Global Journal of Health Sciences

Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Gestational Anemia Attending Primary Healthcare Institutions in Oman

Zalikha Al-Marzouqi — 2024-03-08

Purpose: It is well known that anemia is one of the medical problems during pregnancy and it can be encountered through health education. However, the rate of iron deficiency anemia is increasing among pregnant women. This study sought to find the knowledge of pregnant women who were attending primary healthcare institutions in Oman regarding gestational anemia. Also to find out if there is an association between demographic data and women’s knowledge about gestational anemia during pregnancy.

Methodology: This study used a quantitative study, descriptive cross-sectional design. The researchers selected five primary healthcare institutions (Antenatal Clinics) in Sohar Wilayate in North Batinah Governorate in Oman to reach pregnant women who had been diagnosed with anemia. The data was collected via a questionnaire including two sections: participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge sections with 235 participants. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.72 and measured in different studies.

Findings: The results of this study showed that women in Oman had lack of knowledge regarding many aspects related to gestational anemia. For example, they did not know about the signs and symptoms, nutrition that prevent anemia, and the effect of anemia on pregnancy outcomes. Data also showed that knowledge was significantly associated among pregnant women who were above 40, highly educated, working, and multigravida.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Knowing pregnant women's knowledge regarding gestational anemia could help the policymakers in the Ministry of Health formulate the best approach to offer health education and services for pregnant women with gestational anemia in Oman. This study came with many recommendations regarding knowledge, practice, and policy. Programs related to gestational anemia should be implemented to inform healthcare professionals, women, and their families about Iron deficiency anemia. Also, gestational anemia policy and guidelines are needed in healthcare institutions, and all healthcare professionals should be informed of the policy regularly. Healthcare professionals should be trained to educate and support women with gestational anemia during the antenatal and postnatal periods.

Future Intentions of First and Final-Year Nursing Students at Kenya Medical Training College

Clare Manana — 2024-03-20

Purpose: To explore the nursing students’ future intentions upon graduation.

Methodology: The study adopted a comparative cross-sectional survey of first-year nursing students and final-year nursing students on their future intentions upon graduation. The sample size was determined using Fisher et al., formula. Participants were selected through simple random sampling and those who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. An online questionnaire was administered using a free Open Data Kit (ODK). The summary sheet from ODK software was downloaded, and data was cleaned, coded, and entered into R statistical package for analysis. Descriptive frequencies were generated for demographic and social characteristics; chi-square tests and proportion tests were used to determine significance when appropriate. Frequency counts, median, and percentages were tabulated for categorical variables.

Findings: The study revealed that 99% (224/226) of the students would like to pursue a career in nursing after completing the diploma training. A higher proportion 69.1% (155/224) of the students who intend to pursue a career in nursing would prefer to pursue their nursing career outside of Kenya. There is a significant (P=0.004) difference since between the two groups as a higher proportion 77.5% (100/129) of Students in their first year of the study indicated they would prefer to pursue their career outside Kenya compared to 56.7% (55/97) students in their final year of the study. The study also revealed that 98.2% (222/226) of the students intend to pursue a degree in nursing upon completion of the KRCHN training.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: Regarding policy, this study suggests that the government collaborate with other nations to develop regulations that allow nurses to pursue education and employment abroad. After completing their training, nurses should be required to stay in Kenya for a predetermined period of time and should as most student nurses would wish to emigrate; thus, this will help alleviate the shortage.

Health Determinants: Healthy People of the UAE 2025 – 2035 Plan

Rauda Alneyadi — 2024-01-10

Purpose: The goal of the Healthy People initiative is to improve the health of the nation as a whole by directing efforts that are made at the national level to promote health and prevent sickness (Healthy People, 2023).

Methodology: This been a white paper the study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. The current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: The study found out that promoting a healthier and more informed generation requires health literacy in youngsters. The study also found out that the reduction of obesity among police officers would enhance both their general well-being and their effectiveness at work. The study indicated that a comprehensive road safety program targeting car accidents should be implemented to reduce road accidents

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Primary school’s teachers should integrate health education as a regular part of the curriculum, The police department should establish clear and realistic goals and incentives for police officers to participate in the health and wellness programs and drivers should undergo regular training and testing to ensure they follow the traffic rules and regulations. Education authorities should support and facilitate health literacy instruction in primary schools, by providing adequate resources and training, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government should allocate more funds and resources to support individualized health and wellness programs for police officers, as well as to raise awareness about the risks of obesity and the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating. The government should develop and implement a national road safety strategy that sets clear goals and targets for reducing car accident fatalities and injuries. This strategy should be evidence-based and regularly updated.