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 […]
Addressing the migrant gap: maternal healthcare perspectives on utilising prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services during the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programming in South Africa. In 2020, it was estimated that there were 4 million cross-border migrants in South Africa, some of whom are women living with HIV (WLWH), who are highly mobile and located within peripheral and urban areas of Johannesburg. […]
Why children are not vaccinated against measles: A cross-sectional study in two Nigerian States
Background: Childhood vaccination rates in Nigeria are among the lowest in the world and this affects morbidity and mortality rates. A 2011 mixed methods study in two states in Nigeria examined coverage of measles vaccination and reasons for not vaccinating children. Methods: A household survey covered a stratified random cluster sample of 180 enumeration areas […]
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 […]
Partograph utilization as a decision-making tool and associated factors among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Globally, a total of 13.6 million women have died due to maternal causes from 1990 to 2015. Majority of these deaths occurred in resource-limited countries. Among the causes of these deaths, obstructed and prolonged labor covers the highest percentage, which could be prevented by cost-effective and affordable health interventions like partograph use. Therefore, this […]
Stakeholders’ perceptions of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health needs in Southeast Nigeria: a qualitative study
Objectives This study explored the perceptions of adult stakeholders on adolescents sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, variations of perceived needs by different social stratifiers and adolescent’s perceived interventions to address these needs. This will provide evidence that could be useful for policy and programme reviews for improving access and use of services in to […]
Factors associated with stunting among pre-school children in southern highlands of Tanzania
Background: Stunting is a major public health problem in Africa and is associated with poor child survival and development. We investigate factors associated to child stunting in three Tanzanian regions.Methods: A cross-sectional two-stage cluster sampling survey was conducted among children aged 6-59 months. The sample included 1360 children aged 6-23 months and 1904 children aged […]
Overweight and obesity among women: Analysis of demographic and health survey data from 32 Sub-Saharan African Countries
Background: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for many chronic diseases globally. However, the extent of the problem in low-income countries like Sub-Saharan Africa is unclear. We assessed the magnitude and disparity of both phenomena by place of residence, level of education and wealth quintile using cross-sectional data from 32 countries. Methods: Demographic and Health […]
Multiple sexual partners and condom use among 10 – 19 year-olds in four districts in Tanzania: What do we learn?
Abstract. Background: Although some studies in Tanzania have addressed the question of sexuality and STIs among adolescents, mostly those aged 15 – 19 years, evidence on how multiple sexual partners influence condom use among 10 – 19 year-olds is limited. This study attempts to bridge this gap by testing a hypothesis that sexual relationships with […]
