Reaching the unreached: effectiveness and satisfaction with community-directed distribution of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for preventing malaria in pregnancy in rural South-East, Nigeria
Background: Innovative community strategies to increase intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) coverage is advocated particularly in rural areas, where health infrastructure is weakest and malaria transmission highest. This study involved proof-of-concept implementation research to determine satisfaction with and effectiveness of community-directed distribution of IPTp-SP on uptake among pregnant women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: […]
Double Burden of Malnutrition: Evidence from a Selected Nigerian Population
Indices reflecting the double burden of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa are increasing. Evidence to support this claim in households of Africa’s most populous country – Nigeria – is scant. This study, therefore, presents results from a study of mother-child pairs sampled from Akwa Ibom State in the southern region of Nigeria. Anthropometric measures for 660 […]
Prevalence and determinants of adherence to HAART amongst PLHIV in a tertiary health facility in south-south Nigeria
Background: Adherence to Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a major predictor of the success of HIV/AIDS treatment. Good adherence to HAART is necessary to achieve the best virologic response, lower the risk of drug resistance and reduce morbidity and mortality. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of adherence to HAART […]
Effects of selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcome and disease progression in HIV-infected pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria Study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common during pregnancy, especially in pregnant women from economically disadvantaged settings where diets with low content of minerals and vitamins are consumed. Selenium is a non-metallic chemical element of great importance to human health. This study will assess the effect of selenium supplementation on major pregnancy outcomes and disease progression among […]
Understanding the factors affecting the humanitarian health and nutrition response for women and children in Somalia since 2000: A case study
Background: Somalia has been ravaged by more than two decades of armed conflict causing immense damage to the country’s infrastructure and mass displacement and suffering among its people. An influx of humanitarian actors has sought to provide basic services, including health services for women and children, throughout the conflict. This study aimed to better understand […]
Progression of the first stage of spontaneous labour: A prospective cohort study in two sub-Saharan African countries
Background: Escalation in the global rates of labour interventions, particularly cesarean section and oxytocin augmentation, has renewed interest in a better understanding of natural labour progression. Methodological advancements in statistical and computational techniques addressing the limitations of pioneer studies have led to novel findings and triggered a re-evaluation of current labour practices. As part of […]
Determinants of health facility delivery among young mothers aged 15 – 24 years in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis of the 2018 Nigeria demographic and health survey
Background: Young mothers aged 15 to 24 years are particularly at higher risk of adverse health outcomes during childbirth. Delivery in health facilities by skilled birth attendants can help reduce this risk and lower maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the determinants of health facility delivery among young Nigerian women. Methods: A nationally […]
Incomplete childhood immunization in Nigeria: A multilevel analysis of individual and contextual factors
Background: Under-five mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa despite global decline. One quarter of these deaths are preventable through interventions such as immunization. The aim of this study was to examine the independent effects of individual-, community- and state-level factors on incomplete childhood immunization in Nigeria, which is one of the 10 countries where most […]
Implementing facility-based kangaroo mother care services: Lessons from a multi-country study in Africa
Background: Some countries have undertaken programs that included scaling up kangaroo mother care. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the implementation status of facility-based kangaroo mother care services in four African countries: Malawi, Mali, Rwanda and Uganda. Methods. A cross-sectional, mixed-method research design was used. Stakeholders provided background information at national meetings […]
Short birth interval and its predictors among reproductive age women in high fertility countries in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys
Background: In developing countries, short birth interval is one of the major public health issues. It is one of the leading cause’s adverse birth outcomes in the worldwide. Despite the fact that ending maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the burden of the problem continues to be […]
