Augustine Bala Nalah, Azman Azlinda and Singh Jamir Singh Paramjit
The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of harmful cultural practices and its implications on stigmatization and the spread of HIV infection among people diagnosed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of harmful cultural practices and its implications on stigmatization and the spread of HIV infection among people diagnosed with HIV in North Central Nigeria. It will help to identify the cultural values that pose a threat to the social, health and psychological well-being of the members of the society. This study will provide recommendations through educational teachings to community leaders and policymakers for health-care protection through Human Rights Act.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the qualitative phenomenological research design through a face-to-face in-depth interview to collect data using the audio recorder and field notes. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit, from three selected hospitals, 20 participants aged 18 years–56 years who gave their consent by filling the informed consent form between April 2019 and July 2019. The data collected were analyzed through thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti 8 software. Also, thematic network analysis was used to visualize the themes, sub-themes and quotations.
Findings
The study findings indicate that sociocultural factors and HIV stigma in Nigeria are significant psychosocial problems that have adverse implications for health and psychological well-being. These problems contribute to the harmful traditional practices, thereby making people vulnerable to contracting HIV infection. The nontherapeutic practices of female genital mutilation, sexual intercourse during menstruation and tribal marks or scarification cause medical complications such as vesicovaginal fistula, rectovaginal fistula and HIV infection. Also, the practice of 18 months of sexual abstinence during breastfeeding predisposes couples to extramarital affairs and HIV infections. The findings also reveal that lack of education contributes to gender inequality.
Originality/value
The research uses a scientific method using ATLAS.ti 8 software for the transcription, organization and thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The study findings will benefit specifically the young girls and women who are usually the victims of the harmful cultural practices of female genital mutilation, gender inequality, sexual intercourse during menstruation and lack of female education in North Central Nigeria. Also, this study will serve as a relevant document and guide for policy implementation of Human and Child Rights Acts against all harmful cultural practices and gender inequality.
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Isahaque Ali, Md Aslam Mia, Azlinda Azman and Tajul Ariffin Masron
Although microfinance had experienced rapid growth in most developing economies, multiple borrowing remains a growing concern for practitioners and researchers in recent years…
Abstract
Purpose
Although microfinance had experienced rapid growth in most developing economies, multiple borrowing remains a growing concern for practitioners and researchers in recent years. Hence, the main purpose of the study is to evaluate the factors affecting multiple borrowing among microfinance clients.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary survey data of 400 microfinance clients from Bangladesh was collected to execute the research objective. Considering the types of dependent variable, this study employed logistics, probit, ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson regression techniques to analyze the data.
Findings
Among others, it was discovered that the expected (requested) loan amount is positively associated with multiple borrowing, while the level of training, small cattle farming business and marital status (widow/separated) exhibited negative effects under logistic regression. These results are robust with respect to the regression method, the specification and the definition of the outcome variable. Also, supply-side incentives (e.g. training) were found to partly influence the multiple-borrowing behavior of microfinance clients. These findings reiterate the contribution of both demand and supply-side factors to the multiple-borrowing behavior of clients. Consequently, policy implications and future research direction are advanced.
Originality/value
The authors have examined some individual-level characteristics as well as some supply-side incentives to better understand the underexplored issue of multiple-borrowing behavior among microfinance clients.
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Azlinda Azman, Nor Amalina Jali, Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh, Jafri Malin Abdullah and Haidi Ibrahim
Advanced medical technology has reduced the mortality rate among traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. This, however, has led to an increasing number of surviving patients with a…
Abstract
Purpose
Advanced medical technology has reduced the mortality rate among traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. This, however, has led to an increasing number of surviving patients with a major disability. As a consequence, these patients need attentive care which becomes an important issue for the society, particularly family members. Thus, this paper aims to review some of the salient roles, challenges and needs of the family caregivers in caring or nursing for their family members diagnosed with TBI.
Design/methodology/approach
An inclusive search of the literature was undertaken to identify the family roles, challenges and needs in supporting and nursing TBI patients.
Findings
Previous studies have shown that the family needs to address two important aspects of taking care of TBI patients, which involve emotional and physical affairs. Hence, it is essential for the family members to have adequate information on healing treatment, nursing and care methods, financial support, support groups, managing self-care and, more importantly, emotional and social support.
Originality/value
This paper is not currently under consideration, in press or published elsewhere. In Malaysian culture, nursing disabled patients have always been a family responsibility. The role of nursing the patients has been done domestically and is considered a private affair. In order to execute the role, some put the patient needs as their priority and leave aside their needs and matters.