Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the most harmful traditions still practiced in many parts of the developing world, including Kenya. The practice leads to permanent and irreversible health damages; however, knowledge and attitude of women towards its obstetric effects is scarce. Aim The objective of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of women towards obstetric effects of FGM among Maasai women. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Loitokitok Sub-County Hospital among 64 Maasai women who had undergone FGM. Systematic sampling was employed to identify the respondents. Data were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire and analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 based on frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were coded and categorized and thematic analysis was done. Results Half of the women were knowledgeable on obstetric effects of FGM. Majority of them, 81% (n=52), sustained perineal tears during childbirth while 53% (n=34) had postpartum hemorrhage. Majority of the respondents, 81% (n=51), had negative attitude towards FGM and 87% (n=31) would not encourage their daughters to be circumcised. Most of them, 64% (n=23), disagreed that circumcision made one a respectable woman. Conclusion Obstetric effects of FGM were fairly known and there was negative attitude towards FGM practice.

No abstract

Caregivers, whether a biological parent, adoptive parent, or a relative such as a grandparent, of adolescent with substance use disorder (SUD) undergo immense psychological and social strains, as they have to deal with substance habituated issues arising from their adolescent child. Caregivers often encounter many untold experiences while parenting adolescents on substance use. However, there is limited documentation of such experiences. A remarkable proportion of research has focused on adolescent substance use and the experiences of adolescents, whereas little attention has been paid to caregivers. This study explored the psychological experiences of caregivers of adolescents diagnosed with SUD. This was a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with 18 caregivers of adolescents with SUD conducted at a Youth Centre located in a national referral hospital and focused on the caregivers' psychological experiences. Data collected through in-depth interviews were transcribed and thematically coded. Recurrent themes were analysed and reported. The study identified several themes in the experiences of caregivers of adolescents with SUDs. The main psychological experience was stress, whereas lasting psychological effects as well as difficult social outcomes as a result of substance use by the adolescent child were also identified. This study revealed the complex landscape of psychological turmoil that the caregivers have to navigate while caring for an adolescent diagnosed with SUD.

No abstract

No abstract