1.  Title: How to mobilize communities for improved maternal and newborn health. Author: Storti C Source: [Baltimore, Maryland], JHPIEGO, Access to Clinical and Community Maternal, Neonatal and Women’s Health Services Program [ACCESS], 2009 Apr. [90] p. Abstract: This guide is intended for individuals who will work with communities as they mobilize to improve maternal and newborn health. It has two parts: Chapter one is a general overview of maternal and newborn health. Chapters two through seven take the readers step by step through the mobilization process, following the phases of the community action cycle. This part contains all of the essential instructions for carrying out a community mobilization initiative to improve the health of pregnant women and newborns. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | TEACHING MATERIALS | QUESTIONNAIRES | MOTHERS | PREGNANT WOMEN | INFANT | MATERNAL HEALTH | INFANT HEALTH | MATERNAL-CHILD HEALTH SERVICES | ANTENATAL CARE | POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS | INFECTION PREVENTION | PREVENTIVE MEDICINE | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION | COMMUNITY-BASED DISTRIBUTION WORKERS | PLANNING METHODOLOGY | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Health | Child Health | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Maternal Health Services | Family Planning Programs | Family Planning | Infections | Diseases | Medicine | Organization and Administration | Community Workers | Health Personnel | Planning | Evaluation Document Number: 331789 |
| 2. Title: Guide for community assessments on women's health care. Author: Kidd R; Orza L Source: [Washington, D.C.], International Center for Research on Women [ICRW], Parliamentarians for Women’s Health, 2008. 114 p. Abstract: This guide is a tool for civil society organizations and organizations of people living with HIV to improve women's access to health care among communities hard-hit by the AIDS epidemic. The guide is designed to help these organizations facilitate community assessments on women's health care, using participatory methods that involve not only members of the community, but also parliamentarians who may be sympathetic to but lack comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the plight of their women constituents who are struggling with the dual challenge of living with AIDS and having inadequate health care. Through the process of conducting the community assessment, both the service organizations and the parliamentarians emerge with better information about and a more comprehensive understanding of the issues women face, thus equipping them with the information they need to lobby and organize for change. The guide provides information and practical tools on how to conduct community assessments on women's health. It includes lessons drawn from the Parliamentarians for Women's Health project's experience in conducting community assessments in Kenya and Namibia. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | MANUAL | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | COMMUNITY | HEALTH PERSONNEL | COMMUNITY WORKERS | WOMEN'S HEALTH | HEALTH SERVICES EVALUATION | COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES | WORKSHOPS | COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION | Evaluation | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Education Document Number: 326340 |
| 3. Title: Included Involved Inspired: a framework for youth peer education programmes. Author: International Planned Parenthood Federation [IPPF] Source: London, England, IPPF, 2007 Nov. 60 p. Abstract: This framework is a guide for our IPPF Member Associations and affiliated/partner organisations. It builds upon, and complements, existing frameworks and provides an IPPF perspective on peer education. It can be used by programme designers, managers and coordinators, as well as by senior managers overseeing larger peer education initiatives. Supervisors, trainers and other young people can also use this framework in their work, and as a basic reference tool. Depending on the stage of your programme, the framework can be used to initiate a new peer education project/programme or to help you rethink and improve your existing activities. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | MANUAL | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | PEER EDUCATORS | YOUTH | ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE PREVENTION | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | GENDER ISSUES | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | PROGRAM DESIGN | TRAINING PROGRAMS | CONDOM USE | MOTIVATION | MONITORING | Evaluation | Education | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Organization and Administration | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Health | Sociocultural Factors | Human Rights | Political Factors | Programs | Risk Reduction Behavior | Behavior | Psychological Factors Document Number: 325459 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: Proceeding to the International Conference on Linking Reproductive Health, Family Planning and HIV / AIDS Programs in Africa, Addis Ababa, October 9-10, 2006. Author: Berhane Y; Tsui A Source: Ethiopian Journal of Health Development. 2007;21(1):93-107. Abstract: In as much as the conference theme referred to linking RH and FP with HIV/AIDS programs in Africa, many of the research presentations, and thus meeting discussions, centered on "integration" features, such as adding one service into the other, cross-training providers in counseling, provision of dual protection methods, behavioral change communication with youth, and policy coordination. Without an operating definition for integration the conferees were not able to arrive at a clear consensus on whether integrating services for reproductive health and family planning with those for HIV/AIDS would be effective in addressing prevention of adverse pregnancy and sexual behavioral outcomes. However, these sentiments belie what was a rapidly expanding body of knowledge generated through study findings shared at the two-day conference. Many researchers were pleasantly surprised at the extent of parallel and intertwined threads of investigations being pursued by other colleagues in African and non-Africancountries. Although the structural aspects of integration, such as how services are organized, administered and physically located, needed to be distinguished from their policy and financial underpinnings, conferees quickly recognized the complexity of linking two major health program areas. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ETHIOPIA | CONFERENCES AND CONGRESSES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | POPULATION AT RISK | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | YOUTH | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | FAMILY PLANNING | AIDS | HEALTH SERVICES | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | HEALTH POLICY | IMPACT | NEEDS | INTEGRATED PROGRAMS | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | HIV/FP INTEGRATION | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Communication | Economic Factors Document Number: 323365 |
| 5. Title: Stories of significance: Redefining change. An assortment of community voices and articulations. A report based on an evaluation of a programme on "Community Driven Approaches to Address the Feminisation of HIV / AIDS in India" by means of the 'most significant change' technique. Author: Bhattacharya N Source: New Delhi, India, India HIV / AIDS Alliance, 2007 Mar. 33 p. Abstract: The project has achieved significant impacts on people's lives where it was implemented in conjunction with other ongoing programmes of the implementing organisation. For instance, Child Survival India (CSI) integrated the project with its longer term programmes on women empowerment and adolescent girls' vocational skills training. Similarly, Social Awareness Service Organisation placed this project in those areas where their Care and Support programme with Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) were ongoing. Most of their 'target population', therefore, were wives of current IDUs or ex-IDUs. As a result, not only were the existing groups further strengthened by awareness on sexual and reproductive health issues, legal rights, and linkages with health care providers, but there was wider community acceptance and influence, as was seen in Delhi. In Manipur, this led to the affected women getting the much needed psychological support, awareness and opportunities for earning an income. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | WOMEN | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV PREVENTION | TREATMENT | GENDER ISSUES | FEMINISM | COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | PROGRAM EVALUATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sociocultural Factors | Primary Health Care | Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 325162 |
| 6. Title: Information gaps for scaling-up programs to improve zinc nutrition. Author: Brown KH Source: [Washington, D.C.], Academy for Educational Development [AED], A2Z Project, 2007 Jan. 7 p. (Gap AnalysisUSAID Cooperative Agreement No. GHS-A-00-05-00012-00USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADK-388) Abstract: This document focuses on the existing gaps in information needed to design large-scale programs to enhance zinc nutrition. A recent publication of the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) discusses how adequate zinc nutrition is necessary for optimal child health, physical growth, and normal pregnancy outcomes. Recent community-based intervention trials have found that zinc supplementation decreases rates of diarrhea and acute lower respiratory infections among young children, two of the most important causes of child mortality in lower income countries. Several studies have detected significantly reduced death rates among children who receive supplemental zinc. Notably, a recent Lancet series on child mortality estimated that universal (greater than 90 percent) coverage with intervention programs to prevent zinc deficiency would reduce child mortality by approximately five percent globally. This places zinc programs among the top five suggested approaches for ensuring improvedchild survival. In addition to the effects of zinc on morbidity and mortality from common childhood infections, a number of studies indicate that preventive zinc supplements increase the linear growth and weight gain of stunted or underweight children. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | RECOMMENDATIONS | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | CHILDREN | SERUM ZINC LEVEL | CHILD NUTRITION | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | Evaluation | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Hemic System | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition | Health | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 323498 |
| 7. Title: Decentralising HIV M&E in Africa. Country experiences and implementation options in building and sustaining sub-national HIV M&E systems, in the context of local government reforms and decentralised HIV responses. Author: Fraser N; Ndiaye A; Gorgens-Albino M Source: Washington, D.C., World Bank, Global HIV / AIDS Program, 2007 Aug. 10 p. (HIV / AIDS M&E -- Getting Results) Abstract: In operationalising the 3rd of the Three Ones - One HIV M&E system, a growing number of countries in Africa are opting to decentralise their national HIV monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. This decentralization is primarily driven by other decentralisation processes happening within government, and by the fact that the HIV response itself is changing towards less centralized intervention and increased community ownership. Decentralisation of national HIV M&E systems is an arduous and resource intensive process, but experience has shown that it is essential to decentralise M&E functions as HIV services are rolled out. This note summarizes the experience of countries that are decentralizing their national HIV M&E systems and describes how it can be done. It defines decentralization, discusses the rationale and benefits of decentralizing the HIV response, and key factors to take into account when doing so. Decentralizing the HIV M&E system is linked to decentralizing the HIV response. The note describes how each of the 12 components of a HIV M&E system can be decentralized, with country examples. (author's) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | POLICYMAKERS | ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL | DECENTRALIZATION | HIV PREVENTION | MONITORING | PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY | CAPACITY BUILDING | COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES | AIDS PREVENTION | WORLD BANK | Developing Countries | Evaluation | Organization and Administration | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | AIDS | International Agencies | Organizations Document Number: 322872 |
| 8. Title: Health facility tools to assess preparedness for HIV services delivery, including antiretroviral therapy. Author: Harkins J Source: Arlington, Virginia, Family Health International [FHI], [2007]. 242 p. (PN-ADJ-492) Abstract: To introduce HIV-related services in health and community facilities, it is essential that a rapid and comprehensive process of appraisal and implementation planning occur for each site. This process includes several steps to ensure that the proper contacts are made, accurate data are gathered and used for program planning, and comprehensive program planning occurs. Participants from technical and program support areas should be involved in all aspects of the process. This manual outlines the rapid appraisal and implementation planning framework used to plan service delivery in FHI-supported sites and provides tools to be used along the way. This comprehensive manual will help governments and organizations: determine the availability and quality of the essential elements of HIV services including counseling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) from the facility perspective; gather necessary data about these services and additional needs from both clinicians and clients; organize and analyze those data; plan for program implementation; create reports based on the data; evaluate the quality of the appraisal and implementation process. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | DATA ANALYSIS | QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HEALTH PERSONNEL | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | HEALTH FACILITIES | HEALTH SERVICES EVALUATION | HOSPITALS | QUESTIONNAIRES | PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | HIV TESTING | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Survey Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Health | HIV | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services Document Number: 322035 |
| 9. Title: Defining the issues for vitamin A. Author: Klemm R; Harvey P; Palmer A; West KP Jr Source: [Washington, D.C.], Academy for Educational Development [AED], A2Z Project, 2007 Jan. 8 p. (Gap AnalysisfUSAID Cooperative Agreement No. GHS-A-00-05-00012-00USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADK-395) Abstract: Vitamin A deficiency remains a widespread public health problem among women and children in the developing world. Over 20 percent of all preschool age children (approximately130 million) and nearly six percent of all pregnant women (approximately7 million) in developing regions suffer from vitamin A deficiency and its adverse health consequences. Deficiency of vitamin A remains the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in the world, and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among preschool aged children. Guidelines for preventing vitamin A deficiency in the preschool years have long been in force, practiced, and periodically reaffirmed and updated to take into account new scientific information and programming experiences. Recent studies in Southern Asia suggest that vitamin A may reduce infant mortality by 20 percent or more when given shortly after birth. This provides new opportunities for vitamin A deficiency control to lower mortality during this high-risk period of life. Vitamin A deficiency appears to extend through the pre-adolescent years, although both its extent and health consequences during this period of life remain uncertain. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | RECOMMENDATIONS | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | CHILDREN | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | CHILD NUTRITION | VITAMIN A | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY | INTERVENTIONS | SCREENING | BLINDNESS | Evaluation | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Nutrition | Vitamins and Minerals | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Programs | Organization and Administration | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Ophthalmological Effects Document Number: 323496 |
| 10. Title: Information needed for consensus on policies and programs to improve iron nutrition. Author: Lynch S; Lozoff B; Lutter C; Ranum P; Harvey P Source: [Washington, D.C.], Academy for Educational Development [AED], A2Z Project, 2007 Mar. 7 p. (Gap AnalysisUSAID Cooperative Agreement No. GHS-A-00-05-00012-00USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADK-390) Abstract: Despite over 50 years of research, nutritional iron deficiency remains the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency disorder worldwide. As stated in a recent UNICEF/UNU/WHO publication: "Iron deficiency affects a significant part, and often a majority, of the population in nearly every country in the world. Programs for the prevention of iron deficiency, particularly iron supplementation for pregnant women, are under way in 90 of 112 countries as reported to WHO in 1992. Most of these programs, however, are neither systematically implemented nor well monitored or evaluated." Nevertheless, significant advances in addressing iron deficiency anemia have been made in the last 10-15 years, by applying established scientific observations to the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. At the same time, the increased emphasis on outcome analysis has uncovered new problems that require more rigorous scientific evaluation, the most urgent being the possible risks of delivering iron in regions where malaria is endemic. There is also a pressing need to find safe and effective mechanisms for providing iron to infants and young children. This paper seeks to identify the key gaps in information that must be filled to move towards consensus on policies and programs to improve iron nutrition. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | RECOMMENDATIONS | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CHILDREN | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | SERUM IRON LEVEL | CHILD NUTRITION | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | PREVALENCE | MATERNAL NUTRITION | RISK ASSESSMENT | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Hemic System | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition | Health | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Measurement Document Number: 323497 |
11.  Title: Setting priorities for safe motherhood programme evaluation: A participatory process in three developing countries. Author: Madi BC; Hussein J; Hounton S; D'Ambruoso L; Achadi E Source: Health Policy. 2007 Sep;83(1):94-104. Abstract: A participatory approach to priority setting in programme evaluation may help improve the allocation and more efficient use of scarce resources especially in low-income countries. Research agendas that are the result of collaboration between researchers, programme managers, policy makers and other stakeholders have the potential to ensure rigorous studies are conducted on matters of local priority, based on local, expert knowledge. This paper describes a process involving key stakeholders to elicit and prioritise evaluation needs for safe motherhood in three developing countries. A series of reiterative consultations with safe motherhood stakeholders from each country was conducted over a period of 36 months. In each country, the consultation process consisted of a series of participatory workshops; firstly, stakeholder's views on evaluation were elicited with parallel descriptive work on the contexts. Secondly, priorities for evaluation were identified from stakeholders; thirdly, the evaluation-priorities were refined; and finally, the evaluation research questions, reflecting the identified priorities, were agreed and finalised. Three evaluation-questions were identified in each country, and one selected, on which a full scale evaluation was undertaken. While there is a great deal written about the importance of transparent and participatory priority setting in evaluation; few examples of how such processes could be implemented exist, particularly for maternal health programmes. Our experience demonstrates that the investment in a participatory priority-setting effort is high but the process undertaken resulted in both globally and contextually-relevant priorities for evaluation. This experience provides useful lessons for public health practitioners committed to bridging the research-policy interface. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BURKINA FASO | GHANA | INDONESIA | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | EVALUATION RESEARCH | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | RESEARCH ACTIVITIES | SAFE MOTHERHOOD | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Maternal Health | Health Document Number: 318804 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Estimation of effectiveness of interventions for malaria control in pregnancy using the screening method. Author: Msyamboza K; Senga E; Tetteh-Ashong E; Kazembe P; Brabin BJ Source: International Journal of Epidemiology. 2007 Apr;36(2):406-411. Abstract: The evaluation of the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs and bed net use in pregnant women is an important aspect of monitoring and surveillance of malaria control in pregnancy. In principle the screening method for assessing vaccine efficacy can be applied in non-vaccine settings for assessing interventions for malaria control in pregnancy. In this analysis field data on the proportion of placental malaria cases treated with two doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and the uptake of two doses of SP in the antenatal clinic was used in a case-coverage method to assess the protective effectiveness (PE) of intermittent preventive treatment with SP for malaria control in pregnancy. PE was assessed using placental malaria, low birthweight and maternal anaemia at delivery as outcome variables. The method was also applied to an evaluation of the protective effectiveness of self-reported use of impregnated bed nets (ITNs). Effectiveness was highest for reduction of low birthweight in multigravidae (87.2%, 95% CI, 83.2-91.3%). PE was lower for placental malaria (61.6% primigravidae, 28.5% multigravidae), and maternal anaemia (Hb<8.0 g/dl, 37.8% primigravidae, 29.6% multigravidae). Estimates for PE of self-reported use of ITNs gave values for all three outcome parameters that were much lower than for SP use. For women of all parties effectiveness estimates for reduction of low birthweight were 22% (95% CI, 17.7-26.4), prevention of placental malaria (all types) 7.1% (95% CI, 4.4-9.8), prevention of active placental infection 38.9% (95% CI, 27.4-50.4), and for maternal anaemia 8.8% (95% CI, 0-20.0). The case-coverage method could provide a useful and practical approach to routine monitoring and evaluation of drug interventions to control malaria in pregnancy and has potentially wide applications. Effectiveness estimates related to reported ITN use in pregnancy may be less reliable. The method should be further evaluated using currently available data sets. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | PREGNANT WOMEN | MALARIA | ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS | BED NETS | INTERVENTIONS | SCREENING | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | LOW BIRTH WEIGHT | ANEMIA | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Evaluation | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Parasite Control | Public Health | Health | Programs | Organization and Administration | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Program Evaluation | Birth Weight | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 317591 |
| 13. Title: Cost-effectiveness analyses of human papillomavirus vaccination. Author: Newall AT; Beutels P; Wood JG; Edmunds WJ; MacIntyre CR Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2007 Apr;7(4):235-302. Abstract: With a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine soon to become available for widespread use, several studies have modelled the cost-effectiveness of vaccination. These pioneer studies are likely to be influential on the design of further analyses, and we have therefore summarised and critically reviewed the strengths and limitations of their methods and assumptions. Despite a lack of transparency in some key elements, the most influential assumptions were identified as relating to vaccine effectiveness, cervical screening, and model design. Although the studies suggest that the introduction of an HPV vaccine could be cost effective compared with current practice in the USA, there is still substantial uncertainty around key variables, and model validation seems insufficient. The desirability of vaccinating boys in addition to girls has been explored in only one study. Further refinements to model design and epidemiological variables of (type-specific) HPV disease progression, and expansions on the options for vaccine use, are required for policy making. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | LITERATURE REVIEW | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | WOMEN | CERVICAL CANCER | HPV | VACCINATION | COST EFFECTIVENESS | DISEASE PREVENTION | Evaluation | Demographic Factors | Population | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Viral Diseases | Immunization | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Prevention and Control Document Number: 313248 |
| 14. Title: Challenges faced by health workers in implementing the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programme in Uganda. Author: Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H; Mayon-White RT; Okong P; Carpenter LM Source: Journal of Public Health. 2007 Sep;29(3):269-274. Abstract: The objective was to report the experience of health workers who had played key roles in the early stages of implementing the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission services (PMTCT) in Uganda. Interviews were conducted with 15 key informants including counsellors, obstetricians and PMTCT coordinators at the five PMTCT test sites in Uganda to investigate the benefits, challenges and sustainability of the PMTCT programme. Audio-taped interviews were held with each informant between January and June 2003. These were transcribed verbatim and manually analysed using the framework approach. The perceived benefits reported by informants were improvement of general obstetric care, provision of antiretroviral prophylaxis for HIV-positive mothers, staff training and community awareness. The main challenges lay in the reluctance of women to be tested for HIV, incomplete follow-up of participants, non-disclosure of HIV status and difficulties with infant feeding for HIV-positive mothers. Key informants thought that the programme's sustainability depended on maintaining staff morale and numbers, on improving services and providing more resources, particularly antiretroviral therapy for the HIV-positive women and their families. Uganda's experience in piloting the PMTCT programme reflected the many challenges faced by health workers. Potentially resource-sparing strategies such as the 'opt-out' approach to HIV testing required further evaluation. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UGANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | INTERVIEWS | PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | PROGRAM EVALUATION | PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY | OBSTACLES | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Evaluation | Data Collection | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Diseases | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 313811 |
| 15. Peer Reviewed Title: Challenge of evaluating a national HIV prevention programme: The case of loveLife, South Africa. Author: Pettifor AE; MacPhail C; Bertozzi S; Rees HV Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2007;83 Suppl 1:i70-i74. Abstract: Although 50% of all new global HIV infections occur among young people, our knowledge to date of the impact of adolescent HIV prevention interventions in developing country settings is limited. During 1999, a national HIV prevention programme for youth, called loveLife, was launched in South Africa. This paper describes the challenges faced in trying to evaluate such a national programme and the types of evidence that could be used to better understand the effect of programmes of national scale. A range of methods were planned to evaluate the programme, including national household surveys and programme monitoring data. Given the urgent need to scale-up programmes in an effort to reduce new HIV infections, a range of evidence should be assessed to measure the effect of large-scale, complex behavioural interventions as an alternative to randomised controlled trials. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | CRITIQUE | ADOLESCENTS | HIV PREVENTION | INTERVENTIONS | MONITORING | EVALUATION | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | BEHAVIOR CHANGE | BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Programs | Organization and Administration | Behavior | Communication Programs | Communication Document Number: 319070 |
| 16. Title: Postpartum vitamin A supplementation: evaluating the evidence for action. Author: Rice AL Source: [Washington, D.C.], Academy for Educational Development [AED], A2Z Project, 2007 Jan. 12 p. (Technical BriefUSAID Cooperative Agreement No. GHS-A-00-05-00012-00USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADK-557) Abstract: This brief reviews the scientific rationale for postpartum supplementation and examines the available evidence on whether or not this intervention can improve the nutritional status, breast milk quality, and functional health outcomes in mothers and children. The results suggest that program planners may need to balance the evidence that vitamin A supplementation improves the health status in women and children against programmatic costs. Thus far, there is evidence that postpartum vitamin A supplementation does not completely correct deficiency in severely deficient women and children, little evidence that it improves functional health outcomes, and recent evidence for potential risks and benefits unique to HIV-positive populations. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | RECOMMENDATIONS | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CHILDREN | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | POSTPARTUM WOMEN | VITAMIN A | BREASTFEEDING | CHILD NUTRITION | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | PREVALENCE | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Puerperium | Reproduction | Vitamins and Minerals | Physiology | Biology | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Measurement Document Number: 323499 |
| 17. Title: Fulfilling reproductive rights for women affected by HIV / AIDS. A tool for monitoring progress toward three Millennium Development Goals. Updated version. Author: de Bruyn M Source: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ipas, 2006 Aug. 20 p. Abstract: In 2004, more than 25 national and international organizations presented a statement to the secretariat of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women that highlighted relatively neglected areas in the reproductive health of women affected by HIV/AIDS. In collaboration with the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW), the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) and the Pacific Institute for Women's Health, Ipas used that statement and a literature review to develop this practical tool to help nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) address those neglected areas of reproductive health. Since the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have become a common framework for assessing progress in development, the tool links those areas of reproductive health to three of the MDGs related to empowering women, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS. This document is an updated version of the original resource published in 2004. Changes were made after the eight partner NGOs listed below piloted the benchmarks in 11 developing countries. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | MANUAL | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN | DATA COLLECTION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | UN | GOALS | MONITORING | TREATIES | STANDARDS | Evaluation | Survey Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Human Rights | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | International Agencies | Organizations | Planning | Organization and Administration Document Number: 311687 |
| 18. Title: Systematic review of contraceptive medicines: "Does choice make a difference?" Final report. Author: Gray AL; Smit JA; Manzini N; Beksinska M Source: Johannesburg, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, 2006 Oct. 58 p. Abstract: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, for evidence on whether a policy of providing a wide range of contraceptive methods, as opposed to the provision of a limited range, improves health outcomes such as contraceptive uptake, acceptability, adherence, continuation and satisfaction; reduction of unintended pregnancy; and improved maternal health and wellbeing. Studies of all designs, reviews, reports, policy documents, commentaries, opinion papers and position papers were included in a search of MEDLINE (via Pubmed, Ovid MEDLINE and Old Ovid MEDLINE), All EBM Reviews, POPLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS and Psyc Info. A total of 6977 citations were identified. Of these, 3586 were duplicates, leaving 3391 titles/abstracts for screening. After more sensitive review by three authors (AG, JS, NM), 231 citations were included in the review. Two authors (AG, JS) independently extracted data from full reports or papers of all included studies. In a few instances, the full text could not be accessed and the study was assessed on the abstract only. Not unsurprisingly, this systematic review has failed to find large quantities of high quality evidence that increasing choice has a direct impact on the contraceptive outcomes of interest. The best evidence retrieved is summarised in Table 1. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | LITERATURE REVIEW | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | CONTRACEPTIVE AVAILABILITY | CONTRACEPTIVE DISTRIBUTION | CONTRACEPTIVE PREVALENCE | USER COMPLIANCE | CONTRACEPTION CONTINUATION | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM EVALUATION | CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTIVENESS | MATERNAL HEALTH | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS | WHO | Evaluation | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Family Planning | Contraception | Distributional Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Contraceptive Usage | Behavior | Family Planning Programs | Health | UN | International Agencies | Organizations Document Number: 311684 |
| 19. Title: Profiles of health facility assessment methods. Author: Hozumi D; Fronczak N; Minichiello SN; Buckner B; Fapohunda B Source: Arlington, Virginia, MEASURE Evaluation, [2006]. [35] p. Abstract: This synopsis of health facility assessment methods was prepared on behalf of the Health Facility Assessment Technical Working Group (HFA TWG). The goal of the HFA TWG is to increase utilization of facility-based information for decision making about investments in health systems and service. Towards this goal, the HFA TWG plans to pursue four main objectives: Facilitate and support a broader sharing of information on existing sources of facility-based information with potential data users; Improve methods for data collection from health service sites; Develop a set of key indicators of the status of health systems and services that are: a) uniformly defined, b) accepted by the international community, and c) based on information obtained from health service sites in the formal health sector; Develop new strategies to promote utilization of facility-based information for decision-making. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | TECHNICAL REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | DATA SOURCES | TRAINING ACTIVITIES | PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | CHILD HEALTH | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | HEALTH SERVICES | DISEASE PREVENTION | IMPLEMENTATION | MONITORING | CAPACITY BUILDING | PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Evaluation | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Training Programs | Education | Health | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Prevention and Control | Diseases | Program Sustainability Document Number: 311476 |
| 20. Title: Nigeria Baseline Health Facility Survey, 2005. Author: Keating J Source: [Chapel Hill, North Carolina], University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center [CPC], MEASURE Evaluation, 2006 Oct. [78] p. (TR-06-39BUSAID Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-03-00003-00) Abstract: This report presents findings from the 2005 Nigeria Baseline Health Facility Survey. The survey serves as a baseline for the Community Participation for Action in the Social Sector Project (COMPASS). It was implemented in the local government areas (LGAs) in the states of Bauchi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, Lagos, and Nasarawa where COMPASS is being implemented. COMPASS represents an integration of three previous U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/ Nigeria) funded projects: VISION, BASICS, and LEAP. The purpose of COMPASS is to enhance reproductive health and family planning services, as well as to promote child survival and improved literacy. The core idea behind COMPASS is to integrate the health, child survival, and education sectors through the promotion of community coalitions. From a representative sample of men and women in the COMPASS target areas, the survey teams collected information on all health facilities reportedly used by the sample of respondents. Information was collected on the facility background; vaccine logistic systems; child health services; family planning services; antenatal and postpartum care; newborn and delivery care; sexually transmitted infection (STI) and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services; and select medications. The objective of this report is to present a set of indicators that are used by COMPASS and USAID/Nigeria for monitoring program performance. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | SUMMARY REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | HEALTH FACILITIES | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | ANTENATAL CARE | CHILD HEALTH | MATERNAL-CHILD HEALTH SERVICES | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE PREVENTION | INFORMED CONSENT | NOTIFICATION | POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Health | Evaluation | Delivery of Health Care | Family Planning | Maternal Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 311478 |
| 21. Title: Nigeria Baseline Primary School Headmaster and Teacher Survey, 2005. Author: Keating J Source: [Chapel Hill, North Carolina], University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center [CPC], MEASURE Evaluation, 2006 Oct. [68] p. (TR-06-39CUSAID Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-03-00003-00) Abstract: This report presents findings from the 2005 Nigeria Education Baseline Primary School Headmaster and Primary School Teacher Survey. The results of the survey serve as a baseline for the Community Participation for Action in the Social Sector Project (COMPASS). It was implemented in the 51 local government areas (LGA) in the states of Bauchi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, Lagos, and Nasarawa where the COMPASS project is being implemented. The COMPASS project represents an integration of three previous U.S. Agency for International Development mission in Nigeria (USAID/Nigeria)-funded projects: VISION, BASICS, and LEAP. The purpose of the COMPASS project is to enhance reproductive health and family planning services, as well as to promote child survival and improved literacy. The core idea behind COMPASS is to integrate the health, child survival, and education sectors through the promotion of community coalitions. Using a representative sample of men and women in the COMPASS target areas as a starting point, the survey teams collected information on all schools in the selected enumeration areas (EAs) used by the selected households' children. The headmaster at each school and one teacher randomly selected from each grade at each school were interviewed. The objective of this report is to present a set of indicators that are used by COMPASS and USAID/ Nigeria for monitoring program performance. Data from the baseline education report will be used to set program targets, as well as measure changes in education indicators resulting from the COMPASS project's interventions. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | SUMMARY REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | TEACHERS | PRIMARY SCHOOLS | SCHOOL ENROLLMENT | SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES | MANAGEMENT | PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | STANDARDS | CURRICULUM | RECORDS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Evaluation | Education | Schools | Educational Status | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Research Methodology | Information Processing | Information Document Number: 311479 |
| 22. Title: Violence against American Indian women and the Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors Violence Against Indian Women (STOP VAIW) program. Author: Luna-Firebaugh EM Source: Violence Against Women. 2006 Feb;12(2):125-136. Abstract: When Congress appropriated funds to develop ways to reduce violence against American Indian women, tribal elders faced a challenging task: find ways to cooperate with various tribal and nontribal criminal justice agencies and navigate the maze of law enforcement authority. An evaluative study was conducted of these programs and the different approaches used to help keep women safe by American Indian tribal governments. This study found that the tribes rose to the challenge; the money was making a difference. The grants to stop violence against Indian women have made a significant impact in the 134 native communities that received awards. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | NATIVE AMERICANS | WOMEN | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | PROGRAM ACTIVITIES | LAWS AND STATUTES | TRAINING PROGRAMS | FUNDS | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Evaluation | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Women's Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration | Education | Financial Activities Document Number: 295990 |
| 23. Title: Use of technology as an evaluation tool of clinical care in preterm newborns. Author: Mendes I; de Carvalho M; Almeida RT; Moreira ME Source: Jornal de Pediatria. 2006 Sep-Oct;82(5):371-376. Abstract: The objective was to assess the use of the Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (NTISS) as a tool to quantify the use of technology in neonatal intensive care units, in order to detect discrepancies in the care provided to high-risk newborn infants. Prospective, descriptive, observational study about the use of technology in two neonatal intensive care units (one public and one private). The NTISS was calculated on a daily basis up to the discharge or death of preterm newborns with gestational age equal to or less than 32 weeks. We gathered data about prenatal clinical conditions, birth characteristics, and conditions on admission to the intensive care unit, as well as about the morbidities developed during the hospital stay. The risks of preterm newborns were adjusted by means of the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology, Perinatal Extension, Version II (SNAPPE-II). Student's t test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon's test were used for the descriptiveanalysis. The study was approved by the local Research and Ethics Committee. We assessed 44 newborn infants from the public intensive care unit and 52 from the private one. On admission, the severity score (SNAPPE-II) and the overall NTISS were statistically similar in both care units. The curve for the use of technology showed a gradual and progressive decreasing pattern in both care units up to the 31st day. Thereafter, there was a continuous downward trend in the private care unit, but a significant increase in the overall NTISS in the public care unit. The patients from the public care unit developed more morbidities than those from the private unit. Patients with similar clinical pictures can be treated with different levels of technological resources. This may have a direct impact on morbidities and on healthcare costs. The NTISS allowed monitoring healthcare and proved efficient in detecting discrepancies in practices that could influence clinical outcomes and operating costs. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | INFANT, PREMATURE | HOSPITALS | TECHNOLOGY | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | MORBIDITY | INFANT MORTALITY | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Evaluation | Studies | Infant | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health Facilities | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Economic Factors | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Diseases | Mortality | Population Dynamics Document Number: 312970 |
| 24. Title: Improving the quality of care in developing countries. Author: Peabody JW; Taguiwalo MM; Robalino DA; Frenk J Source: In: Disease control priorities in developing countries. 2nd ed., edited by Dean T. Jamison, Joel G. Breman, Anthony R. Measham, George Alleyne, Mariam Claeson et al. Washington, D.C., World Bank, 2006. :1293-1307. Abstract: Although the quantity rather than quality of health services has been the focus historically in developing countries, ample evidence suggests that quality of care (or the lack of it) must be at the center of every discussion about better health. The following examples are illustrative: In one study evaluating pediatric care in Papua New Guinea, 69 percent of health center workers reported that they checked for only two of the four examination criteria for pneumonia cases. Only 24 percent of these workers were able to indicate correct treatment for malaria. When clinical encounters were observed at aid posts, providers met minimal examination criteria in only 1 percent of cases. In a study in Pakistan, only 56 percent of providers met an acceptable diagnostic standard for viral diarrhea, and only 35 percent met the acceptable standard for treatment. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | RESEARCH PROPOSAL | CLASSIFICATION | COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | HEALTH PERSONNEL | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | HEALTH POLICY | TRAINING PROGRAMS | MACROECONOMIC FACTORS | COST EFFECTIVENESS | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Management | Organization and Administration | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Education | Economic Factors | Evaluation Indexes Document Number: 323264 |
| 25. Title: Quantification training report, April 24-28, 2006, Gisenyi, Rwanda. Author: Tarrafeta B Source: Arlington, Virginia, Management Sciences for Health [MSH], Rational Pharmaceutical Management Plus, 2006 May. 23 p. (USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No: PD-ACH-507USAID Cooperative Agreement No. HRN-A-00-00-00016-00) Abstract: The Coordinated Procurement and Distribution System (CPDS) is an initiative of the Government of Rwanda that aims to maximize the power of donor funds for procuring medicines for scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the country. During 2005 the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)/Rational Pharmaceutical Management (RPM) Plus Program, supported under The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, provided technical assistance to the Government of Rwanda to articulate a sound system based on the existing Rwandan structures that ensures compliance with donor regulations, as well as efficiency and transparency in medicine procurement and distribution. In April 2005, a Quantification Committee was established by the Ministry of Health (MoH) as an urgent first step in the process of establishing the CPDS, chaired by the Treatment and Research AIDS Center (TRAC) and composed by representatives of TRAC, Centrale d'Achat des Médicaments Essentiels du Rwanda (CAMERWA), and the Direction of Pharmacy with the technical support of RPM Plus and the Clinton Foundation. The Quantification Committee already has conducted two national quantifications for ART, as well as a national quantification of medicines in anticipation of the implementation of the new prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) protocol. While the CPDS was being defined and the Quantification Committee was gaining experience, it became clear that successful capacity building required adequate training in quantification methods, and that sustainability of the system needed a good selection of representatives of each institution with adequate technical background. With the purpose of improving the technical skills of the Quantification Committee, a five-day training course was organized by RPM Plus in Gisenyi, Rwanda. The main objective of this training was to train a selected group of technical staff members from TRAC, CAMERWA, and the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to actively participate in the next national quantification exercise that will take place in May--June 2006. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: RWANDA | PROGRESS REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH | TRAINERS | USAID | HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS | TRAINING PROGRAMS | AIDS PREVENTION | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | TRAINING OF TRAINERS | APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY | Developing Countries | Africa, Central | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Education | Government Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Health Education | AIDS | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | HIV | Technology | Economic Factors Document Number: 305864 |
| 26. Title: Review of nursing and midwifery programmes in Africa. Author: Uys LR; Awases M; Kamanzi D; Kohi TW; Mtshali N Source: Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2006;8(1):3-14. Abstract: This article describes an action research project to develop and test a process of internal and external review of health professionals' education in Africa, with special reference to nursing. The objectives were to develop and validate the process and instrument used to establish the current benchmark of nursing education in Africa. This article reports only on the internal and external evaluation of some nursing programmes in Africa. The setting was the African Region of the World Health Organization, involving different nursing schools in the different cycles of the process. Guidelines for internal and external review of nursing schools and programmes were drafted, tested and refined through a process of consultation, workshops, testing and amending. The last test involved the internal review of five African nursing schools and the external review of four of these. The external reviews led to seven changes being made to the process and to the instrument to enhance clarity and quality of information gathered. The external reviewers evaluated the process concluding that both the schools and individuals benefited from their involvement in the process. Having processes and structures in place to make the review of health professional education programmes possible should enhance regional benchmarking and local quality improvement. (author's) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | NURSES AND NURSING | MIDWIVES AND MIDWIFERY | SCHOOLS, NURSING | EDUCATION | PROGRAM EVALUATION | QUALITY CONTROL | Developing Countries | Evaluation | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Schools | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 318721 |
| 27. Title: Implementing quality improvement techiques for health care in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Author: Abt Associates. Partners for Health Reform Plus Source: Bethesda, Maryland, Abt Associates, Partners for Health Reform Plus, 2005 Apr. [18] p. (USAID Contract No. HRN-C-00-00-00019-00USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADD-977) Abstract: This paper is a brief synopsis of quality improvement (QI) work carried out in the Suez governorate of Egypt, as part of that country’s Health Sector Reform Program. QI teams were organized at the health district and facility levels. Teams were introduced to the “culture of quality” concept and to QI problem analysis tools that allowed them to use data to identify specific problems and their causes, and then to resolve the problems. Behavior change, such as working as a team, sharing responsibility, solving problems from within, and treating patients with respect, was a major element in the QI reform. Managers and clinic staff reported increased capacity to more widely implement the QI techniques, improved technical performance of health care staff, and better informed and satisfied patients. (author's) Language: English Keywords: EGYPT | GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION | PROGRESS REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | HEALTH PERSONNEL | USAID | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | QUALITY CONTROL | HEALTH SERVICES EVALUATION | CAPACITY BUILDING | CLIENT-STAFF RELATIONS | Developing Countries | Africa, Northern | Africa | Evaluation | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Government Agencies | Organizations | Management | Organization and Administration | Program Evaluation | Programs | Program Sustainability | Interpersonal Relations | Behavior Document Number: 291835 |
| 28. Title: Joint ILO / WHO guidelines on health services and HIV / AIDS. Tripartite Meeting of Experts to Develop Joint ILO / WHO Guidelines on Health Services and HIV / AIDS. Author: International Labour Organisation [ILO]; World Health Organization [WHO] Source: Geneva, Switzerland, ILO, 2005. [65] p. (TMEHS/2005/8) Abstract: These guidelines are the product of collaboration between the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization. In view of their complementary mandates, their long-standing and close cooperation in the area of occupational health, and their more recent partnership as co-sponsors of UNAIDS, the ILO and the WHO decided to join forces in order to assist health services in building their capacities to provide their workers with a safe, healthy and decent working environment, as the most effective way both to reduce transmission of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens and to improve the delivery of care to patients. This is essential when health service workers have not only to deliver normal health-care services but also to provide HIV/AIDS services and manage the long-term administration and monitoring of anti-retroviral treatments (ART) at a time when, in many countries, they are themselves decimated by the epidemic. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL | WORKERS | WHO | HEALTH SERVICES EVALUATION | INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION | HIV PREVENTION | HEALTH POLICY | HEALTH SERVICES | WORKPLACE | OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH | Evaluation | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Organization and Administration | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | UN | International Agencies | Organizations | Program Evaluation | Programs | Policy | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Employment | Macroeconomic Factors Document Number: 290936 |
| 29. Title: Workbook for district EPI managers: monitoring of immunization activities and use of vaccines in Yemen. Author: Yemen. Ministry of Public Health and Population Source: Bethesda, Maryland, Abt Associates, Partners for Health Reform Plus, 2005 Mar. [40] p. (USAID Contract No. HRN-C-00-00-00019-00USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADD-163) Abstract: This workbook accompanies Guidelines for Safe Immunization Practices and Monitoring of Immunization Programs at District and Facility Levels in Yemen. It is a tool designed primarily for personnel of district-level EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) offices to help them monitor and evaluate immunization work, use of vaccine and adequacy of cold chain on their services territory. It helps EPI managers to establish the link between information systems’ data and response, as well as to document the data analysis and utilization for management purposes. The current version of the workbook has been developed for piloting in the Amran Governorate in 2005. Based on pilot experiences, it will be revised for use nationwide. (author's) Language: English Keywords: YEMEN | ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS | MANUAL | GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL | HEALTH PERSONNEL | MONITORING | IMMUNIZATION | USAID | HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION | INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS | EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES | Developing Countries | Middle East | Geographic Factors | Population | Evaluation | Organization and Administration | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Government Agencies | Organizations | Management | Data Storage and Retrieval | Information Processing | Information Document Number: 290578 |
| 30. Peer Reviewed Title: Methodological issues in measuring the impact of interventions against female genital cutting. Author: Askew I Source: Culture, Health and Sexuality. 2005 Sep-Oct;7(5):463-477. Abstract: With increasing efforts being made to introduce systematic interventions for encouraging abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) comes the need to better understand how such interventions work and what effects they have. Many interventions are based on theoretical models of behaviour change and so studies to evaluate them should develop indicators appropriate to the type of behaviour change anticipated. Systematic evaluations need also to use some form of quasi-experimental design to be able to attribute change to the intervention and not to any 'natural' change in FGC behaviour or other activities that may be concurrent. A sustained change in the prevalence of FGC is the ultimate indicator and there are several ways this can be measured, although with many limitations given the intimate nature of the practice. Moreover, appropriate sample sizes must be calculated and used to be able to draw valid conclusions. Many of those implementing FGC interventions are not familiar with such basic research principles and so there is an urgent need to ensure that projects are well designed so that valid conclusions concerning their effectiveness can be drawn. (author's) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION METHODOLOGY | CHILD, FEMALE | WOMEN | FEMALE GENITAL CUTTING | INTERVENTIONS | SOCIAL CHANGE | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | Developing Countries | Evaluation | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Harmful Traditional Practices | Traditional Health Practices | Culture | Sociocultural Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration | Program Evaluation Document Number: 303945 |
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