ANC Services Research Articles

Magnitude and determinants of self-referrals among women seeking skilled birth attendance services: a cross-sectional hospital-based study in Marsabit County, Kenya

Background: Self-referral to higher-level hospitals by women seeking skilled birth attendance services reflects in part their non-adherence to established referral pathways. This choice results in an inappropriate utilization of resources within health system. The Kenya Health Sector Referral Strategy aims at optimising the utilization and access of facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-referral among women seeking skilled birth attendance services in Marsabit County between 1st and 31st Oct 2019.Methods: A cross-sectional study was adopted at the maternity department in the selected public hospitals in Marsabit County, by use of interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect information from 161 women, through systematic sampling between 1st and 31st Oct 2019. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to test for factors associated with self-referral at 95% confidence interval.Results: Of the 161 women interviewed, 47.2% (n=76) were self-referrals. The odds of self-referral to the higher level health facilities were more likely among women: - aged 25-29 (AOR 5.174, CI 1.015-26.365, p-value 0.048); those referred for other ANC services (AOR 4.057, CI 1.405-11.720, p-value 0.010); and those, - who visited the referral facility before for delivery (AOR 5.395, CI 1.411 – 20.628, p-value 0.014). However, self-referral were less likely among women who perceived privacy and confidentiality of services at the referral hospitals (AOR 0.370, CI 0.138-0.990, p-value 0.048).Conclusions: Almost half of women seeking skilled birth attendance were self-referrals, relates to a possible implication on an unprecedented increased workload at referral hospitals and underutilization of primary health facilities.

A study on demographic and obstetric profile, its relation with present antenatal practices and prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women attending tertiary care hospital

Background: Antenatal care is the care of a woman during pregnancy. The primary aim of antenatal care is to achieve at the end of pregnancy a healthy mother and a healthy baby. To improve maternal health, barriers which limit access to quality maternal health services must be identified and addressed at all levels of health system. Objectives were to determine demographic and obstetric factors affecting utilization of ANC service and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women.Methods: This is cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in tertiary care hospital, using structured questionnaire, interviews were conducted with married pregnant women age between 18-45 years, who visited ANC clinic. Total 170 pregnant women visited hospital during a period was included in study. Data was analysed using MS excel and Epi info. Chi –square test was applied.Results: Maximum number of study subjects (42.9%) from age 23-27 years. 66.5% were Hindu, 56.5% study subjects from joint family. 14.7% were illiterate. 45.3% were primigravida, 54.7% were multigravida. 71.1% study subjects were from third trimester of pregnancy. 94.7% were taken at least one dose of Tetanus Toxoids. Iron folic acid tablets were taken by 87.6%. Prevalence of anaemia was 55.8%.Conclusions: Majority of pregnant women came for antenatal check-up, but regularity was not seen in most of cases. The presence study has brought out no significant socio-cultural barrier like women’s literacy, socio economic class and parity of women affecting the utilization of services.

Kemitraan Bidan dan Ibu Hamil dalam Pencegahan Covid-19

COVID-19, a disease that is currently endemic in almost all over the world. COVID-19 affects anyone, including pregnant women and children. The role of midwives in maternal and child health services: ANC service providers are the highest in Indonesia (82.4%). The challenge of midwifery services during the Covid-19 pandemic: knowledge of mothers and families related to COVID-19 about the dangers of COVID-19 in pregnant women can be a motivation for screening or preventing COVID-19. The aim of the service is to increase knowledge through training midwives and pregnant women about the prevention of COVID-19 and to increase partnerships between midwives and pregnant women through training to be able to socialize the importance of preventing COVID-19 to pregnant women. The method used was conducting pre-tests for midwives and pregnant women, training for midwives on the prevention of COVID-19 in pregnant women, counseling by midwives on prevention of COVID-19, and conducting post-tests. The results obtained by pre test, the majority of midwives' knowledge was moderate, while the majority of pregnant women had less knowledge. After being given training, the results of the post test increased the majority of midwives' knowledge was high and the knowledge of pregnant women was high.

An Analysis on the Antenatal Care Service Factors Affecting Pregnant Women in Bangladesh: A Special Review on Private Hospitals

The rate of maternal mortality of Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Among many reasons early marriage, unplanned impregnation or lack of antenatal care are the major causes of those maternal deaths. Antenatal care is significantly effective for the mother and their newborns during pregnancy period especially from severe bleeding, high blood pressures, infections or complications during delivery. Several researches have conducted in various countries about the antenatal care service factors affecting pregnant women during pregnancy period but have not been organized information collectively. Hence, further research need to accomplish a literature review for finding organized information about the antenatal care service factors affecting pregnant women in Bangladesh. This is a descriptive analysis based on the information extracted from different literature review, primary and secondary data sources by using a specific methodology. The study found that 60.87 percent pregnant women have adequate information about the ANC services and 39.13 percent have partial knowledge about the ANC services. The major outcomes of this special review study might help the respective authorities and interested groups to make plan and improvement existing approaches for application of ANC factors affecting pregnant women in Bangladesh.

Inequalities in antenatal care coverage and quality: an analysis from 63 low and middle-income countries using the ANCq content-qualified coverage indicator

BackgroundAntenatal care (ANC) is an essential intervention associated with a reduction of maternal and new-born morbidity and mortality. However, evidence suggested substantial inequalities in maternal and child health, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to conduct a global analysis of socioeconomic inequalities in ANC using national surveys from LMICs.MethodsANC was measured using the ANCq, a novel content-qualified ANC coverage indicator, created and validated using national surveys, based upon contact with the health services and content of care received. We performed stratified analysis to explore the socioeconomic inequalities in ANCq. We also estimated the slope index of inequality, which measures the difference in coverage along the wealth spectrum.ResultsWe analyzed 63 national surveys carried out from 2010 to 2017. There were large inequalities between and within countries. Higher ANCq scores were observed among women living in urban areas, with secondary or more level of education, belonging to wealthier families and with higher empowerment in nearly all countries. Countries with higher ANCq mean presented lower inequalities; while countries with average ANCq scores presented wide range of inequality, with some managing to achieve very low inequality.ConclusionsDespite all efforts in ANC programs, important inequalities in coverage and quality of ANC services persist. If maternal and child mortality Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved, those gaps we documented must be bridged.

EMERGENCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN INDIA AMIDST COVID-19

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected largest population of world in several aspects. The consequences of this pandemic are multidimensional. Developing countries like India, where health care system is already struggling with many problems, and sudden outburst of COVID-19 created major challenges in terms of public health management. During management of COVID-19 patients, in second most populous country of world, Indian health care system is overburdened. This has left impact on overall health care management of COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients. Objective: To review the public health crisis created during COVID-19 in India. Method: Various articles and studies performed during COVID-19 related to health care management are referred to have critical review of COVID-19 situation, its management and public health care challenges. Result: In the process of containing COVID-19 spread and treatment various measures and guidelines has been adopted regarding health care like restrictions on hospitalization of other than COVID-19 patients, curtailing surgeries etc. Diversion of health care system to COVID-19 patients has affected essential health services like Immunization, ANC services, treatment for Non-communicable diseases. Conclusion: Preparation of health care system for future pandemic like conditions by instituting a regular audit at health care centres and hospitals has become necessary. Need of investing in infrastructure, effective planning and overall strengthening of primary health care services has been identified. It is foremost step to ensure their functioning during emergencies without affecting regular basic health services, which majorly contributes in population health.

Prevalence and Determinants of First Antenatal Care Visit among Pregnant Women Attending Public Health Institutions at Damietta Governorate, Egypt

Background: Regular antenatal care [ANC] attendance is surely lead to healthier pregnancies and reposeful deliveries. Therefore, women with late visits considered at risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Aim of the work: This study aimed to explore factors affecting early initiation of ANC attendance in Damietta governorate, Egypt. Patients and Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study of 160 pregnant women that collected for five months from October 2019 to February 2020 in public health facilities in Damietta Governorate, Egypt were included in the study. The time of their first antenatal [early or late] had been documented. In addition their sociodemographic data were registered. Other obstetric factors were collected and include parity, past history of obstetric complications, previous antenatal care visits and intention of pregnancy, access to information about ANC and interaction with health professional. Reinforcing factors [e.g., perception of mothers of the advantages of the ANC, intention of partner toward ANC service utilization, reasons that initiate mothers to start ANC after 13 weeks timing of ANC visit and frequency of the ANC, and a decision made to seek ANC]. Results: The mother’s age, husband’s age, number of living children and age of the youngest child were significantly lower in the early than late ANC groups [23.75±5.74, 29.11±6.54, 0.95±0.92, and 2.55±2.60 vs. 28.20±6.91, 34.16±7.98, 1.73±1.14, and 4.17±3.37, respectively]. Females from rural area were significantly increase in early ANC than late ANC [70.1% vs 29.9%], while urbans were lower in early than late ANC visits [47.9% vs 52.1%]. Early ANC visits were significantly associated with high income, gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, follow up status of the past pregnancy, number of visits in the past pregnancy, place of the last delivery, and planning for pregnancy. Conclusion: There are numerous factors affecting early or late first ANC visit including mother and husband age, residence, gravidity, parity, and mode of the past delivery.

Use of Antenatal Services among Women in Farming Communities in Kogi State

This study examined the use of antenatal services among women in farming communities in Kogi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to collect primary data from 150 randomly selected farmers through the use of structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. Analysis of socio-economic variable revealed that majority (73.4%) of the respondents were below the age 40 years, with a mean household size of 6 members. About 94.7% of the respondents used antenatal care services covering an average distance of 4km in getting to nearest health facility. The study also revealed that majority (92.7%) of the respondents were aware of healthcare facilities availability and they mostly got their information from family members and friends. The use of antenatal care services among women was high and majority (95.3%) of the respondents had the knowledge of where antenatal centre is located. Also majority of the respondents visited those centres in their last pregnancy with frequency of visit between 1- 4 times. Previous visits, nearness to ANC centres and formal education positively influence the use of ANC services among women in the study area. High cost of antenatal services and poor level of information were found to be the most significant challenges facing women access to antenatal care services. We recommend that government should subsidize health care services for women in order to improve their affordability.

Factors associated with HIV testing among women during pregnancy in Kenya: evidence from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014

ABSTRACT This study examined the factors affecting HIV testing among women during pregnancy while on ANC visits in Kenya, using the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. The sample included 3,747 (weighted N = 36,626) pregnant women who gave birth in last two years. Survey-weighted bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. More than four-fifths (83.9%) of the participants reported that they had an HIV test during ANC visits in last two years. In the adjusted model, married (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]:1.48, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]:1.06, 2.06, p < 0.001) than not in a union, having HIV counselling (aOR:1.89, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.56, p < 0.001), higher knowledge on HIV transmission (aOR:1.19, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.34, p = 0.006), increased the likelihood of testing for HIV. While women who were ≥20 years, living in other regions except Nyanza and Nairobi than people living in Coastal region, and who had higher HIV-related stigma (OR:0.83, 95%CI:0.73, 0.94, p = 0.004) had less chance of being tested. These findings have implications on the successful utilization of ANC services in resource limited regions. Culturally appropriate health education can influence cultural norms and enhance timely access of ANC services among women during pregnancy.

The Work Area of the Sidomulyo Health Center UPTD Outpatient in Pekanbaru City

Anemia in pregnant women is a condition of mothers with hemoglobin (Hb) levels less than 11gr / dl which can cause the risk of bleeding, stunted fetal growth (CHD), prematurity, low birth weight (LBW), and stunting and even death in pregnant women. The aim of the study was to analyze the factors associated with the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in the working area of the Sidomulyo Health Center Outpatient Pekanbaru City. The research method used quantitative type with cross sectional design. The population of pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters based on secondary data from medical records for January 2019 - March 2020 was 2036 people with a sample size of 325 people. The sampling technique used systematic random sampling using secondary data taken from medical records. Data analysis was performed univariate, bivariate and multivariate with multiple logistic regression. The results showed that 192 pregnant women with anemia (59.1%) were significantly associated with anemia in pregnant women in the work area of the UPTD Puskesmas Sidomulyo Outpatient Pekanbaru City nutritional status (POR = 40.647, parity (POR = 3.473), Maternal age (POR = 1,993). It was concluded that the dominant variable related to anemia in pregnant women in the work area of the UPTD Sidomulyo Puskesmas Outpatient Pekanbaru City was nutritional status (POR = 40,647). It is recommended to UPTD Puskesmas Sidomulyo Outpatient to increase the coverage of program implementation. ANC 10 T service standards, when the Covid epidemic is currently increasing online promotion and prevention by utilizing available technology. It was concluded that the dominant variable related to anemia in pregnant women in the work area of the UPTD Puskesmas Sidomulyo Outpatient Pekanbaru City was nutritional status (POR = 40.647). It is recommended that the UPTD Puskesmas Sidomulyo Outpatient to increase the scope of the implementation of the 10 T ANC service standard program. When the Covid epidemic is currently increasing promotion and prevention online by utilizing available technology. It was concluded that the dominant variable related to anemia in pregnant women in the work area of the UPTD Puskesmas Sidomulyo Outpatient Pekanbaru City was nutritional status (POR = 40.647). It is recommended that the UPTD Puskesmas Sidomulyo Outpatient to increase the scope of the implementation of the 10 T ANC service standard program. When the current Covid epidemic increases promotion and prevention online by utilizing available technology.

Late ANC initiation and factors associated with sub-optimal uptake of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in pregnancy: a preliminary study in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

BackgroundMalaria infection during pregnancy is of public health importance as it poses risk to the pregnant woman, her foetus and the newborn child. Intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine is one way of reducing the effect of the disease on pregnancy outcomes. The study determined factors associated with uptake of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana.MethodsA health facility-based cross-sectional study involving pregnant women of ≥36 weeks gestation visiting antenatal clinics in three selected health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis was conducted. Participants were consecutively recruited using a structured questionnaire over a 6-week period from May to June, 2018. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data whilst Pearson’s chi-square/Fisher exact test was performed to determine associations and logistic regression done to determine the strength of the associations.ResultsA total of 212 pregnant women participated in the study. Formal education, initiating ANC early, taking first dose of SP during second trimester, not experiencing side effects of SP, having knowledge about schedule for taking SP and making ≥4 ANC visits were factors associated with uptake of ≥3 doses of IPTp-SP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, mothers who made ≥4 ANC visits were 53.77 times more likely to take ≥3 doses of SP compared with those who made < 4 ANC visits (p < 0.001). Those who initiated ANC during the first trimester were 3.60 times more likely to receive ≥5 doses compared with those who initiated ANC during the second or third trimester (p = 0.022). Making ≥8 ANC visits did not increase the chances of taking ≥5 doses of SP.ConclusionHealth promotion programmes targeting mothers with no formal education could increase their awareness about the importance of ANC services including uptake of IPTp-SP.

Utilization of HIV Test Service Among Pregnant Women's Partners and Its Associated Factors in Selected Sub-Cities of Addis Ababa, 2019: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundSignificant progress has been made towards achieving the 90-90-90 global targets by 2020. Nationally, 72% of HIV-positive people aged 15–64 years in urban areas were aware of their HIV status. There is low habit of male partner accompanying pregnant women during ANC visit. This study assessed the HIV test service utilization and associated factors among pregnant women’s partners in Addis Ababa.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from January to February 2020 in Addis Ababa town. A multistage sampling method was used to recruit 812 participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.1 and analysis was done by using SPSS version 25.0. The presence and strength of significant association with outcome variables in multivariable analysis were determined with P<0.05 and at 95% CI, respectively.ResultsAmong respondents, 63.7% [95% CI (60–67%)] of pregnant woman partners had tested for HIV/AIDS. Knowledge on the route of HIV transmission from mother to child (AOR=1.9, 95% CI (1.3–2.7)), knowledge on ways of prevention of HIV from mother to child transmission (AOR=0.26, 95% CI (0.17–0.38)), previous history of couple HIV counseling (AOR=3.7, 95% CI (2.3–6.1)), discussion about HCT and ANC services with a partner (AOR=6.3, 95% CI (4.0–9.8)), heard about discordant HIV test result (AOR=1.6, 95% CI (1.4–4)) were significantly associated with partner HIV test.ConclusionHIV testing service utilization among male partners of pregnant women was good in the study area. The knowledge on ways of prevention of HIV from mother to child transmission, those who received couple HIV counseling before, those who discussed HCT at ANC services with a partner, and heard about discordant HIV test results were predictors of HIV test utilization among pregnant women partner. Therefore, increasing community awareness on the pregnant women partner testing should be planned to enhance male partner HIV testing during in antenatal care follow-up.

An Assessment of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Services in Gombe State, Nigeria

Transmission of HIV from mother to child continues to be the major source of HIV infection among children under the age of fifteen. Therefore, targeting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics provides a unique opportunity for the implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) intervention program against HIV infection of new-born babies. This study was aimed at assessing the Mother to Child Transmission of HIV intervention and the follow up of exposed infant HIV testing in nine selected health facilities in Gombe state between January 2016 and December 2016. The methodology used was a non-experimental descriptive study that combined hospital record review and structured questionnaire to collect relevant data. A cross-sectional retrospective evaluation of women enrolled in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV programme at facilities supported by an indigenous partner (Centre for Integrated Health Program - CIHP), was carried out. In addition, structured questionnaires were served on 498 ANC attendees and service providers, selected by consecutive sampling method. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 21. The study showed that there was adequate coverage with PMTCT services in the study area as all the respondents affirmed to accessing all expected services in all the facilities. Pregnancy was found to be an automatic indicator (469, 94.2%) for HIV test and therefore ANC served as a critical window for the provision of PMTCT services. Mother-to-child transmission remained a major route of HIV transmission in children with 12 (2.4%) cases of HIV in infants at 6weeks DNA PCR test and 5 (1.0%) cases of HIV-positive in children after the Rapid test at 18 months. Hence, it is recommended that there should be a scale-up of the programme, pre-natal sensitization of women, baby positioning and attachment for safe and effective breastfeeding, ensuring prompt (within 28 days) availability of DNA/PCR test results and adopting consensus method for the assessment of PMTCT.

THE QUALITY OF ANTENATAL CARE BASED ON INDEX SATISFACTION OF PREGNANT WOMEN

AbstractBackground: Quality antenatal care in the MCH program is considered to be one of the effective efforts to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality. An indicator of the success of ANC services can be seen from the output produced, namely in the form of K4 coverage. According to Kotler there are 5 (five) determinants of service quality that can be used as a basis for assessing the level of customer satisfaction with the quality of service received including Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy. Method: This research method is quantitative descriptive with survey approach. The total sample of 149 pregnant women with total sampling techniques. The instrument used was a questionnaire. Data analysis uses univariate analysis. Results: The most valued statements both from each dimension namely; tangible: Midwife performance reliability: recording in the MCH handbook, responsiveness: responses to complaints, assurance: the nature of the Midwife, empathy of communication between midwives and patients. The most valued statements are enough from each dimension namely; tangible: examination room, reliability: service procedures, responsieness: midwife response to patients waiting for long queues, assurance: guarantee to service, empathy: suitability of waiting time and duration of service. Conclusion: The data shows that the majority of respondents considered the quality of antenatal services at the Tambakrejo Public Health Center to be good but still needed to be improved so that the assessment was sufficiently good.

Magnitude of Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors among Women who gave Birth in Public Hospitals of Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Low birth weight remains a public health challenge in developing worlds. Globally, low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of early neonatal mortality and morbidity. The primary causes of low birth weight are related to maternal risk factors. For instance; maternal under nutrition, maternal anemia, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with low birth weight. Although it remains one of the top challenges of adverse birth outcome, predictors of low birth weight are rarely Eastern studied in Ethiopia. To the best knowledge of the researchers, the magnitude of low birth weight is not studied in this study area. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of low birth weight and associated factors among women who gave birth in public Hospitals of Harari Regional state, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 women who deliverd in public hospitals of Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia from February 10th to March 20th, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using pretested structured interviews administered questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1, and exported to SPSS (IBM version 22) for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were carried out using frequency tables, proportion and summary measures. Multivariable analysis was done to identify the true effects of predictor variables on the outcome variable after controlling for possible confounders. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05. Result: Overall, the magnitude of low birth weight was 23.3% [( 95% CI (19.0, 28.0)]. In final model of multivariable analysis; unplanned pregnancy [AOR=4.7;95%CI (2.4, 8.9)], maternal mid upper arm circumference less than 23cm[AOR=3.5;95%CI (1.8, 6.0)], substance use in current pregnancy[AOR=5.0; 95%CI(2.5, 10.0)], maternal anemia [AOR=2.3; 95%CI (1.2, 4.4)], a history of hyperemesis in current pregnancy[AOR=4.5,95 % CI =2.3, 9.0)] and having no history of antenatal care follow-up in current pregnancy [AOR=5.4; 95 % CI =2.5, 12.9)] were statistically associated with low birth weight. The conclusion: The magnitude of low birth weight was relatively high in this study area compared to national and global targets. Therefore, efforts should be emphasized on ensuring women’s nutritional status during pregnancy, and creating awareness on the potential risks of substance use for unborn fetus. Health information dissemination on the utilization of ANC service is also very crucial to improve the birth weight of newborn babies. Keywords: Low birth weight, associated factors, predictors, Eastern Ethiopia

Magnitude and Associated Risk Factor of HBV Virus Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care in Debre Tabor Referral Hospital; Northwest Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Hepatitis is a contagious liver disease caused by Hepatitis B virus. When a pregnant mother infected, the Hepatitis B virus can stay in the body and Vertical transmit to baby and develop chronic liver disease. In regarding to this Neonatal immunization interrupts this vertical transmission and used to take preventive action. For that reason, this study was undertaken with the aim of determine the magnitude and predisposing factors of HBV infections among pregnant women. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted 333 pregnant women attending ANC from September 2020 to November 2020 at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital antenatal care clinic. Appropriate sample was collected; serum separated and tested with ELISA test for the detection of HBsAg. Fishers exact test was employed to see the association between variables as well as Logistic regression were applied to identify potential risk factors (P-value < 0.05) was considered as statistically significant. A total of 333 pregnant women within 100% response rate; were enrolled in this study and the magnitude of HBV infections found to be were (22.2%). among the potential risk factors multiple sexual behavior (AOR 3.096), 95% CI=1.469-6.525, <i>P-value</i>=0.003), shaving habit (AOR 3.375, 95% CI=1.511-7.538, <i>P-value</i>=0.003), a history of needle stick injury (AOR 4.080, 95% CI=2.041-8.156, <i>P-value</i>=0.000), history of common usage of Sharpe materials (AOR 8.229, 95% CI=3.991-16.967, <i>P-value</i>=0.000) and history of home delivery by traditional attendants were (AOR 1.557, 95% CI=0.621-3.899, <i>P-value</i>=0.000) were significantly associated with important predictors of hepatitis B infection. <i>For that reason</i> this study showed high endemicity of HBV infection among pregnant women. Multiple sexual practices, history of home delivery, needle stick injury, common usage of Sharpe materials and shaving habit were major factors for hepatitis B virus transmission. Thus, scaling up of screening pregnant women for HBV infection and provision of health education about risk factors and testing all pregnant mothers for hepatitis B virus should be a regular feature of the ANC service. Other community studies, as well as screening HBV antigen marker conducting, will play an important role in accurately determining the true spread of hepatitis B virus in the general population.

A cross-sectional study to assess the utilization pattern of maternal health services and associated factors in aspirational district of Haryana, India.

Background:In India mother related mortalities and morbidities are still significantly higher even after having various maternal program and schemes at regional and national level which reflects that such services are being under-utilized.Aim:The current study focused in assessing utilization pattern of maternal health services and associated factors in Nuh (Mewat).Methods:This present cross-sectional study was done for one year (2015-16) among mothers (15-49 years) under field practice area, PHC Taoru with minimum calculated sample as 645. The selection of participants was made using simple random sampling technique from available randomized list of villages. Data was collected by home-to-home visits using pretested, predesigned, standardized questionnaire and during analysis an association between variables was considered as significant if P < 0.05.Results:Out of 645 participants, 632 provided consent for inclusion into study. Any ANC and full ANC services was made by only 58.3% and 11.7% of participants respectively. More than half of the participants (52.7%) had suffered from pregnancy related complications. Variables such as lower age group, low decision-making capacity were significantly associated with not obtaining full ANC services (P < 0.05).Conclusion:In the present study major determinants of a women which influence utilization of maternal health care service includes their age, literacy status, parity, socioeconomic status and occupation. Such determinants shall be considered for upcoming intervention aiming to bring attitudinal changes and concurrently leading to improved and enhanced usage of maternal health care services.

Assessment of Health and Health Related Problems in the Community of Mettu Town, South Western, Ethiopia, 2021: A Community Based Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Background: Community Based Education is an educational philosophy aims at developing professionals with problem identification and solving skills and positive attitudes to serve the society. The communities’ health need is mostly rounded on either communicable or non-communicable diseases in which communicable diseases remain the most vital health problems in the developing countries. Objective: The intent of this survey was to ascertain the apprehensive of health and health related problems in the community of Mettu town, south western, Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A community based descriptive cross sectional survey was employed in Mettu town, from January 17/2021-May 25/2021. A stratified random sampling technique was applied, and data was gathered by using an interviewer-administered semi structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed by statistical packages of social sciences 23.0 version statistical software. Findings: The overall prevalence of health related problems was 66.23%. The survey revealed that hypertension 36.94% and diabetes mellitus 27.8% were the most common cause of morbidity and mortality.55.9% participants had a roof that was made of tin and floor made of cement and 54.79% of population use pipe water.68.47% user of family planning were majorly used 47.13% injection and 27.39% of them used implant.51.59% women gave birth in health institution and 59.87% attained ANC services at least one times reguraly. 27.27% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed and 55.84% of children start complementary feeding at 6 months. Conclusion and Recommendation: The present survey indicated that the prevalence of health related problems in individuals was escalated dramatically. Majority of Mettu town population was use open field for their waste disposal. Rodent, household flee and bed bug are common insects & rodents that threaten population health. Health professionals should have to give the population health education about substance, waste disposal, family planning, sanitation condition, and immunization.

Postpartum modern contraception utilization and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundContraceptive use is the best and most cost-effective strategy to reduce feto-maternal adverse effects of short birth intervals. More than two-thirds of women in developing countries who do not want to conceive are not using contraception methods. Although there were various primary studies in different parts of the country, there is no nationally representative evidence on postpartum modern contraception utilization and its determinants in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis review was aimed to determine the best available pieces of evidence to pool the magnitude of postpartum modern contraception utilization and find out its determinants.MethodsPublished studies were extensively searched by using electronic databases and unpublished studies were identified from the digital library. All observational studies conducted on the magnitude of postpartum modern contraception utilization and its determinants in Ethiopia were included. Data were extracted on the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA 14.1 version. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum modern contraception utilization with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Inverse variance (I2) was used to identify the presence of heterogeneity and forest plot was used to estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum contraception utilization. The presence of publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger’s statistical tests. Sub-group analysis was computed to minimize underlying heterogeneity.FindingsIn this review, 19 primary studies were included. The pooled magnitude of postpartum modern contraception utilization in Ethiopia was 45.79% (95%CI 36.45%, 55.13%). The review found that having more than four Antenatal care visits(ANC), having postnatal care visit (PNC), having a formal education, history of family planning use, history of counseling on family planning, and having greater than four alive children as significant determinants of postpartum modern contraception utilization.ConclusionThe magnitude of postpartum modern contraception utilization in Ethiopia was low. ANC visit, PNC visit, maternal educational status, history of previous family planning use, counseling on family planning, and number of alive children were found to be significant determinants of postpartum modern contraception utilization. Therefore, strengthening focused ANC and PNC services to encourage women in utilizing modern contraception during the postnatal period is needed.

Antenatal Care Service Utilization of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period.

BackgroundThe recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a disastrous effect on the health-care delivery system, of mainly pregnancy-related healthcare. In order to fill the information gap in the scientific literature and in response to the limited evidence in the country, this study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal care utilization among pregnant women attending public facilities in Northeast Ethiopia. Therefore, the result will be beneficial to design strategies for prioritizing maternal healthcare even with the COVID-19 pandemic period.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2 to August 30, 2020 among pregnant women attending ANC services at public hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia. Thus, a total of 389 women were included in the study with a simple random sampling technique. The bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression models were employed to identify factors significantly associated with ANC utilization. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was estimated to show the strength of association. Finally, a P-value of <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of antenatal care utilization.ResultsOverall, 114 (29.3%) pregnant women had fully utilized antenatal care services during the pandemic period. Mother age ≥35 years (AOR=11.79, 95% CI=1.18– 117.8), secondary education and above (AOR=4.74, 95% CI=1.04– 21.61), history of stillbirth before recent pregnancy (AOR=0.007, 95% CI=0.001–0.12), interruption and diversion of services due to COVID-19 response (AOR=0.675, 95% CI=0.142–0.742), fear of COVID-19 (AOR=0.13, 95% CI=0.06–0.31), and lack of transport access (AOR=4.15, 95% CI=1.04–16.54) were predictors of full antenatal care service utilization.ConclusionThree of every ten pregnant women who attended the obstetric outpatient clinics have fully utilized the antenatal care services. Encouraging women’s educational status, prioritizing maternal health services during COVID-19, and improving the quality of ANC service should be emphasized more.