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- ItemRestrictedPregnancy outcomes among adolescent girls and young women Bwaila Maternity Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 20-09-16) Chang'ombe, MtisungeProblem Statement Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health problem, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa., It is associated with high maternal and child morbidity and mortality, and affects the socio-economic development of a country.Forty percent of Malawi’s population is youthful aged 18years and younger. , with the rate of pregnant adolescents has increasing from 25% in 2010 to 29% in the 2015-2016 (Malawi Demographic Health survey [MDHS]). There is limited data on adolescent pregnancy outcomes and associated pregnancy and peripartum factors among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa including Malawi. Studies examining any difference between pregnancy outcomes among between adolescent girls and young women are also limited. Primary Objective To determine antepartum pregnancy and peri-partum factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes among adolescent girls (<19years) and young women (20-24years) at Bwaila Maternity Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi. Methodology We propose a cross sectional descriptive study with a sample of 1690 participants who will have just given birth, recruited over a 3-month study period. We will use a questionnaire to collect antepartum and peri-partum data from the participants, and we will also extract data from participants’ medical files and their health passport books. We will enter data into Microsoft excel and analyze the data using Stata. Dissemination of results We will disseminate our results Shared with the University of Malawi,College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee through a progress report,academic world through the University of Malawi College of Medicine Library, Management of Bwaila Maternity and Kamuzu Central Hospitals. We will present the study results will be presented at the College of 16-Sep-2020 10 Version 1.1 dated 24.8.2020 Medicine Research Dissemination Conference and the Association of the Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Malawi conference
- ItemRestrictedOpen, Distance and E-Learning (ODeL)(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2012-03-01) Kaponda, MercyThe perception of adolescent toward parent to child communication on sexual reproductive health issues
- ItemRestrictedDeterminants of adolescent pregnancy in Malawi(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2020-09-09) Gulaimfa, JanetIntroduction: adolescent pregnancy is one of the top reproductive health problems affecting young people across the globe. Following pregnancy, adolescents are 1.6 times likely to face obstetric complications which eventually lead to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The type of research study: This study is a population based cross sectional case control, a secondary data analysis of the Malawi demographic health survey 2015-16 The main aim of the study is to establish the determinants of adolescent pregnancy among girls aged 15 to 17 years in Malawi. Underlying cause of high teenage pregnancy prevalence needs to be further investigated and explored with the aim of developing targeted strategies. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES • To examine trends in the reproductive health knowledge among teens • To identify determinants of child bearing among 15-17 year olds • To describe reproductive health knowledge among adolescent girls aged 15 to 17 in Malawi • To examine determinants of child bearing among 15-17 year olds in Malawi METHODOLOGY Study Design This study is a population based cross sectional designase control, a secondary data analysis of adolescent girls aged 15 to 17 according to the Malawi demographic health survey 2015-16 where cases which are adolescent girls aged 15 to 17 years. Study Place The Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) was implemented in the 28 districts of Malawi thus a nationally representative sample that provides estimate at national and regional levels of the urban and rural areas. Study population The secondary data collected in the DHS 2015-16 on adolescent girls between 15 to 17 years of age in Malawi who were pregnant or had given birth to their first child during the period of the survey will be used. Study Period This study will be conducted from April 2019 to January 2021August 2020. This is a period between proposal development, submission and approval by college of medicine ethics committee, to data collection, analysis, reporting and dissemination of findings. Data collection The national statistics office (NSO) recruited 268 individuals to serve as team leaders, field editors, interviewers and secondary data editors who went under training on interviewing techniques and went through a review of questionnaire content. Data collection was completed by 37 field teams, with each including one team leader, one field editor, three female interviewers, one male interviewer, collection of data took place from 19 October 2015 through 17 February 2016. This study will focus on the following variables:- Dependent variable “age at first birth”. Women who were pregnant or had birth to their first child at ages between 15 to 17 years during the study period. Independent variables region (south, central and north), residence (rural or urban), current age (15year olds, 16 year olds, 17 year olds), marital status (never married and in a marital union) and wealth index (poor, middle, and rich), education level (no education, primary, secondary) Data management and analysis Data collected was stored in a password protected computer at the NSO Zomba and according to the MDHS report. Bivariate analysis using Pearson chi-squared test will be carried out to examine the relationship between teenage pregnancy and each variable like place or residence, current age, education level and marital status. Variables that are potentially significant will be further analyzed using a multiple regression model. Possible Constraints This study, being a secondary data analysis, uses data which has been collected for purposes other than this study therefore it is inherent in its nature. It is also not possible to follow up clients therefore additional data from study participants cannot be collected. Expected findings and result dissemination. The results for this study will be submitted to the college of medicine department of Department of Health Systems & Policy for grading to attain a master’s of science in global health implementation; additionally it will be submitted to college of medicine ethics committee (COMREC) and a copy to the college of medicine library including the center for reproductive health.
- ItemRestrictedPrevalence, determinants and health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy at Bwaila District hospital, Lilongwe -Malawi(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2021-10-08) Mtawali, CharityStudy type This is a cross-sectional analytical study design that will use quantitative data analysis The problem to be studied Adolescent pregnancy is a global health care concern with greater burden in the developing countries including Malawi. It remains the major contributor of maternal and child mortality. There are many studies conducted on adolescent pregnancy and many preventive measures being implemented by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to offset teenage pregnancies in Malawi. Despite all this, the rates are still high. This means that more efforts are needed to achieve the required results. In addition, there is lack of specific data for Lilongwe urban on health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy. Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the prevalence, determinants and health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy at Bwaila District Hospital, antenatal clinic, Lilongwe -Malawi. The specific objectives of this study are; to examine the prevalence of unintended pregnancies among teenage pregnant mothers, to examine the determinants of adolescent pregnancy such as culture, education, non-use of contraceptives, early marriage, lack of knowledge on reproductive health rights, sexual and physical violence, age difference between teenage girls and their partners, and poverty for adolescent pregnancy at Bwaila district hospital Lilongwe, Malawi. Methodology Across-sectional analytical study design will be used. Data will be collected from Bwaila district hospital, antenatal clinic. A convenient sampling technique will be used. Participants will be adolescent pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic during the period of study. Data will be a collected using a questionnaire administered through face to face interviews. It will be analyzed using STATA MP Version 16.0. Measures of central tendency, frequency distribution, dispersion and proportions will be used to analyze descriptive data. Odds ratio will be used to make comparisons and Logistic regression model will be used to predict factors for teenage pregnancy and make conclusions. Expected findings and dissemination The results of this study are expected to reveal prevalence and determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Lilongwe, Malawi. The results will help policy makers to plan effective preventive measures to offset teenage pregnancies .The results will be disseminated to College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC), Lilongwe DHO, at College of Medicine students‘ dissemination conference as well as published in Malawi Medical Journal (MMJ). A copy will be submitted to College of Medicine Library.
- ItemRestrictedExploring mechanisms put in place to reduce/end sexual and gender based violence among young women and adolescents in Dzaleka refugee settlements in Malawi(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2021-10-28) Miseleni Chirambo, PiliraniType of research study: This is an exploratory qualitative case study design The problem: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against adolescents and young women is persistent and critical globally, but the severity of SGBV in humanitarian contexts makes it an urgent priority in need of humanitarian response action. Even though there is recognition of overlapping risks and intervention opportunities, SGBV programming focus on refugee adolescents and young women is lagging behind. This has resulted in adolescents and young women missing out on protection mechanisms despite their increased susceptibility to SGBV. Therefore, this research will explore how protective mechanisms address SGBV against refugee adolescents and young women in the Dzaleka refugee camp by expounding on the specific objectives that aim to describe the risk factors for SGBV, assess measures put in place to end SGVB and explore the effects of SGBV on the mental and social well-being of adolescents in refugee camps. Methodology: This is a qualitative case study, whose data will be collected through interviews (Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), key informant interviews and in-depth interviews) with Dzaleka refugee camp's specialist humanitarian organisations and various government representatives leading in SGBV programming and refugee adolescents and women. Research assistants will be trained on how to conduct interviews while at the same time collecting high quality data. Data analysis and coding will be conducted on the transcribed data to identify key themes and patterns. This research will be guided by Social Ecological Model (SEM) to explore risk factors, effects of SGBV and corresponding protection mechanisms on refugee adolescents and young women. Expected findings and dissemination: Research results will be presented in themes and subthemes, therefore, quoted verbatim from transcript will be used in the description of the subthemes, that will describe the sexual and gender-based violence risk factors, effects and protection mechanisms as found in Dzaleka refugee camp. Finally, the findings of this study will be submitted to The College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC) as a partial fulfilment of a Master of Science in Global Health Implementation. The results shall also be submitted for publication in the publications in peer-reviewed journals through The University Research and Publication Committee (URPC) via COMREC. Finally, a copy of the study results will be submitted to Dzaleka Refugee Camp administration and humanitarian agencies with an aim of highlighting the recommendations that will inform them on how to improve SGBV programming with particular focus on refugee adolescents and young women in Dzaleka refugee camp
- ItemRestrictedExploring the prevalence of depression in adolescents attending teen clubs in Blantyre urban and rural facilities with a view to improve mental health of adolescent in teen clubs(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2021-12-16) Mbukwa, HendrixType of research study: Mixed method study design which will employ both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The problem: In 2015/16, the latest available data, it is estimated that 54% of young people living with HIV had been diagnosed (45% of HIV positive young men and 58% of HIV-positive young women). Among those diagnosed, 86% were on treatment, of whom 81% were virally suppressed. However, most ALHIV in care are subjected to depression due fact that they are HIV positive and they often times feel offended when their status is known in their community (Ministry of Health Malawi/PEPFAR (2018)). HIV Teen club is one of the HIV service delivery models that has shown potential to improve ART adherence and viral suppression among ALHIVs participating in teen club. However, to what extent, depression affects adolescents in teen clubs is not known despite being supported psychologically and mentally through coaching by Club facilitators. Such kind of information would help if revealed to effectively induce policy and programming in as far as health management and psychosocial support among adolescent is concerned. Broad Objective: Exploring the prevalence of depression in adolescents attending Teen Clubs in Blantyre urban and Rural facilities. The specific objectives of the study are: Primary Objective 1. To estimate prevalence of depression among ALHIV who have been in the Club for at list more than 6 months in Blantyre. Secondary Objective 2. To identify characteristics of adolescents (social, demographic) associated with Depression in the Teen Clubs. Methodology: The study will employ a mixed method study design to address the primary and Secondary objective and qualitative study design to address objective. For the primary objective, we plan to recruit 145 eligible ALHIV from HIV Teen Clubs. The study will be conducted from October to December 2021 in Blantyre district in 15 primary health facilities that have operational HIV Teen Clubs. For the secondary 1st and 3rd are currently in teen clubs and have stayed for more than 3 months. Data will be extracted and verified from the HIV Teen Club register and health facility Electronic Medical Records (EMR)1. In-depth Interviews and structured observation using checklist/score card, adapted from Baylor Children ‘s Hospital, will be conducted to address objective 2 and 4.
- ItemRestrictedRisk elimination on walks to school(2022-01-19) Manyozo, SteveEvery year, an estimated 350,000 children and adolescents are killed in road traffic crashes or by the effects of urban outdoor air pollution, to which road traffic is a significant contributing factor. The road traffic death rate in Malawi in 2016 was 31 per 100,000 populations, among the highest in the world and levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were at least four times the new WHO threshold of 5 μg/m3. Pedestrians account for half of the road traffic deaths in the country and research shows a drastic increase in RTIs in the last decade among children and adolescents, who represent 53.8% of those admitted to hospital. Currently we do not know the best way to simultaneously reduce RTIs and air pollution among children walking to school so this study will address these issues.
- ItemRestrictedExploring lived experiences of adolescents who have transitioned to adulthood care at Lighthouse clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi: A qualitative study(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-03-11) Sande, OdalaType of research study This is a phenomenological study that will focus on exploring lived experiences of young adults who have transitioned to adulthood care after being managed through ART adolescents’ clinics. Problem In most ART clinical settings in Africa, ART clinics manage adults and adolescents separately with the aim of meeting their ART needs as well as improving clinical ART outcomes for both populations. Adolescents are young people aged 10–19 years, undergoing rapid psychological, sexual, and physical maturity. Adolescents living with HIV have largely been associated with poor retention in care as such, they have been managed largely through pediatric/adolescent clinics, and with great support from their parents as well as guardians. They have adolescent days with specific health workers who provide the adolescent ART services. Once adolescents reach 19 years and are stable on ART, they are transitioned to adulthood care so that they can manage ART clinic on their own. Studies of young people who are on ART show that they face numerous barriers to adherence compared with adults, they have lower rates of viral suppression and higher rates of virology rebound and loss to follow up. ART outcomes of ages 20-24 have low retention rates. High proportion of this group include adolescents who have graduated or transition to adulthood care. There is need, therefore, to establish and understand the lived experiences of adolescents that have transitioned to adulthood care to come up with interventions that will improve their overall retention outcomes. Objectives Broad objective To explore lived experiences regarding ART uptake among adolescents who have transitioned to adulthood ART care at Lighthouse clinic in Lilongwe. Specific objectives 1. To assess individual and health system factors that affect ART service uptake among adolescents. 2. To assess the adolescent’s perceptions of adulthood care 6 months after transitioning. 3. To explore barriers and enablers of ART uptake among adolescents who have graduated into adulthood care from ART providers and parents/guardians 11-Mar-2022 Odala__Version 2.0 dated 20220112 9 Methodology The study will use a phenomenological design as the focus will be to explore the lived experiences of adolescents who have transitioned to adulthood care. The study will be conducted at Martin Preuss Centre (MPC) where adolescent services are provided. The study population will be adolescents who were accessing care at Martin Preuss Centre (MPC) and have transitioned to adulthood ART care 6 months’ post transitioning to adulthood care. Guardians/parents and health care workers providing ART care to the adolescents who have transitioned to adulthood care will also be part of the study. Expected findings and their dissemination. The study expects to find the experiences of young adults after transitioning to adulthood care, the challenges as well as success of ART post transitioning. The findings of the study will be shared with will the implementing organisation, Lighthouse Trust, the relevant government authorities (Ministry of Health), and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Malawi.
- ItemRestrictedThe impact of natural disasters among adolescent girls on their menstrual hygiene management in Mulanje district(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-05-09) Chizule, HildaType of study: The study design for this study is qualitative, which will employ an explorative approach. A qualitative study will be conducted with men, women, boys and girls in the Mulanje district. The investigator will explore the beliefs, taboos associated with menstruation, materials and disposal areas used during a natural disaster, the role of men and boys in MHM during natural disasters and inclusive approaches to shelter and settlements initiatives for MHM in emergencies/natural disasters. The problem: Malawi faces natural disasters periodically. The most related are weather-related shocks, for instance, floods, i.e., Cyclone Idai Cyclone Ana. The Cyclone idai developed in Mozambique and it brought strong winds and caused severe flooding in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. In Malawi, it affected 13 districts, including the Mulanje district and two cities in the southern region and two districts in the central region of Malawi. The flooding affected the mental health, social-economical, livelihoods, infrastructure and even death. Women and girls face challenges accessing the bathrooms and toilets when they dislocate to camps during natural disasters. Lack of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) inclusive shelters for settlement hinders girls’ privacy and safety. The inadequacy of facilities and material, i.e. buckets for girls to bath, wash and take care of themselves when menstruating, is worrisome. There are no drying areas of their sanitary materials and drainage systems at the camping sites. In a quest to bring solutions towards MHM, humanitarian agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government focus mainly on technical solutions limited to the distribution of sanitary pads and provision of water. The beliefs and taboos associated with menstruation continue to affect how girls and women manage menstruation. In addition to that women and girls lack support from men and boys especially in patriarchal societies. Boys engage in period teasing whilst men inadequately support the women and girls in allocation of finances to buy sanitary products, hence a need for males to become advocates for MHM alongside women. Study objectives: The study's main objective is to explore the impact of natural disasters on the menstrual hygiene management of adolescent girls and women in Mulanje. The specific objectives include 1) To identify the material used and disposal practices for adolescent girls as in regards to the MHM during natural disasters, 2) To describe the role of Men and Boys in MHM during natural disasters/ Emergencies 3) To explore beliefs, attitudes, taboos and practices associated with MHM during natural disasters and 4) To describe inclusive approaches to shelter and settlements initiatives for MHM in emergencies/natural disasters when natural disasters occur. Methodology: The investigator will employ focus group discussion (FGDs) with boys, girls, and women and men. Key informant interviews (KII) will be conducted with disaster and youth officers,mother group members and chiefs. The investigator will focus on the structural issues (social and environmental, policy, interventions issues), beliefs, attitudes, taboos and practices associated with MHM during natural disasters. A multi-stage sampling technique will be employed to develop clusters depending on the geographical location of the participants. A purposive sampling approach will follow to select the Traditional Authorities (TAs) to be part of the study. The structural vulnerability conceptual framework will help the investigator think more clearly, critically, and practically about how social structures, local hierarchies, and external and internal environmental factors affect girls’ menstrual management. There will be 16 FDGs and 6 KII. The total sample size is 102 (28men, 26women, 24boys and 24girls). The investigator will hire experienced 6 research assistants (3 female, 3male). The research assistants will participate in data collection tools, transcription, and analysis. Data collection tools have been developed in Chichewa and English. The data will be analyzed by Nvivo data package, which uses thematic data analysis. Expected findings and dissemination This study will provide evidence-based information on responding to MHM and planning other programme initiatives during emergencies. The findings will be disseminated to various stakeholders to integrate the information into their disaster response plans. Presentation of findings will be made to Mulanje district health office, public health departmental college meetings, College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (COMREC), District Executive committee (DEC) and finally at the community level in Mulanje.
- ItemRestrictedAssessment of Factors That Influence Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Adolescents between 10-19 Years Living With HIV Infection in Blantyre Urban(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-05-12) Chisi, Kondwani D.The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the significant pandemic of the modern era which causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)(1). HIV has affected all countries globally, and in parts of the world is still a main source of mortality(1). Malawi is geared to ensure that all necessary HIV and AIDS control measures are implemented with an aim of reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS and eliminate HIV as a public health threat in 2030 in line with the 2016 United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS(2). Problem: Despite the tremendous advancement in survival and marked reduction in transmission through antiretroviral therapy (ART) (3) sub-optimal adherence to ART and poor retention in care continue to pose a major challenge to the effectiveness of ART, care, and success of HIV treatment programmes across the world. The treatment failure rate in adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is higher than in adults living with HIV(4). Besides, adolescents are the only age group where HIV-related mortality is going up (5). Hence, the solution is needed in this susceptible group which shows a 50% reported increase in AIDS-related mortality, relative to a 30% decline in the general population (4). Children and adolescents have lower reported treatment coverage, adherence to treatment and viral suppression rates than older age groups(6). ALHIV have poorer outcomes than HIV-infected adults; for instance, delayed initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART), poorer retention in care and poorer rates of viral suppression(7). Recent data show an increase in AIDS-related deaths among the ALHIV, making AIDS the major cause of death in adolescents in SSA and the second leading cause of death among adolescents internationally(7). However, long term optimal adherence to ART are essential for sustained viral suppression, thereby preventing drug resistance and disease progression(8). The recommended optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is ≥95%(9). In contrast to WHO’s recommendation, the average adherence rate to ART among ALHI at Umodzi Family Centre (UFC) which is located within the campus of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) is equal to 90%, evidenced by the data-base and ART registers. Given the gap, it is vital to carry out similar studies in Blantyre Urban in order to determine factors that might be enablers or barriers to optimal adherence to ART among the ALHIV. Objectives: The broad objective of this study is to assess the factors that influence adherence to ART among adolescents between 10-19 years living with HIV in Blantyre Urban. The specific objectives include the following: 1. To explore health system factors that influence adherence to ART 2. To identify the social-economic factors that may influence adherence to ART 3. To identify socio-cultural factors that maximize adherence to ART. Methodology This is a descriptive qualitative study to be conducted in order to assess the factors that influence adherence to ART among adolescents living with HIV in Blantyre Urban. The In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group discussions(FGDs) (10) will be used in this study. The former will be used because it guarantees the deep scope of understanding for social factors (11). The study will be conducted at Umodzi Family Centre (UFC) within Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) campus in Blantyre. The study population will include all HIV-infected adolescents aged 10-19 whose parents have consented to the study. In this study, data collection tool will include the pretested interview and discussion guides that will be developed based on the study objectives. The sample size will be 34 and the study participants will be purposively selected which will comprise of adolescents for in-depth interviews following the study’s eligibility criteria. The study will collect data at UFC setting using in depth interviews (IDI) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The storage of collected data will be in secured computer data base that have a pass word and only limited access to key research team will be provided. Data analysis will be done using deductive and inductive thematic content analysis. Informed consent will be got from each and every study participant before enrollment in the study. In case of children between the age of 10 -15, caregivers will sign consent forms on behalf of their children. Each participant will then choose her/his pseudonym that will be used for the study. Confidentially will be ensured throughout the study and thereafter. Ethical approval will be sought from the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC). Expected Findings: The findings to be presented will be derived from the answers to research questions that will be given to the study participants. Evidence will take the form of quotations from interviews and passages from observations. Critical analysis of the findings and counterevidence (evidence that contradicts the primary finding) will be done to come up with a logical presentation of the research findings. Dissemination of results: Research results will be disseminated in writing and presentations as feedback made to health care workers at Umodzi Family Centre and the management of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). Recommendations will be made to various level of decision makers at QECH and the key implementing partner (Light House) on improvements that need to be made to understand better the challenges of adherence to ART among adolescents and strategize appropriate interventions to address challenges and eventually maximize the benefits of antiretroviral drugs to adolescent patients. The researcher intends to communicate to overall policy holder, the Department of HIV & AIDS. The results of my evaluation will be disseminated on the University's website, conferences organized periodically by the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and through articles published in peer-reviewed journals.
- ItemRestrictedAnti-Sexual Harassment Policy(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-06-01) Saidi, Alice Siyenunu
- ItemRestrictedSmall at birth: associations with health and development in late adolescence in rural Malawi, version 1.0(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-07-26) Ashorn, Ulla Dr.Type of research study: A prospective observational birth cohort study, built on a randomised controlled trial of maternal antibiotic and antimalarial treatment during pregnancy. Problem: There is scarce literature on child and adolescent outcomes of individuals born preterm or small for gestational age. We intend to provide information on their growth and development trajectories till late adolescence, body composition, cardiovascular and mental health in a population cohort of children followed up from pregnancy and now in late adolescence. We will also be able to evaluate whether gains in and related traits caused by maternal antibiotic and antimalarial treatment are sustained at this age. All these analyses may eventually guide the design and targeting of public health interventions aimed at supporting healthy growth and development. Objectives and primary outcomes: Overall objective of the study is to examine whether there is an effect of being born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) or of the antibiotic and antimalarial intervention which their mothers received during pregnancy child and adolescent growth and development outcomes. The specific objectives are: 1. To describe and analyse the key interrelated outcomes related to adolescents’ health, functional reserve and ability to thrive in rural Mangochi; 2. To assess how preterm birth and being born small for gestational age predict these outcomes; 3. To assess the effects of maternal antibiotic/antimalarial intervention during pregnancy on these outcomes. Methodology: This will be a study of adolescents from the Lungwena area, rural Mangochi District in Malawi. The subjects have participated in a longitudinal cohort study since their fetal period. In the proposed study, we will invite the participants for a visit to study clinic and conduct anthropometric measurements, measure their body composition and blood pressure, physical activity, fitness and cognitive and motor abilities and administer standardised tests and questionnaires in the form of interviews. We expect to reach approximately 800 participants. Expected findings and their dissemination: We expect to produce information on growth and development trajectories till late adolescence, body composition and cardiovascular and mental health. Results from the study will be disseminated locally (at Mangochi District Hospital), nationally (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee) and in international meetings and journals.
- ItemRestrictedThe perception of adolescent toward parent to child communication on sexual reproductive health issues(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-08-17) Banda, MirriumThis study will explore the perceptions of adolescents in the Salima district on parent-child communication about Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues. Communication on SRH issues between parents and children hardly occurs even though parents live and spend most of the time with their children. Lack of openness when discussing SRH issues between parents and adolescents is associated with risky sexual practices that are detrimental to adolescents' health and well-being. Problem statement Intergeneration discussion on sexual reproductive health issues is regarded as taboo in most African countries, Malawi inclusive. It is believed that it predisposes adolescents to early sexual debut. Nevertheless, for adolescents to be able to enhance their sexual life positively as they grow they need to be adequately informed on issues of SRH by their parents. Failing which, adolescents get information from the wrong sources and this has led to exposure to several health risks including sexually transmitted infections, HIV and AIDS, unwanted teenage pregnancy, unsafe induced abortion, and low education attainment Broad Objective The broad objective of the study is to explore adolescents’ perception in Salima District on parent-tochild communication on sexual reproductive health issues Specific Objectives The objectives of the study are: 1) To explore how the adolescent perceives parent-to-child communication. 2) To understand the sexual reproductive health topics that the adolescents perceive important to discuss with parents. 3) To describe the perceived communication strategies used during parent-to-child communication in homes. 4) To explore the perceived challenges of parent to child communication on sexual and reproductive health issues Methodology This study will be a descriptive qualitative study to be carried out in Salima district(Malawi). Salima has purposively been selected because it is one of the districts in Malawi with high rate of teenage pregnancy. According to Malawi Demographic Health Survey (MDHS) (2015-16), teenage pregnancy rate for Salima is below the national average rate 26% and 29% respectively. However, Salima district has high rate of teenage pregnancy as compared to the average rate of central region which is at 25% (MDHS 2015-16). The study will involve adolescents aged 12-19 years. This age group is considered mature and can provide precise information. Data will be collected through in-depth interviews with twenty participants using an interview guide. All interviews will be sound recorded, transcribed verbatim, and will be analyzed manually. Ethical approval will be obtained from College of Medicine Research and Ethics committee. The institutional clearance has been granted from the Director of Health and Social Services for Salima District Hospital. Expected Findings The study will establish if communication on sexual reproductive health issues between parent and their adolescents do/don’t occur. This will help to close the communication gap between parents and their adolescents on sexual reproductive health issues. Parents/families will understand their role and the importance of parent-to-child communication on sexual reproductive health issues. In addition, the expected findings will also help the policymakers, programme managers, decision makers and advocators to revise or inform the development process of health intervention to address adolescent sexual reproductive health in the light of HIV and AIDS prevention. Dissemination of findings The findings of this study will be presented to the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee and the Ministry of Health through Salima District Health Office from where the data will be collected. The study finding will be published in respectable peer-reviewed journals and presented at the conference.