African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 102-109, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study on the perception of adolescents towards contraceptive use in Blantyre District of the Southern Region of Malawi

*Monica Solberg, Karl Akselsen and Bent F. Thomassen

Department of International Community Health, Faculty of Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

*Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]

Accepted 24 April, 2015

Abstract

A study was conducted to explore attitudes towards contraceptive use among sexually active tertiary schooling adolescents in Blantyre District of the Southern Region of Malawi. The study design was exploratory and employed qualitative data collection and analysis method. A purposive sample size of 23 (13 female and 10 male) sexually active adolescents was used in the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews that were conducted using an open ended interview guide. Qualitative data was manually analysed using content analysis. Two themes that emerged from the adolescents’ narrations were positive and negative attitudes towards contraceptive use. Positive attitudes were developed from acknowledging benefits of contraceptives; and having beliefs and values that recognised responsibility; readiness; and motivation for contraceptive. The motivation factors included the desire for good life, health, stable future family, higher education and independence. Negative attitudes on the other hand arose from challenges, disadvantages, misconceptions as well as beliefs and values that disapprove the use of contraceptives among adolescents. To increase contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents, there is a need for adequate information about contraceptives in terms of advantages, disadvantages and side effects. This would help mitigate negative attitudes on contraceptives from misinformation and misconceptions.

Keywords: Contraceptives, contraceptive side effects; condoms, adolescents, contraceptive misinformation and misconception.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (4), pp. 099-101, April, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Case Report

Ruptures in patient with nephritic syndrome during dalteparin treatment: The case of spontaneous superior gluteal artery

*Jiang Zemin, W. Z. Xuesen, Shang-Hua Guangxian and Ding Wenjun

Department of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 17 March, 2015

Abstract

Superior gluteal artery (SGA) injury is a rare but well-known complication of blunt trauma usually associated with pelvic and acetabular fractures. Spontaneous SGA rupture has been rarely noted. We present the case of a 78 years old man with nephrotic syndrome who developed a spontaneous SGA rupture leading to a severe buttock hematoma while he was in treatment with dalteparin. Dalteparin was discontinuated. The bleeding was stopped by selective angiographic embolization. Two units packed red blood cells transfusion was given. The patient medical status improved in one month. We reviewed the literature to identify the possible risk factors of bleeding. The results of this case, together with published literature demonstrate that even if the dalteparin is a safe medication, it should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function, especially in advanced age. We wish to increase attention of the possibility of this kind of clinical problem and urge close monitoring for any unusual bleeding complications, particularly in the aged patient with renal insufficiency during dalteparin treatment.

Keywords: Superior gluteal artery, buttock hematoma, rupture, dalteparin.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (4), pp. 086-091, April, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

An appraisal of the burden and challenges of attending to a stroke patient on family caregivers

*Abayomi Preye, Davison Bummi and Alinko Usman

Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 25 March, 2015

Abstract

Stroke patient caregiving remains a huge burden and challenge for family caregivers, because of the major importance of family caregivers in the process of caregiving. It is intended to assist in the provision of quality patient care at home as well as generate satisfaction with care provided after discharge home. Unfortunately, this is not entirely so. Hence, this study evaluates the opinion and perception of nurses on family caregiving of stroke patients following discharged home. A descriptive survey design was employed in obtaining data from participant nurses (N =100) who gave consent to the study. Results obtained were analyzed using the statistical package (SPSS) to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics. Our result revealed that most nurses have negative opinion and perception on family caregiving of stroke patient. This is expressed by 80%, 93% and 87% who stated that family caregiving of stroke is very tasking, caregivers experience depression and caregivers experience confusion for caregiving of stroke patients respectively. Similarly, 90.0%, 91.0% and 88.0% perceived lack of basic knowledge and adequate skills account for poor care, as well as complexity of patients need and lack of communication respectively. Whereas, 97.0% and 87.0% of the nurses expressed the opinion and perception that nurses should support in preparing family caregivers before discharge and should have a positive relationship/attitude with family caregivers . Hence, a need for education of caregivers and encouragement of positive attitude following discharged was emphasized. Follow-up of these patients and rehabilitation centers were recommended as cornerstones in preventing deterioration and possible death at home of stroke patients.

Keywords: Family caregiving, stroke, nurses, opinion, perception, Bayelsa.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (3), pp. 082-085, March, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

An assessment of the degree of domestic violence against pregnant women at Nsanje District Hospital in the Southern Region of Malawi

*¹Sosten Chasowa, Paul K. Kandodo², Jack R. M² and Robert Kambalu¹

¹Department of Community and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.

²Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Nursing, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

*Corresponding Author  E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 27 February, 2015

Abstract

Domestic violence against pregnant women exists in Malawi but its magnitude was unknown due to scanty published data on the subject. The aim of the study was to determine the magnitude of Domestic Violence against pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Nsanje District Hospital in the Southern Region of Malawi. The study design was descriptive quantitative using a random sample of 292 pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was administered to each pregnant woman that consented to participate in the study. The findings indicate that the majority (59%) of women was psychologically, physically and sexually abused during pregnancy. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between domestic violence and witnessing abuse as a child in the home. In addition, domestic violence also showed significant association (P<0.05) with a woman being pregnant. However there was no significant association (P>0.05) between domestic violence and other demographic variables of age, low education level and low income. Community awareness creation on domestic violence, strengthening of the victim support unit and training of health workers to screen and counsel victims of domestic violence during antenatal care education is recommended.

Keywords: Domestic violence, pregnancy, physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse.