UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Stiegler, Nancy"

Browsing by Author "Stiegler, Nancy"

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Accessibility and use of prenatal facilities in the developing world by young mothers aged from fifteen to nineteen years old
(2013) Kabongo, Muika; Stiegler, Nancy
Background: Professional health assistance is a significant indicator in monitoring progress towards Millennium Development Goal five to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters and child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. It is also significant that mothers deliver their babies in an appropriate setting, where life saving equipment and hygiene can also help reduce the risk of complications that may cause death or illness to mother and child. But in developing countries access to health services is still an issue. Objective: From a fundamental research view point, this study aims to investigate the determinants of place of delivery and professional health providers by analysing the factors that are likely to influence young mothers’ accessibility and use of prenatal facilities in the developing world. Specifically in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Guyana and Haiti. Methodology: Univariet and bivariet analysis were performed to determine a relation or association between dependent and independent variables. Using secondary data from Demographic and Health Survey secondary data requested from the DHS selected between 2005 and 2010, the analysis was performed by means of SPSS software. Bringing together the demographic variables and access and the use of health services related variables, the study captures the differences and similarities across these countries. Results: The study has identified the main factors influencing the use of professional health providers and health facilities according to the variables examined from the DHS. The finding showed the use health facilities for delivery, professional health providers were influenced by economic status of young mothers, level of education, place of residence, religion, marital status, in all six countries. Access to health facilities was much influence availability of transport, the presence of health providers at facilities and availability of drugs at facilities. Family members’ knowledge about the importance of delivering a baby at health facilities was found to be the strongest predictors of use of health facilities for delivery in all six countries. These findings suggest that these factors cited are associated with access and use of professional health providers and health facilities, and should be the target of interventions aimed to increase the use of prenatal facilities and professional health providers among young women in these countries in order to improve maternal and child health in accordance with Millennium Development Goals four and five.
Analysis of unmarried adolescents and modern contraceptives initiation in Nigeria: Evidence from 2018 NDHS
(MDPI, 2022) Ogujiuba, Kanayo; Ojoniyi, Olaide; Stiegler, Nancy
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most populous countries. Nigeria’s population is expected to exceed 400 million by 2050, putting it among the top five most populous countries in the world. High birth rates, limited contraception use, and early marriage are the main causes of this rapid increase. In Nigeria, adolescents play a substantial role in these issues, with 117 births per 1000 girls aged 15–19 years. Data for this article comes from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Our sample consisted of 1014 sexually active unmarried adolescents aged 15–19 years. Kaplan Meier’s curve, Log Rank Test, and Cox proportional hazards model were modeled to estimate the parameters at p > 0.05. Findings show that the average time to the first use of modern contraceptives after sexual initiation is two years.
Assessment of the potential of hospital birth records to estimate the number of births: A case study of Germiston and Nkomazi Local Municipalities
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Nhlapo, Mosidi Sarah; Stiegler, Nancy
The advantage of a well-developed health information system is the significant role played by records produced by such a system beyond recording medical history of individuals. They are the foundation for birth registrations which when fully complete is an important tool for acquiring data necessary for planning and monitoring child and maternal health in a country. This study aimed to investigate the potential of hospital birth records to estimate the number of births in the country and supplement birth registrations data. Data was abstracted from public facilities where births occur in two municipalities; Germiston in Gauteng and Nkomazi in Mpumalanga for the period 2014 to 2016. Modified version of the BORN Data Quality Framework (BORN-DQF) of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (2016) was used to assess the contents and quality of hospital birth records.
Boys or girls? Sex preferences declared in African and South-Asian demographic surveys
(Elsevier, 2023) Garenne, Michel; Stiegler, Nancy; Bouchard, Jean-Pierre
In this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, demographers Michel Garenne and Nancy Stiegler explore sex-preferences for girls or for boys expressed by women who responded to DHS surveys in 29 African and 10 Asian countries. The IPUMS/DHS database was used for statistical analysis, bringing together 140 surveys and 2.5 million women aged 15–49. Overall, two-thirds of women were in favor of a balanced number of girls and boys or were indifferent to the composition of the family. In 20.8% of cases, they preferred to have more boys, and in 12.6% of cases they preferred to have more girls. These proportions vary considerably between countries, and were influenced by local culture, religion, level of education, household wealth, and to a small extent by urban residence. Sex preferences were also influenced by family composition. These preferences are likely to change rapidly over time. Among the countries analyzed, eight expressed preferences for more girls, all located in sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly in southern Africa. These preferences could have many consequences, demographic, psychological and social.
Challenges of microfinance access in Nigeria: implications for entrepreneurship development
(MCSER-CEMAS-Sapienza University of Rome, 2013) Ogujiuba, Kanayo; Jumare, Fadila; Stiegler, Nancy
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly being accepted as valuable platforms to create jobs and improve livelihoods. The Nigerian government has enacted favorable laws and regulations on contracts, leasing, and corporate tax to encourage the development of SMEs. Nonetheless, many entrepreneurs in Nigeria cannot access loans given the high levels of poverty. The paper argues that microenterprise finance cannot be financially viable because small loans are too costly to administer and the profits from such lending too meager to permit profitability. Based on content analysis of available literature, it is found that microfinance institutions have collapsed in Nigeria due to poor loan quality, default in loan repayment, high transaction costs, widespread delinquency, and management deficiencies. Given these challenges, the paper recommends savings by microfinance institutions and measures from successful initiatives from countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh. These will enable microfinance institutions to be self-sustaining and to increase outreach.
A comparative analysis of contraceptive use in Africa: evidence from DHS
(SAGE Publications, 2016) Stiegler, Nancy; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
The aim of this article is to show a comparative analysis of contraceptive use in areas of traditionally high fertility that have gone through profound changes. Data have been taken from the latest Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Logistic regression models were adopted for four selected representative countries, namely Egypt, Mali, Namibia and Niger. There were two selection criteria: data should be recent, and selected countries should have high (Egypt 57.4%; Namibia 46.4%) or low (Mali 7.5%; Niger 10.0%) contraceptive use. The probability of using contraception when a woman has had one to four children is 2.4 times higher than when they have had no children. Contraception data are always gathered at a point of time, but crosssectional data are not sufficient to understand all the mechanisms hidden behind contraceptive use. Different contraceptive behaviours need good estimation tools to develop specific family planning programmes.
Comparative analysis of the use of professional health providers by young mothers in developing countries: A new frontier for health education
(AFAHPER-SD, 2016) Kabongo, Muika; Stiegler, Nancy; Kanayo, Ogujiuba
Childbearing accelerates the risk of maternal and child morbidity and young mothers have a much higher risk of dying from maternal causes. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of young mothers’ use of professional health providers during pregnancy and childbirth in developing countries as well as identifying the socioeconomic factors that influence them is imperative. The paper investigates the relationship between the utilization of professional health providers and socioeconomic influence in Kenya, Ethiopia, Haiti, Bangladesh and Guyana. Both Chi-square and logistic regression models were used on the Demographic and Health Survey data set of the select countries to determine the relationship between young mothers’ characteristics and use of professional health providers. Using bivariate and multivariate analysis, socioeconomic and demographic factors were triangulated to capture the relationships between professional health providers’ utilization and young mothers. Test statistics showed that age and education had a positive, statistically significant relationship with the young mothers’ use of professional health providers for delivery in Kenya, (p=0.01<0.05) in Ethiopia (p=0.01<0.05) and in Haiti (p=0.01<0.05). The results of logistic regression also showed a positive statistical significance between the young mothers’ use of professional health providers and level of education, wealth, and place of residence (p=0.05) for the select countries. Our findings suggest that socioeconomic conditions in the selected countries influence the use of professionals for both prenatal and natal care. In order to improve maternal and child health in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasis should be placed on providing health education for young women and expanding the knowledge curriculum of professional health providers that attend to them. While recognizing that the health educator has contributions to make on both the micro and macro change levels, a case is made for moving the field of health education further in the broad direction of prenatal and natal care. This would impact positively on the socioeconomic status of women in general.
Contraception and unmet-needs in Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Stiegler, Nancy; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
The first objective of this study is to show if diffusion of contraception in areas of traditional high fertility has gone through profound changes. Indeed, we would like to know if contraceptive behaviours have evolved because of new fertility perceptions and also because partners now have greater freedom to make choices in a relationship. The second objective of this study is not only to highlight the levels and trends of contraception and the factors influencing their use (government policies, role of family planning, etc.) in developing countries, but also to consider the population of unmet-needs of contraception. Indeed, the level of contraceptive use depends obviously on users, but also on non-users with no needs and non-users with unsatisfied needs. The understanding of this last category of females is essential to a more accurate estimation of contraception levels, and, therefore for the estimation of fertility levels. This study analyses the contraceptive use in several developing countries in Africa and highlights the unsatisfied needs of contraception, to understand why such needs exist. To do so, we shall analyse available demographic data for thirty-five African countries by using the available Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), from the 1980's to 2000's considering the DHS I, DHS II, DHS III and DHS IV. This great variety of surveys, seventy-nine in total, permits one to compare levels of contraception and 'unmet-needs' from country to country. The surveys also, make it possible to compare the evolution over time of specific countries or specific regions, and to subsequently comprehend the determining factors of contraceptive use or non-use.
Covid-19 demography in France and South Africa: a comparative study of morbidity and mortality in 2020–2022
(Public Library of Science, 2024) Garenne, Michel; Stiegler, Nancy
Background Covid-19 epidemics raged around the world in years 2020–2022. The dynamics of the epidemics and their mortality varied by country depending on prevention, treatments, vaccination and health status of the population. Objective The study compares Covid-19 morbidity and mortality in South-Africa and in France, two countries with similar population size and with reliable reporting systems, in order to better understand the dynamics and impacts of the epidemics and the effects of health policies and programs. Data and methods Data on cases, deaths, hospitalizations, vaccinations were drawn from national statistics. Published data on cases and deaths were corrected for undercount. Results Results show a different epidemiology in the two countries in the first three years of the epidemic (2020–2022). Incidence was higher in South Africa, and some 44% more people were infected by December 2022 than in France. Mortality and case-fatality were also higher in South Africa despite a favourable age structure. The age pattern of mortality showed higher values in South Africa among the young adults. Young women appeared somewhat disadvantaged in South Africa. Lastly, vaccination appeared to have had no effect on incidence, but a large effect on case-fatality in France. Conclusions Despite about the same population size and the same crude death rate at baseline, South Africa exhibited more cases and more deaths from Covid-19 over the 2020–2022 period. Prevention strategies (lockdown and vaccination) appear to have had large impacts on morbidity and mortality.
Demographic and health impact of alcohol and tobacco in Cameroon and Albania
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Karriem, Ahmed Tawfeeq; Stiegler, Nancy
The aim of this article is to illustrate a comparative analysis of the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use and its impact on demographic and health indicators in Cameroon and Albania. Tobacco is the leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment. It kills more than eight million people each year; of which around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke (WHO, 2021). The harmful use of alcohol is also a global problem resulting in millions of deaths, it is not only a causal factor in many diseases, but also a precursor to injury, violence and risky sexual behaviour. The evolving methods of consumption and harmful byproducts are not fully being attenuated to prevent initiation or discourage its continuance. The issue is that alcohol and tobacco industries provide enticingly substantial economic benefits.
Determinants of female labour force participation in South Africa in 2008
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Yakubu, Yakubu A.; Stiegler, Nancy; Faculty of Science
This study employs the Human Capital Theory (HCT), which postulates that the education of women is positively related to the likelihood of their labour force participation, in order to investigate quarterly dynamics in the labour force. This approach is an advancement of knowledge gained from previous studies such as Serumanga-Zake and Kotze (2004) and Ntuli (2004) who investigated the annual dynamics in FLFP. Investigating quarterly dynamics in FLFP is prudent as the market economy is very dynamic particularly at a point when the world economy is experiencing recession. Data for the study are extracted from the 2008 Quarterly Labour Force Survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. Logistic regression analysis modeling was employed with the dependent variable, FLFP, as a binary outcome. Other variables controlled in the analysis are gender, population group, age, marital status, education status, sector, main industry, main occupation and province. The results show that there is association between education status and FLFP status. Findings from this research are expected to contribute to the knowledge about trends in FLFP in South Africa and aid in planning of interventions aimed at improving the status of women as one of the critical steps in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Determinants of female labour force participation in South Africa in 2008
(2009) Yakubu, Yakubu A.; Stiegler, Nancy
South Africa’s female labour supply increased substantially over almost the past two decades. Female labour force participation is an imperative indication of the extent to which females participate in the economic activities of any country. Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) rates have gained interest among researchers and development specialists worldwide due to their significant contribution in measuring progress related to gender disparities across various economic settings. Amsden (1980) further posits that there has been an increase in women contribution to modern sector activities. Despite the advances in female educational attainment and the expansion of the market economy, FLFP rates are still low in comparison with the rates of their male counterparts. This study employs the Human Capital Theory (HCT), which postulates that the education of women is positively related to the likelihood of their labour force participation, in order to investigate quarterly dynamics in the labour force. This approach is an advancement of knowledge gained from previous studies such as Serumanga-Zake and Kotze (2004) and Ntuli (2004) who investigated the annual dynamics in FLFP. Investigating quarterly dynamics in FLFP is prudent as the market economy is very dynamic particularly at a point when the world economy is experiencing recession. Data for the study are extracted from the 2008 Quarterly Labour Force Survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. Logistic regression analysis modeling was employed with the dependent variable, FLFP, as a binary outcome. Other variables controlled in the analysis are gender, population group, age, marital status, education status, sector, main industry, main occupation and province. The results show that there is association between education status and FLFP status. Findings from this research are expected to contribute to the knowledge about trends in FLFP in South Africa and aid in planning of interventions aimed at improving the status of women as one of the critical steps in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The determinants of under-five child mortality in the state of Palestine and Malawi: A comparative study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Hera, Robynn Ashley; Stiegler, Nancy
Mortality is one of the significant vital events for which a government collects data, especially child mortality, because it is one of the contributing indicators that are used to assess the wellbeing of a nation. Globally, in the public health sphere, under-five child mortality remains a major concern, especially in developing countries. There has been significant progress made to reduce under-five child mortality rates since 1990s. The global under-five child mortality rate has dropped by 60%, from 93 deaths per 1 000 live births in 1990 to 37 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2020.
Does seasonality and stochastic cycles affect output growth in Nigeria? Lessons for development planning
(International Foundation for Research and Development (IFRD), 2016) Ogujiuba, Kanayo; Abraham, Terfa W.; Stiegler, Nancy
This paper examines the seasonality and stochastic cycle associated with GDP growth in Nigeria using two measures of filter. Our findings include, that the Christiano & Fitzgerald (2003) filter removed low-periodicity stochastic cycles associated with output growth in Nigeria compared to the Hodrick Prescott filter. The smoothed GDP trend further revealed that growth in Nigeria was higher but unstable in periods of development planning than in periods without development plans. This suggests that development planning in Nigeria was not accompanied by judicious mix of fiscal and monetary policy in the 1980s/1990s. Likewise, effort to achieve sustainable growth and development, since the return to democracy in 1999, has not been accompanied by effective planning. To achieve inclusive development therefore, there is the need to return to development planning in order to address the destruction meted by insurgents in the North east and the lack of inclusiveness in Nigeria’s growth observed in recent times.
The dynamics of modern method contraception among sexually active unmarried adolescents in Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Ojoniyi, Olaide; Stiegler, Nancy
It is just stating the obvious to aver that young people in all regions are reaching puberty earlier and are habitually engaging in sexual activity at a younger age, and thereafter, marrying later. As a result, they are sexually exposed for a longer time before marriage than has historically been the case, and as such, are at higher risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Needless to say, nonmarital sexual activity is increasing among adolescents. However, less than half of those who want to avoid pregnancy are using a modern method of contraception.
Female genital mutilation in Africa :what will encourage its discontinuation
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Marinus, Chanel; Stiegler, Nancy; Dept. of Political Studies; Faculty of Arts
Between one hundred and one hundred and forty million young girls around the world have reportedly been subjected to some form of genital excision during 2005. Approximately three million young girls are at risk every year of undergoing this harmful procedure (WHO, 2008). Female genital mutilation is reported to occur, and is expected to continue occurring in twenty-eight African countries (London Safeguarding Children Board, 2007). This paper aims to firstly observe the levels of excision in Africa, and then highlight the underlying factors that encourage certain women to continue this dangerous ritual by analysing national datasets, such as the child info database, obtained form the United Nations Children's Fund. By calculating and comparing common indicators, the prevailing ones that dominate FGM appreciation can be further analysed. The final objective will be to suggest strategies that can be put in place to encourage the discontinuation of female genital cutting universally.
Fertility in Nigeria and Guinea : a comparative study of trends and determinants
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Osuafor, Godswill Nwabuisi; Stiegler, Nancy; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Arts
The present study was conceived to examine the trend and factors affecting fertility in Nigeria and Guinea. Fertility has declined by about nineteen percent in Nigeria between 1982 and 1999. In the same period it has declined by five percent in Guinea. The decline is observed in data from censuses and surveys. Studies have reported that fertility transition is in progress in most Sub-Sahara African countries (Bongaarts 2008; Guttmacher 2008), Nigeria (Feyisetan and Bankole 2002) and Guinea (measuredhs 2007). Studies and surveys done in some regions and among ethnic groups suggest that fertility is declining in Nigeria (Caldwell et al. 1992) and Guinea (measuredhs 2007). However, these studies and surveys are devoid of national representativeness as they are localized in specific regions or selected ethnic groups. Thus, they cannot be used as a national reference. The trend of the total fertility rate (TFR) from the three consecutive Demographic and Health Surveys in Nigeria did not show any meaningful decrease over time. In the same vein, no evidence of fertility decline was observed in Guinea from the Demographic and Health Surveys. The claim that fertility is declining in these two countries which assures the funding organizations that Family Planning programs are successful is beyond the scope of the present study. Based on Demographic and Health Surveys the claim that fertility is decreasing in Nigeria may be misleading, whereas in Guinea fertility has shown stability. This suggests that while the factors affecting fertility may be similar, their impacts differ from country to country.
Fertility in Rwanda: Impact of genocide, an ananlysis of fertility before, during and after 1994 genocide
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Basuayi, Clement Bula; Stiegler, Nancy
The 20th century has witnessed several wars and genocides worldwide. Notable examples include the Armenian and Jews genocides which took place during World War I and World War II respectively. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 is a more recent example. These wars and genocides have impacted on the socio-economic and demographic transition with resounding crisis. The present study focused on the Rwandan genocide which affected households and families by reducing the fertility rate. Hence the fertility transition in Rwanda was analyzed for the period before, during and after genocide.
Fertility trends and determinants among women of childbearing age (15-49): A comparative study of South Africa and Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Dania, Elizabeth Avosuahi; Stiegler, Nancy
Fertility behavior in women plays a vital role in society. Fertility, mortality and migration are directly related to the population growth in society and its performance. Fertility refers to births by women in the population, mortality refers to deaths (infant, neonatal, maternal and paternal death etc.) and migration refers to the in and out movement of people from one region or country to another.
A forgotten diaspora : forced Indian Migration to the Cape Colony, 1658 to 1834
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Rama, Parbavati; Shell, Robert C. H.; Stiegler, Nancy
This thesis aims to explore Indian forced migration to the Cape Colony from 1658 to 1834. The forgotten diaspora‘ of its title refers to the first Indians who had come to the shores of South Africa, long before the arrival—between 1860 and 1911—of the indentured Indians. This diaspora has been forgotten, partially because these migrants came as slaves. The author uses data extracted from the newly transcribed Master of the Orphan Chamber (MOOC) series and slave transfers which are housed in the Western Cape Provincial Archives and Records Service (WCARS). The Cape colonial data is considered among the best in the world. Earlier historians such as Victor de Kock, Anna Böeseken, Frank Bradlow and Margaret Cairns, have made us aware of their existence primarily through Transportenkennis and Schepenkennis (transport and shipping information) documents in the Deeds Registry. Not nearly enough, however, is known about these Indian slaves, especially about those who arrived between 1731 and 1834. These lacunae include the number of arrivals; their sex ratios; ages and origins; and the circumstances under which they came. This thesis aims to construct a census of Indian slaves brought to the Cape from 1658 to 1834—along the lines of Philip Curtin's aggregated census of the Trans- Atlantic slave trade, but based on individual case level data coded directly from primary sources. This is the first time the size of the creole population born at the Cape will be established.

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