Predicting neurodevelopmental risk in children born to mothers living with HIV in Kenya: protocol for a prospective cohort study (Tabiri Study)
Introduction For the growing number of children with in utero and postpartum exposure to HIV and/or antiretrovirals, it is unclear which exposures or risk factors play a significant role in predicting worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This protocol describes a prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants born to mothers living with HIV and those born to mothers […]
Developing and implementing a novel mentorship model (4+ 1) for maternal, newborn and child health in Rwanda
Background: There are a number of factors that may contribute to high mortality and morbidity of women and newborns in low-income countries. These include a shortage of competent health care providers (HCP) and a lack of sufficient continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. Strengthening the skills and building the capacity of HCP involved in the provision […]
The impact of maternal diet fortification with lipid-based nutrient supplements on postpartum depression in rural Malawi: a randomised-controlled trial
Perinatal depression is highly prevalent in low-and-middle-income countries and has been linked to poor child health. Suboptimal maternal nutrition may be a risk factor for perinatal depression. In this randomised-controlled trial conducted in rural Malawi, we set out to test the hypothesis that women taking a fatty acid-rich lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) would have fewer […]
Sustainable Survival for adolescents living with HIV: Do SDG-aligned provisions reduce potential mortality risk
Introduction: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a groundbreaking global development agenda to protect the most vulnerable. Adolescents living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience extreme health vulnerabilities, but we know little about the impacts of SDG-aligned provisions on their health. This study tests associations of provisions aligned with five SDGs with potential […]
Development of a conceptual model and survey instrument to measure conscientious objection to abortion provision
Background and Objective: Conscientious objection to abortion, clinicians’ refusal to perform legal abortions because of their religious or moral beliefs, has been the subject of increasing debate among bioethicists, policymakers, and public health advocates in recent years. Conscientious objection policies are intended to balance reproductive rights and clinicians’ beliefs. However, in practice, clinician objection can […]
Predictors of health care use by adults 50 years and over in a rural South African setting
Background: South Africa’s epidemiological transition is characterised by an increasing burden of chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, little is known about predictors of health care use (HCU) for the prevention and control of chronic diseases among older adults. Objective: To describe reported health problems and determine predictors of HCU by adults aged 50+ living […]
Influence of gestational weight gain on baby’s birth weight in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia: a follow-up study
BACKGROUND: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator of fetal well-being during pregnancy. Inadequate or excessive GWG could have undesirable effects on birth weight. However, information regarding the influence of GWG on birth weight is lacking from the Ethiopian setting. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the influence of GWG and other maternal-related factors […]
The impact of depression at preconception on pregnancy planning and unmet need for contraception in the first postpartum year: a cohort study from rural Malawi
Background: The impact of depression on women’s use of contraception and degree of pregnancy planning in low-income settings has been poorly researched. Our study aims to explore if symptoms of depression at preconception are associated with unplanned pregnancy and nonuse of contraception at the point of conception and in the postpartum period. Methods: Population-based cohort […]
Food insecurity and water insecurity in rural Zimbabwe: Development of multidimensional household measures
Background: With millions of people experiencing malnutrition and inadequate water access, FI and WI remain topics of vital importance to global health. Existing unidimensional FI and WI metrics do not all capture similar multidimensional aspects, thus restricting our ability to assess and address food-and water-related issues. Methods: Using the Sanitation, Hygiene and Infant Nutrition Efficacy […]
Suboptimal feeding practices and impaired growth among children in largely food insecure areas of north Wollo, Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, information is limited about energy and micronutrient intakes from complementary foods consumed by children in Productive Safety Net Program districts. Therefore, we assessed feeding practices and intakes of energy and selected micronutrients from complementary foods of children aged 6-23 months in a food insecure rural area of Ethiopia. Energy and micronutrient intakes were […]
