Institutional delivery and associated factors among women in Ghana: Findings from a 2017-2018 multiple indicator cluster survey
Background: Institutional delivery is essential in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. We investigated the prevalence of institutional delivery and associated factors among women in Ghana. Methods: National representative data from the 2017-2018 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey was used for the analysis. The study included 3466 women, ages 15-49 y, who had a live birth […]
The large contribution of twins to neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in The Gambia, a 5-year prospective study
Background: A high twinning rate and an increased risk of mortality among twins contribute to the high burden of infant mortality in Africa. This study examined the contribution of twins to neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in The Gambia, and evaluated factors that contribute to the excess mortality among twins. Methods: We analysed data from the […]
Long-acting reversible contraceptives utilization and its determinants among married Yemeni women of childbearing age who no longer want children
Some contraceptive methods, such as long-acting and permanent methods, are more effective than others in preventing conception and are key predictors of fertility in a community. This study aimed to determine which factors were linked to married women of childbearing age who no longer desired children using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in Yemen. We used […]
Socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition among mothers in the Amoron’i Mania region of Madagascar: A cross-sectional study
Background: Maternal malnutrition, which has been a problem in Madagascar for several years, has been rising despite interventions to improve the situation. This study aims to identify the socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition among mothers who are one of the most vulnerable groups. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 670 mothers aged 18 […]
Effects of treating helminths during pregnancy and early childhood on risk of allergy-related outcomes: Follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Background: Helminth infections, common in low-income countries, may protect against allergy-related disease. Early exposure may be a key. In the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study, treating helminths during pregnancy resulted in increased eczema rates in early childhood. We followed the cohort to determine whether this translated to increased asthma rates at school age. Methods: This […]
Markers of environmental enteric dysfunction are associated with poor growth and iron status in rural ugandan infants
Background: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), characterized by altered intestinal permeability/inflammation, microbial translocation, and systemic inflammation (SI), may be a significant contributor to micronutrient deficiencies and poor growth in infants from low-resource settings. Objective: We examined associations among EED, SI, growth, and iron status at 6 mo of age. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of […]
Community-based evaluation of PMTCT uptake in Nyanza Province, Kenya
Introduction: Facility-based assessments of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs may overestimate population coverage. There are few community-based studies that evaluate PMTCT coverage and uptake. Methods: During 2011, a cross-sectional community survey among women who gave birth in the prior year was performed using the KEMRI-CDC Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Western Kenya. […]
Investigating the association between wood and charcoal domestic cooking, respiratory symptoms and acute respiratory infections among children aged under 5 years in uganda: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 demographic and health survey
Background: Household air pollution associated with biomass (wood, dung, charcoal, and crop residue) burning for cooking is estimated to contribute to approximately 4 million deaths each year worldwide, with the greatest burden seen in low and middle-income countries. We investigated the relationship between solid fuel type and respiratory symptoms in Uganda, where 96% of households […]
Implementation Outcomes Assessment of a Digital Clinical Support Tool for Intrapartum Care in Rural Kenya: Observational Analysis
Background: iDeliver, a digital clinical support system for maternal and neonatal care, was developed to support quality of care improvements in Kenya. Objective: Taking an implementation research approach, we evaluated the adoption and fidelity of iDeliver over time and assessed the feasibility of its use to provide routine Ministry of Health (MOH) reports. Methods: We […]
Sex inequality in early initiation of breastfeeding in 24 sub-Saharan African countries: A multi-country analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys
Background: The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 aims at reducing neonatal and under-5 mortality to below 12 per 1000 and 25 per 1000 live births, respectively, globally by 2030. Studies have found that initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continuous breastfeeding for over 12 months can positively impact neonatal and infant health. […]
