Proceedings of the International Conference on Public Health

INCREASING THE UPTAKE OF SKILLED CARE THROUGH TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS IN NIGERIA: A SCOPING REVIEW

2024-09-17T10:58:34+0530

The advocacy to increase skilled care services uptake for pregnant women has become part of the fight against reducing maternal mortality, particularly in developing countries. Using traditional birth attendants, this approach has initiated formal training sessions aimed at changing their mindsets and increasing accessibility of maternity services for all women in communities through this strategy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify gaps that exist within the formal training programmes conducted in Nigeria to understand approaches that can further assist in integrating TBAs into the healthcare system. Using a scoping review approach, a protocol was developed from the Arksey and O’Malley framework and Joan Briggs Institute guidelines for a detailed search strategy. 5 databases were searched including, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Psyche App. 16 articles were identified, which met the inclusion criteria developed. Data was analysed using thematic analysis through continuously mapping and reviewing of information to develop 4 themes. These are HIV coverage programmes to improve MTCT, Postnatal referral practices, Immunisation strategy uptake and Infection control practices. The findings suggest that implemented strategies and policies on formal training are not generalized despite evidence of training conducted across several regions. Furthermore, methods of post-training assessment are not equal due to independent agencies having control over training sessions. Moreover, community-based level research was mostly conducted while assessing the overall impact of the intervention rather than specific to TBAs opinions. Therefore, future recommendations are to focus on understanding TBAs perceptions towards sustainability of the training programmes and increasing skilled care services for all women.

ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTIONS OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE STUDENTS, IN A TERTIARY UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

2025-01-31T13:05:49+0530

The excessive use of antimicrobials in agriculture significantly contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance in human and animal health, and impacts food safety, food security, and the economy of the country. In the fight against antimicrobial resistance equipping future professionals and developing a coordinated intervention designed to improve use of antimicrobial agents is essential in the agriculture sector. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of final-year students enrolled in plant-related agricultural science programs at the University in South Africa on antimicrobial stewardship. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a self-administered questionnaire was utilized. The participants were final-year students enrolled in agricultural science programs specializing in plant-related studies. Data was analysed using the IBM SPSS version 28 statistical software. A total of 28 participants which was a 68.29% response rate was attained. The participants demonstrated a solid understanding of antimicrobial stewardship as they all correctly described its role; however, some misconceptions regarding important concepts were observed. The participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards antimicrobial resistance prevention, however, 28.6% felt it is an extra burden. They also recognized the global seriousness of antimicrobial resistance and its threat to them and their families, however, only 32.1% of them felt adequately prepared to contribute to the fight against it. Furthermore, there was moderate, positive association between the participants' overall AMS knowledge and their perception. The association between participants' perceptions and attitudes was found to be moderate and negative. No association was found between their AMS knowledge and their attitude. This study underscores the need to focus on perceptions and attitudes in the preparation of future agricultural science professionals on antimicrobial stewardship.

MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES TO ENSURE ENHANCED ACCESS TO SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (SRH) INFORMATION AND SERVICES IN INDIA

2024-11-07T11:11:06+0530

India is home to an estimated 370 million young people, the largest in the world (Census 2011, Population Projections for India and States, 2011 – 2036) making Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) a critical component for ensuring health and well-being of young people thereby contributing to their holistic development. Given the current policy environment in the country, there are only two government programmes namely Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (focuses on adolescents, below age of 18) and Mission Parivar Vikas (focuses on married couples, both over and under the age of 18) with provisions for ensuring access to information and services pertaining to SRH. These programs have an obvious blind spot, with unmarried young people over the age of 18 left out from the service provision. Therefore, the challenge to address the diverse SRH needs of young people still persists. In order to comprehend the obstacles involved in the SRH service delivery for young people, a qualitative assessment was conducted through 90 key informant interviews with health service providers and RKSK programme implementers identified using randomised sampling technique across 10 states. The qualitative data was codified and analysed to highlight the key findings based on the narratives and anthology of the respondent’s feedback. The qualitative assessment led by young people highlighted the lack of awareness, staggered access to information among adolescents about the SRH services, low footfall of adolescents at Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs), incompetent and judgemental service delivery by the providers as key findings behind high unmet need of SRH services among young people. Using this data, youth champions across four states supported the government health functionaries in anchoring 6 Adolescent Health and Wellness Days (AHWDs) influencing about 2.5 lac people. This model of ecosystem approach of centering young people’s experiences to strengthen, design and deliver programmes ensures sustainability and effectiveness of SRH initiatives