Lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors among antenatal care booked women in Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia

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Study Justification:
– Adverse pregnancy outcomes are a major public health issue in developing countries, including Ethiopia.
– Ending prenatal mortality and morbidity is a goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
– The burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes continues to be a concern in Ethiopia.
– This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes among antenatal care booked women in Northwest Ethiopia.
Study Highlights:
– The study was conducted in Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia.
– The lifetime prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes among study participants was 14.53%.
– Road access to health facilities and husband-supported pregnancy were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
– The study highlights the need to expand infrastructure like road accessibility and increase husband-supported pregnancy to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Study Recommendations:
– Give more attention to expanding road accessibility to health facilities.
– Increase support for husband-involved pregnancies.
– Implement strategies to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes among antenatal care booked women.
Key Role Players:
– Health policymakers and administrators
– Maternal health service providers
– Community health workers
– Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
– Women’s advocacy groups
Cost Items for Planning Recommendations:
– Infrastructure development for road accessibility
– Training programs for health providers on husband-supported pregnancy
– Awareness campaigns and educational materials for women and communities
– Monitoring and evaluation systems for tracking progress and outcomes

The strength of evidence for this abstract is 7 out of 10.
The evidence in the abstract is relatively strong, but there are some areas for improvement. The study design is appropriate for the research question, and a large sample size was used. The data collection methods were clearly described, and statistical analysis was conducted. However, there are a few areas that could be improved. First, the description of the study population and sampling technique could be more detailed. Second, the variables included in the analysis could be better justified and explained. Third, the limitations of the study could be discussed to provide a more balanced view of the findings. To improve the evidence, the authors could provide more information on the characteristics of the study population, such as age range and socioeconomic status. They could also provide a more detailed explanation of why certain variables were included in the analysis and how they were measured. Additionally, discussing the limitations of the study, such as potential biases or confounding factors, would enhance the overall strength of the evidence.

Background: In developing countries, adverse pregnancy outcomes are major public health issues. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the fact that ending prenatal mortality and morbidity is one of the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the burden of the problem continues to be a huge concern in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes among antenatal care (ANC) booked women in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia, between March 2021 and June 2021. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. An interviewer-administered and checklist questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software and exported to Stata version 16 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify an association between associated factors and the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were declared as statistically significant. Results: In this study, the lifetime prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcome among study participants was 14.53% (95%CI: 11.61, 18.04). Road access to the health facilities (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.02) and husband-supported pregnancy (AOR = 2.63; 95 CI: 1.46, 4.72) were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: More than one in 10 reproductive age women had adverse pregnancy outcome throughout their life. Road access to health facilities and husband-supported pregnancy were statistically significant factors for adverse events in pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to give more attention to expanding infrastructure like road accessibility and increasing husband-supported pregnancy to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was applied. The study was performed in central Gondar (Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration), Northwest Ethiopia, from the period of March 2021 to June 2021. The Central Gondar zone is located 738 km northwest of Addis Ababa. The central Gondar includes the Central Gondar Zone with 15 districts and the Gondar City administration. According to the national reports conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, Central Gondar has a total population of 2,711,329, of which 91,372 pregnancies were projected for 2020/21 by the zonal statistical agency. In the study area, maternal health services like antenatal care (ANC), skilled delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) services are freely available for women without any cost. All health centers and hospitals give maternal and neonatal health services. All ANC booked pregnant women in the central Gondar zone and Gondar City were the source population. All ANC booked pregnant women in the selected health facilities were the study population. All women who had at least one normal live birth or adverse pregnancy outcome history before and were booked for ANC at the selected health facilities were included in our study. All women who had at least one normal live birth or adverse pregnancy outcome history before and were booked for ANC at the selected health facilities with mothers who died and critically ill were excluded. The sample size for the present study was calculated using a single population proportion formula by considering the following assumptions: 95% level of confidence, 18% proportion of adverse pregnancy outcome (19), and 5% margin of error. Where, n = required sample size, α = level of significant, z = standard normal distribution curve value for 95% confidence level = 1.96, p = proportion of adverse pregnancy outcome, and d = margin of error. After considering a non-response rate of 10% and a design effect of 2, we obtained a total sample size of 500. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to select the study participants. At the first stage, three districts ( Gondar zuria, West Dembia and Wogera) and one city administration were selected by using lottery methods, and from each district, 20% of the health facilities were selected. From the selected districts and Gondar city, five health facilities (160 participants), four health facilities (145 participants), two health facilities (75 participants), and three health facilities (88 participants) were selected from Gondar zuria district, Gondar city, West Dembia district, and Wogera district, respectively. The dependent variable was life time adverse pregnancy outcome whereas the independent variables were age, marital status, education, residence, religion, occupation, and parity, number of living children, insurance membership, distance to the nearest health facility, pregnancy wontedness, pregnancy supported by the husband, the reason for the first ANC, and history of chronic illness. Adverse pregnancy outcome: was considered as “yes,” if women had at least one of the following before her current pregnancy: still birth, abortion, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, gestational hypertension disorders, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth (2). If born before 37 completed weeks of gestation but after 28 weeks of gestation or low birth weight (24). It defined as any abnormality of physical structure found at birth or during the first few weeks of life; or any irreversible condition existing in a child before birth in which there is sufficient deviation in the usually number, size, shape, location of any part, organ, and cell to warrant its designation as abnormal (25). If the infant died in the womb or during the intrapartum period after 28 weeks of gestation (26). Fetus removed or expelled from the uterus before 28 weeks or weighing < 500 g (27). The data collection tool was developed by reviewing the literature (13, 17–19, 28–30). A structured, interviewer-administered and checklist questionnaire were employed to collect the data through face-to-face interviews and observing charts. The questionnaire was developed in English first, then translated to Amharic (the local language), and re-translated back to the English language to check its consistency. The questionnaire contains socio-demographic characteristics, maternity health services, and reproductive-related characteristics of the participants. A total of 18-trained midwives collected the data under the supervision of six MSc holders. Data collectors and supervisors were oriented and trained for 1 day, focusing on how to select and interview the participants. The questionnaires were pretested on 24 study participants (5%) and modifications were made according to the results of the pretest. Data were checked for completeness and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 Statistical software and transferred to the Stata version 16 for further cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics were described using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation, which were further presented using tables, and texts. Normality tests such as kurtosis and skewness were employed to see the normal distribution of the variables and to identify which summary measures were appropriate to use. A binary logistic regression model was used with a cut-off P-value <0.25 and <0.05 in the bi-and multi-variable analysis respectively. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was computed to see the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables. The 95% CI was used to declare the statistical association. We tested the chi-square assumption and model goodness of fit was tested using the Hosmer Lemeshow test. Besides, the multi-collinearity assumption was tested using pseudo variance inflation factor (VIF), and standard error. Thus, parity was excluded from the final analysis because of the significant multi-collinearity effect.

Based on the provided information, here are some potential innovations that can be used to improve access to maternal health:

1. Mobile Health (mHealth) Solutions: Implementing mobile health technologies such as mobile apps, SMS reminders, and telemedicine can help improve access to maternal health services, especially in remote areas with limited healthcare facilities.

2. Community Health Workers (CHWs): Training and deploying community health workers who can provide basic maternal healthcare services, education, and referrals in underserved areas can help bridge the gap in access to maternal health.

3. Transportation Solutions: Improving transportation infrastructure and implementing innovative transportation solutions such as ambulances, mobile clinics, or community-based transportation systems can ensure that pregnant women have timely access to healthcare facilities.

4. Telemedicine and Teleconsultation: Using telemedicine platforms and teleconsultation services can enable pregnant women to receive medical advice, consultations, and follow-up care remotely, reducing the need for physical visits to healthcare facilities.

5. Maternal Health Vouchers: Introducing maternal health vouchers or subsidy programs can help reduce financial barriers and increase access to essential maternal health services for low-income women.

6. Maternal Waiting Homes: Establishing maternal waiting homes near healthcare facilities can provide a safe and comfortable place for pregnant women to stay during the final weeks of pregnancy, ensuring they are close to the facility when labor begins.

7. Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing: Expanding the roles and responsibilities of healthcare providers, such as nurses and midwives, through task-shifting and task-sharing strategies can help increase access to maternal health services, especially in areas with a shortage of doctors.

8. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with private healthcare providers and organizations can help leverage their resources and expertise to improve access to maternal health services, especially in areas where public healthcare facilities are limited.

9. Health Education and Awareness Programs: Implementing comprehensive health education and awareness programs targeting pregnant women and their families can help improve knowledge about maternal health, promote early antenatal care, and encourage the utilization of healthcare services.

10. Strengthening Referral Systems: Enhancing referral systems between different levels of healthcare facilities, including primary health centers, hospitals, and specialized maternal health centers, can ensure seamless and timely access to appropriate care for pregnant women with complications.

It’s important to note that the specific context and needs of the Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration in Northwest Ethiopia should be considered when implementing these innovations to improve access to maternal health.
AI Innovations Description
Based on the study titled “Lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors among antenatal care booked women in Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia,” the following recommendation can be developed into an innovation to improve access to maternal health:

1. Improve road access to health facilities: The study found that road access to health facilities was significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on expanding infrastructure, such as improving road accessibility, to ensure that pregnant women can easily reach healthcare facilities for antenatal care and other maternal health services.

2. Increase husband-supported pregnancy: The study also found that pregnancy supported by the husband was significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. To address this, innovative interventions can be developed to promote male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. This can include educational programs and community-based initiatives that encourage husbands to actively participate in supporting their wives during pregnancy, attending antenatal care visits, and being involved in decision-making regarding maternal health.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that access to maternal health services will be improved, leading to a reduction in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of ending preventable maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.
AI Innovations Methodology
Based on the provided study, here are some potential recommendations for improving access to maternal health:

1. Improve road infrastructure: The study found that road access to health facilities was significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, investing in improving road infrastructure can help pregnant women in remote areas reach healthcare facilities more easily and quickly.

2. Increase transportation options: In addition to improving roads, providing transportation options such as ambulances or mobile clinics can help overcome transportation barriers for pregnant women who live far from health facilities.

3. Strengthen community-based healthcare services: Implementing community-based healthcare services, such as trained midwives or community health workers, can improve access to maternal health services in areas where health facilities are scarce. These healthcare providers can provide antenatal care, skilled delivery, and postnatal care services closer to women’s homes.

4. Promote husband-supported pregnancy: The study found that husband-supported pregnancy was significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Encouraging male involvement in prenatal care and providing education and support for husbands can contribute to better maternal health outcomes.

To simulate the impact of these recommendations on improving access to maternal health, a methodology could include the following steps:

1. Define the target population: Identify the specific population group that will be affected by the recommendations, such as pregnant women in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.

2. Collect baseline data: Gather data on the current state of access to maternal health services in the target population, including factors such as distance to the nearest health facility, transportation options, and community-based healthcare services.

3. Develop a simulation model: Create a model that incorporates the identified recommendations and their potential impact on improving access to maternal health. This model should consider factors such as the number of improved roads, the availability of transportation options, and the implementation of community-based healthcare services.

4. Input data and run simulations: Input the baseline data into the simulation model and run multiple simulations to assess the potential impact of the recommendations. This could involve varying parameters such as the number of improved roads or the coverage of community-based healthcare services.

5. Analyze results: Analyze the simulation results to determine the projected impact of the recommendations on improving access to maternal health. This could include measures such as the reduction in travel time to health facilities, the increase in the number of pregnant women receiving care, or the decrease in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

6. Validate and refine the model: Validate the simulation results by comparing them with real-world data and feedback from stakeholders. Refine the model as necessary to improve its accuracy and reliability.

7. Communicate findings and make recommendations: Present the simulation findings to relevant stakeholders, such as policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Use the results to advocate for the implementation of the recommended interventions and inform decision-making processes.

By following this methodology, policymakers and healthcare providers can gain insights into the potential impact of innovations and interventions on improving access to maternal health and make informed decisions to address the identified challenges.

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