Immaculata P. Kessy

and 9 more

Background: The use of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) is still a challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where it contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. While Tanzania has made progress in maternal health, adolescents aged 15–19 remain disproportionately underserved in accessing SBA, which is critical for safe delivery. This study aims to assess the trends and predictors of SBA use among adolescent girls. Methods: This study analyzed nationally representative data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS) conducted in 2004/05, 2010, 2015/16, and 2022. Trends in SBA use among adolescent mothers were assessed, and multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to determine predictors associated with SBA use in the 2022. Results were presented using adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with a 95% confidence interval. Results: SBA use among adolescent mothers increased from 61.9% in 2004/05 to 85.3% in 2022. Despite this progress, disparities persisted across regions, with Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro maintaining near-universal coverage while others lagged. In 2022, adolescents were more likely to use SBA if they lived in urban areas (APR = 1.04), had secondary or higher education (APR = 1.10), came from wealthier households (APR = 1.08), attended four or more antenatal care visits (APR = 1.13), or had a partner with secondary or higher education (APR = 1.15). Rural residence and low educational attainment were associated with reduced SBA use. Conclusion: While SBA coverage among adolescents has improved in Tanzania, structural and social inequalities hinder equitable access. Strengthening adolescent-focused maternal health strategies, including improved ANC coverage, expanded education, and male partner engagement, is essential to address disparities and reduce maternal health risks among adolescent girls.
The pressure ulcers are described to localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction,” by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Preventing anything from happening or emerging is referred to as prevention. [1], [2]. All healthcare professionals have a duty in prevention of pressure ulcers, but nurses have a particularly important responsibility.Each year, 700,000 patients worldwide suffer from pressure ulcers (PU). Each year, about 186,617 individuals receiving acute treatment acquire a new pressure ulcer. 2% of avoidable fatalities are caused by pressure ulcers. For pressure ulcers to be effectively prevented, three essential elements must be present: awareness of the problem’s importance, a proactive attitude toward prevention, and sufficient information. Furthermore, 4.32% of people in east Africa have pressure ulcers. Locally, there appears to have been little, if any, research on this illness[3].PU pose the significant problem for patients, caregivers, and family members. In addition to pain and suffering, patients may also become functionally impaired, which would result in higher costs and longer hospital stays. Treatment for PU in the United States cost roughly 10.2 billion USD in 2008, and it was linked to about 29,000 hospital fatalities. One’s daily routine and quality of life are directly impacted by PU. Living with pressure ulcers can have a number of detrimental effects, such as discomfort, fear, worry, social isolation, and decreased independence [4].A study conducted in Tanzania on individuals with spinal cord injuries revealed PU as a prominent consequence, with an incidence of 22.9%. There is little study information pertaining to nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding pressure ulcers in Tanzania [6].Nursing described as a humanistic and humanitarian art and science in Roger’s philosophy of human beings. The science of unitary humans has two dimensions: the science of nursing, which is the knowledge particular to nursing that derives from scientific study, and the art of nursing, which is applying the science of nursing in inventive ways to improve patient outcomes. She stated that while talking about health and treatment, the patient and his surroundings cannot be separated.Nurses can apply their knowledge, attitude, and practice from the science of nursing to change patient outcomes in the prevention and treatment of PU in the hospital. The link between the patient and environment will facilitate the patient result of PU prevention and treatment. A patient’s mobility, health, nutritional status, age, and tissue perfusion, can all be assessed by nurses to help prevent and treat PU.It is also highly recommended that nurses engage in continuous professional development (CPD), and that its efficacy be regularly assessed. In order for nurses to provide the greatest nursing care in regards to PU prevention and treatment, which may result in the best patient outcome, protocols, guidelines, and assessment tools are also required and should be made available in services.