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Muhammad A, Rizvee MSH, Khan U, Khan H, Bachlany A, Baloch B, Shafiq Y. Uncovering the causes and socio-demographic constructs of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in an urban slum of Karachi. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298120. [PMID: 38578771 PMCID: PMC10997060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neonatal deaths and stillbirths are significant public health concerns in Pakistan, with an estimated stillbirth rate of 43 per 1,000 births and a neonatal mortality rate of 46 deaths per 1,000 live births. Limited access to obstetric care, poor health seeking behaviors and lack of quality healthcare are the leading root causes for stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Rehri Goth, a coastal slum in Karachi, faces even greater challenges due to extreme poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. This study aims to investigate the causes and pathways leading to stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Rehri Goth to develop effective maternal and child health interventions. METHODS A mixed-method cohort study was nested with the implementation of large maternal, neonatal and child health program, captured all stillbirths and neonatal death during the period of May 2014 till June 2018. The Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) tool (WHO 2016) was used to collect primary data from all death events to determine the causes as well as the pathways. Interviews were conducted both retrospectively and prospectively with mothers and caregivers. Two trained physicians reviewed the VASA form and the medical records (if available) and coded the cause of death blinded to each other. Descriptive analysis was used to categorize stillbirth and neonatal mortality data into high- and low-mortality clusters, followed by chi-square tests to explore associations between categories, and concluded with a qualitative analysis. RESULTS Out of 421 events captured, complete VASA interviews were conducted for 317 cases. The leading causes of antepartum stillbirths were pregnancy-induced hypertension (22.4%) and maternal infections (13.4%), while obstructed labor was the primary cause of intrapartum stillbirths (38.3%). Neonatal deaths were primarily caused by perinatal asphyxia (36.1%) and preterm birth complications (27.8%). The qualitative analysis on a subset of 40 death events showed that health system (62.5%) and community factors (37.5%) contributing to adverse outcomes, such as delayed referrals, poor triage systems, suboptimal quality of care, and delayed care-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSION The study provides an opportunity to understand the causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in one of the impoverished slums of Karachi. The data segregation by clusters as well as triangulation with qualitative analysis highlight the needs of evidence-based strategies for maternal and child health interventions in disadvantaged communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Uzma Khan
- VITAL Pakistan Trust, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hina Khan
- VITAL Pakistan Trust, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Benazir Baloch
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Shafiq
- Centre of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies (CETE) & Community Health Science, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- CRIMEDIM–Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Mahumud RA, Sultana M, Kundu S, Rahman MA, Mistry SK, Kamara JK, Kamal M, Ali MA, Hossain MG, Brooks C, Khan A, Alam K, Renzaho AMN. The burden of chronic diseases and patients' preference for healthcare services among adult patients suffering from chronic diseases in Bangladesh. Health Expect 2022; 25:3259-3273. [PMID: 36263949 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have a disproportionately high burden of chronic diseases, with inequalities in health care access and quality services. This study aimed to assess patients' preferences for healthcare services for chronic disease management among adult patients in Bangladesh. METHODS The present analysis was conducted among 10,385 patients suffering from chronic diseases, drawn from the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2016-2017. We used the multinomial logistic regression to investigate the association of chronic comorbid conditions and healthcare service-related factors with patients' preferences for healthcare services. RESULTS The top four dimensions of patient preference for healthcare services in order of magnitude were quality of treatment (30.3%), short distance to health facility (27.6%), affordability of health care (21.7%) and availability of doctors (11.0%). Patients with heart disease had a 29% significantly lower preference for healthcare affordability than the quality of healthcare services (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.71; 0.56-0.90). Patients who received healthcare services from pharmacies or dispensaries were more likely to prefer a short distance to a health facility (RRR = 6.99; 4.80-9.86) or affordability of healthcare services (RRR = 3.13; 2.25-4.36). Patients with comorbid conditions were more likely to prefer healthcare affordability (RRR = 1.39; 1.15-1.68). In addition, patients who received health care from a public facility had 2.93 times higher preference for the availability of medical doctors (RRR = 2.93; 1.70-5.04) than the quality of treatment in the health facility, when compared with private service providers. CONCLUSIONS Patient preferences for healthcare services in chronic disease management were significantly associated with the type of disease and its magnitude and characteristics of healthcare providers. Therefore, to enhance service provision and equitable distribution and uptake of health services, policymakers and public health practitioners should consider patient preferences in designing national strategic frameworks for chronic disease management. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Our research team includes four researchers (co-authors) with chronic diseases who have experience of living or working with people suffering from chronic conditions or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashidul A Mahumud
- Health Research Group, Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Business, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, and Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marufa Sultana
- Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Satyajit Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry and Food Analysis, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md A Rahman
- Development Studies Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Sabuj K Mistry
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,ARCED Foundation, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Joseph K Kamara
- Regional Director, Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs, World Vision International, East Africa Regional Office, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mostafa Kamal
- BL Deakin Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammad A Ali
- School of Business, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, and Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.,Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre (QUMPRC), Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Md G Hossain
- Health Research Group, Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Cristy Brooks
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Khorshed Alam
- School of Business, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, and Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Erchick DJ, Lackner JB, Mullany LC, Bhandari NN, Shedain PR, Khanal S, Dhakwa JR, Katz J. Causes and age of neonatal death and associations with maternal and newborn care characteristics in Nepal: a verbal autopsy study. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:26. [PMID: 35012655 PMCID: PMC8751254 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Nepal, neonatal mortality fell substantially between 2000 and 2018, decreasing 50% from 40 to 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. Nepal's success has been attributed to a decreasing total fertility rate, improvements in female education, increases in coverage of skilled care at birth, and community-based child survival interventions. METHODS A verbal autopsy study, led by the Integrated Rural Health Development Training Centre (IRHDTC), conducted interviews for 338 neonatal deaths across six districts in Nepal between April 2012 and April 2013. We conducted a secondary analysis of verbal autopsy data to understand how cause and age of neonatal death are related to health behaviors, care seeking practices, and coverage of essential services in Nepal. RESULTS Sepsis was the leading cause of neonatal death (n=159/338, 47.0%), followed by birth asphyxia (n=56/338, 16.6%), preterm birth (n=45/338, 13.3%), and low birth weight (n=17/338, 5.0%). Neonatal deaths occurred primarily on the first day of life (27.2%) and between days 1 and 6 (64.8%) of life. Risk of death due birth asphyxia relative to sepsis was higher among mothers who were nulligravida, had <4 antenatal care visits, and had a multiple birth; risk of death due to prematurity relative to sepsis was lower for women who made ≥1 delivery preparation and higher for women with a multiple birth. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest cause and age of death distributions typically associated with high mortality settings. Increased coverage of preventive antenatal care interventions and counseling are critically needed. Delays in care seeking for newborn illness and quality of care around the time of delivery and for sick newborns are important points of intervention with potential to reduce deaths, particularly for birth asphyxia and sepsis, which remain common in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Erchick
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | | | - Luke C Mullany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nitin N Bhandari
- Integrated Rural Health Development Training Centre, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Purusotam R Shedain
- Integrated Rural Health Development Training Centre, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sirjana Khanal
- Integrated Rural Health Development Training Centre, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jyoti R Dhakwa
- Integrated Rural Health Development Training Centre, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Joanne Katz
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Fleming KA, Horton S, Wilson ML, Atun R, DeStigter K, Flanigan J, Sayed S, Adam P, Aguilar B, Andronikou S, Boehme C, Cherniak W, Cheung AN, Dahn B, Donoso-Bach L, Douglas T, Garcia P, Hussain S, Iyer HS, Kohli M, Labrique AB, Looi LM, Meara JG, Nkengasong J, Pai M, Pool KL, Ramaiya K, Schroeder L, Shah D, Sullivan R, Tan BS, Walia K. The Lancet Commission on diagnostics: transforming access to diagnostics. Lancet 2021; 398:1997-2050. [PMID: 34626542 PMCID: PMC8494468 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00673-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Horton
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Bertha Aguilar
- Médicos e Investigadores de la Lucha Contra el Cáncer de Mama, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Savvas Andronikou
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - William Cherniak
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Annie Ny Cheung
- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | | | - Lluis Donoso-Bach
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Sarwat Hussain
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mikashmi Kohli
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain B Labrique
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - John G Meara
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Nkengasong
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Madhukar Pai
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Lee Schroeder
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Devanshi Shah
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Kamini Walia
- Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi, India
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Tamang ST, Dorji T, Yoezer S, Phuntsho T, Dorji P. Knowledge and understanding of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:104. [PMID: 33530968 PMCID: PMC7852084 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03580-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women's understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan's largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as 'good' (≥80%), 'satisfactory' (60-79%) and 'poor' (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good' versus 'satisfactory' and 'poor' combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had 'good' knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had 'satisfactory' knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had 'poor' knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having 'good' level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Most pregnant women had 'satisfactory' knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saran Tenzin Tamang
- Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Gongphel Lam, Thimphu, 11001, Bhutan.
| | - Thinley Dorji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Maharashtra University of Medical Sciences, Pune, India.,Kidu Mobile Medical Unit, His Majesty's People's Project, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Yoezer
- Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Gongphel Lam, Thimphu, 11001, Bhutan
| | - Thinley Phuntsho
- Kidu Mobile Medical Unit, His Majesty's People's Project, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Phurb Dorji
- Kidu Mobile Medical Unit, His Majesty's People's Project, Thimphu, Bhutan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
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6
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Aubel J. Grandmothers - a neglected family resource for saving newborn lives. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e003808. [PMID: 33589417 PMCID: PMC7887373 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Across the globe, the well-being of newborns is significantly influenced by the knowledge and practices of family members, yet global health policies and interventions primarily focus on strengthening health services to save newborn lives. Predominant approaches to promote newborn survival in non-western cultures across the Global South are based on a western, nuclear family model and ignore the roles of caregivers within wider family systems, whose attitudes and practices are determined by culturally prescribed strategies. In this paper, I review evidence of a neglected facet of newborn care, the role and influence of senior women or grandmothers.Based on a family systems frame, I reviewed research from numerous settings in Africa, Asia and Latin America that provides insight into family roles related to newborn care, specifically of grandmothers. I identified primarily published studies which provide evidence of grandmothers' role as culturally designated and influential newborn advisors to young mothers and direct caregivers. Research from all three continents reveals that grandmothers play similar core roles in newborn care while their culturally specific practices vary. This review supports two main conclusions. First, future newborn research should be conceptualised within a family systems framework that reflects the structure and dynamics of non-western collectivist cultures. Second, newborn interventions should aim not only to strengthen health services but also influential family caregivers, particularly grandmothers and the indigenous social support networks of which they are a part, in order to improve family-level newborn practices and save newborn lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judi Aubel
- Grandmother Project - Change through Culture, Rome, Lazzio, Italy
- Grandmother Project - Change through Culture, Mbour, Senegal
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Akter S, Lorencatto F, Forbes G, Miller S, Althabe F, Coomarasamy A, Gallos ID, Oladapo OT, Vogel JP, Thomas E, Bohren MA. Perceptions and experiences of the prevention, identification and management of postpartum haemorrhage: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahinoor Akter
- Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health; University of Melbourne; Carlton Australia
| | | | - Gillian Forbes
- Centre for Behaviour Change; University College London; London UK
| | - Suellen Miller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, and Safe Motherhood Program, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health and Policy; University of California; San Francisco California USA
| | - Fernando Althabe
- Department of Mother and Child Health Research; Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research; World Health Organization; Geneva Switzerland
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health Research; University of Birmingham; Birmingham UK
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health Research; University of Birmingham; Birmingham UK
| | - Olufemi T Oladapo
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research; World Health Organization; Geneva Switzerland
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal and Child Health; Burnet Institute; Melbourne Australia
| | - Eleanor Thomas
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, School of Medical and Dental Sciences; University of Birmingham; Birmingham UK
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health; University of Melbourne; Carlton Australia
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Nu UT, Pervin J, Rahman AMQ, Rahman M, Rahman A. Determinants of care-seeking practice for neonatal illnesses in rural Bangladesh: A community-based cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240316. [PMID: 33052973 PMCID: PMC7556439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proper utilization of skilled care services in neonatal illnesses is crucial to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to evaluate the level and factors associated with seeking care from skilled healthcare service providers for reported neonatal illnesses in rural Matlab, Bangladesh. Methods This community based cross-sectional study was based on data from a randomly selected sample comprised of 2223 women who delivered live-born babies in 2014. Data were collected from June to October 2015 through a structured questionnaire. We used a multivariable logistic regression model and presented the results by adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Of the neonates, 1361 (61.2%) suffered from at least one complication, and among these, 479 (35.2%) sought care from skilled healthcare service providers. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the participants’ husbands’ educational level, number of antenatal care visits, and place of childbirth were significantly associated with seeking skilled care for reported neonatal illnesses. The care-seeking from skilled healthcare service providers for neonatal illness was more than two times higher (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.51–3.39) in the group in which the participants’ husband had attended school for more than 10 years as compared to the group in which they had attended school for less than six years. The AORs of seeking skilled care were 1.93 (95% CI = 1.42–2.62) and 2.26 (95% CI = 1.51–3.39) with the mothers receiving two to three and four or more antenatal care services, respectively, compared to the mothers with no or one antenatal care visit. Women who gave birth at a health facility were three times (AOR = 3.24, 95% CI = 2.50–4.19) more likely to seek skilled care for sick neonates compared to those who gave birth at home. Conclusion The utilization of skilled care for neonatal sicknesses was low in this rural setting in Bangladesh. The participants' husbands’ higher school attendance, increased number of ANC visits, and facility delivery were positively associated with care-seeking from skilled healthcare providers for neonatal illness. The husbands with low school attendance should be targeted for intervention, and continue efforts to increase ANC coverage and facility delivery to improve neonatal health in this country’s rural area.
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Affiliation(s)
- U. Tin Nu
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jesmin Pervin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
| | - A. M. Q. Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Monjur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anisur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Funk T, Källander K, Abebe A, Alfvén T, Alvesson HM. 'I also take part in caring for the sick child': a qualitative study on fathers' roles and responsibilities in seeking care for children in Southwest Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038932. [PMID: 32819953 PMCID: PMC7440706 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fathers play an important role in household decision-making processes and child health development. Nevertheless, they are under-represented in child health research, especially in low-income settings. Little is known about what roles fathers play in the care-seeking processes or how they interact with the health system when their child is sick. This study aimed to understand Ethiopian fathers' roles and responsibilities in caring for their children when they are or become ill. DESIGN Qualitative study using semistructured interviews with fathers. SETTING This study was conducted in three rural districts of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region of Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four fathers who had at least one child between 2 and 59 months who visited a health extension worker with fever. RESULTS The overarching theme of this study was 'changing perceptions of paternal responsibilities during children's ill health'. It constituted three subthemes, namely, 'fathers' burden of earning money for care', 'fatherhood entails advocating children's healthcare needs' and 'investing in children's health can benefit the family in the future'. Fathers described that they were the ones mainly responsible for the financial arrangement of care and that this financial responsibility can involve stress when resources are scarce. Fathers knew what health services were available and accessible to them and were involved in different ways in the care seeking of the child. Changes in the importance ascribed to child health were expressed by fathers who described being more alert to children's ill-health. CONCLUSION Fathers play various roles in the care-seeking process during children's illness episodes. This included, for instance, arranging resources to seek care, (co)-deciding where to seek care as well as accompanying the child to the health facility. The inability to organise necessary resources for care can lead to involuntary delays in care seeking for the child. This demonstrates the importance of including fathers in future interventions on maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjede Funk
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Neonatal care and community-level treatment seeking for possible severe bacterial infection (PSBI) in Amhara, Ethiopia. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:264. [PMID: 32228682 PMCID: PMC7106804 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Ethiopia, neonatal mortality accounts for approximately 54% of under-five deaths with the majority of these deaths driven by infections. Possible Severe Bacterial Infection (PSBI) in neonates is a syndromic diagnosis that non-clinical health care providers use to identify and treat newborns with signs of sepsis. In low- and middle–income countries, referral to a hospital may not be feasible due to transportation, distance or finances. Growing evidence suggests health extension workers (HEWs) can identify and manage PSBI at the community level when referral to a hospital is not possible. However, community-based PSBI care strategies have not been widely scaled-up. This study aims to understand general determinants of household-level care as well as household care seeking and decision-making strategies for neonatal PSBI symptoms. Methods We conducted eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore illness recognition and care seeking intentions from four rural kebeles in Amhara, Ethiopia. FGDs were conducted among mothers, fathers and households with recruitment stratified among households that have had a newborn with at least one symptom of PSBI (Symptomatic Group), and households that have had a newborn regardless of the child’s health status (Community Group). Data were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA software. Results Mothers were described as primary caretakers of the newborn and were often appreciated for making decisions for treatment, even when the father was not present. Type of care accessed was often dependent on conceptualization of the illness as simple or complex. When symptoms were not relieved with clinical care, or treatments at facilities were perceived as ineffective, alternative methods were sought. Most participants identified the health center as a reliable facility. While designed to be the first point of access for primary care, health posts were not mentioned as locations where families seek clinical treatment. Conclusions This study describes socio-contextual drivers for PSBI treatment at the community level. Future programming should consider the role community members have in planning interventions to increase demand for neonatal care at primary facilities. Encouragement of health post utilization could further allow for heightened accessibility-acceptability of a simplified PSBI regimen.
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Tette EMA, Nuertey BD, Azusong EA, Gandau NB. The Profile, Health Seeking Behavior, Referral Patterns, and Outcome of Outborn Neonates Admitted to a District and Regional Hospital in the Upper West Region of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 7:E15. [PMID: 32085390 PMCID: PMC7072572 DOI: 10.3390/children7020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal mortality is the major contributor to under-five mortality rates in many low and middle income countries. We examined the health practices, care-seeking behavior, and referral of sick outborn neonates to a district and regional hospital in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted over an eight (8) month period in 2018. Data were obtained from caregiver interviews and case notes. Altogether, 153 outborn neonates were examined. Inappropriate practices including the use of enemas, cord care with cow dung, and herbal baths were found. Three babies treated this way died. The majority of caregivers sought care at a health facility. However, 67 (44%) sought care only after their babies were ill for ≥7 days, suggesting the influence of a period of confinement on health seeking. More than half, 94 (61.4%), of the facilities visited referred patients to destination hospitals without giving any treatment. Delayed care-seeking was associated with a low birth weight, using home remedies, and a maternal age of ≥30 years. Altogether, 12 neonates (7.8%) died, consisting of three males and nine females (p = 0.018). Socio-cultural factors strongly influence health seeking behavior and the health outcome of neonates in this setting. There appeared to be a limited repertoire of interventions for treating neonatal disease in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem M. A. Tette
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, P.O. Box 4236, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Demah Nuertey
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, P.O. Box 4236, Accra, Ghana
- Public Health Department, Tamale Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box, TL 16, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | - Naa Barnabas Gandau
- Upper West Regional Hospital, P.O. Box 6, Wa, Ghana; (E.A.A.); (N.B.G.)
- School of Medical Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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12
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Khan FA, Mullany LC, Wu LFS, Ali H, Shaikh S, Alland K, West Jr KP, Labrique AB. Predictors of neonatal mortality: development and validation of prognostic models using prospective data from rural Bangladesh. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e001983. [PMID: 32133171 PMCID: PMC7042570 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the extent to which maternal histories of newborn danger signs independently or combined with birth weight and/or gestational age (GA) can capture and/or predict postsecond day (age>48 hours) neonatal death. Methods Data from a cluster-randomised trial conducted in rural Bangladesh were split into development and validation sets. The prompted recall of danger signs and birth weight measurements were collected within 48 hours postchildbirth. Maternally recalled danger signs included cyanosis (any part of the infant's body was blue at birth), non-cephalic presentation (part other than head came out first at birth), lethargy (weak or no arm/leg movement and/or cry at birth), trouble suckling (infant unable to suckle/feed normally in the 2 days after birth or before death, collected 1-month postpartum or from verbal autopsy). Last menstrual period was collected at maternal enrolment early in pregnancy. Singleton newborns surviving 2 days past childbirth were eligible for analysis. Prognostic multivariable models were developed and internally validated. Results Recalling ≥1 sign of lethargy, cyanosis, non-cephalic presentation or trouble suckling identified postsecond day neonatal death with 65.3% sensitivity, 60.8% specificity, 2.1% positive predictive value (PPV) and 99.3% negative predictive value (NPV) in the development set. Requiring either lethargy or weight <2.5 kg identified 89.1% of deaths (at 39.7% specificity, 1.9% PPV and 99.6% NPV) while lethargy or preterm birth (<37 weeks) captured 81.0% of deaths (at 53.6% specificity, 2.3% PPV and 99.5% NPV). A simplified model (birth weight, GA, lethargy, cyanosis, non-cephalic presentation and trouble suckling) predicted death with good discrimination (validation area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.87). A further simplified model (GA, non-cephalic presentation, lethargy, trouble suckling) predicted death with moderate discrimination (validation AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.81). Conclusion Maternally recalled danger signs, coupled to either birth weight or GA, can predict and capture postsecond day neonatal death with high discrimination and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad A Khan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luke C Mullany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lee F-S Wu
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hasmot Ali
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Saijuddin Shaikh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelsey Alland
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Keith P West Jr
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain B Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Lama TP, Munos MK, Katz J, Khatry SK, LeClerq SC, Mullany LC. Assessment of facility and health worker readiness to provide quality antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care in rural Southern Nepal. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:16. [PMID: 31906938 PMCID: PMC6945781 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4871-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased coverage of antenatal care and facility births might not improve maternal and newborn health outcomes if quality of care is sub-optimal. Our study aimed to assess the facility readiness and health worker knowledge required to provide quality maternal and newborn care. METHODS Using an audit tool and interviews, respectively, facility readiness and health providers' knowledge of maternal and immediate newborn care were assessed at all 23 birthing centers (BCs) and the District hospital in the rural southern Nepal district of Sarlahi. Facility readiness to perform specific functions was assessed through descriptive analysis and comparisons by facility type (health post (HP), primary health care center (PHCC), private and District hospital). Knowledge was compared by facility type and by additional skilled birth attendant (SBA) training. RESULTS Infection prevention items were lacking in more than one quarter of facilities, and widespread shortages of iron/folic acid tablets, injectable ampicillin/gentamicin, and magnesium sulfate were a major barrier to facility readiness. While parenteral oxytocin was commonly provided, only the District hospital was prepared to perform all seven basic emergency obstetric and newborn care signal functions. The required number of medical doctors, nurses and midwives were present in only 1 of 5 PHCCs. Private sector SBAs had significantly lower knowledge of active management of third stage of labor and correct diagnosis of severe pre-eclampsia. While half of the health workers had received the mandated additional two-month SBA training, comparison with the non-trained group showed no significant difference in knowledge indicators. CONCLUSIONS Facility readiness to provide quality maternal and newborn care is low in this rural area of Nepal. Addressing the gaps by facility type through regular monitoring, improving staffing and supply chains, supervision and refresher trainings is important to improve quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsering P. Lama
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite W5009C, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Melinda K. Munos
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite W5009C, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Joanne Katz
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite W5009C, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Subarna K. Khatry
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project – Sarlahi (NNIPS), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Steven C. LeClerq
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite W5009C, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project – Sarlahi (NNIPS), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Luke C. Mullany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite W5009C, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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Dalglish SL, Straubinger S, Kavle JA, Gibson L, Mbombeshayi E, Anzolo J, Scott K, Pacqué M. Who are the real community health workers in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo? BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001529. [PMID: 31354973 PMCID: PMC6615876 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen increasing momentum towards task shifting of basic health services, including using community health workers (CHW) to diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses. Yet few studies have examined the role of traditional healers in meeting families’ and communities’ health needs and liaising with the formal health system. We examine these issues in Tshopo Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country with high rates of child mortality (104 deaths per 1000 live births). We conducted 127 in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions with a range of community members (mothers, fathers and grandmothers of children under 5 years of age) and health providers (CHWs, traditional healers, doctors and nurses) on topics related to care seeking and case management for childhood illness and malnutrition, and analysed them iteratively using thematic content analysis. We find significant divergence between biomedical descriptions of child illness and concepts held by community members, who distinguished between local illnesses and so-called ‘white man’s diseases.’ Traditional healers were far less costly and more geographically accessible to families than were biomedical health providers, and usually served as families’ first recourse after home care. Services provided by traditional healers were also more comprehensive than services provided by CHWs, as the traditional medicine sphere recognised and encompassed care for ‘modern’ diseases (but not vice versa). Meanwhile, CHWs did not receive adequate training, supervision or supplies to provide child health services. Considering their accessibility, acceptability, affordability and ability to recognise all domains of illness (biomedical and spiritual), traditional healers can be seen as the de facto CHWs in Tshopo Province. National and international health policymakers should account for and involve this cadre of health workers when planning child health services and seeking to implement policies and programmes that genuinely engage with community health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Dalglish
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Justine A Kavle
- Maternal and Child Survival Program/PATH, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lacey Gibson
- Maternal and Child Survival Program/PATH, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Jimmy Anzolo
- Maternal and Child Survival Program/PATH, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kerry Scott
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michel Pacqué
- Maternal and Child Survival Program/PATH, Washington, DC, USA
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Lubon AJ, Erchick DJ, Khatry SK, LeClerq SC, Agrawal NK, Reynolds MA, Katz J, Mullany LC. Oral health knowledge, behavior, and care seeking among pregnant and recently-delivered women in rural Nepal: a qualitative study. BMC Oral Health 2018; 18:97. [PMID: 29859084 PMCID: PMC5984796 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-018-0564-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral health behavior and attitudes of pregnant women in low-income countries are rarely examined, yet should be considered when designing preventative or therapeutic studies to reduce burden of oral diseases. We aimed to understand dental care-seeking behavior, as well as oral health knowledge and attitudes of oral health among pregnant women in rural Nepal. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 16) and focus group discussions (3 groups, n = 23) were conducted among pregnant and recently-delivered women in Sarlahi, Nepal. Transcripts were translated from the local language to English then analyzed using a hybrid approach to thematic coding with Atlas.ti version 7. RESULTS Women felt confident describing the signs and symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease, but were not knowledgeable about where to receive care for tooth and/or gum pain and relied heavily on the knowledge of their community. Some women used a toothbrush and toothpaste at least once a day to clean their teeth, but many reported the traditional use of a branch of a local shrub or tree as their teeth cleaning instrument. Women suggested a willingness to consider using an oral rinse throughout pregnancy, perceiving that it might have a positive impact on infant health. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should focus on providing adequate and sustainable resources for pregnant women in Nepal and other low income settings to engage in good oral health behaviors (possibly supported through community-based workers), to maintain dental hygiene, and to access qualified dentists as a means of improving their oral health. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01177111 (Nepal Oil Massage Study) and NCT02788786 (Pilot Trial).
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Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Lubon
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street W5009, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - D. J. Erchick
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street W5009, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - S. K. Khatry
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project – Sarlahi (NNIPS), Krishna Galli, Lalitpur, Kathmandu Nepal
| | - S. C. LeClerq
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street W5009, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project – Sarlahi (NNIPS), Krishna Galli, Lalitpur, Kathmandu Nepal
| | - N. K. Agrawal
- Department of Dentistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuhvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - M. A. Reynolds
- Department of Periodontics, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - J. Katz
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street W5009, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - L. C. Mullany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street W5009, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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