Household relationships and healthcare seeking behaviour for common childhood illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa: A cross-national mixed effects analysis
Background: Intra-household dynamics play crucial roles in utilisation of healthcare services for children. We investigated the influence of household relationships on healthcare seeking behaviour for common childhood illnesses in four sub-Sahara African regions. Methods: Data on 247,061 under-five children were extracted from recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2012 and 2016 in 25 countries. […]
Association between prenatal provision of lipid-based nutrient supplements and caesarean delivery: Findings from a randomised controlled trial in Malawi
In populations with a high prevalence of childhood and adolescent undernutrition, supplementation during pregnancy aiming at improving maternal nutritional status and preventing fetal growth restriction might theoretically lead to cephalopelvic disproportion and delivery complications. We investigated whether the prenatal provision of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section […]
Epidemiology of pre-existing multimorbidity in pregnant women in the UK in 2018: a population-based cross-sectional study
Background: Although maternal death is rare in the United Kingdom, 90% of these women had multiple health/social problems. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of pre-existing multimorbidity (two or more long-term physical or mental health conditions) in pregnant women in the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland). Study design: Pregnant women aged […]
Gender equity and sexual and reproductive health in Eastern and Southern Africa: A critical overview of the literature
Background: Gender inequalities are important social determinants of health. We set out to critically review the literature relating to gender equity and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Eastern and Southern Africa with the aim of identifying priorities for action. Design: During November 2011, we identified studies relating to SRH and gender equity through a […]
Determinants of health care seeking behaviour during pregnancy in Ogun State, Nigeria
Background: In Nigeria, women too often suffer the consequences of serious obstetric complications that may lead to death. Delay in seeking care (phase I delay) is a recognized contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to describe the health care seeking practices in pregnancy, as well as the socio-cultural factors that influence these […]
Family poultry: Multiple roles, systems, challenges, and options for sustainable contributions to household nutrition security through a planetary health lens
Achieving sustainable production of eggs by family poultry production systems that meet both environmental health and welfare standards is a complex endeavour. Humans have been raising different species of poultry for thousands of years across many different agroecological zones. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has identified four different family poultry production […]
Potential cost-effectiveness of universal access to modern contraceptives in Uganda
Background: Over two thirds of women who need contraception in Uganda lack access to modern effective methods. This study was conducted to estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of achieving universal access to modern contraceptives in Uganda by implementing a hypothetical new contraceptive program (NCP) from both societal and governmental (Ministry of Health (MoH)) perspectives. Methodology/Principal Findings: […]
Burden, timing and causes of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia: Protocol for a prospective cohort study
Objectives The AMANHI mortality study aims to use harmonized methods, across eleven sites in eight countries in South Asia and sub- Saharan Africa, to estimate the burden, timing and causes of maternal, fetal and neonatal deaths. It will generate data to help advance the science of cause of death (COD) assignment in developing country settings. […]
Impact evaluation of a maternal and neonatal health training intervention in private Ugandan facilities
Global and country-specific targets for reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality in low-resource settings will not be achieved without improvements in the quality of care for optimal facility-based obstetric and newborn care. This global call includes the private sector, which is increasingly serving low-resource pregnant women. The primary aim of this study was to estimate […]
Planned early delivery versus expectant management to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes in pre-eclampsia in a low- and middle-income setting: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (CRADLE-4 Trial)
Background: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and multi-organ dysfunction in the mother. It is a leading contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality, with 99% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Whilst clear guidelines exist for management of early-onset (< 34 weeks) and term (≥ 37 weeks) […]
