Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes among Maternity Waiting Home Users and Non-Users in Rural Rwanda

Most maternal and perinatal deaths could be prevented through timely access to skilled birth attendants. Women should access appropriate obstetric care during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium. Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) permit access to emergency obstetric care when labor starts. This study compared maternal and perinatal outcomes among MWH users and non-users through a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected through obstetric chart reviews and analyzed using STATA version 15. Of the 8144 deliveries reported between 2015 and 2019, 1305 women had high-risk pregnancies and were included in the study. MWH users had more spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to non-users (38.6% versus 16.8%) and less cesarean sections (57.7% versus 76.7%). Maternal morbidities such as postpartum hemorrhage occurred less frequently among users than non-users (2.13% versus 5.64%). Four women died among non-users while there was no death among users. Non-users had more stillbirths than users (7.68% versus 0.91%). The MWH may have contributed to the observed differences in outcomes. However, many women with high risk pregnancies did not use the MWH, indicating a probable gap in awareness, usefulness, or their inability to stay due to other responsibilities at home. Use of MWHs at scale could improve maternal and perinatal outcomes in Rwanda.

Role of male partners in the long-term well-being of women who have experienced severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in rural Tanzania: a qualitative study

Men can be essential sources of support in maternal health, even more so in case of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM), affecting 1-2% of childbearing women in low-resource settings. In a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, we explored the perspectives of nine male partners of women who suffered from (pre-)eclampsia six to seven years earlier in rural Tanzania. Male partners considered their role to be pivotal regarding finances, decision-making in healthcare-seeking and family planning and provided physical and emotional support. After SAMM, households may be affected in the long run. Some men took over their female partner's household duties until up to two years after birth. Providing men with more information on complication readiness and birth preparedness would enable them to extend their role in maternal morbidity prevention.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The essential role of male partners in maternal health in low- and middle-income countries is well-studied in relation to its impact on care-seeking behaviour. After childbirth, the long-term role of male partners has not yet been studied.What do the results of this study add? We demonstrated the important role of men during, but also after SAMM. Households may be affected years after women suffered from SAMM. For women with the most urgent support needs, this study suggest that at least some men feel responsible for their partner and have different pivotal roles.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Because of their motivation to support their female partner, strategies to reduce recurring complications in subsequent pregnancies should include targeting male partners, for example, by increasing birth preparedness and complication readiness. Further studies should confirm the results from our innovative but small-scale study, as well as investigate the long-term role of male partners after uncomplicated births. Other studies could investigate the separation of couples after SAMM, family planning decisions after SAMM and strategies for involving men and increasing complication readiness and birth preparedness.

Assessing quality of family planning counseling and its determinants in Kenya: Analysis of health facility exit interviews

Background

Available evidence suggests that provision of quality of care in family planning services is crucial to increasing uptake and continuation of use of contraception. Kenya achieved a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 60% in 2018, surpassing its 2020 target of 58%. With the high prevalence, focus is geared towards improved quality of family planning services. The objective of this study is to examine the quality of family planning counseling and its associated factors in health facilities in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2019 Kenya Performance Monitoring and Action, client exit data of women who had received family planning services. Quality of counseling was assessed using the Method Information Index Plus. We conducted a multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis of data from 3,731 women to establish determinants of receiving quality family planning services.

Results

The Method Information Index Plus score for higher-quality counseling was 56.7%, lower-quality counseling 32.4%, and no counseling 10.9%. Women aged 15–24 years (aOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56–0.86, p = 0.001) had lower odds of receiving better counseling compared to women aged 35 years and above. Those with no education (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.33–0.82, p = 0.005), primary (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.44–0.71, p<0.001) and secondary (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65–0.98, p = 0.028) were less likely to receive better counseling compared to those with tertiary education. Women who received long acting and reversible contraception methods (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.42–2.17, p<0.001), and those who were method switchers (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03–1.50, p = 0.027), had a higher likelihood of receiving better quality of counseling as compared to those on short-term methods and those who were continuers, respectively.

Conclusion

The quality of family planning counseling in Kenya is still sub-optimal considering that some women receive no form of counseling at service delivery point. There is need to review the existing FP guidelines and training packages to increase focus on the quality of counseling services offered by health providers. Social accountability strategies that empower women to demand quality services should be included in community-level family planning interventions.

Health facility capacity to provide postabortion care in Afghanistan: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Afghanistan has one of the highest burdens of maternal mortality in the world, estimated at 638 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017. Infections, obstetric hemorrhage, and unsafe abortion are the three leading causes of maternal death. Contraceptive prevalence rate has fluctuated between 10 and 20% since 2006. The 2016 Afghanistan National Maternal and Newborn Health Quality of Care Assessment evaluated facility readiness to provide quality routine and emergency obstetric and newborn care, including postabortion care services.

METHODS

Accessible public health facilities with at least five births per day (n = 77), a nationally representative sample of public health facilities with fewer than five births per day (n = 149), and 20 purposively selected private health facilities were assessed. Assessment components examining postabortion care included a facility inventory and record review tool to verify drug, supply, equipment, and facility record availability, and an interview tool to collect information on skilled birth attendants' knowledge and perceptions.

RESULTS

Most facilities had supplies, equipment, and drugs to manage postabortion care, including family planning counseling and services provision. At public facilities, 36% of skilled birth attendants asked to name essential actions to address abortion complications mentioned manual vacuum aspiration (23% at private facilities); fewer than one-quarter mentioned counseling. When asked what information should be given to postabortion clients, 73% described family planning counseling need (70% at private facilities). Nearly all high-volume public health facilities with an average of five or more births per day and less than 5% of low volume public health facilities with an average of 0-4 deliveries per day reported removal of retained products of conception in the past 3 months. Among the 77 high volume facilities assessed, 58 (75%) reported using misoprostol for removal of retained products of conception, 59 (77%) reported using manual vacuum aspiration, and 67 (87%) reported using dilation and curettage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that there is room for improvement in postabortion care services provision in Afghanistan health facilities including post abortion family planning. Access to high-quality postabortion care needs additional investments to improve providers' knowledge and practice, availability of supplies and equipment.

Study protocol for Post Pregnancy Family Planning Choices, an operations research study examining the effectiveness of interventions in the public and private sectors in Indonesia and Kenya

Background: Global evidence suggests many postpartum and postabortion women have an unmet need for family planning (FP) after delivery or receiving care following loss of a pregnancy. Post Pregnancy Family Planning Choices, an operations research study, aims to examine the effectiveness of a package of postpregnancy FP interventions, inclusive of postpartum and postabortion FP. The interventions are being implemented in selected public and private facilities in Indonesia and Kenya and focus on quality FP counseling and service provision prior to discharge. This manuscript presents the study protocol, documenting how the study team intends to determine key factors that influence uptake of postpregnancy FP.

Methods: This is a multi-country, quasi-experimental three-year operations research study in Brebes and Batang Districts of Indonesia and Meru and Kilifi Counties of Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative data is collected longitudinally through interviews and health facility assessments at multiple time points. Data is gathered from 22 health facilities; 8,796 antenatal, postpartum, and postabortion clients; and key informants at national, subnational, facility, and community levels. Quantitative study data is collected and managed using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Once data are thoroughly cleaned and reviewed, regression models and multilevel analyses will explore quantitative data. Qualitative study data is collected using audio recordings and transcribed to Microsoft Word, then analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Qualitative datasets will be analyzed using grounded theory methods.

Discussion: The ultimate goals of the study are to generate and disseminate actionable evidence of positive drivers, barriers, and activities that do not yield results with regard to increasing postpregnancy FP programmatic activities, and to institutionalize postpregnancy FP in the public and private sectors in Indonesia and Kenya. We hope these learnings and experience will contribute to global efforts to advance and scale up postpregnancy FP in similar settings beyond these two countries.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03333473

A qualitative exploration of contraceptive use and discontinuation among women with an unmet need for modern contraception in Kenya

BACKGROUND

Addressing the unmet need for modern contraception underpins the goal of all family planning and contraception programs. Contraceptive discontinuation among those in need of a method hinders the attainment of the fertility desires of women, which may result in unintended pregnancies. This paper presents experiences of contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentions to use modern contraceptives.

METHODS

Qualitative data were collected in two rural counties in Kenya in 2019 from women with unmet need for contraception who were former modern contraceptive users. Additional data was collected from male partners of some of the women interviewed. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions explored previous experience with contraceptive use, reasons for discontinuation, and future intentionality to use. Following data collection, digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded using thematic analysis through an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Use of modern contraception to prevent pregnancy and plan for family size was a strong motivator for uptake of contraceptives. The contraceptive methods used were mainly sourced from public health facilities though adolescents got them from the private sector. Reasons for discontinued use included side effects, method failure, peer influence, gender-based violence due to covert use of contraceptives, and failure within the health system. Five reasons were provided for those not willing to use in the future: fear of side effects, cost of contraceptive services, family conflicts over the use of modern contraceptives, reduced need, and a shift to traditional methods.

CONCLUSION

This study expands the literature by examining reasons for contraceptive discontinuation and future intentionality to use among women in need of contraception. The results underscore the need for family planning interventions that incorporate quality of care in service provision to address contraceptive discontinuation. Engaging men and other social influencers in family planning programs and services will help garner support for contraception, rather than focusing exclusively on women. The results of this study can inform implementation of family planning programs in Kenya and beyond to ensure they address the concerns of former modern contraception users.

Status of institutional-level respectful maternity care: Results from the national Ethiopia EmONC assessment

Objective

To assess the availability of an institutional‐level respectful maternity care (RMC) index, its components, and associated factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was applied to a 2016 census of 3804 health facilities in Ethiopia. The availability of an institutional‐level RMC index was computed as the availability of all nine items identified as important aspects of institutional‐level RMC during childbirth. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with availability of the index.

Results

Three components of the institutional‐level RMC index were identified: “RMC policy,” “RMC experience,” and “facility for provision of RMC.” Overall, 28% of facilities (hospitals, 29.9%; health centers, 27.8%) reported availability of the institutional‐level RMC index. Facility location urbanization (urban region), percentage of maternal and newborn health workers trained in basic emergency obstetric and newborn care, and availability of maternity waiting homes in health facilities were positively associated with availability of the institutional‐level RMC index.

Conclusion

Only one in three facilities reported availability of the institutional‐level RMC index. The Ethiopian government should consider strengthening support mechanisms in different administrative regions (urban, pastoralist, and agrarian), implementing the provision training for health workers that incorporates RMC components, and increasing the availability of maternity waiting homes.

In Ethiopia, only one in three facilities reported availability of an institutional‐level respectful maternity care index. Factors associated with availability of the index were identified.

Effectiveness of a quality improvement intervention to increase adherence to key practices during female sterilization services in Chhattisgarh and Odisha states of India

BACKGROUND

In response to longstanding concerns around the quality of female sterilization services provided at public health facilities in India, the Government of India issued standards and quality assurance guidelines for female sterilization services in 2014. However, implementation remains a challenge. The Maternal and Child Survival Program rolled out a package of competency-based trainings, periodic mentoring, and easy-to-use job aids in parts of five states to increase service providers' adherence to key practices identified in the guidelines.

METHODS

The study employed a before-and-after quasi-experimental design with a matched comparison arm to examine the effect of the intervention on provider practices in two states: Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Direct observations of female sterilization services were conducted in selected public health facilities, using a checklist of 30 key practices, at two points in time. Changes in adherence to key practices from baseline to endline were compared at 12 intervention and 12 comparison facilities using a difference in difference analysis.

RESULTS

Several key practices were well-established prior to the intervention, with adherence levels over 90% at baseline, including hemoglobin and urine testing, use of sterile surgical gloves and instruments, and recommended surgical technique. However, adherence to many other practices was extremely low at baseline. The program significantly increased adherence to nine practices, including those related to ascertaining client's medical eligibility, client-provider interaction, the consent process, and post-operative care. The greatest improvement was observed in the provision of written instructions for clients prior to discharge. At endline, however, adherence remained below 50% for 14 practices.

CONCLUSION

Low adherence to key practices at baseline confirmed the need for quality improvement interventions in female sterilization services. While the intervention improved adherence to certain practices around admission and post-operative care, inadequate human resources and infrastructure, among other factors, may have blunted the impact of the intervention.

Surviving mothers and lost babies - burden of stillbirths and neonatal deaths among women with maternal near miss in eastern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

Background

Although maternal near miss (MNM) is often considered a ‘great save’ because the woman survived life-threatening complications, these complications may have resulted in loss of a child or severe neonatal morbidity. The objective of this study was to assess proportion of perinatal mortality (stillbirths and early neonatal deaths) in a cohort of women with MNM in eastern Ethiopia. In addition, we compared perinatal outcomes among women who fulfilled the World Health Organization (WHO) and the sub-Saharan African (SSA) MNM criteria.

Methods

In a prospective cohort design, women with potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTC) (severe postpartum hemorrhage, severe pre-(eclampsia), sepsis/severe systemic infection, and ruptured uterus) were identified every day from January 1st, 2016, to April 30th, 2017, and followed until discharge in the two main hospitals in Harar, Ethiopia. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were collected using both sets of criteria. Numbers and proportions of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths were computed and compared.

Results

Of 1054 women admitted with PTLC during the study period, 594 women fulfilled any of the MNM criteria. After excluding near misses related to abortion, ectopic pregnancy or among undelivered women, 465 women were included, in whom 149 (32%) perinatal deaths occurred: 132 (88.6%) stillbirths and 17 (11.4%) early neonatal deaths. In absolute numbers, the SSA criteria picked up more perinatal deaths compared to the WHO criteria, but the proportion of perinatal deaths was lower in SSA group compared to the WHO (149/465, 32% vs 62/100, 62%). Perinatal mortality was more likely among near misses with antepartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.81; 95% CI = 1.76-13.20), grand multiparous women (aOR = 4.31; 95% confidence interval CI = 1.23-15.25), and women fulfilling any of the WHO near miss criteria (aOR = 4.89; 95% CI = 2.17-10.99).

Conclusion

WHO MNM criteria pick up fewer perinatal deaths, although perinatal mortality occurred in a larger proportion of women fulfilling the WHO MNM criteria compared to the SSA MNM criteria. As women with MNM have increased risk of perinatal deaths (in both definitions), a holistic care addressing the needs of the mother and baby should be considered in management of women with MNM.

Introduction of Criterion-Based Audit of Postpartum Hemorrhage in a University Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia: Implementation and Considerations

With postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) continuing to be the leading cause of maternal mortality in most low-resource settings, an audit of the quality of care in health facilities is essential. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of substandard care and establish recommendations for the management of PPH in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. Using standard criteria (n = 8) adapted to the local hospital setting, we audited 45 women with PPH admitted from August 2018 to March 2019. Four criteria were agreed as being low: IV line-setup (32 women, 71.1%), accurate postpartum vital sign monitoring (23 women, 51.1%), performing typing and cross-matching (22 women, 48.9%), and fluid intake/output chart maintenance (6 women, 13.3%). In only 3 out of 45 women (6.7%), all eight standard criteria were met. Deficiencies in the case of note documentation and clinical monitoring, non-availability of medical resources and blood for transfusion, as well as delays in clinical management were identified. The audit created awareness, resulting in self-reflection of current practice and promoted a sense of responsibility to improve care among hospital staff. Locally appropriate recommendations and an intervention plan based on available resources were formulated.

Beyond severe acute maternal morbidity: a mixed-methods study on the long-term consequences of (severe pre-)eclampsia in rural Tanzania

OBJECTIVES

To explore the long-term (perceived) consequences of (severe pre-)eclampsia in rural Tanzania.

METHODS

Women were traced for this mixed-methods study 6-7 years after the diagnosis of (severe pre-)eclampsia. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were noted, and blood pressure was recorded. Questionnaires were used to assess physical and mental health. The qualitative part consisted of semi-structured interviews (SSI). A reference group consisted of women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Of 74 patients, 25 (34%) were available for follow-up, and 24 were included. Five (20%) had suffered from (pre-)eclampsia twice. Hypertension was more common after (pre-)eclampsia than in the reference group (29% vs. 13%). Thirteen women (56%) had feelings of anxiety and depression, compared to 30% in the reference group. In SSIs, experiences during the index pregnancy were explored, as well as body functions, reproductive life course and limitations in daily functioning, which were shown to be long-lasting.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who suffered from (severe pre-)eclampsia may experience long-term sequelae, including hypertension, depression and anxiety. Women lack information about their condition, and some are worried to conceive again. To address their specific needs, a strategy along the continuum of care is needed for women following a complicated pregnancy, starting with a late postnatal care visit 6 weeks after giving birth.

Patterns and determinants of modern contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age: Analysis of Kenya Demographic Health Surveys, 2003-2014

Objectives

This study aimed to examine patterns and determinants of modern contraceptive discontinuation among women in Kenya.

Methods

Secondary analysis was conducted using national representative Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys of 2003, 2008/9, and 2014. These household cross-sectional surveys targeted women of reproductive age from 15 to 49 years who had experienced an episode of modern contraceptive use within five years preceding the surveys from 2003 (n = 2686), 2008/9 (n = 2992), and 2014 (5919). The contraceptive discontinuation rate was defined as the number of episodes discontinued divided by the total number of episodes. Weighted descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression analysis, and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to examine the determinants of contraceptive discontinuation.

Results

The 12-month contraceptive discontinuation rate for all methods declined from 37.5% in 2003 and 36.7% in 2008/9 to 30.5% in 2014. Consistently across the three surveys, intrauterine devices had the lowest 12-month discontinuation rate (6.4% in 2014) followed by implants (8.0%, in 2014). In 2014, higher rates were seen for pills (44.9%) and male condoms (42.9%). The determinants of contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age in the 2003 survey included users of short-term contraception methods, specifically for those who used male condoms (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.13–5.11) and pills (HR = 2.68; 95CI = 1.79–4.00); and younger women aged 15–19 year (HR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.49–2.87) and 20–24 years (HR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.61–2.35). The trends in the most common reasons for discontinuation from 2003 to 2014 revealed an increase among those reporting side effects (p = 0.0002) and those wanting a more effective method (p<0.0001). A decrease was noted among those indicating method failure (p<0.0001) and husband disapproval (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Family planning programs should focus on improving service quality to strengthen the continuation of contraceptive use among those in need. Women should be informed about potential side effects and reassured on health concerns, including being provided options for method switching. The health system should avail a wider range of contraceptive methods and ensure a constant supply of commodities for women to choose from. Short-term contraceptive method users and younger women may need greater support for continued use.

Global incidence of caesarean deliveries on maternal request: a systematic review and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) is considered a significant contributor to the unprecedented increase in caesarean deliveries (CDs) for nonclinical reasons. Current literature lacks a reliable assessment of the rate of CDMR, which hinders the planning and delivery of appropriate interventions for reducing CDMR rates.

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-regression to explore the global incidence of CDMR.

SEARCH STRATEGY

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Medline, Google scholar and grey literature were searched from January 1985 to May 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Observational studies that report CDMR data were included. We excluded non-English articles, case notes, editorial reviews and articles reporting elective CDs from pregnancy risk factors.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently conducted the screening and quality appraisal using a validated tool. The weighted average of CDMR over total deliveries (absolute proportion) and by total CDs (relative proportion) were generated. Quality-effects meta-regression was used to explain the variability of the CDMR estimates by moderators, including study methodology and demography of study participants.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 31 articles from 14 countries that include 5 million total births. The absolute proportion of CDMR varies between 0.2 and 42.0%, with significant variations across studies and subgroups. The economic status of the country and study year together explained 84% of the absolute and 76% of the relative proportion of CDMR variation.

CONCLUSIONS

An appropriate reporting of CDMR should be a key priority in maternal health policies and practices.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Globally, the proportion of maternal requested caesarean delivery has mostly been influenced by the economic status of the country.

Association between surgical technique, adhesions and morbidity in women with repeat caesarean section: a retrospective study in a rural hospital in Western Tanzania

Background

The worldwide incidence of birth by Caesarean Section (CS) is rising. Many births after a previous CS are by repeat surgery, either by an elective CS or after a failed trial of labour. Adhesion formation is associated with increased maternal morbidity in patients with repeat CSs. In spite of large-scale studies the relation between the incidence of adhesion formation and CS surgical technique is unclear. This study aims to assess maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality after repeat CSs in a rural hospital in a low-income country (LIC) and to analyse the effect of surgical technique on the formation of adhesions.

Methods

A cross-sectional, retrospective medical records study of all women undergoing CS in Ndala Hospital in 2011 and 2012.

Results

Of the 3966 births, 450 were by CS (11.3%), of which 321 were 1^st CS, 80 2^nd CS, 36 3^rd CS, 12 4^th and one 5^th CS (71, 18, 8, 3 and 0.2% respectively). Adhesions were considered to be severe in 56% of second CSs and 64% of third CSs. In 2^nd CSs, adhesions were not associated with closure of the peritoneum at 1^st CS, but were associated with the prior use of a midline skin incision. There was no increase in maternal morbidity when severe adhesions were present. Adverse neonatal outcome was more prevalent when severe adhesions were present, but this was statistically non-significant (16% vs 6%).

Conclusions

Our results give insight into the practice of repeat CS in our rural hospital. Adhesions after CSs are common and occur more frequently after midline skin incision at 1^st CS compared to a transverse incision. Reviewing local data is important to evaluate quality of care and to compare local outcomes to the literature.

Study protocol for Post Pregnancy Family Planning Choices, an operations research study examining the effectiveness of interventions in the public and private sectors in Indonesia and Kenya

Background: Global evidence suggests many postpartum and postabortion women have an unmet need for family planning (FP) after delivery or receiving care following loss of a pregnancy. Post Pregnancy Family Planning Choices, an operations research study, aims to examine the effectiveness of a package of postpregnancy FP interventions, inclusive of postpartum and postabortion FP. The interventions are being implemented in selected public and private facilities in Indonesia and Kenya and focus on quality FP counseling and service provision prior to discharge. This manuscript presents the study protocol, documenting how the study team intends to determine key factors that influence uptake of postpregnancy FP. Methods: This is a multi-country, quasi-experimental operations research study in Brebes and Batang Districts of Indonesia and Meru and Kilifi Counties of Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative data is collected from multiple data sources and participants through interviews and assessments at multiple time points. Participants include health facilities; antenatal, postpartum, and postabortion clients; and key informants at national, subnational, facility, and community levels. Quantitative study data is collected and managed through the use of REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Once data are thoroughly cleaned and reviewed, regression models and multilevel analyses will explore quantitative data. Qualitative study data is collected using audio recordings and transcribed to Microsoft Word, then analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Qualitative datasets will be analyzed using grounded theory methods. Discussion: The ultimate goals of the study are to generate and disseminate actionable evidence of positive drivers, barriers, and activities that do not yield results with regard to increasing postpregnancy FP programmatic activities, and to institutionalize postpregnancy FP in the public and private sectors in Indonesia and Kenya. We hope these learnings and experience will contribute to global efforts to advance and scale up postpregnancy FP in similar settings beyond these two countries. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03333473

Maternal near-miss surveillance, Namibia

Objective

To analyse and improve the Namibian maternity care system by implementing maternal near-miss surveillance during 1 October 2018 and 31 March 2019, and identifying the challenges and benefits of such data collection.

Methods

From the results of an initial feasibility study, we adapted the World Health Organization’s criteria defining a maternal near miss to the Namibian health-care system. We visited most (27 out of 35) participating facilities before implementation and provided training on maternal near-miss identification and data collection. We visited all facilities at the end of the surveillance period to verify recorded data and to give staff the opportunity to provide feedback.

Findings

During the 6-month period, we recorded 37 106 live births, 298 maternal near misses (8.0 per 1000 live births) and 23 maternal deaths (62.0 per 100 000 live births). We observed that obstetric haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders were the most common causes of maternal near misses (each 92/298; 30.9%). Of the 49 maternal near misses due to pregnancies with abortive outcomes, ectopic pregnancy was the most common cause (36/298; 12.1%). Fetal or neonatal outcomes were poor; only 50.3% (157/312) of the infants born to maternal near-miss mothers went home with their mother.

Conclusion

Maternal near-miss surveillance is a useful intervention to identify within-country challenges, such as lack of access to caesarean section or hysterectomy. Knowledge of these challenges can be used by policy-makers and programme managers in the development of locally tailored targeted interventions to improve maternal outcome in their setting.

Assessing Implementation of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response in Rwanda

Maternal deaths remain a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Implementation of maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response (MPDSR) is vital to reduce preventable deaths. The study aimed to assess implementation of MPDSR in Rwanda. We applied mixed methods following the six-step audit cycle for MPDSR to determine the level of implementation at 10 hospitals and three health centers. Results showed various stages of implementation of MPDSR across facilities. Maternal death audits were conducted regularly, and facilities had action plans to address modifiable factors. However, perinatal death audits were not formally done. Implementation was challenged by lack of enough motivated staff, heavy workload, lack of community engagement, no linkages with existing quality improvement efforts, no guidelines for review of stillbirths, incomplete medical records, poor classification of cause of death, and no sharing of feedback among others. Implementation of MPDSR varied from facility to facility indicating varying capacity gaps. There is need to integrate perinatal death audits with maternal death audits and ensure the process is part of other quality improvement initiatives at the facility level. More efforts are needed to support health facilities to improve implementation of MPDSR and contribute to achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.

Quality of care in prevention, detection and management of postpartum hemorrhage in hospitals in Afghanistan: an observational assessment

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and accounts for 56% of maternal deaths in Afghanistan. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly caused by uterine atony, genital tract trauma, retained placenta, and coagulation disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of prevention, detection and management of PPH in both public and private hospitals in Afghanistan in 2016, and compare the quality of care in district hospitals with care in provincial, regional, and specialty hospitals.

METHODS

This study uses a subset of data from the 2016 Afghanistan National Maternal and Newborn Health Quality of Care Assessment. It covers a census of all accessible public hospitals, including 40 district hospitals, 27 provincial hospitals, five regional hospitals, and five specialty hospitals, as well as 10 purposively selected private hospitals.

RESULTS

All public and private hospitals reported 24 h/7 days a week service provision. Oxytocin was available in 90.0% of district hospitals, 89.2% of provincial, regional and specialty hospitals and all 10 private hospitals; misoprostol was available in 52.5% of district hospitals, 56.8% of provincial, regional and specialty hospitals and in all 10 private hospitals. For prevention of PPH, 73.3% women in district hospitals, 71.2% women at provincial, regional and specialty hospitals and 72.7% women at private hospital received uterotonics. Placenta and membranes were checked for completeness in almost half of women in all hospitals. Manual removal of placenta was performed in 97.8% women with retained placenta. Monitoring blood loss during the immediate postpartum period was performed in 48.4% of women in district hospitals, 36.9% of women in provincial, regional and specialty hospitals, and 43.3% in private hospitals. The most commonly observed cause of PPH was retained placenta followed by genital tract trauma and uterine atony.

CONCLUSION

Gaps in performance of skilled birth attendants are substantial across public and private hospitals. Improving and retaining skills of health workers through on-site, continuous capacity development approaches and encouraging a culture of audit, learning and quality improvement may address clinical gaps and improve quality of PPH prevention, detection and management.

Pregnancy outcomes in asylum seekers in the North of the Netherlands: a retrospective documentary analysis

BACKGROUND

With more than 20,000 asylum seekers arriving every year, healthcare for this population has become an important issue. Pregnant asylum seekers seem to be at risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess the difference in pregnancy outcomes between asylum seekers and the local Dutch population and to identify potential substandard factors of care.

METHODS

Using a retrospective study design we compared pregnancy outcomes of asylum-seeking and Dutch women who gave birth in a northern region of the Netherlands between January 2012 and December 2016. The following data were compared: perinatal mortality, maternal mortality, gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery, birth weight, small for gestational age children, APGAR score, intrauterine foetal death, mode of delivery and the need for pain medication. Cases of perinatal mortality in asylum seekers were reviewed for potential substandard factors.

RESULTS

A total of 344 Asylum-seeking women and 2323 Dutch women were included. Asylum seekers had a higher rate of perinatal mortality (3.2% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.000) including a higher rate of intrauterine foetal death (2.3% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.000), higher gestational age at birth (39 + 4 vs. 38 + 6 weeks, p = 0.000), labour was less often induced (36.9 vs. 43.8, p = 0.016), postnatal hospitalization was longer (2.24 vs. 1.72 days p = 0.006) and they received more opioid analgesics (27.3% vs. 22%, p = 0.029). Babies born from asylum-seeking women had lower birth weights (3265 vs. 3385 g, p = 0.000) and were more often small for gestational age (13.9% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that the increased risk of perinatal mortality in asylum-seeking women was independent of parity, birth weight and gestational age at birth. Review of the perinatal mortality cases in asylum seekers revealed possible substandard factors, such as late initiation of antenatal care, missed appointments because of transportation problems, not recognising alarm symptoms, not knowing who to contact and transfer to other locations during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant asylum seekers have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. More research is needed to identify which specific risk factors are involved in poor perinatal outcomes in asylum seekers and to identify strategies to improve perinatal care for this group of vulnerable women.

Severe Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Eastern Ethiopia: Comparing the Original WHO and Adapted sub-Saharan African Maternal Near-Miss Criteria

OBJECTIVES

To assess life-threatening complications among women admitted with severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and compare applicability of World Health Organization (WHO) maternal near-miss (MNM) criteria and the recently adapted sub-Saharan African (SSA) MNM criteria in eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Of 1,054 women admitted with potentially life-threatening conditions between January 2016 and April 2017, 562 (53.3%) had severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. We applied the definition of MNM according to the WHO MNM criteria and the SSA MNM criteria. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with severe maternal outcomes (MNMs and maternal deaths).

RESULTS

The SSA MNM criteria identified 285 cases of severe maternal outcomes: 271 MNMs and 14 maternal deaths (mortality index 4.9%). The WHO criteria identified 50 cases of severe maternal outcomes: 36 MNMs and 14 maternal deaths (mortality index 28%). The MNM ratio was 36.6 per 1,000 livebirths according to the SSA MNM criteria and 4.9 according to the WHO criteria. More than 80% of women in both groups had MNM events on arrival or within 12 hours after admission. Women without antenatal care, from rural areas, referred from other facilities, and with concomitant hemorrhage more often developed severe maternal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Regarding hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the SSA tool is more inclusive than the WHO tool, while still maintaining a considerably high mortality index indicating severity of included cases. This may enable more robust audits. Strengthening the referral system and improving prevention and management of obstetric hemorrhage in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are required to avert severe maternal outcomes.

Development and use of a scale to assess gender differences in appraisal of mistreatment during childbirth among Ethiopian midwifery students

Mistreatment during childbirth occurs across the globe and endangers the well-being of pregnant women and their newborns. A gender-sensitive approach to mistreatment during childbirth seems relevant in Ethiopia, given previous research among Ethiopian midwives and patients suggesting that male midwives provide more respectful maternity care, which is possibly mediated by self-esteem and stress. This study aimed a) to develop a tool that assesses mistreatment appraisal from a provider's perspective and b) to assess gender differences in mistreatment appraisal among Ethiopian final-year midwifery students and to analyze possible mediating roles of self-esteem and stress. First, we developed a research tool (i.e. a quantitative scale) to assess mistreatment appraisal from a provider's perspective, on the basis of scientific literature and the review of seven experts regarding its relevance and comprehensiveness. Second, we utilized this scale, the so-called Mistreatment Appraisal Scale, among 390 Ethiopian final-year midwifery students to assess their mistreatment appraisal, self-esteem (using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), stress (using the Perceived Stress Scale) and various background characteristics. The scale's internal consistency was acceptable (α = .75), corrected item-total correlations were acceptable (.24 - .56) and inter-item correlations were mostly acceptable (.07 - .63). Univariable (B = 3.084, 95% CI [-.005, 6.173]) and multivariable (B = 1.867, 95% CI [-1.472, 5.205]) regression analyses did not show significant gender differences regarding mistreatment appraisal. Mediation analyses showed that self-esteem (a1b1 = -.030, p = .677) and stress (a2b2 = -.443, p = .186) did not mediate the effect of gender on mistreatment appraisal. The scale to assess mistreatment appraisal appears to be feasible and reliable. No significant association between gender and mistreatment appraisal was observed and self-esteem and stress were not found to be mediators. Future research is needed to evaluate the scale's criterion validity and to assess determinants and consequences of mistreatment during childbirth from various perspectives.

Measuring maternal near-miss in a middle-income country: assessing the use of WHO and sub-Saharan Africa maternal near-miss criteria in Namibia

Background: Namibia, a middle-income country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), plans to use the Maternal Near Miss (MNM) approach. Adaptations of the World Health Organization (WHO) MNM defining criteria (‘WHO MNM criteria’) were previously proposed for low-income settings in sub-Saharan Africa (‘SSA MNM criteria’), but whether these adaptations are required in middle-income settings is unknown.

Objective: To establish MNM criteria suitable for use in Namibia, a middle-income country in SSA.

Methods: Cross-sectional study from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018 in four Namibian hospitals. Pregnant women or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy or birth, fulfilling at least one WHO or SSA MNM criterion were included. Records of women identified by either only WHO criteria or only SSA criteria were assessed in detail.

Results: 194 Women fulfilled any MNM criterion. WHO criteria identified 61 MNM, the SSA criteria 184 MNM. Of women who only fulfilled any of the unique SSA MNM criteria, 18 fulfilled the criterion ‘eclampsia’, one ‘uterine rupture’ and five ‘laparotomy’. These women were assessed to be MNM. Thresholds for blood transfusion to define MNM due to haemorrhage were two units in the SSA and five in WHO set. Two or three units were given to 95 women for mild/moderate haemorrhage or chronic anaemia who did not fulfil any WHO criterion and were not considered MNM. Fourteen women who were assessed to be MNM from severe haemorrhage received four units.

Conclusions: WHO MNM criteria may underestimate and SSA MNM criteria overestimate the prevalence of MNM in a middle-income country such as Namibia, where MNM criteria ‘in between’ may be more appropriate. Namibia opts to apply a modification of the WHO criteria, including eclampsia, uterine rupture, laparotomy and a lower threshold of four units of blood to define MNM. We recommend that other middle-income countries validate our criteria for their setting.

Readiness of emergency obstetric and newborn care in public health facilities in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2016

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in readiness to provide emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in health facilities in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2016.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed of a subset of data from cross-sectional health facility assessments conducted in December 2009 to February 2010 and May 2016 to January 2017. Interviews with health providers, facility inventory, and record review were conducted in both assessments. Descriptive statistics and χ² tests were used to compare readiness of EmONC at 59 public health facilities expected to provide comprehensive EmONC.

RESULTS

The proportion of facilities reporting provision of uterotonic drugs, anticonvulsants, parenteral antibiotics, newborn resuscitation, and cesarean delivery did not change significantly between 2010 and 2016. Provision of assisted vaginal deliveries increased from 78% in 2010 to 98% in 2016 (P<0.001). Fewer health facilities had amoxicillin (61% in 2016 vs 90% in 2010; P<0.001) and gentamicin (74% in 2016 vs 95% in 2010; P<0.002). The number of facilities with at least one midwife on duty 24 hours a day/7 days a week significantly declined (88% in 2016 vs 98% in 2010; P=0.028).

CONCLUSION

Despite a few positive changes, readiness of EmONC services in Afghanistan in 2016 had declined from 2010 levels.

Understanding job satisfaction and motivation among nurses in public health facilities of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background

Poor job conditions and limited resources are reducing job satisfaction and motivation among nurses in low-income countries, which may affect the quality of services and attrition rates. The objective of this study was to examine job satisfaction, motivation and associated factors among nurses working in the public health facilities of Ethiopia, with the aim of improving performance and productivity in the health care system.

Methods

The study employed a cross-sectional two-stage cluster sampling design. From a random sample of 125 health facilities, 424 nurses were randomly selected for face-to-face interviews in all regions of Ethiopia. Nurses responded to questions about their overall job satisfaction and job conditions, including items related to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, using a 5-point Likert scale. Multilevel analysis was performed to adjust for different clustering effects. Satisfaction levels (percent of respondents who were satisfied) were calculated for individual items, and composite mean scores (range: 1–5) were calculated for motivational factors. Adjusted odds ratios were computed to examine the association of these factors with overall job satisfaction.

Results

Overall, 60.8% of nurses expressed satisfaction with their job. Composite mean scores for intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors were 3.5 and 3.0, respectively. Job satisfaction levels were significantly higher for female nurses (65.6%, p = 0.04), those older than 29 years (67.8%, p = 0.048) and had over 10 years work experiences (68.8%, p = 0.007). Satisfaction with remuneration (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.36, 3.06), recognition (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.38, 3.53), professional advancement (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.29), features of the work itself (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.20, 2.91) and nurses’ work experiences from 5 to 10 years (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.79) were significantly associated with overall job satisfaction after controlling for other predictors.

Conclusions

The study findings are signals for the Ministry of Health to strengthen the human resource management system and practices to improve nurses’ overall job satisfaction and motivation, especially among nurses with 5 to 10 years of experience on the job. Expanded recognition systems and opportunities for advancement are required to increase nurses’ job satisfaction and motivation. Equitable salary and fringe benefits are also needed to reduce their dissatisfaction with the job.

The contribution of Dutch doctors in Global Health and Tropical Medicine to research in global health in low- and middle-income countries: an exploration of the evidence

Results from medical research from high-income countries may not apply to low- and middle-income countries. Some expatriate physicians combine clinical duties with research. We present global health research conducted by Dutch medical doctors in Global Health and Tropical Medicine in low- and middle-income countries and explore the value of their research.

We included all research conducted in the last 30 years by medical doctors in Global Health and Tropical Medicine in a low- and middle-income country, resulting in a PhD thesis. Articles and co-authors were found through Medline. More than half of the 18 identified PhD theses concerned maternal health and obstetrics, and the majority of the research was conducted in low-income countries, mostly in rural hospitals. Over 70 local co-authors were involved. Different aspects of these studies are discussed.