Predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy among women attending an urban postnatal clinic, Uganda
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy among postnatal women in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among women attending a postnatal clinic at a teaching hospital in Kampala. Three hundred and eighty-four postnatal women were randomly selected to respond to […]
Essential newborn care practices in Zambia
Neonatal mortality remains high in Zambia and is declining slower than infant and under five mortality. Improved adoption of essential newborn care (ENC) could help mitigate this situation. To determine the adoption of ENC practices in Zambia, cross-sectional data was used to assess ENC practices including baby kept warm, umbilical cord care and breastfeeding. Chi-square […]
Determinants of institutional delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa: findings from Demographic and Health Survey (2013–2017) from nine countries
Introduction: Institutional delivery is a major concern for a country’s long-term growth. Rapid population development, analphabetism, big families, and a wider range of urban-rural health facilities have had a negative impact on institutional services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. The aim of this study was to look into the factors that influence women’s decision to […]
Correlates of pregnancy among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi
Background: Little is known about female sex workers’ (FSWs) reproductive health apart from their being at higher than usual risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the correlates of pregnancy among FSWs in semi – urban Blantyre in Malawi. Methods: We used systematic sampling to […]
Women’s reproductive health decisionmaking: A multi-country analysis of demographic and health surveys in sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction :Women’s ability to make decisions regarding their reproductive health has important implications for their health and well-being. We studied the socio-demographic factors affecting reproductive health decision-making among women in 27 sub-Sahara African countries. Materials and methods: The study made use of pooled data from current Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted from January 1, […]
Helping postpartum women in Mali achieve their fertility intentions: Perspectives from introduction of the dedicated postpartum IUD inserter
Background: Mali has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world coupled with one of the lowest modern contraceptive use rates. Nearly a quarter of the country’s 750,000 annual births occur within 24 months of a previous birth, increasing the risks for mothers and babies. Nearly 70% of postpartum women have an unmet […]
Association between exposure to mass media family planning messages and utilization of modern contraceptive among urban and rural youth women in ethiopia
Background: Family planning helps to reduce poverty, increase gender equity, prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and reduce maternal, infant, and childhood mortality. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between exposure to mass media family planning messages and the utilization of modern contraceptives among urban and rural youth women in Ethiopia. Methods: […]
The Effect of Ebola Virus Disease on Maternal and Child Health Services and Child Mortality in Sierra Leone, 2014–2015: Implications for COVID-19
During Sierra Leone’s 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic, early reports warned of health system collapse and potential effects on other-cause mortality. These same warnings are reverberating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consideration of the impacts of EVD on maternal and child health services from facility data can be instructive during COVID-19. We surveyed all peripheral […]
The EPICS trial: Enabling parents to rncrease child survival through the introduction of community-based health interventions in rural Guinea Bissau
Background: Guinea-Bissau is a small country in West Africa with a population of 1.7 million. The WHO and UNICEF reported an under-five child mortality of 203 per 1000, the 10thhighest amongst 192 countries. The aim of the trial is to assess whether an intervention package that includes community health promotion campaign and education through health […]
Household possession and use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in sierra leone 6 months after a national mass-distribution campaign
Background: In November 2010, Sierra Leone distributed over three million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) with the objective of providing protection from malaria to individuals in all households in the country. Methods: We conducted a nationally representative survey six months after the mass distribution campaign to evaluate its impact on household insecticide-treated net (ITN) ownership and […]
