Page 24 - SESSION 1 (Graduation e-BOOK)(3 October 2023)

School of Nursing and Public Health
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES &
VETERINARY MEDICINE

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN PUBLIC HEALTH

CANDIDATE: NGHIFIKWA Loide

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION
AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS REGARDING
THE MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY
CONTRACEPTIVES FOR ADOLESCENTS IN
OHANGWENA REGION, NAMIBIA.
The doctoral study was conducted under the supervision of Prof.
Käthe Hofnie-//Hoëbeb Formerly of the University of Namibia (Main
Supervisor) and Dr Kristofina Amakali of the University of Namibia (Co-
Supervisor).
In Namibia, healthcare facilities offer free services for emergency
contraceptives (ECs) to women of childbearing age including
adolescents to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, the
impact of such services is minimal, and adolescents’ pregnancies
remain a public health concern. The study revealed a deficit in the
general knowledge of Emergency Contraception (EC), as well as
misconceptions, negative attitude and poor practices pertaining
to the management of ECs for adolescents by PHC providers in the
Ohangwena region. These challenges have negative consequences
on the usage of ECs by adolescents. To address these shortcomings,
an educational programme was developed to support PHC providers
regarding the management of ECs for adolescents.
This programme was based on the practice-oriented theory,
programme development theory and cyclic curriculum development
model, and will be implemented through experiential learning theory
and model of andragogy. Further recommendations were made
based on the study ‘s findings to the policymakers, regulatory body,
Ministry of Health, and Social Services (MoHSS) and for future research.

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