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Gurung R, Bask M. Does mistreatment during institutional childbirth increase the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms? A prospective cohort study in Nepal. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2381312. [PMID: 39081240 PMCID: PMC11293266 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2381312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression is associated with low socioeconomic status, adverse birthing processes, and life stress. Increasing evidence of mistreatment during childbirth, negative birth experiences, and poor quality of maternal care is of global concern. OBJECTIVE To assess the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms among postpartum women exposed to mistreatment during institutional birthing in Nepal. METHOD We conducted a prospective cohort study from 29 March to 19 August 2022. Of 1629 women who gave birth in a hospital in Nepal, 1222 were assessed for mistreatment during childbirth and depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. We used binomial generalized linear mixed model to examine the risk ratio of postpartum depressive symptoms in women exposed to mistreatment during childbirth. RESULTS The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 4.4%. Women exposed to mistreatment during childbirth were almost fifty percent more likely to have postpartum depressive symptoms (cRR 1.47; 95% CI 1.14, 1.89; p = 0.003) compared with the unexposed group. Furthermore, adolescent mothers exposed to mistreatment during childbirth had a seventy percent increased risk of depressive symptoms (aRR 1.72; 95% CI 1.23, 2.41; p = 0.002). Similarly, women who gave birth to female infants were thirty percent more likely to experience postpartum depressive symptoms (aRR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01-1.74; p = 0.039). CONCLUSION We observed an association between postpartum depressive symptoms and mistreatment during institutional births in Nepal. The implementation of appropriate respectful maternity care during childbirth and also routine screening for depressive symptoms is critical to improving perinatal mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejina Gurung
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Research Division, Golden Community, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Miia Bask
- Department of Sociology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Ibrahimi J, Mumtaz Z. Ultrasound imaging and the culture of pregnancy management in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 165:76-93. [PMID: 37743802 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric ultrasound imaging is a relatively new, but rapidly expanding, technology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given that new technologies modify practices, the influence of ultrasound on pregnancy management in LMICs is not comprehensively understood. OBJECTIVES To map how ultrasound technology may be modulating the culture of pregnancy management in LMICs. SEARCH STRATEGY A search of five databases up to November 18, 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA Original, peer-reviewed articles from LMICs, published in English from 2000 to 2022. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS All articles were assessed for quality using the GRADE approach. Data were analyzed thematically to generate new interpretive constructs and explanations. RESULTS Forty articles involving 113 000 respondents suggests that obstetric ultrasound is becoming the preferred method of pregnancy surveillance, replacing clinically important components of prenatal care. Mothers overestimate ultrasound as an all-powerful diagnostic and "therapeutic" tool that can deliver the perfect baby. For-profit providers are driving medically unnecessary scans while the poor do not receive the recommended scans. CONCLUSION Ultrasound technology has modified the culture of pregnancy management in LMICs in unintended and possibly harmful ways. Private health services are pushing the detrimental trends. Limitations include generalizability of qualitative studies and insufficient attention to inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janat Ibrahimi
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zubia Mumtaz
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Regmi K, Shrestha B, Shakya S, Lamichhane P. Attitudes and Practices Toward Sex-Selective Abortion in an Urban District of Nepal: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study. Asia Pac J Public Health 2024; 36:51-58. [PMID: 38099464 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231218051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Nepal, a country with deeply ingrained patriarchal values and culture, has limited evidence regarding the practices of sex selection and sex-selective abortion. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes and practices surrounding sex-selective abortion (SSA) and the factors associated with it. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 320 women between the ages of 15 and 49, who had at least one child under the age of 5 and lived in the Bhaktapur district, Nepal. A total of 19.7% of the participants had undergone an abortion, with 39.6% of those being SSAs. Factors like women empowerment and preference for smaller family size are associated with women's favorable attitude toward SSA. In multivariate analysis, women who faced pressure from their families to have a son and those who were aware of Nepal's abortion laws were more likely to abort a female fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Binjwala Shrestha
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sujata Shakya
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Prabhat Lamichhane
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
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Anand A, Gupta A, Yadav P, Rijal P. Suspected illegal abortion and unsafe abortion leading to uterine rupture and incomplete abortion: A case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 84:104933. [PMID: 36582916 PMCID: PMC9793220 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Unsafe abortions are more prevalent in developing countries and countries with restrictive abortion laws, and can lead to significant maternal mortality. Usually, the presentation includes abdominal pain, fever and vaginal bleeding. Case presentation We reported the case of a female in her twenties in her second trimester of pregnancy following unsafe abortion. The patient had abdominal pain, and laboratory investigations revealed anemia and leucocytosis. The patient opted for abortion as the foetus was identified as female by a service provider. Due to unsafe and illegal abortion, the patient developed complications of incomplete abortion and uterine rupture. She was successfully managed by emergency laparotomy followed by repair of uterine rupture and symptomatic management. Clinical discussion Unsafe abortion can lead to complications such as incomplete abortion and uterine rupture. Complications due to abortion are more frequent if not performed by experienced surgeons. In our case, the manual vacuum and aspiration technique was used during the second trimester of pregnancy, which led to uterine perforation. Conclusion Our case highlighted the importance of safe abortion practices and the approach to clinical management of complications of unsafe abortion. Also, global health problems such as unsafe abortion, illegal abortion, sex-selective abortion, and violation of ethical conduct need to be addressed to curb unsafe abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Anand
- BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ashwini Gupta
- BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Punita Yadav
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Pappu Rijal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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Fledderjohann J, Channon M. Gender, nutritional disparities, and child survival in Nepal. BMC Nutr 2022; 8:50. [PMID: 35606833 PMCID: PMC9125883 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-022-00543-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper examines seemingly contradictory evidence from extant research that son preference is high, but male disadvantage in mortality is increasing in Nepal. To do so, we documented the timing, geographic patterning, and extent of gendered patterns in mortality and feeding practices for children under-five. METHODS We applied pooled multilevel regression models and survival analysis to five rounds of data from Nepal's nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (1996-2016). We controlled for potential sociodemographic confounders, including child, maternal, household, and regional correlates, and disaggregated findings by birth order and sibling gender. RESULTS We found evidence of regional variation in mortality, with girls in wealthy urban areas faring the worst in terms of mortality rates. Girls' comparative mortality advantage compared to boys in the neonatal period masks their mortality disadvantage in later periods. Mortality has fallen at a faster rate for boys than girls in most cases, leading to widening of gender inequalities. We also found evidence of female disadvantage in breastfeeding duration, which was linked to higher mortality risks, but no gender disparities in the consumption of other food items. Sibling gender and birth order also mattered for breastfeeding duration: Young girls with older sisters but with no brothers were most disadvantaged. CONCLUSION While we did not find evidence of postnatal discrimination in access to solid and semi-solid foods, girls in Nepal face a disadvantage in breastfeeding duration. Girls with older sisters but no older brothers facing the greatest disadvantage, with risks being particularly concentrated for girls aged 1-4 years. This disadvantage is linked to an increased risk of mortality. To address this, community-based health programs could be expanded to continue targeted healthcare for children beyond 12 months of age, with particular focus on nutrition monitoring and health service provision for girls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Channon
- Department of Social & Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Chao F, Kc S, Ombao H. Estimation and probabilistic projection of levels and trends in the sex ratio at birth in seven provinces of Nepal from 1980 to 2050: a Bayesian modeling approach. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:358. [PMID: 35183138 PMCID: PMC8858562 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sex ratio at birth (SRB; ratio of male to female births) in Nepal has been reported around the normal level on the national level. However, the national SRB could mask the disparity within the country. Given the demographic and cultural heterogeneities in Nepal, it is crucial to model Nepal SRB on the subnational level. Prior studies on subnational SRB in Nepal are mostly based on reporting observed values from surveys and census, and no study has provided probabilistic projections. We aim to estimate and project SRB for the seven provinces of Nepal from 1980 to 2050 using a Bayesian modeling approach. METHODS We compiled an extensive database on provincial SRB of Nepal, consisting 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys and 2011 Census. We adopted a Bayesian hierarchical time series model to estimate and project the provincial SRB, with a focus on modelling the potential SRB imbalance. RESULTS In 2016, the highest SRB is estimated in Province 5 (Lumbini Pradesh) at 1.102, corresponding to 110.2 male births per 100 female births, with a 95% credible interval (1.044, 1.127) and the lowest SRB is in Province 2 at 1.053 (1.035, 1.109). The SRB imbalance probabilities in all provinces are generally low and vary from 16% in Province 2 to 81% in Province 5 (Lumbini Pradesh). SRB imbalances are estimated to have begun at the earliest in 2001 in Province 5 (Lumbini Pradesh) with a 95% credible interval (1992, 2022) and the latest in 2017 (1998, 2040) in Province 2. We project SRB in all provinces to begin converging back to the national baseline in the mid-2030s. By 2050, the SRBs in all provinces are projected to be around the SRB baseline level. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that the majority of provinces in Nepal have low risks of SRB imbalance for the period 1980-2016. However, we identify a few provinces with higher probabilities of having SRB inflation. The projected SRB is an important illustration of potential future prenatal sex discrimination and shows the need to monitor SRB in provinces with higher possibilities of SRB imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqing Chao
- Statistics Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Samir Kc
- Asian Demographic Research Institute, Shanghai University, Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
- Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, OeAW, University of Vienna), International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
| | - Hernando Ombao
- Statistics Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Marphatia AA, Saville NS, Manandhar DS, Cortina-Borja M, Reid AM, Wells JCK. Girls start life on an uneven playing field. Evol Med Public Health 2022; 10:339-351. [PMID: 35990287 PMCID: PMC9384836 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Evolutionary research on the sex ratio at birth (SRB) has focused on explaining variability within and between populations, and whether parental fitness is maximized by producing daughters or sons. We tested predictors of SRB in a low-income setting, to understand whether girls differ from boys in their likelihood of being born into families with the capacity to invest in them, which has implications for their future health and fitness. Methodology We used data from a cluster randomized control trial from lowland rural Nepal (16 115 mother-child dyads). We applied principal component analysis to extract two composite indices reflecting maternal socio-economic and reproductive (parity, age) capital. We fitted mixed-effects logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios of having a girl in association with these individual factors and indices. Results The SRB was 112. Compared to the global reference SRB (105), there were seven missing girls per 100 boys. Uneducated, early-marrying, poorer and shorter mothers were more likely to give birth to girls. Analysing composite maternal indices, lower socio-economic and reproductive capital were independently associated with a greater likelihood of having a girl. Conclusions and implications In this population, girls start life facing composite disadvantages, being more likely than boys to be born to mothers with lower socio-economic status and reproductive capital. Both physiological and behavioural mechanisms may contribute to these epidemiological associations. Differential early exposure by sex to maternal factors may underpin intergenerational cycles of gender inequality, mediated by developmental trajectory, education and socio-economic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha A Marphatia
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Naomi S Saville
- Institute for Global Health, University College London , London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Mario Cortina-Borja
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alice M Reid
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
| | - Jonathan C K Wells
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Channon MD, Puri M, Gietel-Basten S, Stone LW, Channon A. Prevalence and correlates of sex-selective abortions and missing girls in Nepal: evidence from the 2011 Population Census and 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042542. [PMID: 33727264 PMCID: PMC7970271 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES These were to: (1) produce national and subnational estimates of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) and number of missing girl births in Nepal and (2) understand the socioeconomic correlates of these phenomena. DESIGN Observational secondary data analysis of (1) the 2011 population census of Nepal and (2) the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2006, 2011 and 2016. SETTING Nepal. PARTICIPANTS (1) 2 567 963 children age 0-4 in the 2011 population census and (2) 27 329 births recorded in DHSs. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES We estimate the SRB, and number and proportion of missing girls in the year and 5 years before the census by district. We also calculate conditional sex ratios (the SRB dependant on parity and sex of previous children) by province, time, education and wealth. RESULTS We find that 11 districts have significantly skewed sex ratios at birth in the 2011 population census, with the highest SRBs observed in Arghakhanchi (SRB=127) and Bhaktapur (SRB=123). 22 540 girl births were missing in the 5 years before the 2011 population census. Sex-selective abortion is geographically concentrated, especially in the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini Province, with 53% of missing girls found in only 11 out of 75 districts.DHS data confirm this, with elevated conditional sex ratios observed in Bagmati and Lumbini Provinces; conditional sex ratios where previous births were all female also became more skewed over time. Skewed sex ratios are concentrated among wealthier more educated groups. CONCLUSIONS It is clear that sex selection will persist and develop in Nepal unless a coordinated effort is made to address both the demand for and supply of this service. Policies should be holistic and encompass economic and legal gender equity, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent technology misuse, without jeopardising the right to safe, free and legal abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahesh Puri
- Center for Research on Environment, Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Stuart Gietel-Basten
- Humanities and Social Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
| | | | - A Channon
- Social Statistics & Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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