- Swinburne Social Innovation Research Institute, Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melody Muscat
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Bijara, Charleville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Judy Taylor
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba,Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Belaid L, Ochola E, Bayo P, Alii GW, Ogwang M, Greco D, Zarowsky C. Exploring the impact of a community participatory intervention on women's capability: a qualitative study in Gulu Northern Uganda. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:28. [PMID: 33461541 PMCID: PMC7812725 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Community participatory interventions mobilizing women of childbearing age are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health. In 2017, we implemented this strategy in Gulu Northern Uganda. This study explored the perceived impact of this approach on women's capability. Methods We conducted a qualitative study based on three data collection methods: 14 in-depth individual interviews with participating women of childbearing age, five focus group discussions with female facilitators, and document analysis. We used the Sen capability approach as a conceptual framework and undertook a thematic analysis. Results Women adopted safe and healthy behaviors for themselves and their children. They were also able to respond to some of their family's financial needs. They reported a reduction in domestic violence and in mistreatment towards their children. The facilitators perceived improved communication skills, networking, self-confidence, and an increase in their social status. Nevertheless, the women still faced unfreedoms that deprived them of living the life they wanted to lead. These unfreedoms are related to their lack of access to economic opportunities and socio-cultural norms underlying gender inequalities. Conclusion To expand women's freedoms, we need more collective political actions to tackle gender inequalities and need to question the values underlying women's social status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Belaid
- Family Medicine Department, McGill University, 5858 Chemin de la Côte des Neiges, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Pontius Bayo
- St. Mary's Lacor Hospital, P.O. Box 180, Gulu, Uganda
| | | | - Martin Ogwang
- St. Mary's Lacor Hospital, P.O. Box 180, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Donato Greco
- International Prevention Research Institute, Allée Claude Debussy, 69130, Écully, Lyon, France
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Mueller S, Soriano D, Boscor A, Saville N, Arjyal A, Baral S, Fordham M, Hearn G, Le Masson V, Kayastha R, Kostkova P. MANTRA: development and localization of a mobile educational health game targeting low literacy players in low and middle income countries. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1171. [PMID: 32723317 PMCID: PMC7385876 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile technology is increasingly important for delivering public health interventions to remote populations. This research study developed, piloted, and assessed a serious game for mobile devices that teaches geohazard, maternal, and neonatal health messages. This unique mHealth intervention aimed at low-literacy audiences in low resource settings is part of the Maternal and Neonatal Technologies in Rural Areas (MANTRA) project: Increasing maternal and child health resilience before, during, and after disasters using mobile technology in Nepal. METHODS The serious game was developed through a co-creation process between London and Kathmandu based researchers by email and video-calling, and face-to-face with local stakeholders in Nepal. The process identified core needs, developed appropriate pictograms and mechanics, and tailored the pilot serious game to the local cultural context. Evaluations and feedback from end users took place in rural villages and suburban Kathmandu in Province Three. Field evaluation sessions used mixed methods. Researchers observed game play and held focus group discussions to elicit qualitative feedback and understand engagement, motivation, and usability, and conducted a paired pre- and post-game knowledge assessment. RESULTS The MANTRA serious game is contextualized to rural Nepal. The game teaches 28 learning objectives in three modules: maternal health, neonatal health, and geohazards, through picture matching with immediate audio and visual feedback. User feedback from focus groups demonstrated high engagement, motivation, and usability of the game. CONCLUSIONS This MANTRA study is a unique mHealth intervention of a serious game to teach core health and geohazards messages to low-literacy audiences in rural Nepal. Although the mobile game is tailored for this specific context, the developmental process and insights could be transferable to the development of other games-based interventions and contextualized for any part of the world. Successfully targeting this low-literacy and illiterate audience makes the MANTRA development process the first of its kind and a novel research endeavor with potential for widespread impact and adoption following further game development. TRIAL REGISTRATION This project was approved by the University College London Ethics Committee in London, United Kingdom [10547/001], and the Nepal Health Research Council in Kathmandu, Nepal [Reg. No. 105/2017]. All participants provided informed written consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mueller
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
- Centre for Digital Public Health in Emergencies (dPHE), University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Delphine Soriano
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Centre for Digital Public Health in Emergencies (dPHE), University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrei Boscor
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Centre for Digital Public Health in Emergencies (dPHE), University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Naomi Saville
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Abriti Arjyal
- Health Research and Social Development Forum, Prasuti Griha Marg, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Sushil Baral
- Health Research and Social Development Forum, Prasuti Griha Marg, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Maureen Fordham
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Centre for Gender and Disaster, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Virginie Le Masson
- Overseas Development Institute, 203 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ, UK
| | - Rachya Kayastha
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Patty Kostkova
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Centre for Digital Public Health in Emergencies (dPHE), University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Gram L, Fitchett A, Ashraf A, Daruwalla N, Osrin D. Promoting women's and children's health through community groups in low-income and middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review of mechanisms, enablers and barriers. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001972. [PMID: 31908874 PMCID: PMC6936553 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community mobilisation through group activities has been used to improve women's and children's health in a range of low-income and middle-income contexts, but the mechanisms through which it works deserve greater consideration. We did a mixed-methods systematic review of mechanisms, enablers and barriers to the promotion of women's and children's health in community mobilisation interventions. METHODS We searched for theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed articles between January 2000 and November 2018. First, we extracted and collated proposed mechanisms, enablers and barriers into categories. Second, we extracted and synthesised evidence for them using narrative synthesis. We assessed risk of bias with adapted Downs and Black and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. We assigned confidence grades to each proposed mechanism, enabler and barrier. RESULTS 78 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 39 described interventions based on a participatory group education model, 19 described community-led structural interventions to promote sexual health in marginalised populations and 20 concerned other types of intervention or multiple interventions at once. We did not have high confidence in any mechanism, enabler or barrier. Two out of 15 proposed mechanisms and 10 out of 12 proposed enablers and barriers reached medium confidence. A few studies provided direct evidence relating proposed mechanisms, enablers or barriers to health behaviours or health outcomes. Only two studies presented mediation or interaction analysis for a proposed mechanism, enabler or barrier. CONCLUSION We uncovered multiple proposed mechanisms, enablers and barriers to health promotion through community groups, but much work remains to provide a robust evidence base for proposed mechanisms, enablers and barriers. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018093695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gram
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Fitchett
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nayreen Daruwalla
- Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action (SNEHA), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - David Osrin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Heys M, Gram L, Wade A, Haworth EJN, Osrin D, Sagar K, Shrestha DK, Neupane RP, Adhikari D, Adhikari RK, Budhathoki B, Manandhar D, Costello A. Long-term impact of community-based participatory women's groups on child and maternal mortality and child disability: follow-up of a cluster randomised trial in rural Nepal. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e001024. [PMID: 30588343 PMCID: PMC6278922 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based women's groups practising participatory learning and action (PLA) can reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. However, it is not clear whether these reductions are associated with subsequent increased or decreased rates of childhood death and disability. We assessed the impact on child deaths and disability beyond the perinatal period among participants in the earliest trial in Nepal 2001-2003. METHODS Household interviews were conducted with mothers or household heads. At cluster and individual levels, we analysed disability using pairwise log relative risks and survival using multilevel logistic models. FINDINGS From 6075 children and 6117 mothers alive at 4 weeks post partum, 44 419 children (73%) were available for interview a mean 11.5 years later. Rates of child deaths beyond the perinatal period were 36.6 and 52.0 per 1000 children in the intervention and control arms respectively. Rates of disability were 62.7 and 85.5 per 1000 children in the intervention and control arms respectively. Individual-level analysis, including random effects for cluster pairing and adjusted for baseline maternal literacy, socioeconomic status and maternal age, showed lower, statistically non-significant, odds of child deaths (OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.18) and disability (0.64 (0.39 to 1.06)) in the intervention arm. CONCLUSION Community-level exposure to women's groups practising PLA did not significantly impact childhood death or disability or death beyond the perinatal period. Follow-up of other trials with larger sample sizes is warranted in order to explore the possibility of potential long-term survival and disability benefits with greater precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Heys
- UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lu Gram
- UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Angie Wade
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - David Osrin
- UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Khadkha Sagar
- Mother and Infant Research Activities (MIRA), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dej Krishna Shrestha
- Mother and Infant Research Activities (MIRA), Kathmandu, Nepal
- Health Systems Unit, WHO Country Office for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Dhruba Adhikari
- Mother and Infant Research Activities (MIRA), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Costello
- UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Gram L, Morrison J, Skordis-Worrall J. Organising Concepts of 'Women's Empowerment' for Measurement: A Typology. SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH 2018; 143:1349-1376. [PMID: 31231148 PMCID: PMC6548747 DOI: 10.1007/s11205-018-2012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Improving the conceptualisation and measurement of women's empowerment has been repeatedly identified as a research priority for global development policy. We apply arguments from feminist and political philosophy to develop a unified typology of empowerment concepts to guide measurement and evaluation. In this typology, empowerment (1) may be a property of individuals or collectives (2) may involve removing internal psychological barriers or external interpersonal barriers (3) may be defined on each agent's own terms or by external agents in advance (4) may require agents to acquire a degree of independence or require others to 'empower' them through social support (5) may either concern the number of present options or the motivations behind past choices. We argue a careful examination of arguments for and against each notion of empowerment reveal fundamental fact-, theory- and value-based incompatibilities between contrasting notions. Thus, empowerment is an essentially contested concept that cannot be captured by simply averaging a large number of contrasting measures. We argue that researchers and practitioners measuring this concept may benefit from making explicit their theory-, fact- and value-based assumptions about women's empowerment before settling on a single primary measure for their particularly context. Alternative indicators can subsequently be used as sensitivity measures that not only measure sensitivity to assumptions about women's social reality, but also to investigators' own values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gram
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Joanna Morrison
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Jolene Skordis-Worrall
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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Family networks and healthy behaviour: evidence from Nepal. HEALTH ECONOMICS POLICY AND LAW 2018; 14:231-248. [PMID: 29785890 DOI: 10.1017/s1744133118000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Models of household decision-making commonly focus on nuclear family members as primary decision-makers. If extended families shape the objectives and constraints of households, then neglecting the role of this network may lead to an incomplete understanding of health-seeking behaviour. Understanding the decision-making processes behind care-seeking may improve behaviour change interventions, better intervention targeting and support health-related development goals. This paper uses data from a cluster randomised trial of a participatory learning and action cycle (PLA) through women's groups, to assess the role of extended family networks as a determinant of gains in health knowledge and health practice. We estimate three models along a continuum of health-seeking behaviour: one that explores access to PLA groups as a conduit of knowledge, another measuring whether women's health knowledge improves after exposure to the PLA groups and a third exploring the determinants of their ability to act on knowledge gained. We find that, in this context, a larger network of family is not associated with women's likelihood of attending groups or acquiring new knowledge, but a larger network of husband's family is negatively associated with the ability to act on that knowledge during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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