Analysis of maternal and child health indicators in an area at paraná state, Brazil

Changes in Infant and Neonatal Mortality and Associated Factors in Eight Cohorts from Three Brazilian Cities

Stillbirth (SBR), perinatal (PMR), neonatal (NMR) and infant mortality rates (IMR) are declining in Brazil and the factors associated with these falls are still being investigated. The objective of the present study was to assess changes in SBR, PMR, NMR and IMR over time and to determine the factors associated with changes in NMR and IMR in eight Brazilian cohorts. All cohorts are population-based (Ribeirão Preto in 1978/79, 1994 and 2010; Pelotas in 1982, 1993 and 2004; and São Luís in 1997/98 and 2010). Were included data on 41440 children. All indicators were decreased, except in the city of Pelotas, from 1993 to 2004, and except SBR in São Luís. Sociodemographic variables seem to be able to explain reductions of NMR and IMR in Ribeirão Preto, from 1978/79 to 1994, and in São Luís. In Ribeirão Preto, from 1994 to 2010 declines in NMR and IMR seem to be explained by reductions in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Newborn’s gestational age had diminished in all cohorts, preventing even greater reductions of NMR and IMR. Improved sociodemographic variables and reduction of IUGR, seem to be able to explain part of the decrease observed. NMR and IMR could have been reduced even more, were it not for the worsening in gestational age distribution.

Association between adolescent motherhood and maternal and child health indices in Maiduguri, Nigeria: a community-based cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent motherhood (childbearing below 18 years of age) is a major global health and social problem. Understanding the impact of early motherhood on maternal and child health indices is important to community and population health promotion in developing countries. This study examined the association between adolescent motherhood and maternal and child health indices in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design method was used to recruit 220 mothers (age=14-25 years) from four communities in the city of Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. Participants were surveyed using a self-developed interviewer-administered questionnaire that assesses maternal and child health indices and sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute adjusted OR and 95% CI of the associations between motherhood in adolescence (mothers below 18 years old) and maternal and child health indices.

RESULTS

Compared to adult mothers, adolescent mothers were more likely to experience fistula (OR=5.01, 95% CI=3.01 to 14.27), to have postpartum haemorrhage (OR=6.83, 95% CI=2.93 to 15.92), to have sexually transmitted infections (OR=6.29, 95% CI=2.26 to 17.51) and to lose a child within 5 years of birth (OR=3.52, 95% CI=1.07 to 11.60). Children born to adolescent mothers were less likely to have normal weight at birth (OR=0.34, CI=0.15 to 0.73) than those born to adult mothers.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent motherhood was associated with negative maternal and child health indices. The findings can be used by public health professionals including physiotherapists in this role to inform effective primary healthcare practice and community health advocacy to improve maternal and child health indices among adolescent mothers in Maiduguri. Future studies are needed to confirm the evidence at the regional or national level including the rural population in Nigeria.