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Alqifari SF. Antenatal Care Practices: A Population-Based Multicenter Study from Saudi Arabia. Int J Womens Health 2024; 16:331-343. [PMID: 38444593 PMCID: PMC10913596 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s452934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antenatal care (ANC) is the care women receive during pregnancy before birth and represents a cornerstone of maternal and child health. Previously, Saudi women faced various barriers to practicing ANC, including challenges related to transportation, low maternal education, poor communication with healthcare centers, and incorrect maternal beliefs. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, this multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the timing of ANC contact, coverage of service utilization in public hospitals among Saudi mothers, sociodemographic factors and antenatal health care utilization, and beliefs about prenatal vitamins, and supplement use among pregnant Saudi women. Methods Data was collected from 1230 pregnant women across 11 Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities. The study assessed the timing of ANC initiation, beliefs about prenatal vitamins, and the use of folic acid, calcium, and iron during pregnancy. Chi-square tests were employed to analyze associations between variables. Results The findings revealed that 14.55% of participants initiated ANC within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, with 85.44% starting later. However, the majority 88.78% received prenatal care during pregnancy, regardless of the timing of ANC initiation. Beliefs about prenatal vitamins varied, with 20.08% agreeing that prenatal vitamins were only indicated for malnourished mothers, 72.35% disagreeing, and 7.56% uncertain. Moreover, 51.30% believed ANC should begin before pregnancy, 29.83% after pregnancy confirmation, and 13.57% during the first trimester, with no significant correlation between beliefs and ANC timing. Regarding prenatal care, 95.20% would recommend starting prenatal care with every pregnancy, regardless of the timing of their own ANC initiation. Conclusion This study offers a comprehensive analysis of factors impacting late ANC contact and inadequate ANC contacts among pregnant Saudi women. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of ANC practices among Saudi women and underscore the importance of considering various determinants for tailored interventions and health education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh F Alqifari
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 47512, Saudi Arabia
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Elbarazi I, Alam Z, Ali N, Loney T, Al-Rifai RH, Al-Maskari F, Ahmed LA. Health literacy among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates: The Mutaba'ah study. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057231224179. [PMID: 38279806 PMCID: PMC10822065 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231224179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy is the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, understand, and communicate health-related information. Health literacy among pregnant women, in particular, may have a significant impact on maternal and child health. In the United Arab Emirates, no previous studies have been carried out to investigate the health literacy levels of pregnant women. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate antenatal health literacy levels and identify associated factors among pregnant Emirati women in the United Arab Emirates. DESIGN This analysis was based on the baseline cross-sectional data for pregnant women participating in the prospective cohort Mutaba'ah Study, recruited between May 2017 and August 2022. METHODS Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire during their antenatal visits that collected sociodemographic and pregnancy-related information. Adequacy of health literacy was assessed using the BRIEF health literacy screening tool with adequate health literacy defined as a score ⩾ 17. Regression modeling investigated the association between the pregnant women characteristics with having adequate health literacy level (ability to read and comprehend most patient education materials). RESULTS A total of 2694 responses to the BRIEF health literacy screening tool were analyzed. Approximately, three-quarters (71.6%) of respondents showed adequate health literacy, followed by marginal (22.8%), and limited (5.6%) health literacy levels, respectively. Higher education levels (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.46-2.08), employment (adjusted odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.65), and adequate social support (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.26-2.28) were associated with adequate health literacy levels. Participants who expressed worry about birth were less likely to have adequate literacy levels (adjusted odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval = 0.58-0.85). CONCLUSION Nearly three-quarters of pregnant women have adequate health literacy. Nevertheless, measures including policies to sustain and enhance health literacy levels among all expectant mothers are required, with a specific focus on those having limited health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zufishan Alam
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nasloon Ali
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatma Al-Maskari
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Luai A Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al-Omrani H, Marwah MK, Al-Whaib R, Mekkawy M, Shokr H. Patterns of Drug Utilization and Self-Medication Practices: A Cross Sectional Study. PHARMACY 2023; 11:183. [PMID: 38133458 PMCID: PMC10747327 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11060183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication (SM) is a growing phenomenon worldwide that has recently been classified as one of the most serious public health problems. SM can result in an incorrect self-diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, potential adverse reactions, interactions, and the masking of more sinister disease. OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of SM practices amongst healthcare professionals and the general population in Saudi Arabia and to identify the sociodemographic contributing factors to this practice. METHODS A total of 540 participants were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked to complete the study questionnaire comprising two sections to gather demographic information and to collect data regarding SM practice. RESULTS The prevalence of SM practice among the study participants was 78.6%, and it was the highest among the middle age groups of (21-40 years) 82% compared to the younger and older age groups. The observed prevalence was higher in the female participants (53.7%) and those who live alone. Type of education did not affect the attitude of SM (p = 0.374); however, level of education strongly affected the prevalence of the SM, with higher incidence among university graduates (p < 0.001). Analgesics with antipyretics properties were the most self-medicated drugs. Patients considering their illnesses minor was the main reason behind the high prevalence of this practice. Among healthcare professions the highest prevalence of SM was found among pharmacists (95%), followed by physicians, nurses, and other medical practitioners. CONCLUSION The general population should be better educated and made conscious about the consequences, risks, and side effects of SM. Awareness campaigns may prove to be useful in this matter, allowing the patient to consider the appropriateness of this practice. Individuals in the age group of 21-40 years, females, and those who live alone should be considered priority target populations in the design and implementation of SM awareness projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamod Al-Omrani
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mandeep Kaur Marwah
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Razan Al-Whaib
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Mekkawy
- High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
| | - Hala Shokr
- Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Alshaikh AA, Assiri AS, Riaz F, Alshaikhi SA, Alarrafi AA, Bharti RK, Mahmood SE, Farag S. Factors associated with the knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending primary health care antenatal care clinics in Abha city. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:2855-2862. [PMID: 38186821 PMCID: PMC10771178 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_425_23] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Knowledge of obstetric danger signs would equip women to make the right decisions and appropriate actions timely to have better health care assistance which will impose a significant impact on maternal mortality and morbidity. Hence, this study aimed to know the factors associated with the knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women who attend the primary health care clinics, which is considered as the first gate to seek health care for pregnant women during antenatal checkups. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 400 pregnant women selected by simple random sampling technique who were attending antenatal clinics at primary health care centers at Abha City by using an interview-based questionnaire.cores of <50%, 50-75%, and >75% were considered to be poor, intermediate, and good scores. Frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive variables, whereas for association, tests of significance (Chi square, t-test, and F-test) were applied. Results Almost 70.8% of participants received health information on obstetric danger signs. The main sources of information were the Internet (23%), family, relatives or friends (17%), and health care providers. The highest participants' correct responses regarding obstetric danger signs were related to severe vaginal bleeding (93.5%), convulsions (76.8%), and decreased fetal movements (76.5%). Proportions of participants with poor knowledge showed an inverse and significant increase with their educational levels (P < 0.001). The highest percentage of poor knowledge grade was observed among participants with no children (54.6%). Participants who received previous information on danger signs had significantly better knowledge grades than those who have not received previous information (P < 0.001). Conclusions Women's knowledge was suboptimal regarding obstetric danger signs. 30% of women did not receive information about danger signs. Health education provided on obstetric danger signs to pregnant women should be enforced to those who are illiterate, are unemployed, have a low family income, and are with no or less previous pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Ali Alshaikh
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fatima Riaz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Rishi K. Bharti
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Esam Mahmood
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shehata Farag
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Bukhari AA, Alhibshi DN, Alsayyad HM, Altaifi RI, Althakafi KA. Assessing the Quality of Antenatal Care in King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A Retrospective Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e37150. [PMID: 37153298 PMCID: PMC10161147 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal care is vital for pregnant women and fetuses. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has hindered access to care worldwide, resulting in missed appointments. Therefore, assessing the quality of antenatal care during the pandemic is crucial. This study evaluated the care provided at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Saudi Arabia and suggested areas for improvement. METHODS This retrospective medical records review involved 400 pregnant patients who received antenatal care at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in the past two years. A checklist was used to collect patient data, including demographics, antenatal care visits, ultrasounds, gestational age at first visit and ultrasound, prior cesarean section and preterm delivery, and virtual clinic attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). RESULTS The sample had a mean age of 30±6 years, and most participants (87.8%) were Saudi women. Over half of the participants did not attend any antenatal follow-up visits, and the majority had only one ultrasound. Only a small proportion of mothers attended virtual clinics during the pandemic. Having a prior cesarean section and a parity of 1-3 were positively associated with ultrasound attendance, while prior preterm delivery was positively associated with antenatal visits and virtual clinic attendance. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the importance of improving antenatal care quality at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, especially during COVID-19. To achieve this, strategies such as increasing visits, ultrasound attendance, and virtual clinic access should be considered. By implementing these recommendations, the hospital can enhance care and promote maternal and fetal health.
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Envuladu EA, Issaka AI, Dhami MV, Sahiledengle B, Agho KE. Differential Associated Factors for Inadequate Receipt of Components and Non-Use of Antenatal Care Services among Adolescent, Young, and Older Women in Nigeria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054092. [PMID: 36901102 PMCID: PMC10001685 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nigerian women continue to die in childbirth due to inadequate health services such as antenatal care (ANC). Among other factors, the inadequate receipt or non-use of ANC appears to be associated with the age of women, remoteness, and poor households. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the factors associated with inadequate receipt of the components and non-use of ANC among pregnant adolescents, and young and older women in Nigeria. Data for this study were from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and covered a weighted total of 21,911 eligible women. Survey multinomial logistic regression analyses that adjusted for cluster, and survey weights were conducted to examine factors associated with adolescent, young, and older women. Adolescent women reported a higher prevalence of inadequate receipts and non-use of ANC than young and older women. Increased odds of inadequate receipt of the components of ANC were associated with residence in the North-East region and rural areas for all three categories of women. For adolescent women, the increased odds of inadequate receipt of the components of ANC were associated with delivering a baby at home and a big problem with distance to health facilities. Limited education or no schooling was associated with the increased odds of receiving inadequate ANC among older women. Implementing interventions to improve maternal and child health care should focus on the factors associated with the increased odds of receipt of inadequate or non-use of ANC services among Nigerian adolescent women, particularly those living in rural areas in the North-East region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Awazzi Envuladu
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos 930003, Nigeria
| | - Abukari Ibrahim Issaka
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Mansi Vijaybhai Dhami
- The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
| | - Biniyam Sahiledengle
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba 4540, Ethiopia
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
- African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-4620-3635
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Almarri SS, Alzahrani YA, Alsudais MS, Bamehrez M, Alotaibi RK, Almalki BS, Almukhles AS, Al-Wassia H. The Effects of Booking Status on the Outcome of Infants of ≥32 Weeks Gestational Age Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a Tertiary Academic Center. Cureus 2022; 14:e31020. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Chen S, Yue W, Han X, Luo J, Na L, Yang M. An integrative review on the maternal health literacy among maternal and child workers. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:4533-4548. [PMID: 36190727 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aim to capture the most comprehensive evidence-based dimensions of maternal health literacy, including summarizing the definitions, theoretical frameworks, measuring instruments, and the association between maternal health literacy and health behaviours. BACKGROUND Maternal health literacy has been recognized as an important approach to achieving high-quality maternal and child health; however, little is known about maternal health literacy comprehensively and scientifically. EVALUATION An integrative review retrieved articles from 11 databases, following the methodology of Whittemore and Knafl. Inductive content analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted, guided by the aim of this review. KEY ISSUES A total of 5580 articles were retrieved and 23 articles were finally identified. Existing definitions and theoretical frameworks took less consideration of maternal applicability and failed to summarize maternal health literacy from a dynamic and systematic perspective. Measurement instruments were set up with many items that make it difficult to quickly screen for poor maternal health literacy. Most articles proved the association between maternal health literacy and health behaviours through correlation analysis or regression analysis but less explored the influence pathways between them. CONCLUSION The definition and theoretical framework need to focus on maternal applicability and explain the process of individual mothers acquiring and understanding health knowledge and skills from a dynamic and systematic perspective. A rapid instrument for maternal health literacy should be developed and high-quality empirical research was conducted to understand the associated mechanisms between maternal health literacy and health behaviours. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT It is necessary to strengthen maternal and child health education of primary health care nurses and enhance their ability to help perinatal women use maternal and child health information effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanxia Chen
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yue
- Affiliated Foshan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Xinrui Han
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianghe Luo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu Na
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yang
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Barrow A, Barrow S, Jobe A. Differentials in prevalence and correlates on uptake of tetanus toxoid and intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy: A community-based cross-sectional study in The Gambia. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121211065908. [PMID: 35024140 PMCID: PMC8744190 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211065908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The study examined the differentials in prevalence and correlates on the
uptake of tetanus toxoid and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria
among pregnant women in The Gambia. Methods: The 2018 data from The Gambia Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey were
analyzed. Data from 6143 women of reproductive age who have given birth were
extracted for the analysis. Percentages and Chi-square tests were used. In
addition, a multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate
the adjusted odds ratios (with a corresponding 95% confidence interval). The
level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of tetanus toxoid uptake among women in The Gambia was 88.2%,
while that of the adequate tetanus toxoid doses was 34.8%. The prevalence of
intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine uptake
among maternal women in The Gambia was 98.6%, while that of the adequate
intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses taken
was 34.3%. The identified statistically significant covariates of tetanus
toxoid immunization and intermittent preventive treatment with
sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine uptake includes women’s age, local government
areas, parity, use of radio, use of newspaper, and antenatal care
visits. Conclusion: The current utilization rate for adequate intermittent preventive treatment
with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and tetanus toxoid immunization during
pregnancy in The Gambia is very low and even below universal levels. The
country needs to strengthen more and effective mass media advocacy programs
that would target both rural and urban populace, and motivate maternal women
to ensure adequate vaccination against malaria and tetanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadou Barrow
- Department of Public and Environmental Health, School of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Sulayman Barrow
- Department of Public and Environmental Health, School of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing, The Gambia.,Public Health Unit, Brikama District Hospital, Ministry of Health, Brikama, The Gambia
| | - Amienatta Jobe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
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Rabbani U, Saigul AA, Sulaiman A, Ibrahim TH. Impact of COVID-19 on Antenatal Care Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e19554. [PMID: 34956742 PMCID: PMC8675600 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected routine service delivery which might affect antenatal care (ANC) utilization among pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the proportion of missed appointments among pregnant women in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women admitted for delivery in Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH), Buraidah. Data were collected on socio-demographics, obstetric history, missed appointments and reasons for missing the appointment. Analysis was carried out in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Medians with interquartile range (IQR) were presented for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with the missed appointment. Results A total of 400 women were included in the study. About one-third (30%) of the women had missed at least one ANC appointment in their current pregnancy. The most common reasons for missing the appointments in primary care and hospitals, respectively, were: fear of infection 52% and 47%, facility not working usual 25% and 7.5%, fear of infection to child 19% and 17%. Family size and gravidity were the significant factors associated with missed appointments in our study. Conclusions Nearly one-third of women missed their ANC appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major reasons were related to COVID-19 fear and its effect on services. This calls for proper health communication in the general population and delivering routine care with evidence-based guidelines to maintain continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unaib Rabbani
- Family Medicine Academy, Qassim Health Cluster, Buraidah, SAU
| | | | - Amel Sulaiman
- Family Medicine Academy, Qassim Health Cluster, Buraidah, SAU
| | - Tayseer H Ibrahim
- Academic Affairs and Training Center, Maternity and Children Hospital, Buraidah, SAU
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11
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Al-Wutayd O. Inadequate and Late Antenatal Contacts Among Saudi Mothers: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Womens Health 2020; 12:731-738. [PMID: 32982477 PMCID: PMC7500838 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s265941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antenatal care is a major contributor to the reduction of perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity, through the identification of high risk pregnancies and early intervention for pregnant women with complications. Inadequate (less than eight contacts) and late antenatal care (starting after 12 weeks) have implications for the health of mothers, fetuses, and newborns. The aim of this study was to assess proportion and determinants of inadequate and late antenatal care among Saudi mothers in Unaizah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among 537 mothers who gave birth at King Saud Hospital, Unaizah City. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, antenatal care, and determinants that might affect the use of antenatal care. The data were entered into Excel and exported in STATA version 16. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the determinants of inadequate and late antenatal care. Results The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 30.71 (5.73) years. The proportion of inadequate and late antenatal care was 34% (95% CI 30–38) and 25% (95% CI 21–29). Inadequate antenatal care was independently associated with employed mothers (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.13–3.22) and high parity (three or more) (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.17–4.16). Late antenatal care was independently associated with employed mothers (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.07–3.27) and high parity (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.01–4.16). Conclusion This study found that the proportion of inadequate and late ANC was less than in other regions of Saudi Arabia, but it is still important to decrease this rate. The findings of this study will be useful for policy makers in Qassim region to help them design interventions to target mothers at high risk of inadequate and late ANC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Al-Wutayd
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Hussein KS. Hyperemesis Gravidarum in First-Trimester Pregnant Saudi Women: Is Helicobacter pylori a Risk Factor? Front Physiol 2020; 11:575. [PMID: 32676034 PMCID: PMC7333732 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a serious complication of pregnancy involving nausea and vomiting which affects all facets of the lives of many women. Helicobacter pylori infection has been linked to HG in some regions of the world. However, the prevalence of H. pylori in Saudi Arabian pregnant women and its link to HG has not been the subject of previous research. Detecting and treating H. pylori infection in women early in their pregnancies may lower the likelihood of adverse maternal outcomes. This study aims to assess the connection between the pathogenesis of HG and H. pylori infection in this population. Methods Forty-five pregnant women with HG were recruited from the outpatient clinic for antenatal care in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Forty-five pregnant women without HG were matched as controls. Both groups underwent testing for the H. pylori antigen in stool samples. Results A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the cases and controls in terms of the occurrence of H. pylori. Thirty-eight women in the HG group (84.4%) tested positive for H. pylori, while the same was true of only 20 of the controls (44.4%). The mean level of blood hemoglobin in positive cases was significantly lower than that in negative cases (9.56 ± 1.29 vs. 11.90 ± 1.18 g/dl, P = 0.012). Conclusion H. pylori may play a contributing role in the presence of HG in the study population. It may be included with other investigations of HG, especially with cases that do not respond to conventional management and continue into the second trimester. Women with H. pylori were also more likely to suffer from anemia compared to those without the infection. For this reason, those working with pregnant women should pay close attention to those infected with H. pylori. Additional large case–control studies are necessary to better understand the part H. pylori plays and the pathogenesis of HG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulood S Hussein
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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