University of the Gambia

About: University of the Gambia is a education organization based out in Banjul, Gambia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 157 authors who have published 233 publications receiving 1833 citations. The organization is also known as: IAU-020557.

Antenatal care in The Gambia: Missed opportunity for information, education and communication

Abstract: Background Antenatal care is widely established and provides an opportunity to inform and educate pregnant women about pregnancy, childbirth and care of the newborn. It is expected that this would assist the women in making choices that would contribute to good pregnancy outcome. We examined the provision of information and education in antenatal clinics from the perspective of pregnant women attending these clinics.

Women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period in The Gambia: a qualitative study.

Abstract: Objective: In sub-Saharan African countries, there are unique cultural factors and adverse physical conditions that contribute to women's experiences of pregnancy and birth. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, the postnatal period, and maternal psychological distress in The Gambia. Design and methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 55 women who had given birth within the previous year. Results: Thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) transition to adulthood, (2) physical difficulties, (3) value of children in relation to others, (4) children as a strain, and (5) going through it alone. The results suggest that having a child is a defining point in women's lives associated with happiness and joy. However, women also described situations which could lead to unhappiness and distress in the perinatal period. A child conceived out of wedlock or a baby girl can be sources of distress because of negative cultural perceptions. The strain of having a child, particularly the additional financial burden, and minimal support from men were also a concern for women. Finally, women recognized the danger associated with delivery and expressed recurrent worries of complications during childbirth which could result in the death of them or the baby. Conclusions: Further research is needed to identify women vulnerable to psychological distress so that health services and target interventions can be developed accordingly.

Seasonal variation in the risk and causes of maternal death in the Gambia: malaria appears to be an important factor.

Abstract: An increase in maternal mortality risk during peak malaria transmission in endemic countries is thought to implicate malaria in maternal deaths. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in risk and causes of maternal death in relation to the malaria season at the main referral hospital in The Gambia. During the malaria season, there was a 168% increase in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), a three-fold increase in the proportion of deaths due to anemia, and an eight-fold increase in the anemia MMR. Apart from a 5.4-fold increase in eclampsia, there was no significant change in the contribution of other causes of death. It is estimated that malaria may account for up to 93 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Workplace violence against nurses in the Gambia: mixed methods design

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, perpetrators and factors associated with workplace violence against nurses in public secondary health care facilities from two health regions in the Gambia. Data was collected from 219 nurses using self-administered questionnaire and 35 face-to-face interviews. The data collection was conducted between July and September 2014 in 14 public secondary health care facilities. A sizable majority of respondents (62.1%) reported exposure to violence in the 12 months prior to the survey; exposure to verbal abuse, physical violence, and sexual harassment was 59.8%, 17.2%, and 10% respectively. The perpetrators were mostly patients’ escorts/relatives followed by patients themselves. Perceived reasons of workplace violence were mainly attributed to nurse-client disagreement, understaffing, shortage of drugs and supplies, security vacuum, and lack of management attention to workplace violence. Nurses in the Gambia are at a relatively high risk of violent incidents at work. Policies and strategies that are sensitive to local circumstances and needs should be developed for the prevention of workplace violence.