Women Attending Antenatal Care Research Articles

Assessment of Attitude, Knowledge and Prevention of Anemia in Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Udi LGA in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices towards anemia among women attending ANC in Udi LGA, Enugu State. Anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency disorders affecting pregnant women in developing countries, including Nigeria. Anemia during pregnancy is commonly associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and can result in complications that threaten the life of both the mother and fetus. Specific objectives of this study are; to determine the knowledge level of women attending ANC in selected clinics in Udi LGA on anemia, to determine the attitude towards anemia among women attending ANC clinic and to evaluate the knowledge level on preventive measures against anemia among women attending ANC in Udi LGA. A questionnaire-based study was implored to obtain direct information from the respondents and a total of three hundred and eighty-seven (387) respondents were captured. The mean age of the respondents is 32 years. Those between the ages of 26-30 and 31-35 are the highest in number with the frequency of 100 (25.83). Majority of the respondents 159 (46.08) had tertiary education. The results showed that most of the respondents (74.0%) had a good knowledge of anemia in pregnancy. About, 19.2% had an average level of knowledge while 6.8% had a poor knowledge of anemia in pregnancy. It also showed that (59.5%) had a right or excellent attitude towards anemia in pregnancy. About, 27.7% had an average or fair attitude. More so, (75.7%) had an excellent preventive measure towards anemia during pregnancy. Therefore, this study shows that the majority of the respondents have good knowledge, the right attitude and preventive measures towards anemia during pregnancy. Thus more effort is encouraged in sensitization of the public.

Prevalence of HIV Infection in Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care at Lugbe Clinic, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory: A 3-Year Retrospective Study

This is a 3-year (2019 -2021) retrospective study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in pregnant women attending Lugbe clinic for ante natal care. Of the 4, 023 pregnant women that attended the clinic for Anti Natal Care (ANC) during this period, 3818 that have complete information in their files were enlisted for the study. Overall prevalence of HIV in the pregnant women was 2.7% (102/3818). Yearly prevalence of 1.6% (21/1329), 3.0% (36/1196) and 3.5% (45/1293) in 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively were obtained. There was no statistical significance (p>0.05) in the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in the period under study. The highest prevalence rate of 38.2% was observed in the age category of 29–33 years. Monthly trend analysis of the prevalence showed infection was highest in July, 2020. Pregnant women with secondary school level of education had the highest prevalence, 4.4% (20/454). This study revealed that divorcees had the highest prevalence of 3.5% (43/1243). There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the infection rate of 2.7% (57/2109) with primigravids compared to multigravida 2.6% (45/1709). This result further showed that pregnant women in polygamous marriages had higher prevalence of HIV infection, 3.5% (56/1596) compared to monogamous ones, 2.1% (46/2222). Differences in employment status of the subjects under study revealed that unemployed pregnant women had higher prevalence of HIV, 3.3% (60/1979) than those employed, 2.1% (42/1979). The increased prevalence of HIV in pregnant women in this study is an indication of declining impact of campaign against the scourge of HIV especially in FCT. There is therefore need for a change in the strategy to minimize or stop the spread of this disease.

The prevalence of under nutrition and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care service in public hospitals of western Ethiopia.

Pregnancy is a time when the body is under a lot of stress, which increases your dietary needs. Under nutrition is a worldwide health issue, especially among pregnant women. Malnutrition during pregnancy can result in miscarriages, fetal deaths during pregnancy, pre-term delivery, and maternal mortality for both the mother and her fetus. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the prevalence of under nutrition and associated factors among pregnant woman attending antenatal care services at public hospitals in west Ethiopia. To assess the prevalence of under nutrition and associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care service in Public Hospitals of western Ethiopia. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2020 among 780 pregnant mothers. The study participants were selected by systematic random sampling methods from antenatal care clinics of the hospitals. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and Mid-upper arm circumference, height and weight were measured to determine the magnitude of under nutrition among the study participants. The data were entered to Epi Info version 7.2.3, and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors considering adjusted odd ratio (AOR) at p-value ≤ 0.05 to measure the strength of association between dependent and independent variables. The prevalence of under nutrition among pregnant women was found to be 39.2% (95%CI: 35.7%, 42.6%). Rural residence [(AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: (1.24, 3.14)], substance use [(AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: (1.63, 6.81)], low dietary diversity of women [(AOR = 7.56, 95% CI: (4.96, 11.51)], mildly food insecure household [(AOR = 4.36, 95% CI: (2.36, 8.79)], moderately food insecure household [(AOR = 3.71, 95%CI: (1.54, 8.79), and severely food insecure household [(AOR = 6.96, 95% CI: (3.15, 15.42)] were factors significantly associated with under nutrition. The study showed that the prevalence of under nutrition is very high among pregnant women. Factors associated with under nutrition of pregnant women were rural residency, household food insecurity, dietary diversity and substance use. All concerned bodies should made efforts to reduce the risk of under nutrition by reducing substance use and improving household food security there by to increase women's dietary diversity.

Sero-Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)

Toxoplasmosis caused by <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is an asymptomatic disease, but often takes a severe and life-threatening course during pregnancy, in foetuses, new bon babies and immune-compromised people.

Knowledge and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Disease Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Arua, Uganda

Background Hepatitis B is a highly infectious disease with a prevalence of 4.3% among people aged 15-64 years, with a prevalence of 5.6% in men compared to 3.1% in women in Uganda. Mother-to-child transmission accounts for nearly 50% of new cases per year, and infants who acquire hepatitis B disease before 5 years have a 90% chance of progressing to chronic hepatitis B infection. Objective The study assessed the knowledge and risk factors of hepatitis B disease among women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Arua Regional Referral Hospital (ARRH), Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at ANC at ARRH. Convenience sampling was used, and a sample size of 384 was calculated. Each participant was evaluated using a structured questionnaire and screened for HBsAg using commercial rapid test kits. Assessment of knowledge was performed using a hepatitis B basic knowledge summary score. Data analysis was carried out using MICROSOFT EXCEL-2013 and STATA version 14 packages. Results Poor knowledge levels of hepatitis B disease stood at 17.9%, while 82.1% of the pregnant women had adequate knowledge. A prevalence of 2.05% was obtained from the participants in the study. None of the assessed risk factors was significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusions The study participants were knowledgeable to a great extent about hepatitis B disease, with 82.1% exhibiting good knowledge of hepatitis B disease. There are gaps in knowledge, especially among the low educated groups, which need to be addressed to improve knowledge levels of hepatitis B disease among these categories in the community. The results show a relatively healthy population given the low prevalence of 2.05% seen in the participants of the study. The absence of a risk factor associated with hepatitis B disease in this study does not imply that there are no risk factors in the community around ARRH. Further studies are recommended to assess more risk factors for hepatitis B disease in the community

Effects of HIV Infection on Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Referral Hospitals of the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has remained to be a significant public health problem worldwide mainly affecting women. Despite a 2 to 3 times higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, around 2 million HIV positive women give birth each year globally. However, there is a dearth of evidences in Ethiopia about the effect of maternal HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes where adverse birth outcomes are still a significant health problem. This study is, therefore, aimed to examine the effect of HIV on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted among 704 pregnant women (352 women with HIV and 352 women without HIV infection). Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data on socio-demographic, obstetric, clinical, as well as behavioral and psychosocial characteristics were collected using a validated tool. Data on the outcome variables were also collected following delivery. Modified Poisson regression was employed to estimate the relative risk (RR) of HIV on low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and still birth at 95% confidence level. Attributable fraction (AF) was used to report the impact of HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes.ResultsOf the total 704 pregnant women enrolled for the study, 96.3% (678) completed the study. The mean age of the study participants was 30.8 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV positive and 27 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV negative women. The cumulative incidence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth were 21.4%, 9.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of LBW was 24.7% among HIV positive and 17.8% among HIV negative women. The incidence of preterm birth was 10.7% among HIV positive and 7.9% among HIV negative women. And the incidence of stillbirth was 3.7% and 4.6% among HIV positive and those HIV negative women. New-borns from women with HIV infection had a higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth than those HIV negative women (Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR) = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06–2.03) and (ARR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.08–2.79), respectively. The attributable risk of HIV on low birth weight was 32% (Attributable Fraction (AF) = 32%, 95% CI: 23–46%), and 43% (AF = 43%, 95% CI: 23–46%) for preterm birth.ConclusionMaternal HIV infection increased the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. This implies due attention is required while providing maternal health services primarily antenatal care and delivery services. These services should be aimed at reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes with more attention given to women with HIV infection. Moreover, reinforcement of HIV prevention intervention strategies should be considered at all levels.

Maternal Depression and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care, Southern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundPatients with depressed mental disorders may experience a lack of interest or pleasure, a poor mood, feelings of guilt or unworthiness, sleep and appetite disturbances, and easy fatigability. Based on the degree of the condition, depression is classed as mild, moderate, or severe. Maternal depression is the most common psychiatric condition during pregnancy, and its harmful effects have serious ramifications for both the mother and the fetus. Almost one in every four women will experience depression at some point in her life, the majority of which will occur during her childbearing years. Studies reports showed that antenatal depression is a common maternal problem in Ethiopia and as reported antenatal depression ranges in Ethiopia from 19.04 to 29.92%.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of maternal depression and associated factors among antenatal care attendants at Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsHealth facility based cross-sectional study was conducted at Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital from May 01 to 30, 2018. Data were collected from through face to face interview at exit from antenatal care unit using structured questionnaire and checklist adopted from patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were collected from 309 antenatal attendant mothers using systematic random sampling from each either mother. Binary and multivariable logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with maternal depression at P-value <0.05 level of significant.ResultDepression among pregnant mother was found to be 27.2% (95% Cl: 22, 32%). Women's level of education; being elementary school (AOR = 6.35 95%CL (2.32, 17.38), completing high school and above (AOR = 3.35, 95%CL 1.33, 8.47) were associated with maternal depression whereas having good husband support was protective for maternal depression (AOR = 0.4, 95%CL: 0.19, 0.83) and also not using substance during pregnancy period was protective for maternal depression (AOR = 0.39, 95%CI, 0.19, 0.77).ConclusionThe frequency of mother depression in this community was greater than in previous Ethiopian studies reported. Maternal depression was linked to a woman's level of education, husband support, and substance usage. This suggested that health care providers regarding pregnant women should emphasize the importance of husband support, substance usage and women level of education.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia, 2022: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundPeriodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of all tissues that surround and support the teeth, and it is the most common public health problem worldwide. It has many different contributing factors, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, anemia, bacterial plaque, poor economic status, and nutritional deficiency. It also causes different feto-maternal complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, low birth weight, and early abortion. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of periodontal disease among pregnant women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 women at public hospitals in the Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling method and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data Manager 4.2 and then transferred to a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. The logistic regression analysis was done to see the significant association between each predictor with periodontal disease by considering a p-value of <0.05 and a CI of 95%.ResultsA total of 618 women attending ANC with a 100% response rate were enrolled in this study. The mean and standard deviation of the age of the study participants was 31.07 ± 7.8 years. The periodontal disease was observed among 240 (38.8%) of the total participants with 95% C.I of (35%, 43%). Predictors like rural residency, women who could not read and write, women with poor wealth index, nutritional status of underweight, had no information about periodontal disease, depression, history of diabetes mellitus, self-perceived halitosis, no history of ANC, and lower gestational age were found to be significantly associated with periodontal disease.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be significantly higher. Therefore, in order to minimize the burden of periodontal disease among pregnant women, oral, medical, and mental health education should be promoted.

Factors associated with utilization of Iron with Folic Acid (IFA) supplement among pregnant women attending antenatal care at government health facilities and family guidance clinic in Hawassa City Administration, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is common during pregnancy since the overall iron requirement is greater than non-pregnant women and is associated with adverse outcomes. Iron deficiency (ID) is a state of insufficient iron to maintain normal physiological functions of tissues and leads to anemia. Objectives: To assess factors associated with the utilization of Iron with Folic acid supplement Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal care at Government Health Facilities and Family Guidance Clinic in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 412 health providers who are working at public health institutes in Hawassa city from March to April 2015. Pretested Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data was entered into Epi-data and analysed by SPSS version 26.0. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to see the significant association between the outcome and independent variables. Odds ratios and 95% CI will be computed to measure the strength of the association, p - value of ˂ 0.05 will be considered a statistically significant. Results: A total of 412 pregnant women who came to attend ANC at least for the second time were interviewed in seven health facilities. Our study showed that 333 (81%, 95% CI: 77.2 - 84.8) pregnant women reported taking IFA supplements and high compliance was 37.7% (95% CI: 32.5 - 42.9). In multivariable analysis, side effects and low acceptance of the supplement were significantly associated with compliance to IFA supplementation (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: There is a relatively better level of compliance towards IFA supplementation compared to other national data. Pregnant women should be counseled regarding how to manage the side effects of IFA supplements during ANC. Further research has to be done on the acceptability of the supplements.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Their Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Center at Woreilu Health Center, Woreilu, Northeast Ethiopia.

Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) affect millions of pregnant women worldwide and if left untreated can cause adverse effects for mothers, fetuses, and newborns. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Woreilu, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Woreilu Health Center from October 2018 to February 2019. A convenient sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. The data related to the sociodemographic information and associated risk factors were collected by the interview technique, and fresh stool samples were collected from each pregnant woman. The microscopic examination of the stool samples was done by using direct wet mount preparations in normal saline and formol ether concentration techniques. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used. A p value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results A total of 331 pregnant women were included. The mean ± standard deviation of age of the participants was 26.3 ± 5.96 years ranging between 16 and 43 years. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 144 (43.5%) with the predominance of E. histolytica/dispar (44.4%) followed by A. lumbricoides (15.7%). Being a student (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.01-11.09, p = 0.047), second trimester (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.46-10.64, p = 0.007), third trimester (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.15-9.6, p = 0.027), and using spring water for drinking (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.62-5.22, p ≤ 0.001) were significantly associated with IPIs. Conclusion The prevalence of IPIs was high in this study. Being a student, second and third trimester, and using spring water for drinking were associated factors with IPIs. Therefore, improving the sanitation of the students and providing clean drinking water for the women should be strengthened. Screening women and providing health education during their antenatal care (ANC) visits are also recommended.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic era on Prevalence of Pregnant Women Sero-Positivity for Syphilis, Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in India and Babies Diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis-A Cross-Sectional Research Study

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a major public health problem globally, affecting the quality of life as well as causing serious morbidity and mortality. STIs have a direct and significant impact on reproductive and pregnant women-child health. They can directly cause infertility, cancers as well as pregnancy-related complications, and indirectly affects individual/ family economies. The information on the number of PW found to be seropositive for Syphilis among women attending antenatal care in India and the number of babies diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis is collected from HMIS electronic records of MoHFW, Government of India with a key objective to know about the impact of covid-19 era i.e. 2020 and 2021 on the prevalence of syphilis by comparing it with the pre-pandemic era of 2018 and 2019. I collected seropositivity data for Syphilis among women attending antenatal care in India and the number of babies diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis across 36 states and union territories of India including all health facilities viz. public, private, rural, urban health facilities. The data is collected, observed, and analyzed with Microsoft office software. The total number of pregnancies and deliveries has shown a declining trend during pandemic years as compared to the pre-pandemic era. Year-wise maximum number of syphilis-positive pregnant women treated for syphilis was reported in 2021. The mean number of babies per month diagnosed with congenital syphilis increased in the pandemic era whereas the mean number of babies per month treated with congenital syphilis decreased during the pandemic era. This research study revealed that there is an increasing trend in, the number of PW tested using the POC test for Syphilis, out of the above, the number of PW found seropositive for Syphilis, a number of babies diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis, and total pregnant women tested found seropositive for Syphilis by any test during pandemic years as compared to pre-pandemic years.

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 at Kafrelsheikh Hospitals, Egypt

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

What is the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Era on Pregnant Women Sero-Positivity for Syphilis Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in India and Number of Babies Diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis?

What is the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Era on Pregnant Women Sero-Positivity for Syphilis Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in India and Number of Babies Diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis?

Unintended Pregnancy and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals During COVID-19 Pandemic, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic directly or indirectly increases the burden of unintended pregnancy by limiting women’s access to family planning and other reproductive health services. COVID-19 results in extra 15 million unintended pregnancies over a year. Almost all previous studies conducted about unintended pregnancy were before COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of unintended pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic among women attending antenatal care in public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia.MethodsThis study was cross-sectional and conducted among women attending antenatal care at public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia from June 14 to July 14, 2021. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview. Factors associated with unintended pregnancy were analyzed using binary and multiple logistic regressions with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Finally, the p-value was used as a graded measure of evidence to quantify the degree of significance.ResultsA total of 405 women participated in this study. The overall prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 19.5% (95% CI: 1.44–6.92) among women attending antenatal care during COVID-19 pandemic. Of which, 50.6% were mistimed and 49.4% unwanted. Urban residence (AOR: 3.1 95% CI: 1.44–6.92) and not being primary decision-maker (AOR: 2.85 95CI: 1.18–6.88) had high significance with unintended pregnancy. Not having ANC in a previous pregnancy (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.02–11.94) and not being exposed to community education about maternal health care (AOR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.06–5.27) had medium significance with unintended pregnancy.ConclusionOne-fifth of women attending antenatal care had unintended pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to scale up women’s decision-making power on family planning services and access to community education are needed to prevent unintended pregnancy.

What is the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Era on Pregnant Women Sero-Positivity for Syphilis Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in India and Number of Babies Diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) still continue to be a major public health problem globally, affecting the quality of life as well as causing serious morbidity and mortality. STIs have a direct and significant impact on reproductive and child health. They can directly cause infertility, cancers as well as pregnancy complications, and indirectly affects individual economies. The information on the number of PW found to be sero positive for Syphilis among women attending antenatal care in India and number of babies diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis is collected from HMIS electronic records of MoHFW, Government of India with key objective to know about the impact of covid-19 era i.e., 2020 and 2021 on prevalence of syphilis by comparing it with the pre pandemic era of 2018 and 2019. I collected sero positivity data for Syphilis among women attending antenatal care in India and number of babies diagnosed with Congenital Syphilis across 36 states and union territories of India including all health facilities viz. public, private, rural, urban health facilities. The data is collected, observed and analyzed with Microsoft office software. Among 254705.2 averages per month number of PW (pregnant women) tested using POC test for Syphilis, 2144.4 averages per month were sero positive for Syphilis giving a sero-prevalence of 0.84 % in 2021(Jan to May). Of 175579.75 averages per month number of PW tested using POC test for Syphilis, 855.58 averages per month were sero positive for Syphilis giving a sero-prevalence of 0.49 % in 2020(Jan to Dec). Of 53313.66 averages per month number of PW tested using POC test for Syphilis, 419.33 averages per month were sero positive for Syphilis giving a sero-prevalence of 0.79 % in 2019 (Jan to Dec). Of 11364.75averages per month number of PW tested using POC test for Syphilis, 339.08 averages per month were sero positive for Syphilis giving a sero-prevalence of 2.98 % in 2018 (Jan to Dec).

A Comparative Assessment of the Knowledge, Enrolment and Factors Affecting the Utilization of National Health Insurance Scheme Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in a Secondary and Tertiary Health Facility in Benin City, Nigeria

A Comparative Assessment of the Knowledge, Enrolment and Factors Affecting the Utilization of National Health Insurance Scheme Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in a Secondary and Tertiary Health Facility in Benin City, Nigeria

Assessment of the Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Factors among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Arba Minch Town Public Health Facilities, Southern Ethiopia

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a high blood sugar condition that some women acquire during pregnancy which could have devastating effects on both the mother and baby if left untreated. In most of the developing countries including Ethiopia, women are rarely screened for GDM during ANC visits. It was previously estimated that gestational diabetes occurs in four to nine percent of pregnant women in Ethiopia. So, the aim of this study was to assess prevalence of GDM and associated factors among women attending antenatal care at Arba Minch town public health facilities. Institution based cross sectional study design was employed among 380 pregnant women’s visiting antenatal care clinic. Women were enrolled if they had fulfilled inclusion criteria during the study period. Data was collected using a pre-test structured interviewer administered questionnaire September 2019 to November, 2019. Descriptive statistics was done. Results were summarized and presented by tables, charts and graphs. The prevalence of GDM was 7.1%. Nearly one-third of the respondents, 247(65%) had two or more pregnancies, with mean gestational age of 25 weeks. Half of the respondents, 187(49.2%) were multi-para. Of 380 pregnant women, 53(13.9%) had previous history of stillbirth. Maternal age, educational level, parity, history of having macrocosmic baby, previous history of GDM and family history of type II DM were associated with GDM. Older ages, low educational level, grand multipara, having macrosomic baby and history of type II diabetes mellitus were factors associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes mellitus. Therefore, to enhance maternal and child health, improving screening, treatment, and prevention strategies for gestational diabetes mellitus is necessary.

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

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

Nutritional and Obstetric Determinant of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Services in Public Health Hospitals in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire): A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Poorly diversified and micronutrient-deficient dietary intakes during pregnancy remain one of the major causes of nutritional anemia in developing countries. However, data on diet and its relation to anemia in pregnant women in Côte d’Ivoire are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and iron deficiency anemia associated factors in pregnant women in Abidjan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 pregnant women attending antenatal care services at public health hospitals in Abidjan. Sociodemographic, obstetrical, and dietary data were collected. Blood samples taken by venipuncture were analyzed for hemoglobin and iron biomarkers. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. 47.8% of the pregnant women tested were anemic, 25.8% and 30.4% had iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, respectively. Based on AORs, the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (6.04 v 4.18, respectively), multiparity (13.18), skipping meals (3.05), inadequate energy (5.369), protein (2.74), and vitamin C (2.43) intakes and low dietary diversity (8.35) are the independent and significant determinants of iron deficiency anemia. The high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Abidjan reveals a real public health problem. Iron deficiency anemia is due to multiparity, gestational age, inadequate intake, low dietary diversity, and skipping meals.