MEASURING LBW-RELATED STIGMA IN GHANA
What is the project about?
Low birthweight (LBW) is one of the strongest predictors of mortality and morbidity in newborns, creating significant distress for families. The purpose of this study is to 1) create a reliable and valid scale for measuring LBW-related stigma in Ghana and 2) document perspectives of health workers and caregivers on stigma related to LBW and preterm birth.
Why is the project important?
Low birthweight (LBW) is caused by preterm birth (<37 gestational weeks) and restricted growth in-utero. In sub-Saharan Africa, about four million babies are born preterm each year, and this incidence is projected to rise. The source of stigma in Ghana is that every LBW babies are perceived not to be human beings, but “animal-like” because of their physical features. LBW-related stigma has significant mental and physical health consequences. These outcomes have included maternal depression, social isolation, child neglect, and maternal self-blame.
How is this project going to solve the problem?
The stigma scales exist currently, most are based on disease or condition-specific stigma, rather than experienced stigma. Thus, a new scale for LBW-related stigma is needed. This study aims to create a reliable and valid measurement tool for LBW-related stigma in a sub-Saharan country context. The scale will provide researchers and clinicians the ability to identify risk factors for LBW stigma. The scale can also be used to evaluate interventions to prevent this stigma and quantify the burden of this social and health issue.
How will the study be conducted?
This study is a mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) study with two parts. The first part is a longitudinal, quantitative study to develop a scale. It has two phases. Phase 1 involves pretesting the scale with ten participants to finalize the scale items. Phase 2 is formally testing the scale to determine its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. The qualitative component consists of one-time, semi-structured in-depth interviews on LBW-stigma with (20-25) caregivers of LBW babies and (15-20) health care professionals.
