Surveillance for malaria elimination in Swaziland: A national cross-sectional study using pooled PCR and serology
Background: To guide malaria elimination efforts in Swaziland and other countries, accurate assessments of transmission are critical. Pooled-PCR has potential to efficiently improve sensitivity to detect infections; serology may clarify temporal and spatial trends in exposure. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using a stratified two-stage cluster, cross-sectional design, subjects were recruited from the malaria endemic region of Swaziland. […]
Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices in Debre Berhan District, Central Ethiopia: A cross sectional community based study
Background: Globally, an estimated 6.3 million children under-five years of age died in the year 2013. To reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality of infants, Ethiopia adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated […]
Biannual versus annual mass azithromycin distribution and malaria seroepidemiology among preschool children in Niger: A sub-study of a cluster randomized trial
Background: Biannual mass azithromycin administration to preschool children reduces all-cause mortality, but the mechanism for the effect is not understood. Azithromycin has activity against malaria parasites, and malaria is a leading cause of child mortality in the Sahel. The effect of biannual versus annual azithromycin distribution for trachoma control on serological response to merozoite surface […]
Impact of socio-demographic and economic factors on intimate partner violence justification among women in union in Papua New Guinea
Background: Justification of intimate partner violence (IPV) has several implications, including reduced likelihood of help-seeking, increased experiences episodes of partner abuses, and poor health status and outcomes. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where IPV is among the highest globally, little is known about factors influencing IPV justification among women in union. This study aimed at […]
Perinatal mortality in eastern uganda: A community based prospective cohort study
Background: To achieve a child mortality reduction according to millennium development goal 4, it is necessary to considerably reduce neonatal mortality. We report stillbirth and early neonatal mortality risks as well as determinants of perinatal mortality in Eastern Uganda. Methods: A community-based prospective cohort study was conducted between 2006 and 2008. A total of 835 […]
Predictors of Women’s awareness of common non-communicable diseases screening during preconception period in Manna District, Southwest Ethiopia: implication for wellness check-up
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the dominant cause of global morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Tackling NCDs is central to advancing women’s and child health, and future generations. Many NCDs can be prevented with appropriate approaches across the maternal and child health life-cycle, throughout the years of reproductive age especially before conception and […]
Invasive salmonellosis among children admitted to a Rural Tanzanian Hospital and a comparison with previous studies
Background: The importance of invasive salmonellosis in African children is well recognized but there is inadequate information on these infections. We conducted a fever surveillance study in a Tanzanian rural hospital to estimate the case fraction of invasive salmonellosis among pediatric admissions, examine associations with common co-morbidities and describe its clinical features. We compared our […]
Technical efficiency of peripheral health units in Pujehun district of Sierra Leone: A DEA application
Background: The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method has been fruitfully used in many countries in Asia, Europe and North America to shed light on the efficiency of health facilities and programmes. There is, however, a dearth of such studies in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Since hospitals and health centres are important instruments in the efforts […]
From home deliveries to health care facilities: Establishing a traditional birth attendant referral program in Kenya
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a traditional birth attendant (TBA) referral program on increasing the number of deliveries overseen by skilled birth attendants (SBA) in rural Kenyan health facilities before and after the implementation of a free maternity care policy. Methods: In a rural region of Kenya, TBAs were recruited to educate pregnant women […]
Effect of treatment with single total-dose intravenous iron versus daily oral iron(Iii)-hydroxide polymaltose on moderate puerperal iron-deficiency anemia
Background: Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional cause of anemia in pregnancy and is often responsible for puerperal anemia. Puerperal anemia can impair postpartum maternal and neonatal well-being. Objective: To determine the effect of treatment of moderate puerperal iron-deficiency anemia using a single intravenous total-dose iron dextran versus daily single dose oral iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose. […]
