Mother's Age Research Articles

QuickStats: Rate of Triplet and Higher-Order Multiple Births,*,† by Age of Mother - National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1998 and 2022.

QuickStats: Rate of Triplet and Higher-Order Multiple Births,*,† by Age of Mother - National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1998 and 2022.

Fibromyalgia syndrome in mothers of children with cerebral palsy and its relationship with caregiver burden: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a stress-related disease. The birth of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is an important stress factor for the mother. This study aims to investigate the incidence of FMS in mothers of children with CP by comparing it with the control group and determining the factors affecting the severity of FMS. Methods: The study included 112 children with CP (age: 38-216 months), their caregiver mother (age: 23-50 years) (Group 1) and 52 non-disabled children (age: 40-180 months), their caregiver mothers (age: 27-50 years) (Group 2). Children were evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the functional independence scale for children (WeeFIM). The mothers were evaluated according to the 2010 ACR FMS diagnostic criteria. The FMS Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) were applied. Results: In Group 1, mothers had higher anxiety-depression scores and caregiving burden than Group 2 (p < 0.05). FMS rate was %31.3 in Group 1 and %5.7 in Group 2. Mothers' anxiety-depression scores, widespread pain index, symptom severity score, pain, and caregiver burden were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Factors affecting the severity of FMS are the number of siblings of children with CP, the number of siblings with CP, GMFCS, dependence level, anxiety-depression levels of mothers, and caregiver burden. The most influential factor is the caregiver burden. Conclusions: Long-term heavy caregiver burden in mothers of children with CP may be effective in developing FMS.

Investigating time to first birth among women of reproductive age in Bangladesh: a survival analysis of nationwide cross-sectional survey data

BackgroundThe birth of the first child is an important turning point in a woman’s life as it is the starting point of the demanding responsibilities of motherhood and childcare. This study aimed to explore the waiting time and the significant indicators of time to the first birth of aged 15–49 years of ever-married women in Bangladesh.MethodsThe study considered the most recent country-representative data collected from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) in 2017/18. The log-rank test was used to assess the statistical significance of the observed difference between waiting time to first birth and various socio-economic and demographic factors. The Cox proportional hazard model is applied to identify the influential factors for waiting time to first birth.ResultsAbout 55% of the respondents’ age at their first birth was less than 18 years. More than 21% of them were 20 years and above at their first birth. Findings revealed a higher mean age at first birth in urban areas than in rural areas. Also, in Dhaka and Sylhet region, women have a higher age at first than in other regions of Bangladesh. Results show that the place of residence, region, age at first marriage, age at first sex, respondent’s education, employment status, contraceptive use, and mass media exposure were found to be statistically significant determinants of the age of respondents at the time of first birth. Findings also show that a woman from rural areas was likely to be 5% smaller in age at the time of first birth than their counterpart (aHR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.10). The age at first birth of a woman in Chattogram was 24% shorter, while in Rangpur and Barishal, that age was increased by 14% and 8%, respectively. A woman with no education, primary, and secondary education had 28%, 38%, and 29%, respectively, shorter age at first birth than that of the higher educated women. Mass media unexposed women were shorter aged at first birth by 27% (aHR 1.27; 95% CI 1.10–1.47) compared to the women who were mass media exposed.ConclusionIt is necessary to increase the age of mothers at first birth which may help to reduce the prevalence of child marriage in Bangladesh. The study findings will be helpful to the policymakers in identifying the gap and designing the programmes targeting the early timing of first birth to reduce child mortality as well as poor maternal outcomes which will be beneficial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal-3 in Bangladesh.

The prevalence and risk factors of intracranial non-traumatic hemorrhage in newborns

To assess the prevalence rate of intracranial hemorrhage in newborns and to detect the size of the relative risk for different characteristics of the background of intrauterine development according to the materials of the Republican Prenatal Center. The study was conducted on the basis of the Republican Prenatal Center of the Azerbaijan Republic. All newborns (996 children) (birth weight - 500 grams or more, gestational age - over 22 completed weeks) have been examined by a neuropathologist. If there were signs of any neurological abnormalities, an ultrasound examination of the brain was performed. The prevalence rate of intracranial non-traumatic hemorrhage (INTH) among newborns was 15.66% (4.8% among full-term, 48.8% among premature). Depending on mother's age the prevalence rate of INTH changed from 12.7% (mother's age 20-24 years) to 23.0% (mother's age 35 years or more). The risk of INTH statistically significantly increased with maternal age 35 years or more, with 4 or more births, with the birth of a fetus weighing up to 2500 and more than 4000 grams, with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks, with multiple pregnancies and with vaginal delivery.

Asociación entre madres adolescentes e infecciones agudas en menores de cinco años en el Perú 2015-2019

Abstract Objectives: to assess the association between mothers age and the presence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and acute diarrhea (AD) in Peruvian children under five years old. Methods: secondary analysis of the database of the “Demographic and Family Health Survey” of 2015 and 2019. We analyzed data from children under five and their reproductive-age mothers who live in the same household. Poisson regression models were used to generate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to assess the association between mothers’ age group and the presence of ARIs and AD in their children. Results: 84,671 mother/child data were analyzed. In the adjusted regression model, being a young mother (aPR= 1.18; 95%CI= 1.11-1.25; p<0.001) or an teenage (aPR= 1.11; 95%CI= 1.01-1.22; p=0.045) were associated with a higher prevalence of ARIs in their children. In addition, being a young mother a teenage (aPR= 1.18; 95%CI= 1.11-1.25; p<0.001) or a teenage (aPR= 1.22; 95%CI= 1.10-1.35; p<0.001) were also associated with a higher prevalence of AD cases in their children. Conclusions: mothers’ age was found to be associated with the prevalence of ARIs and AD in Peruvian children under five, with teenagers and young mothers having the greatest probability of ARIs and AD.

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter components during pregnancy and early childhood and its association with asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with allergic diseases, including asthma. However, information about the effects of specific PM2.5 components is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of exposure to chemical components of PM2.5 during pregnancy and early childhood with the development of asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children. This study included 2,408 children in the second grade of elementary school. Questionnaire surveys of respiratory/allergic symptoms and measurements of serum total IgE and specific IgE levels to house dust mite (HDM) and animal proteins were conducted. Exposures to ambient PM2.5 mass, sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) of PM2.5 in participants' residences from conception to age six were estimated using predictive models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of respiratory/allergic symptoms and allergen sensitization with estimated exposure concentrations, after adjustment for survey year, sex, season of birth, feeding method during infancy, presence of siblings, history of lower respiratory tract infection, use of childcare facilities, passive smoking, presence of pets, mother's age, history of allergic diseases, smoking during pregnancy, and annual household income. No significant association was found between PM2.5 and its component concentrations and asthma. However, wheezing significantly increased with mean NO3- concentrations during pregnancy (odds ratio of 1.64 [95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.47] for an interquartile range increase). Significant associations were also found between EC in the second trimester of pregnancy and PM2.5, NO3-, EC, and OC concentrations in early childhood. Higher PM2.5, SO4-, and NH4+ concentrations during the second trimester increased the risk of rhinitis. Sensitizations to HDM and animal proteins were significantly associated with exposure to components such as SO42- and NH4+ during pregnancy but not with postnatal exposure. Exposures to NO3-, EC, and OC during pregnancy and early childhood were associated with wheezing. SO42- and NH4+ exposures during pregnancy were associated with sensitization to HDM and animal proteins. Asthma was not associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its main components at any period.

Improving breastfeeding among adolescent mothers: a prospective cohort.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, and mother's age impact early weaning. Educational support and relevant information can increase breastfeeding rates. To determine whether antenatal education enhances the maintenance, intention, and confidence in breastfeeding among adolescents. A prospective cohort study involving primiparous adolescents who gave birth at the Woman's Hospital (CAISM), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil. Adolescent mothers were categorized into two groups based on the location of prenatal care: those at the Woman's Hospital (WH) who received antenatal education, and at the Primary Care (PC) who did not receive antenatal education. All adolescents received breastfeeding orientation during their postpartum hospital stay. The groups were compared using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-squared test. Log-binomial models were used to compare the groups at different time intervals. The study included 132 adolescents: 59 in the WH group and 73 in the PC group. Six months postpartum, adolescents in the WH group demonstrated higher engagement in breastfeeding (P < 0.005) and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.04) than PC group. PC group showed greater lack of confidence in breastfeeding (P = 0.02) and felt less prepared (P = 0.01). Notably, all WH adolescents reported a stronger desire to breastfeed after antenatal education. Antenatal education significantly improves the maintenance, intention, and confidence of breastfeeding among adolescents. This education approach can be implemented across all healthcare levels and should be made accessible to all women throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Geographical variation in hotspots of stunting among under-five children in Ethiopia: A geographically weighted regression and multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis.

Childhood stunting is a global public health concern, associated with both short and long-term consequences, including high child morbidity and mortality, poor development and learning capacity, increased vulnerability for infectious and non-infectious disease. The prevalence of stunting varies significantly throughout Ethiopian regions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the geographical variation in predictors of stunting among children under the age of five in Ethiopia using 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The current analysis was based on data from the 2019 mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 5,490 children under the age of five were included in the weighted sample. Descriptive and inferential analysis was done using STATA 17. For the spatial analysis, ArcGIS 10.7 were used. Spatial regression was used to identify the variables associated with stunting hotspots, and adjusted R2 and Corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc) were used to compare the models. As the prevalence of stunting was over 10%, a multilevel robust Poisson regression was conducted. In the bivariable analysis, variables having a p-value < 0.2 were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis, the adjusted prevalence ratio with the 95% confidence interval is presented to show the statistical significance and strength of the association. The prevalence of stunting was 33.58% (95%CI: 32.34%, 34.84%) with a clustered geographic pattern (Moran's I = 0.40, p<0.001). significant hotspot areas of stunting were identified in the west and south Afar, Tigray, Amhara and east SNNPR regions. In the local model, no maternal education, poverty, child age 6-23 months and male headed household were predictors associated with spatial variation of stunting among under five children in Ethiopia. In the multivariable multilevel robust Poisson regression the prevalence of stunting among children whose mother's age is >40 (APR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.55, 0.99). Children whose mother had secondary (APR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.60, 0.91) and higher (APR = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.44, 0.84) educational status, household wealth status (APR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.76, 0.99), child aged 6-23 months (APR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.53, 2.28) were all significantly associated with stunting. In Ethiopia, under-five children suffering from stunting have been found to exhibit a spatially clustered pattern. Maternal education, wealth index, birth interval and child age were determining factors of spatial variation of stunting. As a result, a detailed map of stunting hotspots and determinants among children under the age of five aid program planners and decision-makers in designing targeted public health measures.

The influence of demographic and socio-economic factors on non-vaccination, under-vaccination and missed opportunities for vaccination amongst children 0-23 months in Kenya for the period 2003-2014.

Vaccination is crucial in reducing child mortality and the prevalence of Vaccine-Preventable-Diseases (VPD), especially in low-and-middle-income countries like Kenya. However, non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) pose significant challenges to these efforts. This study aimed to analyze the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and MOV among children aged 0-23 months in Kenya from 2003 to 2014. A secondary data analysis of data from the Kenya Demographic Health Surveys (KDHS) conducted during this period was conducted, with a total of 11,997 participants, using a two-stage, multi-stage, and stratified sampling technique. The study examined factors such as child's sex, residence, mother's age, marital status, religion, birth order, maternal education, wealth quintile, province, child's birth order, parity, number of children in the household, place of delivery, and mother's occupation. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants of non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and MOV, and multivariable logistic regression analysis to report odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). In 2003, the likelihood of non-vaccination decreased with higher maternal education levels: mothers who did not complete primary education (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.81), completed primary education (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.21-0.56), and had secondary education or higher (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14-0.50) exhibited decreasing probabilities. In 2008/09, divorced/separated/widowed mothers (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07-0.65) and those with no religion (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.17-0.81) showed lower odds of non-vaccination, while lower wealth quintiles were associated with higher odds. In 2014, non-vaccination was higher among younger mothers aged 15-19 years (AOR = 12.53, 95% CI = 1.59-98.73), in North Eastern Province (AOR = 7.15, 95% CI = 2.02-25.30), in families with more than 5 children (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.09-16.18), and in children born at home (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI = 1.32-15.17). Similar patterns were observed for under-vaccination and MOV. This information can inform strategies for bridging the gaps in immunization coverage and promoting equitable vaccination practices in Kenya.

Factors associated with postpartum fatigue: an exploration of the moderating role of resilience.

Postpartum fatigue (PPF) can impair the physical and mental well-being of women. The aims of this study were to assess the associations between fatigue and maternal health-related variables, specifically, sleep quality, depression symptoms, and resilience, and to explore the moderating role of resilience in the relationships between sleep quality, depression symptoms, and fatigue. This cross-sectional study used data collected from mothers during the postpartum period via an online platform. PPF was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, whereas sleep quality and depression symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively. The Brief Resilience Scale was used to assess resilience. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association of each independent variable with PPF and to determine the most significant predictors of PFF. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and structural equation modeling was performed using AMOS 23. A moderation analysis was performed to explore the moderating role of resilience using the Hayes PROCESS macro. A total of 1,443 postpartum mothers were included in the analysis. The simple binary logistic regression analysis showed that having chronic disease (odds: 1.52; p = 0.02), mother's age (odds: 0.97; p = 0.03), mother's body mass index (BMI; odds: 1.03; p = 0.01), depression symptoms (odds: 1.09; p ≤ 0.0001), sleep quality (odds: 1.17; p ≤ 0.0001), and resilience (odds: 0.42; p ≤ 0.0001) all contributed to fatigue during postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the mother's BMI, sleep quality, depression symptoms, and resilience were significant predictors of PPF. Moderation analyses showed that resilience was not a significant moderator between the main effects of sleep quality and fatigue (interaction effect: β = 0.01, p = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.04) or between the main effects of depression symptoms and fatigue during postpartum (interaction effect: β = 0.01, p = 0.82, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.02). Given the deleterious effects of PPF on maternal health outcomes, factors associated with PPF should be assessed regularly. In addition to mothers' BMI, sleep quality, and depression symptoms, resilience could also be a crucial factor in predicting fatigue severity during this critical time for mothers even though it was not a significant moderator among this sample.

Pengaruh Pola Pikir Ibu Terhadap Kecenderungan Stunting di Desa Sidodadi

Stunting is a slowing of growth in children whose height is shorter than children of their age and also has an impact on the psychological, intellectual, mental, psychological, and motor. As many as 43.5% of cases of stunting in Indonesia are experienced by children under five with a vulnerable mother's age between 14-15 and ages between 16-17 years as much as 22.4% are the result of early marriages. The purpose of this study was to find out how the mother's mindset influences the tendency of stunting in Sidodadi Village. This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of research to measure the value of the variables studied. Primary data is in the form of mother's mindset and upbringing, secondary data on stunting events which are influenced by mother's upbringing. The research sample consisted of 62 toddlers from 7 hamlets with an age range of 0-59 months as of August 2022. Data collection used a simple random sampling technique. Data on maternal parenting patterns were obtained through interviews with village midwives. From the data using the SPSS program, the maximum score on the mother's mindset scale is 24, the minimum score is 12 and the average is 18.22, while the maximum score on the parenting scale is 21, the minimum is 13 and the average is 15.59. From the associative test obtained an F value of 84.961 and a significance value of 0.000. Stunting in Sidodadi village is caused by several factors, one of which is parenting style and mother's mindset.

Evaluation of mothers' knowledge about infant sudden death syndrome and its risk factors.

Sudden infant death syndrome is the third leading cause of infant death in the first year of life and is one of the most important health problems around the world. The exact etiology of this phenomenon is not clear yet, but some risk factors, especially prone sleep positions, have been described. Fortunately, by modifying some environmental factors, the SIDS incidence might be decreased. Mothers' and caregivers' knowledge about this neglected event could be an important factor in determining SIDS prevalence. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric and neonatal specialty clinic of Bahar Shahroud Hospital in 2020. Five hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women of reproductive age (18 to 45 years) were included in the study. Assessment of mothers' knowledge was done using a sudden infant death syndrome risk questionnaire. Statistical analysis of data was performed using independent t-test, Chi-square, and logistic regression. The number of 527 pregnant women of childbearing age participated in our study. 81.9% were under 35 years old. According to the study, factors such as maternal age, mother's level of education, number of pregnancies, and history of previous infant death syndrome had a significant relationship with the mother's level of knowledge about infant death syndrome. The findings showed that the mother's age is over 35 years old during pregnancy (CI: 0.95-0.46-OR: 1.53) and the level of education under a diploma (CI: 3.13-1.6: 06, OR: 1.86), and increasing parity is associated with a lower level of knowledge about infant death syndrome. According to mothers' lack of knowledge about SIDS and the availability of simple and cost-effective methods to prevent SIDS, improving mothers' knowledge about this important event in pregnancy and postpartum, educational sessions are crucial.

Age-appropriate vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-35 months in Ethiopia: A multi-level analysis.

Age-appropriate vaccination is a crucial public health measure to prevent morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite its importance, there has been insufficient emphasis on tackling this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of age-appropriate vaccination and associated factors in Ethiopia. Data from 1077 children aged 12-35months were extracted from the Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019 using a prepared data extraction checklist and included in the analysis. The extracted data was analyzed using STATA version 14.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, followed by multilevel logistic regression. Significant variables were identified at p-value < 0.05 within 95% confidence level and AOR. The pooled prevalence of age-appropriate vaccination in this study was 21.17% (95%CI: 18.73-23.61). Factors like mothers age > = 40 years (AOR = 4.05, 95%CI: 1.03, 15.83), 35-39 years (AOR = 4.62, 95%CI: 1.27,16.71), 25-29 years (AOR = 4.07, 95%CI: 1.18,14.03), Maternal secondary education (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.22), Maternal primary education (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.41) and rural residence (AOR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.23,0.51) were significant predictors of age-appropriate vaccinations. This study concluded that the prevalence of age-appropriate vaccination of children in Ethiopia is below the desired level. Hence, the stakeholders should prioritize timely vaccination of children, similar to as the efforts made to increase overall coverage.

Proportion and risk factors of low birth weight among neonates delivered at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major predictor of child mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study are to determine the proportion and risk factors of LBW. A matched case-control study was conducted at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan. The study population consisted of all babies delivered in August 2016 excluding stillbirths, multiple births, and babies with insufficient data. All LBW neonates were selected using total coverage sampling as cases and matched on babies' gender with randomly selected normal birth weights as controls. The sample size was 350 babies; 175 test cases and 175 control cases. Data were collected from hospital records and six risk factors were tested: mother age, parity, gravidity, mode of delivery, hypertensive disorders, and diabetes mellitus. The proportion of LBW was 10.8% of the total number of delivered neonates which is 2,938. The bivariate analysis identified that younger mother age (p = 0.03) and hypertension (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with LBW while other factors were found statistically insignificant. Multivariable conditional logistic regression revealed that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy increase the risk for LBW almost three times [Adjusted OR = 2.98 (95% CI: 1.23-7.22), p = 0.02]. We found that hypertension is an independent risk factor for LBW. The proportion of LBWcan be reduced if hypertension is controlled by providing simple measures like proper antenatal care and health education for pregnant women.

Risk Factors for Birth Asphyxia in Hospital-Delivered Newborns in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Case-Control Study.

Asphyxia at birth remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for ∼23% of all neonatal deaths. Although the causes vary from country to country, early identification and treatment of risk factors can improve the situation. To determine the risk factors of birth asphyxia in hospital-delivered neonates in Dodoma, Tanzania. A matched case-control study was conducted from May to July 2017 at Dodoma Region Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire and a standard antenatal care index card. Cases were neonates diagnosed with asphyxia at birth (N = 100), while controls were neonates not diagnosed with asphyxia at birth (N = 300). A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the independent variables associated with birth asphyxia and reported as crude and adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence intervals. A total of 400 newborns and their birth mothers were involved in the study. The average age of the case mothers was 26.9 years (SD = 7.85) and that of the control mothers was 27.24 years (SD = 6.08). Place of residence, anemia, maternal age, prenatal visits attended, use of herbs during labor, previously complicated pregnancy, duration of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and mode of delivery were predictors of birth asphyxia. The study showed that most predictors of birth asphyxia can be prevented. The results suggest appropriate health education before conception, effective follow-up through prenatal care, early identification and treatment of high-risk pregnant women, and proper monitoring of labor and delivery.

РОЖДАЕМОСТЬ НА ДАЛЬНЕМ ВОСТОКЕ РОССИИ: ТЕНДЕНЦИИ, ПРИЧИНЫ, ПУТИ РЕШЕНИЯ

Significance. Given the current trends in demographic development, the existing disproportion between the population and the vast territory of the Far Eastern Federal District may significantly increase in the future, which will intensify certain concerns about a possible violation of the geopolitical balance out here. Fertility indicators have revealed the main demographic risk zones of the regions of the eastern territories. The purpose of the study is to analyze dynamics in birth rates in the Russian Far East, gender composition and age structure of the population to identify risk zones when taking effective measures to improve the situation. Material and methods. The analysis used World Health Organization data, databases and collections of Rosstat and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation by federal district and region of Russia, information on the implementation of the National Demography Project. Results. Determining trends in dynamics in birth rates in the Russian Far East shows that in urban areas of the Far Eastern regions, the type of demographic behavior inherent in the newcomer population and focused on having one child prevails, while in rural areas the traditions of the indigenous population are preserved. Until 2015, relatively high birth rates were recorded in “national” regions with the predominance of populations belonging to the indigenous people of the North and the Far East, in whose culture large families are accepted. The mother’s average age is increasing, there was a shift in the age of first-time mothers (20-24 years) to an older age group (25-29 years and 30-34 years). A decline in fertility in the near future will be due to a significant reduction in the number of women of reproductive age, especially in its active phase (20–39 years). A new model of marital and, as a result, reproductive behavior of young families is being formed. From the point of view of marital behavior, it implies an increase in the age at first marriage, refusal of marriage, popularity of informal marriage, etc. From the point of view of reproductive behavior, it involves postponing births in marriage until material standards are achieved, as well as in the interests of increasing one’s social status. Conclusion. One of the promising areas for improving the demographic situation is the adoption of effective social measures and programs to increase birth rates in young families. Only a rising dynamics in birth rates can give a real and sustainable impetus to stabilizing fertility for the national security of the eastern territories.

Calorie Intake of Pregnant Women in Different Trimesters and Its Impact on Maternal Weight and Newborn Weight

During pregnancy, increase energy demands for metabolism and intrauterine growth, these challenges for pregnant mothers to intake adequate calorie. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to evaluate the calorie intake of pregnant women in different trimesters and its impact on maternal weight and birth weight. This study period was three years duration from January 2019 to December 2021. A pretested, semi-structured, standard questionnaire and randomized sampling technique was used to collect the data, the number of calculated sample size was 407. Study found that average age of the pregnant mothers was 26.063.08 years and average monthly income was 18527.40 5801.44 BDT. Study revealed that average calorie intake of pregnant mothers of 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester were 1779.6596.88, 1986.6069.60 and 2179.6577.47, whereas average weight gain of pregnant mothers of 1st trimester was 0.520.60 Kg, 2nd trimester was 3.231.29 Kg and 3rd trimester was 7.362.50 Kg. It was observed that 0.50% of the pregnant mothers’delivered low birth weight baby and 99.50% normal weight baby with their average birth weight was 3.040.30 Kg. Calorie intake and body weight gain of different trimesters of pregnant mothers positively correlate with birth weight. Calorie intake influenced maternal weight and newborn weight.

The effect of maternal weight on neonatal cardiac functions following diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies.

We aimed to study myocardial functions of infants appropriate and large for gestational age (IDM-AGA, IDM-LGA) of diabetic mothers (IDM) and AGA and LGA infants of non-diabetic mothers comparatively. Newborns were assessed between 24 and 72 h. M-Mode, pulsed wave, and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed. A negative correlation was found between shortening fraction and maternal weight at delivery in the LGA group (p=0.009, r=-0.58). E/Early diastolic (E') ratio and deceleration time were increased in IDM-AGA than AGA group (p=0.02, p=0.02). There was a negative correlation between maternal blood glucose and E/A ratio (p=0.015 r=-0.63), a positive correlation between maternal blood glucose and mitral A, late diastolic (A') wave in IDM-AGA (p=0.014 r=0.63, p=0.016 r=0.62). Maternal weight gain during pregnancy was in correlation with measured and tei index in IDM-AGA group (p=0.008 r=0.72). Maternal age, pre-pregnancy weight, and weight at delivery and mitral E were higher in IDM-LGA group than IDM-AGA (p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.003, p=0.012). We found that maternal weight has a negative effect on myocardial function in LGA newborns. Diastolic functions were found impaired in IDM-AGA infants and in infants of mothers with high blood glucose. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy has a negative effect on myocardial functions.

Factors contributing to immunization coverage among children less than 5 years in Nadowli-Kaleo District of Upper West Region, Ghana.

Immunization prevents deaths from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles in about 2.5 million children each year worldwide. Failure to vaccinate children in the required timeframe could result in disease outbreaks among them and increase costs of living among the populations directly affected. Even though Ghana has set 95% as the target for immunization coverage, the Nadowli-Kaleo district has been below this national target. This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing low immunization coverage among children under five years in the Nadowli-Kaleo district, Ghana. An analytical cross-sectional study design was adopted for this study. Systematic sampling method was used to recruit the respondents. The data was collected using KoboCollect online data collection tool and analyzed using Stata Version 17.0. Chi-square test was used to establish the association between child's immunization status and the independent variables. Logistic regression was used to determine the degree of association. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Fully immunized status among children under-five was a little above average (55.4%). Mother's or caregiver's age, marital status, occupation, and current child's birth order were significantly associated with children full immunization. Also, number of ANC visits, delivery location, and distance to health facility were significantly associated with children full immunization. A child delivered at the health facility had higher chance of 2.12 times to be fully immunized than giving birth at home [AOR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.14-3.94, and p-value = 0.017]. The health system related factors which were statistically associated with child full immunization included time spent during immunization service and being informed when to come for the next vaccination visit. Coverage for children with fully immunized status was not very encouraging at our study site. We recommend expansion of access to maternal and child health services, encouraging institutional childbirth, and timely regular antenatal visits.

Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Women of Rural Gipuzkoa: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Background: Women, particularly those with young children, engage in less leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) than men. Additionally, mothers living in rural areas have more difficulty participating in LTPA than those in urban areas. The aim of this study was to analyze the challenges faced by mothers of rural areas of Gipuzkoa in LTPA participation, from a feminist perspective. Methods: A total of 129 mothers (age 41.5 ± 5.9; 45.7% inactive) with young children completed the Gipuzkoa Women’s Physical Activity Questionnaire. Concurrently, four focus groups were organized in four different municipalities, in which 19 mothers of young children participated (13 were inactive). Barriers were classified based on the socioecological perspective. Results: The most frequently mentioned intrapersonal barriers were lack of time due to work and caregiving, age-/pregnancy-/motherhood-related health issues, and a feeling of rejection toward LTPA. The most relevant interpersonal barriers were a lack of partners to do LTPA with and a lack of spouse support. The main environmental barriers were related to the shortage of facilities and activities suited to their needs and the rugged terrain. Conclusions: Mothers of young children living in rural areas face barriers twice over: because they are women and mothers and because they live in a rural environment. It therefore seems important to consider their perceived barriers to design, develop, and implement strategies to promote LTPA among this population group.