ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6607-2387
Current Organisations
University of South Australia
,
University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 03-01-2022
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-1213235/V1
Abstract: Background: Zambia is among the African countries with a high perinatal mortality rate. Though programs teaching medical practitioners about advanced neonatal resuscitation have reduced deaths and improved survival, more information is needed to further decrease morbidity and mortality in newborns. The objectives of this study was to implement a Perinatal Problem Identification Program (PPIP) to improve collection of information on early and late neonatal mortalities. Methods: The Perinatal Problem Identification Program was implemented in the Neonatal intensive Care unit of the Women and Newborn Hospital in Lusaka Zambia. The program started on 1 May 2019 and ended on 31 December 2019. Data entry was conducted and analysis was undertaken using the PPIP computer based software program. The PPIP software calculated neonatal deaths and their causes. Results : The Neonatal intensive care unit at women and newborn hospital recorded a total of 2640 deaths in 7 months from May 1 st 2019 to 31 st December 2019.The highest cause of death was prematurity with its complications at 126 (54%) in the s led 238 recorded deaths. Followed by infection at 46 (19%) and hypoxia at 44 (18%). These deaths ranged from birth weights of less than 1000 grams to more than 2500 grams. Conclusion: The results reveal that it is possible to implement PPIP in Zambia and its use eases the audit review process, which combined with audit review meetings can improve the quality of care of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-058026
Abstract: We investigated the association between women’s healthcare decision making and cervical cancer screening uptake in sub-Saharan Africa. Secondary data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of six countries in sub-Saharan Africa were used. We employed multilevel binary logistic regression modelling. Sub-Saharan Africa. Women aged 15–49 years in Benin (n=5282), Côte d’Ivoire (n=1925), Cameroon (n=7558), Kenya (n=6696), Namibia (n=1990) and Zimbabwe (n=5006). Cervical cancer screening uptake. The overall prevalence of cervical cancer screening across the six sub-Saharan African countries was 13.4%. Compared with women whose healthcare decisions were made solely by husbands artners/someone else, the likelihood of cervical cancer screening uptake was significantly higher among women who took healthcare decisions in consultation with their husbands artners (aOR=1.38 95% CI 1.19 to 1.59), but highest among those who made healthcare decisions alone (aOR=1.66 95% CI 1.44 to 1.91). Women aged between 40 and 45 years (aOR=5.18 95% CI 3.15 to 8.52), those with higher education (aOR=2.13 95% CI 1.57 to 2.88), those who had ever heard of cervical cancer (aOR=32.74 95% CI 20.02 to 53.55), read newspaper or magazine at least once a week (aOR=2.11 95% CI 1.83 to 2.44), listened to the radio at least once a week (aOR=1.35 95% CI1.18 to 1.52) and those in households with richest wealth index (aOR=1.55 95% CI 1.20 to 2.00) had significantly higher odds of screening for cervical cancer compared to their counterparts. Women who are able to make autonomous healthcare decisions and those who practice shared decision making are more likely to uptake cervical cancer screening. Therefore, policy interventions should focus on empowering women to be able to take autonomous healthcare decisions or shared decision making while targeting subpopulations (ie, multiparous and rural-dwelling women, as well as those in other religious affiliations aside from Christianity) that are less likely to uptake cervical cancer screening. Also, the radio and print media could be leveraged in raising awareness about cervical cancer screening to accelerate cervical cancer screening uptake in sub-Saharan Africa.
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 28-09-2020
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-77053/V1
Abstract: Background Globally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. Method A cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey. Results Four hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 years and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information. Conclusion Most postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJOGRB.2022.08.024
Abstract: Anaemia in infants is a major public health concern particularly in low and middle-income countries. Delayed cord cl ing (DCC) has been advocated as a strategy to decrease iron deficiency anaemia in infants because of the benefits that come with placental transfusion. Despite the documented benefits of delayed cord cl ing in preventing anaemia the current practices of delayed cord cl ing by midwives and obstetricians across countries and in different contexts is unclear. This narrative review assesses the literature on delayed cord cl ing practices published from 2013 to February 2022, in order to examine current practice in birth units globally, and with a focus in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). A search of four bibliographic databases Medline, Scopus (Elsevier), ProQuest, CINAHL and two network and search engines, Wiley and Google Scholar, was undertaken from 2013 to February 2022 using key terms related to delayed cord cl ing and immediate cord cl ing. A snowball method as well as backward and forward reference checking was also undertaken. The search strategy identified 10 studies on umbilical cord cl ing practices by midwives and obstetricians. Only two studies were conducted in low and middle-income countries. Despite the potential benefits of DCC in reducing anaemia, particularly in low and middle-income countries where the burden of anaemia is a public health concern, there is a paucity of literature on current DCC practices by obstetricians and midwives. Research to establish current DCC practices in these countries is needed to address this gap in the literature.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJGH-2021-007731
Abstract: Skin-to-skin contact is an evidence-based intervention that signifies a situation whereby a newborn is positioned directly on the mother’s abdomen or chest in order for them to have direct ventral-to-ventral skin contact. The act of skin-to-skin contact begins immediately after delivery to about 23 hours afterwards. Evidence shows that skin-to-skin contact is important in improving child health outcomes. Nevertheless, evidence on its prevalence and predictors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains sparse. The study, therefore, estimated the prevalence of skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their newborns, as well as its predictors. Using data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey conducted between 2015 and 2020 from 17 countries in SSA, we included 131 094 women who gave birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey in the final analysis. We used percentages to summarise the prevalence of skin-to-skin contact. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of skin-to-skin contact. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to present the results of the regression analysis. Approximately 42% (41.7 to 42.2) of mothers practiced newborn skin-skin contact. The highest prevalence was found in Benin (75.1% (74.1 to 76.0)) and the lowest prevalence in Nigeria (11.7% (11.2 to 12.1)). The likelihood of skin-to-skin contact was higher among women covered by health insurance, those who delivered in health facilities, those in the richest wealth index, women who attended 1–3 antenatal care (ANC) visits and four or more ANC visits, and those with secondary or higher education. The odds of skin-to-skin contact was low among women who delivered by caesarean section (adjusted OR=0.15 95% CI 0.13 to 0.16). Considering that less than half of the surveyed women practiced skin-to-skin contact, it is expedient for intensification of advocacy and strict supervision of the practice within the included countries. Informal educational programmes can also be rolled out through various media platforms to sensitise the public and healthcare providers on the need for skin-to-skin contact. These will help maximise the full benefits of skin-to-skin contact and expedite prospects of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.1 and 3.2.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12884-021-03633-8
Abstract: Inasmuch as induced abortions, miscarriages and stillbirths constitute common adverse pregnancy outcomes contributing to poor maternal health, there is paucity of literature about these in Ghana. We investigated the factors associated with induced abortions, miscarriages and stillbirths in Ghana. Data derived from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey was used in this study. Women aged 15–49 constituted the target for the study. This study examined the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and induced abortions, stillbirths and miscarriages. Subsequently, multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the factors associated with induced abortions, stillbirths and miscarriages at 95 % confidence interval (CI). The prevalence of miscarriages, induced abortions and stillbirths in Ghana in 2017 were 10.8 %, 10.4 % and 2 % respectively. Induced abortions (12.9 %) and miscarriages (11.1 %) were found to be higher among urban residents whiles rural residents had more of stillbirths (2.1 %). Compared to women aged 15–24, those in all age categories had lower odds of experiencing induced abortions, with the lowest odds occurring among women aged 35–49 (AOR = 0.26, 95 % CI = 0.21-32). Conversely, women of all age categories had higher odds of experiencing miscarriages compared to those aged 15–24 with the highest odds among those aged 25–34 (AOR = 1.62, 95 % CI = 1.39–1.89). Women with at least primary education were more likely to experience miscarriages than those with no formal education, with those with higher level of education having the highest odds (AOR = 1.42, 95 % CI = 1.13–1.78). While the likelihood of induced abortions was lower among Muslims, compared to Christians (AOR = 0.65, 95 % CI = 0.52–0.82), the odds of miscarriages were higher among Muslims, compared to Christians (AOR = 1.31, 95 % CI = 1.13–1.52). Women with parity 1 or more were less likely to experience induced abortions, miscarriages and stillbirths compared to those with parity 0. Our study indicates that efforts to limit induced abortions, miscarriages and stillbirths in Ghana need to focus on the disparities in socio-demographic characteristics of women. Synergy between government health institutions and the private sector cannot be left out if much success can be achieved in efforts to subside the current prevalence of induced abortions, stillbirths and miscarriages confronting the country.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-12-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12978-022-01507-6
Abstract: Globally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. A cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students at the UCT. Minor adjustments were made to the questionnaire to suit the South African context. Selected aspects of SRH were included in the current study: knowledge and use of contraceptives, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs and HIV. These variables were considered to be general enough to be answerable by male and female respondents and are the most important considerations in reproductive health care in South Africa, as there is a high prevalence of STIs, HIV and cervical and breast cancers. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey. Data was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. Four hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information. Most postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Location: South Africa
Location: South Africa
No related grants have been discovered for Bupe Mwamba.