Prompt HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment in postpartum women is crucial for prevention of mother to child transmission during breastfeeding: Survey results in a high HIV prevalence community in southern Mozambique after the implementation of Option B+
Objective World Health Organization recommends promoting breastfeeding without restricting its duration among HIV-positive women on lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART). There is little data on breastfeeding duration and mother to child transmission (MTCT) beyond 24 months. We compared the duration of breastfeeding in HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed children and we identified factors associated with postpartum-MTCT in a […]
Increasing partner attendance in antenatal care and HIV testing services: Comparable outcomes using written versus verbal invitations in an urban facility-based controlled intervention trial in Mbeya, Tanzania
In many Sub-Saharan African settings male partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) remains low, although great benefits for maternal and infant health outcomes have been long recognised, in particular regarding the prevention of HIV transmission. Yet there is paucity on evidence regarding the effectiveness of strategies to increase male partner involvement. This controlled intervention trial […]
Perceptions of midwives on shortage and retention of staff at a public hospital in Tshwane District
BACKGROUND: Midwifery is the backbone of women and child healthcare. The shortage of staff in maternity units is a crisis faced by many countries worldwide, including South Africa. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the perceptions of midwives on the shortage and retention of staff at a public institution. METHOD: The study was conducted at […]
Socioeconomic inequality in barriers for accessing health care among married reproductive aged women in sub-Saharan African countries: a decomposition analysis
Background: Accessibility of health care is an essential for promoting healthy life, preventing diseases and deaths, and enhancing health equity for all. Barriers in accessing health care among reproductive-age women creates the first and the third delay for maternal mortality and leads to the occurrence of preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Studies revealed […]
Dietary diversity and associated factors among children (6–23 months) in Gedeo zone, Ethiopia: cross – sectional study
Introduction: Different foods and food groups are good sources for various macro- and micronutrients. Diversified diet play an important role in both physical and mental growth and development of children. However, meeting minimum standards of dietary diversity for children is a challenge in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Objective: To assess dietary diversity and associated […]
Mobile phone access and willingness among mothers to receive a text-based mhealth intervention to improve prenatal care in northwest ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Background: Maternal mortality remains high in many low- and middle-income countries where limited access to health services is linked to low antenatal care utilization. Effective communication and engagement with care providers are vital for the delivery and receipt of sufficient health care services. There is strong evidence that simple text-based interventions can improve the prenatal […]
Fear, guilt, and debt: An exploration of women’s experience and perception of cesarean birth in Burkina Faso, West Africa
Background: This paper explores women’s experience and perception of cesarean birth in Burkina Faso and its social and economic implications within the household. Methods: Five focus groups comprising mothers or pregnant women were conducted among residents of Bogodogo Health District in Ouagadougou to assess the perceptions of cesarean section (CS) by women in the community. […]
Male Involvement in Family Planning Decisions in Malawi and Tanzania: What Are the Determinants?
The participation of males in joint spousal decisions is urgently needed in achieving the fundamental indicators of reproductive health. The low involvement of males in family planning (FP) decision-making is a major determining factor in low FP usage in Malawi and Tanzania. Despite this, there are inconsistent findings regarding the extent of male involvement and […]
Challenges Faced by Female Out-of-School Adolescents in Accessing and Utilizing Sexual and Reproductive Health Service: A Qualitative Exploratory Study in Southwest, Ethiopia
Introduction: Due to the limited access to sexual and reproductive health service, out-of-school-adolescents become at a higher risk for early marriage, early pregnancy early parenthood, and poor health outcomes over their life course. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by female out-of-school adolescents in accessing sexual and reproductive health […]
Female genital mutilation/cutting in Sierra Leone: Are educated women intending to circumcise their daughters?
Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been recognized as a gross violation of human rights of girls and women. This is well established in numerous international legal instruments. It forms part of the initiation ceremony that confers womanhood in Sierra Leone. Girls and women who are subjected to this practice are considered to be ready […]
