African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 253–261

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000160

Original Research Article

Title: Evaluating the Integration of Humanized Birth Care Practices Among Secondary Hospital Midwives

Names of Authors: Mariama S. Diallo¹, Grace M. Mwangi²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea
²Department of Nursing, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract:
Humanized birth paradigms prioritize maternal autonomy, non-supine positioning choices, and restriction of routine episiotomies, offering a direct mechanism to eliminate clinical disrespect. This study evaluated the practical implementation levels and professional barriers regarding humanized care guidelines during labor monitoring among secondary facility midwives. A multi-center cross-sectional design utilized independent clinical observation checklists across 150 delivery events and surveyed 85 practicing midwives. The results showed that standard humanized parameters were systematically executed in only 34.7% of monitored deliveries. Routine, non-consensual lithotomy positioning remained pervasively enforced (78.0%), and the use of unindicated episiotomies for primiparous clients reached 41.3%. Midwives cited acute staff shortfalls (86.4%), unsupportive spatial arrangements in local labor rooms (72.0%), and deep-seated institutional inertia as primary barriers to humanizing delivery care models. Logistic regression models verified that midwives who completed specialized workshops within the prior year achieved significantly higher respectful care index marks (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.34–4.32, p = 0.003). Shifting modern labor practices requires remodeling hospital delivery beds, correcting severe midwifery understaffing, and deploying mandatory clinical humanization updates.

Keywords: Humanized Birth Care; Midwifery Practices; Maternal Autonomy; Episiotomy Restrictions; Delivery Positioning; Respectful Care.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 28, 2026; Revised September 09, 2026; Accepted September 22, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Diallo, M. S., & Mwangi, G. M. (2026). Evaluating the Integration of Humanized Birth Care Practices Among Secondary Hospital Midwives. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 253–261. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000160

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 235–243

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000158

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Nurse-Led Hypertension Management Programs in Urban Slum Settlements

Names of Authors: Chinedu K. Okafor¹, Sarah L. Tetteh²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
²Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Abstract:
Hypertension remains a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity in rapidly growing urban poor environments, where access to specialized medical clinics is severely constrained. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the efficacy of an optimized, nurse-led community hypertension management protocol within an urban informal settlement. A total of 180 hypertensive adults were enrolled and assigned to either a nurse-led intervention group (n = 90) receiving bi-weekly home-based blood pressure monitoring, behavioral modification counseling, and medication tracking, or a standard care control group (n = 90). The primary outcome measures were mean shifts in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels after a 6-month follow-up window. The statistical results demonstrated a significant mean reduction of -14.5 ± 3.2 mmHg in systolic pressure and -8.4 ± 2.1 mmHg in diastolic pressure within the nurse-led intervention cohort compared to flatlined markers in the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, therapeutic compliance metrics grew from 34.5% to 78.4% under continuous nurse surveillance. Systemic integration of decentralized nursing outreach clinics into informal urban settlements offers a highly effective, low-cost model to achieve blood pressure control and lower cardiovascular risks in marginalized demographics.

Keywords: Hypertension; Nurse-Led Interventions; Blood Pressure Control; Urban Slums; Behavioral Counseling; Medication Adherence.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 22, 2026; Revised September 05, 2026; Accepted September 18, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Okafor, C. K., & Tetteh, S. L. (2026). Efficacy of Nurse-Led Hypertension Management Programs in Urban Slum Settlements. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 235–243. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000158

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 225–234

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000157

Original Research Article

Title: Workplace Exposure to Sharp Injuries and Prophylaxis Adherence Among Emergency Department Personnel

Names of Authors: Sibongile M. Ndlovu¹, Grace M. Malfoya²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
²Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract:
Accidental percutaneous sharps injuries inside busy emergency centers present high risks for transmitting blood-borne infections to frontline nurses. This study determined the annual prevalence of sharps injuries and analyzed barriers to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) tracking among emergency nursing staff. A multi-site cross-sectional design distributed a validated percutaneous safety survey to 150 emergency department nurses. The findings showed a past-year injury prevalence rate of 44.6%, with a mean exposure frequency of 1.6 incidents per affected nurse. The single most common mechanism was needle recapping (38.5%), followed by sudden patient movement during urgent intravenous catheter access insertions (28.4%). Worryingly, 52.3% of sustained injury events were never officially reported due to fear of stigma or long administrative delays. Logistic regression models indicated that running continuous shifts longer than 12 hours (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.38–5.12, p = 0.003) significantly elevated puncture risks. Accessing safety-engineered medical devices and simplifying post-exposure administrative reporting protocols are urgent requirements to safeguard emergency personnel.

Keywords: Sharps Injuries; Percutaneous Exposure; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Emergency Nursing; Occupational Health; Needle Safety.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 20, 2026; Revised September 04, 2026; Accepted September 20, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Ndlovu, S. M., & Malfoya, G. M. (2026). Workplace Exposure to Sharp Injuries and Prophylaxis Adherence Among Emergency Department Personnel. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 225–234. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000157

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 216–224

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000156

Original Research Article

Title: Perceptions of Quality Obstetric Care Options Among Rural Pregnant Women utilizing Maternity Centers

Names of Authors: Chisomo T. Banda¹, Kwame O. Mensah²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
²Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract:
The utilization of rural clinical maternity services depends heavily on patient perceptions of safety and respect, which deeply impacts maternal health outcomes. This descriptive mixed-methods study investigated maternal satisfaction tiers, cultural treatment expectations, and care barriers among rural pregnant women visiting peripheral maternity units. A quantitative exit survey of 210 clients was supported by four qualitative focus group sessions. Quantitative scores indicated an overall maternal satisfaction rate of 56.4%. However, long waiting lines emerged as a primary concern, with a mean wait time of 3.8 ± 1.2 hours. Qualitative transcripts identified a lack of physical modesty screens in delivery suites and unsupportive communication styles from overextended staff as major reasons for patient dissatisfaction. Reagent stockouts restricted basic lab tests (urinalysis and hemoglobin profiling) during 64.3% of documented antenatal visits. High satisfaction marks were tied to the availability of clean water facilities and free malaria prophylaxis distribution. Improving clinic utilization requires restructuring rural logistics lines, upgrading privacy barriers inside delivery rooms, and expanding respectful care training for midwives.

Keywords: Obstetric Care; Maternal Satisfaction; Rural Healthcare; Midwifery Communication; Antenatal Monitoring; Patient Privacy.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 18, 2026; Revised September 01, 2026; Accepted September 18, 2026; Published September 28, 2026.

Citation: Banda, C. T., & Mensah, K. O. (2026). Perceptions of Quality Obstetric Care Options Among Rural Pregnant Women utilizing Maternity Centers. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 216–224. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000156

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 207–215

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000155

Original Research Article

Title: Knowledge and Safety Management Thresholds for Infectious Diseases Among Emergency Nurses

Names of Authors: Adesola M. Ojo¹, Tendai R. Moyo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
²Department of Nursing Science, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract:
Frontline emergency clinic settings face substantial exposures to highly contagious viral pathogens, requiring excellent diagnostic awareness and barrier precaution skills among triage personnel. This study evaluated clinical knowledge levels, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance scores, and systemic management barriers regarding highly infectious tropical diseases among emergency room nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed 140 emergency staff nurses inside three major urban hospitals using a validated biosecurity index. The analytics demonstrated that while 82.4% of nurses accurately detailed isolation protocols, correct sequential steps for PPE removal (doffing) were demonstrated by only 41.2% under observation. Major systematic barriers included unreliability in negative-pressure ventilation zones (65.8%) and sporadic shortages of high-filtration respirators (54.3%). Nurses with active membership in specialty disaster or emergency societies achieved significantly higher clinical safety compliance ratings (p = 0.008). The study concludes that dangerous implementation gaps persist due to materials shortfalls and low simulation practice frequencies. Strengthening biosecurity requires regular scenario-based mock exercises alongside secure personal protective equipment supply chains.

Keywords: Infectious Diseases; Emergency Nursing; Precautionary Measures; Personal Protective Equipment; Biosecurity; Triage.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 15, 2026; Revised August 30, 2026; Accepted September 16, 2026; Published September 26, 2026.

Citation: Ojo, A. M., & Moyo, T. R. (2026). Knowledge and Safety Management Thresholds for Infectious Diseases Among Emergency Nurses. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 207–215. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000155

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 198–206

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000154

Original Research Article

Title: An Assessment of Breast Self-Examination Educational Outreach Led by Community Health Nurses

Names of Authors: Lamin K. Sanneh¹, Oshone A. Imoudu²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing and Reproductive Health, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
²Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract:
Delayed oncology screening for breast malignancies drives poor maternal survival metrics, which requires localized preventive outreach campaigns. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the efficacy of a community health nurse (CHN)-led educational intervention on breast self-examination (BSE) knowledge levels and practical application tracking among rural women. A cluster sampling design selected 240 women across ten rural zones, dividing them into an interactive outreach cohort (n = 120) and a control cohort (n = 120) receiving standard print pamphlets. Data tracking occurred at baseline and three months post-intervention. The results showed that excellent BSE proficiency scores grew from 12.5% to 74.2% within the CHN-led group (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no significant shift (14.2% to 16.8%). The frequency of monthly self-screening routines grew substantially among women who attended the hands-on educational sessions (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.82–5.44, p = 0.001). The primary execution hurdle reported by the outreach nursing teams was traveling over poor roads to remote areas due to restricted transport budgets. Culturally adapted health education led by community nurses is an excellent approach for improving early preventative wellness habits in remote zones.

Keywords: Breast Self-Examination; Community Health Nursing; Health Education; Oncology Screening; Rural Outreach; Prevention.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 12, 2026; Revised August 28, 2026; Accepted September 14, 2026; Published September 25, 2026.

Citation: Sanneh, L. K., & Imoudu, O. A. (2026). An Assessment of Breast Self-Examination Educational Outreach Led by Community Health Nurses. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 198–206. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000154