Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria with sulphadoxine- pyrimethamine during pregnancy in Burkina Faso: Effect of adding a third dose to the standard two-dose regimen on low birth weight, anaemia and pregnancy outcomes
Background. Intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine- pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is being implemented in most malaria endemic countries as a standard two-doses regimen as it reduces the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and the prevalence of maternal anaemia. Nevertheless, where the risk of infection close to delivery is high because of intense transmission, a third IPTp-SP […]
Effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on low birth weight in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia; a prospective cohort study
Background: Under-nutrition during pregnancy affects birth outcomes and neonatal outcomes. Worldwide, 20.5 million children were low birth weight, mainly in poor countries. However, there is no longitudinal-based evidence on the effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on birth weight in Tigray regional state. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on […]
Magnitude and factors associated with adherence to Iron-folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Eritrean refugee camps, northern Ethiopia
Background: Globally, anemia is a public health problem affecting the life of more than two billion people. Pregnant women are at high risk of iron deficiency anemia due to increased nutrient requirement during pregnancy. Iron-folic acid supplementation is the main strategy for prevention and control of iron deficiency anemia and its effectiveness depends on adherence […]
Predictors of job satisfaction and intention to stay in the job among health-care providers in Uganda and Zambia
Background: A shortage of competent health-care providers is a major contributor to poor quality health care in sub-Saharan Africa. To increase the retention of skilled health-care providers, we need to understand which factors make them feel satisfied with their work and want to stay in their job. This study investigates the relative contribution of provider, […]
Wealth-related inequality in early uptake of HIV testing among pregnant women: An analysis of data from a national cross-sectional survey, South Africa
Objectives Wealth-related inequality across the South African antenatal HIV care cascade has not been considered in detail as a potential hindrance to eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission (EMTCT). We aimed to measure wealth-related inequality in early (before enrolling into antenatal care) uptake of HIV testing and identify the contributing determinants. Design Cross-sectional survey. Settings South African […]
Early-life respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in a South African birth cohort: epidemiology and effect on lung health
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children. Early-life RSV LRTI might affect long-term health but there are few data from low-income and middle-income countries. We investigated the epidemiology and effect of early-life RSV LRTI on lung health in a South African birth cohort. Methods: We […]
Vitamin D Concentrations in Infancy and the Risk of Tuberculosis Disease in Childhood: A Prospective Birth Cohort in Cape Town, South Africa
Background: Low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of tuberculosis disease; however, previous observational cohort studies showed variable results. We investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels in infancy and subsequent development of tuberculosis disease throughout childhood. Methods: We enrolled pregnant women at 20-28 weeks’ gestation attending antenatal care in a periurban South African […]
Improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through a community-based women’s health education program: A cluster randomised controlled trial in western Kenya
Introduction Community-based women’s health education groups may improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); however, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa is lacking. Chamas for Change (Chamas) is a community health volunteer (CHV)-led, group-based health education programme for pregnant and postpartum women in western Kenya. We evaluated Chamas’ effect on facility-based deliveries and other MNCH outcomes. Methods […]
Abortion in Zimbabwe: A national study of the incidence of induced abortion, unintended pregnancy and post-abortion care in 2016
Background: Zimbabwe has the highest contraceptive prevalence rate in sub-Saharan Africa, but also one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. Little is known, however, about the incidence of abortion and post-abortion care (PAC) in Zimbabwe. Access to legal abortion is rare, and limited to circumstances of rape, incest, fetal impairment, or to […]
Evidence-Based Intrapartum Practice and Associated Factors Among Obstetric Care Providers Working in Public Hospitals of South Wollo Zone North-Central Ethiopia: An Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Even though recent progress, Ethiopia continues to be one of the most significant contributors to the worldwide burden of maternal mortality. Evidence-based intrapartum practices have significant value to improve the health outcome of the mother and the neonate. However, in Ethiopia, it is not exercised according to the standard. Assessing the proportion of evidence-based […]
