Girl Child Research Articles

Health-seeking Behavior among Mothers of Under-five Children in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto, Nigeria.

In most developing countries, the health of the children is strongly dependent on maternal health-care-seeking behavior. The ability of caregivers to recognize and seek appropriate care for childhood illnesses is instrumental in reducing childhood deaths and preventing significant number of complications. The study aimed to determine the health-care-seeking behavior and associated factors among the mothers of under-five (U5) children in Sokoto Metropolis. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 386 mothers of U5 children in Sokoto metropolis from August 1 to September 30, 2021. The study participants were selected using the multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24. The level of significance for Chi-square was set at a P < 0.05. Majority 312 (80.8%) of the respondents U5 children had fallen sick in the last 6 months, most of which 238 (61.7%) were not taken to a health facility. The major reasons why respondents do not take their U5 children to a health facility when sick are because they bought drugs from patent medicine vendor and perceiving the illness of the U5 as not serious to warrant taking the child to a health facility in 93 (24.1%) and 63 (16.3%), respectively. There was association (P ≤ 0.05) between health-care-seeking behavior and respondents' level of education, occupation, monthly income, as well as distance taken to reach a health facility within 30 min' walk. The health-seeking behavior of the mothers for their U5 was poor. Maternal level of education, occupation, income, and lesser number of children in the family were the factors that were significantly associated with seeking health facility care for a sick U5. This study recommends girl child education, women empowerment, and increase access to family planning by the government.

The Need for Gender Studies at All Levels of Education in Cameroon

Aim: The need for gender studies and practice in Cameroon cannot be over emphasized or remain only on papers and commemorations such as the celebration of the International Day of the Woman and conventions ratified. This paper aims at elucidating how the top-down educational policy of the government where gender studies are introduced later on under Citizenship Education has failed to inculcate desired values in society. Methods: Data was garnered empirically through observations, through study of conjugal conflict files at the Regional Delegations of the Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family, and through related scholarly articles, books and online sources. Results: The study found that even with imposed quarters from the UN that have been inculcated in the country’s constitution, and the efforts made so far by government, there’s no parity from the executive right down to legislative, not to go down to communal and family levels in Cameroon. Findings equally show that, many women still ignorantly believe especially in rural areas, that politics is meant only for their male counterparts who are presumably heads of the families. At the level of Higher Education, some male scholars in state universities continue to falsely believe and question the competence of female colleagues. Some cultures still made parents to believe that higher education or schooling in general should be a male domain, thereby retarding the education of the girl child who is lagging behind under the bondage of culture. This is the typical case with the Hausa and Fulani residing in Cameroon and some ethnic groups caught up in discriminatory cultures all over the country. Conclusion: Gender studies should be imposed at all levels of education in Cameroon and African countries to foster gender equality. Recommendations: Government should separate gender studies from citizenship and make it a stand-alone subject known as Gender and Ethnic studies. Parents should undergo gender training courses be it in adult literacy program, and/or future parents are to gain this knowledge in schools before becoming parents to avoid being discriminative. If the gender studies are incorporated in current syllabus, Cameroonians would have no problems with notions like gender equality, equity, mainstreaming.

Protection gaps: child soldier rehabilitation and militarized governance in Sri Lanka

Abstract Child soldier disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) practice has a strong normative commitment to protect children from harm and violence. However, there exist policy and research knowledge gaps in comprehending the translation of such norms in meeting the social and protective needs of children. In Sri Lanka from 2009, 594 former child soldiers from the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Elam (LTTE) underwent a national rehabilitation programme. National engagement with international child protection norms could not materialize from a militarized governance framework implemented at the end of the civil war. This article provides a primary source of data based on 45 semi-structured interviews with former boy and girl child soldiers from the LTTE. The Sri Lankan case-study demonstrates that the DDR programme resulted in the re-calibration of social and political control over child and adult participants. Former child soldiers' social and protective needs therefore remain complex and unresolved because of state generated structural violence related to poverty and militarization. The article advances a framework to account for a generational power dynamic of adult-child relations, and the politics of institutionalized protection to account for children's formal rehabilitation and return experiences.

Prevalence and Forms of Sexual Abuse among Female Hawkers in Sokoto State

Background: Sexual abuse is a public health problem affecting one-third of women in their lifetime and female hawkers are especially vulnerable. This study assessed knowledge, prevalence and forms of sexual abuse among female hawkers in Sokoto metropolis.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study among two hundred and forty-five female hawkers using a multistage sampling technique was conducted. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Continuous variables were summarized as mean and standard deviation, while categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was set at 5% (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Results: One hundred and twenty- three (50.2%) of the respondents were within the 10-15 age group, 223 (91.2%) were single, and 64 (26.1%), had Quranic education. Two hundred and nineteen (89.4%) and 26 (10.6%) had good and poor knowledge of sexual abuse respectively. The prevalence of sexual abuse was 24.5%; touching, verbal harassment and attempts at having intercourse were the commonest forms of sexual abuse reported. The living arrangement of parents was the only predictor of sexual abuse (aOR= 4.282; C. I= 1.344-13.643).&#x0D; Conclusion: Free and compulsory education for children especially the girl child and economic empowerment of parents will discourage hawking by children thus limiting the likelihood of children being exposed to sexual exploitation.

Monogenic Autoinflammatory Disease Due to Blau Syndrome with Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain 2 Gene Mutation in an Indian Family

Background: Blau syndrome is a monogenic disease resulting from mutations in nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) and is phenotypically characterized by a triad of dermatitis, arthritis, and uveitis. We report Blau syndrome in a child who had been symptomatic for years, without the typical clinical triad. Clinical Description: A 7-year-old girl child presented with bilateral knee, wrist, and ankle joint swelling since the age of 2 years. She had recently developed a rash on the body. Her mother, mother’s identical twin sister, and the latter’s 5-year-old daughter had similar joint pain and swellings since childhood. In view of the strong positive family history of polyarthritis, monogenic cause of arthritis was suspected. Management and Outcome: Complete blood count was unremarkable. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 20 mm at C-reactive protein was 36 mg/L, antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid arthritis factor were negative. X-ray of the knee joints and wrist joints showed soft-tissue swellings around the knee and lumbar scoliosis. A heterozygous pathogenic variant in NOD2 gene confirmed the diagnosis of Blau syndrome. After receiving the genetic report, the girl was started on prednisolone and weekly methotrexate. Conclusion: Early-onset arthritis, with recurrent episodes of fever, is not to be ignored if autoimmune markers are negative. Knowledge about the clinical features of autoinflammatory diseases and the spectrum of NOD2 variants will enable physicians to carry out specific investigations, especially genetic analysis for confirmation of the diagnosis and hence administer the right treatment.

IJCM_3A: Child Sex Ratio – Declining trend and it’s determinants: a qualitative community- based study in a selected urban primary care setting, Puducherry.

Background: Child sex ratio (CSR) is defined as the number of females consistent with thousand males in the age group of zero to six years. This serves as a valuable indicator for measuring socio-economic development in a particular region. Objective: To understand community perspectives on gender preference at birth and its potential influence on the decreasing Child Sex Ratio in a selected urban primary care setting in Puducherry, aiming to identify key determinants contributing to the observed declining trend. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted among residents of the 4 wards under the care of JIPMER Urban Health Centre, Puducherry. Participants were purposively selected among mothers, family members attending well baby clinic at the centre and frontline health workers. Two FGDs involving 8-10 participants were conducted till saturation of information is achieved. Collected data was transcribed in verbatim format. Descriptive manual content analysis was conducted to draw the categories and themes. Results: The qualitative study on Child Sex Ratio revealed that there is a prevailing inclination towards expecting female children. Moreover, the study found no evidence of gender selection practices at present. Participants mentioned awareness of schemes such as “CM Cares for the empowerment of newborn girl child” as contributing factors to these attitudes and behaviors. Gender revealment is found inadvertently in government and private hospitals in the studied population. Conclusion: The study region exhibits a declining CSR, and there is no evidence of gender selection practices at present in the selected region. While improving female literacy and economic standing is essential, it alone is insufficient for enhancing the overall life prospects of female children.

Biofilm in Cochlear Implant: A Surgeon’s Diagnosis

Biofilms in a cochlear implant can lead to severe intracranial complications like meningitis, and it can cause implant failure, thus requiring an explant, leading to financial and social loss. Meticulous sterility in the intraoperative period and proper hygiene in the postoperative period need to be emphasized in a cochlear implant Patient. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl child who presented with recurrent episodes of wound dehiscence through the cochlear implant site following the asymptomatic period after a course of antibiotics, and finally treated with debridement and flap reconstruction under general anaesthesia. We sought to use novel agents with antimicrobial activity in addition to debridement, vascularized soft tissue cover, and oral rifampicin after surgery. The child underwent serial surgeries, and finally, the use of medical grade Manuka honey and rifampicin demonstrated a successful response to biofilm up to a two-month follow-up period. This case revealed that biofilm is primarily a surgeon’s diagnosis.

Exploring the dynamics of menstrual health and hygiene management among adolescent girls in rural schools of Mysuru district, Karnataka

Background: Poor knowledge and poor practice in menstrual health and hygiene management results in unhealthy practices which in turn impacts on overall health of the girl child resulting in increased reproductive tract infection and inhibiting the girl’s scholastic performance. Methods: A school based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3 randomly selected rural schools. Adolescent girls in 8th to 10th standards, who have attained menarche, were included in the study and surveyed using a pretested self-administered questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, perception and practices related to menstrual health and hygiene management. Data was analyzed using SPSS v22 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Mean age was 14.32(±0.98) years and mean age at menarche was 12.74 (±1.11) years. 51.6% knew about menstruation at menarche. 57.5% knew about sanitary pad, 21.6% knew that hormones as the reason for menstruation and 5.2% marked uterus as the organ responsible for menstruation. 63.4% of the participants perceived that menstruation is a normal &amp; healthy part of life. 83.7% were using sanitary pad, 25.5% flush the menstrual material in the toilet as a disposal method. Conclusions: 21.6% of the participants were found to have good knowledge about menstruation, 63.4% of the participants feel that menstruation is a normal &amp; healthy part of life and 83.7% use sanitary pads. Hence this study emphasizes the need of educating the adolescent girls regarding MHHM.

Research Article on Gender Discrimination in India

Female foeticide is a very common persisting practice to date in various parts of the country and if fortunately, the girl child is not killed she is subjected to discrimination and exploitation throughout her life specifically if from urban to rural parts of the country. In many religions like Hinduism, women are given the designation of a goddess but unfortunately, our society fails to even identify her as a human being in the very first place thus showing our double standards as far as our mindset and attitude towards women is concerned. Thus, to progress as a nation, we need to get rid of this social evil of gender discrimination and go forward in a united manner. This Article deals with the issue of gender discrimination and what are the steps taken by the government to tackle the same and also the role played by the judiciary to deal with it via landmark judgments.

Educational assortative mating in the Cameroon marriage market: Role of marriage timing

AbstractWith the increasing education of women in developing countries, educational assortative mating has become a significant aspect in the marriage market, with educational assortative mating patterns likely to be dependent on marriage timing. Using pooled data from three recent waves of the Cameroon Demographic and Health Surveys, the paper investigates the effect of marriage timing on educational assortative mating patterns in Cameroon. To achieve the objective, the study employed the Cox proportional hazard model and a control function version of multinomial Probit. Results show that delaying marriage is expected to decrease the likelihood of women engaging in low educationally homogamous marriages while increasing the probability of women entering high educationally homogamous and hypogamous marriages. Findings further depicted that over the period 2004–2018, the likelihood of women engaging in low educationally homogamous marriages decreased meanwhile the likelihood of women considering high educationally homogamous marriages and hypogamous marriages increased. The implications of these findings are in tandem with the wisdom that, programs encouraging the girl child to delay early marriages and stay longer in school can help women engage in high educationally homogamous marriages, empower women and thus improves their socioeconomic status.

The Effect of Mastery-Oriented Motivational Climate Intervention on Static and Dynamic Balance of Overweight Girl Children

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: The ability to control static and dynamic balance is an important physical activity which plays an important role in the implementation of activities, and as a result, in overweight management in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of mastery-oriented motivational climate (student-centered educational and sports approach) on static and dynamic balance of overweight girl children.&#x0D; Methods: A semi-experimental research strategy with applied purpose and a pre-test-post-test design with control groups were used. 60 girls between 10 and12 were selected by convenience sampling method and were placed in four equal groups of mastery overweight, control overweight, mastery normal weight and control normal weight. Stork and Star tests were used to evaluate static and dynamic balance, respectively. Results: In the pre-test and post-test, the normal weight group performed better regarding both static and dynamic balance, although the difference between the normal weight and overweight groups decreased in the post-test. The experimental overweight group performed better in both static and dynamic balance than the control overweight group. The mean difference between pre-test and post-test of the two experimental groups of overweight and normal weight regarding dynamic and static balance was similar to each other. This was while this mean difference in the overweight group and normal control weight was greater in dynamic balance than static balance (P&lt;0/01).&#x0D; Conclusion: the mastery-oriented motivational climate approach has led to the improvement of both static and dynamic balance and can cause stability of posture and better performance of daily activities and various sports exercises.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge regarding Prevention of Female Feticide among Eligible couples

Today, a women is very uncertain about her very existence. She is always unsure about her life because she is always at a risk of being crushed at any moment. No place is safe for women, not even in their mother's wombs. In India the status of girl child reflect serious gender based differences, inequalities and discrimination. The purpose of this research was to give a planned teaching program on knowledge regarding prevention of female feticide among eligible couples1 Objectives are to assess the pre-test level of knowledge regarding female feticide among eligible couple, to assess the post-test level of knowledge regarding prevention of female feticide among eligible couples, to assess the post-test level of knowledge regarding prevention of female feticide among eligible couples, to find out the effectiveness of planned teaching program me on prevention of female feticide among eligible couple and to associate the post-test level of knowledge regarding prevention of female feticide among eligible couple with their related demographic variables. Quasi experimental research design is used to assess the level of knowledge among eligible couples. The findings were that the assess the effectiveness of a planned teaching program on knowledge regarding prevention of female feticide among eligible couples revealed that to pre-test level of knowledge reveals that among thirty samples 12(40%) eligible couples had inadequate knowledge, 18(60%) had moderate knowledge, 0(0%) had adequate knowledge with regard to post test level of knowledge revealed that among thirty samples 2(6.6%) have inadequate knowledge 21(70%) having moderate knowledge and remaining 7(23.3%) had adequate knowledge about prevention of female feticide.

Unpacking the Dynamics of Internal Migration in India: A Focus on Government Initiatives and Girl Child Migrants

Migration is a process and an event. This paper tries to discuss the rights that often get disturbed while on the move. It also discusses the challenges involved thereof while relocating. Establishing a linkage between migration and education, the paper tries to cover the challenges faced by migrant children in the face of this whole process of migration and how it effects not only the education system of our country, but the very manpower that are its real strength.

Analyzing Children's Weight Growth Variations and Associated Factors in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam: Using Fractional Polynomial Mixed-Effects Model.

Children's growth is increasingly considered a key mediator of later life outcomes. When examining weight growth, the correlation between repeated observations on the same subject must be regarded as well-modelled. This study aimed to analyze children's weight growth variations and associated factors in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam using a fractional polynomial mixed-effects model. This study used longitudinal data from the Young Lives Cohort Study conducted from 2002 to 2016 in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam. The study included 7,140 children of 1 to 15 years old A fractional polynomial mixed-effects model was used to analyze the data. Ethiopian, Peruvian, and Vietnamese children had significantly higher average body weights than children in India (1.426, P<0.001; 1.992, P<0.001; 1.334, P<0.001, respectively). Girl children's average body weight was significantly 0.15 times less than that of boys (-0.148; P=0.027). The average weight of rural children was significantly 0.671 times less than that of urban children (0.671, P<0.001). Children from Peru and Vietnam had higher rates of weight change than those from India. However, the rate of weight change was lower in Ethiopian children than in Indian children. Children from urban areas had a significantly higher rate of weight gain than those from rural areas. Country, sex, residence, parental education, household size, wealth, good drinking water, and reliable power affected children's longitudinal weight growth. Therefore, WHO and the nation's health ministry should monitor children's weight growth status and these associated factors to plan future action.

Multiple animal bite injuries in a child: a case report

Animal bites are a leading cause of injury among children, of which dog bites contribute significantly to the burden of Rabies in the world. This was a case report of a 7-year-old migrant girl child who was admitted to the casualty as a victim of multiple stray dog bite injuries. The child presented with multiple and extensive lesions all over the body. Trauma related to animal bites cause not just physical pain and suffering but also emotional stress and carries the risk of Rabies which is a highly fatal disease. Prompt management of the case with post exposure prophylaxis against Rabies needs to be done immediately, along with wound management to ensure good treatment results and patient outcome. This report presents the case of a child who sustained multiple stray dog bite injuries all over the body. Patient was followed up for one month, showed good wound healing and recovery.

Utilizing social psychology to drive financial policy solutions: Addressing female feticide and infanticide

Female feticide and infanticide, are two of the most serious problems confronting Indian society. This issue is largely caused by the identification of female fetuses through technology, which frequently results in the termination of a pregnancy. Despite the government’s efforts to curb these practices, progress has been limited. There are facilities in cities for determining the gender of an unborn child. The financial difficulty of raising a girl child is a key element in the preference for male offspring. The aim of this study is to propose innovative financial solutions that the government can implement to address this longstanding and complex issue. By exploring various financial inclusion strategies, this study seeks to identify effective measures that can bring about social change and promote gender equality.

Covid-19 and Girl Child Educational Attainment in Selected Primary Schools in Kyamuhunga Sub-county, Bushenyi district-Western Uganda

Covid-19 and Girl Child Educational Attainment in Selected Primary Schools in Kyamuhunga Sub-county, Bushenyi district-Western Uganda

PARENTING STYLES AS CORRELATES OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated parenting styles as a correlates of teenage pregnancy among adolescents in public secondary schools in Enugu State. Four research questions guided the study and four null hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance. The correlation research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 9,974 senior secondary school two (SS II) female adolescent students, in the 292 public secondary schools in Enugu State. A sample of 996 female adolescent students was drawn for the study through a multi-stage sampling technique. Structured questionnaires titled Parenting Styles Questionnaire (PSQ) and Teenage Pregnancy Questionnaire (TPQ) were used for data collection. The instrument was face and construct validated by three experts; while the construct validation was ascertained using the Varimax Rotation Method. Internal consistency coefficients of 0.89, 0.91, 0.90, and 0.86; 0.92, and 0.89; were obtained for PSQ and TPQ respectively, using Cronbach Alpha statistical method. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression statistics were utilized for data analysis. The p-value was used to determine the significant difference at a .05 level of significance for all hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that there was a low positive significant relationship between authoritative parenting style and teenage pregnancy. The result also showed that there was a high positive significant relationship between authoritarian parenting style and teenage pregnancy. It was equally found that there was a highly positive significant relationship between permissive parenting style and teenage pregnancy. Finally, the result indicated that there was a very high positive significant relationship between neglectful parenting style and teenage pregnancy. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that the school management and parents should ensure that the home and school environment are well protected to shield the children from exposure to negative influences, by being concerned about the well-being of the girl child through education about sex, sexuality and the danger inherent. Social welfare agencies (public and private) should re-double their efforts in educating, counselling, and rehabilitation of victims of teenage pregnancy.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/lit/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: A Closer Look

Savings are paramount in personal finance and economic stability serving as a cornerstone for financial security, goal achievement, and long-term prosperity. By cultivating a habit of saving, individuals can establish a safety net to navigate through emergencies, pursue aspirations such as home ownership or entrepreneurship, and secure a comfortable retirement. Moreover, savings enable individuals to reduce debt burdens, capitalize on investment opportunities, and counteract the erosive effects of inflation, thereby fostering financial independence and resilience. Additionally, accumulating savings empowers individuals to leave a legacy of generational wealth, ensuring the financial well-being of future generations. In essence, savings not only provide a buffer against unforeseen circumstances but also pave the way for realizing dreams, seizing opportunities, and building a brighter future. To promote the savings among the people, the government through banks and post offices offers various savings schemes including fixed deposits, recurring deposits, savings accounts, and government-backed schemes like Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP). The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) stands out among various savings schemes due to its focus on securing the financial future of the girl child in India. The scheme allows parents or guardians to open an account for their girl child below the age of 10, offering a competitive interest rate and tax benefits. Contributions to the account can be made until the child reaches the age of 15, with partial withdrawals allowed for specific purposes such as education and marriage expenses. By keeping all these in mind, this research paper is an attempt to discuss about the features, benefits, eligibility and trend and growth of SSY in terms of Account opening and amount deposited. The trend and growth of SSY has been analysed for a period of 9 years from 2014-15 to 2022-23 by using Compound growth rate technique. The result revealed that there is a positive trend in SSY in terms of number of accounts opened and amount invested.

Gender and Social Exclusion in Lake Victoria Basin: A Case of Mara and Simiyu Regions, Tanzania

Tanzania has undertaken several deliberate measures to address the social exclusion of traditionally marginalised groups. Yet, it is still felt by some people that good measures, strategies, and plans implemented in health and education are not handled at the household level. The study was conducted in Bunda TC, Bunda DC, and Busega DC to assess gender and social exclusion in the Lake Victoria basin. Specifically, examining disparities in household children’s education expectations by gender and investigating gendered differentials in health status and care. This study employed a multistage sampling method, combining random and purposive techniques, to select 447 households. Key informants were purposefully chosen for interviews, and 30 households per village were systematically surveyed. Data were collected through various methods, including documentary review and computer-aided personnel interviews, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Findings revealed that the sex of a child influenced the household expectation of the highest education level of children. Financial expectation determines who should be educated. The girls were on the disadvantageous side. The sex of the household head did not distinguish health status, and the exclusion of health care lies not in differential treatment between males and females but in differing affordability and the availability of health facilities. It is recommended that: the right to education of a girl child should be addressed at the household level; measures to improve health care affordability and availability of health facilities should be ensured; the provision of health insurance for all and free health services for complicated health problems of women should be emphasised.