Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic Research Articles

Prevalence, Associated Factors, Barriers and Facilitators for Oral HIV Self-Testing among Partners of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Wakiso, Uganda.

Oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men is relatively low and still inadequate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Delivering HIVST kits by pregnant women attending antenatal care to their partners is a promising strategy for increasing HIV testing among men. However, even amidst the interventions, most men do not know their HIV status. This study, aimed to determine the proportion of partners who received and used oral HIVST kits delivered by pregnant women, associated factors, barriers, and facilitators for uptake among partners. We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study among 380 sampled partners. Lists of partners in the HIVST log books whose women picked an HIVST kit were obtained and systematic random sampling was done to obtain participants. 14 male partners were purposively selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs) to identify barriers and facilitators. We used modified poison regression to determine the association between oral HIVST and independent variables. We used an inductive analysis for the qualitative analysis. Out of 380 participants, 260(68.4%) received an oral HIVST kit from their pregnant women, and 215(82.7%) used the kit for HIVST. Oral HIVST was associated with; Information Education and Communication (CPR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.48-1.82), being reached at home (CPR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.08), and being aware of the woman's HIV status (CPR = 1.04, 95%CI 0.99-1.09). In-depth results identified barriers to uptake as, lack of trust in the HIVST kit results, fear of test outcome in the presence of the partner and inclination that the HIV status of their women is the same as theirs, and facilitators included convenience, ease to use, prior awareness of their HIV status, and fear of relationship consequences and breakup. Delivery of oral HIVST kits to men through pregnant women reached a high number of men and achieved a high uptake. Accessing information, education, communication and convenience nature were the major reasons for uptake among men who received the Oral HIVST kit as trust issues of the kit affected use among partners. Scaling up the delivery of oral HIVST kits at all departments of the hospital through women seeking health services is paramount to support HIV screening among men to reach the UNAIDS 95 strategy.

Survey of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in two Selected Health Centers in Lugbe, AMAC, FCT, Abuja

Background: Hepatitis B Virus is a small, double-stranded DNA, and perinatal transmission from mother to infant at birth is highly efficient as many as 90% of infants. This was aimed at investigating the Knowledge and Status of Hepatitis B among pregnant women attending antenatal care in two selected health centres in Lugbe, Abuja.
 Method: A total of 220 pregnant women ranging from 15- 45+ years were randomly selected and assessed on demographic characteristics, HBV, knowledge and prevention of HBV infection using a well-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0.
 Result: The result revealed that more than half (70.0%) of the respondents have not suffered the infection, while 26.8% have. More than three-quarters (85.0%) of the participants had only a single sexual partner, and 1.4% had more than three sexual partners. The majority (58.6%) identified HBV as the cause of hepatitis. Nevertheless, the majority were not knowledgeable about the risk factors of hepatitis, as more than half of them, believed that avoiding multiple sexual partners, sharing sharp objects, blood transfusion and vaccination do not prevent the contraction of the infection. There is a significant relationship between the participant's marital status, educational level and hepatitis status(p=0.044).
 Conclusion: The status of Hepatitis B virus infection was higher (26.8%) than what has been reported, and can be attributed to a low level of knowledge among the respondents on the causes of the infection. An aggressive campaign to increase knowledge and create more awareness among the respondents in the area should be mounted.

Antenatal Care Utilization Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Kakanju Health Centre III Bushenyi District

The study aimed to determine the factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) among pregnant women aged 18-40 attending ANC clinics at Kakanju Health Centre III in Bushenyi District. The research used a descriptive cross-sectional study design, with a sample size of 384 respondents. The results showed that 86.2% of participants had adequate knowledge about ANC utilization, while 13.8% had inadequate knowledge. Women aged 15-20 years, house wives, maids, and shop attendants were also more likely to have inadequate knowledge. Women without education were six times more likely to have inadequate knowledge about ANC utilization. Women in their first pregnancy were three times more likely to have inadequate knowledge. Women with a history of previous stillbirth were three times more likely to have inadequate knowledge. Women with a history of previous cesarean section were two times more likely to have adequate knowledge about ANC utilization. Age, occupation, marital status, and education level were found to be statistically significantly associated with knowledge regarding ANC utilization. Keywords: ANC utilization, Pregnant women, Cesarean section, Stillbirth, ANC services.

Prevalence of High-Risk Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Camps in Primary Health Centres in Kinaye and Vantamuri and Their Sub-Centres.

IntroductionIdentifying pregnancy-related complications and high-risk pregnancies early on and effectively managing care for these pregnant women through a holistic approach guided by the main objectives of antenatal care (ANC) and efficient, good-quality health care through ANC services can reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications, being favourable for both mother and child. This study was intended to identify the percentage of pregnant women in high-risk groups attending ANC clinics.ObjectiveThis study’s aim was to understand the prevalence of high-risk pregnancies in women attending ANC camps in Kinaye and Vantamuri villages in Belagavi, India.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a primary healthcare (PHC) setting that included all pregnant women attending antenatal camps and residing in the same areas. With a total study sample size of 200, consisting of pregnant women attending ANC camps in Kinaye and Vantamuri PHC, the data were collected using a pre-tested, pre-designed questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent from the participating pregnant women.ResultsThe data were analysed using a chi-square test to uncover the relationship between socio-demographics, obstetric history, medical variables, and high-risk pregnancy. The results demonstrated that 48.5% of women attending ANC clinics were in the high-risk pregnancy group.ConclusionPregnancy outcomes are greatly affected by a woman’s socio-demographic, obstetric, and medical variables. The WHO recommends a minimum of four ANC visits to safely identify and mitigate the risks and complications of high-risk pregnancy to ensure positive outcomes for both mothers and children.

Occurrence of Erythrocyte Alloimmunization in Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic

Background and Objectives: There is limited literature available on the alloimmunization rates among pregnant women in India. Our primary aim was to estimate the occurrence of irregular erythrocyte alloantibody (IEA) immunization amongst women attending our antenatal care (ANC) clinic and to guide our obstetricians for improved ANC as well as their fetal outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at the blood center in North India over 12 months. We recruited a total of 212 study participants. Antibody screening and identification were performed by using semi-automated column agglutination technology and commercially available 3-red cell antibody screen panel with reagent cards having anti-human globulin (AHG) (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Inc., USA) and 11-red cell antibody identification panel with reagent cards having AHG (Resolve Panel A; Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Inc., USA) respectively. Once identified, the semi-quantitative doubling dilutions, i.e., serial titrations of the respective IEA were performed by the conventional tube technique to assess their potency. The association of various antibodies identified was analyzed using the Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: Of the 7248 pregnant women attending our ANC clinics, the antibody screening was requested for 212 cases. Out of these, 10.8% (n = 23/212) of women were positive and were sensitized both by active and passive immunization. Their average age (in years) was 27.6 ± 3.52 (20 to 34). The majority belonged to the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. ABO system-wise, the most common type amongst the included subjects was A as recorded in 34.4%, followed by B (30.18%), O (24.12%) and AB (11.3%), respectively. Rh system-wise, nearly 47% (n=100/212) of subjects had Rh (D) negative blood group. Interestingly, amongst these 23 ANC cases with positive IAT, nearly 13% had a history of having received a blood transfusion. Conclusion: To sum up, the screening of majority of ANC in our hospital is restricted to Rh (D) negative pregnancies. Perhaps, more awareness among obstetricians regarding the universal screening of all ANC cases irrespective of their Rh (D) status is the need of the hour.

Provision of inadequate information on postnatal care and services during antenatal visits in Busega, Northwest Tanzania: a simulated client study

BackgroundMost (94%) of global maternal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries due to preventable causes. Maternal health care remains a key pillar in improving survival. Antenatal care (ANC) guidelines recommend that pregnant women should be provided with information about postnatal care in the third trimester. However, the utilization of postnatal care services is limited in developing countries including Tanzania. The aim of this study was to investigate the practice of health care workers in providing information on postnatal care to pregnant women during antenatal care visits.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among health care workers from 27 health facilities that offer reproductive and child health services in Busega district Northwest Tanzania. A simulated client approach was utilized to observe quality of practice among health care workers with minimal reporting bias (i.e., the approach allows observing participants at their routine practices without pretending). Selected pregnant women who were trained to be simulated clients from the community within facility catchment area attended antenatal care sessions and observed 81 of 103 health care workers. Data analyses were carried out using STATA 13.ResultsOnly 38.73% (95% CI; 28.18–49.49%) of health care workers were observed discussing subtopics related to postnatal care during the ANC visit. Few health care workers (19.35%), covered all eight subtopics recommended in the ANC guidelines. Postnatal danger signs (33.33%) and exclusive breast feeding (33.33%) were mostly discussed subtopics by health care workers. Being a doctor/nurse/clinical officer is associated by provision of postnatal education compared to medical attendant, aOR = 3.65 (95% CI; 1.21–12.14).ConclusionThe provision of postnatal education during ANC visits by health care workers in this district was limited. This situation could contribute to the low utilization of postnatal care services. Health care workers need to be reminded on the importance of delivering postnatal education to pregnant women attending ANC clinic visits. On job training can be used to empower health care workers of different cadres to deliver postnatal health education during ANC visits. These efforts could increase women’s utilization of postnatal care and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.

Facilitators and barriers to routine intimate partner violence screening in antenatal care settings in Uganda

BackgroundUganda clinical guidelines recommend routine screening of pregnant women for intimate partner violence (IPV) during antenatal care (ANC). Healthcare providers play a critical role in identifying IPV during pregnancy in ANC clinics. This study explored facilitators and barriers for IPV screening during pregnancy (perinatal IPV screening) by ANC-based healthcare workers in Uganda.MethodsWe conducted qualitative in-depth interviews among twenty-eight purposively selected healthcare providers in one rural and an urban-based ANC health center in Eastern and Central Uganda respectively. Barriers and facilitators to IPV screening during ANC were identified iteratively using inductive-deductive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants had provided ANC services for a median (IQR) duration of 4.0 (0.1–19) years. Out of 28 healthcare providers, 11 routinely screened women attending ANC clinics for IPV and 10 had received IPV-related training. Barriers to routine IPV screening included limited staffing and space resources, lack of comprehensive gender-based violence (GBV) training and provider unawareness of the extent of IPV during pregnancy. Facilitators were availability of GBV protocols and providers who were aware of IPV (or GBV) tools tended to use them to routinely screen for IPV. Healthcare workers reported the need to establish patient trust and a safe ANC clinic environment for disclosure to occur. ANC clinicians suggested creation of opportunities for triage-level screening and modification of patients’ ANC cards used to document women’s medical history. Some providers expressed concerns of safety or retaliatory abuse if perpetrating partners were to see reported abuse.ConclusionsOur findings can inform efforts to strengthen GBV interventions focused on increasing routine perinatal IPV screening by ANC-based clinicians. Implementation of initiatives to increase routine perinatal IPV screening should focus on task sharing, increasing comprehensive IPV training opportunities, including raising awareness of IPV severity, trauma-informed care and building trusting patient-physician relationships.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Utilization among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Tongaren Sub-County, Kenya: a Cross-sectional Survey

Background: In Kenya, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been used in almost every culture to manage intolerable symptoms of pregnancy since ancient times. However, studies in Kenya have focused on herbal medicine which is just one of CAM practices. In rural settings (such Tongaren Sub-County), no studies have ever evaluated the prevalence and determinants of CAM use during pregnancy including the common CAM modalities used, and so there is need to bridge these knowledge gaps. Purpose: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of CAM utilization and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Tongaren Sub-County, Bungoma County. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed in collecting data from 340 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Tongaren, Kenya. Quantitative data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Chi-square test was used to establish the associations between socio-demographic variables and CAM usage, and multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relative effects of the various aspects of the variables which were significantly associated with CAM usage. Results: Among the 340 participants, 50.7% indicated using CAM modalities during pregnancy, indicating that CAM use prevalence in Tongaren is about 50%. 55.80% of CAM users concomitantly use CAM and conventional medicine. The high CAM use prevalence among participants was motivated by the preference of CAM over conventional medicine for certain illnesses (31.4%) and the perceived lack of response to conventional medicine (20.1%). It was noted that marital status, educational attainment of the spouse, employment status, occupation type, and household monthly income level are the major determinants of CAM usage. From the logistic regression analysis, the variables positively associated with CAM use among pregnant women were married status (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.341, p = 0.008), having a spouse with informal education (OR = 5.371, p < 0.001), self-employed status (OR = 0.415, p = 0.028), farming occupation (OR = 2.777, p = 0.206), and household monthly income higher than 35,000 Kshs (OR = 0.093, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Due to the widespread trust in the safety and efficacy of CAM, the utilization of CAM during pregnancy is common among women in Tongaren Sub-County, which is a rural setting, and therefore CAM can be regarded as the backbone of rural health care in Kenya.

Awareness and Practice of COVID -19 Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in a Tertiary Health Centre in North-Western Nigeria

Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in death of millions of people across the world. The impact of the disease on human health and the economic hardship on the affected countries have been severe. The public must routinely practice precautionary measures to control the spread of the disease, as no antiviral treatments are currently available. However, the level of awareness and practice of these preventive measures against Covid-19 infection among pregnant women, which constitute vulnerable groups have not been evaluated in our environment. The aim of the study was to determine the awareness and knowledge of pregnant women on Covid-19, its preventive measures and the practice of those preventive measures. It was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on sociodemographic characteristics and also their knowledge and practice of Covid-19 preventive measures. All the respondents were aware of Covid-19 infection and the source of information was from Television. All the respondents were aware of the various preventive measures of Covid-19 and the knowledge was good among 98.7% of the respondents. However, only 19.1% had good practice of the preventive measures. Educational status of the respondents was found to have significant association with knowledge of preventive measures (χ2= 9.5, p = 0.014).

Self-Medication During First Trimester among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at a District Hospital in Mwanza, North-western Tanzania

Self-Medication During First Trimester among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at a District Hospital in Mwanza, North-western Tanzania

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Corona Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics at Kafrelsheikh, Egypt

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Corona Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics at Kafrelsheikh, Egypt

Factors Influencing the Booking Gestational Age Among Antenatal Clinic Attendees at Primary Health Centers in South West, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Antenatal care (ANC) is a recognized factor for favorable pregnancy outcomes. Despite the benefits associated with early initiation of antenatal care, late booking still predominates in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the factors, including family dynamics, associated with the booking gestational age among women attending ANC clinics in a Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 pregnant women attending ANC at the Primary Health Centres in Osun State, who were selected by stratified random sampling technique. Data were obtained with aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. The mean age of respondents was 27.3 ± 5.1 years. Their mean booking gestational age was 23.0 ± 6.6 weeks, while the majority (85.3%) booked late for ANC. Most (122, 54.2%) of the respondents booked in the second trimester. The opinion of the husband influenced most women (54.2%) in the decision regarding the time of ANC booking. There was no association between the booking gestational age and each of respondents' age, education, parity, perceived family support, level of family functioning, and other sociodemographic characteristics. The booking GA was however significantly related to the previous booking GA at the last pregnancy (p = .004). Late initiation of antenatal care was high among pregnant women attending PHCs in the study area and it was not associated with measures of family dynamics. The predominant influence of husbands' opinion on time of booking suggests the need for strategic outreach to males through relevant reproductive health educational campaigns.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Thrombocytopenia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

BackgroundThrombocytopenia is a common hematological abnormality during gestation. Pregnant women with severe thrombocytopenia may be associated with a higher risk of excessive bleeding during or after delivery. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women attending antenatal care services at Dessie comprehensive and specialized hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2021. Using a systematic random sampling technique, a total of 294 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data of study participants. Four ml of venous blood were collected from each pregnant woman and a complete blood count was determined using DIRUI BF 6500 automated hematology analyzer. Data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.0 and then exported into SPSS version 24.0. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsA total of 294 pregnant women who visited antenatal care services at Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital were included. The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 29.7 (±6.1) years. The prevalence of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women was 9.9% (95% CI: 6.5, 13.6). A mild type of thrombocytopenia is the major type and accounted for 72.4% whereas moderate thrombocytopenia and severe thrombocytopenia accounted for 17.2% and 10.4% respectively among pregnant women. Multivariate logistic regression showed that urban residents (AOR: 0.206,95% CI, 0.055-0.748), gestational ages within the first trimester (AOR: 0.183, 95% CI, 0.057-0.593) and gestational ages within the second trimester (AOR = 0.264, 95% CI, 0.092-0.752) were significantly associated and independent predictors of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 9.9% and the mild type of thrombocytopenia (72.4%) was higher than the other type of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, residence and gestational age (trimester) were significantly associated with thrombocytopenia. Therefore, the platelet count should be routinely determined during the antenatal care visit for proper diagnosis and to minimize bleeding during and or after childbirth.

ANC profile of women attending a community health centre in rural Himachal Pradesh

Background: Maternal and child mortality is the outcome of multiple factors. Improving the maternal and child health is an important public health goal of government of India. To prevent unwanted outcome of pregnancy, antenatal care (ANC) is most important method for early detection and prompt treatment of complications. Methods: A study was conducted among pregnant women attending ANC clinic at a community health centre between Nov 2019 to June 2020. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was collected from 102 pregnant women attained ANC clinic during study period. The data was compiled and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results: In present study majority (46%) of pregnant ladies belong to 20-25 years of age group and 26% had consanguinous marriage. In our study gravida 3, gravida 4 and gravid 5 were 29%, 12% and 5% respectively. 52 % of pregnant ladies had 3 ANC visit, almost 62% of pregnant ladies had done haemoglobin examination and 57% blood grouping testing. Pregnancy outcome were live birth in 82.66 % and abortion in 16.69%. 41% were previous LSCS and 9% were home delivery. Conclusions: High quality antenatal care as well as knowledge and practice of community regarding maternal care during pregnancy are important to unwanted outcome of pregnancy.

Implementing a Tobacco Cessation Program for Pregnant Women in an Antenatal Care Setting: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Tobacco use during pregnancy has deleterious effects on the woman and child. Many pregnant women make quit attempts but few are successful. Antenatal Care (ANC) services create an opportunity to identify tobacco users and provide cessation services. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of implementing LifeFirst tobacco cessation services for pregnant women attending ANC clinic. Methods: We used mixed methods study design. All pregnant women attending ANC services during one year were screened verbally for tobacco use. Current tobacco users (last 30 days) registered voluntarily for LifeFirst and a detailed first session was conducted. Telephonic follow-up sessions were conducted over six months. An in-depth interview was conducted with the counselor to identify the influencing factors. Results: Of the 1431 pregnant women screened, 41 were current tobacco users (40 used smokeless) and all enrolled for the service. 56% of them were highly dependent (Fagerstrom score) and 35(85%) had never made a quit attempt. At the end of the intervention, 48% were lost to follow-up mostly due to change in contact phone numbers. All the remaining women self-reported that they had stopped using tobacco. ANC clinic setting and a female counsellor were considered as facilitators. Loss to follow-up, non-implementation of guidelines to screen and offer brief advice and the resultant late tobacco use screening acted as barriers. Social myths added to these complications. Conclusion: Integration of tobacco cessation with ANC services is feasible. Creating awareness about ill-effects of tobacco during pregnancy and providing cessation support is required. Integration through trainings will provide additional benefit.

Prevalence of Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic In Jinka General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia from 2015-2017.A Retrospective Study

Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health issue. Syphilis and HIV are the leading STIs highly prevalent in sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia, which can have a critical impact on reproductive, maternal, and newborn health such as stillbirth. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the seroprevalence of syphilis and HIV among pregnant women who attended antenatal care clinics in Jinka General Hospital, South Omo, Ethiopia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in Jinka General Hospital from 2015 to 2017. Data were obtained from individual charts and laboratory logbooks using a structured checklist. Statistical package for social sciences version 21 was used to analyze the data. Finally, the results were presented in text, tables, and graphs. A total of 1712 pregnant women attended antenatal care clinics between 2015 and 2017. The seroprevalence of syphilis and HIV were found to be 18 (1.05%) and 70(4.0%) respectively. Most of the syphilis seropositive cases were observed among married pregnantwomen 13(72.22%) in the age group of 20-30 14(77.78%). Syphilis and HIV co-infection was found in 14 (0.82%) subjects. The trend of syphilis infection peaked from 0.41% in 2015 to 1.48% in 2016 but declined to 1.16% in 2017. A downward trend has been observed in the case of HIV infection, wherethe prevalence rate fell steeply from 5.9% in 2015 to 1.46% in 2017. The seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis among pregnant women showed slightly high, which needs due attention with special consideration for active childbearing age women.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Southwest Ethiopia: Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccination is a safe and effective approach to control the pandemic and to prevent its associated morbidity and mortality. To our knowledge, there is no study conducted to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was employed from January 1 up to 30, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 396 study participants. A structured and face-to-face interview was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. P values <0.05 result were considered as a statistically significant association.ResultsThe COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was found to be 70.7% (95% CI, 66.7%–74.7%). Maternal age (34–41) years [AOR=1.464, (95% CI; 1.218–5.129)], primary maternal educational status [AOR=3.476, (95% CI; 1.520–7.947), good knowledge [AOR=5.946, (95% CI; 3.147–7.065)], and good practice [AOR =9.15, (95% CI; 8.734–12.189)] of pregnant women towards COVID-19 and its preventive measures were factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccine acceptance was found to be 70.9%. Maternal age (34–41) years, primary maternal educational status, good knowledge, and good practice of pregnant women towards COVID-19 and its preventive measures were factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Health care workers should provide health education to pregnant women to increase their knowledge about the diseases and disseminate leaflets regarding COVID-19 preventive measures. Moreover, before initiation of COVID-19 vaccine administration to pregnant women they must promote the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine.

Prevalence and Adverse Effects of Maternal Obesity among Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics at a Metropolitan Hospital in Southern Ghana

Background: Maternal obesity and its associated health complications increase; however, area-specific data is lacking in Ghana. We attempted to assess the prevalence and adverse effects of maternal obesity in Ghana. Methods: Study population were women booking to, and gave birth to infants in Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Ghana, during February 2018 to January 2019 (n = 510). Body mass index (BMI) during the first trimester was identified and analyzed in relation with outcomes/complications. Results: Incidence of maternal obesity (overweight/obese, BMI ≥ 25) was 37.3%. Of them, 34.4% had maternal complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, foetal distress, and cephalo-pelvic disproportion (in this order). The caesarian rate was 20.5%. Among the non obese women only 20% had maternal complications and the caesarian section rate was 16.2%. Obesity was positively correlated with maternal age and parity but was not with low socio-economic status. Obese women were more likely to have obstetric complications. Conclusions: Obese women were more likely to suffer obstetric complications and to have cesarean. Although present data was a confirmation of the existing data in other parts of the world, we believe that these data may be useful in making area-specific health policy.

Determinants of Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Public Health Facilities in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundAnemia is accountable for 20% of maternal death globally, and it is associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and infant death. According to the WHO report of 2008, 57.1% of pregnant women were anemic in Africa. In Ethiopia, anemia among pregnant women is 62.7%. There were no data in the study area that identified the determinants of anemia.ObjectiveTo identify the determinants of anemia among pregnant mothers attending ANC clinic in public health facilities in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in public health facilities in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia, from February 1/2019–May 30/2019. An aggregate of 117 cases and 227 controls were involved in the study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Controls were pregnant ladies whose blood hemoglobin level was 11 g/dl and above at their first antenatal care clinic, and cases were pregnant ladies whose hemoglobin level less than 11 g/dl. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to isolate independent predictors of anemia.ResultsAn overall of 344 respondents (117 cases and 227controls) were included in this study with a response rate of 100%. On multivariable logistic regression models, significant predictors of anemia were: rural residence [AOR= 2.9,95% CI:1.18–5.84], previous history of heavy menstrual blood flow [AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 2.66–28.53], age of mother [AOR=4.013, 95% CI: 1.08–14.90], parasitic infection [AOR=6.39, 95% CI: 1.226–33.362], food taboo (aversion) [AOR= 3.92, CI: 95% 2.08–7.35], drinking tea/coffee instantly after meal [AOR=18.49, 95% CI:6.89–40.64].ConclusionResidence, previous heavy menstrual flow, age, parasitic infection, food taboo, and tea/coffee consumption immediately after meals were significant predictors of anemia among pregnant women. So, anemia prevention and control policy should include the promotion of counseling on the consumption of diversified and iron-enriched foods during pregnancy, prevention of parasitic infection as well as mass deworming, awareness creation on cultural norms that makes food aversion during pregnancy.

Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Jigjiga Public Health Institution, Somali, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Pregnancy is a normal process that results in a series physiological and psychosocial changes that can be accompanied by some danger signs and complications which are potentially life threatening to the mother and/or foetus. Although, childbirth is positive expectation for most of the women, it can be problematic for others. Knowledge of obstetric danger sign is essential first step in accepting and for motivating women to seek health care service with appropriate and timely referral to comprehensive obstetric and new-born care. <i>Objective</i>: This study was aimed to assess knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women attending ANC clinic in Jigjiga public health institution, Somali, Ethiopia, 2019. <i>Method</i>: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Jigjiga Public Health institution from April 15 to 31, 2019. A Systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 399 study participants using single population proportion. Data was collected using a pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire. Data was coded, entered and cleaned in Epi-Data version 6.04 and then exported into SPSS statistical software version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to determine sociodemographic, obstetric characteristic, health & health related variables and knowledge of obstetric danger sign while bivariate & multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge of obstetric danger signs. <i>Result</i>: Out of 399 Respondents, 164 (41.1%) were knowledgeable regarding all type of obstetric danger sign during Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum; The most frequently key obstetric danger signs identified by participants were sever vaginal bleeding during the pregnancy 64.2%, childbirth 57.4% and postpartum 50.4%; Formal education [AOR: 2.297, 95% CI (1.274, 4.143)]; Antenatal care service visit [AOR: 4.226; 95%CI (2.256, 7.918)]; PNC utilization visit [AOR=5.256, 95% CI (2.879, 9.595)]; history of obstetric complication [AOR: 4.273; 95% CI (2.042, 8.944)] and other related factors like Maternal Occupation, home visit, Mass media access and husbands a companion during health facility visit were statistically significance associated with being knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. <i>Conclusion and Recommendation</i>: A significant proportion of pregnant women were not knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs at all categories which may result lack of delay in seeking health care service. Increasing level of awareness, health education, home to home visit and support women’s health seeking behaviour and encouraging husband to support women’s during health care visit may help women to recognize obstetric danger sign and seek health care services.