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Mayrink J, Reis ZSN. Pre-eclampsia in low and middle-income settings: What are the barriers to improving perinatal outcomes and evidence-based recommendations? Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:33-39. [PMID: 37329226 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14913] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss the points that still challenge low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and strategies that have been studied to help them overcome these issues. METHODS Narrative review addressing 20 years of articles concerning pre-eclampsia morbidity and mortality in LMICs. We summarized evidence-based strategies to overcome the challenges in order to reduce the pre-eclampsia impact on perinatal outcomes. RESULTS Pre-eclampsia is the first or second leading cause in the ranking of avoidable causes of maternal death, and approximately 16% of all maternal deaths are attributable to eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. Considering the social and economic contexts, it represents a major public health concern, and prevention and early detection of pre-eclampsia seem to be a major challenge. Reducing maternal mortality related to hypertensive disturbances depends on public policies to manage these preventable conditions. Early and continuous recognition of signs of severity related to hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and childbirth, self-monitoring of symptoms and blood pressure, as well as preventive approaches such as aspirin and calcium, and magnesium sulfate, are lifesaving procedures that have not yet reached a universal scale. CONCLUSION This review provides a vision of relevant points to support pregnant women in overcoming the constraints to healthcare access in LMICs, and strategies that can be applied in primary prenatal care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussara Mayrink
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Patil P, Mitra N, Batni S, Jain M, Sinha S. Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Findings for the Prediction of Scar Integrity in Women With Previous Lower Segment Cesarean Sections. Cureus 2023; 15:e43976. [PMID: 37746359 PMCID: PMC10515736 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological findings to predict scar integrity in term antenatal mothers with a previous lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). METHODOLOGY This prospective study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department of LN Medical College, Bhopal, India, from August 2020 to August 2021. We included all pregnant women with term gestation (37+0 to 42+0 weeks) who were admitted either for elective repeat LSCS or for emergency LSCS and had a history of a previous LSCS. A detailed history and clinical examinations were performed. We noted the presence of scar tenderness and conducted transabdominal ultrasound (USG) to assess the integrity of the uterine scar in all women. During surgery, the surgeon identified the lower uterine segment scar and graded it as normal, thinned-out, dehiscent, or ruptured. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for both clinical findings (scar tenderness) and ultrasound findings as predictors of scar integrity. RESULTS A total of 60 pregnant women were included in the study. During a repeat cesarean section, we found a thinned-out scar in 26 women out of 60 (43.3%). Out of 60 women, 13 had scar tenderness, and among these 13 women, 12 had thinned-out scars intraoperatively. Forty-seven women had no scar tenderness; 14 had thinned-out scars intraoperatively. The sensitivity of scar tenderness as a predictor of a thinned-out scar was 46.2%, specificity was 97.1%, PPV was 92.3%, and NPV was 70.2%. Whereas the sensitivity of ultrasound scar thickness as a predictor of a thinned-out scar was only 19.2%, with a specificity of 94.1%, a PPV of 71.4%, and an NPV of 60.4%. Thus, we documented a significant correlation between intraoperative and clinical findings (κ = 0.46; p<0.05), but no agreement could be found between ultrasound and intraoperative findings (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clinically evident scar tenderness continues to be a useful parameter to predict intraoperative scar status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Patil
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LN Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, IND
| | - Nishi Mitra
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LN Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, IND
| | - Smita Batni
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LN Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, IND
| | - Megha Jain
- Radiology, LN Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, IND
| | - Shesha Sinha
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LN Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, IND
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Atluri N, Beyuo TK, Oppong SA, Moyer CA, Lawrence ER. Challenges to diagnosing and managing preeclampsia in a low-resource setting: A qualitative study of obstetric provider perspectives from Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001790. [PMID: 37130091 PMCID: PMC10153692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a leading cause of global maternal morbidity and mortality. The greatest burden of disease is in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare providers face significant, understudied, challenges to diagnosing and managing preeclampsia. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the challenges of diagnosing and managing preeclampsia from the perspectives of obstetric doctors. Participants were doctors who provide obstetric care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, an urban tertiary hospital in Ghana. Purposive sampling identified doctors with meaningful experience in managing patients with preeclampsia. Thematic saturation of data was used to determine sample size. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded using an iteratively-developed codebook, and thematically analyzed. Interviews were conducted with 22 participants, consisting of 4 house officers, 6 junior obstetrics/gynecology residents, 8 senior obstetrics/gynecology residents, and 4 obstetrics/gynecology consultants. Doctors identified critical challenges faced at the patient, provider, and systems levels in detecting and managing preeclampsia, each of which mediates the health outcomes of a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Challenges centered around three overarching global themes: (1) low education levels and health literacy among women, (2) insufficient number of healthcare providers highly trained in obstetric care, and (3) inadequate health infrastructure to support critically ill patients with preeclampsia. Recognizing and addressing root challenges to preeclampsia care has great potential to improve outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namratha Atluri
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Titus K. Beyuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel A. Oppong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Cheryl A. Moyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Emma R. Lawrence
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Sk MIK. Socioeconomic and epidemiological milieu of maternal death due to eclampsia in West Bengal, India: A mixed methods study. HEALTH CARE SCIENCE 2023; 2:45-59. [PMID: 38939742 PMCID: PMC11080819 DOI: 10.1002/hcs2.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background West Bengal is experiencing an unanticipated risk of eclampsia among pregnant women and it persists as the leading cause of maternal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the predictors for maternal deaths due to eclampsia in West Bengal. Methods The study adopted retrospective mixed methods covering facility and community-based maternal death review approaches. Facility-based data were used for 317 deceased cases wherein the community-based review approach was used in 40 cases. An in-depth interview was also performed among 12 caregivers. Results One-third of maternal deaths occurred due to eclampsia, and this accounted for the leading cause of maternal deaths in West Bengal. A younger age, a primigravida or nulliparous status, absence of antenatal care (ANC), and residence in rural areas appeared to have the highest risk of developing eclampsia. The majority of pregnant women had an irregular antenatal check-up history, particularly during the second trimester of pregnancy. The rate of eclampsia-related maternal death was higher in women residing more than 49 km from the studied hospitals. Most of the deceased women were referred to three or more hospitals before their death. Gravidity, the number of ANC visits, the mode of delivery, and delays at different levels were significant confounders of death due to eclampsia. The risk of death due to eclampsia was two times higher among women without ANC and those who had a cesarean section than that in their counterparts. Conclusions Women in West Bengal have a high risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia resulting in maternal mortality and morbidity. Gravidity, the number of ANC visits, the mode of delivery, and delays in recognition of eclampsia contribute to the risk of maternal deaths. The establishment of separate eclampsia units, enhanced screening, and preventive and treatment procedures may optimize managing eclampsia.
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Gogovor A, Fakhfakh M, Asmaou Bouba D, Acakpo O, Ayivi-Vinz G, Musabyimana A, Garvelink MM. Shared decision-making and person-centred care approaches in three African regions. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2022; 171:6-10. [PMID: 35610132 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Five years ago, we published a 'wake-up' paper on shared decision-making (SDM) in West Africa. In the current paper, our overview has been expanded to more African regions (central and north, in addition to the west) as well as to person-centred care (PCC) approaches. While these concepts are known in all regions to varying degrees, results indicate that most known SDM and PCC efforts originate from West Africa. In general, the focus seems to be predominantly on partnership-driven healthcare programs, such as COVID-19 infection; HIV/AIDS and maternal/neonatal care; and patient-provider communication and patient participation instead of comprehensive SDM approaches. The findings also indicate the absence of SDM training for African health professionals beyond specific healthcare programs, but some education on decision-making or critical appraisal of health information in primary or undergraduate health schools is carried out in certain African countries. Building on these sectoral initiatives, future directions include developing research and training programs in the perspective of scaling effective approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amédé Gogovor
- Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, Canada; Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
| | - Maya Fakhfakh
- Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, Canada
| | - Dalil Asmaou Bouba
- Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, Canada
| | - Owolabi Acakpo
- VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, Canada; Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Gloria Ayivi-Vinz
- Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, Canada
| | - Angèle Musabyimana
- Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, Canada
| | - Mirjam M Garvelink
- Department of value-based healthcare, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
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Alalaf SK, Mansour TMM, Sileem SA, Shabila NP. Intrapartum ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment thickness in parturients with previous scar in labor: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:409. [PMID: 35568830 PMCID: PMC9107280 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04747-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a lack of reliable methods to estimate the risk of uterine rupture or dehiscence during a trial of labor in women with previous cesarean sections. This study aimed to assess the lower uterine segment and myometrial thickness by ultrasonography in women with previous cesarean sections during labor and assess their association with the uterine defect. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 161 women in the active phase of labor having one previous cesarean section. The study was conducted et al.-Azhar University Hospital, Assiut City, Egypt, from March 2018 to March 2019. Ultrasound measurements of lower uterine segment thickness and myometrial thickness were conducted by vaginal and abdominal ultrasound by two observers. The correlation of both thicknesses with the uterine defect was analyzed. Results Uterine defects were reported in 42 women (25.9%), uterine rupture in four women (2.5%), and dehiscence in 38 women (23.5%). The uterine defects were not associated with maternal factors (maternal age, gestational age at labor, body mass index, birth weight, interpregnancy, and inter-delivery interval). Receiver operating curve analysis demonstrated that lower uterine segment thickness was linked with uterine defect, with an area under the curve of 60% (95% CI, 51–70%, P = 0.044). Myometrial thickness was also linked to the uterine defect, with an area under the curve of 61% (95% CI, 52–71%, P = 0.025). Full lower uterine segment thickness of 2.3 mm and myometrial thickness of 1.9 mm were the cutoff value with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for the uterine defect. Lower uterine segment thickness (OR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.24–0.96) and myometrial thickness (OR = 0.44, 95%CI 0.20–0.94) were significantly associated with the uterine defect. Lower uterine segment thickness (OR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.22–0.76) and myometrial thickness (OR = 0.33, 95%CI 0.16–0.66) were also significantly associated with cesarean section delivery. Conclusion A lower uterine segment thickness of 2.3 mm and myometrial thickness of 1.9 mm during the first stage of labor are associated with a high risk of uterine defects during a labor trial. These measurements during labor can have a practical application in deciding the mode of delivery in women with previous cesarean sections and might reduce uterine rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla K Alalaf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil city, Iraq
| | | | - Sileem Ahmad Sileem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Nazar P Shabila
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil City, Iraq.
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Shahil Feroz A, Afzal N, Seto E. Exploring digital health interventions for pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in low-income and-middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056130. [PMID: 35135777 PMCID: PMC8830260 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore digital health interventions that have been used to support pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (HRPE/E) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCE EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CINAHL were searched between 1 January 2000 and 20 October 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The review included original research studies that were published in English, involved pregnant women at HRPE/E and implemented digital health interventions for PE/E in LMICs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently completed the data extraction for each of the 19 final articles. An inductive approach was used to thematically organise and summarise the results from the included articles. RESULTS A total of 19 publications describing 7 unique studies and 9 different digital health interventions were included. Most studies were conducted in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (n=16). Of nine unique digital health interventions, two served the purpose of predicting risk for adverse maternal health outcomes while seven focused on monitoring high-risk pregnant women for PE/E. Both of these purposes used mobile phone applications as interface to facilitate data collection, decision making, and communication between health workers and pregnant women. The review identified key functions of interventions including data collection, prediction of adverse maternal outcomes, integrated diagnostic and clinical decision support, and personal health tracking. The review reported three major outcomes: maternal health outcomes including maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (n=4); usability and acceptability including ease-of-use, and perceived usefulness, (n=5); and intervention feasibility and fidelity including accuracy of device, and intervention implementation (n=7). CONCLUSION Although the current evidence base shows some potential for the use of digital health interventions for PE/E, more prospective experimental and longitudinal studies are needed prior to recommending the use of digital health interventions for PE/E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Shahil Feroz
- Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noreen Afzal
- Dean's Office, The Aga Khan University Medical College Pakistan, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Daley BJ, Ni'Man M, Neves MR, Bobby Huda MS, Marsh W, Fenton NE, Hitman GA, McLachlan S. mHealth apps for gestational diabetes mellitus that provide clinical decision support or artificial intelligence: A scoping review. Diabet Med 2022; 39:e14735. [PMID: 34726798 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gestational diabetes (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, requiring complex management and empowerment of those affected. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are proposed for streamlining healthcare service delivery, extending care relationships into the community, and empowering those affected by prolonged medical disorders to be equal collaborators in their healthcare. This review investigates mHealth apps intended for use with GDM; specifically those powered by artificial intelligence (AI) or providing decision support. METHODS A scoping review using the novel Survey Tool approach for collaborative literature Reviews (STaR) process was performed. RESULTS From 18 papers, 11 discrete GDM-based mHealth apps were identified, but only 3 were reasonably mature with only one currently in use in a clinical setting. Two-thirds of the apps provided condition-relevant contextual user feedback that could aid in patient self care. However, although each app targeted one or more components of the GDM clinical pathway, no app addressed the entirety from diagnosis to postpartum. CONCLUSIONS There are limited mHealth apps for GDM that incorporate AI or AI-based decision support. Many exist only to record patient information like blood glucose readings or diet, provide generic patient education or advice, or to reduce adverse events by providing medication or appointment alerts. Significant barriers remain that continue to limit the adoption of mHealth apps in clinical care settings. Further research and development are needed to deliver intelligent holistic mHealth apps using AI that can truly reduce healthcare resource use and improve outcomes by enabling patient self care in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget J Daley
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael Ni'Man
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mariana R Neves
- Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - William Marsh
- Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Norman E Fenton
- Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Graham A Hitman
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Scott McLachlan
- Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Edinburgh Law School, University of Edinburgh, Birmingham, UK
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Delmaifanis D, Siregar K, Prabawa A. mHealth Conceptual Model for Providing Quality Antenatal Care in Health Centers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In Indonesia, the maternal mortality rate is still high and far from the Sustainable Development Goals target of 305 compared to 70 per 100,000 live births.
AIM: This study aims to design the mHealth concept to improve the quality of antenatal care (ANC) with features that support service workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
METHODS: The method used was literature study and conceptual design of the mHealth model with Rapid Application Development approach.
RESULTS: The result showed that several factors influence the quality of ANC and the potential for improvement with mHealth. There are nine features of pregnancy services designed to improve the quality of ANC, such as standard operating procedure compliance, maternal health records, clinical decision aids, referral links, teleconsultation, health promotion improvement, alerts, and reminders, real-time reports, and distribution maps for pregnant women. The depicted context diagram consists of four external entities such as pregnant women, midwives, maternal and child health coordinators at Health centers and Health offices in Indonesia as well as the flow of data or information to and from mHealth, and the interface design understands users’ role and is executed accordingly.
CONCLUSION: The problems of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic or the new normal were partially resolved with mHealth innovations, teleconsultation features, and improving health promotion. Therefore, all the mHealth features this helps in improving the quality of ANC.
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van Pelt S, Massar K, Shields-Zeeman L, de Wit JBF, van der Eem L, Lughata AS, Ruiter RAC. The Development of an Electronic Clinical Decision and Support System to Improve the Quality of Antenatal Care in Rural Tanzania: Lessons Learned Using Intervention Mapping. Front Public Health 2021; 9:645521. [PMID: 34095055 PMCID: PMC8172617 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.645521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely recognised that high quality antenatal care is a key element in maternal healthcare. Tanzania has a very high maternal mortality ratio of 524 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Most maternal deaths are due to preventable causes that can be detected during pregnancy, and antenatal care therefore plays an important role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, quality of antenatal care in Tanzania is low: Research has shown that healthcare workers show poor adherence to antenatal care guidelines, and the majority of pregnant women miss essential services. Digital health tools might improve the performance of healthcare workers and contribute to improving the quality of antenatal care. To this end, an electronic clinical decision and support system (the Nurse Assistant App) was developed and implemented in Tanzania in 2016 to provide digital assistance during antenatal care consultations to healthcare workers. The current study systematically evaluated the development and implementation process of the Nurse Assistant App in Magu District, Tanzania, with the aim of informing future programme planners about relevant steps in the development of a digital health intervention. Desk research was combined with semi-structured interviews to appraise the development process of the digital health tool. We employed the criteria stipulated by Godin et al., which are based on the six steps of Intervention Mapping [IM; Bartholomew Eldredge et al.]. Findings indicated that five of the six steps of IM were completed during the development and implementation of the Nurse Assistant App. Tasks related to community engagement, adjustment to local context, implementation in the practical context in collaboration with local partners, and rigorous evaluation were accomplished. However, tasks related to identifying theory-based behaviour change methods were not accomplished. Based on the lessons learned during the process of developing and implementing the Nurse Assistant App, we conclude that programme developers are recommended to (1) engage the community and listen to their insights, (2), focus on clear programme goals and the desired change, (3), consult or involve a behaviour change specialist, and (4), anticipate potential problems in unexpected circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra van Pelt
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Karlijn Massar
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Shields-Zeeman
- Department of Mental Health and Prevention, Netherlands Institute for Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - John B F de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, International Public Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lisette van der Eem
- Woman Centered Care Project, A Project of the African Woman Foundation, Magu, Tanzania
| | - Athanas S Lughata
- Woman Centered Care Project, A Project of the African Woman Foundation, Magu, Tanzania
| | - Robert A C Ruiter
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Kabongo EM, Mukumbang FC, Delobelle P, Nicol E. Explaining the impact of mHealth on maternal and child health care in low- and middle-income countries: a realist synthesis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:196. [PMID: 33750340 PMCID: PMC7941738 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the growing global application of mobile health (mHealth) technology in maternal and child health, contextual factors, and mechanisms by which interventional outcomes are generated, have not been subjected to a systematic examination. In this study, we sought to uncover context, mechanisms, and outcome elements of various mHealth interventions based on implementation and evaluation studies to formulate theories or models explicating how mHealth interventions work (or not) both for health care providers and for pregnant women and mothers. Method We undertook a realist synthesis. An electronic search of five online databases (PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, Academic Search Premier and Health Systems Evidence) was performed. Using appropriate Boolean phrases terms and selection procedures, 32 articles were identified. A theory-driven approach, narrative synthesis, was applied to synthesize the data. Thematic content analysis was used to delineate elements of the intervention, including its context, actors, mechanisms, and outcomes. Abduction and retroduction were applied using a realist evaluation heuristic tool to formulate generative theories. Results We formulated two configurational models illustrating how and why mHealth impacts implementation and uptake of maternal and child health care. Implementation-related mechanisms include buy-in from health care providers, perceived support of health care providers’ motivation and perceived ease of use and usefulness. These mechanisms are influenced by adaptive health system conditions including organization, resource availability, policy implementation dynamics, experience with technology, network infrastructure and connectivity. For pregnant women and mothers, mechanisms that trigger mHealth use and consequently uptake of maternal and child health care include perceived satisfaction, motivation and positive psychological support. Information overload was identified as a potential negative mechanism impacting the uptake of maternal and child health care. These mechanisms are influenced by health system conditions, socio-cultural characteristics, socio-economic and demographics characteristics, network infrastructure and connectivity and awareness. Conclusion Models developed in this study provide a detailed understanding of implementation and uptake of mHealth interventions and how and why they impact maternal and child health care in low- and middle-income countries. These models provide a foundation for the ‘white box’ of theory-driven evaluation of mHealth interventions and can improve rollout and implementation where required. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03684-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline M Kabongo
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Delobelle
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Nicol
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dewau R, Muche A, Fentaw Z, Yalew M, Bitew G, Amsalu ET, Arefaynie M, Mekonen AM. Time to initiation of antenatal care and its predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: Cox-gamma shared frailty model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246349. [PMID: 33544714 PMCID: PMC7864666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Timely initiating antenatal care (ANC) is crucial in the countries that have high maternal morbidity and mortality. However, in developing countries including Ethiopia, pregnant mother’s time to initiate antenatal care was not well-studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess time to first ANC and its predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 7,543 pregnant women in Ethiopia using the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS), 2016 data. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling was employed. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to estimate time to first antenatal care visit. Cox-gamma shared frailty model was applied to determine predictors. Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval was reported as the effect size. Model adequacy was assessed by using the Cox-Snell residual plot. Statistical significance was considered at p value <0.05. For data management and analysis Stata 14 was used. Results The median time to first ANC was 5 months with IQR (3,-). The independent predictors of time to first ANC visit were primary education [AHR: 1.24 (95%CI, 1.13–1.35)], secondary education [AHR: 1.28(95% CI, 1.11–1.47)], higher education [AHR: 1.43 (1.19–1.72)] as compared to women with no formal education. Having media exposure [AHR: 1.13 (95% CI, 1.03–1.24)], early initiation of ANC increases by 25% [AHR: 1.25 (95% CI, 1.12–1.40)] in poorer, 32% [AHR: 1.32 (95% CI, 1.17–1.49)] in middle, 37% [AHR: 1.37 (95% CI, 1.20–1.56)] in richer and 41% [AHR: 1.41 (95%CI, 1.1.19–1.67)] in richest households as compared to poorest household wealth index. Living in city administration, media exposure and community women literacy were also enabler factors, while, long distance from health facility and nomadic region residency were hindering factors of early ANC visit. Conclusions The current study revealed that women’s time to first antenatal care visit was by far late in Ethiopia as compared to the world health organization recommendation (WHO). The predictors of time to first ANC visit were education status of women, having media exposure, level of household wealth index, community women literacy ad distance to health facility. It is vital that maternal and child health policies and strategies better to be directed at women development and also designing and applying interventions that intended to increase timely initiation ANC among pregnant-women. Researchers also recommended conducting studies using a stronger design like a cohort to establish temporality and reduce biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reta Dewau
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Amare Muche
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Zinabu Fentaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Yalew
- Department of Reproductive and Family Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gedamnesh Bitew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Erkihun Tadesse Amsalu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mastewal Arefaynie
- Department of Reproductive and Family Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Asnakew Molla Mekonen
- Department of Health Service Management, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This survey aimed to review aspects of clinical decision support (CDS) that contribute to burnout and identify key themes for improving the acceptability of CDS to clinicians, with the goal of decreasing said burnout. METHODS We performed a survey of relevant articles from 2018-2019 addressing CDS and aspects of clinician burnout from PubMed and Web of Science™. Themes were manually extracted from publications that met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Eighty-nine articles met inclusion criteria, including 12 review articles. Review articles were either prescriptive, describing how CDS should work, or analytic, describing how current CDS tools are deployed. The non-review articles largely demonstrated poor relevance and acceptability of current tools, and few studies showed benefits in terms of efficiency or patient outcomes from implemented CDS. Encouragingly, multiple studies highlighted steps that succeeded in improving both acceptability and relevance of CDS. CONCLUSIONS CDS can contribute to clinician frustration and burnout. Using the techniques of improving relevance, soliciting feedback, customization, measurement of outcomes and metrics, and iteration, the effects of CDS on burnout can be ameliorated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Jankovic
- Division of Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan H. Chen
- Center for Biomedical Informatics Research and Division of Hospital Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Odendaal WA, Anstey Watkins J, Leon N, Goudge J, Griffiths F, Tomlinson M, Daniels K. Health workers' perceptions and experiences of using mHealth technologies to deliver primary healthcare services: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 3:CD011942. [PMID: 32216074 PMCID: PMC7098082 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011942.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth), refers to healthcare practices supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets. Within primary care, health workers often use mobile devices to register clients, track their health, and make decisions about care, as well as to communicate with clients and other health workers. An understanding of how health workers relate to, and experience mHealth, can help in its implementation. OBJECTIVES To synthesise qualitative research evidence on health workers' perceptions and experiences of using mHealth technologies to deliver primary healthcare services, and to develop hypotheses about why some technologies are more effective than others. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index in January 2018. We searched Global Health in December 2015. We screened the reference lists of included studies and key references and searched seven sources for grey literature (16 February to 5 March 2018). We re-ran the search strategies in February 2020. We screened these records and any studies that we identified as potentially relevant are awaiting classification. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that used qualitative data collection and analysis methods. We included studies of mHealth programmes that were part of primary healthcare services. These services could be implemented in public or private primary healthcare facilities, community and workplace, or the homes of clients. We included all categories of health workers, as well as those persons who supported the delivery and management of the mHealth programmes. We excluded participants identified as technical staff who developed and maintained the mHealth technology, without otherwise being involved in the programme delivery. We included studies conducted in any country. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We assessed abstracts, titles and full-text papers according to the inclusion criteria. We found 53 studies that met the inclusion criteria and sampled 43 of these for our analysis. For the 43 sampled studies, we extracted information, such as country, health worker category, and the mHealth technology. We used a thematic analysis process. We used GRADE-CERQual to assess our confidence in the findings. MAIN RESULTS Most of the 43 included sample studies were from low- or middle-income countries. In many of the studies, the mobile devices had decision support software loaded onto them, which showed the steps the health workers had to follow when they provided health care. Other uses included in-person and/or text message communication, and recording clients' health information. Almost half of the studies looked at health workers' use of mobile devices for mother, child, and newborn health. We have moderate or high confidence in the following findings. mHealth changed how health workers worked with each other: health workers appreciated being more connected to colleagues, and thought that this improved co-ordination and quality of care. However, some described problems when senior colleagues did not respond or responded in anger. Some preferred face-to-face connection with colleagues. Some believed that mHealth improved their reporting, while others compared it to "big brother watching". mHealth changed how health workers delivered care: health workers appreciated how mHealth let them take on new tasks, work flexibly, and reach clients in difficult-to-reach areas. They appreciated mHealth when it improved feedback, speed and workflow, but not when it was slow or time consuming. Some health workers found decision support software useful; others thought it threatened their clinical skills. Most health workers saw mHealth as better than paper, but some preferred paper. Some health workers saw mHealth as creating more work. mHealth led to new forms of engagement and relationships with clients and communities: health workers felt that communicating with clients by mobile phone improved care and their relationships with clients, but felt that some clients needed face-to-face contact. Health workers were aware of the importance of protecting confidential client information when using mobile devices. Some health workers did not mind being contacted by clients outside working hours, while others wanted boundaries. Health workers described how some community members trusted health workers that used mHealth while others were sceptical. Health workers pointed to problems when clients needed to own their own phones. Health workers' use and perceptions of mHealth could be influenced by factors tied to costs, the health worker, the technology, the health system and society, poor network access, and poor access to electricity: some health workers did not mind covering extra costs. Others complained that phone credit was not delivered on time. Health workers who were accustomed to using mobile phones were sometimes more positive towards mHealth. Others with less experience, were sometimes embarrassed about making mistakes in front of clients or worried about job security. Health workers wanted training, technical support, user-friendly devices, and systems that were integrated into existing electronic health systems. The main challenges health workers experienced were poor network connections, access to electricity, and the cost of recharging phones. Other problems included damaged phones. Factors outside the health system also influenced how health workers experienced mHealth, including language, gender, and poverty issues. Health workers felt that their commitment to clients helped them cope with these challenges. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our findings propose a nuanced view about mHealth programmes. The complexities of healthcare delivery and human interactions defy simplistic conclusions on how health workers will perceive and experience their use of mHealth. Perceptions reflect the interplay between the technology, contexts, and human attributes. Detailed descriptions of the programme, implementation processes and contexts, alongside effectiveness studies, will help to unravel this interplay to formulate hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of mHealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem A Odendaal
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa
- Stellenbosch UniversityDepartment of PsychiatryCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Natalie Leon
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa
- Brown UniversitySchool of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Jane Goudge
- University of the WitwatersrandCentre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Frances Griffiths
- University of WarwickWarwick Medical SchoolCoventryUK
- University of the WitwatersrandCentre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Stellenbosch UniversityInstitute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global HealthCape TownSouth Africa
- Queens UniversitySchool of Nursing and MidwiferyBelfastUK
| | - Karen Daniels
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa
- University of Cape TownHealth Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health and Family MedicineCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7925
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Addotey-Delove M, Scott RE, Mars M. Review of patients’ perspectives of m-health adoption factors in the developing world. Development of a proposed conceptual framework. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Arnaert A, Ponzoni N, Debe Z, Meda MM, Nana NG, Arnaert S. Experiences of women receiving mhealth-supported antenatal care in the village from community health workers in rural Burkina Faso, Africa. Digit Health 2019; 5:2055207619892756. [PMID: 31832224 PMCID: PMC6891107 DOI: 10.1177/2055207619892756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This qualitative study explored the experiences of women receiving
mhealth-supported antenatal care in a village, from community health workers
(CHWs) in rural Burkina Faso, Africa. Intervention CHWs entered patient clinical data manually in their smartphone during their
home visits. All wireless transferred data was monitored by the midwives in
the community clinic for arising medical complications. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 pregnant women, who were
housewives, married and their age ranged from 18 to 39 years. None had
completed their formal education. Depending on the weeks of gestation during
their first antenatal care visit, length of enrollment in the project varied
between three and eight months. Transcripts were content-analyzed. Results Despite the fact that mhealth was a novel service for all participants, they
expressed appreciation for these interventions, which they found beneficial
on three levels: 1) it allowed for early detection of pregnancy-related
complications, 2) it was perceived as promoting collaboration between CHWs
and midwives, and 3) it was a source of reassurance during a time when they
are concerned about their health. Although not unanimous, certain
participants said their husbands were more interested in their antenatal
care as a result of these services. Conclusion Findings suggested that mhealth-supported visits of the CHWs have the
potential to increase mothers’ knowledge about their pregnancy and, as such,
motivate them to attend more ANC visits. In response to this increased
patient engagement, midwives approached women differently, which led to the
mothers’ perception of improvement in the patient–provider relationship.
Results also indicated that mhealth may increase spousal involvement, as
services are offered at home, which is an environment where spouses feel
more comfortable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Arnaert
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Norma Ponzoni
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Zoumanan Debe
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mouoboum M Meda
- Institut de Formation et de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Santé (IFRIS), Burkina Faso
| | - Noufou G Nana
- Institut de Formation et de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Santé (IFRIS), Burkina Faso
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17
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Weldearegawi GG, Teklehaimanot BF, Gebru HT, Gebrezgi ZA, Tekola KB, Baraki MF. Determinants of late antenatal care follow up among pregnant women in Easter zone Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2018: unmatched case-control study. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:752. [PMID: 31744531 PMCID: PMC6862862 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of the study was to identify determinants of late antennal care at first visit in health facilities of eastern zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia 2018. Result Women with unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 4.03, 95%, CI 1.56–5.67), Participants whose previous first antenatal care was after 16 weeks (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.98–7.68), Participants did not accompanied by their partner for antenatal visit (AOR = 1.29, 95%, CI 1.05–4.67), women recognized their current pregnancy at 3 months or late (AOR = 4.7, 95%, CI 2.49–9.04) and participants provided adequate time for their previous antenatal care by health professionals (AOR = 0.461, 95% CI 0.342–0.875) were found the determinant factors of late antenatal care at first Visit. Hence family planning utilization, times of first visit antenatal, information flow and supporting by partners have a great role in improving antenatal care at first visit. There for responsible bodies should give focuses on utilization of family planning, increasing awareness of pregnancy symptoms and health provisional provide adequate time during visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hirut Teame Gebru
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | - Znabu Asfaw Gebrezgi
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mulu Ftiwi Baraki
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
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18
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Alyahya MS, Khader YS, Batieha A, Asad M. The quality of maternal-fetal and newborn care services in Jordan: a qualitative focus group study. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:425. [PMID: 31242940 PMCID: PMC6595569 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods are considered high-risk periods for the health of mothers and their newborns. Although the current utilization rate of some maternal and child care services in Jordan is encouraging, detailed information about the quality of these services is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the quality of maternal-fetal and newborn antenatal care (ANC), delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) services in Jordan. Methods We conducted 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant and postpartum women who attended maternal-child care services in three major hospitals in Jordan. All FGDs were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to identify themes and subthemes. Results The content analysis of the FGDs revealed a consensus among the discussants regarding the importance of ANC and PNC services for the health of mothers and their newborns. However, the participating women viewed ANC to be much more important than PNC. With regards to the choice between public and private antenatal care services, some of the discussants were disposed towards the private sector. Reasons for this included longer consultation time, a higher quality of services, better interpersonal and communication skills of healthcare providers, better treatment, more advanced equipment and devices, availability of female obstetricians, and more flexible appointment times. These women only perceived public hospital services to be necessary in cases of pregnancy-related complications and labor, as the costs of private sector services in such cases are too high. The findings also revealed that mothers usually only seek PNC services to check up on their newborn’s health and not their own. Conclusion Visiting private ANC clinics throughout pregnancy while giving birth in public facilities leads to the discontinuity and fragmentation in maternal-fetal and child healthcare services. To address this fragmentation, healthcare systems are proposed to establish interprofessional teamwork that requires different healthcare providers with complementary skills and practices in both public and private settings to work co-operatively and collectively. Investment in new technologies and interventions which enhance coordination and collaboration between public and private healthcare settings is necessary for the provision of non-traditional maternal healthcare. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4232-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Alyahya
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
| | - Yousef S Khader
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Anwar Batieha
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Majed Asad
- Jordan Ministry of Health, Directorate of non-communicable diseases, Amman, Jordan
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Abejirinde IOO, De Brouwere V, van Roosmalen J, van der Heiden M, Apentibadek N, Bardají A, Zweekhorst M. Viability of diagnostic decision support for antenatal care in rural settings: findings from the Bliss4Midwives Intervention in Northern Ghana. J Glob Health 2019; 9:010420. [PMID: 30937164 PMCID: PMC6437754 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.09.010420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antenatal screening is useful for early identification and management of high-risk pregnancies. In low-resource settings, provision of the full complement of tests is limited and diagnostic referrals incure additional costs for pregnant women. We assessed the viability of Bliss4Midwives (B4M) - a point-of-care diagnostic decision support device for decentralized screening of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and anaemia during antenatal care (ANC). Methods The device was piloted in seven health facilities across two districts in Northern Ghana over a ten-month period. Health workers were expected to screen women at each ANC visit till delivery. All screening records from the device were automatically archived digitally and later downloaded. After removing duplicates or invalid entries, descriptive quantitative analysis was carried out with IBM SPSS Statistics (version 23). B4M usage behavior, diagnostic and referral outcome were analyzed. Results Health workers conducted 1323 partial or full antenatal screening on 940 women, resulting in decision support for 835 (88.8%) B4M beneficiaries. Diagnostic referral was eliminated for 708 (84.7%) beneficiaries, with 335 (40.1%) of these from facilities without on-site diagnostic alternatives. Of visits with complete data, 92/559 (16.4%) women were screened in their first trimester, 28/940 (2.9%) had 4+ B4M visits and 107/835 (12.8%) women were recommended for urgent referral to a higher-level facility on the first visit. Follow-up screenings flagged an additional 17 women for urgent referral with 10 cases of repeated alerts in five women. Wide variations between high (9 months use) and low adopting (1.5 months use) facilities were observed, with some similarities in usage trend. Conclusions B4M helped decentralize ANC screening and decrease unnecessary referrals. Project outcomes were influenced by implementation strategy, technical features and behavioural dispositions of users and beneficiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Maternal and Reproductive Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Antwerp, Belgium.,ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincent De Brouwere
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Maternal and Reproductive Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jos van Roosmalen
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Obstetrics, the Netherlands
| | - Maurits van der Heiden
- the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, the Netherlands
| | | | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Abejirinde IOO, Zweekhorst M, Bardají A, Abugnaba-Abanga R, Apentibadek N, De Brouwere V, van Roosmalen J, Marchal B. Unveiling the Black Box of Diagnostic and Clinical Decision Support Systems for Antenatal Care: Realist Evaluation. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e11468. [PMID: 30578177 PMCID: PMC6320439 DOI: 10.2196/11468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital innovations have shown promise for improving maternal health service delivery. However, low- and middle-income countries are still at the adoption-utilization stage. Evidence on mobile health has been described as a black box, with gaps in theoretical explanations that account for the ecosystem of health care and their effect on adoption mechanisms. Bliss4Midwives, a modular integrated diagnostic kit to support antenatal care service delivery, was piloted for 1 year in Northern Ghana. Although both users and beneficiaries valued Bliss4Midwives, results from the pilot showed wide variations in usage behavior and duration of use across project sites. OBJECTIVE To strengthen the design and implementation of an improved prototype, the study objectives were two-fold: to identify causal factors underlying the variation in Bliss4Midwives usage behavior and understand how to overcome or leverage these in subsequent implementation cycles. METHODS Using a multiple case study design, a realist evaluation of Bliss4Midwives was conducted. A total of 3 candidate program theories were developed and empirically tested in 6 health facilities grouped into low and moderate usage clusters. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using realist thinking to build configurations that link intervention, context, actors, and mechanisms to program outcomes, by employing inductive and deductive reasoning. Nonparametric t test was used to compare the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of Bliss4Midwives between usage clusters. RESULTS We found no statistically significant differences between the 2 usage clusters. Low to moderate adoption of Bliss4Midwives was better explained by fear, enthusiasm, and high expectations for service delivery, especially in the absence of alternatives. Recognition from pregnant women, peers, supervisors, and the program itself was a crucial mechanism for device utilization. Other supportive mechanisms included ownership, empowerment, motivation, and adaptive responses to the device, such as realignment and negotiation. Champion users displayed high adoption-utilization behavior in contexts of participative or authoritative supervision, yet used the device inconsistently. Intervention-related (technical challenges, device rotation, lack of performance feedback, and refresher training), context-related (staff turnover, competing priorities, and workload), and individual factors (low technological self-efficacy, baseline knowledge, and internal motivation) suppressed utilization mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS This study shed light on optimal conditions necessary for Bliss4Midwives to thrive in a complex social and organizational setting. Beyond usability and viability studies, advocates of innovative technologies for maternal care need to consider how implementation strategies and contextual factors, such as existing collaborations and supervision styles, trigger mechanisms that influence program outcomes. In addition to informing scale-up of the Bliss4Midwives prototype, our results highlight the need for interventions that are guided by research methods that account for complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marjolein Zweekhorst
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Vincent De Brouwere
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jos van Roosmalen
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bruno Marchal
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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