Effects of anti-malarial prophylaxes on maternal transfer of Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) and association to immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infections among children in a Ugandan birth cohort
Background The in-utero transfer of malaria specific IgG to the fetus in Plasmodium falciparum infected pregnant women potentially plays a role in provision of immune protection against malaria in the first birth year. However, the effect of Intermittent Prophylactic Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) and placental malaria on the extent of in-utero antibody transfer in malaria […]
Adversities and mental health needs of pregnant adolescents in Kenya: Identifying interpersonal, practical, and cultural barriers to care
Background: Adolescent pregnancies present a great public health burden in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa (UNFPA, Motherhood in Childhood: Facing the challenge of Adolescent Pregnancy, 2013). The disenfranchisement from public institutions and services is further compounded by cultural stigma and gender inequality creating emotional, psychosocial, health, and educational problems in the lives of vulnerable pregnant adolescents […]
How is dietary diversity related to haematological status of preschool children in Ghana?
Background: The role of dietary diversity on blood biomarkers may be significant, but the evidence is limited. Objective: This study assessed the association between dietary diversity and haematological status of children aged 6-59 months controlling for various known confounders. Design: The analysis in this study is based on the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health survey […]
Depression and its psychosocial risk factors in pregnant Kenyan adolescents: A cross-sectional study in a community health Centre of Nairobi
Background: Adolescent pregnancies within urban resource-deprived settlements predispose young girls to adverse mental health and psychosocial adversities, notably depression. Depression in sub-Saharan Africa is a leading contributor to years lived with disability (YLD). The study’s objective was to determine the prevalence of depression and related psychosocial risks among pregnant adolescents reporting at a maternal and […]
Resilience in maternal and child nutrition outcomes in a refugee-hosting community in Cameroon: A quasi-experimental study
Refugees may be perceived as a burden to their host communities, and nutrition insecurity is a critical area of contention. We explored the relationship between refugee presence and a host community’s resilience in nutrition outcomes in Cameroon. We also tested an analytical framework for evaluating community resilience during shocks. We used data from repeated cross-sectional […]
Geopolitical zones differentials in intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) and long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) utilization in Nigeria
Background The coverage of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) uptake for the prevention of malaria commonly vary by geography. Many sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, including Nigeria are adopting the use of LLIN and IPTp to fight malaria. Albeit, the coverage of these interventions to prevent malaria […]
Effect of maternal separation on mitochondrial function and role of exercise in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Early life stress, such as maternal separation, causes adaptive changes in neural mechanisms that have adverse effects on the neuroplasticity of the brain in adulthood. As a consequence, children who are exposed to stress during developmentmay be predisposed to neurodegenerative disorders in adulthood. A possible mechanism for increased vulnerability to neurodegeneration may be dysfunctional mitochondria. […]
Physical activity level during pregnancy in south africa: A facility-based cross-sectional study
Physical activity participation during pregnancy confers many maternal and foetal health benefits to the woman and her infant and is recommended by various health bodies and institutions. However, in South Africa, scant information exists about the physical activity status and its determinants among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the physical […]
Teratogenic Evaluation of 80% Ethanol Extract of Embelia schimperi Vatke Fruits on Rat Embryo and Fetuses
Introduction. Embelia schimperi Vatke (family Myrsinaceae) is a commonly consumed anthelminthic plant in Ethiopia. The plant has significant efficacy in treating intestinal worms. However, there are limited data about the safety/toxicity of the plant. Moreover, the teratogenic effect of the plant is not yet well studied despite significant number of Ethiopian mothers consuming herbal medication […]
Association of Prenatal Exposure to Maternal Drinking and Smoking with the Risk of Stillbirth
Importance: Prenatal smoking is a known modifiable risk factor for stillbirth; however, the contribution of prenatal drinking or the combination of smoking and drinking is uncertain. Objective: To examine whether prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco cigarettes is associated with the risk of stillbirth. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Safe Passage Study was a longitudinal, […]
