Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from cross-sectional surveys of 29 countries

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of women of reproductive age who want to avoid pregnancy do not use any method of contraception. This study sought to determine the factors associated with  modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

This study used data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 87,554 women aged 15-49 with no fertility intention and who had completed information on all the variables of interest were considered in this study. Using a multilevel logistic regression analysis, four models were used to examine the individual and contextual factors associated with modern contraceptive use. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with their respective confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 29.6%. With the individual-level factors, women aged 45-49 had lower odds of using modern contraceptives (aOR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.39). Women who had their first sex at age 15-19 (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.17), those with higher education (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.75, 2.13), and women who were exposed to newspaper (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.20) and radio (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.26) had higher odds of modern contraceptive use. In terms of the contextual factors, women living in urban areas (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.11), women in the richest wealth quintile (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.43, 1.67), and those in communities with medium literacy level (aOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.16) and medium community socio-economic status (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.23) had higher odds of modern contraceptive use. Across the geographic regions in sub-Saharan Africa, women in Southern Africa had higher odds of modern contraceptive use (aOR = 5.29, 95% CI = 4.86, 5.76).

CONCLUSION

There is a relatively low prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa, with cross-country variations. Women's age, age at first sex, level of education, mass media exposure, place of residence, community literacy level and community socio-economic status were found to be associated with modern contraceptive use. It is, therefore, important for policy makers  to consider these factors when designing and implementing programmes or policies  to increase contraceptive use among women who have no intention to give birth. Also, policymakers and other key stakeholders should intensify mass education programmes to address disparities in modern contraceptive use among women.

Predictors of Pregnancy Termination among Young Women in Ghana: Empirical Evidence from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey Data

Pregnancy termination remains a delicate and contentious reproductive health issue because of a variety of political, economic, religious, and social reasons. The present study examined the associations between demographic and socio-economic factors and pregnancy termination among young Ghanaian women. This study used data from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey of Ghana. A sample size of 2114 young women (15-24 years) was considered for the study. Both descriptive (frequency, percentages, and chi-square tests) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analyses were carried out in this study. Statistical significance was pegged at p < 0.05. Young women aged 20-24 were more likely to have a pregnancy terminated compared to those aged 15-19 (AOR = 3.81, CI = 2.62-5.54). The likelihood of having a pregnancy terminated was high among young women who were working compared to those who were not working (AOR = 1.60, CI = 1.19-2.14). Young women who had their first sex at the age of 20-24 (AOR = 0.19, CI = 0.10-0.39) and those whose first sex occurred at first union (AOR = 0.57, CI = 0.34-0.96) had lower odds of having a pregnancy terminated compared to those whose first sex happened when they were less than 15 years. Young women with parity of three or more had the lowest odds of having a pregnancy terminated compared to those with no births (AOR = 0.39, CI = 0.21-0.75). The likelihood of pregnancy termination was lower among young women who lived in rural areas (AOR = 0.65, CI = 0.46-0.92) and those in the Upper East region (AOR = 0.18, CI = 0.08-0.39). The findings indicate the importance of socio-demographic factors in pregnancy termination among young women in Ghana. Government and non-governmental organizations in Ghana should help develop programs (e.g., sexuality education) and strategies (e.g., regular sensitization programs) that reduce unintended pregnancies which often result in pregnancy termination. These programs and strategies should include easy access to contraceptives and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. These interventions should be designed considering the socio-demographic characteristics of young women. Such interventions will help to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 that seeks to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Barriers to healthcare access and healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses among childbearing women in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel modelling of Demographic and Health Surveys

Introduction

The success of current policies and interventions on providing effective access to treatment for childhood illnesses hinges on families’ decisions relating to healthcare access. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is an uneven distribution of child healthcare services. We investigated the role played by barriers to healthcare accessibility in healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses among childbearing women in SSA.

Materials and methods

Data on 223,184 children under five were extracted from Demographic and Health Surveys of 29 sub-Saharan African countries, conducted between 2010 and 2018. The outcome variable for the study was healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses. The data were analyzed using Stata version 14.2 for windows. Chi-square test of independence and a two-level multivariable multilevel modelling were carried out to generate the results. Statistical significance was pegged at p<0.05. We relied on ‘Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology’ (STROBE) statement in writing the manuscript.

Results

Eighty-five percent (85.5%) of women in SSA sought healthcare for childhood illnesses, with the highest and lowest prevalence in Gabon (75.0%) and Zambia (92.6%) respectively. In terms of the barriers to healthcare access, we found that women who perceived getting money for medical care for self as a big problem [AOR = 0.81 CI = 0.78–0.83] and considered going for medical care alone as a big problem [AOR = 0.94, CI = 0.91–0.97] had lower odds of seeking healthcare for their children, compared to those who considered these as not a big problem. Other factors that predicted healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses were size of the child at birth, birth order, age, level of community literacy, community socio-economic status, place of residence, household head, and decision-maker for healthcare.

Conclusion

The study revealed a relationship between barriers to healthcare access and healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Other individual and community level factors also predicted healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. This suggests that interventions aimed at improving child healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa need to focus on these factors.

What influences home delivery among women who live in urban areas? Analysis of 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data

BACKGROUND

In Ghana, home delivery among women in urban areas is relatively low compared to rural areas. However, the few women who deliver at home in urban areas still face enormous risk of infections and death, just like those in rural areas. The present study investigated the factors associated with home delivery among women who live in urban areas in Ghana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for this study was obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. We used data of 1,441 women who gave birth in the 5 years preceding the survey and were dwelling in urban areas. By the use of Stata version 14.2, we conducted both descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

We found that 7.9% of women in urban areas in Ghana delivered at home. The study revealed that, compared to women who lived in the Northern region, women who lived in the Brong Ahafo region [AOR = 0.38, CI = 0.17-0.84] were less likely to deliver at home. The likelihood of home delivery was high among women in the poorest wealth quintile [AOR = 2.02, CI = 1.06-3.86], women who professed other religions [AOR = 3.45; CI = 1.53-7.81], and those who had no antenatal care visits [AOR = 7.17; 1.64-31.3]. Conversely, the likelihood of home delivery was lower among women who had attained secondary/higher education [AOR = 0.30; 0.17-0.53], compared to those with no formal education.

CONCLUSION

The study identified region of residence, wealth quintile, religion, antenatal care visits, and level of education as factors associated with home delivery among urban residents in Ghana. Therefore, health promotion programs targeted at home delivery need to focus on these factors. We also recommend that a qualitative study should be conducted to investigate the factors responsible for the differences in home delivery in terms of region, as the present study could not do so.

Radiology of peritoneal carcinomatosis

In summary, the radologic appearance of peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis is best understood with a thorough knowledge of the natural history of the disease. Computed tomography (CT) examinations of the abdomen and pelvis are insensitive to small volumes (< 5 cm) of diffuse peritoneal seeding. However, when larger volumes of peritoneal tumor are present, CT can be helpful defining the patients who are good candidates for complete cytoreduction (no small bowel disease) from those who are less likely to have a complete cytoreduction (extensive small bowel disease with clumping and obstruction). Thus CT examination plays a critical role in the identification of patients with mucinous tumors who are operative candidates. Further research is needed to improve sensitivity and in the monitoring of recurrence in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Recent developments in diagnostic radiology of primary and recurrent gastric cancer

To summarize the imaging work-up of gastric carcinoma, the patient should be initially evaluated with a double-contrast UGI series and correlated with endoscopy. Some authors feel that the primary role of UGI is to provide a guide to the endoscopist. The area in question should be biopsied. The role of CT is controversial due to limitations in staging. Some feel that it is an ancillary procedure, as are ultrasound, MRI, and angiography. Exploratory laparotomy is recommended as the diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of choice. However, CT may prevent surgery in the nonsymptomatic patient with diffuse metastatic disease.

Circulating and excreted levels of chromium after an oral glucose challenge: influence of body mass index, hypoglycemic drugs, and presence and absence of diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of obesity on the plasma chromium profile and excretion after a glucose challenge in control subjects and noninsulin-dependent (NIDD) and insulin-dependent diabetics (IDD). All subjects were given 75 g glucose orally; serial blood and urine samples were collected for Cr analysis. Lean control subjects had significantly lower plasma Cr and insulin values than did obese control subjects at all times except zero (1 h, 12.69 +/- 6.73 vs 22.31 +/- 13.27 nmol/L, p less than 0.020). No significant differences were seen between lean and obese NIDDs and IDDs. NIDDs taking drugs had higher Cr values than did lean control subjects (13.08 +/- 0.58 vs 22.31 +/- 5.00 nmol/L, p less than 0.02). Cr concentration of oral drugs was 22.4 ng/tablet and of the soluble insulins was 0.012 +/- .003 ng/U. The lean IDDs excreted higher levels of Cr than did the control subjects; however, Cr excretion within individual groups was not found to be significantly different. The results suggest Cr metabolism is influenced by BMI in control subjects but not in diabetics.

Vascular calcification, autonomic neuropathy, and peripheral blood flow in patients with diabetic nephropathy

The possibility that digital gangrene in patients with diabetic nephropathy might be due to abnormalities of peripheral blood flow secondary to vascular calcification has been investigated. Twenty patients with renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy were studied. Peripheral blood flow was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography, together with an assessment of medial arterial calcification on plain radiographs of the hands and feet, and transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2). Hallux blood flow was markedly raised (median 22.5, range 11.5-56.5, ml min-1 100-ml-1) compared with non-diabetic control subjects (4.7, 1.1-10.5, ml min-1 100-ml-1; p less than 0.01) and similar to that in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy (29.5, 16.7-49.6, ml min-1 100-ml-1). Although vascular calcification was common and extensive in the patients with diabetic nephropathy, TcPO2 measurements in the supine foot were normal and did not indicate tissue ischaemia. We conclude that despite extensive vascular calcification high peripheral blood flow occurs in the feet of these patients at rest together with normal transcutaneous oxygen tension.

Aortic dissection following coronary artery bypass surgery: diagnosis by CT

We describe an unusual case of aortic dissection causing spinal cord infarction. The dissection arose from an intimal tear at the suture line of a coronary artery bypass graft. CT was used to diagnose the dissection and to demonstrate its extension to the aortoiliac bifurcation and innominate artery and its rupture into the left pleural cavity. The most common causes of intimal tears following cardiac bypass surgery are aortic cross-clamping, aortic cannulation, and injury during suturing of the graft to the aorta. An underlying disease of the aorta such as atherosclerosis, cystic medial necrosis, or aortitis is commonly present. CT is an accurate and safe means of detecting aortic dissections following cardiac surgery, and is also useful in assessing the extent of the dissection and identifying its rupture into the pleural or pericardial cavity.

Naloxone increases blood flow in the human hand

Intravenous injection of 2 mg naloxone produced a rapid and pronounced rise of blood flow (6.3 +/- 5.0 to 67.0 +/- 15.1 ml min-1 100 ml-1) and skin temperature (28.3 +/- 3.0 to 32.4 +/- 1.2 degrees C) in the finger and hand of seven of ten normal volunteers. In the other three there was only a small response. Skin temperature did not change in either the face or the foot. Three responding subjects who were retested with 0.4 mg naloxone showed a smaller and briefer response. To exclude a local effect of naloxone on skin blood flow due to release of histamine, responders and non-responders were tested with naloxone and morphine pricked into the skin of the hand and forearm. All showed a weal and flare reaction to morphine which was not abolished by mixture with naloxone; none showed any reaction to naloxone alone. These results suggest that, in some subjects at least, skin blood flow in the hand may be under endogenous opioid control and they raise the possibility that opioid antagonists might have value in the treatment of disorders of skin blood flow such as Raynaud's disease.

Blood flow patterns in painful diabetic neuropathy

Peripheral blood flow is known to be qualitatively increased in diabetic patients with neuropathy. We have measured the actual blood flow in the feet of diabetic patients with neuropathy using non-invasive mercury strain gauge plethysmography and Doppler sonogram techniques and shown that it is increased on average five times above normal at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees-22 degrees C. Moreover, reduction of this high flow by sympathetic arousal stimuli proved possible in those with severe painful neuropathy contrasting strongly with failure to reverse it in those with severe non-painful sensory neuropathy. Reduction of blood flow was associated with reduction in neuropathic pain. We studied 22 diabetic patients with severe sensory neuropathy and eight with painful neuropathy. High resting foot blood flows were demonstrated in both groups with neuropathy. The big toe flow in those with severe sensory neuropathy was 29.3 +/- 9.2 ml X min-1. 100 ml-1 (mean +/- SD) and in the painful neuropathy group, 25.9 +/- 7.5, compared with 5.2 +/- 2.4 ml X min-1 X 100 ml-1 in the non-diabetic control subjects (p less than 0.001). High foot skin temperatures were also recorded in the groups with neuropathy, reflecting the high blood flow. The subjects with painful neuropathy retained the ability to constrict peripheral blood vessels in response to arousal stimuli, and reduce peripheral flow on average by 32% compared with the patients with sensory neuropathy who responded on average by only 10%. The demonstration of a peripheral sympathetic defect, responsible for the high blood flow and the potential reversal of such flow in painful neuropathy may be important in our further understanding of the aetiology of such pain and its treatment.

The natural history of acute painful neuropathy in diabetes mellitus

Observations have been made on nine cases of painful diabetic neuropathy of acute onset. All cases were male and all were associated with and preceded by precipitous and severe weight loss. The pain was of a continuous burning quality and experienced mainly in the legs, especially distally. Contact discomfort of the skin was often a troublesome feature, but sensory loss was mild or absent, and reflex loss or depression not invariable. There were no accompanying motor signs. Depression and impotence were constant features. The weight loss responded to adequate control of the diabetes with insulin and was followed by improvement in the neuropathy. The severe manifestations subsided in all cases within 10 months, and in most cases within 6 months, and later resolved completely in all except one. No recurrences were observed after follow-up periods of up to 6 years. Abnormalities of nerve conduction were mild or even lacking. Sural nerve biopsies from three cases taken in the acute stage showed evidence of active degeneration of myelinated nerve fibres of all diameters and also degeneration of unmyelinated axons. There was a mild degree of demyelination. It is concluded that acute painful diabetic neuropathy is a distinct syndrome, occurring in insulin or noninsulin dependent patients of any duration, and unrelated to other diabetic complications. It is separable from other types of painful diabetic sensory polyneuropathy that have been described.

Ephedrine: a new treatment for diabetic neuropathic oedema

Peripheral oedema secondary to diabetic neuropathy is poorly understood and difficult to treat. Ephedrine markedly reduced neuropathic oedema in four insulin-dependent diabetics. Mean weight-loss (p less than 0 . 05) after 7 days' treatment was 7 . 43 +/- 4 . 51(SD) kg. The oedema returned (mean weight increase 6 . 33 +/- 1 . 73 kg; p less than 0 . 01) when ephedrine was withdrawn but resolved (weight-loss 4 . 85 +/- 1 . 57 kg; p less than 0 . 01) when ephedrine treatment was repeated. In one patient mean 24 h sodium excretion increased from 177 +/- 5 . 20 mmol before ephedrine to 502 +/- 78 mmol on ephedrine therapy (p=0 . 028). Ephedrine also reduced excessive peripheral blood flow produced by the neuropathy; both arterial diastolic flow and arteriovenous shunting as demonstrated by Doppler blood velocity profiles were reduced and the pulsatility index increased from 2 . 50 +/- 0 . 61 to 4 . 75 +/- 1 . 76 (p less than 0 . 001). Ephedrine continues (12-15 months) to be an effective treatment for neuropathic oedema in these four patients.