Comparison of alternative gestational age assessment methods in a low resource setting: a retrospective study
Background: Accurate gestational age (GA) determination allows correct management of high-risk, complicated or post-date pregnancies and prevention or anticipation of prematurity related complications. Ultrasound measurement in the first trimester is the gold standard for GA determination. In low- and middle-income countries elevated costs, lack of skills and poor maternal access to health service limit the […]
Client Satisfaction with Delivery Care Service and Associated Factors in the Public Health Facilities of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: In a Resource Limited Setting
Background. Ensuring patient satisfaction is an important means of secondary prevention of maternal mortality. This study presents findings from a multidimensional study of client satisfaction from the Gamo Gofa Zone in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. A facility based cross-sectional study using exit interviews was conducted from 2014. Client satisfaction was measured using a survey adopted from […]
Exploring the care provided to mothers and children by community health workers in South Africa: Missed opportunities to provide comprehensive care
Background: Community health workers (CHWs) provide maternal and child health services to communities in many low and middle-income countries, including South Africa (SA). CHWs can improve access to important health interventions for isolated and vulnerable communities. In this study we explored the performance of CHWs providing maternal and child health services at household level and […]
The fear of social stigma experienced by men: a barrier to male involvement in antenatal care in Misungwi District, rural Tanzania
Background: Evidence has shown that male involvement is associated with improved maternal health outcomes. In rural Tanzania, men are the main decision makers and may determine women’s access to health services and ultimately their health outcomes. Despite efforts geared towards enhancing male participation in maternal health care, their involvement in antenatal care (ANC) remains low. […]
Health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in Nigeria: Does age at first birth matter?
High maternal mortality ratio in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been linked to inadequate medical care for pregnant women due to limited health facility delivery utilization. Thus, this study, examined the association between age at first childbirth and health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Methods The study used the most recent secondary […]
Improving the coverage of the PMTCT programme through a participatory quality improvement intervention in South Africa
Background: Despite several years of implementation, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in many resource poor settings are failing to reach the majority of HIV positive women. We report on a data driven participatory quality improvement intervention implemented in a high HIV prevalence district in South Africa. Methods: A participatory quality improvement intervention was implemented […]
Head of household education level as a factor influencing whether delivery takes place in the presence of a skilled birth attendant in Busia, Uganda: A cross-sectional household study
Background: Assistance during delivery by a skilled attendant is recommended as a means to reduce child and maternal mortality. Globally, higher levels of maternal education have been associated with better health behaviours at delivery. However, given that heads of households tend to be the decision makers regarding accessing healthcare, some educated mothers may find themselves […]
Trends and Determinants of Dietary Diversity in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Ethiopia: Analysis of 2005-2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Background: Dietary diversity may be associated with health and optimum growth in children. Objectives: In this study we analyzed the trends and determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among Ethiopian children aged 6 to 59 mo. Methods: Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data of 3 consecutive years (2005, 2011, and 2016) were analyzed. A total […]
Being ready, willing and able: understanding the dynamics of family planning decision-making through community-based group discussions in the Northern Region, Ghana
Regional contraceptive use differentials are pronounced in Ghana, with the lowest levels occurring in the Northern Region. Community-based health services, intended to promote maternal and child health and family planning use, may have failed to address this problem. This paper presents an analysis of qualitative data on community perspectives on family planning “readiness,” “willingness,” and […]
Drivers of stunting reduction in Ethiopia: A country case study
Background: Chronic undernutrition in children continues to be a global public health concern. Ethiopia has documented a significant decline in the prevalence of childhood stunting, a measure of chronic undernutrition, over the last 20 y. Objectives: The aim of this research was to conduct a systematic assessment of the determinants that have driven child stunting […]
