Availability and functionality of neonatal care units in healthcare facilities in Mtwara region, Tanzania: The quest for quality of in-patient care for small and sick newborns
Background Evidence shows that delivery of prompt and appropriate in-patient newborn care (IPNC) through health facility (HF)-based neonatal care and stabilization units (NCU/NSUs) reduce preventable newborn mortalities (NMs). This study investigated the HFs for availability and performance of NCU/NSUs in providing quality IPNC, and explored factors influencing the observed performance outcomes in Mtwara region, Tanzania. […]
Modelling the incidence of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Afghanistan 2006-2009
Background: Identifying areas that support high malaria risks and where populations lack access to health care is central to reducing the burden in Afghanistan. This study investigated the incidence of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum using routine data to help focus malaria interventions. Methods: To estimate incidence, the study modelled utilisation of the public health […]
Malaria-Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Guinea
Introduction. Malaria is the leading cause of consultation in Guinea health facilities. During pregnancy, it remains a major health concern causing considerable risks for mother, fetus, and newborn. However, little is known about the epidemiology of malaria among pregnant women in Guinea. We aimed to provide information on malaria-associated factors in parturients. Methods. It was […]
“not too far to walk”: The influence of distance on place of delivery in a western Kenya health demographic surveillance system
Background: Maternal health service coverage in Kenya remains low, especially in rural areas where 63% of women deliver at home, mainly because health facilities are too far away and/or they lack transport. The objectives of the present study were to (1) determine the association between the place of delivery and the distance of a household […]
The association of malaria infection and gestational hypertension in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) contribute 14% to global maternal mortality. HDP encompasses several subcategories, including gestational hypertension (GH) and pre-eclampsia. These two conditions are both characterised by a rise in blood pressure, with an onset from 20 weeks of gestation. They also share some common risk […]
A qualitative appraisal of stakeholders’ perspectives of a community-based primary health care program in rural Ghana
Background: The Ghana Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative is a national strategy for improving access to primary health care services for underserved communities. Following a successful trial in the North Eastern part of the country, CHPS was adopted as Ghana’s flagship programme for achieving the Universal Health Coverage. Recent empirical evidence suggests, however, […]
Sex inequality in under-five deaths and associated factors in low and middle-income countries: a Fairlie decomposition analysis
Background: There exist sex disparities in the burden of Under-five deaths (U5D) with a higher prevalence among male children. Factors explaining this inequality remain unexplored in Low-and Medium-Income Countries (LMIC). This study quantified the contributions of the individual- and neighborhood-level factors to sex inequalities in U5D in LMIC. Methods: Demographic and Health Survey datasets (2010-2018) […]
Gender roles, family relationships, and household food and nutrition security in Ohafia matrilineal society in Nigeria
This study examined gender roles, family relationships, food security, and nutritional status of households in Ohafia: a matrilineal society in Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 287 households from three villages: Akanu, Amangwu, and Elu. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were adopted, namely, focus group discussions […]
Influence of Conditional Cash Transfers on the Uptake of Maternal and Child Health Services in Nigeria: Insights From a Mixed-Methods Study
Background: Increasing access to maternal and child health (MCH) services is crucial to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) among pregnant women and children under-five (CU5). The Nigerian government between 2012 and 2015 implemented an innovative MCH programme to reduce maternal and CU5 mortality by reducing financial barriers of access to essential health services. The study […]
Maternal perceptions and concerns about children’s weight status and diet quality: a study among Black immigrant families
Objective: To identify factors influencing Black immigrant mothers’ perceptions and concerns about child weight and to compare children’s diet quality according to these perceptions and concerns. Design: Mothers’ perceptions and concerns about child weight were assessed with sex-specific figure rating scales and the Child Feeding Questionnaire, respectively. Participants’ weights and heights were measured and characterised […]
