Impact of the Safe Childbirth Checklist on health worker childbirth practices in Luapula province of Zambia: A pre-post study
Background: A strong evidence base exists regarding routine and emergency services that can effectively prevent or reduce maternal and new-born mortality. However, even when skilled providers care for women in labour, many of the recommended services are not provided, despite being available. Barriers to the provision of appropriate childbirth services may include lack of availability […]
Why the increase in under five mortality in Uganda from 1995 to 2000? A retrospective analysis
Background: From 1995-2000 the under five mortality rate in Uganda increased from 147.3 to 151.5 deaths per 1000 live births and reasons for the increase were not clear. This study was undertaken to understand factors influencing the increase in under five mortality rate during 1995-2000 in Uganda with a view of suggesting remedial actions. Methods. […]
Latent class analysis of the social determinants of health-seeking behaviour for delivery among pregnant women in Malawi
Introduction In the era of Sustainable Development Goals, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality is a priority. With one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, Malawi has a significant opportunity for improvement. One effort to improve maternal outcomes involves increasing access to high-quality health facilities for delivery. This study aimed to determine the […]
Status of the latest 2016 World Health Organization recommended frequency of antenatal care contacts in Sierra Leone: a nationally representative survey
Background: Timely and increased frequency of quality antenatal care (ANC) contacts is one of the key strategies aimed at decreasing maternal and neonatal deaths. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the ANC guidelines to recommend at least eight ANC contacts instead of four. This study aimed to determine the proportion of women who […]
Promoting Caregiver Early Childhood Development Behaviors through Social and Behavioral Change Communication Program in Tanzania
Objectives: Stunting remains a prevalent issue in Tanzania. The consequences of stunting include reduced height, greater susceptibility to disease, and diminished cognitive ability throughout the lifespan. Lack of psychosocial stimulation is associated with increased stunting, particularly in terms of its cognitive impact. The Addressing Stunting in Tanzania Early (ASTUTE) program was a large social and […]
Perceptions and experiences of maternity care workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State, Nigeria; a qualitative study
Background: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic challenges provision and access to essential maternity care in low-resilience health systems. The aim of this study was to explore maternity healthcare workers’ experiences of, and perceptions about providing maternity care during the COVID-19 outbreak in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: This qualitative study conducted individual, remote, semi-structured interviews […]
Population attributable risk of key modifiable risk factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria
Background: Non-exclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF) is a risk factor for many of the 2300 under-five deaths occurring daily in Nigeria – a developing country with approximately 40 million children. This study aimed to quantify and compare the attributable burden of key modifiable risk factors associated with non-EBF in Nigeria to inform strategic policy responses and initiatives. […]
Child stunting and associated risk factors in selected food-insecure areas in Rwanda: an analytical cross-sectional study
Introduction: stunting rates among the under-five children are generally high in Rwanda. They are unexpectedly lower than the national average stunting rate in some districts where poverty rates are the highest in the country. This study aimed to ascertain the key factors that protect children from stunting in these poorest areas, where stunting rates are […]
Protective role of Allium cepa Linn (onion) juice on maternal dexamethasone induced alterations in reproductive functions of female offspring of Wistar rats
Maternal treatment with dexamethasone induces oxidative stress in the reproductive structures of offspring. Consumption of Allium cepa Linn improves antioxidant status. This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of Allium cepa Linn juice on maternal dexamethasone induced alterations in reproductive functions of the female offspring of Wistar rats. Twenty lactating dams (180–200 g) […]
Association between malaria infection and early childhood development mediated by anemia in rural Kenya
Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age, with most cases occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children in this age group in Africa are at greatest risk worldwide for developmental deficits. There are research gaps in quantifying the risks of mild malaria cases, understanding the pathways linking malaria […]