Columba Mbekenga - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Columba Mbekenga

PLOS ONE

Background Fear of childbirth (FoB) and depressive symptoms (DS) are experienced by many women an... more Background Fear of childbirth (FoB) and depressive symptoms (DS) are experienced by many women and can negatively affect women during and after pregnancy. This study assessed patterns of FoB and DS over time and associations of postpartum FoB and DS with sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study at six health facilities in Tanzania in 2018–2019. Pregnant women were consecutively assessed for FoB and DS before and after childbirth using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire versions A & B and the Edinburgh antenatal and postnatal depressive scale. This paper is based on 625 women who completed participation. Results The prevalence rates of FoB and DS during pregnancy were 16% and 18.2%, respectively, and after childbirth, 13.9% and 8.5%. Some had FoB (6.4%) and DS (4.3%) at both timepoints. FoB was strongly associated with DS at both timepoints (p < 0.001). Both FoB (p = 0.246) and DS (p < 0.001) decreased after c...

IntroductionTanzania is amongst the countries in Africa with one of the highest prevalence of ind... more IntroductionTanzania is amongst the countries in Africa with one of the highest prevalence of individuals with Sickle Cell Trait (SCT). Identifying individuals with SCT is important as they may potentially have children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Interventions such as Newborn Screening (NBS) for SCD can identify individuals carrying the gene very early on to explore strategies for primary prevention.AimThis study aims to document experiences and perspectives of families who have received SCT results for their children through the NBS Program. We were interested to learn their perspectives on the communication approaches used and implications of the results to families. Our overall goal is to evaluate what approaches works best to support comprehension, understanding of genetic testing, concepts of inheritability and general understanding of SCD. We further aim to explore key issues considered by families as most important to inform not only methods, but also most locally releva...

Research Square (Research Square), Jun 8, 2022

Background Evidence indicates that poor nurse-client relationships within maternal and child heal... more Background Evidence indicates that poor nurse-client relationships within maternal and child health (MCH) continues to impact trust in formal healthcare systems, service uptake, continuity with care and MCH outcomes. This necessitates contextualized innovative solutions that places both nurses and clients at the forefront as agents of change in optimizing intervention designs and implementation. This study explored nurses and clients' perspectives on the factors shaping nurse-client relationships in MCH care to generate evidence to guide designing effective strategies for improving therapeutic relationships by piloting human-centered design (HCD) in Shinyanga, Tanzania. Methods Qualitative descriptive design was employed. About 9 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with purposefully selected nurses and midwives, women attending MCH services and administrators were conducted using semi-structured interview guides in Swahili language. Data were transcribed and translated simultaneously, managed using Nvivo Software and analyzed thematically. Results Factors shaping nurse-client relationships were heuristically categorized into nurse, client and health system factors. Nurse contributors of poor relationship ranged from poor reception and hospitality, not expressing care and concern, poor communication and negative attitudes, poor quality of services, job dissatisfaction and unstable mental health. Client contributors of poor relationship include being 'much know', late attendance, non-adherence to procedures and instructions, negative attitudes, poor communication, inadequate education and awareness, poverty, dissatisfaction with care, faith in traditional healers and unstable mental health. Health system contributors were inadequate resources, poor management practices, inadequate policy implementation and absence of an independent department or agency for gathering and management of complaints. Suggestions for improving nurseclient relationship included awards and recognition of good nurses, improving complaints mechanisms, continued professional development, peer to peer learning and mentorship, education and sensitization to clients, improving service quality and working conditions, improving renumeration and incentives, strengthening nursing school's student screening and nursing curriculum and improving mental health for both nurses and clients. Conclusions

Additional file of Professional image of nursing and midwifery in East Africa: an exploratory ana... more Additional file of Professional image of nursing and midwifery in East Africa: an exploratory analysis

Additional file 3 Proportional odds regression model on maternal socio-demographic and obstetric ... more Additional file 3 Proportional odds regression model on maternal socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics factors associated with the practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness in Tanzania, 2017.

Background: Low literacy of study participants in Sub Saharan Africa has been associated with poo... more Background: Low literacy of study participants in Sub Saharan Africa has been associated with poor comprehension during consenting process in research participation. The concerns in comprehension are far greater when consenting to participate in genomic studies due to the complexity of the science involved. While efforts are made to explore possibilities of applying genomic technologies in diseases prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa, we ought to develop methods to improve participants’ comprehension for genomic studies. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand different approaches that can be used to seek consent from individuals with low literacy in Sub-Saharan African countries in genomic research to improve comprehension. Methods: Using qualitative study design, we conducted focus-group discussions, in-depth interviews and participant observations as data collection methods. This study was embedded in a hospital based genomic study on Sickle Cell Disease at Muhimbili National Ho...

Reproductive Health

Background Delivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the ... more Background Delivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the availability of healthcare workers who are adequately supported with appropriate training. However, unmet training needs among healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) in low-income countries remain disproportionately high. This study investigated the effectiveness of training with onsite clinical mentorship towards self-reported performance in RMNH among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Methods The study used a quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-intervention evaluation strategy. The baseline was compared with two endline groups: those with intervention (training and onsite mentorship) and those without. The differences among the three groups in the sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed by using chi-square test for categorical variables, independent-sample t-test for continuous variables and Mann–Whitney U test for ordinal or...

Global Health Action, 2022

ABSTRACT Effective, low-cost clinical interventions to improve facility-based care during childbi... more ABSTRACT Effective, low-cost clinical interventions to improve facility-based care during childbirth are critical to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in low-resource settings. While health interventions for low- and lower-middle-income countries are often developed and implemented top-down, needs and circumstances vary greatly across locations. Our pilot study in Zanzibar improved care through locally co-created intrapartum clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and associated training (the PartoMa intervention). This intervention was context-tailored with health-care providers in Zanzibar and now scaled up within five maternity units in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This PartoMa Scale-up Study thereby provides an opportunity to explore the co-creation process and modification of the intervention in another context and how scale-up might be successfully achieved. The overall protocol is presented in a separate paper. The aim of the present paper is to account for the Scale-up Study’s programme theory and qualitative methodology. We introduce social practice theory and argue for its value within the programme theory and towards qualitative explorations of shifts in clinical practice. The theory recognizes that the practice we aim to strengthen – safe and respectful clinical childbirth care – is not practiced in a vacuum but embedded within a socio-material context and intertwined with other practices. Methodologically, the project draws on ethnographic and participatory methodologies to explore current childbirth care practices. In line with our programme theory, explorations will focus on meanings of childbirth care, material tools and competencies that are being drawn upon, birth attendants’ motivations and relational contexts, as well as other everyday practices of childbirth care. Insights generated from this study will not only elucidate active ingredients that make the PartoMa intervention feasible (or not) but develop the knowledge foundation for scaling-up and replicability of future interventions based on the principles of co-creation and contextualisation.

BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that clients’ dissatisfaction with providers’ competencies within m... more BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that clients’ dissatisfaction with providers’ competencies within maternal and child health (MCH) continues to impact trust in formal health care systems, service uptake, continuity with care, and MCH outcomes. A major problem with existing interventions is the failure to address all the complexities of provider-client relationships necessitating targeted, contextualized, innovative solutions that place providers and clients at the forefront as agents of change in optimizing intervention design and implementation. To improve the provider-client relationship, the Aga Khan University is piloting a human-centered design (HCD) intervention where MCH nurses and clients are invited to partner with researchers in the intervention design and evaluation process. OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to co-design an intervention package (prototype) for improving nurse-client relationships in the rural Shinyanga region of Tanzania using a series of iterative...

Additional file 1. Study questionnaire.

Additional file 1. Type of key obstetric danger signs spontaneously reported by Kenya and Tanzani... more Additional file 1. Type of key obstetric danger signs spontaneously reported by Kenya and Tanzania respondents, respectively.

Additional file 2 Proportional odds regression model on maternal socio-demographic and obstetric ... more Additional file 2 Proportional odds regression model on maternal socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics factors associated with the practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness in Kenya, 2016.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2020

Background Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal de... more Background Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in low resource countries. Some of the strategies to avoid the delay include early preparation for the birth and detection of danger signs. We aimed to assess the level of practice and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) in Kenya and Tanzania. Methods We conducted community-based multi-stage cross-sectional surveys in Kilifi and Kisii counties in Kenya and Mwanza region in Tanzania and included women who delivered two years preceding the survey (2016–2017). A woman who mentioned at least three out of five BPCR components was considered well-prepared. Bivariate and multivariable proportional odds model were used to determine the factors associated with the BPCR. The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies informed the design and reporting of this study. Results Only 11.4% (59/519) and 7.6% (31/409) of women were well-prepared for birth a...

Background: Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal d... more Background: Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in low resource countries. Some of the strategies to avoid the delay include early preparation for the birth and detection of danger signs. We aimed to assess the level of practice and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) in Kenya and Tanzania.Methods: We conducted community-based multi-stage cross-sectional surveys in Kilifi and Kisii counties in Kenya and Mwanza region in Tanzania and included women who delivered two years preceding the survey (2016–2017). A woman who mentioned at least three out of five BPCR components was considered well-prepared. Bivariate and multivariable proportional odds model were used to determine the factors associated with the BPCR. The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies informed the design and reporting of this study.Results: Only 11.4% (59/519) and 7.6% (31/409) of women were well-prepared for birth ...

Implementation Science, 2018

Background: Implementation of evidence into practice is inadequate in many low-income countries, ... more Background: Implementation of evidence into practice is inadequate in many low-income countries, contributing to the low-quality care of mothers and newborns. This study explored strategies used in a facilitation intervention to improve postpartum care (IPPC) in a low-resource suburb in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The intervention was conducted during 1 year in government-owned health institutions providing reproductive and child health services. The institutions were divided into six clusters based on geographic proximity, and the healthcare providers of postpartum care (PPC) (n = 100) in these institutions formed IPPC teams. Each team was supported by a locally recruited facilitator who was trained in PPC, group dynamics, and quality improvement. The IPPC teams reflected on their practices, identified problems and solutions for improving PPC, enacted change, and monitored the adopted actions. Methods: A qualitative design was employed using data from focus group discussions with healthcare providers (n = 8) and facilitators (n = 2), and intervention documentation. The discussions were conducted in Kiswahili, lasted for 45-90 min, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic analysis guided the analysis. Results: Four main strategies were identified in the data: (1) Increasing awareness and knowledge of PPC by HCPs and mothers was an overarching strategy applied in training, meetings, and clinical practice; (2) The mobilization of professional and material resources was achieved through unleashing of the IPPC teams' own potential to conduct PPC and act as change agents; (3) Improving documentation and communication; and (4) Promoting an empowering and collaborative working style were other strategies applied to improve daily care routines. The facilitators encouraged teamwork and networking among IPPC teams within and between institutions. Conclusion: This facilitation intervention is a promising approach for implementing evidence and improving quality of PPC in a low-resource setting. Context-specific actions taken by the facilitators and healthcare providers are likely integral to the successfulness of implementing evidence into practice. The results contribute to increasing the understanding of facilitation as an intervention and can be useful for researchers, HCPs, and policymakers when improving quality of postpartum care, particularly in low-income settings.

Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Jan 14, 2016

Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality that requires advanced care and lo... more Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality that requires advanced care and long hospital stays with uncertain outcomes for mother and baby. Care of eclamptic women is particularly challenging in low-income settings. Standards for medical care for eclampsia are established but the psychosocial needs of women are under-researched. To explore and describe women's experiences of having had, and recovered from, eclampsia at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were held with a purposive sample of 10 women recovering from eclampsia. Thematic analysis informed the interpretation of the data. The women had experienced eclamptic seizure as painful and unreal as they were unable to control their body or actions despite sensing what happened. At hospital they felt being cared for and recovered but concerned because they had not been provided with enough information about the disorder. Being separated from the baby during hospitalisatio...

Women and Birth, 2011

Objectives: To explore and describe postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in a Tanzanian, ... more Objectives: To explore and describe postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in a Tanzanian, multiethnic, low-income suburb. Methods: Individual qualitative interviews with 10 first-time mothers, 4-10 weeks postpartum in Ilala suburb, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results: The first-time mothers enjoyed motherhood and the respectful status it implied. To understand and handle the infant's needs and own bodily changes were important during postpartum. The tradition of abstaining from sex up to 4 years during breastfeeding was a concern as male's faithfulness was questioned and with HIV a threat to family health. Partner relationship changed towards shared parental and household work and the man's active participation was appreciated. Support from family members and others in the neighbourhood were utilised as a resource by the mothers. In instances of uncertainties on how to handle things, their advice was typically followed. The new mothers generally had good experiences of health care during the childbearing period. However, they also experienced insufficiencies in knowledge transfer, disrespectful behaviour, and unofficial fees. Key conclusions and implication for practice: The mothers' perspective of postpartum revealed that they actively searched for ways to attain infants' and own health needs, and family health in general. Prolonged sexual abstinence was considered a risk for the partner having other sexual partners and contracting HIV. The mothers relied heavily on the informal support network, which sometimes meant risking family health due to misinformation and harmful practices. Health care and informal support systems should complement each other to attain adequate support for the families postpartum.

BackgroundDelivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the a... more BackgroundDelivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the availability of healthcare workers who are adequately supported with appropriate training. However, unmet training needs among healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) in low-income countries remain disproportionately high. This study investigated the effectiveness of trainings with onsite clinical mentorship towards perceived importance and performance in RMNH among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region of Tanzania.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design using single group pre-and post-intervention evaluation strategy. The training needs of healthcare workers from the selected health facilities were assessed, skills gaps identified and ranked according to priority. Training courses that addressed skills gaps were developed and delivered with adaptations of the national guidelines followed by onsite clinical mentorship for one year. The baseline and ...