Factors associated with diarrheal morbidity among under-five children in Jigjiga town, Somali Regional State, eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Background: The prevalence of underfive diarrhea in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia is one of the highest in the country. This study attempted to examine the multiple factors associated with underfive diarrhea and how they might influence its prevalence in Jigjiga, Somali regional state, Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15 […]
Loss to follow-up and associated maternal factors among HIV-exposed infants at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: A retrospective study
Background: Loss to follow-up (LTFU) deprives HIV-exposed infants the lifesaving care required and results in exposing HIV free infants to virus requisition risk. We aimed to determine the rate of LTFU, postnatal mother-to-child HIV-transmission (MTCT) and to identify maternal factors associated with LTFU among HIV-exposed infants enrolled at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital PMTCT clinic. Methods: […]
Barriers to healthcare access and healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses among childbearing women in Burundi
Introduction Poor health seeking behaviour continues to be major challenge in accessing healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective treatment for most childhood illnesses. The current study investigated the barriers to healthcare access and health seeking for childhood illnesses in Burundi. Methods The study utilized data from the 2016-17 Burundi Demographic and Health […]
Cost-effectiveness and public health impact of RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in Malawi, using a Markov static model
Background: The RTS,S/AS01 E malaria vaccine is being assessed in Malawi, Ghana and Kenya as part of a large-scale pilot implementation programme. Even if impactful, its incorporation into immunisation programmes will depend on demonstrating cost-effectiveness. We analysed the cost-effectiveness and public health impact of the RTS,S/AS01 E malaria vaccine use in Malawi. Methods: We calculated […]
Evidence of a double burden of malnutrition in urban poor settings in Nairobi, Kenya
Background: Many low-and middle-income countries are undergoing a nutrition transition associated with rapid social and economic transitions. We explore the coexistence of over and undernutrition at the neighborhood and household level, in an urban poor setting in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: Data were collected in 2010 on a cohort of children aged under five years born […]
Why do women deliver at home? Multilevel modeling of Ethiopian national demographic and health survey data
Background: Despite of the existing intensive efforts to improve maternal health in Ethiopia, the proportion of birth delivered at home remains high and is still the top priority among the national health threats. Objective: The study aimed to examine effects of individual women and community-level factors of women’s decision on place of delivery in Ethiopia. […]
Impact of the Safe Childbirth Checklist on health worker childbirth practices in Luapula province of Zambia: A pre-post study
Background: A strong evidence base exists regarding routine and emergency services that can effectively prevent or reduce maternal and new-born mortality. However, even when skilled providers care for women in labour, many of the recommended services are not provided, despite being available. Barriers to the provision of appropriate childbirth services may include lack of availability […]
Why the increase in under five mortality in Uganda from 1995 to 2000? A retrospective analysis
Background: From 1995-2000 the under five mortality rate in Uganda increased from 147.3 to 151.5 deaths per 1000 live births and reasons for the increase were not clear. This study was undertaken to understand factors influencing the increase in under five mortality rate during 1995-2000 in Uganda with a view of suggesting remedial actions. Methods. […]
Latent class analysis of the social determinants of health-seeking behaviour for delivery among pregnant women in Malawi
Introduction In the era of Sustainable Development Goals, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality is a priority. With one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, Malawi has a significant opportunity for improvement. One effort to improve maternal outcomes involves increasing access to high-quality health facilities for delivery. This study aimed to determine the […]
Status of the latest 2016 World Health Organization recommended frequency of antenatal care contacts in Sierra Leone: a nationally representative survey
Background: Timely and increased frequency of quality antenatal care (ANC) contacts is one of the key strategies aimed at decreasing maternal and neonatal deaths. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the ANC guidelines to recommend at least eight ANC contacts instead of four. This study aimed to determine the proportion of women who […]
