Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Operational Experiences Associated With The Implementation Of Near Point-Of-Care Early Infant Diagnosis Of Hiv In Myanmar: A Qualitative Study, Win Lei Yee, Hla Htay, Yasmin Mohamed, Claire E. Nightingale, Htay Htay Tin, Win Thein, Latt Latt Kyaw, Win Win Yee, Moe Myat Aye, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Timely diagnosis and early initiation of life-saving antiretroviral therapy are critical factors in preventing mortality among HIV-infected infants. However, resource-limited settings experience numerous challenges associated with centralised laboratory-based testing, including low rates of testing, complex sample referral pathways and unacceptably long turnaround times for results. Point-of-care (POC) HIV testing for HIVexposed infants can enable same-day communication of results and early treatment initiation for HIV-infected infants. However, complex operational issues and service integration can limit utility and must be well understood prior to implementation. We explored and documented the challenges and enabling factors in implementing the POC Xpert® HIV-1 …

The Salt Between The Beans: A Qualitative Study Of The Role Of Auxiliary Midwives In A Hard-To-Reach Area Of Myanmar, Kyu Kyu Than, Stanley Luchters, Khaing Nwe Tin, Thazin La, James Beeson, Alison Morgan

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Auxiliary Midwives (AMWs) are unpaid volunteer health workers assisting qualified paid midwives in maternal and child health care mainly in hard-to-reach areas of Myanmar. This paper describes the relationship between AMWs and the health system in providing maternal and child services as perceived by the community, AMWs themselves and health care providers in one remote township of Myanmar.

Method: A qualitative study was conducted in Ngape Township, Myanmar. A total of 15 focus group discussions with midwives, AMWs, community members and mothers were conducted. Ten key informant interviews were performed with national, district and township level health planners and …

Assessing The Operational Feasibility And Acceptability Of An Inhalable Formulation Of Oxytocin For Improving Community-Based Prevention Of Postpartum Haemorrhage In Myanmar: A Qualitative Inquiry, Kyu Kyu Than, Victoria Oliver, Yasmin Mohamed, Thazin La, Pete Lambert, Michelle Mcintosh, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Objective: This study assessed the potential operational feasibility and acceptability of a heat-stable, inhaled oxytocin (IOT) product for community-based prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in Myanmar.

Methods: A qualitative inquiry was conducted between June 2015 and February 2016 through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Research was conducted in South Dagon township (urban setting) and in Ngape and Thanlyin townships (rural settings) in Myanmar. Eleven focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers, healthcare providers and other key informants. All audio recordings were transcribed verbatim in Myanmar language and were translated into English. Thematic content analysis was done …

Determinants Of Knowledge Of Critical Danger Signs, Safe Childbirth And Immediate Newborn Care Practices Among Auxiliary Midwives: A Cross Sectional Survey In Myanmar, Kyu Kyu Than, Alison Morgan, Minh Duc Pham, James G. Beeson, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Objectives The re-emergence of community-based health workers such as the auxiliary midwives (AMWs) in Myanmar, who are local female volunteers, has been an important strategy to address global health workforce shortages. The Myanmar government recommends one AMW for every village. The aim of this study is to investigate the current knowledge of critical danger signs and practices for safe childbirth and immediate newborn care of AMWs to inform potential task shifting of additional healthcare responsibilities.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 in three hard-to-reach areas in Myanmar. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pretested …

Prevention Of Postpartum Haemorrhage By Community-Based Auxiliary Midwives In Hard-To-Reach Areas Of Myanmar: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Acceptability And Feasibility Of Task Shifting, Kyu Kyu Than, Yasmin Mohamed, Victoria Oliver, Theingi Myint, Thazin La, James G. Beeson, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Background: In Myanmar, postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality and contributes to around 30% of all maternal deaths. The World Health Organization recommends training and supporting auxiliary midwives to administer oral misoprostol for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in resource-limited settings. However, use of misoprostol by auxiliary midwives has not formally been approved in Myanmar. Our study aimed to explore community and provider perspectives on the roles of auxiliary midwives and community-level provision of oral misoprostol by auxiliary midwives.

Methods: A qualitative inquiry was conducted in Ngape Township, Myanmar. A total of 15 focus group discussions with midwives, …

Correlates Of Male Involvement In Maternal And Newborn Health: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Men In A Peri-Urban Region Of Myanmar, Frances Ampt, Myo Myo Mon, Kyu Kyu Than, May May Khin, Paul A. Agius, Christopher Morgan, Jessica Davis, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Evidence suggests that increasing male involvement in maternal and newborn health (MNH) may improve MNH outcomes. However, male involvement is difficult to measure, and further research is necessary to understand the barriers and enablers for men to engage in MNH, and to define target groups for interventions. Using data from a peri-urban township in Myanmar, this study aimed to construct appropriate indicators of male involvement in MNH, and assess sociodemographic, knowledge and attitude correlates of involvement.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of married men with one or more children aged up to one year was conducted in 2012. Structured questionnaires …