Prevalence of low birth weight and its associated factor at birth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A generalized linear mixed model
Background Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality, as well as the risk of developmental disabilities and illnesses in future lives. Though studies were conducted to assess the magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight, most of the studies were at a single center […]
Understanding abortion-related complications in health facilities: Results from WHO multicountry survey on abortion (MCS-A) across 11 sub-Saharan African countries
Introduction Complications due to unsafe abortions are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to characterise abortion-related complication severity, describe their management, and to report women’s experience of abortion care in Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study was implemented in 210 health facilities across 11 sub-Saharan African countries. Data […]
Improving the quality of maternal and newborn health outcomes through a clinical mentorship program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Study protocol
Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) boasts one of the highest rates of institutional deliveries in sub-Saharan Africa (80%), with eight out of every ten births also assisted by a skilled provider. However, the maternal and neonatal mortality are still among the highest in the world, which demonstrates the poor in-facility quality of […]
Mental health symptoms and their relations with dietary diversity and nutritional status among mothers of young children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Background: In developing countries, maternal mental health problems have been linked to sub-optimal child feeding practices and child underweight and stunting, but little is known about how maternal mental health is associated with mothers’ own diets and nutritional status. The objective of the study was to investigate the association between mental health symptoms and diet […]
Determinants of maternal health services utilization in urban settings of the Democratic Republic of Congo – A Case study of Lubumbashi City
Background: The use of maternal health services, known as an indirect indicator of perinatal death, is still unknown in Lubumbashi. The present study was therefore undertaken in order to determine the factors that influence the use of mother and child healthcare services in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.Methods: This was transversal study of women […]
Gender equity and sexual and reproductive health in Eastern and Southern Africa: A critical overview of the literature
Background: Gender inequalities are important social determinants of health. We set out to critically review the literature relating to gender equity and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Eastern and Southern Africa with the aim of identifying priorities for action. Design: During November 2011, we identified studies relating to SRH and gender equity through a […]
Burden, timing and causes of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia: Protocol for a prospective cohort study
Objectives The AMANHI mortality study aims to use harmonized methods, across eleven sites in eight countries in South Asia and sub- Saharan Africa, to estimate the burden, timing and causes of maternal, fetal and neonatal deaths. It will generate data to help advance the science of cause of death (COD) assignment in developing country settings. […]
‘And then you can decide’ – antenatal foetal diagnosis decision making in South Africa
Background: Decision making is integral to genetic counselling and the premise is that autonomous decisions emerge if patients are provided with information in a non-directive manner. The pivotal activity in antenatal diagnosis counselling with at-risk pregnant women is decision making regarding invasive procedures. This process is not well understood in multicultural settings. Objective: This study […]
Reported History of Measles and Long-term Impact on Tetanus Antibody Detected in Children 9-59 Months of Age and Receiving 3 Doses of Tetanus Vaccine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Background: Recent studies suggest measles-induced immune amnesia could have long-term immunosuppressive effects via preferential depletion of memory CD150+ lymphocytes, and associations with a 2-3 year period of increased mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases other than measles has been shown in children from wealthy and low-income countries. To further examine the associations previous measles virus […]
Challenge of Reducing Perinatal Mortality in Rural Congo: Findings of a Prospective, Population-based Study
Each year, an estimated six million perinatal deaths occur worldwide, and 98% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. These estimates are based on surveys in both urban and rural areas, and they may underrepresent the problem in rural areas. This study was conducted to quantify perinatal mortality, to identify the associated risk […]
