Browsing by Author "Tumuhaise, Criscent"

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Experiences of mothers receiving male midwives’ assistance during childbirth in Kween District, Uganda
(African Journal Online - Womens's Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), 2024) Soyekwo, S. Wilfred; Tumuhaise, Criscent; Ndibazza, Juliet
This study explored the perceptions and experiences of mothers who were cared for by male midwives (MMWs) during delivery in Kween District. The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological approach to document responses of participants. Data was collected from three health facilities that had male midwives delivering mothers at the time of the study, and targeted postnatal mothers 18-49 years who had been delivered by a MMW in the last 6 months. Thirty-three mothers participated in the study: 15 in individual in-depth interviews and 18 in three focused group discussions. Collected data were transcribed in word, coded in excel and exported to Atlas.t 7 for analysis. Thematic and content analysis were utilized to derive insights from the data collected. The results showed that perceptions varied significantly across participants. Respondents attached certain beliefs and perceptions that the delivery process is an intimate matter that should only be handled by fellow women. Fear and discomfort when touched by a MMW and discomfort by mothers’ partners, came out as strong viewpoints. However, there were strong experiences that MMWs demonstrated supportive, caring, respectful, sympathetic and passionate provision of care. These findings agree with several other studies reviewed during the study. Comprehensive sensitization focused on promoting the utilization of skilled birth attendants regardless of gender is necessary in reducing maternal mortality.
Health system factors influencing traditional herbal medicine use during pregnancy amongst women in Mpigi District, Central Uganda
(African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2021) Tumuhaise, Criscent; Kabanda, Richard; Nanyingi, Miisa; Kiconco, Arthur
An estimated 80% of the population in developing countries is dependent on traditional medicine for their health needs, including use during pregnancy despite limited knowledge of potential side effects including teratogenicity. Controlling use of traditional medicines during pregnancy requires understanding the driving factors. This study aimed at determining the health system factors that influence traditional herbal medicine use during pregnancy in a Ugandan setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 post-partum women obtained by random sampling from post-natal clinics of health facilities in Mpigi District after informed consent. We carried out concurrent triangulation by conducting two focused group discussions of 10 post-natal mothers each, and four Key informant interviews. Quantitative Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis and presented as narratives. Prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy was 79% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 68.1% – 86.9%), mainly consumed through oral route (96%). Costly health care adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 1.61 (95% CI 1.02-2.53), p-value 0.042, and presence and influence of Traditional Birth Attendants aPR 1.21(95% CI 1.05-1.41), p-value 0.011 were significantly associated with use of traditional herbal medicines during pregnancy. Use of traditional herbal medicines is driven by the high costs of quality health care and influence from Traditional Birth Attendants. Innovations in health financing should be promoted and Traditional Birth Attendants should be sensitized and incorporated in the mainstream health care system as community referral agents. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[6]: 88-98).