Women Attending Research Articles

Knowledge of Malaria Infection and Preventive Seeking Behavior among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Tertiary Health Institution in North Eastern Nigeria

Knowledge of Malaria Infection and Preventive Seeking Behavior among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Tertiary Health Institution in North Eastern Nigeria

Perception of Prenatal Exercise and Its Perceived Outcome among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive design aimed at assessing the perceptions of prenatal exercises and its perceived outcome among pregnant woman attending antenatal clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar. The specific objectives were to assess the awareness of prenatal exercises, identify the types of prenatal exercises, ascertain the view of pregnant women about prenatal exercises and the perceived outcome of prenatal exercises among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Two hundred and twenty (220) respondents randomly selected from four clinic days Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in each visit for a period of two weeks were used for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The finding of the study revealed that: a large proportion of the respondents 180 (81.8%) respondents affirm that they heard of prenatal exercise; almost all 200 (90.9%) respondents affirm that prenatal exercise is a physical activity performed by pregnant women to improve health before delivery, majority 200 (90.9%) respondents carried out dancing and breathing form of exercise; many 170 (77.3%) respondents carried out Yoga and relaxation exercise. Also, many 100 (45.5%) respondents agreed that prenatal exercise causes preterm labour; a large proportion 200 (90.9%) respondent agreed that prenatal exercise help reduce postpartum weight retention and childhood obesity and large number 130 (59.1%) respondents affirm that prenatal exercise help in the prevention of chronic diseases and unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy. The study concludes that majority of the participants are involved in one form of exercise or the other. However, they perceived that exercise promotes the health of the mother during pregnancy with regards to prevention of chronic diseases and unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy. The recommendation from the study is that midwives should increase awareness of prenatal exercises among pregnant women during antenatal services, and pregnant mothers should be encouraged to participate in prenatal exercises.

Prevalence of chronic HBV infection in pregnant woman attending antenatal care in a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTanzania has a high prevalence (7.17%) of chronic hepatitis B infection. Mother to Child transmission is very common, resulting in high rate of chronic infections. Currently, there is no screening program for HBV in pregnant women. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for chronic HBV infection in pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania.MethodsSeven hundred and forty-three women attending antenatal care and/or delivering at the Bugando Medical Centre were enrolled. All answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic and other risk factors and were tested for HBsAg using a rapid test. In HBsAg positive mothers, maternal blood and umbilical cord blood samples collected after delivery were analyzed for serological (HBsAg, HBeAg and anti-HBe) and virologic (HBV-DNA viral load and genotype) markers. All their babies were vaccinated within 24 h of delivery. The children were followed up at 3 years of age. Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, independent sample T-test and logistic regression.ResultsOf the 743 participants, 22 (3%) were positive for HBsAg, and 2 (9%) had detectable HBe-antigen. Low condom use was the only statistically significant risk factor for chronic HBV infection (OR = 3.514, 95%CI = 1.4–8.0). Of 14 maternal blood samples genotyped, 10 (71%) were genotype A and 4 (29%) were genotype D. HBV-DNA was detected in 21/22 samples, with a median of 241 IU/ml (range: 27.4–25.9 × 107 IU/ml). Five (33%) of 15 available cord blood samples were positive for HBsAg and 10 (67%) were negative. At follow-up, one child showed chronic HBV infection characteristics, one had anti-HBs level of 7 mIU/ml and 5/7(71%) had protective anti-HBs levels (> 10 mIU/ml).ConclusionThis cohort of pregnant women showed a lower-intermediate prevalence of HBV of 3%. In the 3 years follow-up only 1 out of 7 children showed evidence of chronic HBV infection. The child’s mother with high viral load (25.9 × 107 IU/ml), was positive for HBeAg with a high degree of sequence similarity suggesting vertical transmission. These results highlight a need for improved diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection in pregnant women in Tanzania, in order to prevent vertical transmission.

A Comparative Research on Space of Women in Prayer Place Interiors of Celestial Religions: Cases from Istanbul

Cross-cultural comparison has been used in architecture mostly to discuss the components of culture, knowledge, and value systems, yet to date there is not a specific comparative study on gendered architecture in prayer places of celestial religions, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hence, this study aims to reveal how attendance of women in prayer places with different national, historic, religious, and cultural characteristics shaped architectural space organization and to assess potential similarities and differences of women’s section in prayer spaces of celestial religions by examining literature survey, archival and historic research, including field observations. In addition to general observations in building scale, some exemplary historic synagogues, churches, and mosques in Istanbul still in use have been chosen as case studies, and their plan typologies, as well as types and locations of women’s galleries/sections have been discussed. Cross-cultural comparison parameters were; development of women’s section in prayer places as a structured architectural space and basic architectural terminologies used to define women’s section. The major conclusion of the study is that originally women had right to worship in prayer spaces without any physical separation in all three religions, yet in time the place of women had a more defined/divided/structured character especially in Islam and Judaism. The study also indicates that while at present day, gendered architecture is still the predominant approach in Islam and in Orthodox Judaism; mix congregation in a single-unsegregated space for both sexes is more common in contemporary society of Christianity.

Understanding How the Strategic Use of Data Can Improve the Implementation of Maternal Nutrition Interventions in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India

Abstract Objectives Maternal undernutrition remains high in India and is associated with maternal mortality and adverse birth outcomes. To address this challenge, Alive & Thrive (A&T) aimed to strengthen interpersonal counseling, micronutrient supplement provision, and community mobilization through the government antenatal care (ANC) platform in UP. The nutrition-intensified ANC (I-ANC) intervention facilitated regular use of data to enable corrective actions. We aimed to understand how maternal health data was used for improving the delivery of maternal nutrition services and to identify factors associated with data use. Methods In-depth interviews (N = 35) were conducted among sub-district government staff, frontline worker (FLW) supervisors and A&T staff in two districts in UP. Systematic coding of verbatim transcripts and detailed summaries was undertaken to elucidate themes and patterns related to data use and facilitators and barriers. Results Sub-district government staff reported using government data (i.e., HMIS) to estimate demand for prenatal supplements. Sub-district government staff, FLW supervisors and A&T staff used government and intervention monitoring data to understand the impact and reach of services delivered to women. Key indicators on the attendance of pregnant women at community health events and number of women receiving adequate supplements was discussed with FLWs in monthly review meetings. Data review guided identification of areas of low FLW performance (i.e., monitoring weight gain) and prompted refresher trainings. Facilitators of data use included collaboration between sub-district health department officials on data analysis and monthly review meetings to provide feedback on improving performance (including counseling topics and stock of supplements). Barriers to data use included staff vacancies, education level of FLWs and conflicts between FLWs and supervisors. Conclusions Use of data for decision making is critical for supporting intervention planning and providing targeted supervision and support for FLWs. Collaboration facilitated the use of data, but structural barriers such as staff vacancies need to be addressed to improve the implementation of maternal nutrition interventions. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (through Alive & Thrive, managed by FHI 360) and Emory University.

Determinants of Infertility among Married Women Attending Dessie Referral Hospital and Dr. Misganaw Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Dessie, Ethiopia.

Background Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after one year of sexual intercourse without the use of contraception. Epidemiological data suggest that 10 to 15% of couples around the world are suffering from infertility. The exact meaning of marriage is mainly fulfilled if the couple conceives and bears children. Failure of this often leads to unhappy married lives, divorces, and high levels of psychiatric morbidity. There is scarcity of data about determinants of infertility in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the determinants of infertility among married women attending Dessie Referral Hospital and Dr. Misganaw gynecology and obstetrics specialty clinic, Dessie, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods An institution-based case-control study was conducted on 281 participants. The participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analyses. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was estimated to measure the direction and strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The determinants of women's infertility were age at the first pregnancy (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.105, 7.564), age at menarche (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.278, 7.975), menstruation flow in days (AOR = 4.17; 95% CI: 0.062, 0.929), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 5.33; 95% CI: 2.124, 13.397), and history of STI (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.088, 7.159). Conclusion Age at the first pregnancy, age at menarche, multiple sexual partners, number of days of menstruation flow, and history of STI were determinants of women's infertility. Infertility may bring about unhappy married lives, divorces, and high levels of psychiatric morbidity. Therefore, couples need to have heath education about risk factors for infertility.

Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Maternity and Children Hospital in Makkah City in September 2019

Background: Anemia among pregnant women is one of the most common public health problems in developing countries. World health organization (WHO) estimates shows nearly half of pregnant women were affected by anemia. It significantly increases fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity due to maternal vulnerability for infection and hemorrhage. Identify determinant factors of anemia among pregnant women in “Prevalence and determinants of anemia in third trimester. It is one of the most common preventable causes of maternal morbidities ranging from 22.6% to 54.0%. However, the prevalence and determinants that contribute to the occurrence of anemia were not extensively studied. Aim of the study: To evaluate the anemia and its determinants among pregnant women attending ANC at MCH in makkah city September 2019. To increase awareness of anemia during pregnancy and its adverse effects on the maternal and fetal outcomes. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted MCH in one of the most important cities in Saudi Arabia, which is Makkah. Sample population was pregnant women attending ANC in MCH in makkah city. Our total participants were (310) pregnant women. Results: The following variables were significantly associated with anemia: Age were (OR=0.333), Nationality status were (OR=1.830), Occupational status were (OR=0.649), Gestational age were (OR=0.580), History of drinking tea immediately after main meals (OR=0.557), Eating green vegetables were (OR=1.525), Eating animal products were (OR=1.651), Gravidity were (OR=2.192). Conclusion: Anemia is still a significant problem facing pregnant women and jeopardizing their outcomes. Diet during pregnancy, consuming tea/coffee immediately after food, meat consumption, previous heavy menstrual blood flow, and occupational status of women were significant factors associated with anemia among pregnant women so, it is recommended to increase the efforts toward the health education of women in childbearing age.

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Risk Factors and Outcome of Pretrem Labor in Pregnant Women Attending Zagazig Maternity University Hospital

Risk Factors and Outcome of Pretrem Labor in Pregnant Women Attending Zagazig Maternity University Hospital

Attendance rates and characteristics of women with obesity referred to the dietitian for individual weight management advice during pregnancy.

Engagement in services to support healthy weight management during pregnancy is poor. A better understanding of those who attend is important in supporting women to participate in preventative health services. This retrospective observational study aimed to report attendance rates of pregnant women with obesity (body mass index (BMI)≥30kg/m2 ) referred to a dietitian between 2012 and 2018 for weight management and describe who was referred and attended. Demographic, attendance and medical data for women with obesity who were either referred to a dietitian or were not referred were sourced from hospital data. Chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify characteristics associated with attendance within the referred group. Of 5426 eligible women, 523 were referred to the dietitian, and 4903 women were not referred (Total sample: 29±6years, 39.0±2.1weeks gestation at birth). Referred women self-reported a 6.7kg/m2 higher pre-pregnancy BMI, 7% more were subsequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 9% more were induced (P<0.001) indicating a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Referred women attended a median (range) of 2 (0-8) appointments. The majority (78%) attended ≥1 appointment, and 41% attended ≥3 appointments. Women referred by a midwife (65%) or diagnosed with GDM were 1.9 and 3.0 times more likely to attend, respectively (P<0.01). Being a smoker was negatively associated with attendance (odds ratio 0.388, P<0.001). Pregnant women with obesity referred for dietetic weight management appear at higher risk of adverse outcomes, with most attending ≥1 appointment. Engaging midwives in promoting referrals may increase attendance.

Effect of culturally tailored education on attendance at mammography and the Papanicolaou test.

ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of culturally tailored education on attendance at breast and cervical cancer screening among ethnic minority women.Data SourcesSystematic database searches in Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL.Study DesignRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) of culturally tailored educational interventions to ethnic minority women in Western countries were investigated for a meta‐analysis. RCTs that assessed attendance at mammography or the Papanicolaou test (Pap test) were eligible for inclusion.Data Collection MethodsStudy characteristics and results were extracted separately. Independent raters assessed risk of bias by using Cochrane Collaboration's tool.Principal FindingsSeven RCTs (n = 4246) were included in the meta‐analysis of mammography attendance, and four RCTs (n = 1750) were included in the meta‐analysis of Pap test attendance. The effect of culturally tailored educational interventions on attendance at mammography was an increase of 18 percent (RR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.09‐1.28, P < .001), with low heterogeneity (I 2 = 30.0, P = .237), and a 54 percent increase at the Pap test (RR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.14‐2.09, P = .005), with substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 75.9%, P = .001).ConclusionsInterpreted within the limitations set by the low number of studies and substantial heterogeneity for the Pap test, findings from the current meta‐analyses indicate that culturally tailored educational interventions may increase attendance of ethnic minority women at breast and cervical cancer screenings. There is a need for more studies, in particular RCTs conducted outside the United States, to determine if such findings are similar in other countries.

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A Novel Approach to Postpartum Contraception Provision Combined with Infant Care: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Unintended pregnancy among women with short interpregnancy intervals remains common. Women's attendance at the 4- to 6-week postpartum visit, when contraception provision often occurs, is low, whereas their attendance at well-baby visits is high. We aimed to evaluate if offering co-located contraceptive services to mothers at well-baby visits increases use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) at 5months postpartum compared with usual care in a randomized, controlled trial. Women with infants aged 4.5months or younger who were not using a LARC method and had not undergone sterilization were eligible. Generalized linear models were used to estimate risk ratios. Likability and satisfaction of the contraception visit were assessed. Between January 2015 and January 2017, 446 women were randomized. LARC use at 5months was 19.1% and 20.9% for the intervention and control groups, respectively, and was not significantly different after controlling for weeks postpartum (risk ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.23). Uptake of the co-located visit was low (17.7%), but the concept was liked; insufficient time to stay for the visit was the biggest barrier to uptake. Women who accepted the visit were more likely to use a LARC method at 5months compared with women in the control group (risk ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-3.07). Women perceived co-located care favorably and LARC use was higher among those who completed a visit; however, uptake was low for reasons including inability to stay after the infant visit. Intervention effects were possibly diluted. Future research should test a version of this intervention designed to overcome barriers that participants reported.

Prevalence Rate and Different Methods of Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Diarb Negm Central Hospital.

Prevalence Rate and Different Methods of Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Diarb Negm Central Hospital.

Determining the Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis &amp;amp; Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Married and Unmarried Women &amp;amp; Evaluating the Association Socio-Demographic Risk Factors &amp;amp; Symptoms-Related Variables in Women Attending Gynecology Clinic in Hargeisa Group Hospital, Hargeisa City, Somaliland

Background: Vaginitis refers to any inflammation or infection of the vagina. This is a common gynecological problem found in women of all ages, with one-third of women having at least one form of vaginitis at some time during their lives. The vagina is the muscular passageway between the uterus and the external genital area. When the walls of the vagina become inflamed, because some irritant has disturbed the balance of the vaginal area, vaginitis can occur. The most common types of vaginitis are: Candida or “yeast” infection, Bacterial vaginosis, Trichomoniasis vaginitis. Objectives of Study: Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) among married and unmarried women and evaluate the association socio-demographic risk factors and symptoms-related variables in women attending gynecology clinic in Hargeisa group hospital. Methodology: A total of 150 married and unmarried women were investigated & diagnosed by a researcher in Hargeisa Group Hospital, Hargeisa City, Somaliland for determining of VVI prevalence in the present study. Vaginal swabs from these patients were processed for detection of bacterial vaginosis (BV), VVC and trichomoniasis based on guidelines of management of vagina infection. Species specific distribution of VVC was assessed by cultured of Candida on differential agar media, Germ tube test, rice meal agar and carbohydrates fermentation test and BV diagnosed by using gram staining test and biochemical testes. The nurse interviewers performed a comprehensive review of patients and completed the standardized baseline questionnaire containing information regarding the association socio-demographic risk factors and symptoms-related. Results & Discussion: The findings of the present study indicate that VVC was the most prevalent infection with 68 (45%) followed by BV 43 (29%). However, no case of trichomoniasis was detected. Candida albicans was found to be the most prevalent species with 47 (60.3%). Out of non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, C. tropicalis was found to be 9 (9.9%) and C. glabrata 7 (12.2%). On the other hand, the results of present study indicated that BV species Gardnerella vaginalis was most causative with 22 (19.5) and Lactobacillus spp. was 14 (9.3%). These results were also confirmed by gram staining test and biochemical testes. When VVI was compared among married and unmarried women, VVC was more prevalent in married women 47 (31.96) while, BV was more prevalent in unmarried women with 32 (13.76), discussed these results detected that prevalent found most highly with VVB and BV while, no case of trichomoniasis was detected. These findings are in consonance with various previous studies which have indicated VVC & BV to be the most prevalent in VI. Furthermore, the study showed statistical significant difference (P 0.005) & relationship among prevalence of VVV & BV and some socio-demographic risk factors and some symptoms which have been identified as causes of variation in the prevalence rates of bacterial vaginosis & vagina candidasis. Conclusion: VVC was the most prevalent VVI followed by BV in Hargeisa City. C. albicans was the most prevalent species in VVC while among BV species, Gardnerella vaginalis was found to occur at highest frequency. However, further studies are needed to assess specific diagnosis and role of clinical risk factors. Urgent action is required to improve vagina infection control measures to reduce the prevalence and make new policies for treatment of vagina infection in HGH.

Associated Factors with Pre-eclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in SOS Hospital Mogadishu, Somalia: A Hospital-based Study

Background and objective: Preeclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women during the second half of their pregnancy. It is estimated that 3-5% of all pregnancies is affected by preeclampsia and it has become the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality across the world. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with Pre-eclampsia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in SOS hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 80 pregnant women attending antenatal care in SOS hospital. Face to face interview questionnaire was performed from April to June 2020. SPSS version 23, was used for the data analysis. Socio-demographic of respondent, previous history of chronic disease obstetric characteristics were described using the statistics of frequency and Percentage distributions. Results: of the 80 of the diagnosed with preeclampsia, majority of the them were above the age of 30 this represented 33.8% depict that there is a high rate of preeclampsia cases in extreme ages. Divorced women had higher percentage of 61.3% compared to widowed and married women with 33.8% and 5 percent respectively. High blood pressure was high among the women tested with 77.5% of them had the history of hypertension. Majority of the women interviewed 76.3% had no family history of preeclampsia. Conclusion: the prevalence of preeclampsia variation was related by maternal age, maternal education, unemployed women, family problem, and previous history of hypertension and used women more salts during pregnancy. Among the pregnant women, those that were in the first trimester were almost the same as those that were at their third trimester with 42.5% and 38.8% respectively. Only 42.5% of the gestational age of pregnancy were at their first trimester. Regular training of health workers on preeclampsia causes, effects and how to prevent it from becoming a long lasting issue among pregnant women need to be addressed and for further studies are recommended.

High Willingness to Participate in Partner Notification among Women Attending Reproductive Health and STI Clinics in Shenzhen, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. We explored the factors associated with willingness to participate in partner notification (PN) among women attending reproductive health and STI clinics in Shenzhen, China. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic characteristics, STI histories, and willingness to participate in routine CT screening and partner notification. In total, 87.31% (n = 10,780) of participants were willing to notify their sex partner(s) if they were diagnosed with a CT infection. Willingness to complete PN was significantly associated with: being married, residing in Shenzhen ≥1 year, having completed junior college or higher, not currently reporting STI-related symptoms, willing to have routine CT screening, and having a correct understanding of the health sequelae of CT infection. Nearly all women surveyed at reproductive health and STI clinics in Shenzhen reported willingness to complete PN. Promoting PN in these settings could help detect a large number of additional CT cases. Our findings provide evidence and implications for public health interventions on PN and suggest that targeted interventions are urgently needed for particular subpopulations including those not currently married, with shorter residency, lower education, and less awareness about the dangers of CT infection.

Impact of Age on Hormonal Profiles of Sub-Fertile Women Attending Fertility Clinic in Umuahia, Abia State, South Eastern Nigeria

Aim: This study evaluated the impact of age on the hormonal profiles of women diagnosed with infertility in a Fertility Clinic in Abia State, South-East, Nigeria. Methodology: Subjects comprised of 200 females: 150 subjects and 50 controls, aged < 20 and up to 49 years, stratified into age < 20 years (control), age 20 - 29 years (group 1), age 30 - 39 years (group 2) and age 40 - 49 years (group 3). About 5 ml of blood samples for anti-Mullerian, follicle stimulating, luteinizing, estradiol, and prolactin hormones determinations were collected on day 2 - 3 of spontaneous menstrual cycle from all groups and control and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The FSH/LH ratio of all groups was also calculated. The data were analyzed statistically and values considered significant at p < 0.05. Result: The means ± SEM of serum anti-Mullerian hormones were 1602.44 ± 54.42 pg/ml (control), 848.06 ± 23.04 pg/ml (group 1), 26.74 ± 1.28 pg/ml (group 2), 10.37 ± 1.26 pg/ml (group 3) values for follicle stimulating hormone in the control subjects was 4.90 ± 0.22 mIU/ml, 12.59 ± 0.79 mIU/ml (group 1), 30.59 ± 1.31 mIU/ml (group 2), and 41.59 ± 1.59 miU/ml (group 3). Similarly, the mean ± SEM of luteinizing hormone of control, group 1, group 2 and group 3 were 5.01 ± 0.22 mIU/ml, 15.02 ± 1.13 mIU/ml, 42.71 ± 1.82 mIU/ml and 58.22 ± 2.62 mIU/ml respectively while for estadiol the values were 63.16 ± 1.95 pg/ml, 94.10 ± 5.56 pg/ml, 58.84 ± 4.01 pg/ml and 36.7 ± 1.59 pg/ml for control, group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively. The mean ± SEM of FSH/LH ratio for the control and experimental subjects were 0.98 ± 0.01, 0.89 ± 0.02, 0.74 ± 0.03 and 0.75 ± 0.02 for control, group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively. The comparison of the means showed significant difference (p < 0.0001). The hormonal parameters were also positively and negatively correlated amongst each. Conclusion: The evaluation of levels of the hormonal parameters across the age ranges of the population studied shows that women within the control and experimental group 1 (<20 years and 20 - 29 years) have a better chance of achieving pregnancy naturally.

Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factor Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care in Arba Minch Public Health Institutions, South Ethiopia

Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic development. It occurs at all stages of the life cycle, but is more prevalent in pregnant women. The highest prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the developing world is due to its multi-factorial causes. Anemia leads to complication that will affect both the mother and the growing fetus. Objectives of the study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factor among pregnant women that attends antenatal care at Arba Minch public health institutions, 2019. Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on 374 pregnant women attending ANC at Arba Minch public health institutions. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit pregnant women. Semi-structured questionnaire used for assessment of socio-demographic and socioeconomic factor. Venous blood was collected from pregnant women and Hemoglobin was estimated using CBC machine analyzer. Blood film for Hemoparasite as well as morphological types of anemia was assessed. Stool sample was taken for examination of intestinal parasites by using wet mount direct microscopy and formol ether concentration. Binary logistic regressions were done to determine association of variables by using SPSS version 21. Results of the study shows that, the prevalence of anemia was found to be 28.8% among pregnant women. Mild, moderate and severe anemia was 75.7%, 23.3% and 1% among anemic women respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions shows, monthly income [AOR=3.37, 95%: 9.35-10.09, P< 0.000], fruit consumption [AOR=6.9, 95%: 1.36-4.9, P<0.000], blood loss [AOR=3.66, 95%CI: 1.56-8.7, P<0.000] and being infected with malaria [AOR=6.10, 95%CI: 2.25-16.43, P<0.000] were independently associated with anemia. Morphologically, 75.5% of anemic pregnant women had Normocytic Normochromic, 23.3% had Microcytic hypochromic, and only 1% had Macrocytic normochromic. It is concluded that, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was moderate public health significances which is independently associated with low monthly income, habit of fruit consumption, blood loss and being infected with malaria parasites. It is recommended that creating awareness of the pregnant women on feeding iron rich foods like fruit, liver, poultry, cereals and green vegetables and giving health education on how to prevent malaria.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Married Women Attending Antenatal Clinics, Makkah (2018)

Background: Despite the advancements in current methods of contraception, unintended pregnancies are still widespread in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which adversely impact the well-being and health of women and their families. Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge, attitude and utilization of emergency contraception among women attending ante-natal clinics at primary health care centers in Makkah, 2018. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at antenatal care clinics, Ministry of Health (MOH) PHC centers in Makkah city. A multi-stage random sample of married Saudi women in the childbearing age who were attending those clinics was recruited. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire composed of three main sections; socio-demographic data of the participants, questions regarding knowledge of EC use and statements assessed attitude and barriers to use EC. Results: The study included 191 women with a response rate of 100% their age ranged between 18 and 49 year old’s with a mean of 31.7 and standard deviation (SD) of ±5.3 years. 78.5% of the participants knew that there is a way to prevent pregnancy in case of having unprotected sex. Internet was the commonest EC source of knowledge (45.4%), followed by doctor or family planning provider (33.4%). Majority of the participants who were aware of the existence of a method to prevent pregnancy in case of an unprotected sex (n=150) knew correctly the time of using emergency contraceptive pills or IUD (99.3% and 92.7%, respectively) though only 16.2% of the studied women reported ever using emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Primary school educated women had the highest percentage of the EC attitude score, rank was 128.04 while postgraduate women had the lowest percentage of the score, rank of 24.07), p=0.001. Conclusion: The present study`s results reveal high level of awareness knowledge regarding emergency contraception. However, low utilization was notices mainly due to religious concerns.