Husband Educational Status Research Articles

Harmful newborn cord care practices and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last six months in Chencha town, Southern Ethiopia: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundHarmful substance-related infections that cause neonatal deaths on the umbilical stump continue to be a major cause of worry, accounting for a large portion of the yearly mortality toll in developing nations such as Ethiopia. In our study region, there is, however, little data regarding these issues. In Chencha town, Southern Ethiopia, mothers who gave birth in the last six months were the subjects of this study.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional mixed study design was conducted among mothers who gave birth within the past six months, from April to May 2023. Quantitative data was collected through structured interview questionnaires from 312 randomly selected mothers. The collected data was coded, cleaned, and entered into Epi-info version 7.2.5.0, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors, and the strength of association was measured by odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval at a p-value of <0.05. The audio-recorded qualitative data were transcribed in Amharic language and then translated into English and entered into Open Code software version 3.6.2 for analysis using the thematic content analysis method.ResultsHarmful newborn cord care practice was prevalent among 55.8% (95% CI: 50.1, 61.4) of the mothers. Factors such as husband's educational status (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.11, 8.67), communication on cord care within the community (AOR = 10.24, 95% CI: 5.44, 19.28), and discussions with health workers regarding cord care (AOR = 7.26, 95% CI: 3.59, 14.64) demonstrated significant associations with harmful newborn cord care practice (p < 0.05). In the qualitative analysis, four themes emerged such as substance applied (butter, Vaseline, and ointment). The reasons for application were moisturizing the cord, facilitating its separation, and promoting its healing. The sources of advice on cord care were relatives, neighbors, and HCW.ConclusionThis study revealed that harmful newborn cord care practice was prevalent among 55.8% [95% CI (50.1, 61.4)] of mothers who gave birth in the last six months. The present study identified husbands' educational status, exposure to cord care messages through interpersonal communication in the community, and mothers who didn't ever engage in discussion with health workers about cord care as significant factors.

Predictors and number of antenatal care visits among reproductive age women in Sub-Saharan Africa further analysis of recent demographic and health survey from 2017-2023: Zero-inflated negative binomial regression.

Antenatal care (ANC) is an important component of maternal and child health care. To reduce perinatal mortality and improve women's experience of care, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends pregnant women should attend at least eight ANC visits. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the mean number of ANC visits among reproductive-age women using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data following the new WHO recommendation is so far limited. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the mean number of ANC visits and its predictors among reproductive-age women in SSA. Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 188,880 weighted reproductive-age women in SSA using a recent round of DHS data from 2017-2023. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINB) was conducted and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05 and adjusted incidence rate ratio(AIRR) for count model part and adjusted odds ratio for logit model inflated part of ZINBR with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. The mean number of ANC visits among reproductive-age women in SSA was 4.08 with 95%CI [4.07, 4.09]. Among reproductive-age women who gave birth in the last five years before the survey, 7.3% had eight or more ANC visits during pregnancy. Age of women, maternal and husband educational status, types of pregnancy, birth order, household size, number of under-five children, and wealth index were associated with the numbers of ANC visits among reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan. The mean number of ANC visits among reproductive-age women in SSA is too lower than the new WHO recommendation of ANC visits for a positive pregnancy experience. This study also highlights that the proportion of at least eight ANC visits is low and there are still disparities in the mean of ANC visits across different regions of SSA. The increasing maternal age, higher maternal and husband educational status, wanted pregnancy, the number of household members, the number of under-five children, and higher wealth index increase the number of ANC visits. Unwanted pregnancy, no more fertility desire, and rural residences were contributed for zero ANC visits in SSA. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards improving maternal and husband's educational status. We strongly recommend that the governments of SSA countries should empower women economically and educationally to achieve the goals of ANC as recommended by the WHO.

Magnitude and determinants of adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation among Somaliland pregnant women in Ahmed-dhagah district: A facility based cross-sectional study

BackgroundIron deficiency is a major cause of anemia globally, especially in low-income countries, and pregnant women are at higher risk. Despite guidelines recommending IFA supplementation, adherence remains low. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the adherence to iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation among pregnant women receiving antenatal care services in the Ahmed-Dhagah district, Hargeisa, Somaliland. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at an institutional level from May to July 2022. A systematic sampling method was used to select 320 pregnant women. Data collection was performed using the Kobo Collect Android app, and the data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify independent variables associated with adherence to IFA supplementation. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value <0.05. ResultsOnly 74 (24%) women adhered to ≥ 65% of the recommended IFA supplement doses, equivalent to more than four days a week. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the husband's educational status (AOR = 8.468, 95% CI: 3.436, 20.87), number of antenatal care visits (AOR = 3.385, 95% CI: 1.55, 7.39), and maternal knowledge about anemia (AOR = 3.534, 95% CI: 1.739, 7.194) were identified as factors significantly associated with good adherence to IFA supplementation. ConclusionThe pregnant women's adherence to IFA supplementation was very low compared to WHO guidelines. Factors like the husband's education, antenatal care visits, and maternal knowledge of anemia affected adherence. Common reasons for non-compliance included forgetfulness, drug side effects, and fear of side effects.

Antenatal care booked rural residence women have home delivery during the era of COVID-19 pandemic in Gidan District, Ethiopia.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every pregnant woman receive quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. It is estimated that institutional delivery could reduce 16% to 33% of maternal deaths. Despite the importance of giving birth at a health institution, in Ethiopia, according to the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey report, nearly half of the ANC-booked mothers gave birth at home. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of home delivery among antenatal care-booked women in their last pregnancy during the era of COVID-19. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to April 29, 2021. A simple random technique was employed to select 770 participants among women booked for antenatal care. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. A binary logistic regression model was fitted. Adjusted odds ratios with its respective 95% confidence interval were used to declare the associated factors. The prevalence of home delivery was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.2). Rural residence (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.34), unmarried women (AOR = 11.16, 95% CI: 4.18, 29.79), husband education (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.72, 3.91), not being involved in the women's development army (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.65), and fear of COVID-19 infection (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 2.31, 6.44) were significantly associated factors of home delivery. Even though the government tried to lower the rate of home delivery by accessing health institutions in remote areas, implementing a women's development army, and introducing maternal waiting home utilization, nearly one in every three pregnant women gave birth at home among ANC booked women in their last pregnancy. Thus, improving the husband's educational status, providing information related to health institution delivery benefits during antenatal care, and strengthening the implementation of the women's development army, particularly among rural and unmarried women, would decrease home childbirth practices.

Prevalence and Predictors of Knowledge and Attitude on Optimal Nutrition and Health Among Pregnant Women in Their First Trimester of Pregnancy.

Evidence has demonstrated that knowledge and attitudes are indicators of nutrition and health modification among pregnant women. As a result, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of knowledge and attitudes about optimal nutrition and health among pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted between April 1 and June 1, 2018 among 750 pregnant women and sampled using the multi-stage sampling technique in the Ambo district of the West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, data were gathered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. First, descriptive statistics were used, then bivariate and, finally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of the predictors with the outcome variables. Overall, 33.3% and 31.3% of pregnant women had good knowledge and favorable attitudes about optimal nutrition and health, respectively. Residence, the woman's and her husband's educational status, having > five household members, being in rich households, taking distance to reach a health institution, being multiparous, having information, and receiving counseling were significantly associated with pregnant women's knowledge on optimal nutrition and health. Also, a favorable association was found between a woman's attitude toward optimal nutrition and health and her and her husband's educational status, household wealth status, and the distance traveled to a health facility. The nutrition and health knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women in the study area were suboptimal. Improving knowledge and attitude during the first trimester of pregnancy is essential for suggesting nutrition and health-related behavior in the succeeding periods of pregnancy, which predominantly determine the pregnancy's outcomes.

Mothers' health care seeking behavior for neonatal danger sign in southern Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study.

Over the previous few decades, significant progress has been made in reducing newborn mortality, but the worldwide scale of the problem remains high. A considerable number of newborn death and difficulties owing to neonatal danger signs could be avoided if mothers sought appropriate health care for common neonatal risk indications, according to a number of studies presently underway in Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to assess health care seeking behavior of mothers' in related to neonatal danger signs. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 participants in Wolaita Sodo, From October 1 to October 30, 2019. To collect data, structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Data was coded, cleaned, recoded and entered in to epi-data version 3.1 and transported to SPSS window version 21 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out and p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 410 mothers participated in this study, 110 (47.6%) mothers preferred health intuition for their neonate. Husband educational status (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1, 5.5), communication media (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI = 2.4, 7.5), place of residence (AOR = 3.5, 95% C.I = 1.9, 6.7), ANC follow up (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.4, 5.8), and PNC follow (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.1) were all factors that significantly associated with health care seeking practice neonatal dander signs. Overall, there was a low degree of health-seeking practice. The educational status of the mother's husband, communication media, residence, ANC follow-up, and PNC follow-up all predicted the mothers' health-care seeking behavior. The study also identifies the Wolaita Zone and Sodo town health offices, the health development army, one to five local community organizations with and health extension workers as key contributors.

Assessing essential new born care practice and associated factors in mothers who gave birth within the last 6 months in east badewacho woreda, hadiyya zone, Ethiopia

Background: Every year, more than 2.7 million new-borns die before reaching neonatal age in the world, with the majority of these deaths occurring at home. Surprisingly, half of these occur within the first 24 hours of delivery, and 75% occur in the early neonatal period. One low-cost approach to improving new-born baby health outcomes is to promote essential new-born care practices. Objective: Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate essential new-born care practices and associated factors among mothers who gave birth within the last 6 months in East Badewacho woreda, Hadiyya zone. Methods: From March 1 to April 30, 2018, a community-based cross-sectional study was designed. The sampled population consisted of 399 mothers who had live births within the previous six months, as determined by a multistage random sampling technique. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 before being exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval was performed. Results: Less than half of the mothers (34.1 %) practice essential new-born care. The husband's educational status [AOR=0.24, CI (0.089, 0.64)] and [AOR=0.314, CI (0.126, 0.78)], place of delivery [AOR=0.024, CI (0.009, 0.068)] and knowledge of essential new-born care [AOR=2.03, CI (1.223,3.371)] were significant predictors of essential new-born care practice. Conclusion: The study's findings revealed that essential new-born care was not widely practiced in East Badewacho Woreda. As a result, strengthen the link between health centers and health posts in order to increase ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC service utilization.

Alcohol use during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: further analysis of the recent demographic and health survey data

BackgroundAlcohol drinking during pregnancy is towering despite the well-established proof of its unfavorable pregnancy results and destitute child improvement. Despite such enormous consequences, there are limited data that explore the extent of alcohol drinking and its associated factors among mothers during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol consumption during pregnancy among pregnant mothers in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodA community-based crossectional demographic and health survey was conducted from 2013 to 2017 among four Sub-Sahara African countries: Burundi, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Zimbabwe. A two-stage stratified sampling technique was employed to select the participants. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. A p-value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance.ResultA total of 3953 weighted sample of pregnant mothers were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 27.3 (± 6.8) years with an age range of 15–49 years. The overall prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy was 22.8% with (95% CI (21.5, 24)) and it was significantly associated with increased age (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI (1.01, 1.04)), Muslim religion follower ( AOR = 0.07, 95% CI (0.05,0.11), husband/partner’s educational status( primary (AOR = 0.7,95% CI (0.55,0.84), secondary (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI ( 0.41,0.7)) and higher (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.31,0.8), being currently working (AOR = 1.5,95% CI ( 1.09,1.55), having ANC visit ( AOR = 0.82, 95% C I(0.68,0.98) and increased gravidity ( AOR = 0.93,95% CI( 0.86,0.99).ConclusionAlcohol drinking during pregnancy was high among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries. Maternal age, religion, husband educational status, current working status of the mother, presence of ANC visit, and gravidity of the mother were factors that have a significant association with alcohol drinking during pregnancy. This calls for a tailored behavior change intervention to reduce alcohol use during pregnancy. More emphasis should also be given to pregnant women with no ANC visit, lower gravidity, and an illiterate husband, currently working and Christianity followers.

Compliance with COVID-19 Preventive Measures and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Health Facilities of Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and cause for the death of many people worldwide. Due to physiological immunosuppressive state and mechanical alteration, pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes from COVID-19 than non-pregnant women. Compliance with the preventive measures is essential to control COVID-19 related consequences. Therefore, this study aimed to assess compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public facilities of Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2021 among 402 pregnant mothers. Data were collected via a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Then, entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for data analysis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with p < 0.05 were declared as statistically significant and the strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsOf the total 396 participants, 222 (56.1%) of women had a good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. Maternal age (25–34 years) [AOR: 1.926; 95% CI (1.084, 3.421)] and (≥35 years) [AOR: 3.018; 95% CI (1.53, 5.952)], husband educational status [AOR: 3.68; 95% CI (1.55, 8.737)], had current chronic disease [AOR: 2.516; 95% CI (1.297, 4.883)], and knowledge [AOR: 5.484; 95% CI (3.057, 9.838)] were significant predictors to have good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.ConclusionAlthough COVID-19 is a global and national agenda, compliance towards its preventive measures was not sufficient enough. Therefore, scale-up the community awareness via media campaign is crucial which will eventually improve compliance. Furthermore, those women who had no pre-existing chronic diseases and those in the young age group should be given special consideration.

A survey on women's awareness of iron and folic acid intake during preconception period and its associated factors in Manna District, Oromia region, Southwest Ethiopia.

AimThis study aimed to assess pregnant women's awareness of iron and folic acid intake during the preconception period and associated factors.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study was conducted on 636 pregnant women in Manna District, Oromia region, Southwest Ethiopia. Women's awareness of iron and folic acid intake during the preconception period was measured using a pre‐tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive, binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out.ResultsOf the total of 623 participants, 6.7% of them had an awareness of iron and folic acid intake during preconception period. Women's husband who had formal education, women who had ≥four ANC visits and women who were at distance of <30 min from the nearest health facility were significant predictors of pregnant women's awareness iron and folic acid intake during the preconception period.ConclusionsWomen's awareness of iron and folic acid intake during the preconception period was very low. Husband educational status, frequency of ANC visits and distance from health facility were predictors of women's awareness of iron and folic acid intake during the preconception period.

Coverage and determinants of protective dose tetanus toxoid vaccine among postnatal women delivered at university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia, 2019

BackgroundEven though there have been tremendous strides globally in reducing the burden of tetanus, neonatal deaths due to tetanus have reported annually, and most deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa which accounts for nearly half of the global neonatal mortality by tetanus. Immunization of pregnant women or women of childbearing age with at least two doses of tetanus toxoid is estimated to reduce mortality from neonatal tetanus by 94%. Despite its importance, immunization programs are suboptimal in Ethiopia, where more than 85% of the population have resides in rural districts. Therefore, this study has been used to determine the coverage and determinants of protective dose tetanus vaccine among postnatal women and design a strategy to maximize the service. MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 20-June 20, 2019. The sample was taken using a systematic random sampling method. To collect data from the study participants, a semi-structured interviewer-administered and pre-tested questionnaire was used. The data were entered into Epi info version 7.0 and then exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Logistic regressions analysis was conducted and the level of statistical significance was determined by a p-value of less than 0.05. ResultsThe proportion of immunization with Tetanus toxoid protective dose was 69.8% (95% CI: 65.2–74.0). Urban residence (AOR = 3.626, 95%CI: 1.510–8.707), husband's having secondary education (AOR = 7.397, 95%CI: 1.873–29.211), husband's having tertiary education (AOR = 9.539, 95%CI: 2.277–39.969), women stated that the provision of TT vaccine service was good (AOR = 3.978, 95%CI 1.303–12.146) and mother stated health care workers who provide TT vaccine were good in their behavior (AOR = 4.259, 95%CI: 1.913–9.484) were factors influencing utilization of TT protective dose immunization. ConclusionThe proportion of TT protective dose immunization in the study area was found to be low. Being Urban residence, secondary and tertiary levels of the husband's educational status, women who stated that ‘the provision of TT vaccine service was good’ and “health care workers who provide TT vaccine were good in their behavior were statistically significant factors influencing TT protective dose immunization. Thus, it is better to strengthening education and empowering women to enhance vaccine utilization. Besides, promoting husband's education and creating community awareness particularly rural residents are better options to increase utilization of TT protective dose vaccine.

Delay in Seeking Institutional Delivery Service Utilization and Associated Factors Among Mothers Attending Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia.

BackgroundPregnancy and childbirth-related complications are unpredictable; however, it is preventable by timely care-seeking to obstetric care service.ObjectiveTo assess delay in seeking institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors among mothers attending Jimma medical center, Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsFacility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample size was determined by a single population proportion formula. Data were collected from 405 mothers by face-to-face interview and entered using epi-data version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis with 95% CI for odds ratio (OR) was used to identify significant factors.ResultsThe prevalence of delay in seeking institutional delivery service utilization was 189 (46.7%). Husbands’ educational status was found to be significantly associated with a maternal delay in seeking care, (AOR= 4.9; 95% CI=2.1–11.3). Unemployed mothers and mothers with a low income had shown higher odds of delay (AOR= 6.0; 95% CI=1.7–21.2), (AOR=2.1; 95% CI=1.2–3.7) respectively. Similarly, mothers who live >10 kilometers from health facility delayed about 2times, (AOR=1.8; 95% CI= 1.0–3.2). Moreover, the likelihood of mothers with no antenatal care follow-up was found to have higher delay than mothers who have antenatal care follow-up (AOR =2.8; 95% CI =1.1–6.7).ConclusionDelay in seeking institutional delivery service was high. Factors such as the husband’s educational status, distance from the health facility, income, Antenatal care follow-up, and occupation of the mother were found significant factors of delay in seeking care. Therefore, it is important to reduce delay in seeking care for institutional delivery service utilization by working on barriers, plus empowering women, promoting antenatal care, and education.

The Utilization of antenatal care and associated factors in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Antenatal(ANC) is care given for pregnant women with the purpose of prevention, early detecting of the existing disease and treating health and health-related problems for both mother and unborn baby. The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of ANC and associated factors in the Gedeo zone. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from August 1 to September 30, 2018, including a reproductive age group woman in Gedeo zone Southern Ethiopia. A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Finally, the study population was selected from the respective source population using a simple random sampling technique (computer-generated random numbers was used). Data were checked, coded and entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The wealth index was computed using the principal component analysis. Descriptive statistics was employed to display the study findings. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were computed to identify the determinants of utilization ANC. Results: Utilization of at least one ANC contact was 72.6% (95% CI: 69.3, 75.8).Wealth index highest quartile (rich) and grand multigravida are higher odds to utilize ANC contact. Whereas the husband's education status secondary and above are lower odds of utilization ANC contact. Conclusion: ANC utilization in the Gedeo zone is low with other findings. The highest Wealth index quartile (rich) and grand multigravida are higher odds of utilization ANC contact. Whereas the husband's educational status starting from secondary level and above have lower odds of utilization ANC contact. Therefore, the government and stakeholders could be empowered the women and families to increase the utilization of ANC contact.

Prevalence and associated factors of home delivery among women at Jimma town, Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Background: Maternal and child mortality and morbidity are higher during childbirth in developing countries compared to developed countries. Institutional delivery service utilization is indispensable to improve maternal and child health.However, the proportion of women utilizing institutional delivery service in Ethiopia is very low. In addition, little is known about factors contributing to home delivery. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of home delivery and associated risk factors at Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed on 423 study participants. Data were collected by semi-structured questionnaire through face to face interview. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. After cleaning and checking completeness of collected data, data was entered into Epi data version 3.3.1 software and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to find out the association between explanatory and response variables. Explanatory variables which fulfill the assumption of logistic regression and had a P-value less than 0.25 from bi-variable logistic regression were considered for the multivariable logistic regression model. The strength of association was evaluated using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value &lt; 0.05 was considered to declare significant associations. Results: The prevalence of home delivery in this study was 36.64% (n=155/423 and it had significant association with illiteracy AOR=2.7 [(95%CI); (1.37-5.43)], multi-gravida AOR=2.12 [(95%CI); (1.09-4.10)], history of antenatal care (ANC) follow up AOR=4.15 [(95%CI); (2.57-6.70)] and husband educational status AOR=13.5 [(95%CI); (2.86-63.62)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of home delivery in this study was high compared to world health organizational recommendation. Educational status of the mother, gravida, antenatal care follow up and husband educational status were factors that had a significant association. Women empowerment through educational opportunities, increase antenatal care follow up and male involvement in maternal health service are recommended

AWARENESS OF OBSTETRIC DANGER SIGNS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN WHO ATTEND ANTENATAL CARE IN PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS OF ADAMA CITY, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

Improving awareness of women about obstetric danger signs of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period is the crucial first step in accepting appropriate and timely health care service. In Ethiopia, where pregnancy related complications and maternal death is high, little is known about level of awareness of obstetric danger signs. The aim of this study was to assess Awareness of Obstetric Danger Signs and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women who attend Ante-natal care in Public Health Institutions of Adama City, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2018.Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to April 2018 and a total of 381 pregnant women were selected using Systematic random sampling technique. Interviewer administered structured Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were cleaned and analyzed using EPI-INFO version 7 and SPSS window version 20. Bivariate and multi variable Logistic regression was used to assess association between awareness of obstetric danger signs and various independent variables.A total of 381 pregnant women were participated with 100% response rate. Of all participants about 44.4% knew seven and above obstetric danger signs of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. Out of the 381 participants 261 (68.5%), 240 (63%) and 164 (43%) knew at least two danger signs during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period, respectively. Vaginal bleeding was the most commonly mentioned danger signs of pregnancy (59.8%), labor (66.1%) and postpartum (60.4%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, maternal and husband educational status, residence, and sources of obstetric danger signs related information were significantly associated with awareness of obstetric danger signs. Awareness of women about obstetric danger signs of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period was low and affected by Partner &amp; maternal educational status, sources of obstetric danger signs related information, and residence. Therefore, it needs to raise women’s awareness of danger signs and associated factors through maternal and child health service by designing appropriate strategies including provision of targeted information, education, and communication.

Factors Affecting Choice of Childbirth Place among Childbearing Age Women in Western Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Access to proper medical attention and hygienic conditions during delivery can reduce the risk of complications and infections that may lead to serious illness or death or for the mother, baby, or both. In Ethiopia, the high maternal mortality rate with delivery by unskilled birth attendants shows low utilization of maternal health services. Objective This study was aimed at assessing factors determining the choice of childbirth place among women of childbearing age in Jimma Arjo District. Method A cross-sectional design was conducted in Jimma Arjo District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia, from March 20 to April 20, 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a total sample of 506 participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to interview women of childbearing age with two trained data collectors. Data was entered into Epi Info and exported to SPSS software version 20 for analysis. Data was checked for its completeness, cleaned, entered, and analyzed accordingly. Bivariate and multivariable data analyses were used to examine factors affecting choice of childbirth place. Results A total of 506 women participated in this study, giving a response rate of 97.8%. The study investigated that home delivery was found to be 200 (39.5%)in the study area. Factors found to be statistically associated with choice of institutional delivery at p < 0.05 were history of obstetric difficulties (AOR = 6, 95%CI = (2.08, 17.60)), woman educational status (AOR = 4.4, 95%CI = (1.47, 13.42)), husband educational status (AOR = 4, 95%CI = (1.43, 11.60)), two or more ANC visits (AOR = 4, 95%CI = (1.95, 8.52)), and accessibility to vehicle transportation (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI = (1.23, 6.46)). Conclusion Preferring health facility as the birthplace in this study seems relatively better compared to other studies. It is shown that both mothers and their husbands attending secondary and greater educational level, history of obstetric difficulties, two or more ANC visits, and physical accessibility to health care facility have influenced mothers to prefer a health institution as the childbirth place. Therefore, any programs aimed at increasing the choice of institutional delivery should work on increasing ANC attendance and transportation facilities in the study area.

Antenatal care and skilled delivery service utilisation in Somali pastoral communities of Eastern Ethiopia.

ObjectiveTo assess maternal health care service utilisation and associated factors in Somali pastoral communities of eastern Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity‐based cross‐sectional study complemented by qualitative assessments in Adadle district, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia, among 450 women in six kebeles from August to September 2016. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with antenatal care use and skilled delivery care use, controlling for confounders.ResultsAbout 27% [95%CI 22.8–31.2%] of women used antenatal care, and 22.6% [95%CI 18.7–26.5%] received skilled delivery service. None of the respondents reported post‐natal care. About 43% reported that they had no knowledge of antenatal care, and 46% did not perceive delivery at a health facility as important. Pastoral lifestyle, husband’s educational status, women’s attitude towards health care service and financial support from the husband were significantly associated with antenatal care utilisation. Health professionals’ attitudes, perceptions of institutional delivery, antenatal care utilisation and information about exemptions from maternal health care fees were associated with skilled delivery service utilisation.ConclusionImproving community awareness of antenatal care, employing female health professionals and culturally adapted guidelines could improve skilled delivery utilisation. In a patriarchal society, involving male partners in all maternal health issues is essential to increase use of maternal health services and to decrease maternal mortality.

EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT AND USE OF ANTENATAL SERVICES

ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE: The single most important factor that has long-lasting impact on lives of women is education. The study was conducted to determine the effect of women and partner's education on utilization of antenatal services in the urban slums.STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in urban slums of Bahawalpur City from January 2018 to December 2018 after taking ethical approval from hospital ethical committee. Women of reproductive age n=377, between 15 to 49 years, having at least one alive child less than one year of age and irrespective of current pregnancy were included in the study. Out of selected slum area sample was drawn by non-probability consecutive method. The preformed, pretested questionnaire with the help of lady health workers of the areas was used for collection of data.&#x0D; RESULTS: Mean age of the respondents was 28.26 ± 6.03 years. The age distribution showed that 31.1% respondents belonged to 30-34 years age group followed by 29.7% in 25-29 years, 19.1% in 20-24 years. The utilization of antenatal services was poor in 41.1% (n=155), fair in 24.9% (n=94) and good in 34.0% (n=128) women. The utilization of antenatal services was significantly higher in literate group (p &lt;0.001). Regarding husband's educational status the wives of educated husbands had better utilization (p &lt;0.001). The use of antenatal services among wives of uneducated and primary educated husbands was 67.8% and 61.5% respectively. The 52.1% women having graduate and above educational level of husband had good antenatal care use.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Educational status significantly affect the utilization of antenatal services.

Antenatal care and mothers\u2019 education improved iron-folic acid adherence at Denbiya district health centers, Northwest Ethiopia: using pills count method

BackgroundAnemia is the leading public health problem among pregnant women worldwide. Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is the strategy to control pregnancy induced anemia, but its adherence status was not well studied.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IFA adherence and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Denbiya district health centers.MethodsCross -sectional study design was conducted in Denbiya district health centers from April 2 to May 27, 2016. A total of 395 study participants were enrolled in the study. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected using the interviewer-administered technique. Adherence to IFA supplementation was assessed by the pills count method. A logistic regression model was used.ResultsThe study revealed that the prevalence of good adherence towards IFA supplementation among Antenatal care (ANC) service users’ at Denbiya district health centers were found to be 28.01% [95% CI, 24.01, 35.9]. Attending secondary school and above [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.09, 10.92], having two ANC visits [AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.76] and three and above ANC visits [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.01] were significantly associated with good adherence of IFA supplementation. To the contrary, husband education status; secondary school and above reduced the odds of good adherence by 77% compared to illiterates to IFA supplementation [AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.72].ConclusionThe prevalence of good adherence among pregnant women towards IFA supplementation was low. Mothers’ education and having two or more ANC visits were positively associated with good adherence towards IFA supplementation.

Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplement and Its Associated Factors among Antenatal Care Attendant Mothers in Lay Armachiho Health Centers, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2017.

Background Iron deficiency is the leading nutrient deficiency globally affecting the lives of more than two billion people worldwide. Pregnant women are at higher risk of iron and folic acid deficiency due to lack of iron and folic acid or due to poor adherence. Adherence to iron and folic acid supplement is taking 65% or more of the recommended supplement, equivalent to taking the supplement at least 4 days a week during 3 months period using recording, reporting, and checking cards. Objective The current study aimed at assessing adherence to iron and folic acid supplement during pregnancy and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care. Methods Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Data were collected using structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplement among pregnant women. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to display the level of significance. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 had been considered statistically significant. Result Adherence to iron and folic acid in the current study was 28.7% with 95% CI (24.3, 33.6%). Educational status of mothers (AOR= 9.27 (95%CI: 2.47, 34.71)), educational status of husband (AOR= 0.31(95% CI: 0.11,0.88)), family size of four (AOR=3.70(95%CI: 1.08,12.76)), family size of five and above (AOR= 4.88(95% CI: 1.20, 19.85)), mothers who had 2500-3500 Ethiopian birr household average monthly income (AOR= 0.46(95% CI: 0.24,0.89)), mothers who had registered at 17-24 weeks of gestation (AOR=0.40(95% CI: 0.22-0.74)) and registered at 25-28 weeks (AOR=0.20(95% CI 0.10, 0.41)), and mothers who had collected their iron and folic acid starting at first visit at first month of pregnancy (AOR= 2.42(95% CI:1.05, 5.58)) had significant association with iron and folic acid adherence. Conclusion and Recommendation Adherence of iron and folic acid was only 28.7% in the current study. Maternal and husband education status, family size, registration time, economic status, and first visit in the first month with duration of iron and folic acid taken were factors significantly associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplement. Therefore, anaemia prevention strategy via improved iron and folic acid supplement adherence should comprise strategies of educating pregnant mothers, improving economic status, and early antenatal care (ANC) registration that can improve adherence to iron and folic acid supplement.