Right To Health Research Articles

Exploring Perceptions on Sexual Empowerment Among Heterosexual Black Women in Braamfontein, Johannesburg

This study explored the perceptions of sexual empowerment among heterosexual black women, aged 22–30 years, residing in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. It was a qualitative study utilising a case study research design. A purposive sampling method was used and participants were recruited using snowball sampling. Data was collected from eight heterosexual black females using one-on-one in-depth interviews, following a semi-structured interview schedule, and responses were analysed through thematic data analysis. The research findings indicate that women perceived sexual empowerment as their ability to fulfil their sexual rights. To this end, they perceived sexual empowerment as the ability to communicate on sexual matters, the power to grant or withhold consent, enjoying feelings of self-efficacy, and the freedom to experiment sexually through various sexual activities and self-pleasure. According to the participants, the factors influencing female sexual empowerment included gender norms around sexuality, social media, peer influence, and sexuality education. This study contributes to our understanding of sexual empowerment from women's perspectives and can be used to draft plans for educational seminars on sexual empowerment and policies on sexual and reproductive health rights.

Climate Change and Women Health Vulnerabilities: Towards Mitigation and Response

Climate change affects all genders in myriad ways and causes catastrophic health hazards. While no one is safe from this unfolding risks, women are already disadvantaged and become most affected by climate change. Poor air quality, contaminated water, food insecurity, spread of vector borne diseases, disruption of sanitation and rising temperature etc. have overwhelming negative health impacts on women, especially on the reproductive health. Furthermore, climate policies in India lack gender sensitivity because of low awareness making women health more vulnerable. With this backdrop, the current paper has identified key areas of vulnerability among females due to their biology and the existing socio-cultural factors. In addition to the existing issues women are less likely to have accessibility of the resources to enjoy their fundamental health rights. There fore the current paper discuses better strategies for mitigation and response to climate change with the active participation of women, families and the whole community. After looking at various findings the paper concludes the need of the gender sensitive approach in the process of mitigation and response.

Balancing public health and privacy rights: a mixed-methods study on disclosure obligations of people living with HIV to their partners in China

BackgroundIn 2021, a Chinese court, based on the newly enacted Civil Code, first revoked a marriage license due to the spouse’s failure to disclose their HIV infection before the marriage. This landmark case ignited a fresh debate on whether people living with HIV (PLHIV) have a legal duty to inform their spouses and sexual partners. Advances in medicine have partially isolated HIV transmission from sexual contact, extending the legal basis for the obligation to disclose beyond disease prevention. This study investigates some possibly unforeseen challenges for PLHIV in China to fulfill this duty, and the outcomes of their decisions in light of the government’s goal to promote health.MethodsThis study aims to provide a detailed examination of the legal provisions and practices concerning partner notification among PLHIV in China. A mixed-methods research approach was employed between 2019 and 2020, combining questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and participatory observations. A total of 433 valid responses were obtained through a questionnaire posted on a Chinese online platform for PLHIV. Following the collection and random coding of the questionnaire data, 40 individuals living with HIV were selected for in-depth interviews. Subsequently, a six-month field investigation was conducted in Guan ai jia yuan (Caring Home) in Jinhua City to further explore this issue.ResultsA considerable proportion of PLHIV exhibit a high rate of disclosure to their spouses (nearly 80%). In the context of sexual partners, 56% of PLHIV stated that their sexual partners were aware of their HIV infection. Whether married PLHIV disclosing to their spouses or unmarried/divorced PLHIV disclosing to sexual partners, however, a substantial majority expressed apprehension about the potential disruption to their relationships that the disclosure might cause. The sole exception was observed among married PLHIV in extramarital relationships who demonstrated a slightly diminished level of concern in this context. Reasons for non-disclosure predominantly included undetectable viral load and the adoption of protective measures.DiscussionThis study reveals that a prevailing “HIV stigma” hinders PLHIV from voluntarily fulfilling the disclosure duties bestowed by Article 38 of the Regulations on the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, and the unclear legal provisions of the new Civil Code play a significant role in this regard. Addressing this issue necessitates not only increasing societal tolerance toward PLHIV and reducing instances of social exclusion but also shifting the legal basis of disclosure duties from disease prevention to rights and obligations within the legal relationships of the parties involved. When it comes to the recipients of disclosure, for instance, it is crucial to differentiate between spouses and sexual partners. As for PLHIV failing to fulfill their disclosure duties, apart from interventions involving indirect notifications, the addition of further legal responsibilities may not be advisable. Intentional transmission actions, on the other hand, should still be subject to severe penalties.Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Gender violence in media: A study of Kaduna state media corporation (ksmc)

Gender violence is a global pandemic that has permeated every sector of human life including the media. It is a major public health and human rights problem involving all ages and sexes however, women in media, have taken quite the hit in the form of threats or abuse in connection with their work, as victims of intimidation, sexual harassment, deprivations of liberty or certain rights. As a result, this research investigated gender violence in Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC). Amongst others, this study purposes to identify the various forms of gender violence and the causes of gender violence in Kaduna State Media Corporation. Anchored on the feminist theory, the research combines qualitative analysis of relevant literature with primary data collected through in-depth interviews in which 10 participants from both genders, were purposively selected media professionals in Kaduna State Media Corporation. The findings show that gender violence exists in KSMC against women, in very subtle forms of abuse of power, assault, psychological abuse, and discrimination however, they have put in preventive such as sensitization programs and workshops to combat gender violence. The study, therefore recommends that media organizations should try and employ more women in their organizations and also, anyone found assaulting his female colleague should be severely punished, as the workplace ought to be conducive for everyone.

Males' Access to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Resource-Limited Settings.

The human papillomavirus is known to cause cervical and anogenital cancer and benign anogenital and cutaneous warts. Both males and females can contract the virus during sexual intercourse and skin-to-skin contact. Communities in low- and middle-income countries, including Africa, are particularly suffering from human papillomavirus-related diseases, mainly cervical cancer. Vaccination is the most economical and efficient prevention strategy to control human papillomavirus-related diseases. Undoubtedly, to control all types of human papillomavirus-related morbidity and mortality, the entire at-risk, sexually active population needs to be vaccinated regardless of their sex. However, the vaccination program, particularly in Africa, the world's most resource-limited region, is habitually limited to the female population, considering only the burden of cervical cancer. We think that it is impossible to fully mitigate the human papillomavirus infection by vaccinating only the female population, while males can carry and pass the virus. In addition, marginalizing males from this program seems to violate gender inequality and their sexual and reproductive health rights. Hence, we voice the need for global and local governments to consider and customize human papillomavirus vaccination programs for the male population. Also, it is better to consider the male population in different research studies regarding human papillomavirus-related malignant and benign conditions.

Why a good law is not always good enough: a global review of restrictions to supportive laws for sexual and reproductive health and rights

Laws and regulations provide the framework for implementing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)-related policies, programmes and services. They can promote the fulfilment of health and human rights; however,...

An assessment of youth’s understanding on sexual and reproductive health rights in traditional authority Malili in Lilongwe

The study was conducted with an aim of assessing youth’s understanding on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe in Malawi. The study has used a descriptive research design mainly to describe the characteristics of the youth awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights issues. Nevertheless, the study has found existing knowledge gaps on Family Planning, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Sexual Autonomy. Additionally, the research discovered barriers that affect the demand and access of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the youth. The study results strongly suggest that Malawi should not continue doing business as usual as far as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for youth is concerned. The study recommends addressing the disconnect between policy articulation and policy implementation; recruiting more health staff and creating more capacity building opportunities for SRH providers; creating more supportive environments in the homes for youth to dialogue with their parents on ASRH issues and creation of more safety avenues for the youth to express their sexuality such as youth groups and strengthen income generating activities for out of school youth and creating synergies among stakeholders to avoid retrogressive duplication in ASRHR programming.

Promotion of mental health and prevention of mental disorders in a rich welfare state: A Norwegian perspective

The population's mental health - their ability to handle emotions, think rationally, control their behavior, and maintain good relations with others - is a county's most important resource. Failing ability to do so, causes a country's most burdensome illnesses, mental distress and mental disorder, and hinders optimal utilization of other resources. In Norway, prevalence of mental illness is similar to that of other rich countries. Cost of mental illness corresponds to four times the cost of running the armed forces. In working age, loss of health from mental illness is greater than from all somatic non-communicable illness together, and loss of healthy life years is comparable to that of all cancers together. More treatment cannot curb this. Prevention is the only way out. Based on known risk and protecting factors, thirteen strategic principles for an effective prevention plan are presented together with the new Norwegian escalation plan for mental health 2023–2033. Four evidence-based priorities are recommended: universal mental health screening in pregnancy and early motherhood, mandatory guidance of all new day-care center teachers, mental health as a separate subject in school, and employment for all. Finally, with reference to human rights, seven mental health rights are suggested to assure that all organizations become mental health promoting.

Leaving no one behind? Addressing inequitable HIV outcomes by attending to diversity: A qualitative study exploring the needs of LGBTQI+ young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

Leaving nobody behind in the fight to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat depends on addressing inequities in optimal HIV outcomes. Consistently overlooked in research, policy and programming are young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and intersex (LGBTQI+) people who are living with HIV. This study engaged young LGBTQI+ people in Zimbabwe to better understand their experiences of living with HIV and the support they need. Between September 2022 and February 2023, we conducted qualitative research with 14 LGBTQI+ young people (18-24 years), (two focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 5/14). All 14 participants were accessing a LGBTQI+ HIV support group at Zvandiri ('As I Am'), a well-established community-based HIV program. We conducted thematic analysis and key findings informed the collaborative development of internal activities to further enhance inclusivity of LGBTQI+ young people within Zvandiri's programs. There was consensus among participants that being LGBTQI+ and living with HIV leads to "double stigma and double trouble", involving physical and verbal harassment, social exclusion and family rejection. Participants concealed their LGBTQI+ identity and HIV status in most situations, and many withheld their HIV status in LGBTQI+ social spaces, including community-led LGBTQI+ services. This negatively impacted their psychosocial well-being and social connectedness. Participants described positive experiences of Zvandiri. Interacting with others living with HIV in a destigmatising environment promoted self-acceptance. However, reflecting their prevailing experiences, participants were cautious about revealing their sexuality and/or gender identity at Zvandiri outside of their support group. Ensuring equitable access to HIV care, including mental health support, relies on understanding the challenges experienced by those most marginalised. Critically important is understanding the impact of intersectional stigma on LGBTQI+ young peoples' social lives, and their access to services. Community-based HIV support programs are well-positioned to support and advance this group's health rights.

Not One Step Back: Lessons Learned and Challenges in a Consolidate Agenda of Sexual and Reproductive Rights in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

There have been advances in Latin America regarding the recognition of sexual and reproductive rights, especially in relation to disadvantaged groups such as women and LGBTI persons. In this sense, it is relevant to mention the recognition by the Inter-American System of the right to health as a true right. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges to be faced. In this paper, I will review the progress and challenges of the Inter American Court of Human Right in sexual and reproductive health rights, looking to offer a panoramic overview from a global south perspective by analyzing specific cases. I will then highlight some achievements and setbacks in this area, focus on the impact of these cases in the region and criticize some of the Court's limited responses.

Retraction notice: Human rights in mental health with specific focus on international standards and clinical practices

Retraction notice: Human rights in mental health with specific focus on international standards and clinical practices

Legal Protection against Physicians for Presumed Malpractice in Indonesia: A Judicial Review

Increased public awareness of health rights and legal access has sparked intensive discussions on malpractice in healthcare. However, differing views between lawyers and doctors regarding the definition of malpractice as well as the limits of doctors' authority create complexity. Types of medical malpractice, such as criminal, administrative, ethical and meritorious, are the focus for understanding the legal liability framework. Although civil law can protect consumers, the lack of an independent medical law formulation in Indonesia is an obstacle. Normative research methods are used to explore the legal views and responsibilities of doctors in medical practice. Discussions on malpractice proof, legal protection for doctors, and ethical and legal obligations in medical practice contribute to the understanding of this complex issue. Therefore, this article aims to detail the legal and ethical framework related to medical malpractice in Indonesia and explore protection and enforcement efforts to optimize the relationship between patients and the medical profession.

HEALTH LAW IMPLEMENTATION REALIZES GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

The millennium development program (MDGs) in quality health services, including women's reproductive health, is not evenly distributed, due to poor infrastructure and the unequal quality of health services between provinces. It is hoped that Indonesian Health has succeeded in achieving most of Indonesia's MDGs targets, namely 49 of the 67 MDGs indicators can be improved. In normative juridical research, law is conceptualized as norms or rules that apply in society. Using a statutory approach and a conceptual approach in health law. There is a guarantee of a sense of security in accordance with Article 28G Paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, thereby providing women's rights in accordance with the mandate given by the state and guaranteeing rights without discrimination and gender differences. There is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which emphasizes that women's human rights are respected, then women's reproductive health rights have also been formulated by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) since 1996, namely the right to equality and freedom from all forms of discrimination. In the end, support for women's empowerment must involve many parties from politics, PUG institutions, Human Resources, Budget, Gender Analysis Tools, and Community Participation.
 Keywords: gender equality, health law, reproductive health rights

Human Rights-based Approaches and the Right to Health: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract The term ‘human rights-based approach’ is common in rights and international development literature. Yet there is no single, universally agreed definition of a human rights-based approach, let alone its application to the right to health. This article uses a PRISMA-informed systematic literature review to address the question, ‘What is the current status of the human rights-based approach to health in international law?’ Previous reviews have described how international organizations and development donors have tackled human rights-based approaches to development generally and discussed prominent works on human rights-based approaches to health. However, this is the first review to sample the peer-reviewed literature systematically. The study revealed that authors use the terms ‘human rights’, ‘human rights-based approach’ and ‘right to health’ to import a raft of legal implications, or none at all. Similarly, readers may assign legal meanings to these terms, or none at all. Confusion arises because although these terms often have different meanings for authors and readers from different disciplines, this is not commonly acknowledged, and authors rarely clarify their perspectives. The author concludes that scholars should seek co-authors with human rights law or public health qualifications, as relevant. Most academic institutions research and teach health and law separately; interdisciplinary centres of excellence in health, law and human rights offer an opportunity to overcome these historical obstacles to interdisciplinary dialogue and understanding. The study and its conclusions will be of interest to legal researchers, human rights advocates, public health scholars, and advocates from other disciplines.

(Dis)connection between Multiculturalism, Higher Education and Health: Experiences of International Students in Portugal during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Multiculturalism may point to the idea of ‘cohesion in diversity’, but if differentiated institutional policies and practices do not accompany it, it may contribute to promoting or deepening inequalities between different groups/cultures. Given the increase in students’ international mobility, multicultural awareness in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must be considered. Based on this idea, this article aims to answer: (i) what were the main health problems (physical and mental) that international students (IS) in Portugal experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (ii) how they perceived their health rights in Portugal. To this end, we used data from an online survey, which was made available to all IS enrolled in a Portuguese HEI between April and May 2020, and from 22 online interviews conducted between September 2020 and January 2021 with some of these students. The results showed that the pandemic impacted the mental health of IS; fear, anxiety and stress were some of the symptoms experienced. Portuguese public health services have been perceived as untrustworthy by IS, and some students’ experience reinforces the untrustworthiness. The research shows the (dis)connection between multiculturalism, health, and HEIs. While HEIs promote multiculturalism, they have failed to provide answers in the field of health that take into account the specificities of their different student groups.

Performance Services for COVID-19 with Private Medical College Hospitals

Corona is a pandemic disease to spread in the human body as a wide-reaching in the history of unwanted world. Yet Medical higher authorities are facing the undesirable spreading causes of this disease as a vital global issue to the present and rationalized generations. Everyone worries of its augmentation around the world and someone suffers from this disease but none can invent effective measures till date as per recovery system. The study aims to assess the management performance services of COVID-19 at North East Medical College and Hospital (NEMCH), as a private medical institution in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Quantitative and qualitative patients' data were obtained from hospital health information centre and secondary data were collected from diverse sources. Key health information instruments of COVID-19 patients and their sustained living status challenges in risks with health rights are highlighted. The research focuses the 41-60 aged group is 42.2%, which is the highest admitted patients and the ratio of male and female is 2:1.13. The study represents the 69.26% of suspected, 30.74% positive and 16.79% death, out of 911 admitted patients from June to August 2020. These findings reflect the health security that the physicians provide. Scientific healthcare knowledge is essential for corona treatment with clinical supports and modern technology but such knowledge is below par. The research suggests future research trajectories of a new alternative treatment options to stimulate the management performance on the priority of National Health Policy and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Trends and determinants of unmet need for modern contraception among adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania, 2004-2016.

Unintended pregnancy at a young age can lead to poor reproductive health, social and economic outcomes. The high rate of unintended teenage pregnancies in Tanzania is indicative of inadequate availability and uptake of modern contraception. Determining trends and determinants of unmet need for modern contraception among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania will help address the burden of unintended pregnancies. An analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted using secondary data from three consecutive Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS) 2004/05, 2010 and 2015/6 among AGYW in need of modern contraception. Data analysis considered the complex survey design. Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with unmet need for modern contraception. We observed a steady decline in unmet need for modern contraception among sexually active AGYW in need of modern contraception from 31.8% in 2004/05 to 27.5% in 2015/16 survey. In the multivariable analysis, higher prevalence of unmet need for modern contraception was observed among adolescents, participants with at least one live birth, from poor wealth tertile, and those sexually active during the past four weeks compared to their counterparts. Despite declining levels, the unmet need for modern contraception among AGYW in Tanzania remains high. AGYW under 19 years, those from poor households, and those who are postpartum are most at risk. Greater efforts in empowering and educating AGYW at risk on their reproductive health rights and needs will further the uptake of modern contraceptive use, reduce the rates of unintended pregnancies, lower the adolescent fertility rate as a result lower unmet need for modern contraception.

An Analysis of Gender Inequality Existing in the World

In 2000, the United States issued a detailed report on the situation of women around the world, which showed that although women and men lived in the same world, they enjoyed different education, employment opportunities, health, safety and human rights. But in almost every country, women are oppressed as second-class. This paper studies the phenomenon of gender inequality in the world, and finds that the traditional ideology of son preference in rural areas shows that in the workplace, women not only have fewer opportunities for employment and promotion than men, but also bear the double pressure of housework and employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated women's employment difficulties and domestic violence. In order to solve the inequality between men and women, the government should improve relevant laws and regulations and guide the development of mass media. At the same time, women should improve their own quality and strengthen the construction of leadership.

Level of Knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Among the Teenage Mothers and Their Parents in Rwanda: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Parents are the primary caregivers and influential figures in adolescents' lives. They play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding sexual reproductive health. A vast difference in knowledge between adolescents and their parents indicates failure in knowledge translation and is associated with sexual and reproductive consequences, such as teenage pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study between December 2020 and December 2021, 834 teenage mothers and their parents/guardians (n = 861) were enrolled from all five provinces of Rwanda. Knowledge of sexual reproductive health (SRH) rights was assessed, and the differences between the understanding of parents and their children were analyzed using Chi-square tests. There were statistically significant differences forall the assessed aspects of SRH knowledge rights between parents and their teenagers (ie, on the age of consent,safe abortion,right to education for teenage mothers, understanding of financial responsibilities, and perceptions of legal consequences). There is a significant knowledge difference between the two generations regarding their understanding of SRH rights. It is recommended that future programming should devise innovative ways that bring together parents and their children to discuss sexual reproductive health rights, which will result in empowered children and teenagers in Rwanda. Also, awareness programs are needed to improve the knowledge gaps regarding SRH in the public by policymakers, NGOs, and educators.

WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS TO POPULATION CONTROL: AN INVESTIGATION CARRIED OUT IN RIVERINE AREAS OF SONITPUR DISTRICT OF ASSAM Pages 1-6

Reproductive health rights guarantee that individuals can procreate freely, choosing when and how often to do so, and that they can have fulfilling and safe sexual relationships. This study focuses on the knowledge and practices of women in the riverine area with regard to reproductive health rights. By empowering women to make decisions about the number of children they want, how many to have, and how to use contraception, this study contributes to population control. Focus groups and case studies were used to perform a descriptive study with 103 women in the reproductive age range of 18 to 49 years old living in a riverine location in the Sonitpur district of Assam, India. The bulk of the 103 responders or 18–27 years old, were in this age range. The majority of them lacked basic knowledge about reproductive health and rights and were illiterate. Additionally, the women don't use the family planning services that the primary health centers offer. As a result, women in Assamese riverine areas possessed very little knowledge and practiced few reproductive health rights, which led to an imbalance in population control.