Articles

Women's decision making autonomy on maternal and neonatal health care utilization and associated factors in central Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

This study assessed the levels and factors associated with women’s decision-making autonomy regarding maternal and neonatal healthcare service utilization in central Ethiopia. Although all women have the right to participate in decisions regarding their own and neonatal healthcare, more than one-quarter (28.5%) had no role. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health education to improve women’s knowledge on neonatal danger signs and maternal healthcare services, which is essential to empower women to participate in decisions about their healthcare. Lastly, encouraging husbands’ education and involvement in maternal and neonatal healthcare services will enhance women’s decision-making autonomy.

Knowledge and perception of labor rights violations among postpartum women in three Brazilian maternity hospitals: a cross-sectional study

The study explores the knowledge and perception of labor rights violations among the obstetric population in Brazil, highlighting the significant role of laws and policies in women’s reproductive health. Findings suggest that few pregnant women knew their rights, and many experienced violations of labor rights, especially socially vulnerable women. Better health education on labor rights and increased monitoring are needed to protect women´s rights.

Maternal financial literacy as a determinant of household food security: Evidence from a cross-sectional study in Padang Lawas Regency, Indonesia

This study examined the effect of maternal financial literacy on household food security in Padang Lawas Regency, Indonesia. Findings from this study highlight the need to integrate financial literacy education into public health programs to strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and support reproductive health.

Association Between Neighborhood Social Determinants of Health and Stillbirth

The objective of the study is to examine the association between neighborhood-level social determinants of health and stillbirth. Findings suggest that neighborhood deprivation, quantified by Area Deprivation Index (ADI) score, was a robust independent predictor of stillbirth, whereas the associations between the Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI) or Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and stillbirth were modest. Integrating the ADI into obstetric risk assessment and directing resources, especially perinatal mental health services, to highly deprived areas may help reduce persistent stillbirth disparities.

Association of maternal infections, antibiotic use, and cesarean delivery with the risk of early-onset sepsis: a nationwide population-based study in full-term neonates

The primary objective of this study was to identify clinical risk factors associated with EOS by comparing neonates diagnosed with EOS to matched controls without early-onset sepsis (EOS). Conditional logistic regression was used for statistical analysis, adjusting for relevant maternal and neonatal covariates. This study provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of EOS risk in term neonates using a nationwide dataset. Findings indicate that cesarean delivery, maternal antibiotic use, specific maternal infections, maternal diabetes mellitus, premature rupture of membranes, and lower birth weight are associated with an increased risk of EOS. Further research is warranted to explore the potential causal relationships underlying these associations.

Multiple Chronic Conditions Before Pregnancy and Risk of Adverse Maternal Health Outcomes: Population-Based Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to assess the risks of perinatal emergency department (ED) use, hospitalisation and severe maternal morbidity or mortality (SMM-M) associated with preconception MCC, according to the number of chronic conditions, complex MCC and co-occurring cardiometabolic conditions. MCC, especially complex or cardiometabolic MCC, is associated with elevated risk of maternal morbidity. Multidisciplinary patient-centred care may mitigate these risks.  

Exposure to trauma in pregnant women and its association with previous perinatal complications, IPV and antenatal service satisfaction in rural Ethiopia: a cross-sectional facility-based study

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of exposure to traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in rural Ethiopia. The authors hypothesised that antenatal PTSD symptoms would be associated with previous obstetric complications and intimate partner violence (IPV) and impact negatively on women´s satisfaction with ANC. The study highlights the challenges of detection of psychosocial needs in the ANC setting and the need for targeted interventions to support women's disclosure of difficulties in maternity care settings.

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Blunt Use During Early Pregnancy

This cross-sectional study analyzed 131,207 pregnancies in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (2021-2023) universally screened for prenatal blunt use at entry to prenatal care. Findings underscore sociodemographic disparities in prenatal blunt use and highlight the need for targeted, culturally tailored education and interventions.

Analgesic opioids in pregnancy and placental malperfusion-related disorders: a population-based cohort study

This study aimed to study the causal association between analgesic opioids in pregnancy and placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this population-based cohort study, we observed modestly increased risks of preterm birth and placental abruption after analgesic opioid use in pregnancy, driven by codeine and oxycodone-the two most frequently used opioids.

Prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postnatal women at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Western Uganda

This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at Fort portal Regional Referral Hospital located in western Uganda. This study found that mode of delivery, duration of hospital stay, anemia, and Antepartum hemorrhage, were the determining factors contributing to puerperal sepsis, infection prevention measures during cesarean sections, and reducing the length of hospital stay would prove to be beneficial in the prevention of sepsis.

Short birth spacing and its impact on maternal and child health in India with urban-rural variation: An epidemiological study using the National Family Health Survey Data

This study aims to assess the prevalence of short birth spacing (SBS) in association with demographic and socio-economic factors in India with special reference to maternal and child health. This study emphasizes the substantial influence of socio-demographic factors on the practice of SBS. It is crucial to provide educational programs for mothers that focus on the importance of birth spacing and using family planning services. The study highlights the need to implement economic development initiatives within families to address the factors contributing to inadequate birth spacing. These measures enhance maternal and child health and align with the SDGs in India.

Barriers to utilization of anti-retroviral therapy among HIV positive pregnant women in Birnin Kebbi, North West Nigeria

This study investigates barriers to the utilization of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive pregnant women in Birnin Kebbi, North West Nigeria. This study concludes that interventions focusing on community education to reduce stigma, correcting misconceptions about therapy safety, improving healthcare infrastructure, and integrating antiretroviral therapy into antenatal care could substantially increase utilization, reduce transmission, and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.

Structural racism and perinatal mental health - The role of racialized economic segregation

The objective of the study was to estimate associations between the index of concentration at the extremes (ICE) -a proxy for anti-Black structural racism- and hospital-reported perinatal mental disorders (PMD). Findings reveal a complex association between racialized economic segregation and hospital-reported PMD. Living in structurally deprived neighborhoods might reflect underdiagnosis for minoritized populations or confer protection, while white counterparts can more readily access mental healthcare elsewhere. Further research may help inform place-based interventions aimed at improving perinatal mental health outcomes.

Global call for access to RSV vaccination for all children worldwide

Maternal health care services utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in Kersa district, Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the utilization and its associated factors of maternal health care services among pregnant women in rural areas of Kersa district, Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Findings suggest that maternal healthcare service utilization among pregnant women in the study area was lower than national targets and international recommendations. Therefore, increasing women's awareness of maternal healthcare services, addressing physical access to institutional delivery services, strengthening access to transportation such as making ambulance services more accessible, improving road conditions, and increasing household income would likely increase service utilization.

Malaria and anaemia prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women initiating antenatal care in two regions in Ghana: an analytical cross-sectional study

This study assessed malaria and anaemia prevalence and associated risk factors among pregnant women initiating antenatal care in selected districts of 2 regions of Ghana. Findings suggest that more than half the women were anaemic signifying a severe public health problem. Malaria prevalence, though low, was a significant risk factor for anaemia. Existing malaria and anaemia control strategies through ANC need strengthening, especially among young, first-time pregnant women. This study further highlights socio-economic status as an important risk factor for anaemia in pregnancy.

Association Between Breastfeeding and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

The objective of this study was to estimate whether breastfeeding is associated with the estimated risk of long-term atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and whether this association varies with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Findings suggest that breastfeeding, particularly after an individual had GDM, was associated with a lower estimated risk of long-term ASCVD. These findings indicate the potential benefit of breastfeeding for long-term cardiovascular health, especially among those with GDM.

Associations of Infertility With Depressive Symptom Change Across Specific Life Stages (Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Midlife) Among Parous Women

 The experience of infertility among parous women is associated with a greater increase in depressive symptoms between the post-partum period and midlife.

Sexual violence and unintended pregnancy in women with disabilities: An intersectional, cross-sectional study

The objective of this study was to describe risk of unintended pregnancy among women with previous history of sexual violence by disability and race/ethnicity. Findings suggest that targeted efforts are needed to address the prevalence and consequences of sexual violence, including unintended pregnancy. Existing research finds that unintended pregnancies are associated with adverse health behaviors and outcomes. These findings thus underscore the importance of accessible services for racial/ethnic minority women with disabilities.

Association of quality antenatal care and completion of eight or more antenatal care visits with skilled delivery care utilization among pregnant women in Bangladesh: A nationwide population-based stu

This study utilized data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18, including 4,457 pregnant women aged 15-49 years who had given birth three years preceding the survey. This study highlights the significant positive association of quality antenatal care services and adherence to the WHO-recommended eight or more ANC visits with increased skilled delivery care utilization in Bangladesh. Strengthening policies and programs to enhance the quality and frequency of ANC services can promote skilled delivery care, ensuring safe motherhood and childbirth.