ABSTRACT Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse priori... more ABSTRACT Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse priority groups, where challenges that negatively affect mental health can be complex and multi-layered. In 2007, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to ameliorate postpartum mental health problems. Evidence on exercise for postpartum populations is too sparse to inform service development, particularly in deprived, ethnically diverse communities in the UK. This study explored factors relating to exercise to promote postpartum mental health in priority groups. The study design was influenced by the principles of grounded theory. Data were collected through focus groups and interviews from 25 women in an ethnically diverse area of multiple deprivation. Participants were end users, health and community professionals, service providers and commissioners. Four core categories emerged, namely postpartum exercise (which included the content, culture and setting of exercise), beliefs and values (which reflected how postpartum women made decisions about health), support and influence (which explored the independence, dependence and interdependence that shaped relationships and choice), and planning and resources (which related to the practicalities involved in designing, developing and sustaining effective interventions). The findings indicate that wide-ranging factors influence exercise for postpartum women in ethnically diverse priority groups. They integrate practical considerations, social–cognitive factors such as exercise competency and socio-cultural influences. These influences include familial, religious and cultural factors relevant to exercise, mental health, the postpartum stage and health promotion in general.
Policy pathway to reducing teenage pregnancy in Africa, 2014
Background: Teenage pregnancy remains an important and complex issue around the world, with repor... more Background: Teenage pregnancy remains an important and complex issue around the world, with reports indicating that Africa has higher rates than other continents. Studies have indicated that social and economic determinants are associated with these higher rates. Therefore this study aims to identify the social and economic influencers of teenage pregnancy which would help develop a best-practice approach to reduce its incidence in Africa. Methods: Data sets from the World Bank Organisation between 2008 and 2010 specific to 51 Africa countries were obtained to conduct this study, based on availability. Independent t-test, Spearman’s correlation and regression analysis were performed. The eight social and economic variables used in this study are: GDP per capita, GINI index, Female Literacy rate, Health expenditure, Unemployed female rate, Gender equality, Contraceptive prevalence and urban population rate. Results: Independent t-test revealed that in countries where teenage pregnancy rate is high, Literacy rate, contraceptive prevalence rate and Healthcare expenditure rate was low. Spearman correlation indicated that female literacy rate, Healthcare expenditure, GDP per capita and Contraceptive
prevalence had a significant inverse relationship with teenage pregnancy rate. Logistic regression indicates that Female Literacy rate is the best predictor of teenage pregnancy in Africa. Conclusion: Result suggest that a practical approach to reduce teenage pregnancy rate in Africa is to implement strategies and policies aimed at improving female literacy rate, Health care expenditure and the GDP per capita of a country. Additionally, an increase in female literacy rate would concurrently increase Contraceptive prevalence rate.
Promoting positive postpartum mental health through exercise in ethnically diverse priority groups , Oct 2013
ABSTRACT: Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse prior... more ABSTRACT: Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse priority groups, where challenges that negatively affect mental health can be complex and multi-layered. In 2007, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to ameliorate postpartum mental health problems. Evidence on exercise for postpartum populations is too sparse to inform service development, particularly in deprived, ethnically diverse communities in the UK. This study explored factors relating to exercise to promote postpartum mental health in priority groups. The study design was influenced by the principles of grounded theory. Data were collected through focus groups and interviews from 25 women in an ethnically diverse area of multiple deprivation. Participants were end users, health and community professionals, service providers and commissioners. Four core categories emerged, namely postpartum exercise (which included the content, culture and setting of exercise), beliefs and values (which reflected how postpartum women made decisions about health), support and influence (which explored the independence, dependence and interdependence that shaped relationships and choice), and planning and resources (which related to the practicalities involved in designing, developing and sustaining effective interventions). The findings indicate that wide-ranging factors influence exercise for postpartum women in ethnically diverse priority groups. They integrate practical considerations, social–cognitive factors such as exercise competency and socio-cultural influences. These influences include familial, religious and cultural factors relevant to exercise, mental health, the postpartum stage and health promotion in general.
ABSTRACT Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse priori... more ABSTRACT Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse priority groups, where challenges that negatively affect mental health can be complex and multi-layered. In 2007, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to ameliorate postpartum mental health problems. Evidence on exercise for postpartum populations is too sparse to inform service development, particularly in deprived, ethnically diverse communities in the UK. This study explored factors relating to exercise to promote postpartum mental health in priority groups. The study design was influenced by the principles of grounded theory. Data were collected through focus groups and interviews from 25 women in an ethnically diverse area of multiple deprivation. Participants were end users, health and community professionals, service providers and commissioners. Four core categories emerged, namely postpartum exercise (which included the content, culture and setting of exercise), beliefs and values (which reflected how postpartum women made decisions about health), support and influence (which explored the independence, dependence and interdependence that shaped relationships and choice), and planning and resources (which related to the practicalities involved in designing, developing and sustaining effective interventions). The findings indicate that wide-ranging factors influence exercise for postpartum women in ethnically diverse priority groups. They integrate practical considerations, social–cognitive factors such as exercise competency and socio-cultural influences. These influences include familial, religious and cultural factors relevant to exercise, mental health, the postpartum stage and health promotion in general.
Policy pathway to reducing teenage pregnancy in Africa, 2014
Background: Teenage pregnancy remains an important and complex issue around the world, with repor... more Background: Teenage pregnancy remains an important and complex issue around the world, with reports indicating that Africa has higher rates than other continents. Studies have indicated that social and economic determinants are associated with these higher rates. Therefore this study aims to identify the social and economic influencers of teenage pregnancy which would help develop a best-practice approach to reduce its incidence in Africa. Methods: Data sets from the World Bank Organisation between 2008 and 2010 specific to 51 Africa countries were obtained to conduct this study, based on availability. Independent t-test, Spearman’s correlation and regression analysis were performed. The eight social and economic variables used in this study are: GDP per capita, GINI index, Female Literacy rate, Health expenditure, Unemployed female rate, Gender equality, Contraceptive prevalence and urban population rate. Results: Independent t-test revealed that in countries where teenage pregnancy rate is high, Literacy rate, contraceptive prevalence rate and Healthcare expenditure rate was low. Spearman correlation indicated that female literacy rate, Healthcare expenditure, GDP per capita and Contraceptive
prevalence had a significant inverse relationship with teenage pregnancy rate. Logistic regression indicates that Female Literacy rate is the best predictor of teenage pregnancy in Africa. Conclusion: Result suggest that a practical approach to reduce teenage pregnancy rate in Africa is to implement strategies and policies aimed at improving female literacy rate, Health care expenditure and the GDP per capita of a country. Additionally, an increase in female literacy rate would concurrently increase Contraceptive prevalence rate.
Promoting positive postpartum mental health through exercise in ethnically diverse priority groups , Oct 2013
ABSTRACT: Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse prior... more ABSTRACT: Abstract: Postpartum mental health is a significant concern in ethnically diverse priority groups, where challenges that negatively affect mental health can be complex and multi-layered. In 2007, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to ameliorate postpartum mental health problems. Evidence on exercise for postpartum populations is too sparse to inform service development, particularly in deprived, ethnically diverse communities in the UK. This study explored factors relating to exercise to promote postpartum mental health in priority groups. The study design was influenced by the principles of grounded theory. Data were collected through focus groups and interviews from 25 women in an ethnically diverse area of multiple deprivation. Participants were end users, health and community professionals, service providers and commissioners. Four core categories emerged, namely postpartum exercise (which included the content, culture and setting of exercise), beliefs and values (which reflected how postpartum women made decisions about health), support and influence (which explored the independence, dependence and interdependence that shaped relationships and choice), and planning and resources (which related to the practicalities involved in designing, developing and sustaining effective interventions). The findings indicate that wide-ranging factors influence exercise for postpartum women in ethnically diverse priority groups. They integrate practical considerations, social–cognitive factors such as exercise competency and socio-cultural influences. These influences include familial, religious and cultural factors relevant to exercise, mental health, the postpartum stage and health promotion in general.
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prevalence had a significant inverse relationship with teenage pregnancy rate. Logistic regression indicates that Female Literacy rate is the best predictor of teenage pregnancy in Africa. Conclusion: Result suggest that a practical approach to reduce teenage pregnancy rate in Africa is to implement strategies and policies aimed at improving female literacy rate, Health care expenditure and the GDP per capita of a country. Additionally, an increase in female literacy rate would concurrently increase Contraceptive prevalence rate.
prevalence had a significant inverse relationship with teenage pregnancy rate. Logistic regression indicates that Female Literacy rate is the best predictor of teenage pregnancy in Africa. Conclusion: Result suggest that a practical approach to reduce teenage pregnancy rate in Africa is to implement strategies and policies aimed at improving female literacy rate, Health care expenditure and the GDP per capita of a country. Additionally, an increase in female literacy rate would concurrently increase Contraceptive prevalence rate.