Articles

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.

How Can We Accelerate Maternal Vaccination Globally?

New maternal vaccines could reduce infant deaths at and after birth, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Work is underway to prepare for new maternal vaccines globally, and the Maternal Immunization Readiness Network for Africa and Asia will support in-country preparation in several low- and middle-income countries. However, the impact of new maternal vaccines will only be realized with supportive policy recommendations and sufficient financing for the development of maternal immunization platforms.

Impact of maternal smoking and secondhand smoke exposure during singleton pregnancy on placental abruption: analysis of a prospective cohort study (the Japan Environment and Children's Study)

This study aimed to investigate the association and population-attributable fraction (PAF) of maternal smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy with placental abruption. Findings suggest that maternal smoking and SHS exposure during pregnancy significantly contribute to the risk of placental abruption in Japan. Therefore, preventive interventions and measures to reduce exposure are required to prevent placental abruption.

Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Association With Future Autoimmune Diseases

The objective of the study was to explore the associations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the subsequent development of autoimmune diseases. Findings suggest that women with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension face a higher long-term risk of autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and preventive care.

Relationship of perinatal outcomes to the competence and quantity of contact with community health workers

The effectiveness of perinatal home visits by community health workers (CHWs) often diminishes when large regional or national programmes are implemented. To address this gap, the authors aimed to identify which CHW behaviours influence maternal and child outcomes. Findings suggest that the current standards for training and monitoring of paraprofessional home visitors are highly unrealistic. Substantial and ongoing investments are needed for visits to occur consistently over time. However, hiring and selection criteria are likely as important as training and monitoring. CHW programmes must be embedded in organisational contexts that are well functioning and have management and support structures that are operational to ensure their success.

Revitalizing Health Care Ethics

Obstetric and pregnancy-related factors associated with caesarean delivery in Bangladesh: a survey in Rajshahi district

This study aimed to identify emerging obstetric and pregnancy risk factors and maternal outcomes associated with caesarean section (CS) delivery among women in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. The study found that having a CS increases the risk of maternal complications like an obstetric fistula or postpartum anaemia. Considering these results, it is recommended to urgently introduce carefully evaluated clinical practices to assess if vaginal delivery is possible. Counselling women about the delivery method is important to decrease unnecessary CS in Bangladesh.

Effectiveness of couple-based violence prevention education in reducing intimate partner violence during pregnancy in rural Ethiopia: A cluster randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this trial was to examine the effectiveness of Couple-Based Violence Prevention Education (CBVPE) in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in rural Ethiopia. The study found that CBVPE is effective in reducing IPV during pregnancy in the study setting. Scale-up and adaptation to similar settings are recommended.

Temporal changes in hospital readmissions for postpartum hypertension in the US, 2010 to 2019; a serial cross-sectional analysis

In this paper, the authors estimate the trends in the incidence of readmissions for postpartum hypertension within 42 days of delivery discharge in the US, disaggregated by median household income. Findings suggest that the increasing postpartum hypertension readmission burden suggests rising future health risks among mothers and a growing cost burden to the U.S. healthcare system. The higher rate of increase in postpartum hypertension readmissions among people without a history of hypertension calls for blood pressure checking in the postpartum period for all patients regardless of risk status.

Physical Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Experiencing Homelessness Before and During Pregnancy

We assessed differences in the association of physical IPV before and/or during pregnancy with adverse health outcomes between women experiencing homelessness (WEH) and domiciled women. Further research is needed to identify factors that may offer WEH a protective effect against the negative impacts of IPV.

Revising the definition of "demand satisfied for modern methods of family planning:" A cross-sectional study to explore incorporating person-centered constructs of demand, choice, and satisfaction

This study explored construct validity of the widely used indicator for "demand satisfied" by comparing the standard definition to alternative definitions of the indicator highlighting dimensions of women's own perceived demand, choice, and satisfaction. Revising the definition of demand satisfied to reflect the principles of person-centered care offers an opportunity to improve construct validity by ensuring that global measurement efforts align with women's reproductive rights.