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Nigeria Research Project

Winner: Amina Suleiman Rajah, Research Midwife at Bayero University, Kano

Bio: "Amina Suleiman Rajah, RN, RM, RNE, RBPN, BNSc, PGDE, MSc, is a dedicated and passionate professional in the field of nursing and healthcare. With a strong commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, she has made significant strides in nursing education, research, and clinical practice.

Amina's academic journey began at Bayero University, Kano, where she completed her Bachelor of Nursing Science with a First Class (CGPA-4.51), showcasing her exceptional dedication to academic excellence. Building on her foundation in nursing, she expanded her expertise, obtaining certifications as a Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse Educator, Registered Midwife, Registered Burns and Plastic Nurse and Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), further enhancing her capabilities as an educator and practitioner.
Her unwavering commitment to advancing nursing education led her to pursue an MSc in Maternal and Child Health Nursing, where she achieved a remarkable cGPA of 4.77, earning a distinction.
Amina's dedication to the nursing profession extends beyond academia. She has actively contributed to the field through extensive research, earning recognition such as the ACEPHAP Entrepreneurship Award for her innovative work on healthcare products. A published author of multiple nursing-related books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, her research primarily focuses on maternal and child health, healthcare innovation, and the impact of technology on healthcare.
With a wealth of experience as a lecturer, nurse educator, and researcher, Amina continues to strive for excellence in nursing practice and education, aiming to make a tangible difference in patient care and nursing advancement. Her pursuit of knowledge and passion for improving healthcare systems highlight her commitment to creating a positive impact in the nursing profession and the broader healthcare community."

Project: From Disposables to Sustainability: A Study on Innovating Menstrual Care via Reusable Pad Solutions in Kano, Nigeria.

This research project focuses on the integration of reusable menstrual pads as an innovative and sustainable solution to address critical healthcare gaps in menstrual care, particularly among marginalized populations in Kano, Nigeria. The study aims to investigate novel eco-friendly materials, assess safety and hygiene aspects, examine the effectiveness of reusable pads, explore psychological and emotional effects, and identify economic opportunities through reusable pad entrepreneurship. The research aligns with healthcare priorities of underserved communities, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable pads. By addressing unhygienic menstrual practices and empowering women with choices, the initiative contributes to global movements for eco-conscious healthcare practices and women's health equity. The project is poised to bridge a significant gap, fostering tangible improvements in health outcomes and the quality of life for women in the target population.

Project Update June 2024

This research project aims to address critical healthcare gaps in menstrual care, particularly among marginalized populations in Kano, Nigeria. The initiative is driven by the prevalence of unhygienic menstrual practices due to limited access to disposable pads, financial difficulties, and lack of awareness, leading to elevated infection risks and compromised wellbeing. By exploring the integration of reusable menstrual pads, the study offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative that reduces health risks and empowers women with choices in menstrual care.

Project Significance

The project aligns with the healthcare priorities of underserved communities, responding directly to their needs. It champions women's health equity and supports global movements toward eco-conscious healthcare practices. The integration of reusable menstrual pads has the potential to significantly enhance nursing practice, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes. This initiative will provide evidence-based insights to guide nursing professionals in adopting sustainable and holistic approaches to menstrual care within healthcare settings.

Key Objectives and Progress

Objective 1: Scoping Review

Conducted a comprehensive literature search across various databases.
Screened and analysed retrieved studies.
Drafted a manuscript summarizing the findings on eco-friendly materials for reusable menstrual pads, submitted to the Journal of Sexual and Reproductive Health (Elsevier).

Objective 2: Laboratory Testing

Tested the absorbency of various novel plant-based materials.
Analysed the data and drafted a manuscript, currently under review at the International Journal of Public Health.

Objective 3 & 4: Adoption and Economic Opportunities

Selected an underserved community (Kumbotso LGA) for the study.
Developed and piloted questionnaires to assess adoption rates and economic potential of reusable pads.
Conducted preliminary data collection through surveys and interviews with entrepreneurs.

Objective 5: Psychological & Emotional Effects

Reviewed and finalized the interview guide for exploring user experiences with reusable pads.
Ongoing recruitment for interviews.

Objective 6 & 7: Effectiveness and Educational Intervention

Recruited participants for two randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Conducted baseline data collection in the first RCT and implemented the intervention.
Conducted pre-test data collection and delivered the educational intervention in the second RCT.

Milestones Achieved

Submitted a patent application for a novel reusable pad design utilizing the most promising eco-friendly material.
Manuscript on microbial safety aspects accepted for publication in Bayero Journal of Nursing and Health Care.
Two manuscripts under review at reputable journals.
Organized a community engagement event in May during World Menstrual Day, raising awareness and engaging with secondary schools in Kano, Nigeria.

Deviations and Adjustments

Community Engagement Events: Shifted to 27th May to 1st June to coincide with World Menstrual Day. Organized menstrual health programs in four secondary schools in Kano.
Scoping Review: Originally intended to conduct a systematic review, but due to insufficient published studies on reusable pads, it was changed to a scoping review.

Conclusion

The research team has made significant progress towards achieving the research project objectives. The initiative is poised to make a substantial impact on menstrual health care, advancing sustainable practices, and promoting health equity in underserved communities.

Amina Suleiman Rajah (Principal Investigator) Delivering Health Talk on Menstrual Hygiene and Care of Reusable Menstrual Pads

Reusable and Disposable Pads Distributed to Students and Community Members

Testing Various Reusable Pads for Absorbency and Leakage Capacity

Reusable Pads Made from Different Fabrics as Identified from Scoping Review