Papers by Switbert Kamazima
EAS Journal of Nursing and Midwifery
The Public Statement by the African Intersex Movement, 2017 extends demands to end discrimination... more The Public Statement by the African Intersex Movement, 2017 extends demands to end discrimination against persons born with intersex variations in Africa through legislative and other means. Comestic, irreversible and harmful medical and clinical procedures infants and children born with intersex variations have been subject to include unconsented and medically unnecessary surgeries, mutilation and sterilization that cause irreversible physical and psychological harm. I demonstrate, Tanzania a signatory to The Human Rights Charter is mandated to follow the same route to ensure persons born with intersex variations live and enjoy the right to quality and equitable health and healthcare available without discrimination. To date, however, it is unclear what measures Tanzanian government has taken to prohibit medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures on infants and children born with intersex variations. Similarly, no enacted law banning harmful medical and clinical variations on i...
EAS journal of humanities and cultural studies, Sep 27, 2023
Intersex' is an umbrella for persons born with variations of sex characteristics which may not co... more Intersex' is an umbrella for persons born with variations of sex characteristics which may not correspond with societal and medical expected 'male' or 'female' bodies. Persons with intersex variations, therefore, are born with physical or biological characteristics that do not fit the typical definition for 'male' or 'female'. In this paper I establish that there is no vivacious evidence that the Tanzania Government has taken stern measures to end discrimination against persons born with intersex variations in the country, and to ensure the right of bodily integrity, physical autonomy and self
EAS journal of psychology and behavioural sciences, Sep 8, 2023
EAS journal of psychology and behavioural sciences, Nov 13, 2023
PLOS global public health, Dec 8, 2021
Almost 10 million of the global population was infected with tuberculosis (TB) in 2017. Tanzania ... more Almost 10 million of the global population was infected with tuberculosis (TB) in 2017. Tanzania is among countries with high incidence of TB. Although control measures of TB are multi factorial, it is important to understand the individual's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in order to control TB infection. We conducted a cross-sectional study in northeast Tanzania; recruited and interviewed 1519 adults from two districts, one rural and another urban. We scored each participant using several questions for each construct of KAP. A study participant scoring at least 60% of the possible maximum scores was considered as having a good knowledge, positive attitude or good practices. And herein, a participant having positive TB attitude would mean they acknowledge TB exist, recognizes its impact on health and would seek or advise TB-infected individuals to seek the correct remedies. We applied multiple linear regression analysis to assess independent individual-level factors related to TB on KAP scores in the rural and urban populations. Overall, less than half (44%) of the study participants had good overall knowledge about TB infection and significantly more urban than rural adult population had good overall knowledge (p<0.001). Almost one in ten, (11%) of all study participants had positive attitudes towards TB infection. More urban study participants, (16%) had positive attitudes than their rural counterparts, 6%). Almost nine in ten (89%) of all study participants had good practices towards TB prevention and control; significantly more adults in urban, (97%) than the rural populations (56%) (p<0.01). Predictors of KAP scores were individual's education and main source of income. Adults in rural and urban northeast Tanzania have poor knowledge, attitudes and practices for TB infection and prevention. Strategies focusing on health education are important for control of TB, especially among rural communities.
East African Scholars Journal of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, 2023
Social behavioral change communication interventions in Tanzania target populations engaging in h... more Social behavioral change communication interventions in Tanzania target populations engaging in high- risk sex behaviors and practices: anal intercourse, sex work, injecting drugs and male same sex relationships excluding women who have sex with women (WSW) or women who identify lesbians. In this paper, I describe terms used in reference to female same-sex sex or sexual relationships, important in health social behavior change communication targeting WSW in Tanzania. Data presented are part of cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective formative study among WSW conducted in Dar-es-Salaam region, Tanzania in 2021. WSW aged 18 and above, stayed in Dar-es-Salaam for six months or more; had had sexual contact with a woman in the past year participated in this study. Participants were recruited via snowball method. Community leaders/members and managers of NGOs/institution supporting WSW were purposively selected to take part in this study. Researchers used four methods to generated d...
EAS journal of psychology and behavioural sciences, Feb 23, 2023
Exiting empirical data on female homosexuality demonstrate women who have sex with women engage i... more Exiting empirical data on female homosexuality demonstrate women who have sex with women engage in risky sexual behaviors and practices that put them at risk of woman-to-woman transmitted infections and other same-sex sex health-related problems. However, the level of risk varies among women in same-sex relationship pending on sexual risk behaviors they engage in, posing differentiated perceived and real health needs. I present perceived health needs among women who have sex with women in Tanzania. Four qualitative methods were used to collect data: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, collecting participants" life stories and observations. Data analysis deployed thematic approach where open systematic coding of data in the participants" language and combining emerging emic concepts with preconceived theoretical constructs was used. With the exception of the women who identify transgender men or tomboys, women interviewed reported having similar primary and specialized health needs like their counterparts. Transgender men reported in need of affordable sex toys, lubricants and trusted healthcare providers skilled to manage their specific health needs. Deep-rooted belief that homosexual females are at low risk of HIV and other STIs coupled with a lack of awareness of the link between female same-sex sexual practices and diseases informed the poor risk perception demonstrated by women studied. I recommend for larger ethnographic and multidisciplinary (longitudinal/cohort) studies, with different designs and nationally representative samples to assess women who have sex with women"s health needs and wellbeing in the Tanzania context. Keywords: Women who have sex with women, women"s health needs, women who have sex with women"s health risk behaviors and practices, female sexuality, qualitative field research, Tanzania.
EAS journal of nursing and midwifery, Feb 17, 2023
Little is known about sexually minority women's health and wellbeing in the developing countries ... more Little is known about sexually minority women's health and wellbeing in the developing countries like Tanzania. Hence, there is limited knowledge of these women's health seeking behaviors and pathways they take to rectify their ill conditions. The study investigated on women who have sex with women's health seeking behaviors and pathways they take to remedy ill conditions they face. Data presented in this paper are part of a cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective formative qualitative study among women who have sex with women conducted in Dares -Salaam region. Researchers used focus group discussion, in-depth interviewing, observation and collecting women's life stories to generated data needed for this study. Women who have sex with women in Dares -Salaam come from all backgrounds and experience unique primary and specialized healthcare needs different from their counterparts. Social and legal strictures against homosexuality coupled with widespread heteronormativity put women who have sex with women at risk of overt or covert stigma and discrimination in the healthcare system. Illegal status of homosexuality in this country shapes differentiated health seeking behaviors and pathways among sexually minority women. Healthcare providers are reported discriminating and stigmatizing transgender men and tomboys forcing them to avoid vising public health facilities. I recommend the Ministry of health to initiate and support multidisciplinary, comprehensive and informative health research among women who have sex with women and use findings to facilitate improving women who have sex with women's health and healthcare professionals' ability to diagnose, treat, control, and prevent illnesses among this group.
Background: Homosexual identification among women as lesbian, bisexual or transgender does not en... more Background: Homosexual identification among women as lesbian, bisexual or transgender does not encompass the whole pool of women who practice same-sex behavior. Straight women especially youths are more increasingly willing to have sex with fellow women. This article establishes the reasons that influence same-sex orientation and behaviors among women in Tanzania. It explores the self-reported push/pull reasons that ultimately leads women to same-sex behavior among sampled through individuals. Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective study which was conducted in Dar es Salaam between January and February, 2021. The participants of the study were WSW, proxy WSW, and women who at one time had female same-sex relationships. The study also used community members aged 18 years and above but only those who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through qualitative in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, interviews, and life stories. All the data generated through the study were analyzed thematically. Results: The findings indicate that women who practice same-sex behavior believe that their behavior occurs naturally through biological reasons. Some of them attribute earlier negative experiences with men as a trigger to opt out of heterosexual sex. Most participants also cited past unpleasant sexual experiences with men such as rape, being emotionally detached from men as factors that lead to developing desires to have sex with fellow women. Conclusion: There are biological and social-economic factors that lead women to practice same-sex behaviors. Women, who are born with male attributes become sexually unattracted to males, opt to engage in same-sex practices because of displeasure from having sex with men. Further, economic hardships in societies force women to engage in same-sex practices through peers who are financially well-off and are searching for peers to exploit sexually. Research should focus on investigating peer influence and social media's effects on women's decision to engage in same sex practices.
Tanzania journal of health research, Mar 27, 2017
Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most pervasive occurrences which are reported ... more Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most pervasive occurrences which are reported all over the world. It often goes unnoticed and undocumented due to surrounding taboos; its sensitivity in nature and affects the less powerful population. Anecdote information is available on the nature and extent of sexual abuse among children in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to explore factors, forms, context of abuse and perpetrators of child sex abuse in selected regions of Tanzania. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted among adults including parents of the victims to explore factors associated with sexual abuse of children under 10 years old in Tanzania. The interview guide centred on factors for child sexual abuse, the type of perpetrators and the context into which these abuses take place. Results: There were incidences of child sexual abuse in Tanzania and the major forms were anal and vaginal penetration, and the most affected were girls. The abuses were rarely reported due to shame and embarrassment faced by the affected children and parents. The causes of child sexual abuse were poverty, ambitions and moral degradation, myths and beliefs, urbanization, foreign culture and poor parental care. Incidents of CSA were reported to occur in perpetrators' homes and in semi-finished housing structures, madrassa and recreational venues where children can freely access entertainment by watching movies. These acts were committed by people in position of power, close relationship and trusted by the children. Contexts where child sexual abuses occur included overcrowded living spaces and social activities that go on late into the night. Conclusion: We recommend for strengthened interventions at different levels within the society to address the root causes and different contexts in which child sex abuse occurs. Increased awareness of the root causes should go hand in hand with measures to encourage parents and survivors to report incidents to relevant authorities timely as they occur.
UMI Dissertation Services eBooks, 2004
PubMed, Dec 1, 2012
Adherence to the policy guidelines and standards is necessary for family planning services. We co... more Adherence to the policy guidelines and standards is necessary for family planning services. We compared public and private facilities in terms of provision of family planning services. We analyzed data from health facility questionnaire of the 2006 Tanzania Service Provision Assessment survey, based on 529 health facilities. Majority of public facilities (95.4%) offered family planning services, whereas more than half of private facilities (52.1%) did not offer those. Public facilities were more likely to offer modern contraceptives as compared to private facilities. However, private facilities were more likely to offer counseling on natural methods of family planning [AOR = 2.12 (1.15-3.92), P < or = 0.001]. Public facilities were more likely to report having guidelines or protocols for family planning services and various kinds of visual aids for family planning and STIs when compared to private facilities. This comparative analysis entails the need to enforce the standards of family planning services in Tanzania.
Social Science & Medicine, Jul 1, 1994
Bed nets (mosquito nets), impregnated every 6 months with pyrethroid insecticides, are a simple, ... more Bed nets (mosquito nets), impregnated every 6 months with pyrethroid insecticides, are a simple, low-cost malaria control method well suited to conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. As large seasonal variations in levels of net usage may seriously limit the potential impact of the nets on malaria transmission. a study was conducted on local definitions of seasons, perceptions of seasonal variation in mosquito populations and incidence of febrile illnesses in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. to aid in the design of a communication strategy for promoting sustained use of the nets. Both the diagnosis and treatment of febrile illnesses are affected by what season people think it is. by what illnesses they think are common in each season, and also by their perceptions of how abundant mosquitoes are. During dry seasons when mosquitoes are scarce and malaria is thought to be unlikely, it will be difficult to attain high rates of net usage. It will be necessary to develop locally-appropriate messages and communication materials that explain how it is possible that malaria can be a threat even when mosquitoes are few. Cultural consensus analysis was found to be a particularly valuable tool for understanding the reasons behind large variations in local perceptions of seasonality. Key lvords-malaria, mosquito nets, ethnomedicine, seasons. cultural consensus analysis, Tanzania lNTRODUCTlON This paper presents results of investigations into the first two factors. perceived variations in mosquitoes and mosquito-related illnesses. The results of this research are being incorporated into the design of a communication program to promote sustained use of the nets.
International journal of advanced scientific research and management, Nov 23, 2020
Since WHO declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, some unprecedented measures ha... more Since WHO declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, some unprecedented measures have been adopted globally to control its transmission. Different countries, Tanzania in particularly, are using innovative ways to mitigate COVID-19 impact. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to provide an overview of strategies used to curb coronavirus spread and reducing COVID-19 impact in Tanzania. Information was collected by reviewing different documents including published papers, grey literature, newspapers, media information, formal and informal reports and discussions. Findings show that Tanzania adopted various measures including WHO recommended standard preventive behaviours and practices; spiritual healing; traditional therapies (use of traditional herbs: chewing, drinking as well as steaming). Tanzania has widely been recognized to have strongly achieved fighting COVID-19 where the use of biomedical, experience from successful battles against a number of pandemic infectious diseases, spiritual healing and medicinal herbs individually or in a combination of some sort, which is regarded to have, so far, prevented Tanzania from COVID-19 severity. We conclude, the use and importance of medicinal herbs has long roots among African societies. Traditional medicine or African therapy, therefore, is used alongside or above the modern disease management practices in most of African countries and the developing world. We recommend ongoing medicinal herbs laboratory tests in Africa and beyond should be encouraged and strengthened for the development of trustworthy, affordable, effective and safe therapies for Africa and the world.
Reproductive Health, Sep 6, 2017
Background: Skilled birth attendance is one of the key factors in improving maternal health but l... more Background: Skilled birth attendance is one of the key factors in improving maternal health but less than 50% of women in sub-Saharan African countries do not have the opportunity to be attended to by skilled personnel during childbirth. The aim of the study was to assess the factors determining women's preference for a place to give birth in Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design using quantitative data collection and analysis methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 800 women obtained through multistage random sampling. Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to determine the predictors of place of delivery. Results: More than three quarters 629(78.6%) respondents had their last delivery in the health facilities while 171(21.4%) had their last delivery at home/on the way to hospital. Reasons for delivering at home include: abrupt occurrence of labour pain, long distance to the health facilities, lack of money to pay for transport and unfriendly experience with the health care providers. Simple logistic regression model indicate that mothers' education level, number of children, cost of transport the estimated distance to the nearby health facility and occupation were strong predictors of the preferred place of delivery. However, after controlling the potential confounder, the multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated a significant association between delivery at the health facility and the number of children and transport cost. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a need for health care providers to enhance health education to women and their spouses about birth preparedness and the importance of delivering at the health facility. There is also a need for the government to increase the number of health facilities including maternity waiting homes and well trained health workers in both rural and urban areas.
EAS journal of psychology and behavioural sciences, Feb 12, 2023
In this paper I present the public heath importance of vaginal douching or vaginal cleaning risk ... more In this paper I present the public heath importance of vaginal douching or vaginal cleaning risk behavior among women and sexually active adolescent girls in Tanzania. I argue, vaginal douching control exclusion from sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus and cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment and control guidelines explains, in part, why health professionals (physician, obstetricians and gynecologists) rarely advise their clients on this risk behavior. Similarly, this exclusion explains why there are limited research and (public) health interventions aiming at combating vaginal douching hazards among douching women and sexually active adolescent girls in this country. I recommend the Ministry of Health and (health) development partners to initiate, encourage and support health (medical and public health) research to generate comprehensive and informative multidisciplinary data on vaginal douching behaviors and practices and their impact to douching women's and sexually active adolescent girls' health and wellbeing. The goal is to generate data that would facilitate improving healthcare professionals' ability to diagnose, treat, control, and prevent vaginal douching-related health problems and illnesses among douching women, sexually active adolescent girls and the populace in Tanzania.
BMC Women's Health, Oct 21, 2011
Background: Successful priority setting is increasingly known to be an important aspect in achiev... more Background: Successful priority setting is increasingly known to be an important aspect in achieving better family planning, maternal, newborn and child health (FMNCH) outcomes in developing countries. However, far too little attention has been paid to capturing and analysing the priority setting processes and criteria for FMNCH at district level. This paper seeks to capture and analyse the priority setting processes and criteria for FMNCH at district level in Tanzania. Specifically, we assess the FMNCH actor's engagement and understanding, the criteria used in decision making and the way criteria are identified, the information or evidence and tools used to prioritize FMNCH interventions at district level in Tanzania. Methods: We conducted an exploratory study mixing both qualitative and quantitative methods to capture and analyse the priority setting for FMNCH at district level, and identify the criteria for priority setting. We purposively sampled the participants to be included in the study. We collected the data using the nominal group technique (NGT), in-depth interviews (IDIs) with key informants and documentary review. We analysed the collected data using both content analysis for qualitative data and correlation analysis for quantitative data.
Health Policy and Planning, 1995
Abstract When insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets are used in malaria control programmes, distr... more Abstract When insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets are used in malaria control programmes, distribution, promotion of usage and impregnation with insecticide are typically the responsibility of the personnel of the programme. In order to create a more sustainable ...
International journal of advanced scientific research and management, Dec 6, 2021
Female same sex behaviors and practices are considered a taboo, immoral, and illegal in many soci... more Female same sex behaviors and practices are considered a taboo, immoral, and illegal in many societies around the globe. In many countries and some societies, same-sex relationships are a crime punishable to several years in prison, life imprisonment or death. Women who have sex with women, therefore, face almost all forms of violence whose consequences to the women"s health and wellbeing in these countries and societies remain a neglected public health concern. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective qualitative formative study among WSW in Ilala, Kinondoni and Ubungo, districts of Dares -Salaam City region, Tanzania. The field study was conducted between January and February, 2021. One of the objectives was to understand from the women who have sex with women"s perspectives, their lived experiences with rape and other forms of violence to inform public health intervention programs so that available healthcare resources can be used to respond to women who have sex with omen"s needs arising from diverse forms of violence experience. Results demonstrate that rape is women who have sex with women"s daily lived experience in this country. These women presented they are stigmatized and discriminated by their immediate family members, community members and leaders, employers, and law reinforcement machinery. We recommend awareness creation through diversity training to all levels: families, communities, law enforcement machinery, (public) healthcare personnel as a strategy to improve women who have sex with women"s quality of life and care that would facilitate preventing and controlling illnesses among this at risk and expanding group in this country.
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Papers by Switbert Kamazima