The effect of health financing reforms on incidence and management of childhood infections in Ghana: a matching difference in differences impact evaluation
Introduction: In 2003, Ghana abolished direct out of pockets payments and implemented health financing reforms including the national health insurance scheme in 2004. Treatment of childhood infections is a key component of services covered under this scheme, yet, outcomes on incidence and treatment of these infections after introducing these reforms have not been covered in […]
Prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in the Jawi district, Awi Zone Ethiopia, 2019. Community based comparative cross-sectional study
Introduction: Although most deaths are preventable with simple and inexpensive measures, death from diarrhea accounts for one out of nine deaths in children worldwide which makes it the disease with the highest mortality rate in children under the age of five. Therefore, this study is aims to investigate diarrhea prevalence and risk factors among children […]
Herpes simplex virus type 2, genital ulcers and HIV-1 disease progression in postpartum women
Background: Co-infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) has been associated with increased HIV-1 RNA levels and immune activation, two predictors of HIV-1 progression. The impact of HSV-2 on clinical outcomes among HIV-1 infected pregnant women is unclear. Methods: HIV-1 infected pregnant women in Nairobi were enrolled antenatally and HSV-2 serology was obtained. HIV-1 […]
Responding to the ECHO trial results: modelling the potential impact of changing contraceptive method mix on HIV and reproductive health in South Africa
Introduction: Some observational data suggest that the progestogen injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may increase a woman’s risk of HIV acquisition but a randomized clinical trial did not find a statistically significant increase in HIV risk for women using DMPA compared to two other methods. However, it could not rule out up to 30% […]
Prevalence of adequate postnatal care and associated factors in Rwanda: evidence from the Rwanda demographic health survey 2020
Background: Although quality postnatal care (PNC) is a known significant intervention for curbing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, it is underutilized in most developing countries including Rwanda. Thus, it is crucial to identify factors that facilitate or occlude receipt of adequate PNC. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of adequate PNC content and […]
Antenatal care and women’s decision making power as determinants of institutional delivery in rural area of Western Ethiopia
Background: Delivery by skilled birth attendance serves as an indicator of progress towards reducing maternal mortality. In Ethiopia, the proportions of births attended by skilled personnel were very low 15 % and Oromia region 14.7 %. The current study identified factors associated with utilization of institutional delivery among married women in rural area of Western […]
Barriers to utilize nutrition interventions among lactating women in rural communities of Tigray, northern Ethiopia: An exploratory study
Background While lactation is a physiological process requiring high energy demand to fulfill the nutrient requirements of the mother and the breastfeeding child, many factors affecting maternal nutrient intake can lead to nutritional deficits. Previous studies in Ethiopia have reported the prevalence of maternal and child undernutrition and related complications. However, qualitative studies exploring potential […]
Determinants of use of health facility for childbirth in rural Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia
Background: Maternal mortality remains a major global public health concern despite many international efforts. Facility-based childbirth increases access to appropriate skilled attendance and emergency obstetric care services as the vast majority of obstetric complications occur during delivery. The purpose of the study was to determine the proportion of facility delivery and assess factors influencing utilization […]
Prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture among Ethiopian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Uterine rupture has a significant public health importance, contributing to 13% of maternal mortality and 74%-92% of perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 36% of maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture were highly variable and inconclusive across studies in the country. Therefore, this systematic review and metaanalysis aimed to […]
Magnitude and Determinants of Postnatal Mothers’ Knowledge of Essential Newborn Care at Home in Rural Ethiopia
Introduction: Globally, nearly three million children die in the neonatal period. Although there is scant information about rural mothers, the enhancement of mothers’ knowledge and skills toward essential newborn care (ENC) is a vital aspect in the reduction of newborn illness and mortality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of mothers’ […]
