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Full-Text Articles in Women's Health
Using Evidence To Improve Quality Of Pharmacy-Delivered Medical Abortion, Katharine Footman, Nancy Termini Lachance
Using Evidence To Improve Quality Of Pharmacy-Delivered Medical Abortion, Katharine Footman, Nancy Termini Lachance
Reproductive Health
The goal of family planning and reproductive health operations research is to generate evidence that helps policies and programs maximize access to and quality of services for women and their families. Yet the crucial step of ensuring the utilization of that evidence often receives inconsistent or inadequate attention. The goal of this case study is to document an activity of Marie Stopes International (MSI) in Kenya, part of the STEP UP research program consortium, which resulted in successful evidence utilization. STEP UP research on quality of care for medical abortion, particularly on pharmacy provision of medical abortion, has provided the …
Kenya: Helping Adolescent Mothers Remain In School Through Strengthened Implementation Of School Re-Entry Policies, Esther Lwanga Walgwe, Nancy Termini Lachance, Harriet Birungi, Chi-Chi Undie
Kenya: Helping Adolescent Mothers Remain In School Through Strengthened Implementation Of School Re-Entry Policies, Esther Lwanga Walgwe, Nancy Termini Lachance, Harriet Birungi, Chi-Chi Undie
Reproductive Health
By applying robust evidence, securing the support of decisionmakers, and engaging stakeholders, STEP UP enabled national and local decisionmakers to better understand the consequences of unintended pregnancy for adolescent girls’ schooling in Homa Bay County, Kenya. STEP UP is playing an important role in informing the implementation of policies within the Kenyan educational sector that will improve educational opportunities for school-age mothers. Through early stakeholder engagement, strong partnerships, the support of implementers and policymakers, effective communication and dissemination strategies, decisionmaker capacity, and the dedication of the adolescent mothers themselves, evidence generated by STEP UP was successfully utilized by key stakeholders. …
Unintended Pregnancy By The Numbers: A Look At Kenya, Carol Mukiira, Joyce Mumah, Caroline W. Kabiru, Chimaraoke O. Izugbara
Unintended Pregnancy By The Numbers: A Look At Kenya, Carol Mukiira, Joyce Mumah, Caroline W. Kabiru, Chimaraoke O. Izugbara
Reproductive Health
This fact sheet summarizes data collated during the development of the STEP UP Country Profile Report on Unintended Pregnancies for Kenya, which presents a range of key evidence aimed at informing readers about the trends, magnitude, determinants, and consequences of unintended pregnancy in Kenya. The data shown in this fact sheet are drawn mainly from the 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008/09 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS) as well as other secondary sources.
Improving Family Planning Services In Public Health Facilities To Reach More Women, Caroline W. Kabiru, Jessica Brinton, Joyce Mumah, Carol Mukiira, Chimaraoke O. Izugbara
Improving Family Planning Services In Public Health Facilities To Reach More Women, Caroline W. Kabiru, Jessica Brinton, Joyce Mumah, Carol Mukiira, Chimaraoke O. Izugbara
Reproductive Health
Although Kenya has made significant progress in ensuring its citizens’ right to reproductive health, many Kenyans still lack access to or fail to use contraceptives, in part because of the lack of quality family planning (FP) services. Through the STEP UP research program, the African Population and Health Research Center developed a comprehensive country profile report that outlines the status, causes, and consequences of unintended pregnancy in Kenya. One of the most prominent findings was how important public health facilities are to reducing unmet need for FP. In order to solidify gains achieved and make further progress, concerted commitment from …
The Africa Regional Sexual And Gender-Based Violence Network Annual Partners Meeting: June 26-27 2012, Mombasa, Kenya—Meeting Report, Population Council
The Africa Regional Sexual And Gender-Based Violence Network Annual Partners Meeting: June 26-27 2012, Mombasa, Kenya—Meeting Report, Population Council
Reproductive Health
The Population Council convened an annual partners meeting of its Africa Regional Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Network. Over 30 participants attended the meeting whose objectives were: 1) to facilitate South-South technical exchange and information-sharing on the changing landscape of violence among partners, donors, and other experts; and 2) to reflect on the ways in which research is translating into policy and practice. This report highlights the myriad ways in which activities conducted under this Network have influenced policy, practice, and funding considerations in the region, while detailing the progress of Network partners on their projects, built around several key …
Replication Of The Community Mobilization For Postabortion Care (Commpac) Model In Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya: An Evaluation Report, Chi-Chi Undie, Francis Obare, Saumya Ramarao
Replication Of The Community Mobilization For Postabortion Care (Commpac) Model In Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya: An Evaluation Report, Chi-Chi Undie, Francis Obare, Saumya Ramarao
Reproductive Health
The Population Council’s RESPOND project worked with districts and communities in Kenya to: strengthen service delivery points to provide postabortion care (PAC) services; conduct community mobilization to improve involvement in and knowledge of the prevention and treatment of postabortion complications; build community capacity to address needs related to PAC; and encourage involvement in community action of those most marginalized and most affected by postabortion complications. The program succeeded at increasing knowledge of critical danger signs; enabling providers to effectively offer PAC services; and raising awareness of PAC, among other goals. The intervention was less successful in increasing FP knowledge, current …
Community Midwifery Services In Kenya: Implementation Guidelines, Kenya Ministry Of Health
Community Midwifery Services In Kenya: Implementation Guidelines, Kenya Ministry Of Health
Reproductive Health
Community midwifery guidelines by the Kenya Minister for Health have been revised in order to standardize the implementation of community midwifery services as a strategy for improving skilled attendance in the provision of maternal and newborn health care at the community level. The revised guidelines address key policies that are outlined in the Kenya Health Policy regarding the provision of essential packages for health in line with the new constitution, Vision 2030, and the Community Health Strategy. The policy emphasizes a shift of focus to preventive and promotive health care; major strategies include improving access, realizing equity goals, and providing …
Female Genital Mutilation Practices In Kenya: The Role Of Alternative Rites Of Passage. A Case Study Of Kisii And Kuria Districts, Habil Oloo, Monica Wanjiru, Katy Newell-Jones
Female Genital Mutilation Practices In Kenya: The Role Of Alternative Rites Of Passage. A Case Study Of Kisii And Kuria Districts, Habil Oloo, Monica Wanjiru, Katy Newell-Jones
Reproductive Health
This research was undertaken by the Population Council to better understand female genital mutilation (FGM) as currently practiced by the Kuria and Kisii communities in Kenya. The study investigated current attitudes and practices in relation to FGM, awareness and attitudes toward the alternative rite of passage (ARP), and factors which encourage individuals to make decisions to abandon FGM. The findings show that FGM is still a celebrated public event among the Kuria, whereas in Kisii, it is a private family affair. The study suggests that the success of ARP as an approach to abandoning FGM is strongly dependent on the …
Introducing And Pilot-Testing The National Guidelines On Integrating The Management Of Stis/Rtis Into Reproductive Health Settings In Kenya, Wilson Liambila, Saiqa Mullick, Ian Askew, Nathalie Broutet, Bartilol Kigen, Cosmas Mutunga, Daniel Sande, Nimrod Garama, Benjamin Tsofa, Christine Awuor, Ibrahim Mohammed
Introducing And Pilot-Testing The National Guidelines On Integrating The Management Of Stis/Rtis Into Reproductive Health Settings In Kenya, Wilson Liambila, Saiqa Mullick, Ian Askew, Nathalie Broutet, Bartilol Kigen, Cosmas Mutunga, Daniel Sande, Nimrod Garama, Benjamin Tsofa, Christine Awuor, Ibrahim Mohammed
Reproductive Health
This report evaluated a project in ten Kenyan health facilities. It examined the feasibility, acceptability and effect of introducing reproductive tract infection and sexually transmitted infection (RTI/STI) guidelines on the quality of care provided, and the incremental costs of integrating these services into existing reproductive health (RH) services; it also disseminated the results and lessons learnt within Kenya. Overall, the results showed that integration of activities to screen for and manage STIs/RTIs into RH services is feasible, acceptable to clients and providers, and effective in improving the range and quality of services offered to clients.
Life-Skills Education Leads To Improved Effect On Adolescents' Sexual Behavior, Population Council
Life-Skills Education Leads To Improved Effect On Adolescents' Sexual Behavior, Population Council
Reproductive Health
The Kenya Adolescent Reproductive Health Project (KARHP) was a three-pronged program implemented in schools, communities, and health facilities, to provide information and services to adolescents in order to improve their reproductive health outcomes. This operations research summary from the Population Council sought to discover whether the activities started under the project and desired reproductive health outcomes had been sustained in the 10-year period since inception, and to identify challenges experienced in sustaining the model. Although the survey suggests that the efforts to sustain KARHP/ASRH activities may be having desirable behavioral outcomes among adolescents, there is a need to strengthen these …
Mainstreaming Emergency Contraception Pills In Kenya, Jill Keesbury, Monica Wanjiru, Katherine Maina
Mainstreaming Emergency Contraception Pills In Kenya, Jill Keesbury, Monica Wanjiru, Katherine Maina
Reproductive Health
To improve access to emergency contraception (ECP) and ensure that adequate information is provided to all users, the Kenyan Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, the Population Council, and Population Services International-Kenya undertook a three-year effort to mainstream ECP in Kenya. This brief presents the results of this initiative and discusses strategies for further strengthening ECP provision. Kenya has emerged as a leader in ECP programming in the region and has demonstrated that it is possible to strengthen ECP services in both the public and private sectors while at the same time increasing public awareness, knowledge, and use of the …
Comprehensive Responses To Gender-Based Violence In Low-Resource Settings: Lessons Learned From Implementation, Jill Keesbury, Ian Askew
Comprehensive Responses To Gender-Based Violence In Low-Resource Settings: Lessons Learned From Implementation, Jill Keesbury, Ian Askew
Reproductive Health
The Population Council undertook a program of technical assistance and research to strengthen the evidence base on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) programming in sub-Saharan Africa. This project created an active network of implementers and researchers across sub-Saharan Africa, all of whom were charged with developing, implementing, and evaluating core elements of a comprehensive, multisectoral model for strengthening responses for survivors of SGBV, especially survivors of sexual violence. Based on the experiences of these partners, this document reviews the findings, lessons learned, and promising practices in the provision of comprehensive SGBV services in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings are intended to …
Community Mobilization For Postabortion Care In Kenya: Baseline Evaluation Report, Chi-Chi Undie, Saumya Ramarao
Community Mobilization For Postabortion Care In Kenya: Baseline Evaluation Report, Chi-Chi Undie, Saumya Ramarao
Reproductive Health
Maternal health complications, including those arising from unsafe abortion and miscarriage, are a leading cause of morbidity among women in Kenya. These realities necessitate interventions to prevent unintended or unwanted pregnancies and to ensure access to quality care for women with postabortion complications. In response to this need, the RESPOND Project designed an intervention package aimed at increasing awareness and use of postabortion care (PAC) services and improving family planning, reproductive health, and maternal health outcomes. As part of the intervention, RESPOND works with districts and communities to: strengthen service delivery points to provide PAC services; conduct community mobilization to …
Highlighting Marital Hiv Risk And Promoting Premarital Vct In Nyanza Province, Kenya, Ben Ochieng, Annabel Erulkar
Highlighting Marital Hiv Risk And Promoting Premarital Vct In Nyanza Province, Kenya, Ben Ochieng, Annabel Erulkar
Reproductive Health
This report describes a project undertaken in Kenya by the Population Council, in collaboration with PATH and Kendu Adventist Hospital, whose objectives were: 1) to design and implement educational strategies to raise awareness of the risks of HIV and early marriage; 2) to promote voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for couples; and 3) to support and empower newly married girls through community-based clubs. The report notes that the strong technical support and leadership provided by the partners led to successful implementation of most project activities. The partnership enabled scarce resources to be shared, and has ensured that the comparative advantages …
Contributing Towards Efforts To Abandon Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Kenya: A Situation Analysis, Humphres Evelia, Maryam Sheikh Abdi, Carolyne Njue, Ian Askew
Contributing Towards Efforts To Abandon Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Kenya: A Situation Analysis, Humphres Evelia, Maryam Sheikh Abdi, Carolyne Njue, Ian Askew
Reproductive Health
The Kenyan Ministry of Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services, with support from UNFPA/Kenya, commissioned the Population Council to conduct a situation analysis of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) programs in Kenya, with the overall objective of documenting the current status of and trends in FGM/C programming and to help identify crucial elements that need to be prioritized for support. Results show marked declines in prevalence nationally between generations, suggesting a decline in the practice as well as trends toward “medicalization” in recent years. The practice still continues for different reasons, such as rite of passage, for marriageability, controlling sexuality, religious …
Reproductive Health Update Trainings For Health Workers In North Eastern Province, Garissa, Kenya Ministry Of Health, Population Council
Reproductive Health Update Trainings For Health Workers In North Eastern Province, Garissa, Kenya Ministry Of Health, Population Council
Reproductive Health
The Somali community living in Kenya has practiced the severest form of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), infibulation, for centuries. To understand the context within which the practice takes place, and how its complications are managed, FRONTIERS undertook a diagnostic study in North Eastern Province and in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi. The study found that the health system is ill equipped to serve women who have been cut, and particularly infibulated women who are pregnant and delivering, stemming from an overall weakness in the availability and quality of maternal and neonatal heath services. Specific recommendations could strengthen these services so …
Medicalization Of Female Genital Cutting Among The Abagusii In Nyanza Province, Kenya, Carolyne Njue, Ian Askew
Medicalization Of Female Genital Cutting Among The Abagusii In Nyanza Province, Kenya, Carolyne Njue, Ian Askew
Reproductive Health
This study sought to understand the role that health providers play in the medicalization of female genital cutting (FGC) among the Abagusii community in western Kenya, among whom the practice continues to be almost universal. Interviews with service providers and their clients revealed an overwhelming belief that FGC fulfills a traditional cultural obligation among the Abagusii, and that it limits a woman’s sexual desire and confers respect on girls. New approaches are needed within this community to present FGC as violating human rights and national laws, as well as threatening girls’ and women’s health. The study recommends measures such as …
Testing The Effectiveness Of Integrating Community-Based Approaches For Encouraging Abandonment Of Female Genital Cutting Into Care's Reproductive Health Programs In Ethiopia And Kenya, Jane Chege, Ian Askew, Susan Igras, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Testing The Effectiveness Of Integrating Community-Based Approaches For Encouraging Abandonment Of Female Genital Cutting Into Care's Reproductive Health Programs In Ethiopia And Kenya, Jane Chege, Ian Askew, Susan Igras, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
CARE International, with technical support from the Frontiers in Reproductive Health Program completed a study in Ethiopia and Kenya designed to test the effectiveness of education activities using behavior change communication (BCC) approaches and advocacy activities by religious and other key leaders to abandon female genital cutting (FGC). In Ethiopia, the increased knowledge of harmful FGC effects and human rights issues translated to a positive attitude in support of FGC abandonment and an intention not to cut their daughters in the future. In Kenya, the analysis indicated mixed results in attitude and intended behavior change.
Kenya: L'Identification Des Iar Demeure Hasardeuse: La Prévention Est Primordiale, Frontiers In Reproductive Health
Kenya: L'Identification Des Iar Demeure Hasardeuse: La Prévention Est Primordiale, Frontiers In Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Kenia: La Identificación De Las Itr Sigue Siendo Un Problema: La Prevención Es Esencial, Frontiers In Reproductive Health
Kenia: La Identificación De Las Itr Sigue Siendo Un Problema: La Prevención Es Esencial, Frontiers In Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Kenya: Identifying Rtis Remain Problematic: Prevention Is Essential, Frontiers In Reproductive Health
Kenya: Identifying Rtis Remain Problematic: Prevention Is Essential, Frontiers In Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health
Since 1990, the Nakuru Municipal Council (Kenya) has implemented a multifaceted program to reduce the incidence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), especially those that are sexually transmitted, including HIV/AIDS. Staff in the Council’s five health clinics use syndromic management guidelines, based on clients’ reported symptoms and clinical signs, to identify clients with RTIs. In 1998, the Population Council conducted a study to assess the accuracy of syndromic management and determine the best ways to integrate RTI management into existing antenatal (ANC) and family planning (FP) services. After an assessment of existing RTI services, 18 nurses from the five municipal clinics …