African journal of reproductive health
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Afr J Reprod Health · Aug 2004
ReviewAntenatal HIV screening and treatment in South Africa: social norms and policy options.
South Africa has one of the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the world, with mother-to-child transmission being an important route for spread of the infection. For years, AIDS scientists and activists locally and internationally have been working desperately for the people of South Africa to have access to treatment for HIV and AIDS. ⋯ The social fabric of South African society is markedly different from that of Western countries. In this paper, the author analyses the likely implications of antenatal testing and treatment of pregnant women in South Africa, in light of the socio-economic and cultural status of women in that society.
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This study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Family Health Hospital, Accra, Ghana, between April 2000 and January 2001 to compare the efficacy and safety of myomectomy done at caesarean section with the application of a tourniquet with caesarean section without myomectomy. Twenty four patients were recruited into the study. Average haemoglobin of patients both pre and post-operatively was 11.73 g/dl and 9.90 g/dl for patients who had caesarean section with myomectomy and 12.07 g/dl and 10.34 g/dl in the other group in which caesarean section without myomectomy was performed. ⋯ Eighty five per cent of the fibroids were intramural and in the body of the uterus. Uterine involution was normal and there were no significant complications during the puerperium. We conclude that there is no significant difference in intra-operative and post-operative morbidity and blood loss in performing caesarean section alone and caesarean section with myomectomy when a tourniquet is applied.
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Afr J Reprod Health · Apr 2002
Analysis of women's reproductive health situation in Bida Emirate of Niger State, Nigeria.
This study examined the reproductive health situation in Bida Emirate of Nigeria, with a view to advancing frontiers in communication support for reproductive health education. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to randomly select 1,200 women respondents that participated in the study. Data was obtained on reproductive health and rights, reproductive health history, and personal and social characteristics of respondents. ⋯ Similar trend was observed for attitude towards family decision-making (t = 40; p < 0.001), sexuality and STD prevention (t = 90; p < 0.001), and maternity/childcare (t = 0.001; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the study reveals that there is a wide gap between social expectations of women's reproductive health and cultural realities in Nupeland of Nigeria. The study thus recommends, among others, the need for sustainable safe motherhood campaign in culture bound societies.
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A new model of reproductive health care delivery is unfolding, driven by emerging health issues, expanding technology and increasing public expectations. Additional imperatives in service provision for women's health compel reforms to undergraduate medical education using reproductive health as the basis for restructuring curriculum contents. ⋯ A three-pronged approach based on reproductive health, problem-based learning and evidence-based medicine, has much potential for improving subsequent clinical practice and the overall reproductive health of the community. Appropriate changes to existing curricula will facilitate integration of the principles of reproductive health and the new philosophy of doctor-patient relationship into clinical supervision and training of students.