International Journal of Studies in Midwifery and Women’s Health

Perceived Barriers to Parental Sex Education in Oteri Community in Southern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Joyful Albert-Ivovo — 2026-06-15

Background: Inadequate parental guidance has been linked to persistent adolescent sexual health challenges, including teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and risky sexual behaviors. This study examined parents’ behaviors regarding adolescent sex education in Oteri Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A purposive sample of 130 parents of adolescents aged 10–19 years participated. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results: Although 68% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of adolescent sex education, only 54% reported engaging in regular discussions with their children. Home-based sex education was generally irregular, often limited to menstruation and abstinence, while sensitive topics such as contraception and sexually transmitted infections were largely neglected. Major barriers included cultural taboos, embarrassment, religious beliefs, and lack of knowledge. Despite these challenges, parents acknowledged the importance of sex education and expressed willingness to improve through government campaigns, school collaboration, and health seminars.

Conclusion: Parents in Oteri community possess fair knowledge of adolescent sex education, but their attitudes and practices are constrained by socio‑cultural and religious influences. Community‑based sensitization, parental training workshops, and stronger collaboration among parents, schools, health workers, and religious leaders are recommended to strengthen effective communication on adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

Marital Misjudgment and Its Consequences: A Study on Psychological, Social Factors, and Family Disruption in Bangladesh

Md. Amirul Islam — 2026-06-12

Marital misjudgment is a significant social and psychological issue that affects the stability of families and the well-being of individuals. This study examines the causes, consequences, and broader implications of marital misjudgment within contemporary society, with particular attention to its impact on family relationships, mental health, and social harmony. The research explores factors such as inadequate communication, unrealistic expectations, emotional immaturity, economic pressures, incompatibility between partners, and external social influences that often contribute to poor marital decisions. The findings indicate that marital misjudgment can lead to emotional distress, loss of trust, family conflict, separation, and long-term psychological challenges for both spouses and children. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of mutual understanding, effective communication, and informed decision-making in maintaining healthy marital relationships. The paper argues that greater awareness, premarital counselling, family support systems, and educational initiatives can play a vital role in reducing marital conflicts and strengthening family institutions. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding marital relationships and provides recommendations for promoting sustainable, respectful, and harmonious family life

The Intersection of Water Salinity and Maternal Health: A Gender-Responsive Analysis of Water Sourcing Stress among Pregnant Women in Shoreline Communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Jimmy, I. J — 2026-06-20

Climate change-induced salinity intrusion is increasingly affecting freshwater resources in coastal regions, creating significant health challenges for vulnerable populations. Pregnant women living in shoreline communities are particularly exposed because they depend on local water sources for drinking, cooking, and household activities while simultaneously bearing the responsibility of water collection. Despite growing evidence linking saline drinking water to adverse health outcomes, limited research has examined how water salinity intersects with gendered labor responsibilities and maternal wellbeing in Nigeria’s coastal communities. This study explored indigenous perceptions of water salinity among pregnant women, examined the physical and social consequences of water sourcing stress, investigated household decision-making processes influencing access to safer water alternatives, and assessed selected maternal health indicators among women residing in salinity-prone shoreline communities. The study employed a mixed-methods (qualitative phenomenological design with an embedded clinical assessment component). Data were collected from 100 pregnant women and 20 key informants across ten shoreline communities in Akwa Ibom State through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participatory mapping, and field observations. A purposively selected sub-sample of 20 pregnant women underwent clinical assessment involving blood pressure and hydration measurements. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by Feminist Political Ecology and the Social-Ecological Model, while clinical data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Participants described local water sources using sensory categories such as “sweet,” “heavy,” and “bitter,” which served as indigenous indicators of water quality. Narratives revealed concerns about swelling of the legs, persistent thirst, fatigue, and palpitations associated with the consumption of saline water. Women also reported travelling long distances to obtain perceived safer water sources, resulting in physical exhaustion and reduced time for household and livelihood activities. Findings further demonstrated that household financial constraints and gendered decision-making structures often limited women’s ability to access alternative drinking water sources. The experiences of pregnant women in shoreline communities reflect the complex interaction of environmental exposure, gendered labor burdens, and household economic inequalities. Integrating local knowledge systems into maternal healthcare and water governance frameworks may strengthen community resilience and reduce climate-related health risks among vulnerable populations.

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Breast Cancer Literacy and Breast Self-Examination Knowledge Among Nursing Students

Jolly John — 2026-06-23

Background: In India, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in females, with high mortality. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a safe, cost-free, and practical screening modality that facilitates early detection. Nursing students, as future frontline health professionals, are ideally positioned to promote BSE in community settings; however, their knowledge base requires systematic evaluation.

Objectives

To assess the knowledge of nursing students regarding BSE and breast cancer.
To identify specific knowledge gaps requiring curriculum-level intervention.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Thirty female GNM students from a selected nursing institution in Madhya Pradesh were enrolled using convenient sampling. Data were collected via a pretested, self -structured questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic profile, general knowledge, breast cancer knowledge, and BSE-specific knowledge. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis.

Results: The majority of respondents (53.3%) were Muslim, and 97% belonged to nuclear families. For general knowledge, 53.3% scored in the 'good' category and 23.3% in the 'excellent' category. Breast cancer-specific knowledge was markedly deficient: 63.3% of students showed average knowledge and 36.6% below-average knowledge, with no student attaining good or excellent scores. BSE procedural knowledge was comparatively better: 46.6% demonstrated good knowledge, while only 10% scored below average.

Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated moderate-to-good knowledge of BSE procedures but exhibited a critical gap in theoretical understanding of breast cancer. Structured, curriculum-integrated educational interventions on breast cancer pathology, epidemiology, and risk factors are strongly recommended.

Replacement-Level Fertility and Population Ageing in India: Implications for Nursing Practice and Public Health – A Review of Current Trends

Swetha Kiran — 2026-07-06

India is undergoing a significant demographic transition characterized by declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy. The achievement of replacement-level fertility represents a major milestone in population stabilization; however, it simultaneously contributes to rapid population ageing. The present review aims to examine current trends in replacement-level fertility and population ageing in India and to explore their implications for nursing practice and public health. Literature was reviewed from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, census publications, National Family Health Survey reports, Sample Registration System reports, and publications from international organizations. Evidence indicates that India's Total Fertility Rate has declined from over 5 children per woman during the 1970s to nearly replacement level in recent years. Simultaneously, improvements in healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and socioeconomic conditions have increased life expectancy and expanded the elderly population. The ageing population is associated with a rising prevalence of chronic diseases, disability, dependency, mental health issues, and increased demand for long-term care services. These demographic changes pose substantial challenges for healthcare systems, particularly nursing services. Strengthening geriatric nursing education, community-based healthcare programs, preventive health services, and healthy ageing policies is essential. Effective public health planning and workforce development are critical for addressing the healthcare needs of India's ageing population while maintaining the benefits achieved through fertility transition.