Pregnant Mothers Research Articles

Mother's Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Nutrition as a Prevention of Stunting Children

Mother's Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Nutrition as a Prevention of Stunting Children

Antenatal depression among pregnant mothers in Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundApproximately one in five pregnant women experience antenatal depression globally. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of antenatal depression and explore its relationship between various demographic variables, recent sexual engagement, and recent adverse life events among pregnant Afghan women.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was carried out between January, 2023 and April 2023 among 460 women aged 15–45 years who were recruited using convenience sampling from Herat province (Afghanistan). Logistic regression models were utilized to explore the relationship between antenatal depression and socio-demographic characteristics among the participants.ResultsThe prevalence of antenatal depression symptoms was 78.5%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that antenatal depression was significantly associated with (i) being aged 30–45 years (AOR: 4.216, 95% CI: 1.868–9.515, p = .001), (ii) being of low economic status (AOR:2.102, 95% CI: 1.051–4.202, p = .036), (iii) not being employed (AOR: 2.445, 95% CI:1.189–5.025, p = .015), (iv) not having had sex during the past seven days (AOR: 2.335, 95% CI: 1.427–3.822, p = .001), and (v) not experiencing a traumatic event during the past month (AOR:0.263, 95% CI: 0.139–0.495, p < .001).ConclusionThe present study provides insight into the factors associated with the high prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant Afghan women (e.g., demographic variables, recent adverse life events, and recent sexual engagement). It highlights the urgency of addressing antenatal depression in Afghanistan and provides a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of pregnant women in the Afghan context.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Testing: Evidence From the State of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Background The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 highlighted critical challenges in healthcare systems worldwide, with differences in testing access and utilization becoming particularly evident. This study investigates the socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 testing service access and utilization during the second wave of the pandemic in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Methods The study was conducted from July to October 2023 in twodistricts of Uttar Pradesh (UP). These districts were chosen because one had the highest and the other the lowest SARS-CoV-2 testing rates per million population as reported from March to June 2021. The study population included consenting adult individuals with self-reported symptoms indicative of SARS-CoV-2 infection during March-June 2021. The study excluded individuals under 18 years, those who did not consent, pregnant or lactating mothers, and those with communication-impairing medical conditions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on Andersen's Behavioural Model of Health Services Use. We used chi-squared tests for all categorical variables to obtain p-values and Poisson regression to identify factors influencing testing rates. Results We screened 4,595 individuals and identified 675 eligible participants for this study. Adjusted prevalence ratios derived from multiple variate Poisson regression models showed that participants in Sitapur had a 0.47 (95% CI: 0.39-0.57) times the prevalence of being tested than those in Lucknow. Furthermore, individuals from other backward castes and scheduled castes had a 1.15 (95% CI: 0.99-1.34) and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.95-1.56) times prevalence of being tested for SARS-CoV-2, respectively, when compared to the general caste population. Scheduled Tribes showed a higher prevalence of being tested, contrasting with existing literature. Households with low, middle, and high income showed a 1.46 (95% CI: 1.12-1.89), 1.52 (95% CI: 1.14-2.02), and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.23-2.45) times the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 testing compared to those below the poverty line, respectively. Behavioral factors such as media use showed an inverse relationship with testing prevalence; individuals who did not watch TV at all had a 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70-0.99) times prevalence of being tested compared to frequent viewers, and similarly, those not using the internet on mobiles had a 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67-0.99)times prevalence than daily users. Individuals using private healthcare facilities had a 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77-0.99) times prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 testing compared to those using government facilities. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of public health strategies that address socio-economic and behavioral disparities to ensure equitable testing access across all community groups.

Evaluation of serum testosterone levels in pre-eclampsia

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a multi-system disorder that affects 3%–6% of human pregnancies and causes substantial maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Various studies have implicated testosterone as a causative factor in the pathogenesis of PE. The present study evaluated the association of serum testosterone levels with PE and maternal and foetal outcomes. Aim: The objectives of the study were to assess serum testosterone levels in PE compared to normotensive pregnant mothers, to look for its association with PE and to identify its utility as a biomarker for PE. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the 2nd trimester pregnant mothers (n = 110) attending the outpatient department at Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College Hospital, Salem. Serum testosterone, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and creatinine were evaluated and compared amongst the pre-eclamptic and normal pregnant women. Results: The mean serum testosterone level was higher in PE women (2.625 ± 1.40 ng/dL) when compared to normal pregnant women (1.217 ± 0.258 ng/dL) (P &lt; 0.001). Serum testosterone was found to be positively correlated with uric acid (r = 0.517, P &lt; 0.001), hsCRP (r = 0.307, P &lt; 0.001), systolic blood pressure (BP) (r = 0.480, P &lt; 0.000) and diastolic BP (r = 0.544 P &lt; 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for serum testosterone levels was done (area under the curve = 0.815), with sensitivity and specificity of 78.18% and 78.18%, respectively. Conclusion: This study attempted to identify the association between serum testosterone levels, PE and pregnancy outcomes in a small South Indian population. Serum testosterone levels were found to be significantly elevated in pre-eclamptic women compared to normal pregnancies and could be used as a predictive biomarker. Serum uric acid and hsCRP also showed a significant positive association with PE.

Implementation of Stunting Prevention Program in Indonesia: Literature Review

Introduction: The health problem of stunting is still a crucial problem in various regions of the world. The reduction of stunting is one of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target where in 2030 the expected target is 89 million people, but in fact, there is no maximum progress in achieving the World Health Assembly (WHA) global nutrition target in 2025. Various studies have been conducted out there that provide comprehensive facts related to various kinds of programs or methods in reducing the prevalence of stunting that can be taken into consideration by the government in making new policies related to stunting prevention. Objective: This study aims to identify the various implementations of stunting prevention interventions in Indonesia. Method: The research method uses a scoping review with the PRISMA approach. Literature research through three databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria for this study were articles published from 2017 to 2023, articles that had free access and full text, research locations in Indonesia, and not systematic review and/or meta-analysis articles. Result: The search results obtained 13 final articles that discuss variations in interventions in stunting prevention. The results of the review of 13 articles found that effective prevention of stunting can be done by various methods, such as providing education, counseling, therapeutic group therapy, practical demonstrations, and home visits through professional collaboration between health workers and health cadres to pregnant women and mothers with children less than five years old, as well as premarital education classes for prospective couples. Conclusion: Implementation of effective stunting prevention interventions should be multisectoral and include family planning, premarital couples, and women with early pregnancies as the main target focus for stunting prevention.

Role of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio along with uterine artery Doppler for the prediction of pre-eclampsia – A case–control study

Role of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio along with uterine artery Doppler for the prediction of pre-eclampsia – A case–control study

Radiological safety perspectives among undergraduate dental students, interns, and dental assistant certificate students at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Background: Dental imaging accounts for &lt;1% of human exposure to ionizing radiation from of all types of medical imaging. Radiation-induced damage to cells has deterministic and stochastic consequences. The international commision for radiological protection recommends that any radiographic examination must be justified. However, studies measuring dental assistant (DA) knowledge and attitude towards radiation protection measures are lacking. Aim: Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes toward radiation protection measures among clinical dental students, interns, and DA certificate students. Settings and Design: The study was a cross-sectional observational analytical online questionnaire-based study. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire distributed over undergraduate students, DA certificate students, and dental interns. Statistical Analysis: Stata/BE 18.0 for Mac was used, Chi-square tests with a P &lt; 0.05 indicating a significant difference in knowledge between groups. Results: A questionnaire was distributed to 203 of the participants. The average overall correct responses 46.14%. However, the DA student average correct answers were 38.71%. Conclusion: Students must improve their knowledge about radiation protective measures through educational sessions or pamphlets, particularly the DA. Radiology lectures should cover new safety precautions such as as low as diagnostically acceptable, shielding, and radiation to pregnant mothers, while incorporating national guidelines and recommendations.

Red Dragon Fruit Education as Prevention of Anemia in Pregnant Mothers

Iron requirements increase during pregnancy due to fetal and placental requirements and physiological changes such as increased blood volume and red blood cell count. An increase in these levels can also lead to a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, resulting in increased prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency in pregnancy. Dragon fruit is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants and calcium and is relatively high in iron. The purpose of the community service activities that will be carried out is to provide education about the use of red dragon fruit as an attempt to prevent anemia in pregnant mothers and is planned to be implemented on Monday, January 29th, 2024 in Bidan Nurachmi Palembang Independent Practice. The method of community dedication is by giving the approval, the participants of this community service activities are pregnant mothers of Trimester I to III of 10 people. All participants followed the activity from start to finish, were active in the discussion, and were well evaluated. Evaluation is done with pre and post test assessments by filling in the questionnaire that has been provided. The pre-test assessment results obtained an average score of 51 and an average post-test score of 86, from the evaluation results can be concluded there was an increase in the average score participants so there is an improvement in knowledge and understanding about the use of red dragon fruit as an attempt to prevent anemia in pregnant mothers.

Food taboo, dietary diversity and prevalence of chronic energy deficiency in pregnant women living in rural area Indonesia

Background: Chronic energy deficiency is strongly associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Food taboo and dietary diversity are suspected as main risk factors of chronic energy deficient in pregnant women in rural area. Nevertheless, none studies elaborated the inferential relationship of those factors with chronic energy deficiency during pregnancy. Purpose: to describe dietary diversity score and perception of food taboo and examine it association with chronic energy deficiency prevalence in pregnant women in a rural area Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 178 pregnant women aged 15-45 years. Food taboo and dietary diversity scores was drawn from single 24 hours food recall while the perceived reason of food taboo was assessed by focus group discussion. Chronic energy deficiency was determined by mid-upper arm circumference by standard tape. Food taboo and dietary diversity score interaction was generated and binary logistic regression analysis with α= 5% and 95% confidence interval were performed to provide adjusted associations Results: Almost half of respondents had food taboo (43.8%) and had low dietary diversity score (43%) while one of fifth (19.7%) of respondent were chronic energy deficient. Those with food taboo and low dietary diversity were two times more likely to suffer from chronic energy deficiency. However, only pregnancy related factor (parity) was associated significantly with the outcome. Conclusions: Although the relationship between food taboo and chronic energy deficiency was not statistically significant, pregnant mother with food taboo should be encouraged to have a cultural-specific health and nutrition education.

IoT-based Pregnant Mother Contraction Monitoring System Design

Pregnancy is an important stage in a woman's life that requires special monitoring and care to ensure the well-being of both mother and fetus. The presence of uterine contractions is an im-portant indicator of imminent labour, and prompt monitoring is essential to spot difficulties and ensure a safe delivery. This study aims to track contractions in pregnant women to improve pre-natal and labour care. Real-time monitoring, recording and analysis of uterine contractions. This research is a type of RD research with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The result of this tool is that it can precisely track contraction activity and send information to the IoT network. Through an easy-to-use mobile app, this in-formation can be accessed by medical staff caring for pregnant women and pregnant women themselves. To provide continuous monitoring, provide early notification of alarming changes, and facilitate rapid medical response, this monitoring system utilizes IoT technology. This can ease the burden on medical institutions, lower the possibility of difficulties during labour, and provide a sense of security for pregnant women. As an innovative and effective tool, the Inter-net of Things-based Maternal Contraction Monitoring System is anticipated to improve prenatal and delivery healthcare, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and monitor contractions in preg-nant women. The healthcare of pregnant women around the world could be significantly im-proved with the successful implementation of this approach.

The Analysis of Factors of Pregnant Mother Satisfaction With 10T Antenatal Services in Garut West Java

The Analysis of Factors of Pregnant Mother Satisfaction With 10T Antenatal Services in Garut West Java

The Analysis of Factors Influencing Behavior of Pregnant Mother in Performing Prevention Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) in PHC Pesantren I Kediri

Background: Mother to child transmission of HIV can be prevented, but the incident of HIV in children from year to year continues to increase. Purpose: The research objective is to analyze the factors influencing behavior of pregnant mothers in performing Prevention Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT). Method: The research design was analytic observational with cross sectional approach. The population was all of pregnant mothers in working area of PHC Pesantren I Kediri. The samples were 63 respondents using simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires given to pregnant mothers at the time of antenatal care in PHC Pesantren I Kediri and then analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The results showed that variable X1 (role of officer) with p = 0.104; OR = 4.609, Variable X2 (knowledge) with p = 0.004; OR = 31.057, Variable X3 (attitude) with p = 0.030; OR = 8.993, Variable X4 (husband support) with p = 0.015; OR = 4.789, Variable X5 (house distance) with p = 0.720; OR = 1.232 and Variable X6 (interest) with p = 0.014; OR = 2.863. In conclusion, the factors influencing Y (behavior of pregnant mothers in performing PMTCT examination) were knowledge and attitude, with the most dominant factor was knowledge with the influence of 31.057. Conclusion: Shows that,The low level of mother’s knowledge about PMTCT, uncooperative mother’s attitude, lack of husband support and lack of mother’s interest caused the low coverage of PMTCT examination in PHC Pesantren I Kediri. The health promotion efforts need more intensive so that the success of PMTCT program can be achieved.

Aromatherapy blended lemon and lavender has an effect on nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women at PMB Entin Hartini

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Introduction:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; Nausea and vomiting are common complaints in the first trimester of pregnancy. One treatment to reduce nausea and vomiting is non-pharmacological therapy by providing a mixture of lemon and lavender aromatherapy. In this study, there was only one group, namely the intervention group, which received blended lemon and lavender aromatherapy. Before carrying out the intervention, pregnant women in the first trimester are given a pre-test to find out how often pregnant women feel nauseous and vomit. Then the pregnant mother is taught how to use aromatherapy blended lemon and Lavender with Roll On which will be done in the morning and evening for 6 consecutive days. -continuously. Next, another post-test was carried out to determine the effectiveness of providing aromatherapy.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Objectives:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of giving a mixture of lemon and lavender aromatherapy against nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women at PMB (Independent Midwife Practice) Entin Hartini, A.Md. Keb Mrebet District, Purbalingga Regency.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Methods:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; The type of research used in this research is pre-experimental with a One Group Pre-Test and Post-Test design.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Results:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; The Wilcoxon test results were obtained by Asymp. signature. 0.00 that there is an effect of giving a mixture of lemon and lavender aromatherapy in reducing nausea and vomiting (&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;𝜌&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;- value = 0.00).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; There is effectiveness of giving a mixture of lemon and lavender aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women at PMB Entin Hartini, A.Md.Keb.&lt;/em&gt;

The influence of hematological profiles on the transfusion management and mortality risk of mothers presenting to the obstetric unit of a South African tertiary medical facility.

Laboratory results are frequently abnormal in pregnant mothers. Abnormalities usually relate to pregnancy or associated complications. Hematological abnormalities and age in pregnancy may increase the likelihood for transfusion and mortality. Hematological profiles and transfusion history of pregnant mothers presenting to a tertiary hospital, were evaluated over 2 years. Age, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were assessed for transfusion likelihood. Iron deficiency and coagulation were assessed in transfused patients. Anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and transfusion were assessed for mortality likelihood. There were 12,889 pregnant mothers included. Mothers <19-years-old had the highest prevalence of anemia (31.5%) and proportion of transfusions (19%). The transfusion likelihood was increased in mothers with anemia (odds ratios [OR] = 6.41; confidence intervals at 95% [95% CI] 5.46-7.71), leukocytosis (OR = 2.35; 95% CI 2.00-2.76) or thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.71; 95% CI 2.21-3.33). Mothers with prolonged prothrombin times received twice as many blood products as their normal counterparts (p = .03) and those with iron deficiency anemia five times more blood products (p < .001). Increased likelihood for mortality was seen in patients with anemia (OR = 4.15, 95% CI 2.03-8.49), leukocytosis (OR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.19-6.04) and those receiving blood transfusion (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.75-7.47). Adolescence, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia expose mothers to a high risk for transfusion and/or mortality. These risk factors should promptly trigger management and referral of patients. Presenting hematological profiles are strong predictors of maternal outcome and transfusion risk.

HPV infection and its correlation with p53 and Bcl-2 among pregnant mothers and their infants.

The investigation of perinatal transmission of HPV is vital for early screening of cervical/oral cancers. Here, transmission of HPV from the pregnant women to their infants was studied. p53 and Bcl-2 expressions and their correlations with HPV infection were examined. HPV infection was detected in the cervical and oral swabs of 135 mother-baby pairs employing both PCR and HC-II methods. 1year follow-up with an interim visit at 3months for mothers and 6months for babies was performed. Immunocytochemistry of p53 and Bcl-2 using the streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method was performed. Prevalence of HPV infection in the mothers was 28.14%, (38/135) and 30.37% (41/135) determined by the PCR and HC-II methods respectively. HPV 16 and/or 18 was identified in 81.57% (31/38) and 82.92% (34/41) of the HPV + women estimated by PCR and HC-II methods respectively. Prevalence rate of HPV 16 among the HPV + pregnant women was 63.15% (24/38) and 65.85% (27/41) determined by PCR and HC-II methods respectively. The frequency of perinatal transmission was 21.05% (8/38) and 21.95% (9/41) determined by PCR and HC-II methods respectively at birth. The HPV + infants in the follow up study cleared the infection within 6weeks. An abnormal nuclear expression of p53 and cytoplasmic expression of Bcl-2 were observed in the HPV + mother-baby pairs. Cesarean section did not protect the infants against perinatal HPV transmission. The detection of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in the HPV + mother-baby pairs suggests that these biomarkers may be important in the early screening of oral/cervix cancers in positive cases.

The Impact of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor on Antenatal Chemical Exposure-Induced Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Programming.

Early life exposure lays the groundwork for the risk of developing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome in adulthood. Various environmental chemicals to which pregnant mothers are commonly exposed can disrupt fetal programming, leading to a wide range of CKM phenotypes. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has a key role as a ligand-activated transcription factor in sensing these environmental chemicals. Activating AHR through exposure to environmental chemicals has been documented for its adverse impacts on cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as evidenced by both epidemiological and animal studies. In this review, we compile current human evidence and findings from animal models that support the connection between antenatal chemical exposures and CKM programming, focusing particularly on AHR signaling. Additionally, we explore potential AHR modulators aimed at preventing CKM syndrome. As the pioneering review to present evidence advocating for the avoidance of toxic chemical exposure during pregnancy and deepening our understanding of AHR signaling, this has the potential to mitigate the global burden of CKM syndrome in the future.

Determinants of externally visible birth defects among perinatal deaths at Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: a case-control study.

Birth defects (BDs) are the major causes of infant morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Regardless of their clinical importance, few studies on predisposing factors have been conducted in Ethiopia. However, due to a lack of advanced diagnostic materials, we only considered the externally visible BDs. To assess the determinants of externally visible birth defects among perinatal deaths at Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A retrospective unmatched case-control study design was conducted from November 01 to 30, 2021. The sample size was determined by Epi Info version 7 software considering sample size calculation for an unmatched case-control study. A total of 315 participants (63 cases, and 252 controls) were selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected by an open data kit (ODK) and transported to a statical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26 software for analysis. The bivariate followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to determine the factors associated with the BD. This study showed that drinking alcohol during pregnancy (AOR = 6.575; 95% CI: 3.102,13.937), lack of antenatal care (ANC) follow-up during pregnancy (AOR = 2.794; 95% CI: 1.333, 5.859), having a history of stillbirth in a previous pregnancy (AOR = 3.967; 95% CI: 1.772, 8.881), exposure to pesticides during pregnancy (AOR = 4.840; 95% CI: 1.375, 17.034), having a history of BDs in a previous pregnancy (AOR = 4.853; 95% CI: 1.492, 15.788), and lack of folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy (AOR = 4.324; 95% CI: 2.062, 9.067) were significant determinants of externally visible BDs among perinatal deaths. In this study, alcohol use, exposure to pesticides, and lack of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy were identified as the major determinants of externally visible BDs among perinatal deaths. Thus, health education regarding the associated factors of BDs and their preventive strategies should be given to pregnant mothers.

How phytochemicals influence reproductive outcomes in women receiving assisted reproductive techniques: a systematic review.

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing amount of scholarly literature suggesting a connection between the nutritional status of pregnant mothers and early fetal development, as well as the long-term health consequences of their offspring. Multiple studies have documented that alterations in dietary patterns prior to conception have the potential to affect the initial stages of embryonic development. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of the research pertaining to the correlation between phytochemicals ( specifically, polyphenols, carotenoids and phytoestrogens) and assisted reproductive technology (ART). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases were searched from January 1978 to March 2023. This study comprised observational, randomized controlled, and cohort studies that examined the effects of phytochemicals on ART results. The study's outcomes encompass live birth rate, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy. The assessment of study quality was conducted by 2 researchers, independently, using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research. A total of 13 studies were included, of which there were 5 randomized controlled studies, 1 nonrandomized controlled study, 6 prospective cohort studies, and 1 retrospective cohort study. This research focused on investigating the impact of phytochemicals on ART and has highlighted a dearth of articles addressing that topic. Collaboration among patients, physicians, and nutritionists is crucial for doing novel research. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023426332.

Motherhood delor: narratives of pregnant and nursing mothers in violent spaces in Ghana

PurposeThe study aims to investigate how pregnant and nursing mothers’ stories have been neglected in writing about gender, security and spaces.Design/methodology/approachThe study chronicles Agogo Traditional Area’s pregnant and nursing mothers’ resistance and survival in this conflicted environment. The author used photo voices in a participatory photography design to give conflict-area women a voice. Interviews and observations supported this. Pregnant and nursing mothers were sampled using the purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The data analysis considered narrative analysis, photographic and inductive approaches.FindingsThe findings highlighted how these mothers in vicious settings experienced healthcare access and problems, societal issues including gender dynamics, food insecurity, and emotional and psychological well-being.Originality/valueThe findings in this study expand the socio-cultural narratives of pregnant and nursing mothers in violent spaces.

Birth Plan Utilization and Associated Factors among Post Natal Women Attending Maternal Child Health Services in Moyale Sub County, Kenya

Purpose: Maternal and neonatal mortalities continue to pose big public health concern in Kenya despite several interventions. These deaths are partly attributed to three delays; delay by the mother in deciding to seek timely care, delay in arriving at the point of health service delivery and delay in receiving adequate health care once at the health facility. Birth planning is important in addressing these delays. A birth plan serves to promote positive pregnancy outcome. There is however, a paucity of data showing level of birth plan utilization and factors associated to the utilization in many areas of Kenya. This hampers efforts in promoting its utilization in reducing maternal mortality ratio. This study sought to find out extent of utilization of individual birth plan and factors that are associated with it among post-natal women attending Maternal Child Health Services in Moyale Sub County, Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was a health care facility based cross sectional study that employed multi stage sampling methods. A total of 548 post-natal women attending Maternal Child health services within Moyale Sub County were interviewed. Data was collected through a structured quantitative questionnaire and FGD guide between May 2021 and July 2021 and analyzed using binomial logistic regression in SPSS version 22. To address confounding, significant variables were put through multinomial regression analysis.&#x0D; Findings: Overall, 42.3% of interviewed women had used a birth plan. Socio-demographic factors associated with utilization of a birth plan was secondary level of education (OR=1.214(1.1-2.4), p=0.000), Diploma and above level of education (OR=5.7(0.5-62.1), p=0.042). Maternal factors influencing utilization of birth plan included previous complications (OR=2.6(1.3-3.0), p=0.039), four or more ANC visits (OR=2.4(1.28-3.69, p=0.000), trimester of first ANC (OR=1.4(1.3-3.7), p=0.000), PNC visits (OR=2.3(1.4-3.8), p=0.001). Health system related factors influencing utilization included time of more than one hour in reaching health care (OR=0.999(0.9-1.0), p=0.048), availability of staff at health facility (OR=3.6(1.9-3.9), p=0.024). Treating women with respect at health facility (OR=1.049(1.16-6.5), p=0.034) and availability of drugs/supplies at health facility (OR=3.3(2.2-4.5), p=0.000).&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study showed that there is need to improve quality of ANC services given in health care facilities. Health care workers in health facilities offering ANC need to initiate timely IBP counselling for pregnant mothers. There is also a need for Community health volunteers under the community health strategy to offer counselling on IBP during routine household visitations. Health care providers and patient interactions also need to improve, health workers need to be trained/sensitized on good customer relations to build patient trust. Further research is also recommended to assess quality of ANC services offered in health facilities in the region. Quality of health education and counselling offered by CHV’s during home visits to pregnant mothers also needs to be examined.