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Browsing by Author "Nunu, W.N."

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Adolescents and parents’ perceptions of condom distribution in selected secondary schools in the high density suburbs of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(2020) Mudonhi, N.,; Nunu, W.N.; Ndlovu, B.; Khumalo, N.; Dube, O.
Condoms have been highlighted as one of the most effective strategies to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. This study assessed how adolescents and parents perceive the condom distribution programme in selected secondary schools in the high density suburbs of Bulawayo. A concurrent mixed method survey was conducted on three selected secondary schools. Three hundred adolescents and three hundred parents responded to a pre tested semi structured questionnaire. Likert scales were developed to assess knowledge and attitude levels. The χ2 test and multiple logistic regression were used to associate different demographic characteristics with attitudes and levels of knowledge regarding condom distribution at schools using STATA Version 13. Practices and beliefs were assessed using unstructured interviews on purposively selected adolescents and parents. Qualitative data collected was thematically analysed on MAXQDA. The response rate was 100% and 81% for adolescents and parents/guardians respectively. There were more females than males in both response groups. About 67% of adolescents and 60% of parents/guardians were knowledgeable about condom usage and its implications on prevention of spread of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies. A large proportion of parents/adolescents (72%) had good attitudes towards condom distribution in schools compared to adolescents (27%). Age was strongly associated with knowledge in adolescents, with older adolescent 102 times more likely to be knowledgeable compared to younger adolescents. Religion was the strongest predictor of attitudes in parents/guardians with Catholic having an odds of 227. The concerned sexual health institutions should increase awareness among adolescents, targeting their attitudes towards condom distribution and usage. Targeting attitudes will hopefully foster safe sexual practices.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system at a cement manufacturing company in Zimbabw
(2018) Nunu, W.N.; Kativhu, T.; Moyo, P.
Background: A behavior-based safety initiative card-issuing system was introduced at a cement manufacturing company in Zimbabwe in 2008 to try and curb accident occurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system as a tool used for reducing accident frequencies. Methods: A mixed-method approach that involving administering piloted questionnaires to 40 out of 244 randomly selected employees, making observations, and reviewing secondary data were done to collect data from different sources in the organization in 2013. A paired t-test was conducted to test whether there was significant difference in accident occurrence before and after the implementation of the BBSI. Scatterplots were also used to establish the correlation between the issuance of cards and the accident and injury occurrence. Results: The findings suggest that the introduction of the card system brought a significant decrease in accident and injury occurrence. A negative correlation between card issuance and accident occurrence was observed, i.e., the greater the number of cards issued, the fewer the number of accidents. It was also noted that the card system positively influenced the mindset of workers towards safe work practices. Conclusion: The card system had an influence on the reduction of accidents and injuries. The organization should leverage on issuing more cards to further reduce the number of accidents and injuries to zero.
Barriers related to the provision of cataract surgery and care in Limpopo province, South Africa: Professional ophthalmic service providers’ perspective
(2020) Khoza, L.B.; Nunu, W.N.; Ndou, N.D.; Makgopa, J.; Ramakuela, N.G.; Manganye, B.S.; Tshivhase, S.E.; Mambanga, P. a; Mutwira, T.S.
Background: Cataract has been reported to be the leading single cause of visual impairment and blindness. However, uptake of cataract services is very low in rural areas though these services are available for free. This study, therefore, sought to explore barriers related to the low uptake of these services through engaging health service providers. Methods: This study used a qualitative design to explore barriers related to the uptake of cataract surgery and care from professional nurses’ perspective in Vhembe District of Limpopo province, outh Africa. The target population comprised of 20 ophthalmic service providers. Of these 20 in Limpopo Province, 15 were general nurses involved in eye health service provision, 3 registered ophthalmic nurses and 2 registered eye specialists. Three Focus Group Discussions were held with 8, 6 and 6 participants respectively. Data was collected through the use of a digital tape recorder, transcribed and then thematically analyzed. Results: The majority of the respondents were aged between 56 and 60 years and females constituted 80% of the respondents. In terms of experience in working in the field of oph- thalmology, most of the respondents had between 1 and 10 years of experience. Reported barriers related to the provision of cataract services by patients were: Lack of provision of comprehensive awareness programs; Failure to tailor-make cataract programs that overcome cultural myths; Unavailability of cataract services at the grass-root level; Shortage of ophthalmologist and supportive ophthalmic health professionals; and inadequate cataract facilities and resources. Conclusion: There is a need for the development of comprehensive awareness campaigns and the integration of traditional health systems and the modern system to overcome myths associated with cataracts. There is a need for investment in the ophthalmic services and ensure that the service is decentralized to health facilities in the communities so as to increase coverage. More health service providers are to be trained to ensure that they are able to provide this service at the grass-root level. This would, in turn, reduce the waiting times and ensure efficient and effective ophthalmic services.
Effectiveness of peer to peer strategy in reducing accidents and injuries at a selected platinum mine in Zimbabwe
(Springer, 2021) Ndlovu, B.; Nunu, W.N.; Mudonhi, N.; Moyo, N.; Murwira, T.S.
The selected mining company implemented the "Peer to Peer" strategy in 2008 to fast track achievement of zero tolerance to injuries and fatalities incidents at its workplace. Our study, therefore, sought to assess the effectiveness of this strategy in reducing accidents and injuries at this selected platinum mine in Zimbabwe. A mixed-method cross-sectional survey was conducted on 32-day shift employees using a semi-structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. Furthermore, incident trend analysis was done on data obtained from the records from 2004 to 2017. Covert observations were then employed to triangulate findings from data collected using the questionnaire on practices. The tests Hotelling, Chi-square, time series plots, and Multiple Logistic Regressions were employed to compare the variables of interest before and after implementing the peer to peer strategy. There was a significant drop in the number of incidents after implementing the peer to peer strategy. There was no association between tested demographic characteristics and the level of employees’ knowledge of the strategy. Employees were afraid to implement the strategy to their superiors fully. Findings pointed out that this strategy was effective despite being part of a cocktail of strategies. There was a vast decrease in the rate of occurrence of incidents after the implementation of this strategy. However, there is a need for engagement to address the subordinate management dynamics that was observed to be a threat in the comprehensive implementation of this strategy.
Effects of COVID-19 Among People With Disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe: A Mixed-Method Survey
(2024) Ndlovu, L.; Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W.N.; Sibanda, N.; Manyeruke, N.
Persons with disabilities are the most affected by rising pandemics worldwide. COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities in many areas of their lives; however, its impact has been overlooked. This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, to develop a disability-inclusive approach in response to COVID-19. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 7 key informants and ninety-two participants with disabilities, from January to May 2023. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software version 12 and Microsoft Excel. Multiple Logistic Regression, Chi-square test, and paired-sample test were used to test for associations among COVID-19 cases, source of income, key challenges, and demographic characteristics. Qualitative data were analysed and presented in the form of themes. Results: We recruited more females (56.5%) than males with disabilities, and more than half were unemployed (56.5%). In contrast, only 3.3% of the respondents were formally employed. The results also indicated a significant relationship between age and COVID-19 positivity (P = .025). The results also indicated that efforts were being made by government and non-governmental departments to assist people with disabilities during the pandemic through finance, food, awareness campaigns, and social support. Conclusion: Restriction measures put in place disturbed the livelihood of people with disabilities in Plumtree. Therefore, entrepreneurship programmes targeting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, should be introduced to ensure that their sources of income are sustained despite emergencies or pandemics.
Effects of COVID-19 on malaria elimination initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol
(BMJ, 2023) Nunu, W.N.; Ndirangu, J.; Tsoka-Gwegweni, J.
Introduction The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted health systems, resulting in varied outcomes of different variables in terms of health. Due to the nature of the causative organism that is spread mainly in the air, the disease rapidly spread to numerous countries, leading to a series of mitigation measures being proposed and implemented, including but not limited to travel restrictions, decongesting and in some instances closure of workplaces and schools and banning of social gatherings. This could have negatively impacted implementing strategies meant to ensure the effective management of malaria, hoping to eliminate it in different countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review seeks to explore the effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic on malaria elimination initiatives in SSA. Methods and analysis An exploratory scoping reviewwill be conducted on literature (searched using keywords and a search strategy) sources published in English on Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PUBMED, Dimensions, ProQuest, Scopus and African Journals Online. These would then be imported to Rayyan Software for screening for possible inclusion. The JBI Guidelines on Reviews, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist would guide the data collection, extraction and analysis from the accessed literature. Furthermore, charting, trends and developing themes would ensure the findings are presented comprehensively and yet understandable. The data collection and analysis process leading to the final submission of a review paper to a journal will be conducted from September 2023 to February 2024. Ethics and dissemination An application for ethical approval was lodged with the Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Results will be communicated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, conferences, workshops and other means and forums to reach the critical stakeholders.
Exploring traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care among women in Bulilima District of Plumtree in Zimbabwe
(Springer, 2021) Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W.N.; Sibanda, N.; Khumalo, N.
Traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care has been on the increase in several countries. Therefore, addressing and reinforcing the Sustainable Development Goal of maternal mortality reduction, there is a need to take traditional medicine utilisation during pregnancy into consideration. This paper explores traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care among women in Bulilima District of Plumtree in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 177 randomly selected women using a semi-structured questionnaire. Fisher’s Exact Test, Odds Ratios, and Multiple Logistic Regression were utilised to determine any associations between diferent demographic characteristics and traditional medicine utilisation patterns using STATA SE Version 13. The prevalence of Traditional Medicine utilisation among pregnant women was estimated to be 28%. Most traditional remedies were used in the third trimester to quicken delivery. The majority of women used holy water and unknown Traditional Medicine during pregnancy. There was a strong association between age and Traditional Medicine utilisation as older women are 13 times more likely to use Traditional Medicine than younger ones. Women use traditional medicine for diferent purposes during pregnancy, and older women’s likelihood to use Traditional Medicine is higher than their counterparts. The traditional system plays an essential role in antenatal care; therefore, there is a need to conduct further studies on the efficacy and safety of utilising Traditional Medicines.
Health service providers’ perspectives on the influence of modern health systems on adolescents’ sexual health practices in Umguza and Mberengwa districts of Zimbabwe
(2022) Nunu, W.N.; Makhado, L.; Mabunda, T.; Lebese, R.T.
Background: Health service providers play a significant role in crafting and implementing health policies and programs that manage adolescent sexual health-related issues at different health system levels. These influence adolescent sexual behaviours and practices Aim: This study explored the roles of health service providers in managing adolescent sexual issues and how this impacts their sexual behaviours and practices. The study further probed the health service providers on how the indigenous health system could be integrated into the modern health system for effective management of adolescent sexual health related issues. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional survey was conducted on purposively selected health service providers in health facilities in Mberengwa and Umguza districts. Data was collected using unstructured interviews that were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Findings were presented as clearly defined as superordinate and subordinate themes. Results: A total of five superordinate themes and 19 subordinate themes emerged from the interrogated data. The superordinate themes were: overview of adolescent sexual health issues, role of modern health system in adolescent sexual health issues, challenges encountered, indigenous health system factors that could be factored into modern health systems, and strategies to foster the integration of indigenous health system and modern health system. The subordinate themes explored in-depth the findings of the key stakeholders under the five superordinate themes. Conclusions: From the findings, it can be concluded that health service providers play an essential role in shaping and providing adolescent sexual health services that adolescents utilise despite challenges that have reduced demand for these services. Therefore, there is a need to point out that there is a window of opportunity to foster collaborations between the indigenous health system and the modern health system as they strive to serve the adolescents to the best of their ability though in different contextual settings.
Land use− land cover changes and Mopani worm harvest in Mangwe District in Plumtree, Zimbabwe
(Springer, 2019) Ndlovu, I.; Nunu, W.N.; Mudonhi, N.; Dube, O.; Maviza, A.
Background: Mopani worms have been considered a critical food security resource as people living in Mopani woodlands depend on the worms both as a food source and as an income generating resource. These become a readily available substitute if agriculture fails and droughts loom. However the yields from these worms have been dwindling over the years and this has been associated with land use−land cover changes as the worms depend on vegetation. This research sought to investigate the relationship between land use−land cover changes and Mopani worm harvests in Mangwe District in Plumtree from the period 2007 to 2016 in Zimbabwe. Methods: Satellite imagery was collected using LandSat 5 and LandSat 8 satellite and then classified using the Semi Automatic Classification plugin in Quantum Geographic Information System to identify trees, dams, bare soil and settlements. Thematic maps were then produced and used to quantify extent of Land Use–Land Cover changes in the period from 2007 to 2016. Ground control data was collected using hand held Global Positioning System. Harvests trends (and reasons thereof) were estimated through usage of interviewer administered questionnaires on selected Mopani worm harvesters and harvest data kept by the community leaders. Results: Results showed that settlements and bare soil cover had greatly increased from 2007 to 2016. There was a significant decline on vegetation cover from 2007 to 2016. There was also decline in the Mopani worm harvest over the years. Reasons for reduction of harvest were cited as deforestation, drought, overharvesting, cooking with lids on and occurrence of veld fires. Conclusions: Findings of this study highlight that land use−land cover changes impacted negatively on Mopani worm harvests over the period 2007 to 2016. It is also of paramount importance to note that major reasons for this decline has been associated with Land Use changes that are associated with human activities. There is need for Natural Resource Conservation Agencies to embark on awareness campaigns to encourage reforestation and also control cutting down of Mopani woodlands. Research needs to be conducted to determine the association between cultural beliefs and Mopani worm conservation and utilisation.
Maternal Complications Among Women with Disabilities in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(2024) Mpofu, L.; Mudonhi, N.; Mpofu, M.W.; Sibanda, N.; Nunu, W.N.; Ndlovu, V.; Manyeruke, N.
Background: Maternal complications are the third most common cause of maternal mortality, contributing to a significant percentage of all maternal deaths, with the largest burden estimated in developing countries, especially in Africa. Many studies have been conducted in relation to maternal complications experienced by women in different parts of the world; little attention has been given to women with disabilities in relation to their pregnancy outcomes or complications. This study sought to explore maternal complications among women with different types of disabilities in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey (using a semi-structured questionnaire) was conducted on 71 women living with disabilities accessed through the register kept at the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe. The collected data were cleaned, coded, and analyzed using STATA version 15. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors contributing to maternal complications. Descriptive analyses were conducted to explore participants’ sociodemographic and disability profiles and cross-tabulation of different types of disability and maternal complications experienced. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Regression analysis was performed to ascertain the relationship between disability and maternal complications. Results: The findings showed that the most dominant age was the 26-35 age group (40.07%), while the types of disabilities that were most noted were wheelchair-bound (25%), deaf (26.4%), and speech impairment (26.4%). An association was established between level of education (p = 0.000), employment status (p = 0.0033), and different types of disability. Gravida (p-value 0.04), number of live births (p-value 0.022), deformed limbs (p-value 0.014), and age group were established to be significant in terms of contributing to maternal complications. There was no statistical evidence for an association between disability and maternal complications. Conclusion: Overall, women with disabilities experience maternal complications similar to those of other women. However, some contributing factors may aggravate the occurrence of maternal complications in women with disabilities. Provision of adequate resources and improvement of infrastructure in health facilities to cater to women with disabilities
Patient satisfaction with nurse-delivery primary health care services in Free State and Gauteng provinces, South Africa: A comparative study. African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine, 9(1), pp.1-8.
(AOSIS, 2017) Munyewende, P.O.; Nunu, W.N.
The majority of health care users in South Africa utilise primary health care (PHC) services where these services are free at the point of entry. There is a dearth of knowledge on the factors influencing patient satisfaction with PHC clinic services. This study compared patient satisfaction with PHC services in the Free State (FS) and Gauteng (GP) provinces. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional survey obtained from the Research on the State of Nursing Project run by the Centre for Health Policy in 2012. A pre-tested satisfaction survey questionnaire with questions on facility evaluation, experience with providers and receipt of medication was administered to 1110 systematically randomly sampled adult patients attending antiretroviral, hypertension, diabetes and tuberculosis services. Of 1110 respondents, 1096 responded to the patient satisfaction survey signifying 98.8% response rate. Over 60% of respondents were women in both provinces. Over 90% of patients were satisfied with PHC services in both provinces. Factors associated with satisfaction in GP and FS were time spent waiting for consultation, nurses listened, being given information on condition and being treated politely. Having privacy respected came out as a significant factor in FS. High levels of satisfaction with PHC services were experienced by study participants in both provinces. Satisfied patients adhere to treatment plans and have better health-seeking behaviour, which translates to improved clinical outcomes. Therefore, nurses should continue listening, respecting and treating their patients with politeness, and also implement efficient work schedules to reduce patient waiting times.
Policies and their Impact on Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Accessible by Lesbians and Bisexual Women in Zimbabwe
(Bentham Open, 2024) Khozah, M. Y.; Nunu, W.N.
Aims: Sexual and gender minority groups, such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people (LGBT), are often unjustly excluded from accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) in many countries. In Zimbabwe, most SRH policies are not sensitive to the needs of Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSMs), including lesbians and bisexual women. This study sought to review policies available in Zimbabwe and explore their influence on access to SRH services by lesbians and bisexual women. Methods: Relevant pieces of legislation that directly or indirectly influence issues regarding SRH service access and lesbians and bisexual women, were identified and analysed using a policy analysis triangle to provide contextual basis for the study. Findings from the policy review were presented in a table detailing the outcome of each policy under four critical pillars, i.e., Policy Content, Context, Actors, and Strategies. Results: Twelve policies were reviewed, including the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (ZNASP), to mention a few. The policy analysis revealed that the national constitution and other policies were not synchronised with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights policies and that the criminalisation of same-sex sexual practices in Zimbabwe is a fertile ground for all the other challenges faced by lesbians and bisexual women. Conclusion: The SRH program is crucial in fulfilling the immediate and future SRH requirements. Based on the findings, most current policies are silent on the SRH needs of lesbians and bisexual women. These policies are misaligned with the national constitution, hindering them from accessing SRH services.
Risk factors associated with a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
(OASIS, 2022) Siziba, A.; Nunu, W.N.; Mudonhi, N.; Ndlovu, V.; Munyai, O.; Ndlovu, B.; Sanganyado, E.
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where the health infrastructure is often poor. Despite having a number of interventions in Beitbridge (such as the 24-h wellness centre), Zimbabwe, the incidence and prevalence of STIs is increasing. OBJECTIVES: This study, therefore, aims to assess the risk factors associated with the high incidence of STIs in urban Beitbridge. METHOD: A case-control study was conducted on 30 respondents who had suffered from STIs (selected from the registers at Beitbridge hospital and followed up) and 90 respondents who had not suffered from STIs (from the community) who resided in Beitbridge for at least 6 months and this excluded all those who were in transit. The factors contributing to the high incidence of STIs were identified using a pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire in conjunction with a Likert scale to establish the attitudes and risk behaviours of the respondents on STIs. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between high STI incidences and the nature of occupation (odds ration [OR]: 3.8), area of residence (OR: 2.78), number of sexual partners (OR: 7.56), payment demanded for sex (OR 22), condom use (OR: 3.7), alcohol use (OR: 2.86), and suspicion that partners had other sexual companions (OR: 15.5). Furthermore, a larger proportion of controls were knowledgeable on STIs as compared to the cases who participated in the study. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop awareness strategies that foster safe sexual practices, particularly among populations who do not choose abstinence or a single sexual partner lifestyle.
Risk factors associated with high malaria incidence among communities in selected wards in Binga district, Zimbabwe: a case-control study
(2020) Maseko, A.; Nunu, W.N.
Background: : Malaria remains a global problem with 216 million cases reported in 2016 and 90% of these cases were recorded in African countries. In 2018 Binga district in Zimbabwe experienced epidemics which resulted in an increase in malaria incidence from 14/10 0 0 in 2015 to 34/10 0 0 in 2018. This occurrence reversed the progress of wards that were moving towards malaria elimination. This study, therefore, was conducted to invesitigate risk factors that were associated with high malaria incidence in selected wards in Binga District. Methods: : A case-control study was conducted on sixty-one systematically randomly selected malaria cases that were matched with one hundred and eighty-three controls to identify risk factors associated with malaria infection in selected wards. The sample size was determined using EPI INFO sample size calculator and matching is done using geographic location and sex of respondents. Information on previous exposure to a risk factor(s) was obtained through a researcher administered questionnaire. Multiple Logistic Regression was conducted to determine the relationship between risk factors and malariaincidence in cases and controls on STATA Version 12 SE. Results: : On comparison, cases were more likely to have been sleeping in poorly constructed shelters with one or more house openings [OR = 5.47; CI = 2.39-12.51], their household located near an active/potential mosquito breeding site or water body [OR = 5.86; CI = 2.61- 13.17] and did not own a treated bed net [OR = 9.14; CI = 4.08-20.45]. Early Treatment seeking behaviour had a significant protective effect [OR = 0.51; CI = 0.39-0.86] and delay to seek treatment was influenced by distance to a health facility [OR = 5.91; CI = 3.02-11.55] just to mention a fewConclusions: : Findings of this study highlight important risk factors that are influential in the transmission of malaria. There is a need for the district to invest in source reduction by use of larvicides and reduction of possible breeding sites so as to minimise breeding. There is need to also embark on awareness campaigns to educate the community members
Strategies to facilitate safe sexual practices in adolescents through integrated health systems in selected districts of Zimbabwe: a mixed method study protocol. Reproductive health, 17, pp.1-16.
(BMC, 2020) Nunu, W.N.; Makhado, L.; Mabunda, J.T.; Lebese, R.T.
Background: Zimbabwe has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Sub Saharan Africa. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevalence in adolescents that are from tribes that perform cultural initiations and subscribe to certain norms are higher than the national prevalence which is estimated at 12% (18 and 13.6% respectively) in Zimbabwe. Indigenous Health Systems (IHSs) and Modern Health Systems (MHSs) in Zimbabwe run parallel thereby introducing challenges in the management of adolescent sexual health due to conflicts. This study seeks to develop strategies that will facilitate the integration of IHSs and MHS in Mberengwa and Umguza districts. Methods: This research will be conducted in two phases. The first phase would utilise a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings from the qualitative and quantitative approaches would be merged through a comparison of findings side by side. The second phase would focus on the development and validation of strategies that would facilitate the integration of IHSs and MHSs. The Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis would be applied on interfaced findings from phase one. The Basic Logic and the Build, Overcome, Explore and Minimise (BOEM) models would then be used to develop strategies based on the SWOT findings. The developed strategies would be validated through the application of Delphi technique and administration of checklist to selected key stakeholders through organised workshops. Discussion: There have been no known studies found in the literature that explores the possibility and developed strategies of integrating IHSs and MHSs so as to promote safe sexual practices in adolescents. Most programs on sexual health have ignored the role of IHSs and MHSs in influencing safe sexual practices leading to them failing to attain desired goals. A lot of emphases has been targeted at minimising the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) through advocating for utilisation MHSs rather than focussing on an integrating systems that are meant to manage Adolescent Sexual Health (ASH) related issues. The study protocol was approved by the University of Venda Ethics Committee Registration (SHS/19/PH/17/2608) on the 26th of August 2019.
Traditional medicine utilisation and maternal complications during antenatal care among women in Bulilima, Plumtree, Zimbabwe
(BMC, 2021) Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W.N.
Background: As part of the expectation enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, countries are expected to ensure maternal health outcomes are improved. It follows that under ideal circumstances, pregnant women should deliver safely without complications, neonatal, and maternal mortality. This paper analyses the relationship between traditional medicine utilisation and maternal complications during antenatal care among women in Bulilima, Plumtree, Zimbabwe. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted on 185 randomly selected women who responded to a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The Fisher’s Exact Test and the Test of Proportions were used to probe the relationship between traditional medicine utilisation and the prevalence of maternal complications using STATA SE Version 13. Results: Complications were reported by (51) 29% of the women who were under study. The proportion of women who developed complications was higher in those that did not use traditional medicine as compared to those that used traditional medicine (30 and 26% respectively). In a generalised assessment, women who did not use traditional medicine contributed a significantly higher proportion of complications as compared to those that utilised traditional medicine. Conclusion: This study found a significant relationship between the utilisation of traditional medicines and lesser chances of experiencing maternal complications. Significantly higher prevalence of maternal complications was observed in women who did not use traditional medicine compared to those that did. There is, therefore, a need to investigate further the constituents or active ingredients in this traditional medicine. This study provides a window of opportunity for fully recognising and integrating traditional medicine into Modern Health Systems. It can be argued that traditional medicine utilisation could be a viable alternative to modern medicine, particularly in resource-poor settings where access to modern medicine is seriously constrained.

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