When women deliver at home without a skilled birth attendant: A qualitative study on the role of health care systems in the increasing home births among rural women in southwestern uganda
Background: Uganda’s maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with thousands of women and newborns still dying of preventable deaths from pregnancy and childbirth-related complica-tions. Globally, Antenatal care (ANC) attendance has been associated with improved rates of skilled births. However, despite the fact that over 95% of women in Uganda attend at least one ANC, over 30% […]
Knowledge of postnatal mothers on essential newborn care practices at the Kenyatta national Hospital: A cross sectional study
Introduction: Of the 130 million babies born yearly, nearly 4 million die in the neonatal period. Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2014 places neonatal mortality rate at 22 deaths per 1,000 live births, well above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 that aims to reduce these mortalities to at least 12 deaths per 1000 live […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
