Masters Degrees (DPBS)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (DPBS) by Author "Namene, Maria"

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    Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices on infertility among adults visiting the gynaecology and urology clinics at Intermediate Katutura Hospital and Windhoek Central Hospital, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2024) Namene, Maria; Uushona, S. I.
    Infertility is one of the global burdens, an under-observed but significant health problem affecting one in four couples in developing countries. A total number of 48 million couples are affected by infertility globally and a total number of 186 million individuals globally. In Namibia, about 15% of couples struggle with infertility. Although causes of infertility are equally shared among male and female factors each accounting for 30%, infertility is highly stigmatised, and women are usually blamed for it. The study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on infertility among adults visiting the Gynaecology and Urology clinics at Intermediate Hospital Katutura and Windhoek Central Hospital in Windhoek, Namibia. A convergent parallel mixed method approach was used in this study. A total number of 118 respondents were recruited to fill in the questionnaire and 18 interviews held. The study was conducted on respondents aged 21 to 79 years, including both males and females. Participants had varying levels of education, ranging from no formal education to tertiary education, and different employment statuses, including employed, self-employed, and unemployed. Additionally, respondents came from diverse tribal backgrounds. The study discovered that the knowledge on infertility is limited, 37.1% do not identify infertility as a disease and 75.2% believe contraceptives causes infertility. Participants believe witchcraft and curses causes infertility. Seeking medical services is listed as the initial option when struggling with infertility. Adoption and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are acceptable options when struggling with infertility. Knowledge on infertility is limited among respondents, the misconception about contraceptives is widespread. An average practice on infertility is noted and the act of assigning blame for infertility is widespread in various communities. Raising awareness on infertility is recommended to increase infertility knowledge, reduce stigma, and create awareness. Dedicated fertility clinics in state hospitals are required to offer specialised services to individuals struggling with infertility. Research recruiting individuals dealing with infertility is encouraged, in order to understand their experiences better. The misconceptions of contraceptive usage leading to infertility need to be tackled through the health campaigns