Isabella Garti

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia, a high-risk pregnancy complication, poses significant threats to maternal and fetal health. Globally, little is known about how women navigate a pre-eclampsia diagnosis or their perceptions of the pathology, unpredictable course, and treatment. Guided by the Health Belief model, this study explores pregnant women’s beliefs about pre-eclampsia in Ghana’s most populous region. Materials and methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at a district hospital in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to explore pregnant women’s narratives of their health beliefs and perceptions regarding pre-eclampsia. Sixteen participants were purposively selected, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in October 2021. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Categories were developed inductively from participants’ accounts and subsequently interpreted in relation to the constructs of the Health Belief Model. Results: Pregnant women’s risk perceptions of pre-eclampsia varied, with some not perceiving personal risk, while a few felt vulnerable based on community experiences and observations of other women. Pre-eclampsia was widely regarded as a serious condition, with many expressing fears of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Participants recognized the benefits of antenatal care and lifestyle modifications in reducing risk and empowering care-seeking, while previous experiences with pre-eclampsia and guidance from health providers served as key cues to action. However, several barriers to care were identified, including financial constraints, mistrust of the health system, and inadequate communication from health providers. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for context-specific approaches to address health beliefs related to pre-eclampsia. Strengthening maternal health literacy, effective risk communication, and respectful care can improve early recognition, care-seeking, and outcomes for pre-eclampsia.

Background: Midwifery education in Nigeria is undergoing a transformation in pedagogical approach. Existing traditional teaching materials are being supplemented by digital technology-enhanced learning resources; however, educators’ limited pedagogical capacity may hinder their adoption. Thus, train-the-trainer (TTT) workshops were implemented to build capacity among midwifery educators to prepare them for the implementation of a digital learning platform across 20 institutions in Nigeria. Objective: This study aimed to describe the development and qualitative evaluation of a TTT program to support the implementation of a technology-enhanced learning platform within preservice midwifery education in Nigeria. We aimed to evaluate participants’ perceptions of the training and their preparedness to implement their learning. Methods: The workshop was developed using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) instructional design model. A 3-day TTT program was delivered in 2 cohorts in July 2025 to a purposive sample of 80 institution-nominated midwifery educators and information and communication technology officers from 20 pilot institutions. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to explore participants’ perceptions of the training and their readiness to implement and support the technology-enhanced learning platform within their institutions. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Pre-workshop responses demonstrated varying levels of prior exposure to and use of digital technologies, as well as differing expectations of the training. Four themes emerged from the post-workshop evaluation. Participants perceived improvements in their understanding of pedagogical and technology-enhanced learning approaches; reported greater readiness to support implementation and knowledge transfer within their institutions; highlighted infrastructure and technical support barriers to implementation; and emphasized the need for ongoing capacity building, monitoring, and support to promote long-term sustainability. Conclusions: Rather than evaluating educational outcomes, this study provides early evidence of educator readiness, implementation considerations, and sustainability requirements for technology-enhanced learning in preservice midwifery education in low-resourced settings such as Nigeria. A multifaceted approach combining capacity building, ongoing support, technical requirements, and institutional commitment to continuous improvement is needed. Future phases of this implementation research will evaluate educational, implementation, and institutional outcomes associated with the digital learning platform.

Stillbirth remains a profound public health, psychological, and social concern, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where bereavement support i

Introduction: Despite advances in pain assessment and management, pediatric pain remains undertreated, posing a significant challenge including mortalities. This hinders effective pain management for children, often due to difficulties in pediatric pain assessment by nurses. This study explores pain management practices among pediatric nurses at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used in this study to select 21 practicing nurses using purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data via face-face interviews, and data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: Four major themes and 8 subthemes emerged from the findings. Pediatric pain assessment was primarily guided by the experience of care providers rather than routine practices, with children themselves serving as the main indicators of pain rather than relying on parents. Despite various barriers, health care providers prioritized pediatric pain management by integrating compassion, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity into their approach. Conclusion: Pediatric nurses were attentive and provided prompt pain relief but faced challenges with pain assessment and medication administration, particularly with suppositories. Implementing standardized protocols for pain management and providing resources to support nurses in overcoming these challenges can improve the quality of care provided to paediatric patients.

Introduction: Adoption of digital technologies in midwifery education has been slow. Many barriers challenge implementing digital learning technologies in Africa, limiting access, disrupting learning activities and hindering full engagement and adoption of digital tools. Methods: A scoping review of original research publications from Africa was performed to explore stakeholder perspectives regarding the adoption and effectiveness of digital learning within midwifery education. The review aimed to examine and document stakeholder experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and challenges in existing literature, providing insights crucial to informing future strategies and policy decisions. Data from each study were collected using a custom-designed extraction form tailored specifically for this review. Results: After searching nine databases, 233 original manuscripts were located. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and nine studies remained for analysis. Content analysis was used to identify three main themes: (1) perceived benefits of digital learning, (2) facilitating factors, and (3) technical and technological challenges, which identified the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and challenges of stakeholders who have been exposed to using digital technology in midwifery education in Africa. Conclusion: There is a growing interest in integrating digital learning into midwifery education in Africa; however, this comes with contextual challenges such as limited infrastructure, access, and low digital literacy. Addressing these through targeted investment, comprehensive training, and other localized strategies is key to successfully implementing and scaling up digital education in preservice midwifery education on the continent. Findings can help guide effective program design and policy development.

INPLASY202490020 Breastfeeding behaviors and practices in women with a history of pre-eclampsia: A Scoping Review Protocol Keywords: Pre-eclampsia; Breastfeeding; feeding behaviour; feeding pattern…

Cervical cancer is a common and significant health issue for women worldwide. To address the dearth of research on male partners’ experiences when their significant others are diagnosed with cervical cancer, we aim to explore the unique challenges and perspectives encountered by men in these circumstances. The study adopted interpretive phenomenological analysis to qualitatively assess the experiences of males with partners diagnosed of cervical cancer. A phenomenological research design with purposive sampling technique was used to recruit and collect data from 38 participants until saturation occurred. Face to face interviews were conducted using a developed semi-structured interview guide. The data collected was analyzed using content analysis after verbatim transcription was done. The study resulted in the identification of 2 main themes, and 10 subthemes. These themes focused on the multifaceted impact of cervical cancer on spousal caregivers’ lives and the coping and support mechanisms utilized by spouses of cervical cancer patients. The findings indicated that men faced several challenging experiences as a result of their spouses’ condition and revealed the strategies they employed to cope with the stress of caring for their wives. Almost every man adopted a strategy to cope with the condition of their wives. This study would assist other men to understand the psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual experiences the men went through to appreciate and adopt their coping strategies whenever they go through such challenges.