Russell Kabir

A Cross-sectional study to explore the challenges faced by Myanmar women in accessing antenatal care services

Background : Myanmar has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the Southeast Asian region, with most maternal deaths occuring at the time of delivery. The aim of this research was to identify the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of Myanmar women and utilisation of antenatal care services. Methods : This is a descriptive cross-sectional study utilising the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey Data 2015-16. A total of 13,454 women agedbetween 15-49 years were surveyed. This study sampled married women only (n=7870). Results : The mean age of the respondents was 35 years and the majority of respondents (50.7%) belonged to the 35-49 age group. Approximately 46.3% of respondents reported more than four antenatal care service (ANC) visits and almost 54% respondents attended ANC during their second and third trimesters. This study found that women with no education, poorer socioeconomic status, less access to mass media, living in rural areas and with more children were not utilising ANC services adequately. Conclusion : Strategies should be introduced to encourage pregnant women to attend a minimum of four antenatal check-ups and there should be adequate monitoring in place of the timing of ANC visits during pregnancy.

Perceptions of physiotherapists of their role in reducing pain and increasing, function, strength and flexibility in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Study objectives: The purpose of this focus group study was to establish the physiotherapy treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in North-West Wales. In addition the study aimed to report the barriers that stopped physiotherapists from increasing strength and flexibility and the contradictions of physiotherapists’ beliefs regarding their practice. n nMethods: The investigation was based on specific and priori designed questions. Two focus groups were conducted, where physiotherapists discussed the results of a feasibility study conducted in their department. 11 hypotheses discussed whilst 13 evidence statements reported by the merger of the answers to the hypotheses. A level of consensus was described using the moderator’s notes. n nResults: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome physiotherapy works; not through strength and flexibility but through pain and function improvement. However, this practice often only has a short-term effect. n nConclusions: Group classes and better education on the importance of specific exercises and self-managing should be researched whilst the long-term effect of these treatment components should also be assessed.

Exploring the relationship of Domestic violence on Health Seeking behavior and Empowerment of Women in Pakistan

Background: Violence against women is considered as a global problem and the trend for abusing domestically is very much up. This not only violates the human rights but it has got major implications on physical, mental, social and sexual health of a woman. Worldwide little is known on how domestic violence can women’s health and their decision-making power. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between domestic violence on empowerment of women and their health seeking behavior in Pakistan. nMethods: This research used secondary data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data 2012-13. About 3687 ever-married women were selected and interviewed for domestic violence from 248 urban and 252 rural areas of Pakistan. nResults: Both chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed. The results show that women with no education have suffered at lot as a result of domestic violence. Almost 68% women reported that those who have seen their parents beating their mothers have also experiences domestic violence. Logistic regression reveals that women from rural areas are highly likely to be victims of domestic violence (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.07-1.52, p<.001). ANC visit is also found to be statistically significant for those who suffered from domestic violencein Pakistan. nConclusion: Policy makers and other stakeholders should take measures to control and stop violence against women and help them to live dignified human being.