Where do delays occur when women receive antenatal care? A client flow multi-site study in four health facilities in Nigeria
Objectives: The objective of the study was to identify where delays occur when women present for antenatal care in four Nigerian referral hospitals, and to make recommendations on ways to reduce delays in the course of provision of antenatal care in the hospitals. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Four Nigerian (1 tertiary and 3 secondary) […]
Undernutrition among pregnant women in rural communities in southern ethiopia
Background: Maternal undernutrition rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world. In addition, a huge inequity exists within the country, with pregnant women in rural communities being at increased risk. This study assessed the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among pregnant women in a rural community in southern Ethiopia. Methods: A […]
Prognostic factors of time to first abortion after sexual debut among fragile state Congolese women: a survival analysis
Background: Despite the common restrictive abortion laws, abortion remains widespread in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Women still utilize abortion services and put their lives and health at risk because abortion can only be procured illegally in private facilities such as mid-level or small patent medicine store that may be manned by unskilled providers or through […]
Reducing the medical cost of deliveries in Burkina Faso is good for everyone, including the poor
Since 2007, Burkina Faso has subsidized 80% of the costs of child birth. Women are required to pay 20% (900 F CFA = 1.4 Euros), except for the indigent, who are supposed to be exempted. The objective of the policy is to increase service utilization and reduce costs for households. We analyze the efficacy of […]
From effectiveness to sustainability: Understanding the impact of CARE’s Community Score Card© social accountability approach in Ntcheu, Malawi
We evaluated the sustainability of CARE’s Community Score Card>© (CSC) social accountability approach in Ntcheu, Malawi, approximately 2.5 years after the end of formal intervention activities. Using a cross-sectional, exploratory design, we conducted 41 focus groups with members of Community Health Advisory Groups (CHAGs) and youth groups and 19 semi-structured interviews with local and district […]
Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Lactating Women in the Shebedino District, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia
Background: Ensuring the nutritional status of lactating women is crucial to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality in poor countries like Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among lactating women in Shebedino district, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected […]
Prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in eight or more antenatal care contacts in Ghana: Findings from 2019 population-based data
Background: For the prevention of complications and death during pregnancy, adequate antenatal care (ANC) contacts are important. To achieve optimal obstetric care, the latest ANC guidance recommends eight or more ANC contacts. The aim of this analysis is to investigate the prevalence and socio-economic differences of eight or more Ghanaian ANC contacts. Methods: A total […]
Contextualizing a framework for improving postnatal care in Ethiopia
Background: Postnatal care is among the major recommended interventions to reduce maternal deaths. To improve the low postnatal care utilization in Ethiopia, the framework developed for this purpose in Kenya was contextualized and adapted for implementation in the Ethiopian context. Objectives: The objectives of this article are to share the process followed to contextualize Chelagat’s […]
Introduction and integration of PrEP and sexual and reproductive health services for young people: Health provider perspectives from South Africa
South Africa has one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world, with particularly high prevalence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Oral PrEP was introduced in the public sector in 2016 in a phased manner. Given the important role played by health providers, research was undertaken to understand their experiences of and attitudes […]
Influences on participant reporting in the World Health Organisation drugs exposure pregnancy registry; A qualitative study
Background: The World Health Organisation has designed a pregnancy registry to investigate the effect of maternal drug use on pregnancy outcomes in resource-limited settings. In this sentinel surveillance system, detailed health and drug use data are prospectively collected from the first antenatal clinic visit until delivery. Over and above other clinical records, the registry relies […]
