Evaluating the impact of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Malawi through immunization clinic-based surveillance
Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs can greatly reduce the vertical transmission rate (VTR) of HIV, and Malawi is expanding PMTCT access by offering HIV-infected pregnant women life-long antiretroviral therapy (Option B+). There is currently no empirical data on the effectiveness of Malawian PMTCT programs. This study describes a surveillance approach to […]
Developing equity-focused interventions for maternal and child health in nigeria: An evidence synthesis for policy, based on equitable impact sensitive tool (EQUIST)
Introduction: among the most critical health systems components that requires strengthening to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes in Nigeria is the concept of equity. UNICEF has designed the equitable impact sensitive tool (EQUIST) to enable policymakers improve equity in MNCH and reduce disparities between the most marginalized mothers and young children and […]
Geographical and socioeconomic inequalities in the utilization of maternal healthcare services in Nigeria: 2003-2017
Background: Maternal mortality has remained a challenge in many low-income countries, especially in Africa and in Nigeria in particular. This study examines the geographical and socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Nigeria over the period between 2003 and 2017. Methods: The study used four rounds of Nigeria Demographic Health Surveys (DHS, 2003, 2008, 2013, […]
Sepsis: Primary indication for peripartum hysterectomies in a South African setting
Background. Peripartum hysterectomies are lifesaving procedures but definitions vary. Indications are variable and dependant on resources and geographical factors. Objectives. To evaluate the incidence, aetiology and complications associated with peripartum hysterectomies in a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Methods. A retrospective audit at an academic referral centre over a 5-year period from February 2009 to […]
Length of time in Ghana is associated with the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding among Liberian refugees living in Buduburam
While literature describing immigrant’s breastfeeding practices exists, especially among those living within developed countries, there is a significant gap in knowledge on how the host culture may influence the EBF behaviors of refugees, especially those living in protracted situations within sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Buduburam Refugee Settlement in Ghana from […]
Incentives to yield to Obstetric Referrals in deprived areas of Amansie West district in the Ashanti Region, Ghana
Background: Obstetric referrals, otherwise known as maternal referrals constitute an eminent component of emergency care, and key to ensuring safe delivery and reducing maternal and child mortalities. The efficiency of Obstetric referral systems is however marred by the lack of accessible transportation and socio-economic disparities in access to healthcare. This study evaluated the role of […]
Predictors of the use of interventions to prevent malaria in pregnancy in Cameroon
Background: Malaria in pregnancy is common in sub-Saharan Africa where it contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Use of insecticide-treated bed nets and intermittent preventive therapy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy are effective but underutilized interventions to prevent infection. Factors associated with bed net ownership and usage, and use of prophylaxis among recently pregnant women in […]
Health, life and rights: A discourse analysis of a hybrid abortion regime in Tanzania
Background: Unsafe abortion continues to be a major hazard for maternal health in Sub-Saharan Africa, where abortion remains highly controversial and access to safe abortion services is unequally distributed. Although national abortion laws are central in indicating women’s potential for accessing safe abortion services, the character of an abortion law may alone say little about […]
Women’s preferences for maternal healthcare services in bangladesh: Evidence from a discrete choice experiment
Despite substantial improvements in several maternal health indicators, childbearing and birthing remain a dangerous experience for many women in Bangladesh. This study assessed the relative importance of maternal healthcare service characteristics to Bangladeshi women when choosing a health facility to deliver their babies. The study used a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative methods (expert interviews, focus group […]
Menstrual hygiene practice and associated factors among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Menstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa, and there is a lack of regional representative data. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practices and associated factors among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: In this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and […]
