Periconceptional multiple-micronutrient supplementation and placental function in rural Gambian women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Background: Maternal micronutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with clinical indicators of placental dysfunction. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that periconceptional multiplemicronutrient supplementation (MMS) affects placental function. Design: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of MMS in 17- to 45-y-old Gambian women who were menstruating regularly and within the previous 3 mo. Eligible subjects were […]
Expanding care for perinatal women with depression (EXPONATE): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an intervention package for perinatal depression in primary care
Background: Depression is common among women during perinatal period and is associated with long-term adverse consequences for the mother and infant. In Nigeria, as in many other low- and-middle-income countries (LMIC), perinatal depression usually goes unrecognized and untreated. The aim of EXPONATE is to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an intervention package for perinatal […]
The prevalence of stunting and associated factors among children under five years of age in southern ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study
Background: According to the Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health survey (EMDHS) of 2019, about 37% of children under five years of age are stunted. Data are scarce on stunting in the study area. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with stunting in among children under five years of age in […]
Impact of maternity waiting homes on facility delivery among remote households in Zambia: Protocol for a quasiexperimental, mixed-methods study
Introduction Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) aim to improve access to facility delivery in rural areas. However, there is limited rigorous evidence of their effectiveness. Using formative research, we developed an MWH intervention model with three components: infrastructure, management and linkage to services. This protocol describes a study to measure the impact of the MWH model […]
Magnitude and associated factors of disrespect and abusive care among laboring mothers at public health facilities in Borena District, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Background Recent studies have indicated that disrespectful/abusive/coercive service by skilled care providers in health facilities that results in actual or perceived poor quality of care is directly and indirectly associated with adverse maternal and newborn outcomes. According to the 2016 Ethiopian Demography and Health Survey, only 26% of births were attended by qualified clinicians, with […]
A qualitative study to explore dietary knowledge, beliefs, and practices among pregnant women in a rural health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Background: A nutritious and healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and baby. Inadequate dietary intake during pregnancy contributes to maternal malnutrition and can have lifelong effects on the health of the child. Maternal malnutrition is common in many low-income countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kwango province, […]
Users’ perspectives on the quality of family planning services in Mozambique: a case study
Introduction: user satisfaction assessment has been increasingly important in ensuring health care quality and guidance in the health sector. Africa is the region in the world with the lowest prevalence of contraception use. Universal access to family planning has one of the highest rates of benefits for cost among strategic options for development. Family planning […]
Providers adherence to essential contents of antenatal care services increases birth weight in Bahir Dar City Administration, north West Ethiopia: A prospective follow up study
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most important factors affecting child morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antenatal care (ANC) is an opportunity for reaching pregnant women with a number of interventions that may be vital to their health and well-being of their infants. However, data on the link between ANC quality and LBW […]
Immunization status of children aged 12-23 months in Jonglei State, South Sudan: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study
Introduction: the immunization program focuses on reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the state of immunization coverage of children aged 12-23 months in Jonglei State, South Sudan, and to identify the factors that contribute to the low immunization coverage. Methods: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study […]
Placental malaria is rare among zanzibari pregnant women who did not receive intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy
Zanzibar has transitioned from malaria control to the pre-elimination phase, and the continued need for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) has been questioned. We conducted a prospective observational study to estimate placental malaria positivity rate among women who did not receive IPTp with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine. A convenience sample of pregnant women was enrolled from six […]
