Promoting Caregiver Early Childhood Development Behaviors through Social and Behavioral Change Communication Program in Tanzania
Objectives: Stunting remains a prevalent issue in Tanzania. The consequences of stunting include reduced height, greater susceptibility to disease, and diminished cognitive ability throughout the lifespan. Lack of psychosocial stimulation is associated with increased stunting, particularly in terms of its cognitive impact. The Addressing Stunting in Tanzania Early (ASTUTE) program was a large social and […]
Perceptions and experiences of maternity care workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State, Nigeria; a qualitative study
Background: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic challenges provision and access to essential maternity care in low-resilience health systems. The aim of this study was to explore maternity healthcare workers’ experiences of, and perceptions about providing maternity care during the COVID-19 outbreak in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: This qualitative study conducted individual, remote, semi-structured interviews […]
Double blind, randomised, placebocontrolled trial to evaluate the efficacy of esomeprazole to treat early onset pre-eclampsia (PIE Trial): A study protocol
Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a major complication of pregnancy, globally responsible for 60 000 maternal deaths per year, and far greater numbers of fetal losses. There is no definitive treatment other than delivery. A drug that can quench the disease process could be useful to treat early onset pre-eclampsia, as it could allow pregnancies to safely […]
Population attributable risk of key modifiable risk factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria
Background: Non-exclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF) is a risk factor for many of the 2300 under-five deaths occurring daily in Nigeria – a developing country with approximately 40 million children. This study aimed to quantify and compare the attributable burden of key modifiable risk factors associated with non-EBF in Nigeria to inform strategic policy responses and initiatives. […]
Child stunting and associated risk factors in selected food-insecure areas in Rwanda: an analytical cross-sectional study
Introduction: stunting rates among the under-five children are generally high in Rwanda. They are unexpectedly lower than the national average stunting rate in some districts where poverty rates are the highest in the country. This study aimed to ascertain the key factors that protect children from stunting in these poorest areas, where stunting rates are […]
Association between malaria infection and early childhood development mediated by anemia in rural Kenya
Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age, with most cases occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children in this age group in Africa are at greatest risk worldwide for developmental deficits. There are research gaps in quantifying the risks of mild malaria cases, understanding the pathways linking malaria […]
Health system governance following devolution: Comparing experiences of decentralisation in Kenya and Indonesia
Introduction Devolution reforms in Indonesia and Kenya have brought extensive changes to governance structures and mechanisms for financing and delivering healthcare. Community health approaches can contribute towards attaining many of devolution’s objectives, including community participation, responsiveness, accountability and improved equity. We set out to examine governance in two countries at different stages in the devolution […]
Effect of community-level intervention on antenatal care attendance: a quasi-experimental study among postpartum women in Eastern Uganda
Background: Early Initiation of antenatal care (ANC) and at least four visits during pregnancy allow screening and support for a healthy lifestyle and self-care during pregnancy however, community-directed interventions to improve access to these services are rarely explored. Objective: To assess the effect of community health worker (CHW) involvement on utilisation of antenatal services during […]
Evaluation of the ethiopian millennium rural initiative: Impact on mortality and cost-effectiveness
Main Objective: Few studies have examined the long-term, impact of large-scale interventions to strengthen primary care services for women and children in rural, low-income settings. We evaluated the impact of the Ethiopian Millennium Rural Initiative (EMRI), an 18-month systems-based intervention to improve the performance of 30 primary health care units in rural areas of Ethiopia. […]
Implications of power imbalance in antenatal care seeking among pregnant adolescents in rural Tanzania: A qualitative study
Background Adolescent girls (10–19 years) are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from pregnancy and childbirth complications, compared with older mothers. Low and middle-income countries, including Tanzania, bear the largest proportion of adolescent perinatal deaths. Few adolescent girls in Tanzania access antenatal care at health facilities, the reasons for which are poorly understood. Methods […]
