Preference for Sex of Children Among Women in Nepal
AbstractThe preference for a son at birth is one of the key issues of demographic studies conducted in less-developed countries; however, exploration of preference for sex of children among women in Nepal is rare. This paper estimates the likelihood of preference for a son or a daughter using the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data, which contains a nationally representative sample of 12,862 Nepalese women. A multinomial logistic regression analysis shows that son and daughter preferences vary widely across ethnicities, educational and economic status, and rural-urban region. Regarding ethnic origin, women...
Source: Global Social Welfare - May 26, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Translating Evidence into Policy Change: Advocacy for Community-Based Distribution of Injectable Contraceptives in Zambia
ConclusionThe policy advocacy efforts of PATH, FPWTG, and the special task force demonstrate the need for an ample evidence base and sustained engagement of government and stakeholder groups. (Source: Global Social Welfare)
Source: Global Social Welfare - May 25, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Implementing Evidence-Based HIV Prevention for Female Sex Workers in Mexico: Provider Assessments of Feasibility and Acceptability
This study examined service provider perceptions of feasibility and acceptability of implementing evidence-based practices for preventing HIV/AIDS and STIs in female sex workers (FSWs) in Mexico. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 124 directors, supervisors, and counselors from 12 reproductive health clinics located throughout Mexico participating in a large randomized controlled trial to scale-up the use of a psychoeducational intervention designed to promote FSW condom use and enhance safer sex negotiation skills. Feasibility was based on assessment of personal, organizational and social costs, benefits, and ...
Source: Global Social Welfare - May 9, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

The Syndemic Effect of Injection Drug Use, Intimate Partner Violence, and HIV on Mental Health Among Drug-Involved Women in Kazakhstan
We examined the synergistic effect of substance use (injection drug use), intimate partner violence, and HIV (dubbed the “SAVA syndemic”) on depression and suicidal thoughts among a sample of high-risk women in Kazakhstan, a country with a notably high prevalence of suicide and violence against women and concentrated epidemics of HIV and injection drug use. Using baseline data from an intervention study conducted in Almaty, Kazakhstan among 364 drug-involved couples, multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the SAVA syndemic continuum and mental health. Compared to women r...
Source: Global Social Welfare - April 23, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Internalised and Social Experiences of HIV-Induced Stigma and Discrimination in Urban Ghana
AbstractHIV-induced stigma and discrimination remain a prevalent global challenge especially in low-income countries which may compromise the emotional and social well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Despite the efforts so far, the incidence of HIV-related stigma remains high in Ghana. Drawing on the Goffman ’s theory of social stigma and interpretivist research paradigm, the paper explores the lived experiences of 123 PLHIV in HIV-endemic cities in Ghana. Findings suggest that PLHIV largely suffer from three levels of stigma—internal, received and associated—with complex discriminatory dimensions . PLHIV ar...
Source: Global Social Welfare - March 5, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Intimate Partner Violence, Poverty, and Maternal Health Care-Seeking Among Young Women in Kenya: a Cross-Sectional Analysis Informing the New Sustainable Development Goals
ConclusionsIntersectional approaches that consciously focus on and creatively address IPV may be key to the success of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health outcomes. The implementation of joint programming and development of combination interventions to effectively reduce the risk of exposure to IPV and promote maternal care-seeking behavior are needed to improve child morbidity and mortality in LMICs. (Source: Global Social Welfare)
Source: Global Social Welfare - February 2, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Screening for Mental Health Among Young South African Children: the Use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
ConclusionsSDQ scores in our sample suggest young children in SA are at high risk for MH problems. The SDQ, particularly the total difficulties score, may be a useful screening tool in SA. Yet, some subscales did not work in this language and context; if social skills and hyperactivity/inattention are being considered, modification or additional measures may be needed. (Source: Global Social Welfare)
Source: Global Social Welfare - January 29, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Governance Capabilities and Sustainability Concerning “Corporate-NGO” Collaboration: the Case of Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital in Bangladesh
AbstractThis paper attempts to evaluate the governance capabilities of Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital (LFH), a corporate social responsibility project in Bangladesh, in terms of significant long-term social impact, operationally defined as sustainability for the present study. Drawing on the SCALERS model proposed by Bloom and Chatterji (2009), under their proposed seven “capabilities” which determine the extent to which a project is able to scale “wide” and “deep,” the paper assesses the prospect of “scaling up” the project to create significant long-term social impact. The study used focus group discussions...
Source: Global Social Welfare - January 23, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

School Banking as a Strategy for Strengthening Youth Economic Participation in Developing Countries: Lessons from YouthSave
This study examines how schools can serve as the setting for financial education and financial services, increasing youth economic participation. Research in four developing countries finds an increase in youth savings account uptake when financial institutions provide opportunities at schools for youth to receive financial education, open savings accounts, and make deposits. Findings are that school banking can overcome some of the regulatory, geographic, and information barriers that limit youth access to safe and affordable savings services. Marginalized youth, including those who are low-income and females, participate...
Source: Global Social Welfare - January 9, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Incidence of Self-Esteem Among Children Exposed to Sexual Abuse in Kenya
AbstractIt has been established that sexual abuse against children is a global problem and quite widespread. Sexual abuse against children is a public health concern given that its outcomes are not only detrimental to the health of children, but also to the health of their families and society. Often, poor mental health functioning among children is identified late and in very low numbers by health professionals. In view of the fact that children exposed to sexual abuse are one group in Sub-Saharan Africa that exhibits serious mental health problems, this article examined self-esteem among children exposed to sexual abuse ...
Source: Global Social Welfare - January 4, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Women ’s Decision-Making Power in the Local Councils of Albania: Do Numbers Make a Difference?
This study examines the relationship between women’s numbers and decision-making power in the local councils of Albania. It addresses two questions: How do councilwomen perceive their decision-making power? What is the relationship between the number of c ouncilwomen and their decision-making power? Drawing on 186 interviews conducted with women in rural and urban councils, the study shows that the proportion of councilwomen does not have an effect on their decision-making power. Findings provide insights into how councilwomen enact representation in a political environment that sustains centralized practices of governan...
Source: Global Social Welfare - November 17, 2017 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Is India ’s Safe Motherhood Scheme Leading to Better Child Health Care Practices?
This study utilizes India’s District Level Household Survey to evaluate and confirm the effectiveness of JSY scheme with Inverse Propensity Score Weighting, a robust causal inference technique which helps to control fo r selection bias. The study focuses on the impact of the program on (1) child mortality as well as (2) child health care practices, rather than focusing on maternal health. Regional variations of the effectiveness of the program have been comprehensively assessed. Recommendations for policy and prac tice have been made to increase awareness regarding the positive effects of the program and to help benefici...
Source: Global Social Welfare - November 10, 2017 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Facilitators and Barriers of Afghan Refugee Adolescents ’ Integration in Iran: A Grounded Theory Study
This study was conducted to describe the socialization experiences of Afghan adolescent refugees in an Iranian context. Using grounded theory and saturation principles, 30 participants were recruited and interviewed. Data were analyzed using constant comparison in open, axial, and selective coding stages. “Challenging process of Afghan refugee adolescent’s socialization” was the core variable. Two main barriers and two main facilitators of socialization were identified. The barriers for Afghan refugee adolescents’ integration into the host society affect the integration process at all levels from personal to macros...
Source: Global Social Welfare - November 7, 2017 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Silent Struggles —the Plight of Undocumented Students in Social Work Education
AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explore factors that impact undocumented students in higher education in the USA. First, we explore the immigrant population in the USA and examine educational attainment among undocumented immigrants. Second, we highlight key contextual factors and political forces that impact undocumented students. Next, we discuss the ethical issues that arise for both undocumented students and faculty. Lastly, we suggest recommendations to improve the access to and experience of undocumented students in institutions of higher learning within the context of social work education, including sugge...
Source: Global Social Welfare - October 28, 2017 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Adolescent Pregnancy and Challenges in Kenyan Context: Perspectives from Multiple Community Stakeholders
ConclusionsOur paper highlights several individual stakeholder-related and system-level barriers in the MCH primary care setting that affect delivery of psychosocial support for pregnant adolescent. We have identified these knowledge, practice, and institutional gaps that need addressing through careful community and health service staff engagement using implementation strategies that are effective in low-resource settings. Pregnant adolescents are highly vulnerable group and mental health services needs to be understood better. (Source: Global Social Welfare)
Source: Global Social Welfare - October 25, 2017 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research