Latest Issue
This volume is in progress but contains final and fully citable articles.
Viewpoint
The role of fitness trainers is crucial in reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) associated with physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles. The importance of regular physical activity in improving general health outcomes is widely acknowledged worldwide. Despite this fact, one-third of adults and four-fifths of adolescents still do not adhere to these recommendations. In Pakistan, the role of fitness trainers in disease prevention is highly relevant where NCDs such as diabetes are highly prevalent. Unfortunately, the fitness industry is one of the neglected industries of Pakistan with limited professional growth opportunities, uncertain career paths, low pay employment, and a shortage of certified fitness trainers who can barely meet the community’s healthcare needs in combatting sedentary lifestyles. To maximize the impact of this industry, there is a dire need for stronger partnerships between fitness professionals and healthcare service providers, in addition to the integration of disease management and preventive health training modules into certification programs. Thus, fitness trainers equipped with the required skill sets can play a significant role in improving the public health outcomes of the general population.
Original Article
Annually, approximately 74 million women worldwide face unintended pregnancies, which are particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), notably Africa. Effective contraception is crucial for mitigating the substantial risks to maternal and child health posed by unintended pregnancies. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) play a pivotal role in addressing these risks by facilitating pregnancy spacing and reducing maternal mortality rates. However, challenges persist in their global adoption, particularly in regions such as Uganda, where inadequate male partner support contributes to low usage rates, thereby exacerbating the associated health risks. The objective of this study was to examine how women's use of LARCs affects relationship stability and fears of infidelity among rural Ugandan men in Nyamweru subcounty, Rubanda District, to develop strategies for increasing LARC use. This qualitative study focused on understanding the perspectives of indigenous Bakiga men in the Nyamweru subcounty, Rubanda, Uganda, regarding LARCs. Fifteen participants were purposefully selected from areas characterized by low LARC usage, high fertility rates, and elevated maternal mortality. In-depth focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with men aged 20 – 49 aimed to explore their perceptions of and beliefs about LARCs. Data saturation guided sample size determination to ensure comprehensive exploration of the perceptions. Analysis revealed prevalent misconceptions among indigenous Bakiga men regarding LARCs, including beliefs that their use makes women more attractive to other men and increases the likelihood of extramarital affairs and relationship breakups. These misconceptions reflect men's insecurities about their partners' contraceptive choices. Dispelling misconceptions and addressing insecurities surrounding LARCs among indigenous men are essential for improving the support and acceptability of LARCs by women. Tailored interventions, such as behavior change communication, proper health education, and counseling on LARCs, are crucial for fostering acceptance among men and advancing reproductive health outcomes.