African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (7), pp. 001-008, July, 2021. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A comparative study of mental health services in two African countries: South Africa and Nigeria

Jack-Ide I. O.*, Uys L. R. and Middleton L. E.

School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa.

Accepted 12 April, 2021

Abstract

Mental health services in South Africa and Nigeria were compared using the reports of World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) of both countries. WHO-AIMS assessment reveals the extent of implementation and provision of mental health care services. South Africa has made considerable progress with restructuring its mental health care system that provides mental health care at the community level. Nigeria, in spite of adopting mental health care as part of its primary health care services and having a strong academic history in psychiatry, does not provide services in rural communities. It is important for Nigeria that mental health care nurses become advocates for mental health policy reforms to improve access, and that countries with similar challenges learn from each other about providing care for people who cannot care for themselves, namely, the mentally challenged.

Key words: Advocacy, integrated care, mental health policy, mental health services, primary health care.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Midwifery students’ willingness to provide manual vacuum aspiration in Ghana

Sarah Rominski¹*, Emmanuel Nakua², Peter Ageyi-Baffour², Mawuli Gyakobo³ and Jody R. Lori⁴

¹Global REACH, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI,5124b Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.

²School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

³Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

⁴University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.

Accepted 19 January, 2021

Abstract

Abortion remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the developing world. Midwives are more likely to provide services to more than half of the world’s population residing in rural areas than other healthcare providers. When properly trained, midwives are able to safely provide manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). As part of a larger study, final-year midwifery students took part in a computer-based survey and were asked about the training and education they received related to MVA. 93 students completed the survey questions related to MVA. 60.2% reported that they are either “very likely” or “likely” to provide this service once they graduate. Only 5 students indicated they had an opportunity to practice the skill during their training. The most common reason for answering “definitely will not” provide MVA was religious beliefs. In Ghana, midwifery students are being taught manual vacuum aspiration, although they are not being given adequate opportunity for supervised experiences. This raises the issue of how well prepared they are to provide this service following graduation. To address the continuing problem of unsafe abortion, midwifery training colleges in Ghana should establish a mechanism to expose students to additional simulation and clinical experiences.

Key words: Midwifery, Ghana, Africa, abortion, maternal health.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Papers 

Low birth weight knowledge among postnatal mothers in a resource restricted urban setting in Zimbabwe

Helen Vupenyu Gundani¹* and Jesca Mutowo²

¹Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, P. O. Box 178 A, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.

²Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe.

Accepted 11 November, 2020

Abstract 

This study aimed to establish the knowledge of postnatal mothers about low birth weight (LBW) in a resource restricted urban setting. A non-experimental descriptive study was conducted using a systematic sampling method to select fifty mothers aged between 15 and 41 years with babies below five years born with LBW of below 2500 grams. The women were selected as they sought health care at Mabvuku Satellite Clinic in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Data were collected using an investigator- administered interview guide that also included three open-ended questions. Data were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages and tables. The major finding was that all participants had inadequate knowledge about LBW. Their total score was below 50% with a mean of 1.56% which, on the scale of “adequate knowledge” score levels defined by Nachega et al. (2005) was well below the 75% plus accepted score for adequate knowledge. Additionally, findings showed that all the participants did not remember any information they received on LBW during pre/ postnatal care. Eighty percent of the participants stated that nurses did not talk about LBW. To increase knowledge on LBW, we advocate that a manual on topics to be covered during pre/postnatal care be developed and that both young men and women, pregnant and not, be educated on factors associated with LBW by health care providers.

Key words: Low birth weight, resource restricted setting, weight in grams, poor socio-economic factors, pre/postnatal.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (4), pp. 001-007, April, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Curbing maternal and child mortality: The Nigerian experience

Ogunjimi Lucas Olusegun¹*, Ibe, Rosemary Thomas² and Ikorok Maria Micheal³

¹Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

²Department of Public Health Nursing, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria.

³Department of Physical and Health education, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.

Accepted 13 October, 2020

Abstract

The paper examined the unacceptably high maternal and child mortality in Africa using Nigeria as a case study. Place and duration of study were the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Calabar, and Department of Public Health Nursing, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria, between February, 2010 and April, 2011. The opportunity created by the presence of over 300 Nurses at the 2010 October 3rd to 8th, 8^th African Regional Conference organised by Nurses Christian Fellowship International (NCFI) in Ghana, was utilized to extensively compare notes and discuss salient issues contained in our reviewed work. Existing research works in prints and electronic among others were used in the search and collation of facts and figures contained in the study. Theme of the conference was: Reforming Nursing and Midwifery Care in Africa. Nigeria is the most populous Black Nation and has the maternal mortality rate of 280 to 1150 per 100,000 live births (Onwumere, 2010). Maternal and child mortality is closely linked to poverty with malnutrition as an underlying contributor in over half of these deaths. Factors associated with these problems include, poor socio-economic development, weak health care system and low socio-cultural barriers to care utilization (Ibeh, 2008). The persistent high rate of maternal and child mortality in the country negates the achievement of the 4th and 5th Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Nigeria, which constitutes just 1% of the world’s population, accounts for 10% of the world’s maternal and under-5 mortality rates. Factors associated with these problems include, poor socio-economic development, weak health care system and low socio-cultural barriers to care utilization. Key interventions identified for curbing these problems include, care during pregnancy, birth and post partum supports in addition to approved child survival intervention.

Key words: Curbing, maternal, child, mortality, Nigerian experience.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Quality assurance package for health care in Nigeria: The case of Akwa Ibom State

Maria Michael Ikorok¹, Idongesit Ibanga Akapbio² and Lucas O. Ogunjimi³

¹Department of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

²Department of Nursing Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria.

³Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria.

Accepted 13 October, 2020

Abstract

Persistent poor health care quality attributable to non-responsive alien models necessitated this study to develop quality assurance package (QAP) for health care in Nigeria with focus on Akwa Ibom State. Quality assurance index (QAI) was the instrument for data collection. A multi-stage random sample of 340 respondents was drawn from 840 health managers in primary health care settings in the state. The research and development (R&D) survey designed was used to develop the package through progressive steps such as: (a) Exploration and establishment of need for the package through library search; (b) determination of the elements (contents) for quality assurance; (c) preliminary validation of the elements; (d) empirical validation of the contents to determine the suitability; and (e) integral feedback mechanism. From the findings of the study, suitable elements for quality assurance identified were: the philosophy {(care should be at minimal risk to client (84.9%), care of benefit to client (79.5%), health worker should aim at best result as they demonstrate moral sense of duty (73.6%); workers should strive for best results (62.4%)}; objectives (giving consumers adequate information in tandem with local needs and exigencies (80.4%), continuous care innovations (67.6%), and safeguarding consumers’ satisfaction (76.6%); and measures for quality assurance (continuous education for health workers (87.2%), licensing all health care givers (83.5%), close supervision (79.8%), minimizing unjustified geo-variation of care (85.3%), reducing access barrier (79.4%), among others). The package was recommended for adoption for health care administration in the country.

Key words: Ikorok, healthcare quality assurance parameters.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Impacts of virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans isolates on the pathogenesis of acute vaginitis

Mohammed Sh. Jebur

Institute of Medical Technology, Foundation of Technical Education, Baghdad, Iraq. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 09 November, 2020

Abstract 

Streptococcus mutans, known to be an etiologic agent of dental caries, also causes infective endocarditis. Adherence of these bacteria results from the interaction of adhesions that form part of their structure with salivary components (or other body’s fluids), specifically those that compose the acquired pellicle. In the present study, acute vaginitis samples (vaginal swabs) were investigated from pregnant women patients who were admitted to many hospitals and maternal care centres in Baghdad city of Iraq. Ages of the women ranged from 20 to 30 years (only married women), while all samples were collected during March to July 2009. One hundred and fifty vaginal swabs were collected and cultured on blood agar plate, nutrient agar plates, chocolate agar plates and MacConkey agar plates, then incubated aerobically and anaerobically for 24 h at 37°C. Bacterial diagnosis were done according to macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical tests. The results of recent study showed that the prevalence of bacterial acute vaginitis of pregnant women indicated 18 (12%) as positive cases, while no growth was seen in the rest vaginal swabs (132, 88%). Results of bacterial isolation and identification showed that out of 18 isolates, only 8 (44.4%) isolates were diagnosed as S. mutans while other isolates were distributed to Staphylococcus epidermidis (8, 44.4%) isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (6, 33.3%) isolates, and 5 (27.7%) isolates each for Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus salivaris and Proteus spp. Results of blood hemolysis of S. mutans isolates as virulence factors showed that only two isolates (25%) have the ability to produce hemolycin enzyme, and noticed that four isolates (50%) of S.. mutans were had the ability to produce extracellular protease enzyme on Mg media. Results of antibiotics profile resistance of S. mutans isolates showed that all isolates (100%) were resistant to ampicillin and amoxcillin, whereas seven isolates had also shown resistance in a lesser degree (87.5%) to tetracycline and gentamycin and to cefotaxime (75%) and ciprofloxacin and to erythromycin (62.5%) while all isolates showed high sensitivity (100%) to amoxiclave, doxicyclin and ampiclox antibiotics. S. mutans isolates showed moderate prevalence in the distribution of pathogenic microorganism of acute vaginitis. These isolates had 25% ability of blood hemolysis, and 50% ability to produce protease enzyme. S. mutans vaginal isolates appeared highly (100%) sensitive to amoxiclave, doxicyclin and ampiclox antibiotics, but it had 100% resistance to synthetic penicillin (ampicillin and amoxcillin) and there were different susceptibility to the rest antibiotics used in the study.

Key words: Streptococcus mutans, virulence factors, antibiotics susceptibility.