Fathieh Abu-Moghli

Jordanian Women's Experiences With the Use of Traditional Family Planning

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ministry of Health (MOH) have identified the importance of strengthening national capacity through the integration of reproductive health (RH) services into the primary health care system. It is reported that a high percentage of Jordanian women use traditional family planning (TFP) methods, frequently using them incorrectly. Our purpose in this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the issues and challenges related to the use of TFP among Jordanian women. Six focus groups with women of childbearing age (18–44 years of age; n = 51) were held in the northern, central, and southern regions of Jordan. Study participants used traditional methods such as withdrawal, periodic abstinence, and breastfeeding. Often TFP methods were used incorrectly, resulting in a high failure rate with unplanned pregnancies occurring within short inter pregnancy intervals. Women preferred using TFP because of side effects experienced while using modern family planning (MFP) methods, misconceptions, and lack of correct information about MFP methods. Husbands often declined to use condoms but supported the use of TFP methods. Women indicated that they have unmet needs for family planning and that they would consider using MFP methods if accurate information was available at health centers. They emphasized the importance of competent and knowledgeable health care providers (HCPs) who contribute to decision making regarding use of family planning.

Delphi Survey of Clinical Nursing and Midwifery Research Priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

PURPOSE As the shortage of nurses and midwives is expected to worsen in the Eastern Mediterranean region concomitantly with a growing focus on achievement of universal health coverage, nurses and midwives are expected to fill major gaps in health care. Hence, the need for a solid evidence base for nursing practice and a clear direction for clinical nursing research are paramount. Therefore, a Delphi survey was conducted to determine clinical (research focused on patient outcomes) nursing and midwifery priorities for research within this region. DESIGN A Delphi survey, using iterative rounds of an online survey of regional clinical nursing and midwifery research experts, was conducted between January and April 2016. METHODS Consensus was determined by percentage agreement on level of priority for topics as determined by participants. Additionally, results were compared between countries within the region by income and mortality levels using Kendalls tau. FINDINGS Critical research topics were focused on public/community/primary care as well as emergency preparedness for disasters, and these priorities are well aligned with gaps in the literature for this region. There were statistically significant differences between priority level and country mortality group for geriatrics, self-management of disease, and sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSIONS Critical research priorities should focus on population-based health topics. Between-country differences should be analyzed further. A clinical research database for the region may help improve research access for nurses and midwives. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Practicing nurses and midwives lack extensive evidence (including culturally relevant evidence) on which to practice. Increasing research in areas identified in this survey may improve patient outcomes and quality of care regionally.