Acceptability of Caesarean Section among Pregnant Women Seeking Antenatal Care at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka Zambia

Caesarean section remains one of the most common obstetric and major operations performed on women during pregnancy and has contributed to improving maternal and foetal health. Consequently, significant mortality and morbidity from pregnancy and labour-related causes can be eliminated by a timely caesarean section. The acceptance of the life-saving procedure remains unsatisfactory in most sub-Saharan nations. The study aimed to assess the acceptability of caesarean section and associated factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka Zambia. The study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional analytical study design involving 420 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals Lusaka Zambia. Data was obtained using an Interview schedule and analysed using R software version 4.3.2. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and binary logistic regression for statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance. The study found that the acceptability of Caesarean section as a mode of delivery was low (29%) among respondents at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals. This was influenced by marital status (P = 0.002), socioeconomic status (P = 0.050), parity (P = 0.004), gestation age (P = 0.008), previous history of caesarean section (P = 0.003), knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P < 0.001), and sociocultural beliefs (P = 0.045). Low acceptability of Caesarean section delivery is common among women at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, despite its potential benefits for maternal and neonatal health. Socio-demographic and maternal characteristics, knowledge, attitude, perception, and socio-cultural beliefs play a major role in determining acceptability. Therefore, efforts to enhance acceptability should focus on improving knowledge, enhancing positive perceptions and attitudes, and allaying negative socio-cultural beliefs towards caesarean section.

Acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) by Mothers with Low-Birth-Weight Babies at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, in Ndola, Zambia

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care is a simple safe method used to care for low-birth-weight babies. Low-birth-weight is a global public health issue that pose significant challenge to perinatal care systems. Globally, complications due to low-birth-weight are the leading cause of neonatal mortality, resulting in an estimated 1 million deaths annually. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low-cost method of care for low-birth-weight infants in areas with inadequate incubators and power outages with positive outcomes. Objectives: To assess factors influencing acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in NICU at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia. Methodology: A cross sectional quantitative analytical study design was used. The study was conducted at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital (ADCH) in Ndola, Zambia. The purposive sampling method was used to select the study participants and a total of 129 mothers with Low Weight Babies A were selected to participate structured closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants using an interview. Data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 26. Cross tabulations were done to determine association of variables using a Chi square (x2) test at 95% confidence interval and were assumptions where not met, fishers exact test was used. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Most of the respondents had male babies 77%, 69% of the babies weighed 1000 g - 1400 g, majority 79% had normal delivery, 71% of the respondents were multigravida and most of the respondents 79% were married. The study reviewed that 85% of those who attained secondary education accepted KMC, 74% of the respondents without monthly income accepted KMC, 80% of the respondents had positive attitude and accepted KMC. 82% of the respondents who had positive perception accepted KMC. Conclusion: Acceptance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among 75% of the mothers underscores its widespread favourability as a beneficial method for infant care.

Acceptability of Phone-Based Communication Intervention by Healthcare Workers as an Adjunct to Routine Referral Form: A Qualitative Study in South Western Uganda

Introduction: A functional maternal referral system should encompass a feasible communication system between health facilities. In Uganda, the current paper-based patient referral form is associated with inadequate patient-information and low feedback rates. A recent quasi-experimental study demonstrated that a phone-based communication intervention is feasible for iterative communication between health facilities, and there were improved maternal-fetal outcomes and high rates of feedback. However, the acceptability of the intervention was not assessed. Objective: The study assessed the acceptability of a phone-based communication intervention by the health care workers (HCWs) for iterative communication between the referring and receiving health facilities. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in South Western Uganda, in April 2021. The study employed a theoretical framework of acceptability of medical interventions. We conducted in-depth interviews with HCWs and used deductive-inductive analysis. Results: We enrolled a total of 23 HCWs, of whom 69.6% (n = 16) were females while 30.4% (n = 7) were males. Majority (65.2%, n = 15), were midwives and the rest were: doctors (30.4%, n = 7) and a nurse (4.3%). The HCWs were positive towards the intervention: they believed that the intervention reduced delays, promoted professional escort, encouraged sharing of supplies, enabled exchange of relatively more patient details, feedback and improved case management. They believed it was culturally acceptable and had enough skills and experience of operating phones. All participants recommended scale out of the intervention, but advised on the need for dedicated human-resource to coordinate phone calls, ensure availability of airtime and charged battery. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the phone-based communication intervention was highly accepted by the healthcare workers, and that hospitals can successfully give feedback to lower health centres through iterative phone calls. This provides a possible solution to the long-standing challenge of poor feedback rates and a vicious cycle of poor maternal-fetal outcomes in resource limited settings.

Factors Contributing to the Acceptability of Second Dose of Measles Vaccine among Children in Livingstone District, Zambia

Introduction: Measles is a viral disease that is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. It is a contagious disease resulting from infection with the measles virus and is still responsible for more than 100,000 deaths per year. Although vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions to reduce mortality and morbidity, approximately 1.4 million children worldwide die from vaccine-preventable diseases each year. In Zambia, MCV2 was 66% below WHO recommended target of 95%. This study therefore assessed the acceptability of second dose measles vaccination services among caretakers/mothers with children less than two years of age in Livingstone, Zambia. Methods: The study used analytical cross-sectional study design. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with acceptability of the second dose of measles vaccine. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio demographic characteristics and factors related to acceptability of the second dose of measles vaccine. SPSS version 26.0 was used for descriptive and inferential analysis at 5% level of significance. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in acceptability of the second dose of measles vaccine by gender, marital status, type of employment, income level, socio-cultural and traditional beliefs, and education level. However, there was a statistically significant difference in acceptability of the second dose of measles vaccine by knowledge level of second dose of measles vaccine. A Chi square test result indicated that second dose acceptability was higher with less children than that of respondents with many children (χ2(5) = 15.3, p and knowledge levels (χ2(2) = 14.8, p Changes in knowledge level from medium to high reduced the odds of second dose measles vaccine acceptability. Furthermore, this study showed that acceptance of the second measles vaccination increased from mothers/caretakers with low knowledge (3.6%) to medium knowledge (13.3%) and finally high knowledge (83.1%). Conclusion: Tailored messaging to increase knowledge among mothers and caregivers on the importance of the second dose of measles vaccine is critical in improving acceptability. Therefore, the researchers recommend that the health providers should continue to raise awareness associated with the low acceptability of the second dose of measles vaccine and improve on child preventable diseases such as measles.

Acceptability and strategies for enhancing uptake of human immunodeficiency virus self-testing in Nigeria

BACKGROUND In 2019,the Nigerian Ministry of Health published the first operational guidelines for human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)to improve access to human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)testing services among undertested populations in the country.Also,as part of the campaign to increase HIV testing services in Nigeria,the Nigerian Ministry of Health developed standard operating procedures for using HIVST kits.AIM To systematically review the acceptability and strategies for enhancing the uptake of HIVST in Nigeria.METHODS The systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Different databases were searched to get the necessary materials needed for this review.Standardized forms developed by the authors were used for data extraction to minimize the risk of bias and ensure that the articles used for the study were properly screened.Identified articles were first screened using the titles and their abstracts.The full papers were screened,and the similarities of the documents were determined.Qualitative,quantitative,and mixed-method studies were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Critical Appraisal Framework criteria.RESULTS All the publications reviewed were published between 2015 and 2022,with 33.3%published in 2021.Most(77.8%)of the studies were cross-sectional,43.3%were conducted in Lagos State,and 26.3%were conducted among young people.The study revealed a high level of acceptability of HIVST.Certain factors,such as gender,sexual activity,and previous testing experience,influence the acceptability of HIV self-testing,with some individuals more likely to opt-out.The cost of the kit was reported as the strongest factor for choosing HIVST services,and this ranged from 200 to 4000 Naira(approximately United States Dollar 0.55-11.07),with the majority willing to pay 500 Naira(approximately United States Dollar 1.38).Privately-owned,registered pharmacies,youthfriendly centres,supermarkets,and online stores were the most cited access locations for HIVST.The least influential attribute was the type of specimen needed for HIVST.Strategies addressing cost and preferred access points and diverse needs for social media promotion,local translation of product use instructions,and HIVST distribution led by key opinion leaders for key populations were found to significantly enhance HIVST uptake and linkage to care.CONCLUSION HIVST acceptability is generally high from an intention-to-use perspective.Targeted strategies are required to improve the acceptability of HIV self-testing,especially among males,sexually active individuals,and first-time testers.Identified and proposed uptake-enhancing strategies need to be investigated in controlled settings and among different populations and distribution models in Nigeria.

Acceptability of Ambulatory Surgical Services and Its Predictors among Residents of Budondo Sub-County—Jinja District, Uganda

Background: 25% of all people requiring surgical care are not able to access it due to its high cost. These people stand a high risk of preventable severe morbidity and mortality due to poor prognosis of surgically correctable illnesses. Ambulatory surgical care services are significantly cheaper than orthodox surgical care and have become very relevant in this time and age where health conditions that can only be treated with surgical intervention are on the rise. The acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services will determine how this model increases universal health coverage. Objective: To assess the acceptability of ambulatory surgical services and its predictors among residents of Budondo Sub-County—Jinja district. Methods: The study was cross-sectional targeting 371 household heads in Budondo Sub-County, which was stratified by parish, with villages in each randomly sampled. Systematic random sampling was used to sample households and households therein were purposively sampled. Structured interviews and questionnaires were the data collection techniques, and data was analyzed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics and a binomial logit model. Results: The level of acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services among residents of Budondo Sub-County was found to be near-universal, at 96.5%. The odds of accepting ambulatory surgical care were least among household heads who agreed that surgery done in a hospital would be cheaper than surgery done at community level (aOR = 0.174 [CI = 0.055 - 0.553]), those who had health insurance (aOR = 0.105 [95% CI = 0.030 - 0.371]), and household heads who were covered with private health insurance (aOR = 0.078 [95% CI = 0.008 - 0.792]). Acceptability of ASC was higher among household heads who agreed that they would trust ambulatory surgical centers with their life were more likely to accept ambulatory surgical care (aOR = 1.124, [95% CI = 1.122 - 3.218], P = 0.000), and household heads from households that had less than five members with surgery history were twice as likely to accept ambulatory surgical care (aOR = 2.431 [95% CI = 1.122 - 5.898], P = 0.000). Conclusion: Acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services among residents of Budondo Sub-County is high, and near-universal. It is mainly predicted by intrapersonal correlates and to a small extent by socio-demographic characteristics, with the implication that the administration of Global Surgical Initiatives in Kyabirwa ought to focus on modifying or uphold the intrapersonal characteristics found to be antagonists and protagonists of acceptability, respectively.

The Changes in the Awareness of Cervical Cancer Prevention and the Acceptability of HPV Vaccines among Women after Their Introduction in China

Cervical cancer is a form of malignant tumor that seriously threatens women’s health. In China,according to the cancer statistics, 98,900 new cervical cancer cases and 30,500 deaths due to cervical cancer were estimated to have occurred in2015, and the incidence and mortality rates still exhibited an upward trend[1].

Production, Quality Evaluation and Sensory Acceptability of Mixed Fruit Juice from Pawpaw and Lime

Pawpaw and lime juices were blended to produce mixed pawpaw/lime juice samples in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) v/v giving samples A, B, C, D and E respectively. The moisture, mineral and vitamin contents, as well as the physical, microbiological and sensory qualities of the individual juices and blended samples were evaluated. While lime juice had higher moisture, calcium and vitamin C with values of 97.90%, 2.21 mg/100 g and 67.47 mg/100 g as compared to pawpaw juice with 92.96%, 1.53 mg/100 g and 35.49 mg/100 g respectively;the pawpaw juice had higher ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents, with values of 3.12%, 54.97 mg/100 g and 5.90 IU/100 g as against 2.84%, 29.53% and 0.16% for lime juice respectively. While there was a general increase in moisture, calcium and vitamin C contents with blending, ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents increased with increase in lime. The total solids content and specific gravity of pawpaw juice were remarkably higher at 7.04% and 1.15 g/m3 compared to 2.09% and 1.09 g/m3 respectively for lime juice. However, lime juice had a higher titratable acidity, while recording a lower pH of 2.89 as compared to 5.36 for pawpaw juice. The Total Viable Count (TVC) of lime juice was much lower (2.33 × 105 CFU/ml) than that of pawpaw juice (5.33 × 106 CFU/ml). There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the sensory parameters evaluated. Generally, there was an increase in the scores of each parameter from sample A to B and then a decline through to sample E. Sample B (80:20) mixed pawpaw/lime juice was most preferred, while sample E (50:50) was least preferred.

Probiotic Viability, Qualitative Characteristics, and Sensory Acceptability of Vegetable Juice Mixture Fermented with <i>Lactobacillus</i>Strains

The aim of the study was to consider the suitability of a mixture of juices from jicama, winter melon, and carrot as a raw medium for producing probiotic juice by Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum CICC22696 and Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC20710), as well as evaluate changes of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics during fermentation and cold storage (4°C, 28 days). Both strains grew well in juice mixtures after 24 h of fermentation at 37°C, reaching nearly 9 and 8 log CFU/mL when inoculated with L. plantarum and L. acidophilus respectively. The viability of L. plantarum was near 8 log CFU/mL at the end of storage whereas viability of L. acidophilus only remained 4.57 log CFU/mL. Degradation of total carotenoids was in the range of 12% - 23% in fermentation periods and 16% - 23% during cold storage depending on the strain used. The values of lightness, redness, and yellowness increased during fermentation. However, this tendency was variable during cold storage when the values of redness and yellowness decreased. Sensory acceptability of the products was enhanced by adding sucrose or multi fruit juice (containing mainly tropical fruit juices). The fermented juice with L. plantarum is efficient to produce a functional probiotic beverage.

Provitamin A Crops: Acceptability, Bioavailability, Efficacy and Effectiveness

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the world’s commonest cause of childhood blindness. More than half of these cases occur in developing countries. Animal sourced foods though good sources of vitamin A are too expensive for poor rural people. Crops biofortified with provitamin A offer a convenient and accessible source of vitamin A. The other micro-nutrient programs of fortification and supplementation require more expensive inputs. Biofortification programs have developed crops that are rich in provitamin A. These crops include: maize, golden rice, cassava and orange fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). With exception of golden rice, the rest of the biofortified crops have received considerable acceptance among the communities. Both animal and human studies have shown that provitamin A from biofortified crops is highly bioavailable and have capacity to improve vitamin A status. After several years of research and promotion, it is time to fully commercialize provitamin A crops by encouraging farmers to start their large scale production and consumption.

Acceptability of a reformulated grain-based food:Implications for increasing whole grain consumption

Idli is a popular Indian breakfast dish consumed by many people all over the world,made from white rice(Oryza sativum)(75%–80%)and black gram(Phaseolus mungo)(20%–25%).Idli’s wide consumption makes it ideal as a model for studying acceptability of a food reformulated with whole grains.The objective was to compare acceptability regarding texture,color and sensory properties when white rice was replaced with brown rice at 5 replacement levels(0%(control),25%,50%,75%and 100%).Textural attributes and L*a*b*color values were measured by a texture analyzer and a Chroma meter,respectively.Informed and blind sensory tests were conducted.Instrumental hardness and gumminess were proportional to the level of whole grain replacement,while springiness and cohesiveness did not vary by replacement level.Liking ratings for overall acceptability were similar at the three lowest levels of brown rice replacement.Although brown rice replacement reduced the liking score for various sensory attributes,especially for 75%and 100%replacements,more than 90%of the panelists preferred brown-rice-blended idli as their first choice.There are ample opportunities to increase whole grain consumption through reformulation of regularly consumed traditional refined grain foods by partial or complete replacement with whole grains.©2013 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Acceptability and Compliance to a 10-Day Regimen of Zinc Treatment in Diarrhea in Rural Bangladesh

We hypothesised that the promotion of blister packs of zinc may be carried out by health personnel in health care facilities to the mothers of children suffering from diarrhea. We predicted that good acceptability and good compliance to zinc treatment in rural Bangladesh would be over 75% and at least 60%, respectively. Between January and December 2011, six hundred and thirty five children aged 6 - 59 months who presented with acute diarrhea received a 10-day zinc regimen. Determination of acceptability and compliance of a dispersible zinc tablet in children 6 - 59 months old was main point of the study. In-home follow-ups started within 2 - 3 weeks after the regimen began. Seventy seven percent of the mothers/caretakers perceived that the taste of the zinc tablets was the same or better than that of other medicines given to their children and expressed willingness to use zinc in the future (good acceptability). Sixty-two percent of the children completed full 10-day course of zinc treatment by taking one tablet a day that had been completely dissolved in a small amount of water (good compliance). There was 63% excess risk for poor compliance to zinc if father stays at home with the family [OR = 1.63 (95%CI;1.09, 2.46) p = 0.019]. Despite vomiting, 33% children continued to receive zinc tablet [OR = 0.67 (95%CI;(0.47, 0.97, 0.032)] after adjusting for co-variates. Both acceptability and compliance to dispersible zinc tablets in childhood diarrheal illnesses are still not at the expected level in rural Bangladesh.

Acceptability of Bush Meat as a Source of Animal Protein in Delta State, Nigeria: Implication for Extension Services

The study examined the acceptability ofhnsh meat to Deltans. The specific objectives were to ascertain the consumption pattern of bush meat; identify the major types of bush meat consumed in the area; determine the likely constraints to bush meat consumption; and stipulate the extension implication of the findings. A systematic sampling technique was used to compose a sample size of 410 respondents. Data used for this study were collected using well structured interview schedule and data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, percentages, means and standard deviation, and inferential statistics （linear regression model）. The result of the study indicated that almost all the respondents （402） representing about 98% was formally consuming bush meat. The findings also revealed that as many as 323 individuals, representing 78.8% of the respondents did not consume bush meat currently. Only about 12.7% and 8.5% occasionally and regularly consumed bush meat respectively. It was therefore very obvious that people no longer consumed bush meat in Delta state as before. The results further indicated that the predominant bush meat consumed in the area were cane rat （97.70%） and the African giant snails （Achatina and Archachatina） （94.25%）. The result of the multiple regression analyses indicated that the coefficient for education （X3）, income （Xs）, Ebola （X6） and availability of game （XT） were significant at 5%, indicating that these variables were important factors influencing the consumption of bush meat in the study area. However, the coefficients of education level and Ebola factor were negative and significant, suggesting respondents with higher education and aware of Ebola disease were not likely to consume bush meat. As the result, it was concluded that bush meat was now almost unacceptable due to several factors like dread of Ebola disease, unavailability of game, educational level and income, which significantly affected the consumption of bush meat. It was therefore recommended among others that extension delivery services on how to domesticate game species should be available to farmers.

Acceptability, Nutritional Quality and Contribution of Vegetable-Enriched Products to Nutrient and Energy Requirements of School Children Aged 5 to 13 Years

Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is a problem among schoolchildren which, in addition to other effects, also affects their intellectual abilities. Inclusion of vegetables to food formulations can help to reduce MD because they contain vital micronutrients which are required for improved school performance. This study aimed at evaluating acceptability, determining the nutritional quality and estimating the contribution of vegetable enriched products to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of schoolchildren (5 to 13 years). The vegetables used were red and green amaranth leaves, orange fleshed sweet potato and pumpkin. Selection of vegetables was based on richness in micronutrients;local availability and consumption levels in Uganda;and their underutilization status particularly in processed form. Each of the vegetables was preprocessed and incorporated separately into soybean and grain amaranth in the ratio of 10:40:50, respectively, to improve the nutrient and energy density of the formulations. Sensory screening of formulations in a range of products (porridges, soups and snacks) revealed that orange fleshed sweet potato formulation was most preferred for porridge as well as for snacks (at 30:70 ratio of orange fleshed sweet potato composite to wheat flour);while red amaranth leaves composite was most preferred for soup. When tested for acceptability, nutritional quality, as well as contribution to the RDA (for vitamin A, iron, zinc, protein and energy) for schoolchildren 5 to 13 years, acceptability tests and nutritional quality of food products from the formulations were highly rated compared to commercial products (pure maize porridge, wheat based soup and 100% refined wheat flour snacks). All products from the two formulations contributed favourably to vitamin A, iron, zinc and protein requirements of children (5 to 13 years). Based on these findings, orange fleshed sweet potato composite flour can be recommended for making porridge, and can substitute (30%) for wheat flour in making snacks;while red amaranth leaf composite flour can be recommended for making soups.

Acceptability Properties and Antioxidant Pontential of Desi Chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i>L.) Cultivars

The acceptability properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant potential of four (red, green, brown, cream) desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars from the World Germplasm Bank were evaluated. Protein content of the grains varied from 20.12% to 28.85% (dw), highest for Cream ICC3421. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and cooking time (CT) of the whole grains ranged from 97.7 to 117.5 g water/100 g seeds (ww) and from 109.5 to 193.5 min, respectively;the highest WAC and lowest CT corresponded to Cream ICC3421 cultivar. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total hydrophilic antioxidant activity (AoxA) [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value] of desi chickpea cultivars varied from 746 to 1.286 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g sample (dw) and from 43.9 to 53.9 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g sample (dw);Brown ICC3512 showed the highest ORAC value. Chickpea cultivars could contribute significantly to the management and/or prevention of degenerative diseases associated with free radical damage.

Relationships between Fruit Acceptability and Health-Case of Seven Pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i>L.) Juices

The objective of this study was to evaluate acceptability and instrumental measurements (titratable acidity, total soluble sugar, total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannin contents as well as antioxidant capacity) of seven Tunisian pomegranate cultivars to relate fruit acceptability and beneficial health. Seventy one participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and to indicate their level of acceptance, on a nine point-hedonic scale, for fruit size, sweetness, bitterness, juice color and juice overall acceptability. Taste and aril color were the main criteria to select Pomegranate. Significant differences occurred for all the acceptability tests. Titratable acidity determines the taste and important inter-specific variability in the phenolic contents as well as for the antioxidant capacities was noticed. Anthocyanin and condensed tannin were contributing to the organoleptic properties while bitterness acceptability was negatively correlated to the antioxidant capacity. Also, a relationship was found between the fruit size acceptability and the antioxidant capacity.

Uptake of Rotavirus Vaccine and Factors That Contributed to Its Adoption and Acceptability by Parents/Guardians in Selected Communities of Ndola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia

Rotavirus infection is recognized as a major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis infection affecting the stomach and intestinal tract in infants and young children worldwide leading to diarrhoea and vomiting. Most of the children would have had rotavirus infection by the time they are five years old. The disease is highly contagious and unpredictable as it can lead to dehydration due to severe loss of body fluid and consequently to death. World Health Organization recommended the use of two vaccines, RotaTeqR and RotarixTM to be used in countries with high diarrhoea related mortality in under-five children. In Zambia rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM) was rolled out to other parts of the country in its immunization program on 27th November 2013 after a successful pilot study in Lusaka in 2012 to reduce on diarrhoea caused by rotavirus infection among under-five children which had caused 9% of deaths. The objectives for this study were to establish uptake of rotavirus vaccine among under-fives and factors that shaped its adoption and acceptability at community level in Ndola, Zambia. Study design was cross sectional analytic community based which was conducted from 1st March 2017 to 28th September 2017 to compare factors that contributed to its uptake. Sample size consisted of 380 respondents who were parents/guardians to under-five children aged 3 - 36 months residing in two homogenous selected communities. Purposive sampling was used to select study sites and respondents. This paper used triangulation method of data collection which included checklist, structured interview schedule and discussion guide tools. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for quantitative data analysis and Atlas.ti for qualitative data obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) using hermeneutics theoretical frames to identify linkages and associations of variables. Results have shown that majority (85.3%) of under-fives received two recommended rotavirus vaccine (high uptake). Under-fives aged between 13 - 18 months were 11.32 times more likely to receive high uptake of rotavirus vaccine than other age groups. Availability of rotavirus vaccine at health facilities (p = 0.035) contributed to its adoption and acceptability. In conclusion, availability of rotavirus vaccine at health facilities had an impact on its uptake and adoption.

Acceptability of Routine HIV Testing by Pregnant Women in Lusaka District Ante Natal Urban Clinics in Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Each year around 1.5 million women living with Human immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) become pregnant, and without antiretroviral drugs there is a chance that their child will become infected. Following the introduction of Routine Human immuno deficiency Virus testing policy in Zambia, the Human immuno deficiency Virus test is offered to all pregnant women unless they decline. However, more pregnant women are declining to be tested. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence acceptability of routine HIV testing by pregnant women in Lusaka district urban clinics. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted in Lusaka District clinics. The sample size was 366 ante natal pregnant women who were selected by simple random sampling, selected from three (3) selected research setting. The study population included pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years, coming for ante natal visit for the first time, before being tested for HIV, were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. A pretested semi structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data were entered and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 program. Chi-square was used to test for significant associations and Binary Logistic regression modelling was carried out to predict the outcome. A 5% level of significance (p value) 0.05 confidence interval was set. Results: Study findings revealed that majority 85.6% (317) of respondents indicated willingness to undergo routine HIV testing in pregnancy though 77.3% perceived it a compulsory test. Binary logistic regression revealed that maternal age, educational level and information education and communication (IEC) contributed significantly to the model. The odds revealed that acceptability of routine HIV testing by older pregnant women (37 - 49 years) were 8 times (OR = 7.67, p = 0.003) higher than the younger ones. The odds of acceptability by respondents with tertiary education were 141 times (OR-141.23, p-0.0001), likely to accept HIV testing than those with primary or no education. And the odds also revealed that acceptability by women who cited adequate IEC (OR-2.6, p-0.024) were 3 times higher than those who cited inadequate IEC. Conclusion: The study showed that majority of the pregnant women was willing to undergo Routine HIV testing however a percentage regarded the test as a mandatory test without any choice of denial. Therefore there is need to address some factors that are likely to affect the routine HIV testing and impede the success of implementation of the PMTCT programme in the country which goes beyond testing for HIV alone. Recommendations: Ministry of Health needs to provide health education messages in different tribes. MOH should also intensify male involvement in HIV Testing and Counselling. LDHO should consider training more community health care givers as Voluntary Counselling and Testing providers. The District should organize regular refresher courses and presentations on Routine HIV testing to health workers and Ministry of Health should consider conducting a country wide study.

Assessing the Acceptability and Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing among Student Nurses in a Private Nursing College, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if self-testing kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre- and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre- and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.

Nutritional Quality and Acceptability Evaluation of Ogi Flour Biofortified with Garlic and Ginger

Ogi an affordable complementary food is of paramount importance due to its popularity as diets of many native African populations.The study explored effects of biofortification with garlic and ginger on acceptability and nutritional quality of ogi flour prepared from sorghum and quality protein maize by natural fermentation technique.Pasting properties,bulk density,water absorption capacity,total reducing sugar and sensory characteristics were evaluated.Biofortified samples showed stable total reducing sugar content,increase in bulk density,decrease in water absorption capacity and peak time during storage.The pasting temperatures of biofortified ogi flour were below boiling temperature thus formed paste in hot water below the boiling point.Ogi(maize)with 2%garlic-2%ginger and ogi(sorghum)with 4%garlic-2%ginger were the most preferred with no significant difference(p<0.05).Biofortification with garlic and ginger at 2 and 4%improved the quality attributes and acceptability of ogi flour.The study on biofortification of ogi with garlic and ginger is germane in formulation of nourishing weaning food that is light,less bulky for babies,nursing mothers and malnourished populations.