1
|
Hunegnaw BM, Goddard FGB, Bekele D, Haneuse S, Pons-Duran C, Zeleke M, Mohammed Y, Bekele C, Chan GJ. Estimates and determinants of health facility delivery in the Birhan cohort in Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306581. [PMID: 39058714 PMCID: PMC11280242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Health facility delivery is one of the critical indicators to monitor progress towards the provision of skilled delivery care and reduction in perinatal mortality. In Ethiopia, utilization of health facilities for skilled delivery care has been increasing but varies greatly by region and among specific socio-demography groups. We aimed to measure the prevalence and determinants of health facility delivery in the Amhara region in Ethiopia. From December 2018 to November 2020, we conducted a longitudinal study from a cohort of 2801 pregnant women and described the location of delivery and the association with determinants. We interviewed a subset of women who delivered in the community and analyzed responses using the three delays model to understand reasons for not using health facility services. A multivariable poisson regression model with robust error variance was used to estimate the presence and magnitude of association between location of delivery and the determinants. Of the 2,482 pregnant women followed through to birth, 73.6% (n = 1,826) gave birth in health facilities, 24.3% (n = 604) gave birth at home and 2.1% (n = 52) delivered on the way to a health facility. Determinants associated with increased likelihood of delivery at a health facility included formal maternal education, shorter travel times to health facilities, primiparity, higher wealth index and having attended at least one ANC visit. Most common reasons mothers gave for not delivering in a health facility were delays in individual/family decision to seek care. The proportion of deliveries occurring in health facilities is increasing but falls below targets. Interventions that focus on the identified social-demographic determinants and delays are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bezawit M. Hunegnaw
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Frederick G. B. Goddard
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Delayehu Bekele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mesfin Zeleke
- Birhan HDSS, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yahya Mohammed
- Birhan HDSS, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Chalachew Bekele
- Birhan HDSS, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Grace J. Chan
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, MA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Buralli RJ, da Silva ZP, Alencar GP, Figueiredo GM, Hoshida MS, Luna EJA, Pastro LDM, Santos OAD, Marques LJP, Zerbinati RM, Galisteo Junior AJ, Andrade Junior HD, Machado CM, Meireles LR, Schultz R, Rodrigues LC, Francisco RPV, Novaes HMD, Almeida MFD, Gouveia N. Assessing the risks for stillbirth in São Paulo, Brazil: protocol for a multidisciplinary case-control study - FetRisks. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079261. [PMID: 38866578 PMCID: PMC11177680 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Stillbirth is a fundamental component of childhood mortality, but its causes are still insufficiently understood. This study aims to explore stillbirth risk factors by using a multidisciplinary approach to stimulate public policies and protocols to prevent stillbirth, improve maternal care and support bereaved families. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this case-control study with stillbirths and live births in 14 public hospitals in São Paulo, mothers are interviewed at hospitals after delivery, and hospital records and prenatal care registries are reviewed. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples and placentas are collected to analyse angiogenesis and infection biomarkers, and the placenta's anatomopathological exam. Air pollutant exposure is estimated through the participant's residence and work addresses. Traditional and non-invasive autopsies by image-guided histopathology are conducted in a subset of stillbirths. Subsample mothers of cases are interviewed at home 2 months after delivery on how they were dealing with grief. Information contained in the official prenatal care registries of cases and controls is being compiled. Hospital managers are interviewed about the care offered to stillbirth mothers. Data analysis will identify the main risk factors for stillbirth, investigate their interrelations, and evaluate health services care and support for bereaved families. We hope this project will contribute to the understanding of stillbirth's risk factors and related health services in Brazil, providing new knowledge about this central public health problem, contributing to the improvement of public policies and prenatal and puerperal care, helping to prevent stillbirths and improve the healthcare and support for bereaved families. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Municipal Health Secretary (process no 16509319.0.3012.5551) and of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (process no 16509319.0.0000.0068). Results will be communicated to the study participants, policy-makers and the scientific community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Junqueira Buralli
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zilda Pereira da Silva
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Saude Publica, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gizelton Pereira Alencar
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Saude Publica, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerusa Maria Figueiredo
- Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Sandra Hoshida
- Laboratorio de Investigaçao Medica em Fisiologia Obstetrica (LIM 57), Universidade de São Paulo Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Expedito J A Luna
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Osmara Alves Dos Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Melim Zerbinati
- Laboratorio de Virologia (LIM 52), Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrés Jimenez Galisteo Junior
- Laboratorio de Investigaçao Medica em Protozoologia, Bacteriologia e Resistencia Antimicrobiana (LIM 49), Universidade de Sao Paulo Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heitor de Andrade Junior
- Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Anatomia Patologica, Universidade de Sao Paulo Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarisse M Machado
- Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Virologia (LIM 52), Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Regina Schultz
- Laboratorio de Anatomia Patologica, Universidade de Sao Paulo Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
- Laboratorio de Investigaçao Medica em Fisiologia Obstetrica (LIM 57), Universidade de São Paulo Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Furquim de Almeida
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Saude Publica, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nelson Gouveia
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Medicina, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ssegujja E, Andipatin M. Translating lessons to reinforce national stillbirth response; multi-stakeholder perspectives regarding priorities and opportunities to deliver quality evidence-based interventions within a limited-resource context in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:715. [PMID: 38858756 PMCID: PMC11165756 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is noted increase in attention towards implementation of evidence-based interventions in response to the stillbirth burden in low- and middle-income countries including Uganda. Recent results reporting some of the strategies adopted have tended to focus much attention towards their overall effect on the stillbirth burden. More is needed regarding stakeholder reflections on priorities and opportunities for delivering quality services within a limited resource setting like Uganda. This paper bridges this knowledge gap. METHODS Data collection occurred between March and June 2019 at the national level. Qualitative interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis technique. RESULTS Identified priorities included; a focus on supportive functions such as the referral system, attention to the demand side component of maternal health services, and improvements in the support supervision particularly focusing on empowering subnational level actors. The need to strengthen the learning for better implementation of strategies which are compatible with context was also reported. A comprehensive and favourable policy environment with the potential to direct implementation of strategies, harnessing the private sector contribution as well as the role of national level champions and patient advocates to amplify national stillbirth reduction efforts for continued visibility and impact were recommended. CONCLUSION Great potential exists within the current strategies to address the national stillbirth burden. However, priorities such as improving the supportive functions of MCH service delivery and attention to the demand side need to be pursued more for better service delivery with opportunities including a favourable policy environment primed to better serve the current strategies. This calls for dedicated efforts targeted at addressing gaps within the existing priorities and opportunities for better delivery of national strategies to address the stillbirth burden in Uganda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ssegujja
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7076, Kampala, Uganda.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Michelle Andipatin
- Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gwacham-Anisiobi U, Boo YY, Oladimeji A, Kurinczuk JJ, Roberts N, Opondo C, Nair M. Effects of community-based interventions for stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 67:102386. [PMID: 38152414 PMCID: PMC10751841 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone contributed to 42% of global stillbirths in 2019, and the rate of stillbirth reduction has remained slow. There has been an increased uptake of community-based interventions to combat stillbirth in the region, but the effects of these interventions have been poorly assessed. Our objectives were to examine the effect of community-based interventions on stillbirth in SSA. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched eight databases (MEDLINE [OvidSP], Embase [OvidSP], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation index [Web of Science Core Collection], CINAHL [EBSCOhost] and Global Index Medicus) and four grey literature sources from January 1, 2000 to July 7, 2023 for relevant studies from SSA. Community-based interventions targeting stillbirths solely or as part of complex interventions, with or without hospital interventions were included, while hospital-only interventions, microcredit schemes and maternity waiting home interventions were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's tools. The study outcome was odds of stillbirth in intervention versus control communities. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were performed by intervention type and strategies. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger's test. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021296623. Findings Of the 4223 records identified, seventeen studies from fifteen SSA countries were eligible for inclusion. One study had four arms (community only, hospital only, community and hospital, and control arms), so information was extracted from each arm. Analysis of 13 of the 17 studies which had community-only intervention showed that the odds of stillbirth did not vary significantly between community-based intervention and control groups (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.78-1.17, I2 = 57%, p ≤ 0.01, n = 63,884). However, analysis of four (out of five) studies that included both community and health facility components found that in comparison with community only interventions, this combination strategy significantly reduced the odds of stillbirth by 17% (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.79-0.87, I2 = 11%, p = 0.37, n = 244,868), after excluding a study with high risk of bias. The quality of the 17 studies were graded as poor (n = 2), fair (n = 9) and good (n = 6). Interpretation Community-based interventions alone, without strengthening the quality and capacity of health facilities, are unlikely to have a substantial effect on reducing stillbirths in SSA. Funding Nuffield Department of Population Health, Balliol College, the Clarendon Fund, Medical Research Council.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Gwacham-Anisiobi
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yebeen Ysabelle Boo
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jennifer J. Kurinczuk
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Opondo
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Christou A, Mbishi J, Matsui M, Beňová L, Kim R, Numazawa A, Iwamoto A, Sokhan S, Ieng N, Delvaux T. Stillbirth rates and their determinants in a national maternity hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2017-2020: a cross-sectional assessment with a nested case-control study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:157. [PMID: 37865789 PMCID: PMC10590507 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cambodia, stillbirths and their underlying factors have not been systematically studied. This study aimed to assess the proportion and trends in stillbirths between 2017 and 2020 in a large maternity referral hospital in the country and identify their key determinants to inform future prevention efforts. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis with a nested case-control study of women giving birth at the National Maternal and Child Health Centre (NMCHC) in Phnom Penh, 2017-2020. We calculated percentages of singleton births at ≥ 22 weeks' gestation resulting in stillbirth and annual stillbirth rates by timing: intrapartum (fresh) or antepartum (macerated). Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with stillbirth, where cases were all women who gave birth to a singleton stillborn baby in the 4-year period. One singleton live birth immediately following each case served as an unmatched control. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data for gestational age. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2020, 3.2% of singleton births ended in stillbirth (938/29,742). The stillbirth rate increased from 24.8 per 1000 births in 2017 to 38.1 per 1000 births in 2020, largely due to an increase in intrapartum stillbirth rates which rose from 18.8 to 27.4 per 1000 births in the same period. The case-control study included 938 cases (stillbirth) and 938 controls (livebirths). Factors independently associated with stillbirth were maternal age ≥ 35 years compared to < 20 years (aOR: 1.82, 95%CI: 1.39, 2.38), extreme (aOR: 3.29, 95%CI: 2.37, 4.55) or moderate (aOR: 2.45, 95%CI: 1.74, 3.46) prematurity compared with full term, and small-for-gestational age (SGA) (aOR: 2.32, 1.71, 3.14) compared to average size-for-age. Breech/transverse births had nearly four times greater odds of stillbirth (aOR: 3.84, 95%CI: 2.78, 5.29), while caesarean section reduced the odds by half compared with vaginal birth (aOR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.39, 0.64). A history of abnormal vaginal discharge increased odds of stillbirth (aOR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.81) as did a history of stillbirth (aOR: 3.08, 95%CI: 1.5, 6.5). CONCLUSIONS Stillbirth prevention in this maternity referral hospital in Cambodia requires strengthening preterm birth detection and management of SGA, intrapartum care, monitoring women with stillbirth history, management of breech births, and further investigation of high-risk referral cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Christou
- Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | - Mitsuaki Matsui
- Department of Public Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
- Nagasaki University School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Lenka Beňová
- Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rattana Kim
- National Maternal and Child Health Center, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Ayako Numazawa
- Nagasaki University School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Azusa Iwamoto
- Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sophearith Sokhan
- Nagasaki University School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nary Ieng
- Nagasaki University School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Thérèse Delvaux
- Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ssegujja E, Ddumba I, Andipatin M. An exploration of health workers' experiences in providing bereavement care to mothers following a stillbirth: results from a subnational level health system in Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:588. [PMID: 37592205 PMCID: PMC10433559 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05913-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is a profound emotion-laden event to the mothers and health workers who provide care due to its sudden and unexpected occurrence. Health workers offering support in regions shouldering the highest-burden experience providing support to a stillbirth mother in their professional lifetime. However, their experiences seldom get documented as much of the focus is on mothers causing a dissonance between parental and clinical priorities. This study aimed to explore the health worker's experiences in the provision of bereavement care to mothers following a stillbirth. METHODS An exploratory cross-sectional qualitative study was undertaken on a purposively selected sample of key informants drawn from frontline health workers and health systems managers providing maternal health services at a subnational level health system in Uganda. An interview guide was used to collect data with the audio-recorded interviews transcribed using Microsoft office word. Atlas. ti a qualitative data management software aided in coding with analysis following a thematic content analysis technique. RESULTS There was no specialised bereavement care provided due to inadequate skills, knowledge of content, resources and support supervision for the same. However, health workers improvised within the available resources to comfort mothers upon news of a stillbirth. Disclosure to mothers about the stillbirth loss often took the form of forewarnings, direct and sometimes delayed disclosure. A feeling of unpreparedness to initiate the disclosure process to the mother was common while the whole experience had an emotional effect on the health workers when establishing the cause, particularly for cases without clear risk factors. The emotional breakdown was often a reflexive response from the mothers which equally affected the care providers. Health workers engaged in comforting and rebuilding the mothers to transition through the loss and validate the loss. Efforts to identify the skills and health systems gaps for address were a common response targeted at improving the quality of maternal healthcare services to avert similar occurrences in the future. CONCLUSION Providing care to mothers after stillbirth was an emotional and challenging experience for health workers requiring different approaches to disclosure and provision of emotional support. The aspect of specialised bereavement care was lacking within the current response. Reflection of unpreparedness to handle the tasks demonstrates a deficit in the required skills. It is a critical gap missing hence calling for dedicated efforts to address it. Targeting efforts to improve health workers' competencies and preparedness to manage grieving mothers is one way to approach it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ssegujja
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Isaac Ddumba
- Mukono District Local Government, Mukono, Uganda
| | - Michelle Andipatin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gwacham-Anisiobi U, Boo YY, Oladimeji A, Kurinczuk JJ, Roberts N, Opondo C, Nair M. Types, reporting and acceptability of community-based interventions for stillbirth prevention in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): a systematic review. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 62:102133. [PMID: 37593225 PMCID: PMC10430180 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based interventions are increasingly being implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for stillbirth prevention, but the nature of these interventions, their reporting and acceptability are poorly assessed. In addition to understanding their effectiveness, complete reporting of the methods, results and intervention acceptability is essential as it could potentially reduce research waste from replication of inadequately implemented and unacceptable interventions. We conducted a systematic review to investigate these aspects of community-based interventions for preventing stillbirths in SSA. Methods In this systematic review, eight databases (MEDLINE(OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation index (Web of Science Core Collection), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and Global Index Medicus) and four grey literature sources were searched from January 1, 2000 to July 7, 2023 for relevant quantitative and qualitative studies from SSA (PROSPERO-CRD42021296623). Following deduplication, abstract screening and full-text review, studies were included if the interventions were community-based with or without a health facility component. The main outcomes were types of community-based interventions, completeness of intervention reporting using the TIDier (Template for Intervention Description and replication) checklist, and themes related to intervention acceptability identified using a theoretical framework. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's tools. Findings Thirty-nine reports from thirty-four studies conducted in 18 SSA countries were eligible for inclusion. Four types of interventions were identified: nutritional, infection prevention, access to skilled childbirth attendants and health knowledge/behaviour of women. These interventions were implemented using nine strategies: mHealth (defined as the use of mobile and wireless technologies to support the achievement of health objectives), women's groups, community midwifery, home visits, mass media sensitisation, traditional birth attendant and community volunteer training, community mobilisation and transport vouchers. The completeness of reporting using the TIDier checklist varied across studies with a very low proportion of the included studies reporting the intervention intensity, dosing, tailoring and modification. The quality of the included studies were graded as poor (n = 6), fair (n = 14) and good (n = 18). Though interventions were acceptable, only 4 (out of 7) studies explored women's perceptions, mostly focusing on perceived intervention effects and how they felt, omitting key constructs like ethicality, opportunity cost and burden of participation. Interpretation Different community-based interventions have been tried and evaluated for stillbirth prevention in SSA. The reproducibility and implementation scale-up of these interventions may be limited by incomplete intervention descriptions in the published literature. To strengthen impact, it is crucial to holistically explore the acceptability of these interventions among women and their families. Funding Clarendon/Balliol/NDPH DPhil scholarship for UGA. MN is funded by a Medical Research Council Transition Support Award (MR/W029294/1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Gwacham-Anisiobi
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yebeen Ysabelle Boo
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jennifer J. Kurinczuk
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Opondo
- London Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Christou A, Raynes-Greenow C, Mubasher A, Hofiani SMS, Rasooly MH, Rashidi MK, Alam NA. Explanatory models of stillbirth among bereaved parents in Afghanistan: Implications for stillbirth prevention. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001420. [PMID: 37343024 PMCID: PMC10284382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Local perceptions and understanding of the causes of ill health and death can influence health-seeking behaviour and practices in pregnancy. We aimed to understand individual explanatory models for stillbirth in Afghanistan to inform future stillbirth prevention. This was an exploratory qualitative study of 42 semi-structured interviews with women and men whose child was stillborn, community elders, and healthcare providers in Kabul province, Afghanistan between October-November 2017. We used thematic data analysis framing the findings around Kleinman's explanatory framework. Perceived causes of stillbirth were broadly classified into four categories-biomedical, spiritual and supernatural, extrinsic factors, and mental wellbeing. Most respondents attributed stillbirths to multiple categories, and many believed that stillbirths could be prevented. Prevention practices in pregnancy aligned with perceived causes and included engaging self-care, religious rituals, superstitious practices and imposing social restrictions. Symptoms preceding the stillbirth included both physical and non-physical symptoms or no symptoms at all. The impacts of stillbirth concerned psychological effects and grief, the physical effect on women's health, and social implications for women and how their communities perceive them. Our findings show that local explanations for stillbirth vary and need to be taken into consideration when developing health education messages for stillbirth prevention. The overarching belief that stillbirth was preventable is encouraging and offers opportunities for health education. Such messages should emphasise the importance of care-seeking for problems and should be delivered at all levels in the community. Community engagement will be important to dispel misinformation around pregnancy loss and reduce social stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Christou
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Camille Raynes-Greenow
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Neeloy Ashraful Alam
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Torre Monmany N, Astete JA, Ramaiah D, Suchitra J, Krauel X, Fillol M, Balasubbaiah Y, Alarcón A, Bassat Q. Extended Perinatal Mortality Audit in a Rural Hospital in India. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:375-386. [PMID: 33902133 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to describe the status of perinatal mortality (PM) in an Indian rural hospital. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of data was compiled from PM meetings (April 2017 to December 2018) following "Making Every Baby Count: audit and review of stillbirths and neonatal deaths (ENAP or Every Newborn Action Plan)." RESULTS The study includes 8,801 livebirths, 105 stillbirths (SBs); 74 antepartum stillbirths [ASBs], 22 intrapartum stillbirths [ISBs], and nine unknown timing stillbirths [USBs]), 39 neonatal deaths or NDs (perinatal death or PDs 144). The higher risks for ASBs were maternal age >34 years, previous history of death, and/or SBs. Almost half of the PDs could be related with antepartum complications. More than half of the ASB were related with preeclampsia/eclampsia and abruptio placentae; one-third of the ISB were related with preeclampsia/eclampsia and gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and placental dysfunction. The main maternal conditions differed between PDs (p = 0.005). The main causes of the ND were infections, congenital malformations, complications of prematurity, intrapartum complications, and unknown. The stillbirth rate was 11.8/1,000 births, neonatal mortality rate 4.4/1,000 livebirths, and perinatal mortality rate 15.8/1,000 births. CONCLUSION This is the first study of its kind in Andhra Pradesh being the first step for the analysis and prevention of PM. KEY POINTS · Many conditions that lead to stillbirths are linked to neonatal deaths and PM has been outside of the global parameters from the last decades.. · This is the first study following International Classification of Disease perinatal mortality codes and the audit of ENAP in Andhra Pradesh.. · Extended PM and mortality are mainly caused by similar preventable and treatable conditions..
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Núria Torre Monmany
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Transport, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Américo Astete
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Paediatrics, Pediatria dels pirineus, la Seu d'Urgell, Spain
| | - Dasarath Ramaiah
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Jyothi Suchitra
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Xavier Krauel
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Neonatology, Sant Joan de déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manolo Fillol
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital de la plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Yadamala Balasubbaiah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Ana Alarcón
- Department of Neonatology, Sant Joan de déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Icrea, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Souza RT, Brasileiro M, Ong M, Delaney L, Vieira MC, Dias MAB, Pasupathy D, Cecatti JG. Investigation of stillbirths in Brazil: A systematic scoping review of the causes and related reporting processes in the past decade. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 161:711-725. [PMID: 36373189 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing the causes of stillbirths and their associated conditions is essential to reduce its occurrence. OBJECTIVE To describe information on stillbirths in Brazil during the past decade. SEARCH STRATEGY A literature search was performed from January 2010 to December 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA Original observational studies and clinical trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were manually extracted to a spreadsheet and descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 55 studies were included; 40 studies (72.2%) used the official data stored by national public health systems. Most articles aimed to estimate the rate and trends of stillbirth (60%) or their causes (55.4%). Among the 16 articles addressing the causes of death, 10 (62.5%) used the International Classification of Diseases; most of the articles only specified the main cause of death. Intrauterine hypoxia was the main cause reported (ranging from 14.3% to 54.9%). CONCLUSION Having a national system based on compulsory notification of stillbirths may not be sufficient to provide quality information on occurrence and, especially, causes of death. Further improvements of the attribution and registration of causes of deaths and the implementation of educational actions for improving reporting systems are advisable. Finally, expanding the investigation of contributing factors associated with stillbirths would create an opportunity for further development of prevention strategies in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renato T Souza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brasileiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Melissa Ong
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK
| | - Louisa Delaney
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK
| | - Matias C Vieira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK
| | - Marcos A B Dias
- Fernandes Figueira Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dharmintra Pasupathy
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK.,Westmead Reproduction and Perinatal Medicine Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - José G Cecatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kanyesigye H, Ngonzi J, Mulogo E, Fajardo Y, Kabakyenga J. Health Care Workers' Experiences, Challenges of Obstetric Referral Processes and Self-Reported Solutions in South Western Uganda: Mixed Methods Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:1869-1886. [PMID: 36225611 PMCID: PMC9550169 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s377304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In resource limited settings, the highest burden of adverse maternal-fetal outcomes at referral hospitals is registered from emergency obstetric referrals from lower health facilities. Implementation of referral protocols has not been optimally successful possibly attributed to lack of understanding of profile of obstetric referrals and local challenges faced during implementation process. Objective This study described the profile of emergency obstetric referrals, challenges faced in implementation of obstetric referral processes and explored self-reported solutions by health workers. Methods This was a mixed methods study done at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) and health centre IVs in South-Western Uganda. We consecutively recruited emergency obstetric referrals from Isingiro district for delivery at MRRH. Using a pre-tested questionnaire, we collected demographics, obstetric and referral characteristics. We described the profile of referrals using frequencies and proportions based on demographics, obstetric and referral characteristics. We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers using discussion/interview guides. Using thematic analysis, we ascertained the challenges and health worker self-reported solutions. Results We recruited 161 referrals: 104(65%) were below 26 years, 16(10%) had no formal education, 11(7%) reported no income, 151(94%) had no professional-escort, 137(85%) used taxis, 151(96%) were referred by midwives. Common diagnoses were previous cesarean scar (24% [n=39]) and prolonged labour (21% [n=33]). There was no communication prior to referral and no feedback from MRRH to lower health facilities. Other challenges included inconsistencies of ambulance and anesthesia services, electric power, medical supplies, support supervision, and harassment by colleagues. Self-reported solutions included the use of phone call technology for communication, audit meetings, support supervision and increasing staffing level. Conclusion Most referrals are of poor social-economic status, use taxis, and lack professional-escort. Health workers suffer harassment, lack of communication and shortage of supplies. We need to experiment whether mobile phone technology could solve the communication gap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamson Kanyesigye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Correspondence: Hamson Kanyesigye, Tel +256752806921, Email
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edgar Mulogo
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Yarine Fajardo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jerome Kabakyenga
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Azaare J, Akweongo P, Aryeteey GC, Dwomoh D. Evaluating the impact of maternal health care policy on stillbirth and perinatal mortality in Ghana; a mixed method approach using two rounds of Ghana demographic and health survey data sets and qualitative design technique. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274573. [PMID: 36174023 PMCID: PMC9521900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth and perinatal mortality issues continue to receive inadequate policy attention in Ghana despite government efforts maternal health care policy intervention over the years. The development has raised concerns as to whether Ghana can achieve the World Health Organization target of 12 per 1000 live births by the year 2030. PURPOSE In this study, we compared stillbirth and perinatal mortality between two groups of women who registered and benefitted from Ghana's 'free' maternal health care policy and those who did not. We further explored the contextual factors of utilization of maternal health care under the 'free' policy to find explanation to the quantitative findings. METHODS The study adopted a mixed method approach, first using two rounds of Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data sets, 2008 and 2014 as baseline and end line respectively. We constructed outcome variables of stillbirth and perinatal mortality from the under 5 mortality variables (n = 487). We then analyzed for association using multiple logistics regression and checked for sensitivity and over dispersion using Poisson and negative binomial regression models, while adjusting for confounding. We also conducted 23 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions for doctors, midwives and pregnant women and analyzed the contents of the transcripts thematically with verbatim quotes. RESULTS Stillbirth rate increased in 2014 by 2 per 1000 live births. On the other hand, perinatal mortality rate declined within the same period by 4 per 1000 live births. Newborns were 1.64 times more likely to be stillborn; aOR: 1.64; 95% [CI: 1.02, 2.65] and 2.04 times more likely to die before their 6th day of life; aOR: 2.04; 95% [CI: 1.28, 3.25] among the 'free' maternal health care policy group, compared to the no 'free' maternal health care policy group, and the differences were statistically significant, p< 0.041; p< 0.003, respectively. Routine medicines such as folic acid and multi-vitamins were intermittently in short supply forcing private purchase by pregnant women to augment their routine requirement. Also, pregnant women in labor took in local concoction as oxytocin, ostensibly to fast track the labor process and inadvertently leading to complications of uterine rapture thus, increasing the risk of stillbirths. CONCLUSION Even though perinatal mortality rate declined overall in 2014, the proportion of stillbirth and perinatal death is declining slowly despite the 'free' policy intervention. Shortage of medicine commodities, inadequate monitoring of labor process coupled with pregnant women intake of traditional herbs, perhaps explains the current rate of stillbirth and perinatal death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Azaare
- Department of Health Services, Policy Planning, Management and Economic, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patricia Akweongo
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Genevieve Cecilia Aryeteey
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Firth PG, Mushagara R, Musinguzi N, Liu C, Boatin AA, Mugabi W, Kayaga D, Naturinda P, Twesigye D, Sanyu F, Mugyenyi G, Ngonzi J, Ttendo SS. Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthetic Mortality Measurement at a Ugandan Secondary Referral Hospital. Anesth Analg 2021; 133:1608-1616. [PMID: 34415855 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health care systems of low-income countries have severely limited capacity to treat surgical diseases and conditions. There is limited information about which hospital mortality outcomes are suitable metrics in these settings. METHODS We did a 1-year observational cohort study of patient admissions to the Surgery and the Obstetrics and Gynecology departments and of newborns delivered at a Ugandan secondary referral hospital. We examined the proportion of deaths captured by standardized metrics of mortality. RESULTS There were 17,015 admissions and 9612 deliveries. A total of 847 deaths were documented: 385 (45.5%) admission deaths and 462 (54.5%) perinatal deaths. Less than one-third of admission deaths occurred during or after an operation (n = 126/385, 32.7%). Trauma and maternal mortality combined with perioperative mortality produced 79.2% (n = 305/385) of admission deaths. Of 462 perinatal deaths, 412 (90.1%) were stillborn, and 50 (10.9%) were early neonatal deaths. The combined metrics of the trauma mortality rate, maternal mortality ratio, thirty-day perioperative mortality rate, and perinatal mortality rate captured 89.8% (n = 761/847) of all deaths documented at the hospital. CONCLUSIONS The combination of perinatal, maternal, trauma, and perioperative mortality metrics captured most deaths documented at a Ugandan referral hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Firth
- From the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rhina Mushagara
- Harvard-Mbarara University of Science and Technology Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Harvard-Mbarara University of Science and Technology Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Charles Liu
- Department of Surgery, Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Adeline A Boatin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Walter Mugabi
- Harvard-Mbarara University of Science and Technology Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Dorothy Kayaga
- Harvard-Mbarara University of Science and Technology Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Phionah Naturinda
- Harvard-Mbarara University of Science and Technology Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephen S Ttendo
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sawadogo-Lewis T, McKinnon R, Wyman J, Winfrey W, Roberton T. Developing a user-friendly interface for the Lives Saved Tool: LiST Online. J Glob Health 2021; 11:03101. [PMID: 34552718 PMCID: PMC8442581 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.03101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jill Wyman
- Avenir Health, Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Timothy Roberton
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mizerero SA, Wilunda C, Musumari PM, Ono-Kihara M, Mubungu G, Kihara M, Nakayama T. The status of emergency obstetric and newborn care in post-conflict eastern DRC: a facility-level cross-sectional study. Confl Health 2021; 15:61. [PMID: 34380531 PMCID: PMC8356431 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy-related mortality remains persistently higher in post-conflict areas. Part of the blame lies with continued disruption to vital care provision, especially emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC). In such settings, assessment of EmONC is essential for data-driven interventions needed to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal mortality. In the North Kivu Province (NKP), the epicentre of armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between 2006 and 2013, the post-conflict status of EmONC is unknown. We assessed the availability, use, and quality of EmONC in 3 health zones (HZs) of the NKP to contribute to informed policy and programming in improving maternal and newborn health (MNH) in the region. Method A cross-sectional survey of all 42 public facilities designated to provide EmONC in 3 purposively selected HZs in the NKP (Goma, Karisimbi, and Rutshuru) was conducted in 2017. Interviews, reviews of maternity ward records, and observations were used to assess the accessibility, use, and quality of EmONC against WHO standards. Results Only three referral facilities (two faith-based facilities in Goma and the MSF-supported referral hospital of Rutshuru) met the criteria for comprehensive EmONC. None of the health centres qualified as basic EmONC, nor could they offer EmONC services 24 h, 7 days a week (24/7). The number of functioning EmONC per 500,000 population was 1.5. Assisted vaginal delivery was the least performed signal function, followed by parenteral administration of anticonvulsants, mainly due to policy restrictions and lack of demand. The 3 HZs fell short of WHO standards for the use and quality of EmONC. The met need for EmONC was very low and the direct obstetric case fatality rate exceeded the maximum acceptable level. However, the proportion the proportion of births by caesarean section in EmONC facilities was within acceptable range in the HZs of Goma and Rutshuru. Overall, the intrapartum and very early neonatal death rate was 1.5%. Conclusion This study provides grounds for the development of coordinated and evidence-based programming, involving local and external stakeholders, as part of the post-conflict effort to address maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the NKP. Particular attention to basic EmONC is required, focusing on strengthening human resources, equipment, supply chains, and referral capacity, on the one hand, and on tackling residual insecurity that might hinder 24/7 staff availability, on the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge-André Mizerero
- Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Calistus Wilunda
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Manga Close, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patou Masika Musumari
- Interdisciplinary Unit for Global Health, Centre for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Yoshida honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.,International Institute of Socio-Epidemiology, Kitagosho-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8336, Japan
| | - Masako Ono-Kihara
- Interdisciplinary Unit for Global Health, Centre for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Yoshida honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Gerrye Mubungu
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Kinshasa, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Masahiro Kihara
- Interdisciplinary Unit for Global Health, Centre for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Yoshida honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takeo Nakayama
- Graduate School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ssegujja E, Andipatin M. Building on momentum from the global campaigns: an exploration of factors that influenced prioritization of stillbirth prevention at the national level in Uganda. Global Health 2021; 17:66. [PMID: 34174919 PMCID: PMC8236146 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the close to 2.6 million stillbirths that happen annually, most are from low-income countries where until recently policies rarely paid special attention to addressing them. The global campaigns that followed called on countries to implement strategies addressing stillbirths and the adoption of recommendations varied according to contexts. This study explored factors that influenced the prioritization of stillbirth reduction in Uganda. METHODS The study employed an exploratory qualitative design adopting Shiffman's framework for political prioritization. Data collection methods included a document review and key informants' interviews with a purposively selected sample of 20 participants from the policy community. Atlas. Ti software was used for data management while thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the findings. FINDINGS Political prioritization of stillbirth interventions gained momentum following norm promotion from the global campaigns which peaked during the 2011 Lancet stillbirth series. This was followed by funding and technical support of various projects in Uganda. A combination of domestic advocacy factors such as a cohesive policy community converging around the Maternal and Child Health cluster accelerated the process by vetting the evidence and refining recommendations to support the adoption of the policy. The government's health systems strengthening aspirations and integration of interventions to address stillbirths within the overall Maternal and Child Health programming resonated well. CONCLUSIONS The transnational influence played a key role during the initial stages of raising attention to the problem and provision of technical and financial support. The success and subsequent processes, however, relied heavily on domestic advocacy and the national political environment, and the cohesive policy community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ssegujja
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Michelle Andipatin
- Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ameyaw EK, Amoah RM, Njue C, Tran NT, Dawson A. Women's experiences and satisfaction with maternal referral service in Northern Ghana: A qualitative inquiry. Midwifery 2021; 101:103065. [PMID: 34161917 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gain insights and improve existing referral structures with maternity care in Northern region of Ghana, this study explored the referral experiences and satisfaction of women. RESEARCH DESIGN Twenty women referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for maternal health conditions were interviewed along with three husdands of these women between January and April 2020. An interview guide was used in individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The transcripts were inductively coded using content analysis. The study was guided by the three delays model and the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality framework. FINDINGS The study revealed seven key themes. These are women's involvement in referral decision; available health workers and care at the first facility; inadequate transportation; communication between facilities; quality of care at the receiving hospital; worth the time and money; and women's companions during referral. While several women acknowledged and appreciated the care and emotional support they received in the hospitals they first presented to, some women reported poor attitudes of healthcare providers. Most women acknowledged that there was no communication between the facilities for the referral. A woman's socioeconomic status appeared to determine the respect and support she received from healthcare providers. KEY CONCLUSIONS To ensure a responsive and efficient referral service, the central government of Ghana should commit to ensuring that each district hospital has at least one ambulance for effective emergency transportation. Career progression opportunities need to be explored for health workers in northern Ghana to attract and retain more professionals. To prevent abuse and ensure empathetic and supportive care, testimonial videos may help health providers to assess the services they provide to women. During referral, inter-facility communication can be strengthened through effective supervision and dedicated mobile phones for communication between health facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Roberta Mensima Amoah
- Department of Public Health, School of Allied Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
| | - Carolyne Njue
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nguyen Toan Tran
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Angela Dawson
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nkhwalume L, Mashalla Y. Health care workers experiences in emergency obstetric care following implementation of an in-service training program: case of 2 Referral Hospitals in Botswana. Afr Health Sci 2021; 21:51-58. [PMID: 34447424 PMCID: PMC8367308 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v21i1.9s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal mortality rate remains a challenge in many developing countries. Objectives This study explored experiences of Health Care Workers on Emergency Obstetrics Care (EMOC) in-service training and its effect on maternal mortality. Methods Descriptive qualitative study design was conducted using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Participants were EMOC trained midwives and doctors purposively selected from the 2 referral hospitals in the country. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed using Grounded Theory approach. Results Four themes emerged including training, EMOC implementation, maternal death factors and EMOC prioritisation. The duration of training was viewed inadequate but responsiveness to and confidence in managing obstetric emergencies improved post EMOC training. Staff shortage, HCWs non-adherence and negative attitude to EMOC guidelines; delays in instituting interventions, inadequate community involvement, minimal or no health talk to women and their partners and communities on sexual reproductive matters and non-prioritisation of EMOC by authorities were concerns raised. Conclusion Strengthening health education at health facility levels, stakeholders' involvement; and prioritising EMOC in-service training are necessary in reducing the national maternal mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yohana Mashalla
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ghag K, Bahl R, Winter C, Lynch M, Bautista N, Ilagan R, Ellis M, de Salis I, Draycott TJ. Key components influencing the sustainability of a multi-professional obstetric emergencies training programme in a middle-income setting: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:384. [PMID: 33902568 PMCID: PMC8077832 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-professional obstetric emergencies training is one promising strategy to improve maternity care. Sustaining training programmes following successful implementation remains a challenge. Understanding, and incorporating, key components within the implementation process can embed interventions within healthcare systems, thereby enhancing sustainability. This study aimed to identify key components influencing sustainability of PRactical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training (PROMPT) in the Philippines, a middle-income setting. METHODS Three hospitals were purposively sampled to represent private, public and teaching hospital settings. Two focus groups, one comprising local trainers and one comprising training participants, were conducted in each hospital using a semi-structured topic guide. Focus groups were audio recorded. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three researchers independently coded transcripts to ensure interpretation consistency. RESULTS Three themes influencing sustainability were identified; attributes of local champions, multi-level organisational involvement and addressing organisational challenges. CONCLUSIONS These themes, including potential barriers to sustainability, should be considered when designing and implementing training programmes in middle-income settings. When 'scaling-up', local clinicians should be actively involved in selecting influential implementation champions to identify challenges and strategies specific to their organisation. Network meetings could enable shared learning and sustain enthusiasm amongst local training teams. Policy makers should be engaged early, to support funding and align training with national priorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiren Ghag
- Department of Women's Health, The Chilterns, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK.
- University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | | | - Cathy Winter
- Department of Women's Health, The Chilterns, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Mary Lynch
- Department of Women's Health, The Chilterns, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Timothy J Draycott
- Department of Women's Health, The Chilterns, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ssegujja E, Ddumba I, Andipartin M. Prioritization of interventions in pursuit of maternal health policy objectives to mitigate stillbirth risks. An exploratory qualitative study at subnational level in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:53. [PMID: 33430858 PMCID: PMC7802206 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-06046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global calls for renewed efforts to address stillbirth burden highlighted areas for policy and implementation resulting in national level translations. Information regarding adapted strategies to effect policy objectives into service delivery by frontline health workers remains scanty especially at subnational level. The study explored strategies prioritized to mitigate stillbirth risk in the context of operationalizing recommendations from the global campaigns at a subnational level in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative exploratory study was conducted among a purposively selected sample of sixteen key informants involved in delivery of maternal and child health services in Mukono district. Analysis followed thematic content analysis deductively focusing on those policy priorities highlighted in the global stillbirth campaigns and reflected at the national level in the different guidelines. Results. Interventions to address stillbirth followed prioritization of service delivery aspects to respond to identified gaps. Efforts to increase uptake of family planning services for example included offering it at all entry points into care with counseling forming part of the package following stillbirth. Referrals were streamlined by focusing on addressing delays from the referring entity while antenatal care attendance was boosted through provision of incentives to encourage mothers to comply. Other prioritized aspects included perinatal death audits and improvements in data systems while differentiated care focused on aligning resources to support high risk mothers. This was in part influenced by the limited resources and skills which made health workers to adapt routine to fit implementation context. Conclusions The resource availability determined aspects of policy to prioritize while responding to stillbirth risk at subnational level by frontline health workers. Their understanding of risk, feasibility of implementation and the desire for optimal health systems performance worked to define the nature of services delivered calling for purposeful consideration of resource availability and implementation context while prioritizing stillbirth reduction at subnational level. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-020-06046-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ssegujja
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda. .,University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Isaac Ddumba
- Mukono District Local Government, Mukono Town, Uganda
| | - Michelle Andipartin
- Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wariri O, Onuwabuchi E, Alhassan JAK, Dase E, Jalo I, Laima CH, Farouk HU, El-Nafaty AU, Okomo U, Dotse-Gborgbortsi W. The influence of travel time to health facilities on stillbirths: A geospatial case-control analysis of facility-based data in Gombe, Nigeria. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245297. [PMID: 33411850 PMCID: PMC7790442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to quality emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC); having a skilled attendant at birth (SBA); adequate antenatal care; and efficient referral systems are considered the most effective interventions in preventing stillbirths. We determined the influence of travel time from mother's area of residence to a tertiary health facility where women sought care on the likelihood of delivering a stillbirth. We carried out a prospective matched case-control study between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2019 at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG), Nigeria. All women who experienced a stillbirth after hospital admission during the study period were included as cases while controls were consecutive age-matched (ratio 1:1) women who experienced a live birth. We modelled travel time to health facilities. To determine how travel time to the nearest health facility and the FTHG were predictive of the likelihood of stillbirths, we fitted a conditional logistic regression model. A total of 318 women, including 159 who had stillborn babies (cases) and 159 age-matched women who had live births (controls) were included. We did not observe any significant difference in the mean travel time to the nearest government health facility for women who had experienced a stillbirth compared to those who had a live birth [9.3 mins (SD 7.3, 11.2) vs 6.9 mins (SD 5.1, 8.7) respectively, p = 0.077]. However, women who experienced a stillbirth had twice the mean travel time of women who had a live birth (26.3 vs 14.5 mins) when measured from their area of residence to the FTHG where deliveries occurred. Women who lived farther than 60 minutes were 12 times more likely of having a stillborn [OR = 12 (1.8, 24.3), p = 0.011] compared to those who lived within 15 minutes travel time to the FTHG. We have shown for the first time, the influence of travel time to a major tertiary referral health facility on the occurrence of stillbirths in an urban city in, northeast Nigeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oghenebrume Wariri
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- African Population and Health Policy Initiative, Gombe, Gombe State,
Nigeria
| | - Egwu Onuwabuchi
- African Population and Health Policy Initiative, Gombe, Gombe State,
Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital
Gombe, Gombe, Nigeria
| | - Jacob Albin Korem Alhassan
- African Population and Health Policy Initiative, Gombe, Gombe State,
Nigeria
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine,
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Eseoghene Dase
- African Population and Health Policy Initiative, Gombe, Gombe State,
Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja,
Nigeria
| | - Iliya Jalo
- Department of Paediatrics, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Gombe,
Nigeria
| | | | - Halima Usman Farouk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital
Gombe, Gombe, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu U. El-Nafaty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital
Gombe, Gombe, Nigeria
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Winfred Dotse-Gborgbortsi
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton,
Southampton, United Kingdom
- WorldPop Research Group, School of Geography and Environmental Science,
University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Stillbirth in Australia 1: The road to now: Two decades of stillbirth research and advocacy in Australia. Women Birth 2020; 33:506-513. [PMID: 33092699 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stillbirth is a major public health problem with an enormous mortality burden and psychosocial impact on parents, families and the wider community both globally and in Australia. In 2015, Australia's late gestation stillbirth rate was over 30% higher than that of the best-performing countries globally, highlighting the urgent need for action. We present an overview of the foundations which led to the establishment of Australia's NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE) in 2017 and highlight key activities in the following areas: Opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams; Supporting the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research that incorporates a strong parent voice; Promoting effective translation of research into health policy and/or practice; and the Regional and global work of the Stillbirth CRE. We highlight the first-ever Senate Inquiry into Stillbirth in Australia in 2018. These events ultimately led to the development of a National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan for Australia with the aims of reducing stillbirth rates by 20% over the next five years, reducing the disparity in stillbirth rates between advantaged and disadvantaged communities, and improving care for all families who experience this loss.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ota E, da Silva Lopes K, Middleton P, Flenady V, Wariki WM, Rahman MO, Tobe-Gai R, Mori R. Antenatal interventions for preventing stillbirth, fetal loss and perinatal death: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 12:CD009599. [PMID: 33336827 PMCID: PMC8078228 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009599.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is generally defined as a death prior to birth at or after 22 weeks' gestation. It remains a major public health concern globally. Antenatal interventions may reduce stillbirths and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in settings with high rates of stillbirth. There are several key antenatal strategies that aim to prevent stillbirth including nutrition, and prevention and management of infections. OBJECTIVES To summarise the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews on the effects of antenatal interventions for preventing stillbirth for low risk or unselected populations of women. METHODS We collaborated with Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Information Specialist to identify all their published reviews that specified or reported stillbirth; and we searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (search date: 29 Feburary 2020) to identify reviews published within other Cochrane groups. The primary outcome measure was stillbirth but in the absence of stillbirth data, we used perinatal mortality (both stillbirth and death in the first week of life), fetal loss or fetal death as outcomes. Two review authors independently evaluated reviews for inclusion, extracted data and assessed quality of evidence using AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Reviews) and GRADE tools. We assigned interventions to categories with graphic icons to classify the effectiveness of interventions as: clear evidence of benefit or harm; clear evidence of no effect or equivalence; possible benefit or harm; or unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence. MAIN RESULTS We identified 43 Cochrane Reviews that included interventions in pregnant women with the potential for preventing stillbirth; all of the included reviews reported our primary outcome 'stillbirth' or in the absence of stillbirth, 'perinatal death' or 'fetal loss/fetal death'. AMSTAR quality was high in 40 reviews with scores ranging from 8 to 11 and moderate in three reviews with a score of 7. Nutrition interventions Clear evidence of benefit: balanced energy/protein supplementation versus no supplementation suggests a probable reduction in stillbirth (risk ratio (RR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 0.94, 5 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 3408 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Clear evidence of no effect or equivalence for stillbirth or perinatal death: vitamin A alone versus placebo or no treatment; and multiple micronutrients with iron and folic acid versus iron with or without folic acid. Unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence: for all other nutrition interventions examined the effects were uncertain. Prevention and management of infections Possible benefit for fetal loss or death: insecticide-treated anti-malarial nets versus no nets (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.97, 4 RCTs; low-certainty). Unknown evidence of no effect or equivalence: drugs for preventing malaria (stillbirth RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.36, 5 RCTs, 7130 women, moderate certainty in women of all parity; perinatal death RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.63, 4 RCTs, 5216 women, moderate-certainty in women of all parity). Prevention, detection and management of other morbidities Clear evidence of benefit: the following interventions suggest a reduction: midwife-led models of care in settings where the midwife is the primary healthcare provider particularly for low-risk pregnant women (overall fetal loss/neonatal death reduction RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.99, 13 RCTs, 17,561 women; high-certainty), training versus not training traditional birth attendants in rural populations of low- and middle-income countries (stillbirth reduction odds ratio (OR) 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.83, 1 RCT, 18,699 women, moderate-certainty; perinatal death reduction OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83, 1 RCT, 18,699 women, moderate-certainty). Clear evidence of harm: a reduced number of antenatal care visits probably results in an increase in perinatal death (RR 1.14 95% CI 1.00 to 1.31, 5 RCTs, 56,431 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Clear evidence of no effect or equivalence: there was evidence of no effect in the risk of stillbirth/fetal loss or perinatal death for the following interventions and comparisons: psychosocial interventions; and providing case notes to women. Possible benefit: community-based intervention packages (including community support groups/women's groups, community mobilisation and home visitation, or training traditional birth attendants who made home visits) may result in a reduction of stillbirth (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.91, 15 RCTs, 201,181 women; low-certainty) and perinatal death (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.86, 17 RCTs, 282,327 women; low-certainty). Unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence: the effects were uncertain for other interventions examined. Screening and management of fetal growth and well-being Clear evidence of benefit: computerised antenatal cardiotocography for assessing infant's well-being in utero compared with traditional antenatal cardiotocography (perinatal mortality reduction RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88, 2 RCTs, 469 women; moderate-certainty). Unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence: the effects were uncertain for other interventions examined. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS While most interventions were unable to demonstrate a clear effect in reducing stillbirth or perinatal death, several interventions suggested a clear benefit, such as balanced energy/protein supplements, midwife-led models of care, training versus not training traditional birth attendants, and antenatal cardiotocography. Possible benefits were also observed for insecticide-treated anti-malarial nets and community-based intervention packages, whereas a reduced number of antenatal care visits were shown to be harmful. However, there was variation in the effectiveness of interventions across different settings, indicating the need to carefully understand the context in which these interventions were tested. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to evaluate the effects of antenatal preventive interventions and which approaches are most effective to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Stillbirth (or fetal death), perinatal and neonatal death need to be reported separately in future RCTs of antenatal interventions to allow assessment of different interventions on these rare but important outcomes and they need to clearly define the target populations of women where the intervention is most likely to be of benefit. As the high burden of stillbirths occurs in low- and middle-income countries, further high-quality trials need to be conducted in these settings as a priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ota
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University , Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Philippa Middleton
- Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Windy Mv Wariki
- Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia
| | - Md Obaidur Rahman
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Rintaro Mori
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ameyaw EK, Amoah RM, Njue C, Tran NT, Dawson A. An assessment of hospital maternal health services in northern Ghana: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:1088. [PMID: 33243223 PMCID: PMC7690070 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to and delivery of comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care (CEmONC) services are often weak in low and middle-income countries affecting maternal and infant health outcomes. There are no studies on resources for maternal healthcare in the Northern region of Ghana. This knowledge is vital for health service planning and mobilising funding to address identified gaps. We investigated the available resources for managing CEmONC and referral services in the region. Methods This study involved a cross-sectional survey of maternity facilities in ten hospitals in the Northern region of Ghana, serving a population of 2,479,461, including 582,897 women aged 15–49. Public and faith-based hospitals were included in the study. We used the Service Provision Assessment tool to gather data for this study between October and December 2019. Given the small sample size, we used descriptive statistics to summarise the data using SPSS version 25 and Excel 2016. Results A total of 22,271 ANC visits from women to these hospitals occurred in the past 3 months preceding the study; however, 6072 birth events (cases) occurred within the same period. All the hospitals had less than one general medical doctor per 10,000 population (range 0.02–0.30). The number of midwives per 10,000 population ranged from 0.00 (facility H and J) to 1.87 (facility E), and none of the hospitals had a university-trained nurse designated for maternity care. Only one hospital had complete equipment for emergency obstetric and newborn care, while four others had adequate emergency obstetric care equipment. The number of maternity and delivery beds per 10,000 population was low, ranging from 0.40 to 2.13. Conclusions The management of emergency obstetric care and referrals are likely to be affected by the limited human resources and equipment in hospitals in Northern Ghana. Financial and non-financial incentives to entice midwives, obstetricians and medical officers to the Northern region should be implemented. Resources should be mobilised to improve the availability of essential equipment such as vacuum extractors and reliable ambulances to enhance referral services. Considerable health system strengthening efforts are required to achieve the required standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Roberta Mensima Amoah
- Department of Public Health, School of Allied Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
| | - Carolyne Njue
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nguyen Toan Tran
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Dawson
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sterpu I, Bolk J, Perers Öberg S, Hulthén Varli I, Wiberg Itzel E. Could a multidisciplinary regional audit identify avoidable factors and delays that contribute to stillbirths? A retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:700. [PMID: 33198695 PMCID: PMC7670700 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The annual rate of stillbirth in Sweden has remained largely unchanged for the past 30 years. In Sweden, there is no national audit system for stillbirths. The aim of the study was to determine if a regional multidisciplinary audit could help in identifying avoidable factors and delays associated with stillbirths. Methods Population-based retrospective cohort study. Settings: Six labour wards in Stockholm County. Participants: Women delivering a stillbirth > 22 weeks of gestation in Stockholm during 2017. Intervention: A multidisciplinary team was convened. Each team member independently assessed the medical chart of each case of stillbirth regarding causes and preventability, level of delay, the standard of healthcare provided, the investigation of maternal/foetal diseases and if any recommendations were given for the next pregnancy. A decision was based on the agreement of all five members. If no agreement was reached, a reassessment of the case was done and the medical record was scrutinized again until a mutual decision was made. Primary outcomes: The frequency of probably/possibly preventable factors associated with a stillbirth and the level of delay (patient/caregiver). Secondary outcomes: The causes of death, the standard of antenatal/intrapartum/postpartum care, whether a summary of possible causes of the stillbirth was made and if any plans for future pregnancies were noted. Results Thirty percent of the stillbirths were assessed as probably/possibly preventable. More frequent ultrasound/clinical check-ups, earlier induction of labour and earlier interventions in line with current guidelines were identified as possibly preventable factors. A possibly preventable stillbirth was more common among non-Swedish-speaking women (p = 0.03). In 15% of the cases, a delay by the healthcare system was identified. Having multiple caregivers, absence of continuity in terms of attending the antenatal clinic and not following the basic monitoring program for antenatal care were also identified as risk factors for a delay. Conclusion A national/regional multidisciplinary audit group retrospectively identified factors associated with stillbirth. Access to good translation services or a more innovative approach to the problem regarding communication with mothers could be an important factor to decrease possible patient delays contributing to stillbirths. Trial registration NCT04281368.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Sterpu
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - J Bolk
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Perers Öberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - I Hulthén Varli
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Wiberg Itzel
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Quality and women's satisfaction with maternal referral practices in sub-Saharan African low and lower-middle income countries: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:682. [PMID: 33176732 PMCID: PMC7656726 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background sub-Saharan African Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (sSA LLMICs) have the highest burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely and appropriate maternal referral to a suitable health facility is an indicator of effective health systems. In this systematic review we aimed to identify which referral practices are delivered according to accepted standards for pregnant women and newborns in sSA LLMICs by competent healthcare providers in line with the needs of pregnant women. Methods Six electronic databases were systematically searched for primary data studies (2009–2018) in English reporting on maternal referral practices and their effectiveness. We conducted a content analysis guided by a framework for assessing the quality of maternal referral. Quality referral was defined as: timely identification of signal functions, established guidelines or standards, adequate documentation, staff accompaniment and prompt care by competent healthcare providers in the receiving facility. Results Seventeen articles were included in the study. Most studies were quantitative (n = 11). Two studies reported that women were dissatisfied due to delays in referral processes that affected their health. Most articles (10) reported that women were not accompanied to higher levels of care, delays in referral processes, transport challenges and poor referral documentation. Some healthcare providers administered essential drugs such as misoprostol prior to referral. Conclusions Efforts to improve maternal health in LLMICs should aim to enhance maternity care providers’ ability to identify conditions that demand referral. Low cost transport is needed to mitigate barriers of referral. To ensure quality maternal referral, district level health managers should be trained and equipped with the skills needed to monitor and evaluate referral documentation, including quality and efficiency of maternal referrals. Trial registration Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration CRD42018114261. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12884-020-03339-3.
Collapse
|
27
|
Hough A, Shakur-Still H, Roberts I, Koukounari A, Lawn JE. Stillbirths and neonatal deaths among 18 942 women with postpartum hemorrhage: Analysis of perinatal outcomes in the WOMAN trial. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020; 153:146-153. [PMID: 33029792 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the rates and risk factors for stillbirth and pre-discharge neonatal mortality (PDNM), and impact on quality of life (QoL) among women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted of the WOMAN trial, which evaluated the use of tranexamic acid for PPH and collected infant outcome data to assess drug safety. The analysis was restricted to singletons (n=18 942). Overall and country-level rates of stillbirth and PDNM were calculated. Multilevel logistic regression models examined the association of stillbirth and PDNM with selected risks, and the association of mother's QoL at discharge after stillbirth or PDNM. RESULTS For women with PPH, the rate of stillbirths was 104.42 per 1000 births (n=1978) and the rate of PDNM was 15.56 per 1000 live births (n=264). Cesarean delivery, increasing blood loss, maternal complications, and maternal death were strongly associated with these adverse outcomes. Women with stillbirth and PDNM were significantly more likely to report poorer QoL. CONCLUSION Women with PPH experience an extremely high rate of stillbirth and slightly elevated PDNM, which is associated with markers of the severity of their condition and impacts on their QoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hough
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ian Roberts
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Joy E Lawn
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Poudel S, Ghimire PR, Upadhaya N, Rawal L. Factors associated with stillbirth in selected countries of South Asia: A systematic review of observational studies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238938. [PMID: 32936823 PMCID: PMC7494090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite having the high rate of stillbirth in most of the countries of South Asia, there is a lack of synthesized evidence based on factors associated with stillbirth. This study systematically synthesizes the evidence on factors associated with stillbirth in the four selected countries of South Asia. METHODS This review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies that examined factors associated with stillbirth in South Asia were searched using five major electronic search databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus, published between January 2000 and December 2019. In the meta-analysis, significant heterogeneity was detected among studies (I2 >50%), and hence a random effect model was used. RESULTS A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled rate of stillbirth from the studies in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan was 25.15 per 1000 births. Pregnancy complications, maternal health conditions, fetal complications, lack of antenatal care, and lower Socio Economic Status (SES) were the most common factors associated with stillbirth in countries of South Asia. CONCLUSION This study confirmed that stillbirth in selected countries of South Asia remains high. To reduce stillbirth, a greater focus needs to be on timely management of preterm labor, maternal hypertension, and provision of financial support for quality antenatal and delivery care. The interventions should be targeted for women living in remote areas, who are less educated and those with low SES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nawaraj Upadhaya
- Department of Research and Development, HealthWorks, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lal Rawal
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
McClure EM, Kinney MV, Leisher SH, Nam SL, Quigley P, Storey C, Christou A, Blencowe H. Impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e1258. [PMID: 32758432 PMCID: PMC7398669 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sara L Nam
- Options Consultancy Services, London, UK
| | | | | | - Aliki Christou
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Anderson EJ, Chebet JJ, Asaolu IO, Bell ML, Ehiri J. Influence of Women's Empowerment on Place of Delivery in North Eastern and Western Kenya: A Cross-sectional Analysis of the Kenya Demographic Health Survey. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2020; 10:65-73. [PMID: 32175712 PMCID: PMC7310812 DOI: 10.2991/jegh.k.200113.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Labor and delivery under the supervision of a skilled birth attendant have been shown to promote positive maternal and neonatal outcomes; yet, more than a third of births in Kenya occur outside a health facility. We investigated the association between measures of women’s empowerment and health facility-based delivery in Northeastern and Western Kenya. Methods: Analysis of 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data was conducted. Logistic regression adjusting for demographic factors, contraceptive use, and comprehensive HIV knowledge was used to assess the influence of the validated African Women’s Empowerment Index-East (AWEI-E) on the likelihood of women’s most recent birth having occurred in a health facility versus at home. Additionally, we explored the mediating effect of contraceptive use on women’s empowerment and health facility-based delivery. Results: Compared to respondents with low or moderate empowerment scores, those with high empowerment scores were more likely to have given birth at a health facility [odds ratio (OR) = 1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30, 2.51], although this effect was null in the adjusted model (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.58, 1.45). Respondents with a recent facility birth (n = 372/836) were more likely to have high household-level wealth (40.9% vs 8.6%, p < 0.001) and use a contraceptive method (44.9% vs 27.4%, p < 0.001) than those without facility-based delivery. Current contraceptive use mediated 26.8% of the effect of empowerment on the odds of facility-based delivery. Conclusion: Women’s empowerment, and its comprising three domains as measured by the AWEI-E, may be insufficient to overcome barriers to facility-based delivery for women in North Eastern or Western Kenya. High women’s empowerment is strongly associated with current contraceptive use, which may inform pregnancy planning and location of delivery. Alternatively, higher empowered women who delivered at a facility may have been offered contraceptives at the time of delivery. Future research targeting these regions should explore culturally acceptable approaches to broadening access to skilled supervision of labor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Anderson
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joy J Chebet
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ibitola O Asaolu
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Melanie L Bell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - John Ehiri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Circulating Delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1) at 36 weeks is correlated with birthweight and is of placental origin. Placenta 2020; 91:24-30. [PMID: 32174303 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recently, Delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1) was identified as a potential marker of small-for-gestational-age (SGA; <10th centile) fetuses; mouse studies suggest reduced levels may represent a fetal stress signal. We sought to measure DLK1 in a large independent cohort of maternal blood samples, correlate levels with measures of placental insufficiency and assess whether DLK1 might be placental derived. METHODS The Fetal Longitudinal Assessment of Growth (FLAG) study was a prospective blood collection from 2000 women. We assessed a case-control cohort at 28 and 36 weeks from the first 1000 FLAG women, before validating changes in the entire second 1000. A subgroup of FLAG participants underwent ultrasound examinations, and 137 neonates, body composition assessment (PEAPOD). DLK1 secretion was assessed from human placentas ex vivo. RESULTS Circulating DLK1 was significantly reduced at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation in women destined to deliver a SGA fetus and associated with birthweight centile (n = 999, p < 0.0001), and placental weight (n = 96, p = 0.0064). Ex vivo, DLK1 was abundantly released from human placenta and significantly reduced under hypoxia (n = 7, p < 0.05). We found no relationship between circulating DLK1 and estimated fetal weight, cerebroplacental ratio, uterine artery or umbilical artery pulsatility index. Nor was there a relationship between DLK1 and neonatal fat or lean mass (n = 137). CONCLUSION We confirmed circulating DLK1 is reduced at both 28 and 36 weeks' gestation preceding delivery of a SGA infant, shown that it is not significantly associated with clinical measures of placental insufficiency, and provide new data demonstrating it may be placenta-derived in humans.
Collapse
|
32
|
Gurung R, Litorp H, Berkelhamer S, Zhou H, Tinkari BS, Paudel P, Malla H, Sharma S, Kc A. The burden of misclassification of antepartum stillbirth in Nepal. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001936. [PMID: 31908870 PMCID: PMC6936383 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, every year 1.1 million antepartum stillbirths occur with 98% of these deaths taking place in countries where the health system is poor. In this paper we examine the burden of misclassification of antepartum stillbirth in hospitals of Nepal and factors associated with misclassification. Method A prospective observational study was conducted in 12 hospitals of Nepal for a period of 6 months. If fetal heart sounds (FHS) were detected at admission and during the intrapartum period, the antepartum stillbirth (fetal death ≥22 weeks prior labour) recorded in patient's case note was recategorised as misclassified antepartum stillbirth. We further compared sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal characteristics of misclassified and correctly classified antepartum stillbirths using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Result A total of 41 061 women were enrolled in the study and 39 562 of the participants' FHS were taken at admission. Of the total participants whose FHS were taken at admission, 94.8% had normal FHS, 4.7% had abnormal FHS and 0.6% had no FHS at admission. Of the total 119 recorded antepartum stillbirths, 29 (24.4%) had FHS at admission and during labour and therefore categorised as misclassified antepartum stillbirths. Multivariate analysis performed to adjust the risk of association revealed that complications during pregnancy resulted in a threefold risk of misclassification (adjusted OR-3.35, 95% CI 1.95 to 5.76). Conclusion Almost 25% of the recorded antepartum stillbirths were misclassified. Improving quality of data is crucial to improving accountability and quality of care. As the interventions to reduce antepartum stillbirth differ, accurate measurement of antepartum stillbirth is critical. Trial registration number ISRCTN30829654.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Litorp
- Department of Global Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Berkelhamer
- Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University of Health Sciences, Peking, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashish Kc
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Flenady V, Gardener G, Boyle FM, Callander E, Coory M, East C, Ellwood D, Gordon A, Groom KM, Middleton PF, Norman JE, Warrilow KA, Weller M, Wojcieszek AM, Crowther C. My Baby's Movements: a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial to raise maternal awareness of fetal movements during pregnancy study protocol. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:430. [PMID: 31752771 PMCID: PMC6873438 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2575-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome that has a profound and lasting impact on women and families. Globally, there are over 2.6 million stillbirths annually and progress in reducing these deaths has been slow. Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements (DFM) is strongly associated with stillbirth. However, maternal awareness of DFM and clinical management of women reporting DFM is often suboptimal. The My Baby’s Movements trial aims to evaluate an intervention package for maternity services including a mobile phone application for women and clinician education (MBM intervention) in reducing late gestation stillbirth rates. Methods/design This is a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial with sequential introduction of the MBM intervention to 8 groups of 3–5 hospitals at four-monthly intervals over 3 years. The target population is women with a singleton pregnancy, without lethal fetal abnormality, attending for antenatal care and clinicians providing maternity care at 26 maternity services in Australia and New Zealand. The primary outcome is stillbirth from 28 weeks’ gestation. Secondary outcomes address: a) neonatal morbidity and mortality; b) maternal psychosocial outcomes and health-seeking behaviour; c) health services utilisation; d) women’s and clinicians’ knowledge of fetal movements; and e) cost. 256,700 births (average of 3170 per hospital) will detect a 30% reduction in stillbirth rates from 3/1000 births to 2/1000 births, assuming a significance level of 5%. Analysis will utilise generalised linear mixed models. Discussion Maternal perception of DFM is a marker of an at-risk pregnancy and commonly precedes a stillbirth. MBM offers a simple, inexpensive resource to reduce the number of stillborn babies, and families suffering the distressing consequences of such a loss. This large pragmatic trial will provide evidence on benefits and potential harms of raising awareness of DFM using a mobile phone app. Trial registration ACTRN12614000291684. Registered 19 March 2014. Version Protocol Version 6.1, February 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Flenady
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.
| | - G Gardener
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Misericordiae Limited, Brisbane, Australia
| | - F M Boyle
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - E Callander
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - M Coory
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia
| | - C East
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University and Monash Women's Maternity Services, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,School of Nursing & Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Brazil
| | - D Ellwood
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
| | - A Gordon
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - K M Groom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - P F Middleton
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia.,SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J E Norman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - K A Warrilow
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia
| | - M Weller
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia
| | - A M Wojcieszek
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place Mater Research, South Brisbane QLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia
| | - C Crowther
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nkwanyana NM, Voce AS. Are there decision support tools that might strengthen the health system for perinatal care in South African district hospitals? A review of the literature. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:731. [PMID: 31640655 PMCID: PMC6805543 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has a high burden of perinatal deaths in spite of the availability of evidence-based interventions. The majority of preventable perinatal deaths occur in district hospitals and are mainly related to the functioning of the health system. Particularly, leadership in district hospitals needs to be strengthened in order to decrease the burden of perinatal mortality. Decision-making is a key function of leaders, however leaders in district hospitals are not supported to make evidence-based decisions. The aim of this research was to identify health system decision support tools that can be applied at district hospital level to strengthen decision-making in the health system for perinatal care in South Africa. METHODS A structured approach, the systematic quantitative literature review method, was conducted to find published articles that reported on decision support tools to strengthen decision-making in a health system for perinatal, maternal, neonatal and child health. Articles published in English between 2003 and 2017 were sought through the following search engines: Google Scholar, EBSCOhost and Science Direct. Furthermore, the electronic databases searched were: Academic Search Complete, Health Source - Consumer Edition, Health Source - Nursing/Academic Edition and MEDLINE. RESULTS The search yielded 6366 articles of which 43 met the inclusion criteria for review. Four decision support tools identified in the articles that met the inclusion criteria were the Lives Saved Tool, Maternal and Neonatal Directed Assessment of Technology model, OneHealth Tool, and Discrete Event Simulation. The analysis reflected that none of the identified decision support tools could be adopted at district hospital level to strengthen decision-making in the health system for perinatal care in South Africa. CONCLUSION There is a need to either adapt an existing decision support tool or to develop a tool that will support decision-making at district hospital level towards strengthening the health system for perinatal care in South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ntombifikile Maureen Nkwanyana
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, George Campbell Building Room 215, Howard Campus, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province South Africa
| | - Anna Silvia Voce
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, George Campbell Building Room 215, Howard Campus, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
MacDonald TM, Hui L, Robinson AJ, Dane KM, Middleton AL, Tong S, Walker SP. Cerebral-placental-uterine ratio as novel predictor of late fetal growth restriction: prospective cohort study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2019; 54:367-375. [PMID: 30338593 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and most commonly arises from uteroplacental insufficiency. Despite clinical examination and third-trimester fetal biometry, cases of FGR often remain undetected antenatally. Placental insufficiency is known to be associated with altered blood flow resistance in maternal, placental and fetal vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of individual and combined Doppler blood flow resistance measurements in the prediction of term small-for-gestational age and FGR. METHODS This was a prospective study of 347 nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy at 36 weeks' gestation in which fetal growth and Doppler measurements were obtained. Pulsatility indices (PI) of the uterine arteries (UtA), umbilical artery (UA) and fetal vessels were analyzed, individually and in combination, for prediction of birth weight < 10th , < 5th and < 3rd centiles. Doppler values were converted into centiles or multiples of the median (MoM) for gestational age. The sensitivities, positive and negative predictive values and odds ratios (OR) of the Doppler parameters for these birth weights at ∼ 90% specificity were assessed. Additionally, the correlations between Doppler measurements and other measures of placental insufficiency, namely fetal growth velocity and neonatal body fat measures, were analyzed. RESULTS The Doppler combination most strongly associated with placental insufficiency was a newly generated parameter, which we have named the cerebral-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR). CPUR is the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) (middle cerebral artery PI/UA-PI) divided by mean UtA-PI. CPUR MoM detected FGR better than did mean UtA-PI MoM or CPR MoM alone. At ∼ 90% specificity, low CPUR MoM had sensitivities of 50% for birth weight < 10th centile, 68% for < 5th centile and 89% for < 3rd centile. The respective sensitivities of low CPR MoM were 26%, 37% and 44% and those of high UtA-PI MoM were 34%, 47% and 67%. Low CPUR MoM was associated with birth weight < 10th centile with an OR of 9.1, < 5th centile with an OR of 17.3 and < 3rd centile with an OR of 57.0 (P < 0.0001 for all). CPUR MoM was also correlated most strongly with fetal growth velocity and neonatal body fat measures, as compared with CPR MoM or UtA-PI MoM alone. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, a novel Doppler variable combination, the CPUR (CPR/UtA-PI), had the strongest association with indicators of placental insufficiency. CPUR detected more cases of FGR than did any other Doppler parameter measured. If these results are replicated independently, this new parameter may lead to better identification of fetuses at increased risk of stillbirth that may benefit from obstetric intervention. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M MacDonald
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Hui
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A J Robinson
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K M Dane
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A L Middleton
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S P Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Leite DFB, Cecatti JG. Fetal Growth Restriction Prediction: How to Move beyond. ScientificWorldJournal 2019; 2019:1519048. [PMID: 31530999 PMCID: PMC6721475 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1519048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The actual burden and future burden of the small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies turn their screening in pregnancy a question of major concern for clinicians and policymakers. Half of stillbirths are due to growth restriction in utero, and possibly, a quarter of livebirths of low- and middle-income countries are SGA. Growing body of evidence shows their higher risk of adverse outcomes at any period of life, including increased rates of neurologic delay, noncommunicable chronic diseases (central obesity and metabolic syndrome), and mortality. Although there is no consensus regarding its definition, birthweight centile threshold, or follow-up, we believe birthweight <10th centile is the most suitable cutoff for clinical and epidemiological purposes. Maternal clinical factors have modest predictive accuracy; being born SGA appears to be of transgenerational heredity. Addition of ultrasound parameters improves prediction models, especially using estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Placental growth factor levels are decreased in SGA pregnancies, and it is the most promising biomarker in differentiating angiogenesis-related SGA from other causes. Unfortunately, however, only few societies recommend universal screening. SGA evaluation is the first step of a multidimensional approach, which includes adequate management and long-term follow-up of these newborns. Apart from only meliorating perinatal outcomes, we hypothesize SGA screening is a key for socioeconomic progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debora F. B. Leite
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas, School of Medical Sciences, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jose G. Cecatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas, School of Medical Sciences, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tong S, Joy Kaitu'u-Lino T, Walker SP, MacDonald TM. Blood-based biomarkers in the maternal circulation associated with fetal growth restriction. Prenat Diagn 2019; 39:947-957. [PMID: 31299098 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with threefold to fourfold increased risk of stillbirth. Identifying FGR, through its commonly used surrogate-the small-for-gestational-age (SGA, estimated fetal weight and/or abdominal circumference <10th centile) fetus-and instituting fetal surveillance and timely delivery decrease stillbirth risk. Methods available to clinicians for antenatal identification of SGA fetuses have surprisingly poor sensitivity. About 80% of cases remain undetected. Measuring the symphysis-fundal height detects only 20% of SGA fetuses, and even universal third trimester ultrasound detects, at best, 57% of those born SGA. There is an urgent need to find better ways to identify this at-risk cohort. This review summarises efforts to identify molecular biomarkers (proteins, metabolites, or ribonucleic acids) that could be used to better predict FGR. Most studies examining potential biomarkers to date have utilised case-control study designs without proceeding to validation in independent cohorts. To develop a robust test for FGR, large prospective studies are required with a priori validation plans and cohorts. Given that current clinical care detects 20% of SGA fetuses, even a screening test with ≥60% sensitivity at 90% specificity could be clinically useful, if developed. This may be an achievable aspiration. If discovered, such a test may decrease stillbirth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha Joy Kaitu'u-Lino
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Philippa Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Teresa Mary MacDonald
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kant C. Stillbirths: how should its rate be reported, its disability-adjusted-life-years (DALY), and stillbirths adjusted life expectancy. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2019; 19:133. [PMID: 31307445 PMCID: PMC6631739 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-0850-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 2016 study standardized the definition of stillbirths. It estimated the rate as a proportion of total births. A 2015 paper addressed the problem of disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) for stillbirths. There has been no adjustment of life expectancy at birth to account for stillbirths. METHODS AND RESULTS We follow mathematical and computational methods, use algebra to derive relationships, and large databases. We express the rate as a proportion of live births and use this rate to adjust life expectancy at birth for stillbirths. We then use the difference between the traditional life expectancy and stillbirths adjusted life expectancy (SALE) to obtain DALY for stillbirths for 194 countries, the Millennium Development Goal regions, and income groups. We show defining stillbirths' rate as a proportion of live births enhances stillbirths' importance, especially in poorer countries; negates some of its under-statement vis-a-vis neonatal mortality rate, accentuates its decrease; and permits inference about relative magnitudes of stillbirths and neonatal mortality from the two rates. Using it, we derive stillbirths adjusted life expectancy, and suggest it reflects a more complete and accurate measure of comparative life expectancies of different countries. Its difference from the traditional life expectancy is used to measure DALY for stillbirths that totals 165.3 million years worldwide. CONCLUSION Stillbirths almost equals neonatal mortality yet have not received almost equal attention. We hope highlighting them and adjusting life expectancy for it will spur health interventions so that grand convergence of health outcomes in different countries can be more rapidly achieved. We also believe SALE is a more complete and accurate measure of comparative life expectancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chander Kant
- Department of Economics, Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ, 07078, USA.
- Principal, Kant Research, 1 Fielding Road, Short Hills, NJ, 07078, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mwangi A, Nangami M, Tabu J, Ayuku D, Were E, Fabian E. A system approach to improving maternal and child health care delivery in Kenyan communities and primary care facilities: baseline survey on maternal health. Afr Health Sci 2019; 19:1841-1848. [PMID: 31656466 PMCID: PMC6794517 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality are 10 to 100 fold higher in many low-income compared to high-income countries. Reasons for these discrepancies include limited antenatal care and delivery outside health facilities. Objectives The study aimed at conducting a baseline survey to assess the current levels of maternal health indicators in six counties in Western Kenya. Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted targeting women residing in Uasin-Gishu, ElgeyoMarakwet, TransNzoia, Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega counties who had given birth five years prior to the interview. Socio-demographic and maternal indicators were collected using forms adopted from KDHS 2009. Interviews were conducted in the homesteads between December 2015 and June 2016. Results A total of 6257 women participated in the study, median age 27 years IQR 23–32. Majority of the women had post-primary level of education, were married and 40% were members of an income-generating activity. 56.8% were using modern family planning method, 49% attended WHO recommended four plus antenatal clinic visits and only 20% attended in the first trimester. Majority, 85% had their most recent delivery in a health facility. Conclusion Findings suggest that women are not attending recommended four plus antenatal clinic visits and even those that attend are few are during the first trimester.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mwangi
- Moi University School of Medicine, Behavioural Science
| | | | - John Tabu
- Moi University School of Public Health
| | - David Ayuku
- Moi University School of Medicine, Behavioural Science
| | - Edwin Were
- Moi University, School of Medicine, Reproductive Health
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chaibva BV, Olorunju S, Nyadundu S, Beke A. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, 'stillbirths and early neonatal deaths' in Mutare district, Zimbabwe (2014): a descriptive study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:86. [PMID: 30841873 PMCID: PMC6402130 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal deaths account for 7% of the global burden of disease, with developing countries contributing about 98% of deaths. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and factors contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly perinatal death, among women at Sakubva hospital, Mutare district, Zimbabwe from January to June 2014. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 346 patient records, of women who delivered at Sakubva hospital and those referred from Mutare district facilities to Mutare Provincial Hospital, between January and June 2014. Descriptive statistics was used to explore the contributors to stillbirths and early neonatal deaths in Mutare. RESULTS Of the 346 women, 54 (15.61%) experienced an adverse pregnancy outcome (stillbirth or early neonatal death). Contributing factors to adverse pregnancy outcomes included birthweight, gestational age, delivery complications and delivery methods. These factors are preventable if quality focused antenatal care, intrapartum care is provided. Identification of pregnancy complications and facilitation of proper method of delivery is key to improve quality of care. Caesarean section provision to all women who need it improves outcomes. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Mutare district could be reduced through the provision of quality antenatal care throughout the continuum of care, pre-, intra and postpartum. Further studies to explore risk factors associated with high adverse outcomes are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blessmore Vimbai Chaibva
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, HW Snyman Building (North), 31 Bophelo Road, Gezina, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Steve Olorunju
- Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Simon Nyadundu
- Manicaland Provincial Medical Directorate, Ministry of Health and Child Care, 24C Avenue, Box 323, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - Andy Beke
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, HW Snyman Building (North), 31 Bophelo Road, Gezina, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Young BK. A multidisciplinary approach to pregnancy loss: the pregnancy loss prevention center. J Perinat Med 2018; 47:41-44. [PMID: 29858908 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2018-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Pregnancy loss is probably the most common problem faced by women worldwide. There are differences in the rates of early and late pregnancy loss based on geography among the developing compared with the developed nations of the world. Most physicians worldwide have different criteria for treating pregnancy loss. Although pregnancy loss is not a disease, it might be best approached with a medical evaluation in order to define the cause and offer specific treatment. Methods This report describes the results obtained by a multi-disciplinary pregnancy loss prevention center in the initial 104 patients. Results The most common diagnoses were Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions), cervical insufficiency and uterine fibroids, accounting for 47% of the patients. When the diagnosis was not obtained, which occurred in 19% of the patients, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was the treatment provided. Specifically diagnosed and treated patients achieved a 91% success rate. The 19 patients without a specific diagnosis who were treated with IVF had a 60% success rate. Thus patients for whom it was possible to specifically diagnose and treat had better results (P<0.01 t-test). There was an overall success rate of 87% including patients lost to follow-up with this multidisciplinary medical approach. Conclusion A pregnancy loss prevention center using the described multidisciplinary model can accomplish success rates of 85-90%. Preventing recurrent pregnancy loss we suggest can best be achieved by a dedicated center with a multidisciplinary medical approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K Young
- Silverman Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 530 First Ave Suite 5G, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ahmed J, Alam A, Raynes-Greenow C. Maternal empowerment and healthcare access determines stillbirths and early neonatal mortality in Pakistan: analysis of demographic and health survey 2012-13. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.2.e2018030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
|
43
|
Kikuchi K, Ayer R, Okawa S, Nishikitani M, Yokota F, Jimba M, Nakashima N. Interventions integrating non-communicable disease prevention and reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health: A systematic review. Biosci Trends 2018; 12:116-125. [PMID: 29760355 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2018.01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) care services could be critical entry points for preventing non-communicable diseases in women and children. In high-income countries, non-communicable diseases screening has been integrated into both the medical and public health systems. To integrate these services in low- and middle-income countries, it is necessary to closely examine its effectiveness and feasibility. In this systematic review, we evaluated the effectiveness of integrating gestational and non-gestational non-communicable diseases interventions and RMNCH care among women and children in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials published from 2000 to 2015. Participants included reproductive-age women, children < 5 years old, and RMNCH care providers. The included interventions comprised packaged care/services that integrated RMNCH services with non-communicable disease care. The outcomes were maternal and/or infant mortality and complications, as well as health care service coverage. We analyzed six studies from 7,949 retrieved articles. Yoga exercise (p < 0.01) and nutritional improvements (p < 0.05) were effective in reducing gestational hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, integrating cervical cancer and RMNCH services was useful for identifying potential cervical cancer cases. Interventions that integrate non-communicable disease care/screening and RMNCH care may positively impact the health of women and children in low- and middle-income countries. However, as primary evidence is scarce, further research on the effectiveness of integrating non-communicable disease prevention and RMNCH care is warranted. (Review Registration: PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42015023425).).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimiyo Kikuchi
- Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society, Kyushu University
| | - Rakesh Ayer
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Sumiyo Okawa
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Mariko Nishikitani
- Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society, Kyushu University
| | - Fumihiko Yokota
- Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society, Kyushu University
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chichiabellu TY, Mekonnen B, Astawesegn FH, Demissie BW, Anjulo AA. Essential newborn care practices and associated factors among home delivered mothers in Damot pulasa Woreda, southern Ethiopia. Reprod Health 2018; 15:162. [PMID: 30261886 PMCID: PMC6161384 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally 3.1 million children die each year in their neonatal period (first 28 days of life) according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2011 report. Half of these surprisingly occur within the first 24 h of delivery and 75% occur in the early neonatal period. Methods A community based cross-sectional study design was carried out from March 2016 to April, 2016 in Damot Pulasa district, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia to assess selected essential newborn care practices and associated factors among home delivered mothers in Damot pulasa district. Data were entered into Epi Info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Multiple logistic analyses were done to control possible confounding variable. A P-value less than 0.05 was taken as a significant association. Result The study showed that the prevalence of essential newborn care practice was 24%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that variables like ANC visit (AOR =0.213,P = 0.015,CI = 0.102–0.446),PNC visit (AOR = 0.209, P = 0.00,CI = 0.110–0.399), advice about essential newborn care practice (AOR =0.114,P = 0.0001, CI = 0.058–0.221),urban areas women (AOR =2,P = 0.042, CI = 1.024–3.693), planned pregnancy (AOR = 7, P = 0.00, CI =3.732–11.813), and knowledge about newborn danger signs (AOR = 0.277, P = 0.006, CI = 0.110–0.697) were the independent predictors of ENBC practices. Conclusion Generally, coverage of essential newborn care practices was low. ANC visit, advice about ENBC, PNC visit, residence, planned pregnancy and knowledge about newborn danger signs were predictors of essential newborn care practice in the study area. Therefore, Health facilities should enhance linkage with health posts to increase ANC and PNC service utilization. Health extension workers should also promote and give health education about pre-lacteal feeding, early bathing, planned pregnancy, newborn danger signs and application of materials on the newborn stump. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12978-018-0609-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Yitna Chichiabellu
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O.Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
| | - Baze Mekonnen
- Department of Nursing, School of nursing and midwifery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Antehun Alemayehu Anjulo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Emaway Altaye D, Karim AM, Betemariam W, Fesseha Zemichael N, Shigute T, Scheelbeek P. Effects of family conversation on health care practices in Ethiopia: a propensity score matched analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:372. [PMID: 30255781 PMCID: PMC6157286 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1978-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and newborn mortality rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of deaths take place during childbirth or within the following 48 h. Therefore, ensuring facility deliveries with emergency obstetric and newborn care services available and immediate postnatal follow-up are key strategies to increase survival. In early 2014, the Family Conversation was implemented in 115 rural districts in Ethiopia, covering about 17 million people. It aimed to reduce maternal and newborn mortality by promoting institutional delivery, early postnatal care and immediate newborn care practices. More than 6000 Health Extension Workers were trained to initiate home-based Family Conversations with pregnant women and key household decision-makers. These conversations included discussions on birth preparedness, postpartum and newborn care needs to engage key household stakeholders in supporting women during their pregnancy, labor and postpartum periods. This paper examines the effects of the Family Conversation strategy on maternal and neonatal care practices. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from a representative sample of 4684 women with children aged 0-11 months from 115 districts collected between December 2014 and January 2015. We compared intrapartum and newborn care practices related to the most recent childbirth, between those who reported having participated in a Family Conversation during pregnancy, and those who had not. Propensity score matched analysis was used to estimate average treatment effects of the Family Conversation strategy on intrapartum and newborn care practices, including institutional delivery, early postnatal and immediate breastfeeding. RESULTS About 17% of the respondents reported having had a Family Conversation during their last pregnancy. Average treatment effects of 7, 12, 9 and 16 percentage-points respectively were found for institutional deliveries, early postnatal care, clean cord care and thermal care of the newborn (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION We found evidence that Family Conversation, and specifically the involvement of household members who were major decision-makers, was associated with better intrapartum and newborn care practices. This study adds to the evidence base that involving husbands and mothers-in-law, as well as pregnant women, in behavior change communication interventions could be critical for improving maternal and newborn care and therewith lowering mortality rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dessalew Emaway Altaye
- The Last Ten Kilometers Project (L10K) 2020, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Bole Sub-City, Kebele 03/05, Hs #, 2111 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ali Mehryar Karim
- JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., 1616 N Fort Myer Dr, 16th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209 USA
| | - Wuleta Betemariam
- The Last Ten Kilometers Project (L10K) 2020, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Bole Sub-City, Kebele 03/05, Hs #, 2111 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nebreed Fesseha Zemichael
- The Last Ten Kilometers Project (L10K) 2020, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Bole Sub-City, Kebele 03/05, Hs #, 2111 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Shigute
- The Last Ten Kilometers Project (L10K) 2020, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Bole Sub-City, Kebele 03/05, Hs #, 2111 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Pauline Scheelbeek
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Atuoye KN, Amoyaw JA, Kuuire VZ, Kangmennaang J, Boamah SA, Vercillo S, Antabe R, McMorris M, Luginaah I. Utilisation of skilled birth attendants over time in Nigeria and Malawi. Glob Public Health 2018; 12:728-743. [PMID: 28441927 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2017.1315441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent modest progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria and Malawi were still in the top 20 countries with highest rates of mortalities globally in 2015. Utilisation of professional services at delivery - one of the indictors of MDG 5 - has been suggested to reduce maternal mortality by 50%. Yet, contextual, socio-cultural and economic factors have served as barriers to uptake of such critical service. In this paper, we examined the impact of residential wealth index on utilisation of Skilled Birth Attendant in Nigeria (2003, 2008 and 2013), and Malawi (2000, 2004 and 2010) using Demographic and Health Survey data sets. The findings from multivariate logistic regressions show that women in Nigeria were 23% less likely to utilise skilled delivery services in 2013 compared to 2003. In Malawi, women were 75% more likely to utilise skilled delivery services in 2010 than in 2000. Residential wealth index was a significant predictor of utilisation of skilled delivery services over time in both Nigeria and Malawi. These findings illuminate progress made - based on which we make recommendations for achievement of SDG-3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages in Nigeria and Malawi, and similar context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kilian N Atuoye
- a Environmental Health and Hazards Lab, Department of Geography , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| | - Jonathan A Amoyaw
- b Department of Sociology , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| | - Vincent Z Kuuire
- c Department of Geography and Planning , Queen's University , Kingston , Canada
| | - Joseph Kangmennaang
- d Department of Geography and Environmental Management , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Sheila A Boamah
- e Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Health Sciences Addition , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| | - Siera Vercillo
- a Environmental Health and Hazards Lab, Department of Geography , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| | - Roger Antabe
- a Environmental Health and Hazards Lab, Department of Geography , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| | - Meghan McMorris
- a Environmental Health and Hazards Lab, Department of Geography , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- f Department of Geography , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
MacDonald TM, Tran C, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Brennecke SP, Hiscock RJ, Hui L, Dane KM, Middleton AL, Cannon P, Walker SP, Tong S. Assessing the sensitivity of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 at 36 weeks' gestation to predict small-for-gestational-age infants or late-onset preeclampsia: a prospective nested case-control study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:354. [PMID: 30170567 PMCID: PMC6119271 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal growth restriction is a disorder of placental dysfunction with three to four-fold increased risk of stillbirth. Fetal growth restriction has pathophysiological features in common with preeclampsia. We hypothesised that angiogenesis-related factors in maternal plasma, known to predict preeclampsia, may also detect fetal growth restriction at 36 weeks’ gestation. We therefore set out to determine the diagnostic performance of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and the sFlt-1:PlGF ratio, measured at 36 weeks’ gestation, in identifying women who subsequently give birth to small-for-gestational-age (SGA; birthweight <10th centile) infants. We also aimed to validate the predictive performance of the analytes for late-onset preeclampsia in a large independent, prospective cohort. Methods A nested 1:2 case-control study was performed including 102 cases of SGA infants and a matched group of 207 controls; and 39 cases of preeclampsia. We determined the diagnostic performance of each angiogenesis-related factor, and of their ratio, to detect SGA infants or preeclampsia, for a predetermined 10% false positive rate. Results Median plasma levels of PlGF at 36 weeks’ gestation were significantly lower in women who subsequently had SGA newborns (178.5 pg/ml) compared to normal birthweight controls (326.7 pg/ml, p < 0.0001). sFlt-1 was also higher among SGA cases, but this was not significant after women with concurrent preeclampsia were excluded. The sensitivity of PlGF to predict SGA infants was 28.8% for a 10% false positive rate. The sFlt-1:PlGF ratio demonstrated better sensitivity for preeclampsia than either analyte alone, detecting 69.2% of cases for a 10% false positive rate. Conclusions Plasma PlGF at 36 weeks’ gestation is significantly lower in women who subsequently deliver a SGA infant. While the sensitivity and specificity of PlGF currently limit clinical translation, our findings support a blood-based biomarker approach to detect late-onset fetal growth restriction. Thirty-six week sFlt-1:PlGF ratio predicts 69.2% of preeclampsia cases, and could be a useful screening test to triage antenatal surveillance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1992-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M MacDonald
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Chuong Tran
- Department of Laboratory Services, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shaun P Brennecke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard J Hiscock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Hui
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirsten M Dane
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna L Middleton
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan P Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Translational Obstetrics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Stillbirth in the African Great Lakes region: A pooled analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202603. [PMID: 30157230 PMCID: PMC6114867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to estimate the rate and predisposing factors associated with stillbirth in the African Great Lakes region (Burundi, Congo Democratic Republic, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda). Methods and findings Cross-sectional data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of countries in the African Great Lakes region were used in this study. DHS from Congo Democratic Republic was not included in the analyses because data was not collected for stillbirth in the country survey. A pooled sample of 57046 pregnancies of 7+ months’ duration and 1002 stillbirths were included in the final analysis. The analyses were restricted to stillbirths reported in the 5 years preceding the surveys. Stillbirth was defined as foetal death in the third trimester (≥ 28 weeks’ gestation). Multilevel logistic regression analyses that adjusted for cluster and survey weights were used to determine the factors associated with stillbirth in the Africa Great Lakes region. Health service variables and maternal medical condition variables were not included in the analysis because DHS do not collect data on these variables for pregnancies that did not result in a live birth. Burundi had the highest stillbirth rate per 1000 births [23% (95% CI: 20, 25)] within the region. Factors associated with stillbirth across the region were: no schooling [1.85 (95%Cl: 1.44, 2.38)] and primary education [1.64 (1.32, 2.05)], advanced maternal age [2.39 (95% CI: 1.59, 3.59)], smoking [1.99 (95% CI: 1.19, 3.32)] and drinking water from unimproved sources [1.18 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.37)]. Conclusion To achieve Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) stillbirth target of 12 per 1000 births or less by 2030, policy interventions to prevent stillbirth should focus on promoting community-based socio-educational programmes which encourages a healthy lifestyle especially among uneducated women in the advanced age spectrum.
Collapse
|
49
|
Prevalence and Determinants of Complete Postnatal Care Service Utilization in Northern Shoa, Ethiopia. J Pregnancy 2018; 2018:8625437. [PMID: 30186633 PMCID: PMC6112074 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8625437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postnatal period presents the highest risk of death for mothers and newborns. Although progress has been made in expanding the coverage for most of maternal health services, national prevalence of postnatal care service utilization in Ethiopia is still extremely limited. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with complete postnatal care service utilization in Northern Shoa, Ethiopia. Methods Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017. A total of 510 mothers were included in the study using multistage sampling technique. The data were collected through face-to-face interview. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with complete postnatal care utilization at p value of < 0.05. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results The prevalence of complete postnatal care utilization was found to be 28.4% in the study area. Mode of delivery (AOR=5.7, 95% CI = 3.9, 19), number of children (AOR= 2.5 95% CI, 1.4, 14.2), and level of education (AOR=3.2 95% CI, 1.1, 9.2) were the factors statistically associated with complete postnatal service uptake. Being healthy was the major (48.8%) reason mentioned for not complying with the recommended three postnatal visits. Conclusion The prevalence of complete postnatal care service in the study area was found to be low, and it is far less than the targeted zonal and regional plan. Reinforcing the existing policies and strategies to increase women level of awareness about postnatal care and intensive counseling during antenatal care and delivery are the recommendations based upon the current finding.
Collapse
|
50
|
Pingray V, Althabe F, Vazquez P, Correa M, Pajuelo M, Belizán JM. Stillbirth rates in 20 countries of Latin America: an ecological study. BJOG 2018; 125:1263-1270. [PMID: 29797404 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe country-level stillbirth rates and their change over time in Latin America, and to measure the association of stillbirth rates with socio-economic and health coverage indicators in the region. DESIGN Ecological study. SETTING 20 countries of Latin America. POPULATION OR SAMPLE Aggregated data from pregnant women with countries as units of analysis. METHODS We used stillbirth estimates, and socio-economic and healthcare coverage indicators reported from 2006 to 2016 from UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme and World Bank datasets. We calculated Spearman's correlation coefficients between stillbirths rates and socioeconomic and health coverage indicators. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES National estimates of stillbirth rates in each country. RESULTS The estimated stillbirth rate for Latin America for 2015 was 8.1 per 1000 births (range 3.1-24.9). Seven Latin America countries had rates higher than 10 stillbirths per 1000 births. The average annual reduction rate for the region was 2% (range 0.1-3.8%), with the majority of Latin America countries ranging between 1.5 and 2.5%. National stillbirth rates were correlated to: women's schooling (rS = -0.7910), gross domestic product per capita (rS = -0.8226), fertility rate (rS = 0.6055), urban population (rS = -0.6316), and deliveries at health facilities (rS = -0.6454). CONCLUSIONS Country-level estimated stillbirth rates in Latin America varied widely in 2015. The trend and magnitude of reduction in stillbirth rates between 2000 and 2015 was similar to the world average. Socio-economic and health coverage indicators were correlated to stillbirth rates in Latin America. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Stillbirth rates decreased in Latin America but remain relatively high, with wide variations among countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Pingray
- Department of Maternal and Child's Health, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Althabe
- Department of Maternal and Child's Health, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Vazquez
- Department of Maternal and Child's Health, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Correa
- Department of Maternal and Child's Health, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Global Community Health & Behavioural Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - M Pajuelo
- International Health Department, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J M Belizán
- Department of Maternal and Child's Health, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|