The 13 UN Life-saving Commodities for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Uganda
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2017, Vol 23, Issue 9
Abstract
Background: Life Saving Commodities (LSC) are medicines, medical devices and health supplies that effectively address leading avoidable causes of death during pregnancy, childbirth and childhood. In 2012 the United Nations put priority on globally promoting 13 priority LSC across the reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) continuum of care. We assessed barriers to demand, access and utilization of these 13 LSC. Methods: This was a mixed methods cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative component was a health facility survey while the qualitative one was community-based. A blend of simple random and purposive sampling was undertaken to recruit study participants in four regions of Uganda. A total of 125 health facilities were surveyed and 513 people interviewed. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was done for quantitative data while the qualitative strand employed thematic analysis. This paper presents descriptive findings on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) pertaining to the 13 LSC. Results: There was a variation in knowledge of LSC. Knowledge on child health commodities (ORS and Zinc) was higher among community members compared to the other commodities which are largely hospital-based (injectable antibiotics, antenatal corticosteroids, chlorhexidine, oxytocin, misoprostol and magnesium sulphate). Although health workers were knowledgeable on most LSC they also demonstrated limited comprehensive knowledge some, particularly those relating to reproductive and newborn health (48% and 42.4% respectively). For instance only 37.6% had comprehensive knowledge on management of preterm labour; only 44.8% health facilities had health workers knowledgeable on use of antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labour and only 30.4% reported to give antibiotics. Perceptions on some commodities, particularly the female condom and emergency contraception, were largely negative and health workers practiced selective recommendation or use. Explanatory factors for this could be traced at individual, household, community, facility and macro levels. Constrained by system-related issues like medicine stock-outs, majority of health workers were improvising and using available alternatives to LSC. Conclusion: The concept “lifesaving commodities” for maternal, newborn and child health was not well understood by both health workers as caregivers and community as service users. As a result they have not been demanded for, made available or utilized as originally intended. Alongside improved LSC availability, their overlooked, complementary nature and efficacy should continuously be emphasized to the various stakeholders for optimum results.
Authors and Affiliations
Gloria Seruwagi, Catherine Nakidde, Gerald Pande, Monica Okuga, Joseph Akuze, Esther Nasikye, Geoffrey Babughirana, Peter Waiswa
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP312348
- DOI 10.9734/JAMMR/2017/35067
- Views 84
- Downloads 0
Anti-gliadin Antibodies and Gluten Neuropathies: A Borderline Link
The aim of this research was to estimate the prevalence of gluten sensitivity in neurologic diseases of unknown etiology and to determine their clinical and biological characteristics in a Moroccan population. Patients a...
Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis during 2009 to 2014 in Kashan, Iran: A Potential Intra-domiciliary Transmission of the Disease
Aims: In this research, the epidemiological status of cutaneous leishmaniasis was investigated in Kashan city, central of Iran. Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Kashan city, central of...
High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis among Children with Nodding Syndrome (NS) in Northern Uganda: Case Series
Aims: To conduct a hormonal and biochemical studies on 10 patients with diagnosis of probable Nodding Syndrome (NS). Study Design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Atanga Health Center III in Pader D...
Prevalence of Hospital-Based Malaria among Children in Jos, North Central Nigeria
Background: In Nigeria, malaria is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Nigeria government has put in efforts on malaria control and prevention. This is in consonance with Roll back malaria init...
Adenocarcinoma Comprising Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung Proliferating Rapidly in the Right Main Bronchus
An 82-year-old male was referred to hospital with cough. A chest computed tomography scan revealed atelectasis of right upper lobe and obstruction of the upper lobe bronchus. We conducted a transbronchial biopsy, but cou...