Spatial distribution and determinants of an optimal ANC visit among pregnant women in Ethiopia: further analysis of 2016 Ethiopia demographic health survey

Inadequacy of antenatal care attendance and its determinants amongst pregnant women in Ethiopia based on the 2019 Mini-Ethiopian demographic health survey: secondary data analysis

BACKGROUND

Inadequacy of antenatal care (ANC) utilization is a prominent public health problem, causing poor pregnancy outcomes. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, having ANC coverage, many pregnant women do not achieve the first ANC visits in the first trimester and receive at least four ANC visits. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the magnitude and identify determinants of inadequacy of antenatal care attendance amongst pregnant women in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Inadequate ANC attendance was defined as combining starting ANC visits after the first trimester and having fewer than four visits together. The study used secondary data from the 2019 mini-demographic and health survey. A weighted sample of 3927 pregnant women was included in this study. Data management and further analysis were performed using STATA 14 software. A multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis was used to identify determinants associated with inadequacy of antenatal care attendance. The Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify significant variables for inadequate antenatal care visits.

RESULT

Overall, 78.5% of pregnant women did not attend adequate antenatal care visits during pregnancy. In multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis, women aged 25 to 34 years (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.95), being educated (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.22-0.45), and being wealthier index (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.51-0.88) were less likely to inadequate antenatal care attendance. Whereas being rural residents (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI:1.08-2.07), no television exposure (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI:1.1-2.06), having more family members in the household (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.11-2.95), and women from semi-peripheral region (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.42-2.59) were higher odds of being associated with inadequacy of antenatal care attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Inadequate antenatal care attendance amongst pregnant women in Ethiopia is still High. The study identifies significant variables that could be positively and negatively associated with inadequate antenatal care visits. Health education interventions should target uneducated, poorer, and rural women to attend early antenatal care and use at least four antenatal care utilization for early detection of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Spatial distribution of inadequate meal frequency and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: Multilevel and spatial analysis

INTRODUCTION

More than two-third of global child death is occurred due to inappropriate feeding practice that happened during early childhood period. Evidence on meal frequency status among infant and young children at national level can be used to design appropriate interventions to improve the recommended feeding frequency. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the spatial distribution and identify associated factors of inadequate meal frequency among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2019 mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A total weighted sample of 1,532 children aged 6-23 months were included. To identify significant factors associated with of inadequate meal frequency, multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. Variables with p-value < 0.25 from the bi-variable model were exported to multivariable analysis. In the multivariable model, variables with p-value < 0.05 were declared as significantly associated factors and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval were reported. Multilevel models were compared using deviance and log-likelihood. Spatial analysis tools were utilized to visualize the distribution of inadequate meal frequency. Bernoulli model was fitted using SaTScan V.9.6 to identify most likely clusters and ArcGIS V.10.8 was used to map the hotspot areas. Ordinary least square and geographic weighted regression models were used and compared using information criteria and adjusted-R2. Local coefficients of factors associated with hotspots of inadequate meal frequency were mapped.

RESULTS

The prevalence of inadequate meal frequency was 47.03% (95% CI: 44.54%, 49.53%) in Ethiopia. Age of the child, sex of the household head, timely initiation of breastfeeding, current breastfeeding status, number of antenatal care visit, maternal education, and region were significantly associated with inadequate meal frequency. The spatial distribution of inadequate meal frequency was showed significant variation across Ethiopia (Global Moran's I = 0.164, p-value <0.001). A total of 38 significant clusters were detected through SaTScan analysis, from these the 22 primary clusters were located in Somali and Harari.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The prevalence of inadequate meal frequency was high in Ethiopia and had significant clustering patter. Significant hotspot clusters were located in Somali, northern Afar, Harari, Amhara, Gambela, and eastern South nation nationalities and peoples' region. Therefore, public health interventions which enhance breastfeeding practice, optimal number of antenatal care visits, educational empowerments should target hotspot areas to decrease inadequate meal frequency practice.

Multilevel modelling of factors associated with eight or more antenatal care contacts in low and middle-income countries: findings from national representative data

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is the care provided by skilled healthcare professionals to pregnant women in order to ensure the best health conditions for both mother and baby. Antenatal care provides a platform for important healthcare functions including risk identification, prevention and management of pregnancy-related diseases. Inadequate ANC utilization is a global problem especially for low and middle-income countries. The 2016 WHO ANC model with a minimum of eight ANC visits was aimed to provide pregnant women with person specific care at every contact. However, there are limited studies that investigate the associated factors of inadequate ANC after the endorsement of the WHO 2016 guideline. Therefore, to enrich the evidence in the low and middle-income countries (LMICs), this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated with eight or more ANC contacts during pregnancy.

Methods

This study used data from 20 LMICs that have a recent Demographic and Health Survey. About 43 720 women aged 15-49 years who had live births within the year prior to the surveys were included. To identify associated factors of 8 or more ANC contacts, we used multilevel binary logistic regression, and four models were constructed. The results have been presented as odds ratios with 95% CIs, and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant factors for greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts.

Results

In LMICs, the pooled utilization of 8 or more ANC contact was 18.11% (95% CI: 12.64, 23.58), and it ranged from 0.27% in Rwanda to 76.62% in Jordan. In the final multilevel logistic regression model, women with higher education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.83, 95% CI: 3.32, 4.41], husbands with higher education (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.28), women who have access to media (AOR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.45), women with decision-making autonomy (AOR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.66), women aged 35-49 years (AOR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.5, 1.91), women from communities with high media access (AOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.53), and husbands residing in communities with high literacy (AOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.55, 1.98) were associated with higher odds of greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts. Conversely, women with a birth order of greater than or equal to 6 (AOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.76), women who perceive the distance to a health facility as a significant problem (AOR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.96), those with unwanted pregnancies (AOR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.93), delayed initiation of ANC (AOR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.3), women from households with the richest wealth index (AOR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.52), and rural residents (AOR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.51) were associated with lower odds of ≥8 ANC contacts.

Conclusion and recommendations

In compliance with the WHO guideline, the number of ANC contacts is low in LMICs. Individual-level, household-level, and community-level variables were associated with greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts. Therefore, implementation strategies should focus on the identified factors in order to achieve the new WHO recommendation of greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts.

Spatial variations and determinants of optimal antenatal care service utilisation in Ethiopia: spatial and survey regression analysis

OBJECTIVES

Optimal antenatal care (ANC) services are the main strategy to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. Understanding the geographic variation of ANC service utilisation is essential for regional- and local-level interventions. However, data on spatial variation of optimal ANC service utilisation are limited. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the spatial variations and determinants of optimal ANC service utilisation in Ethiopia.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a spatial and survey regression analysis.

METHODS

The secondary analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2019 was performed to investigate the spatial variation and determinants of optimal ANC service utilisation among women who were pregnant in the 5 years preceding the survey. Spatial dependency, clustering and prediction were conducted using Global Moran's I statistics, Getis-Ord Gi∗ and Kriging interpolation, respectively, using ArcGIS version 10.8. A survey binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify determinants of optimal ANC service utilisation.

RESULTS

Of 3979 pregnant women, 1656 (41.62%) had optimal ANC visits in Ethiopia. Optimal ANC utilisation was shown more prevalent in Northern, Eastern, Central and Northwestern regions of Ethiopia. The results also identified low levels of optimum ANC utilisation in Northeastern, Southeastern, Southern and Western regions of Ethiopia. Wealth index, timing of initial ANC visit and region were significantly associated with optimal ANC service utilisation in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal ANC service utilisation showed significant spatial dependency in Ethiopia, with spatial clustering in the Northern and Northwestern regions of the country. In addition, the results from this study suggest that financial support should be considered for women living in households in the poorest wealth index and ANC initiation should begin within the first trimester. It is recommended that targeted policies and strategies are introduced to regions with low levels of optimal ANC service utilisation.

Inadequate receipt of ANC components and associated factors among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia, 2020-2021: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Women's health and pregnancy outcomes are directly depends on the extent of ANC components received during their ANC visits. There are limited information about the components of ANC and associated factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of inadequate recipient of ANC components and associated factors in northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

This is a community based cross sectional survey conducted in Dabat Demographic and health survey from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021 among women who gave birth within two years before the survey. This study applied a census method to identify and select eligible pregnant women. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis purpose. Adjusted Odds Ratio at 95% confidence interval was used to show the association between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 871 pregnant women were identified from the survey and included in this study. Overall, 96.67% (95% CI: 95.24, 97.67) had not get adequate (all components) ANC. The components of ANC services were increased from 3.35 to 32.34%, 2.52 to 46.33% 1.96 to 55.8%, 2.31 to 46.53%, 3.54 to 55.75%, 2.46 to 44.62%, 1.18 to 45.96%, and 2.45 to 54.6% for tetanus toxoid Vaccine, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, danger sign, place of delivery, deworming, iron folic acid, family planning, and breast feeding counseling, from first ANC visit to fourth ANC visit, respectively. Rural residence (AOR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.21, 19.86), and less than four number of ANC visit (AOR = 5.15, 95% CI: 2.06, 12.86) were significantly associated with inadequate uptake of ANC components.

CONCLUSION

Only three in hundred pregnant women were received adequate ANC components in the study area. Rural residence and less than four number of ANC visit were factors significantly associated with inadequate ANC uptake. Therefore, the district health department managers and program implementers need to train the health care providers about the components of ANC. As well, increasing community and facility awareness of WHO recommendations on ANC visits focusing on rural women is needed.

Contextual Disparity on Trend and Determinants of Optimal Antenatal Care (ANC4+) Use for Women in Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia: Evidence from KA-HDSS Database

Background

Though optimal antenatal care (ANC4+) use is absolutely critical, only 43% of women had ANC4+ in Ethiopia and nearly 64% in Tigray in 2019. Furthermore, only 20% of women had their first ANC visit during their first trimester in 2016. However, there is no literature on area based disparity of ANC4+ use in Tigray. Therefore, this study is aimed to generate evidence for ANC4+ use using the Kilite-Awlaelo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KA-HDSS) database.

Methods

A population-based longitudinal study was employed on 5,414 women from 12 kebelles included in the KA-HDSS site of Tigray. A pregnancy database was used as a source of data. A Line graph was used to depict the trend of ANC4+ use. A stratified robust Poisson model was fitted to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for women from rural and urban areas separately.

Results

The ANC4+ coverage was 36.3% (95% CI=35.0-37.6%) - 34.2% in rural versus 52.8% urban areas, with an increasing linear trend. Single marital status (IRR=1.29; 95% CI=1.17-1.42); able to read and write (IRR=1.15; 95% CI=1.01-1.32); primary education (IRR=1.22; 95% CI=1.11-1.34); ANC follow-up (2015-2018) (IRR=1.42; 95% CI=1.23-1.64); previous pregnancy exposure (IRR=2.20; 95% CI=1.98-2.45); and having 6+ children (IRR=1.11; 95% CI=1.01-1.21) determined ANC4+ use for rural women. Marital status (Divorced/widowed/separated) (IRR=0.79; 95% CI=0.66-0.95); primary education (IRR=1.44; 95% CI=1.16-1.79); ANC follow-up (2015-2018) (IRR=2.00; 95% CI=1.59-2.50); previous pregnancy exposure (IRR=1.54; 95% CI=1.31-1.80); and having 6+ children (IRR=1.18; 95% CI=1.07-1.31) determined the ANC4+ use for urban women.

Conclusion

The optimal ANC coverage is significantly low, with significant disparity by geographical area and increasing trend. However, further efforts have to be made to maximize the optimal use of ANC, particularly for women from rural areas.

Spatiotemporal distribution and bivariate binary analysis of antenatal and delivery care utilizations in Ethiopia: EDHS 2000-2016

BACKGROUND

Antenatal care (ANC) is a maternal health care service given by skilled health professionals to pregnant women. Women may give birth at home or in health institutions. Home delivery care (DC) increases the likelihood of mortality of the mother and the newborn. Globally, each year nearly 303,000 maternal deaths occurred from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Ethiopia alone accounted for 13,000 deaths, which disproportionately affects women living in different places of the country. Thus, this study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal patterns and associated factors of antenatal and delivery care utilization in Ethiopia.

METHOD

This study used the 2000 to 2016 EDHS (Ethiopian and Demographic Health Survey) data as a source. A total weighted sample of 30,762 women (7966 in 2000, 7297 in 2005, 7908 in 2011, and 7591 in 2016) was used. The separate and bivariate logistic regression analyses with and without the spatial effect were modeled using SAS version 9.4 and ArcGIS version 10.8.

RESULTS

The spatial distribution of ANC and DC was non-random in Ethiopia. The overall odds ratio of ANC and DC was 2.09. In 2016, 31.8% and 33.2% of women had ANC and DC respectively. The estimated odds of following ANC among mothers from middle and rich households were 1.346 and 1.679 times the estimated odds of following ANC among mothers from poor households respectively. Women who had attained higher education were 1.56 and 2.03 times more likely to have ANC and DC respectively compared to women who had no formal education.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the government's report that women now have better access to maternal health care, a sizable proportion of women continue to give birth at home without going to the advised antenatal care appointment. Women and husbands with low education, having non-working partners, religion, regions of dwelling, residing in rural, lower birth order, low birth interval, unable to access mass media, low wealth status, and earlier EDHS survey years were significant predictors that hinder antenatal and delivery care utilization simultaneously in Ethiopia. Whereas the spatial variable significantly affects antenatal care and being unable to access mobile phones lead to low utilization of delivery care. We recommend that policymakers, planners, and researchers consider these variables and the spatiotemporal distribution of ANC and DC to reduce maternal mortality in Ethiopia. Besides, it is recommended that further studies use the latest EDHS survey data.

Spatial distribution and predictive factors of antenatal care in Burundi: A spatial and multilevel baseline analysis for the third burundian demographic and health survey

INTRODUCTION

The use of antenatal care by pregnant women enables them to receive good pregnancy monitoring. This monitoring includes counseling, health instructions, examinations and tests to avoid pregnancy-related complications or death during childbirth. To avoid these complications, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least four antenatal visits. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify predictive factors of antenatal care (ANC) among women aged 15 to 49 years and its spatial distribution in Burundi.

METHODS

We used data from the Second Burundi Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). A Spatial analysis of ANC prevalence and Mulitlevel logistic regressions of determinants factors of ANC with a medical doctor were done. The ANC prevalence was mapped by region and by province. In unsampled data points, a cluster based interpolation of ANC prevalence was done using the kernel method with an adaptive window. Predictive factors of ANC were assessed using Mulitlevel logistic regressions. The dependent variable was antenatal care with a medical doctor and the explanatory variables were place of residence, age, education level, religion, marital status of the woman, household wealth index and delivery place of the woman. Data processing and data analysis were done using using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) and R software, version 3. 5. 0.

RESULTS

The ANC prevalence varied from 0. 0 to 16. 2% with a median of 0. 5%. A highest predicted ANC prevalence was observed at Muyinga and Kirundo provinces' junction. Low prevalence was observed in several locations in all regions and provinces. The woman's education level and delivery place were significantly associated with antenatal care with a medical doctor.

CONCLUSION

Globally, the ANC prevalence is low in Burundi. It varies across the country. There is an intra-regional or intra-provincial heterogeneity in term of ANC prevalence. Woman's education level and delivery place are significantly associated antenatal care. There is a need to consider these ANC disparities and factors in the design and strengthening of existing interventions aimed at increasing ANC visits.

Magnitude of optimal access to ANC and its predictors in Ethiopia: Multilevel mixed effect analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Optimal access to ANC, such as the first ANC visit at first trimester, four or more ANC visits, and skilled health care provider can significantly reduce maternal mortality in an inclusive way. Previous studies conducted in Ethiopia on optimal ANC are restricted to frequencies of ANC visit. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of optimal ANC access as a comprehensive way and its predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Secondary data source from a recent demographic and health survey was used for analysis. This study includes a weighted sample of 4771 pregnant women. A multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression analyses was done to identify both the individual and community level factors. Odds ratio along with the 95% confidence interval was generated to identify the predictors of optimal access to ANC. A p-value less than 0.05 was declared as statistical significant.

RESULTS

In Ethiopia, one in five (20%) pregnant women had optimal access to antenatal care. Regarding the factors at individual level, pregnant women aged 25-34 years [aOR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.23-2.03] and 35-49 years [aOR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.43-2.89], those who had educated primary [aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.33-2.09], secondary and higher [aOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.15-2.85], Primipara [aOR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.68-3.59] and multipara [aOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.11-1.98] had higher odds of accessing optimal ANC. With the community level factors, the odds of optimal access to ANC was higher among pregnant women who lived in urban area [aOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.33-3.27], whereas, lower odds of optimal ANC access among those pregnant women who reported distance to the health facility as a big problem [aOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.63-0.96].

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The study concludes that in Ethiopia, optimal access to ANC was low. The study identified that both individual and community level factors were predictors for optimal ANC access. Therefore, the Ethiopian government should intensify extensive education on ANC in a comprehensive way. Moreover, especial attention from the Ethiopian ministry of health for those women who reported distance as a big problem and for rural resident women is mandatory.

Quality of nutrition services in primary health care facilities of Dhaka city: State of nutrition mainstreaming in urban Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

Despite high prevalence of malnutrition little is known about the quality of nutrition services provided through urban health systems. This study aimed to fill in knowledge gaps on quality of nutrition service provision at public primary health care facilities in urban Dhaka.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was conducted from April-July 2019 in Dhaka City. Fifty-three health facilities were sampled following NetCode protocol. Quality of nutrition services was assessed in terms of structural readiness, process, and client satisfaction. Structural readiness included equipment, guidelines, and registers, and knowledge of health professionals (n = 130). For process, client provider interaction was observed (ANC: n = 159, Pediatric: n = 150). For outcome assessment, client's satisfaction with nutrition service provision was measured through interviews with pregnant women (n = 165) and caregivers of 0-24 month-old children (n = 162). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS.

RESULTS

There were gaps in availability of equipment and guidelines in health facilities. Only 30% of healthcare providers received basic nutrition training. The mean knowledge score was 5.8 (range 0-10) among ANC providers and 7.8 for pediatric service providers. Process: Only 17.6% health facilities had dedicated space for counselling, 48.4% of pregnant women received four key nutrition services; 22.6% of children had adequate growth monitoring; and 38.7% of caregivers received counselling on exclusive breastfeeding. Outcome: The mean satisfaction with services was 4.3 for ANC and 4.0 for paediatric visits (range 1-5). Participants attending public facilities had significantly lower satisfaction compared to those attending private and NGO health facilities.

CONCLUSION

There were gaps in facility readiness, and implementation of nutrition services. The clients were more satisfied with services at private facilities compared to public. The gaps in nutrition service delivery need to be adequately addressed to ensure promotion of good nutrition and early detection and management of malnutrition among pregnant women and children in urban Bangladesh.

Identifying geographical inequalities of maternal care utilization in Ethiopia: a Spatio-temporal analysis from 2005 to 2019

INTRODUCTION

Inequalities in maternal care utilization pose a significant threat to maternal health programs. This study aimed to describe and explain the spatial variation in maternal care utilization among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Accordingly, this study focuses on identifying hotspots of underutilization and mapping maternal care utilization, as well as identifying predictors of spatial clustering in maternal care utilization.

METHODS

We evaluated three key indicators of maternal care utilization: pregnant women who received no antenatal care (ANC) service from a skilled provider, utilization of four or more ANC visits, and births attended in a health facility, based the Ethiopian National Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS5) to 2019. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to measure whether maternal care utilization was dispersed, clustered, or randomly distributed in the study area. Getis-Ord Gi statistics examined how Spatio-temporal variations differed through the study location and ordinary Kriging interpolation predicted maternal care utilization in the unsampled areas. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to identify predictors of geographic variation, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) examined the spatial variability relationships between maternal care utilization and selected predictors.

RESULT

A total of 26,702 pregnant women were included, maternal care utilization varies geographically across surveys. Overall, statistically significant low maternal care utilization hotspots were identified in the Somali region. Low hotspot areas were also identified in northern Ethiopia, stretching into the Amhara, Afar, and Beneshangul-Gumuz regions; and the southern part of Ethiopia and the Gambella region. Spatial regression analysis revealed that geographical variations in maternal care utilization indicators were commonly explained by the number of under-five children, the wealth index, and media access. In addition, the mother's educational status significantly explained pregnant women, received no ANC service and utilized ANC service four or more times. Whereas, the age of a mother at first birth was a spatial predictor of pregnant who received no ANC service from a skilled provider.

CONCLUSION

In Ethiopia, it is vital to plan to combat maternal care inequalities in a manner suitable for the district-specific variations. Predictors of geographical variation identified during spatial regression analysis can inform efforts to achieve geographical equity in maternal care utilization.

The Magnitude of Optimal Antenatal Care Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Adequate antenatal care is essential for the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. The World Health Organization recommends at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy. In Ethiopia, only 32% of women of childbearing age attend four or more ANC visits. This figure is significantly lower than the average for least developed countries. This study is aimed at calculating the magnitude and identifying the factors associated with optimal antenatal care utilization in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the South Gondar Zone of Northwest Ethiopia from September 2020 to May 2021. A total of 434 participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with the optimal use of antenatal care. Result. The magnitude of optimal antenatal care utilization was 59% (95% CI; 54.20, 63.65). The study showed that mothers who completed their secondary school ( $\text{AOR}=8.205$ ; 95% CI: 3.406, 19.767), women who completed their tertiary school ( $\text{AOR}=6.406$ ; 95% CI: 2.229, 18.416), women whose husbands’ level of education is secondary school ( $\text{AOR}=5.967$ ; 95% CI: 2.753, 12.936), those with a planned pregnancy ( $\text{AOR}=1.912$ ; 95% CI: 1.117, 3.271), those with a wanted pregnancy ( $\text{AOR}=2.341$ ; 95% CI: 1.366, 4.009), women whose husbands work in the government or nongovernment sector ( $\text{AOR}=3.736$ ; 95% CI: 2.093, 6.669), those not being exposed to the media ( $\text{AOR}=0.520$ ; 95% CI: 0.345, 0.783), and rural women ( $\text{AOR}=0.267$ ; 95% CI: 0.164, 0.435) were significantly associated with optimal ANC utilization. Conclusion. The findings suggest that more emphasis should be placed on education-based programs for women and their husbands that highlight the benefits of a planned pregnancy, desired pregnancy, and maternal health care. Meanwhile, the government and other concerned bodies should focus on expanding road accessibility, health institutions, and ambulance distribution to improve optimal ANC utilization in the area.

How applicable is geospatial analysis in maternal and neonatal health in sub-Saharan Africa? A systematic review

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the world's highest maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and has shown the slowest progress in reducing them. In addition, there is substantial inequality in terms of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the region. Geospatial studies can help prioritize scarce resources by pinpointing priority areas for implementation. This systematic review was conducted to explore the application of geospatial analysis to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in SSA.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed. All observational and qualitative studies that reported on maternal or neonatal health outcomes were included if they used a spatial analysis technique and were conducted in a SSA country. After removing duplicates, two reviewers independently reviewed each study's abstract and full text for inclusion. Furthermore, the quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. Finally, due to the heterogeneity of studies, narrative synthesis was used to summarize the main findings, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was strictly followed to report the review results. A total of 56 studies were included in the review.

Results

We found that geospatial analysis was used to identify inequalities in maternal and neonatal morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization and to identify gaps in the availability and geographic accessibility of maternal health facilities. In addition, we identified a few studies that used geospatial analysis for modelling intervention areas. We also detected challenges and shortcomings, such as unrealistic assumptions used by geospatial models and a shortage of reliable, up-to-date, small-scale georeferenced data.

Conclusions

The use of geospatial analysis for maternal and neonatal health in SSA is still limited, and more detailed spatial data are required to exploit the potential of geospatial technologies fully.

Level of activity limitations and predictors in women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: Prospective cross-sectional study

Background

For many pregnant women, pelvic girdle pain caused by pregnancy has an impact on their daily living. Women with lumbo-pelvic pain have moderate to severe discomfort that makes daily activities like getting out of a chair, bending, and walking difficult. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of daily activity restrictions and to discover predictors of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

Study design

Prospective cross-sectional study.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken from January October 2018 to October 29/2019 among 337 gravid mothers with pregnancy-related limbo-pelvic pain. A structured questionnaire adapted from the activity limitation-related pelvic girdle pain questionnaire was used for data collection. Epi-info version 7.1 for data entry and STATA version 14 for statistical analysis were used. Ordinal regression with an odds ratio of 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 were cast-off to assess the association between the outcome and dependent variables.

Results

Among 324 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain 96 (29.6%) had small extent level of activity limitation, 185 (57.1%) had moderate activity limitation, and 43 (13.3%) large extent level of activity limitation. Having previous children (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI:0.14, 0.98), occupation (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.95) and taking alcohol (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.99) were the independent predictors for activity limitation.

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of the participants had a modest degree of activity restriction, while more than half of the pregnant women with PPGP had a moderate to high level of restriction. Previous children, occupation, and alcohol consumption were all independent predictors of activity limitation among pregnant women.

•

PGP and LBP are commonly reported by pregnant women all over the world.

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Women's during pregnancy reported limitations in activities of daily life.

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One-third of the pregnant women with PPGP had a modest degree of activity restriction.

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More than half of the pregnant women with PPGP had a moderate to high level of restriction.

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Having children, occupation, and alcohol consumption were independent predictors of activity limitation.

Association of Higher Educational Attainment on Antenatal Care Utilization Among Pregnant Women in East Africa Using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2010 to 2018: A Multilevel Analysis

Introduction

The use of antenatal care (ANC) plays a major role in minimizing maternal and child mortality through effective and appropriate screening, preventive, or treatment intervention. Even though almost all pregnancy-related mortalities are largely preventable through adequate use of ANC, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly East African Countries, continues to share the largest share of global maternal, and newborn mortality. Therefore, this study assesses if educational attainment is associated with optimal ANC utilization in East Africa.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was done based on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2010 to 2018 in the 11 East African Countries. A total weighted sample of 84,660 women who gave birth in the 5 years preceding each country’s DHS survey and had ANC visits were included in this study. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association of educational attainment and ANC utilization. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with ANC utilization. Model comparison was done based on Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria (AIC and BIC).

Results

The magnitude of optimal ANC utilization in East African Countries was 56.37% with 95% CI (56.03, 56.69) with the highest optimal ANC utilization in Zimbabwe (80.96%) and the lowest optimal ANC utilization in Rwanda (44.31%). Women who had higher education levels were more likely to have optimal ANC utilization, compared to those with no education (AOR = 2.34; 95 and CI; 2.11–2.59). Women who had media exposure were more likely to have optimal ANC utilization than those who have no media exposure (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI; 1.03, 1.10).

Conclusion

Antenatal care utilization was low in East African countries. Educational attainment, maternal age, wealth index, birth order, media exposure, and living countries were factors associated with ANC utilization. Efforts to improve antenatal care and other maternal health service utilization in East Africa must take into account these factors. Specifically, working on the access to mass media by women may also improve antenatal care utilization.

Injury Related to Fall and Its Predictors among Medically Diagnosed Adults with Visual Impairment in Ethiopia: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Fall-related injury is the common cause of unintentional injury and premature death among people with visual impairment. So far, the knowledge about fall-related injuries among medically diagnosed visual impairment people living in low- and middle-income countries is scarce. Hence, this study is a preliminary attempt to assess the fall-related injury and its determinants among adult people with medically diagnosed visual impairment individuals.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2018 with a total sample size of 337 study participants. The study participants were recruited by using a systematic random sampling method. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model analysis was used to identify predictors of fall-related injuries with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.

Results

A total of 320 adults with visual impairments participants have participated in this study. The finding of this study was reported as follows: 24.7% of (95% CI: 20.0–29.4%) adults with visual impairments experienced one or more fall-related injuries. The main predictors of fall-related injuries identified by multivariate analysis were severity of visual impairment: moderate (AOR, 2.91; 95% CI: 1.23 – 6.87), severe (AOR, 3.58; 95% CI: 1.26–10.17), cause of visual impairment: cataract (AOR, 10.63; 95% CI: 2.49 – 45.26), diabetic retinopathy (AOR, 15.35; 95% CI: 2.51–93.96), taking medication (AOR, 6.35; 95% CI: 2.93–13.75), having family support (AOR, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.08 – 4.19), and depression (AOR 3.82, 95% CI: 1.27–11.45).

Conclusion

Soft tissue injuries were the most common fall-related injuries reported by the study participants. The severity of visual impairment, the cause of visual impairment, taking one or more medication, having family support, and having depression were significant predictors of fall-related injuries.

Spatial distribution and associated factors' of early marriage among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a secondary data analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016

Background

Besides, the presence of national law, the country has to set up its own mid-term and long term goals to bring about a significant reduction in child marriages in Ethiopia. As my search concerned, there is no study conducted on the spatial distribution of early marriage in Ethiopia. Determining the spatial distribution of early marriage and factors associated is important for government, other concerned bodies, program implementers, and policy developers to end up early childhood marriage. Thus, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of Early marriage among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study analyzed retrospectively a cross-sectional data on a weighted sample of 11,646 reproductive age women after requesting from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016. ArcGIS and SaTScan software were for spatial analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with early marriage. Finally, variables with a p-value of less than or equal 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

In this analysis, about 62.8% (95% CI 61.9, 63.74%) of the study participants were married before they reached 18 years. The overall median age at first marriage was 17.1 with IQR 5 years. The high clustering of early marriage was located in Amhara, Afar, and Gambella Regions. In spatial Scan statistics, 87 clusters (RR = 1.28) significant primary clusters were identified. The associated factors of early marriage were lesser among women’s attending primary (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.51, 0.71), secondary (AOR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.13, 0.26) and tertiary education (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.07, 0.18). Similarly, women found in Addis Ababa were at a lesser risk of early marriage compared to other regions of the country.

Conclusion

Marriage below age 18 is high in Ethiopia. High-risk area of early marriage was located in Amhara, Afar, and Gambella. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should design an effective intervention in these regions to reduce Early marriage. Therefore, providing educational opportunities to young girls was important in addition to inhibiting the marriage of girls under 18 years.