Tanzania

The Impact of Heavy Load Carrying on Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability Among Women in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania.

Jillian L Kadota
Sandra I McCoy
Michael N Bates
Agatha Mnyippembe
Prosper F Njau
Ndola Prata
Carisa Harris-Adamson
2020

Background: Heavy load carrying has been associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and disability. However, there is a lack of research investigating this association in resource-constrained settings where heavy load carrying by women is common.

Objectives: We assessed the impact of heavy load carrying on musculoskeletal pain and disability among women in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania, in an exploratory cross-sectional study.

Methods: Eligible participants were a convenience sample of women, at least 18 years of age, who...

Transportation cost as a barrier to contraceptive use among women initiating treatment for HIV in Tanzania

Lauren A Hunter
Ndola Prata
Brenda Eskenazi
Prosper F Njau
Sandra I McCoy
2022

Transportation cost is a barrier to HIV treatment, yet no studies have examined its association with contraceptive use among women living with HIV. We analyzed cross-sectional data from women attending three public healthcare facilities in Shinyanga, Tanzania where they initiated antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection in the previous 90 days; all facilities offered free contraception. Women self-reported current contraceptive use and the round-trip cost of transportation to the facility. Among 421 women aged 18–49, 86 (20.4%) were using any modern contraceptive method, of which...

Heavy Load Carrying and Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse among Women in Tanzania and Nepal: An Exploratory Study

Aybüke Koyuncu
Jillian L Kadota
Agatha Mnyippembe
Aybüke Koyuncu
Prosper F Njau
Tula Ram Sijali
Sandra I McCoy
Michael N Bates
Carisa Harris-Adamson
Ndola Prata
2021

Heavy load carrying of water, firewood, and sand/stones is a ubiquitous activity for women living in developing countries. Although the intra-abdominal pressure associated with heavy load carrying is hypothesized to increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women, relevant epidemiologic data are lacking. We conducted a comparative study involving two exploratory cross-sectional studies among convenience samples of women carrying heavy loads, with different characteristics: (1) as part of their activities for daily living, in Shinyanga region, Tanzania; and (2) working as...

Risks of Intimate Partner Violence for Women Living with HIV Receiving Cash Transfers: A Qualitative Study in Shinyanga, Tanzania

Rebecca Hémono
Agatha Mnyippembe
Atuganile Kalinjila
Jesca Msoma
Ndola Prata
William H Dow
Claire Snell-Rood
Amon Sabasaba
Prosper Njau
Sandra I McCoy
2023

Cash transfers are increasingly used to motivate adherence to HIV care. However, evidence on cash transfers and intimate partner violence (IPV) is mixed and little is known about their safety for women living with HIV. We conducted in-depth interviews with women living with HIV who participated in a randomized trial providing 6 months of cash transfers (~$4.5 or $11 USD) conditional on HIV clinic attendance in Shinyanga, Tanzania to assess how receiving cash affects IPV and relationship dynamics. Eligible participants were 18-49 years, received cash transfers, and in a partnership at...

Ability to pay for maternal health services: what will it take to meet WHO standards?

Ndola Prata
Fiona Greig
Julia Walsh
Anna West
2004

High maternal morbidity and mortality in many developing countries are highly associated with poor access to and quality of health care. Here we review the economic feasibility of the WHO’s mother-baby package as a means of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in Tanzania. This paper examines the costs of maternal health care in Tanzania, and how much can we expect households to contribute to these expenses, if the MBP were implemented. Using data from the Tanzanian 1993 Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS), we analyze responses from 757 women of reproductive age who...

Controlling postpartum hemorrhage after home births in Tanzania

N Prata
G Mbaruku
M Campbell
M Potts
F Vahidnia
2005

This groundbreaking pilot study demonstrates the potential impact of misoprostol for women in rural settings. In this community-based intervention trial, misoprostol was delivered by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) for PPH treatment in rural Kigoma, Tanzania. Results show that TBAs successfully administered misoprostol. Women given misoprostol to treat PPH were far less likely to need additional intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Determine safety of household management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with 1000 microg of rectal misoprostol, and assess possible reduction in referrals and...

Using the kanga to measure postpartum blood loss

N Prata
G Mbaruku
M Campbell
2005

In rural African settings, the colorful fabric kanga is locally-made and inexpensive; every woman owns dozens for use as skirts and shawls. The kanga has become useful as a simple solution for the complicated problem of measuring blood loss after delivery. This commentary describes remarkable results when traditional birth attendants in Tanzania use the kanga to identify postpartum hemorrhage.

Published in International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2005) 89, 49—50

Download PDF,...

Global availability of misoprostol

M Campbell
M Holden
2006

Misoprostol is registered as a gastric ulcer drug in many middle to high income countries; it is also used ‘off label’ in these same countries to prevent and control PPH. Its ease of administration and stability in tropical climates make it an ideal drug for use in home births, as well as with Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (AMTSL) in any busy hospital.

Published in International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 94 (2) 2006, 151-152

Download PDF,...

Conservation and family planning in Tanzania: the TACARE experience

Amy A. Grossman
Mary Mavanza
2007

Abstract: Community-based distribution (CBD) programs present an alternative way of effectively reaching people in rural areas of developing countries where conventional methods of delivery do not exist or fail. This paper reviews the experience and findings from the Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) TACARE program in the Kigoma region of Tanzania. It focuses on the family planning CBD program and its integration within the TACARE program to meet the broader mission of JGI’s conservation efforts. Both qualitative and survey data suggest that the CBD program meets the needs for contraception...

Community-Based Availability of Misoprostol: Is it safe?

Ndola Prata
Godfrey Mbaruku
Amy A. Grossman
Martine Holston
Kristina Hsieh
2009

African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2009

This paper evaluates the safety and acceptability of long-term community-based use of misoprostol for management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in home-births, by comparing deliveries with and without misoprostol use in communities of Kigoma, Tanzania.

Download PDF,...