The aim of this African culturally based research is to establish whether a group of unmarried pregnant teenage girls experience rejection during their period of pregnancy as well as to determine whether they experienced rejection for whatever reason before falling pregnant. Seen in the context of the communal and person-centred life view as upheld by the African culture where respect for and well-being of the individual within the tribal and extended family structure is paramount, one would expect that unmarried girls finding themselves in a precarious situation such as premature pregnancy would experience understanding, acceptance and support. The research is quantitative as well as qualitative. The quantitative research focuses on 341 grade 11-leamers at seven secondary schools in the Free State Province of Education as well as in the Gauteng Department of Education. Questionnaires were presented with the aim of establishing the reason for teenage pregnancy; to research the thoughts, feelings and actions of the peer group toward pregnant teenage girls; to determine the presence of feelings of rejection of a group of pregnant teenage girls at the same schools; to determine the thoughts the girls have about themselves as well as about the future. On account of the fact that that the responses of the pregnant girls seemingly contradicted the responses given by the grade 11-peer group sample it was decided to supplement the quantitative research result with a qualitative research investigation by means of focus group interviews conducted with twelve willing to participate pregnant girls at two ofthe secondary schools who voluntarily agreed to participate. The research result indicates that although the pregnant girls did not experience rejection before falling pregnant they did however experience rejection after falling pregnant, especially from the peer group at school, educators, and certain sections of society. Although the parents of these girls were initially offended and reluctant, their attitude toward the pregnancy changed to include acceptance and even support. / M.A. Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010

The aim of this African culturally based research is to establish whether a group of unmarried pregnant teenage girls experience rejection during their period of pregnancy as well as to determine whether they experienced rejection for whatever reason before falling pregnant. Seen in the context of the communal and person-centred life view as upheld by the African culture where respect for and well-being of the individual within the tribal and extended family structure is paramount, one would expect that unmarried girls finding themselves in a precarious situation such as premature pregnancy would experience understanding, acceptance and support. The research is quantitative as well as qualitative. The quantitative research focuses on 341 grade 11-leamers at seven secondary schools in the Free State Province of Education as well as in the Gauteng Department of Education. Questionnaires were presented with the aim of establishing the reason for teenage pregnancy; to research the thoughts, feelings and actions of the peer group toward pregnant teenage girls; to determine the presence of feelings of rejection of a group of pregnant teenage girls at the same schools; to determine the thoughts the girls have about themselves as well as about the future. On account of the fact that that the responses of the pregnant girls seemingly contradicted the responses given by the grade 11-peer group sample it was decided to supplement the quantitative research result with a qualitative research investigation by means of focus group interviews conducted with twelve willing to participate pregnant girls at two ofthe secondary schools who voluntarily agreed to participate. The research result indicates that although the pregnant girls did not experience rejection before falling pregnant they did however experience rejection after falling pregnant, especially from the peer group at school, educators, and certain sections of society. Although the parents of these girls were initially offended and reluctant, their attitude toward the pregnancy changed to include acceptance and even support. / M.A. Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010

The study was conducted to describe how socio-economic characteristics (SEC) of women affect their utilization of maternal healthcare services in Abuja Municipal Areas Council (AMAC) in Abuja Nigeria. A non-experimental, facility-based cross-sectional survey was done. Data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire in 5 district hospitals in AMAC. Sample size of 384 was calculated a priori based on the assumption that 50% of the target population utilized maternal healthcare services during their last pregnancy. Equal allocation of samples per facility was done. The ANC register was used as the sampling frame and proportionate allocation of samples per clinic days was undertaken in each facility. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and measures of inequality. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationship between socioeconomic characteristics (predictors) and maternal healthcare service utilization. Other than birth order that showed consistent effect, the results of this study indicated that the predictive effect (predisposing and enabling factors) of the SEC of women included in this study (age, education, birth order, location of residence, income group and coverage by health insurance) on maternal healthcare service utilization were not consistent when considered independently (bivariate analysis) as opposed to when considered together through logistic regression. In addition, the study revealed that there was inequality in the utilization of maternal healthcare services (ante-natal care - ANC, delivery care and post natal care - PNC, and contraceptive services) among women with different SEC, and the payment system for maternal healthcare services was regressive. Addressing these predictors in the natural co-existing state (as indicated by the logistic regression) is essential for equitable access and utilization of healthcare during pregnancy, delivery and the postnatal period, and for contraceptive services in AMAC, Abuja Nigeria. Targeted policy measures and programme actions guided by these findings are recommended to optimise returns on investment towards achieving national and global goals on maternal health in Nigeria / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The study was conducted to describe how socio-economic characteristics (SEC) of women affect their utilization of maternal healthcare services in Abuja Municipal Areas Council (AMAC) in Abuja Nigeria. A non-experimental, facility-based cross-sectional survey was done. Data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire in 5 district hospitals in AMAC. Sample size of 384 was calculated a priori based on the assumption that 50% of the target population utilized maternal healthcare services during their last pregnancy. Equal allocation of samples per facility was done. The ANC register was used as the sampling frame and proportionate allocation of samples per clinic days was undertaken in each facility. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and measures of inequality. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationship between socioeconomic characteristics (predictors) and maternal healthcare service utilization. Other than birth order that showed consistent effect, the results of this study indicated that the predictive effect (predisposing and enabling factors) of the SEC of women included in this study (age, education, birth order, location of residence, income group and coverage by health insurance) on maternal healthcare service utilization were not consistent when considered independently (bivariate analysis) as opposed to when considered together through logistic regression. In addition, the study revealed that there was inequality in the utilization of maternal healthcare services (ante-natal care - ANC, delivery care and post natal care - PNC, and contraceptive services) among women with different SEC, and the payment system for maternal healthcare services was regressive. Addressing these predictors in the natural co-existing state (as indicated by the logistic regression) is essential for equitable access and utilization of healthcare during pregnancy, delivery and the postnatal period, and for contraceptive services in AMAC, Abuja Nigeria. Targeted policy measures and programme actions guided by these findings are recommended to optimise returns on investment towards achieving national and global goals on maternal health in Nigeria / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 celiaramin_dissert.pdf: 1563079 bytes, checksum: e9ef55e61a9de1a8cc8204aba266c2f5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-05-08 / The education of health professionals approaches several aspects such as their social role and care work, research and education; that is, they are educated to give support for all of the individual s needs. For a long time, I have been thinking about the practice of sexuality concepts among nursing students since they have to give instructions of the related issues as familial planning and STD/AIDS prevention; sometimes they are victims of their own setting. This transversal, exploratory, descriptive, quantitative study aimed at investigating among nursing students their knowledge, practice and sources of information on contraceptive methods and STD/AIDS. Moreover, it approaches some aspects of sexual-life practice as well as its consequence. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting data. The results showed that the majority of the students had some information on this issue when attending high school period, especially on contraceptive methods as the use of condoms, pills and withdrawal method. AIDS was the most stressed subject among STD. Learning this subject was more effective when they attended graduation period, especially in the 4th grade during the class of Nursing in the Care of Transmitted Diseases. The sources that most contributed for their knowledge were the classes and related reading. They have had little information from their parents on this issue. They reported the initial age of 10 to 13 years recommended to start receiving information on contraceptive methods and STD/AIDS prevention. Condoms and pills are the most effective contraceptive methods according to them. The great majority of them showed a misunderstanding in relation to some contraceptive methods such as condoms and pills playing a role in the prevention of STD. Seventh seven percent of them have just started their sexual life; out of these, 45.7% in the age of 16 to 18 years. The majority of the students stated to know how to prevent STD, however some of them did not make use of this knowledge. The most used contraceptive methods were the combination of pills and condoms, and/or the single use of one of them. Some of them, who made use of pills and other contraceptive methods, without being the condoms, did not care about the risk of STD/AIDS contamination. Behavioral aspect was the greatest constraint between reason/emotion in relation to STD/AIDS prevention and unwanted pregnancy . The approach of this study is to provide better understanding on subjects related to human sexuality for the nursing students, therefore they will be able to work on these themes at hospitals, HBU (Health Basic Units) or at elementary or high schools. Without this learning either their professional activities or their own behavior in relation to sexual issues will be impaired. / A formação dos profissionais da saúde abrange diversos aspectos tais como o seu papel social e assistencial; de pesquisa e de educação, ou seja, são preparados para atender as pessoas em todas as suas necessidades. Há muito, venho refletindo sobre a interiorização dos conceitos sobre a sexualidade entre os acadêmicos de enfermagem, visto que, apesar de transmitirem conhecimentos à clientela sobre temas relativos a planejamento familiar e prevenção de DST/HIV/AIDS, algumas vezes têm sido as vítimas neste contexto.O presente estudo é do tipo transversal, exploratório descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, com o objetivo de investigar o conhecimento, uso e as fontes de informações dos métodos contraceptivos e prevenção de DST/AIDS, além de abranger o estudo de aspectos da vivência sexual e sua conseqüência. Para tanto foi utilizado um questionário semi-estruturado entregue as acadêmicas da 1ª a 4ª série do Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem da Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria das acadêmicas referiu ter recebido informações no ensino médio sobre métodos contraceptivos, principalmente sobre preservativos, pílula anticoncepcional e coito interrompido. A AIDS aparece como a DST mais abordada, o aumento do conhecimento ocorreu no decorrer da graduação, firmando-se efetivamente na 4ª série na disciplina de Enfermagem em Doenças Transmissíveis. As acadêmicas referiram como fontes que mais contribuíram as aulas e leituras específicas. A participação dos pais nesta educação foi incipiente. Acreditam que a idade ideal para se iniciar as orientações sobre métodos contraceptivos e DST/HIV/ADS está entre 10 e 13 anos. Citam como métodos contraceptivos mais seguros os preservativos e os anticoncepcionais orais. Há uma distorção e compreensão errônea por parte de muitas acadêmicas, que alguns métodos contraceptivos como os anticoncepcionais orais e injetáveis e o DIU contribuam em muito para a prevenção de DST. Setenta e sete porcento das acadêmicas já iniciaram a vida sexual, destas 45,7% na idade entre 16 e 18 anos. A maioria (97,8%) afirma saber como prevenir DST, porém nem todas fazem uso do conhecimento adquirido. Os métodos contraceptivos mais utilizados são a combinação de anticoncepcionais orais e preservativos, e/ou pelo uso único de um dos dois, sendo que, as que fazem uso somente da pílula e outros métodos que não a utilização do preservativo, se expõem ao risco de contrair DST/HIV/AIDS. A questão comportamental ainda é a maior barreira entre a razão/emoção dificultando a prevenção das DST/AIDS e gravidez não planejada. A abordagem desta pesquisa reside na perspectiva de inserção de estudantes de enfermagem como orientadores de temas relacionados à sexualidade humana, seja em hospitais, ambulatórios, UBS ou escolas do ciclo fundamental e médio. Entende-se que sem este preparo, tanto sua vivência profissional quanto seu comportamento serão prejudicados em relação à questão sexual e a reflexão sobre sua própria sexualidade.

Introduction:Rwanda is one of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with the most remarkable health achievements. However, Rwanda is still one of the countries with a high unmet need (34%) and high prevalence of unintended pregnancies. Objective: To examine the association between literacy and unmet need for contraception among women in reproductive age in Rwanda. Research design and methods: A cross-sectional study based on secondary data, derived from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) program. The study population was women in reproductive age (15- 49 years old) who lived in Rwanda. It included 13217 females out of the 13497 after the exclusion of females who are not residents of Rwanda, who are blind or visually impaired and who are need language card. The methodology involved cross tabulations, bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses. Results: There was a significant bivariate association between literacy and unmet need for contraception (OR=1.28; 95% CI 1.17-1.40; p < .001), in which literate females where more likely to have an unmet need for contraception. There was no association between literacy and unmet need when controlling other factors. Others factors such as age, current marital status and province had a strong impact on the unmet need for contraception in the adjusted analysis. Conclusions: Literacy may be associated with the outcome, however, socio-economic factors have a stronger influence on the dependent variable. Regulations, policies and other features such as socio-cultural norms may differ from country to country, therefore it is important to consider the current situation of each country.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The Catholic Church is widely known for its opposition to birth control. Yet statistics show that the vast majority of American Catholics use birth control. While multiple studies have been conducted on a larger quantitative scale about the use or attitudes of American Catholics toward birth control, there have not been qualitative studies to understand the experiences of Catholics who use contraception. This study is particularly timely given the recent Catholic opposition to the Affordable Care Act’s mandate of employee healthcare provided birth control as well as, the extraordinary synod of bishops to discuss pastoral challenges to family life in October 2015. Fourteen married Catholic women were interviewed about their religious identities and experiences using contraception. Analysis demonstrated how these women constructed a religious identity by maximizing certain aspects, such as prayer and service, while minimizing other aspects, such as individual autonomy and denominational distinctions, of their religious identity. However in order to cope with the tension between their salient religious identity and their contraceptive decision making women utilizing multiple mechanisms. Specifically, they made boundaries around which types of contraception were acceptable and limits to church or individual authority; they justified their decisions based on medical necessity or betrayal they felt from the church; they legitimated their decisions by discussing God’s control and their husband’s perceptions of NFP; and they normalized their decisions through their desire to care for their children and be sexually intimate with their husbands. This research illuminates unique challenges that religious women face in their sexual decision making and sexual health practices that can help sex educators and health care providers care for women. Additionally, the Catholic Church and American Catholics make up huge forces in education, health care, charity, politics, and employment. However, not all Catholics follow the rules of the church. Those members who remain an active part of the Catholic Church, such as the practicing Catholics in this study can influence the way the church changes. By better understanding the experience of these dissenters, social researchers may be able to better understand the future of the Catholic Church.

Background: Oral contraceptives are common among female athletes. Still, its effects on athletic performance are poorly investigated. Research in the area has increased in recent years. However, the study qualities and designs are often insufficient and with small sample sizes. Women are currently underrepresented in sport research, and to recruit more women in future studies and to facilitate female athletes’ choices about contraceptives, the impact of oral contraceptives on performance must be better understood. Aim: The aim was to investigate whether monophasic, combined oral contraceptive phases affected maximal muscle strength, anaerobic performance and the corresponding blood lactate response, or perceived mental and physical energy level among young women. Method: The study used a cross-over design where six participants were tested on two occasions. The participants were healthy women between 18 and 29 years old who had beenusing monophasic combined oral contraceptives for at least three months prior to the study. No criteria for training level was set. The Isometric mid-thigh pull (N) was used as an indicator ofmaximal muscle strength; and the Wingate anaerobic test (W) measured anaerobic performance and power with corresponding blood lactate levels (mmol/L) measured at 0, 3 and 5 minutes after termination of the test. The participants rated their current physical and mental energy level on both test occasions using a visual analog scale (0-10). Statistical analyses were madeusing Wilcoxon signed-ranked test. Results: Nine participants were recruited, of which six performed tests on both occasions. The participants had a mean (SD) age of 22.3 (1.8) years, a BMI of 23.3 (2.6) and all reached WHO’sphysical activity recommendations. No statistically significant differences in muscle strengthor anaerobic performance were found regarding peak force (p=0.60), peak power (p=0.35) oraverage power (p=0.60) between oral contraceptive phases. Neither were there any differencesin the blood lactate response to the Wingate test directly after (p=0.92), 3 minutes after (p=0.17) or 5 minutes after (p=0.60) the test. No differences in perceived mental energy level (p=0.35)or perceived physical energy level (p=0.17) between oral contraceptive phases were evident. Conclusion: Oral contraceptive phases did not affect maximal muscle strength, anaerobicperformance, blood lactate response or perceived mental or physical energy levels. Accordingly, there is no need to adapt training to oral contraceptive phases and women can berecruited in future research without consideration of oral contraceptive phases.

Deterrents to family planning practices were investigated among Swazi women between 1999- 2001. A total of 171 adolescents, women and men participated in focus group interviews. Information obtained in this way served as a framework for designing structured interview schedules. The views of 205 women were investigated, concerning factors deterring them from using family planning practices by means of conducting face to face studied interviews. Qualitative data were analysed using the NU*DIST and for the quantitative data the SPPS computer programs were used respectively. The results revealed that socio-cultural deterrents to family planning included high cultural value of children determining women's social status, the lack of knowledge about contraceptives, women's dependence on their husbands' decisions concerning reproductive issues and inefficient family planning services. Recommendations included that specific adolescent reproductive health services should be instituted and that the policy on reproductive health for Swaziland be revised. Reproductive health issues should be addressed in the school curriculum. All Swazi men and women, both adolescents and adults, should be educated about contraceptives. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)

Deterrents to family planning practices were investigated among Swazi women between 1999- 2001. A total of 171 adolescents, women and men participated in focus group interviews. Information obtained in this way served as a framework for designing structured interview schedules. The views of 205 women were investigated, concerning factors deterring them from using family planning practices by means of conducting face to face studied interviews. Qualitative data were analysed using the NU*DIST and for the quantitative data the SPPS computer programs were used respectively. The results revealed that socio-cultural deterrents to family planning included high cultural value of children determining women's social status, the lack of knowledge about contraceptives, women's dependence on their husbands' decisions concerning reproductive issues and inefficient family planning services. Recommendations included that specific adolescent reproductive health services should be instituted and that the policy on reproductive health for Swaziland be revised. Reproductive health issues should be addressed in the school curriculum. All Swazi men and women, both adolescents and adults, should be educated about contraceptives. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)