Postnatal Mothers Research Articles

Impact of Socio-Demographic Variables on Maternal Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices: A Cross-Sectional Investigation in The Gambia

Background: Despite substantial evidence emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding, there is room for improvement in its prevalence in The Gambia, which currently stands at approximately 80% - 90%. Globally recognized as the preferred approach to infant feeding, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until the age of two years. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers attending antenatal care at Fajikunda Health Center (FkHC) in The Gambia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at FkHC, involving a randomly selected sample of 500 maternal mothers. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using both structured and unstructured questionnaires. Results: The study findings indicated that both the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among maternal mothers were 99%. Most respondents were between the ages of 21 and 25, with 58% being married. Regarding education, 18% had primary education, 46% had secondary education, 20% had no formal education, and 16% had a diploma or university education. Additionally, 34% of the infants included in the study were less than one month old. Conclusion: The study concludes that maternal knowledge and practice of breastfeeding were high. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and occupation were found to significantly influence the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MODE OF DELIVERY AND BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Breastfeeding is widely recognised to have numerous health benefits for the infant and child health later, such as lowering the risk of gastrointestinal tract infections, respiratory tract infections, allergies, asthma, obesity, type I and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and sudden infant mortality syndrome. It also protects mothers against conditions like obesity, type 2 DM, and breast and ovarian cancers. Objective: To assess the association between mode of delivery and breastfeeding practices. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the obstetrics department of Lady Reading Hospital after approval from the hospital’s ethical committee. The study duration was three months, from 1st November 2023 to 31st January 2024. Postnatal mothers were interviewed, and information was collected on a specifically designed proforma 24 hours after the birth of the baby and then on the day of discharge from the hospital. Using openepi software, keeping anticipated frequency 18%, confidence level 95%, power of study 80%, sample size calculated is 227. Data was entered into SPSS version 20. Results: In the current study, 227 patients were enrolled. Based on age-wise distribution, 125 (55.07%) patients were 16-25 years old, 67 (29.52%) were 26-35 years old, and 35 (15.42%) patients were more than 35 years of age. Amongst 227 women, 109 (48.02%) delivered vaginally while caesarean section was done in 118 (51.98%) patients. Based on the initiation of breastfeeding, amongst 109 women who delivered vaginally, breastfeeding within one hour was initiated in 79 (72.48%) patients. In comparison, amongst 118 women with caesarean section within one hour, breastfeeding initiation was observed in 74 (62.71%) patients. The association between breastfeeding initiation and mode of delivery was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: Our study concludes that the chance of delayed breastfeeding initiation was higher in women who had caesarean delivery. Hence, Counseling regarding the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding should be a mandatory part of prenatal care provided to women by hospitals. Adequate professional support must be available in the postnatal wards, especially for women who delivered by cesarean section, and should be tailored according to the individual needs.

Lived experiences of mothers with postnatal anxiety: a qualitative phenomenology study from Pakistan

ObjectiveThe prevalence of postnatal anxiety is high among women during the first year of childbirth globally. Rates are higher in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), that is, 24%. Existing literature...

Assess the Level of Parental Stress and Coping Strategies among Mothers Attending Postnatal Areas of Gmch, Sector-32, Chandigarh: A Cross Sectional Study

A Cross-sectional study to assess the level of Parental stress and coping strategies among Mothers attending Postnatal Areas of GMCH Sector-32, Chandigarh was carried out in full compliance with ethical standards provided by the Research and Ethical committee of GMCH-32, Chandigarh. The approval was taken to conduct research from the committee of the institution. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of Parental stress among Mothers attending Postnatal Areas of GMCH Sector-32, Chandigarh, to assess the coping strategies of Mothers attending Postnatal Areas of GMCH Sector-32, Chandigarh, To find out the association of Parental stress with selected socio-demographic variables. Data was collected by using parental stress scale and self-efficacy scale from 100 study subjects from Postnatal Areas (labour room, postnatal ward and immunization).The sampling technique used was convenience sampling .The study concluded that 55% of the mothers were suffering from moderate stress, 19% were having severe stress and 26% mothers were having mild stress.16% mothers were having low level coping, 60% were having medium level coping and 24% mothers had high level of coping. Thus moderate amount of stress and medium level of coping were found to be more in Postnatal mothers. Association between parental stress and gravida of mother was found to be significant with p value =0.05 .

A study to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching regarding the harmful effect of oil application on anterior fontanels of newborn among post-natal mothers

The anterior fontanelle, sometimes known as the “soft spot,” is an important anatomical component in neonates that allows brain growth and development. Possible harm is caused by such practices, as they may result in unfavorable outcomes, such as skin irritation and a delay in fontanelle closure. The goal of this study was to see how effective pre-planned education was at informing postpartum women about the dangers of applying oil to newborns’ anterior fontanelles. The study was conducted with the goal of increasing the understanding of the adverse effects of oil application on the anterior fontanels of newborns among postnatal mothers, The study will be thoroughly described to the participants, and their written Consent will be taken for the participate in the study and publishing the information. Sampling technique will be convenient. Population and sampling techniques will be examined. Mothers will be the target group with a sample size of 60 postnatal mothers. The sample will be drawn using The Purposive sampling approach. Prior authorization will be acquired from the designated hospitals’ higher authority. The inclusion criteria will be used to select samples. Information will be gathered from the hospital’s obstetric ward. First, pretest knowledge of the adverse effects of applying oil to newborns’ anterior fontanels among postnatal mothers was assessed. Postnatal mothers will be taught about the detrimental effects of placing oil on the anterior fontanels of their newborns. The post-test assessment of knowledge regarding the adverse effects of applying oil to anterior fontanels was performed after 7 days. If the hypothesis of our study is helpful in improving mothers’ knowledge in the post-test rather than pre-test following the intended training.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Kangaroo Mother Care Among Mothers in a Tertiary Neonatal Care Unit

Aim: To study the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among eligible postnatal mothers in the postnatal ward (PNW) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary neonatal unit in Eastern India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 mothers of low-birth-weight babies in our PNW and NICU. As part of the unit protocol, all mothers of eligible babies were counseled about KMC at first contact verbally as well as by using an informative video on KMC. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire after the routine counseling of the mothers on their first visit after delivery. The analysis of the data was done using appropriate statistics. Results: More than three-fourths (83.2%) of mothers had good knowledge of KMC. A good attitude toward using KMC was found in 91.6% of the mothers. Almost all the mothers (98%) knew the correct KMC position, and 12% of mothers had a previous preterm baby and had given KMC. Many mothers felt the small size of the baby, pain after cesarean section, and central or peripheral intravenous lines in the baby were barriers to KMC. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding KMC among mothers whose babies were admitted into the PNW/NICU was good. Though the attitude toward KMC was good, mothers felt there were multiple barriers to initiating KMC.

Breastfeeding Practices among Lactating Mothers in a City of South India

Introduction: Breast feeding is the first fundamental right of the child. It provides a unique biological andemotional basis for the health and development of the children. The world health organization recommends that breastfeeding be initiated within one hour of birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding provides benefits for both mother and the baby.Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude and practices about breast-feeding and complimentary feeding practices among lactating mothers attending Outpatient department (OPD) of tertiary care centre in a city of South India.Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study done amongst post-natal mothers attending OPD in Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur between October to November 2022. Data collected was entered on Microsoft Excel spread sheet. Descriptive statistics and Chi –square test as test of significance were used. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Statistical software Epi Info software version 7.2.5 was used for the statistical analysis.Results: Data was collected from 104 post-natal mothers attending the OPD. All of them knew about importance of exclusive breast-feeding, colostrum feeding (100%). 99% of them knew breast feeding improves immunity. 95 (91%) of the participants were willing to continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. Only 16 (15.4%) mothers fed the baby on demand, others followed scheduled feeding like once in 1-2 hours, once in 2 to 3 hours.In our study 78.8% women started complimentary feeding at 6 months.Conclusion: Healthy breastfeeding practices have significant effect on mothers and infants. The breastfeeding knowledge and positive practices are optimal among mothers. Focused breastfeeding counselling and advice by the health workers with emphasis on correct technique can improve the positive breastfeeding practices.

Level of skin-to-skin care practices among postnatal mothers in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionEven though skin-to-skin contact offers several advantages for the survival of the newborn, it is not often practiced in Ethiopia. For instance, hypothermia which increases the risk of neonatal mortality by five times is prevented by this practice. Despite this, there are inconsistent findings that can affect policymaking. Consequently, this metanalysis aimed to produce trustworthy national data regarding skin-to-skin care practice and its determinants among postpartum mothers in Ethiopia. MethodsA search of the publications was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar. The program used for cleaning and analysis was STATA version 18.2. The random-effects model was utilized to estimate the pooled prevalence, which was then presented using a forest plot with a 95 % confidence interval. We evaluated heterogeneity using I2 and Cochrane Q statistics. Moreover, a visual examination of a funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to evaluate publication bias. ResultsThis study included eight studies with a total of 10410 postpartum mothers. The overall level of skin-to-skin care practices was 48 % (95%CI: 31, 65. I2=99.38 %, P = 0.001). Based on subgroup analysis by year of publication, studies published between 2017 and 2019 years showed that the level of skin-to-skin care practice among postnatal mothers was 52 % (95 % CI: 14–89, I2 = 99.19). The knowledge of mothers about skin-to-skin care was significantly associated with practicing a level of skin-to-skin care. ConclusionsThe findings showed that in Ethiopia, comparatively less than half of the newborns received skin-to-skin care. Moreover, there was a substantial correlation between the mother's knowledge and practice of skin-to-skin care. Therefore, both the government and all stakeholders should take coordinated action to improve and expand skin-to-skin care practices through health education, so that all postnatal mothers can practice this vital newborn care.

Nutritional experiences of postpartum mothers - A qualitative study.

The postpartum period is crucial for both mother and infant as additional maternal nutrition needs to support the needs of self and that of an infant in the form of adequate breastfeeding. The dietary choices of women during the postpartum period were heavily influenced by traditional cultural beliefs surrounding these periods. To explore the experiences regarding postpartum nutrition and various nutritional practices during this period. The study was a community-based cross-sectional qualitative study performed in the urban field practicing area of Government Medical College during the months of October and November 2022 on postnatal mothers who have crossed not more than one month of completion of their postpartum period (first six weeks of delivery). Two focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with the postnatal mothers and their caregivers using a pre-prepared semi-structured discussion guide comprising open-ended questions. Each interview/discussion was recorded electronically after taking verbal consent. The recorded responses were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The data were analyzed thematically and were grouped into a few broad themes. Most mothers followed strict dietary restrictions for the first 15 days of delivery. Fruits were avoided by many of the mothers. The mothers took iron-rich foods like jaggery and green leafy vegetables in excess. Protein-rich foods like meat, egg, fish, and dal were avoided by most of the mothers. The beliefs of the mothers and caregivers about various food items were that they may cause ill health to mother and baby, considered as hot and cold foods and also out of ignorance. Most of the practices were beneficial to the mother and a few of them were harmful like avoiding protein-rich foods, few vegetables, most fruits, and night meals. The harmful nutritional practices can be addressed by educating the mother and also the caregiver who prepares the puerperal diet.

IJCM_80A: A Study on Risk factors and outcome of post partum hemorrhage among postnatal mothers attending a tertiary care hospital in Guntur District

Background: Post Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. PPH is the most common form of major obstetric haemorrhage. Majority of deaths due to PPH are reported to be in developing countries and the major factors responsible were attributed to lack of access to reproductive health services, availability of skilled health personnel, timely intervention of obstetric emergencies and others such as appropriate equipment and supplies. With increase in rate of institutional deliveries and improvement in quality of services MMR can further be reduced with focus on the factors responsible for maternal deaths. Objective: The study was aimed to identify risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage among postnatal mothers and to analyze various factors and determinants that influence the outcome among mothers with PPH. Methodology: This was a descriptive observational retrospective study conducted in Department of obstetrics and Gynecology, government general hospital, Guntur. The target population included 50 postnatal mothers diagnosed as having PPH. Other causes of hemorrhage not related to delivery such as accidents and women with preexisting medical and other conditions were excluded. Data was collected from the available medical records Results: The prevalence of PPH was 0.96%. The causative factors identified were atonic uterus (80%), traumatic delivery (17.5%) and retained bits (1.7%). Induced labor (16%), prolonged labor (11.1%) and preeclampsia (3.4%) were the risk factors that lead to PPH. The mortality was 4% (2) and the cause of death in the 2 patients was due to shock. Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) was recorded at 0.96%. Uterine atony emerged as the primary contributing factor, with induced labor identified as the leading risk factor associated with an increased predisposition to PPH. Shock stood out as the predominant cause of mortality.

Impact of Mothers Awareness Gained Through Antenatal Care on Mother and New Borne Health at Pabna District in Bangladesh

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) serves as a critical component of maternal healthcare, providing pregnant women with essential medical services, information, and support to ensure a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Objective: The aims of this study was to examine the impact of rural and urban mothers awareness gained through antenatal care of which mothers admitted in the labour ward and postnatal wards of Pabna Medical College Hospital for child birth. Methodology: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted among systemic randomly selected 442 postnatal mothers. Among them 241 mothers were selected from rural and 201 mothers from urban area. Data were collected by face to face interview through structured questionnaire from January to October 2022. Results: The mean age of rural mothers was 24.82 ± 4.03 years and 24.68 ±4.5 years of urban mothers. From the rural areas, 91.3% respondents know about meaning of antenatal care. On the other hand in urban areas 97.5% respondents know about meaning of antenatal care. It was found that in case of rural areas, 83.8% respondents replied that mother’s condition after child birth was good and in case of urban areas 88.1% respondents replied that mother’s condition after child birth was good. In rural areas 89.7% respondents replied that babies condition after birth was good and in urban areas 92.6% respondents replied that babies condition after birth was good. Conclusion: The awareness gained through antenatal care plays a pivotal role in promoting maternal and neonatal health by facilitating early detection and management of complications, promoting healthy behaviors, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their newborns.

POSTNATAL MOTHERS’ EXPERIENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DURING PREGNANCY

Background: Violence against women is a social problem that has serious consequences on women’s physical, and psychosocial well-being. The violence against women ultimately also affects children, families, and society as a whole. This study aimed to identify the experience of domestic violence against women during pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 302 postnatal mothers of postpartum A, B and Gynae ward of Patan Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 using descriptive statistics. Results: Postnatal mothers experienced sexual violence by their husbands (8.9%), physical violence (12.9%), and emotional violence (43%) from their husbands and or family members. Regarding other forms of violence, mothers experienced not being given nutritious food during pregnancy (38.4%) and violence by their mother-in-law (45.4%). Likewise, few number of mothers have reported the violence (17.2%). Among them, 76.9% reported the incident of violence to the maternal side. Conclusions: The findings suggest a concerning prevalence of various forms of violence against postnatal mothers like sexual, physical, and emotional. Among those form of violence, existence of emotional violence was high and often perpetrated by husbands or family members. Moreover, the low reporting rates highlight the urgent need for enhanced support structures and interventions to empower victims and address the underlying issues contributing to this pervasive problem.

Effectiveness of Hoffman’s Exercise on Breastfeeding Among Postnatal Mothers with Flat or Inverted Nipple in Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry

Effectiveness of Hoffman’s Exercise on Breastfeeding Among Postnatal Mothers with Flat or Inverted Nipple in Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry

Exploring the implementation of an SMS-based digital health tool on maternal and infant health in informal settlements

BackgroundThe rapid urbanization of Kenya has led to an increase in the growth of informal settlements. There are challenges with access to maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services and higher maternal mortality rates in settlements. The Kuboresha Afya Mitaani (KAM) study aimed to improve access to MNCH services. We evaluate one component of the KAM study, PROMPTS (Promoting Mothers through Pregnancy and Postpartum), an innovative digital health intervention aimed at improving MNCH outcomes. PROMPTS is a two-way AI-enabled SMS-based platform that sends messages to pregnant and postnatal mothers based on pregnancy stage, and connects mothers with a clinical help desk to respond and refer urgent cases in minutes.MethodsPROMPTS was rolled out in informal settlements in Mathare and Kawangware in Nairobi County. The study adopted a pre-post intervention design, comparing baseline and endline population outcomes (1,416 participants, Baseline = 678, Endline = 738). To further explore PROMPTS's effect, outcomes were compared between endline participants enrolled and not enrolled in PROMPTS (738 participants). Outcomes related to antenatal (ANC) and postnatal (PNC) service uptake and knowledge were assessed using univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression.ResultsBetween baseline and enldine, mothers were 1.85 times more likely to report their babies and 1.88 times more likely to report themselves being checked by a provider post-delivery. There were improvements in moms and babies receiving care on time. 45% of the 738 endline participants were enrolled in the PROMPTS program, with 87% of these participants sending at least one message to the system. Enrolled mothers were 2.28 times more likely to report completing four or more ANC visits relative to unenrolled mothers. Similarly, enrolled mothers were 4.20 times more likely to report their babies and 1.52 times more likely to report themselves being checked by a provider post-delivery compared to unenrolled mothers.ConclusionsThis research demonstrates that a digital health tool can be used to improve care-seeking and knowledge levels among pregnant and postnatal women in informal settlements. Additional research is needed to refine and target solutions amongst those that were less likely to enroll in PROMPTS and to further drive improved MNCH outcomes amongst this population.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices in a tertiary hospital of Central India

Background: Breastfeeding is a behavioural act of the mother, one that is affected by demographic, socioeconomic, and faith factors as well as by cultural traditions and beliefs. However, there is little scientific literature on potential gaps between knowledge and standard practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding and its predictors among mothers in central India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to explore the knowledge, perceptions, practices, and the associated factors of exclusive breastfeeding among urban and rural mothers at a tertiary hospital of central India. Results: A total of 500 post-natal mothers at the study hospital were interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding. The study revealed that knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was 47% while breastfeeding practices for up to six months of babies was reported by only 15% of participants. Breastfeeding within one hour of birth was reported by 31% of mothers. About 62% did not feed colostrum, while 57% fed their baby pre-lacteal feed. Mothers belonging to a rural community, living in joint family, literate, employed, better-off economic status, multigravida, having a previous history of vaginal delivery, and male child, and those counselled regarding breastfeeding during ANC visits had higher knowledge and better practices of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest an urgent need for regular counselling in ANC clinics to promote exclusive breastfeeding among women and their family caregivers. Breastfeeding awareness education programs for all pregnant women are recommended to ensure that mothers learn best practices regarding breastfeeding and its benefits.

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Prone Position on Afterpains and Involution of Uterus among Primi Mothers Delivered in Shri Vinoba Bhave Civil Hospital, Silvassa

All postnatal mothers experience pain in some form or the another. Crampy pain in the abdomen known as afterpains is a determinant of the uterine involution which is a more evident clinically in the first four days of the postpartum period. And uterine involution is a natural process that involves your pregnant uterus returning to its pre- pregnancy state. The process begins after you deliver your baby and placenta and takes about six weeks to complete. AIMS: The main aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of prone position on afterpains and involution of uterus among primi postnatal mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Quasi-experimental time series non- equivalent control group design was adopted for the study. 100 primi postnatal mothers were selected by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. RESULTS: The result shows that obtained data of effectiveness of prone position on afterpains and involution of uterus are significant at the level of P< 0.05 as there is significant difference between the control group and Experimental group scores. So both the research hypothesis H1 and H2 are accepted for association of after pain with educational status and place of living and is rejected in all other variables. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the prone position was effective on afterpains and involution of uterus among primi postnatal mothers in experimental group.

Barriers and Enablers of Postnatal Care by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Workers: A Community-Based Qualitative Study From Tribal Gujarat.

Background The care provided to the mother and child from delivery to six weeks after is defined as postnatal care. The postnatal period is both a happy and critical phase for the mother and the newborn. However, the provision of high-quality care services is often ignored during this time. The objective of this study was to assess postnatal care services quality by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and associated factors such as newborn care in rural tribal areas of Gujarat, India. Methodology An ethnographic approach was adopted. Four primary health centers (PHCs) were selected purposively from Sankheda Block, Chhotaudepur, a tribal district in the eastern part of Gujarat. Information on obstacles and facilitators of postnatal care services was collected using in-depth interviews (IDIs) with a purposive sample of 22 ASHAs working in selected PHCs. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The median age of the ASHA workers was 39 years and ranged from 30 to 51 years (N = 22). Most ASHAs encountered logistical challenges when offering postnatal care services (e.g., they struggled to care for the mother and her babies because they were missing essential equipment, such as a thermometer and a salter-type baby weighing machine, or they had broken equipment). The two main issues facing ASHAs were incentives and timely payments. There were concerns about their safety and physical security during fieldwork. The majority of ASHA workers had good experiences during postnatal home visits, and they received support from other healthcare workers. There were many misconceptions and false assumptions in the community regarding breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding, family planning, and contraception methods. ASHAs wanted to become long-term government employees and believed they were entitled to sufficient training, assistance, recognition, and remuneration for the duties they performed. Conclusions Postnatal mothers receive considerably less attention than antenatal mothers because it mostly depends on ASHA workers and field staff. ASHA workers are doing their best regarding postnatal care. This study revealed some issues ASHAs face, including logistic issues, transportation issues, regular and timely payment issues, and local-level acceptance issues.

An Exploratory Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Newborn Care among Postnatal Mothers in the Selected Hospitals of Valsad District Gujarat with a View to Develop an Information Pamphlet

Our most valuable and future resources are our children. The family's nurturing practices have an impact on the future children's health. The term "Newborn care" describes the necessary attention given to a newborn by their mother or other caregiver, including nursing, regulating body temperature, breastfeeding, tending to the cord, cleaning the baby's eyes, and preventing infections and accidents.

Outcomes of Premature Rupture of Membrane Among Women Admitted in Teaching Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is defined as rupture of membranes after 28th weeks of gestation before the onset of labor is called preterm PROM when it occurs after 37 completed weeks of gestation and before onset of labor, then it is term PROM. Spontaneous rupture of the membrane any time beyond 28th weeks of pregnancy but before the onset of labor is called Premature Rupture of Membrane (PROM). The management of maternal and fetal outcome in PROM is very important to decrease maternal as well as neonatal mortality and for better management and prevention of complications which has essential significance for the further fate pregnancy. Thus, the study aims to find out the factors and outcomes of PROM among the women who will be admitted in maternity ward at Chitwan Medical College. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital of Chitwan, Nepal during the study period of six months from 13th Feb 2023 to 14th August 2023 after getting ethical approval from Chitwan Medical College- institutional Review Committee (Reference number-CMC-IRC/079/080). Women were selected via convenience sampling technique. Face to face interview was conducted to gather socio-demographic and obstetric data by structured interview schedule whereas, data related to the feto maternal outcomes were obtained from patient charts and delivery record books. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for data analysis. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Result: The prevalence of premature rupture of membrane was found to be 15.3% out of 503 delivered mothers during six-month period. More than half (67.5%) of postnatal mother were between age of 35-45 years. More than half (57.1%) of mother were at 33-35weeks of gestation. Only 3.9 % of mother has Postpartum hemorrhage as maternal outcome. Only 2.6% of fetus have meconium aspiration syndrome as fetus outcome. Conclusion: The burden of premature rupture of membrane was found quite higher as compared to other similar studies done in Nepal. Hence, awareness, early screening, and treatment are necessary for the hospital attended pregnant women to minimize the risk of premature rupture of membrane. Keywords: Outcomes, premature and Rupture of membrane

Maternal delay for institutional delivery and associated factors among postnatal mothers at Southeastern Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

Maternal delay in timely seeking health care, inadequate health care and the inability to access health facilities are the main causes of maternal mortality in low and middle income countries. The three-delay approach was used to pinpoint responsible factors for maternal death. There was little data on the delay in decision making to seek institutional delivery service in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the extent of the first maternal delay for institutional delivery and its associated factors among postpartum mothers in the Bale and east Bale zones. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 postpartum mothers from April 6 to May 6, 2022. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data were collected electronically using an Open Data Kit and exported to SPSS window version 25 for cleaning and analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable analysis was done by using binary logistic regression model to identify factors associated with maternal delay for institutional delivery services. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. In this study, the magnitude of the first maternal delay in making the decision to seek institutional delivery service was 29.2% (95% CI: 24.9, 33.9). Previous pregnancy problems (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.08), knowing the danger signs of labor and childbirth (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.85) and decision-making (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.85) were significantly associated with the first maternal delay. This study identified a significant number of postnatal mothers experienced delay in making decisions to seek institutional delivery service in the study area. Promoting women's empowerment and building on key danger signs should be emphasized.