Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nuhamin Tesfa Tsega, Tsion Tadesse Haile, Melaku Hunie Asratie, Daniel Gashaneh Belay, Mastewal Endalew, Fantu Mamo Aragaw, Sintayehu Simie Tsega, Moges Gashaw
Summary: This study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and determinants of informed choice of contraceptive methods among reproductive-aged women in sub-Saharan Africa. The study included data from 32 Sub-Saharan African countries Demographic and Health Survey, with a total weighted sample of 65,487 women aged 15-49. The results showed a low prevalence of informed choice of contraceptive methods in Sub-Saharan Africa with high disparities among the countries.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yann Forget, Michal Shimoni, Marius Gilbert, Catherine Linard
Summary: By 2050, half of the world's population increase is expected to be in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to high urbanization rates and land cover changes. Earth Observation offers an opportunity to gather spatial information in a data-scarce environment. A mapping approach using multi-sensor satellite imagery and volunteered geographic information has been proposed to address the challenges of urban remote sensing in sub-Saharan Africa, showing promising results in 17 case studies.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Simegn Kassa Alamirew, Stefanie Lemke, Barbara Stadlmayr, Bernhard Freyer
Summary: This study assesses the trends and determinants of dietary diversity among women of reproductive age. The findings show that only about a quarter of the women consumed five or more food groups per day. Factors such as education, age, perception of nutritious diet, and consumption frequency of certain foods were significantly associated with dietary diversity. In addition, factors at the household level and community level, such as husbands' education, women's decision-making, and cultural beliefs, also influenced dietary diversity.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benamba Chanimbe, Abdul-Nasir Issah, Abraham Bangamsi Mahama, Daudi Yeboah, Mary Rachael Kpordoxah, Nura Shehu, Ngozi Mabel Chukwu, Michael Boah
Summary: This study examined the relationship between access to basic sanitation facilities and the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age in Sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that women with access to basic sanitation had a lower risk of anaemia. However, only slightly over a third of households had access to such facilities. Other factors such as age, education, and marital status were also associated with anaemia prevalence.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anne Lieke Ebbers, Jeroen Smits
Summary: The birth registration rate is low in sub-Saharan Africa, and factors such as poverty, low education, restricted autonomy of women, belonging to a traditional religion at the household level, and lack of professional care during pregnancy and early life contribute to this. Context factors, such as average prenatal care visits, living in an urban area, birth registration legislation, decentralization of the registration system, fertility rates, and conflicts also play a role.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ankita Mukherjee, Lydia Di Stefano, Hannah Blencowe, Paul Mee
Summary: This systematic review identified modifiable risk factors for stillbirths in Sub-Saharan African countries and investigated their strength of association. The review found that preventable risk factors for stillbirth included antenatal care, socio-economic factors, intrapartum factors, fetal factors, and health systems factors. However, the review also found that the proportion of unexplained stillbirths remained high.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Julia Davies, Corrie Hannah, Zack Guido, Andrew Zimmer, Laura McCann, Jane Battersby, Tom Evans
Summary: Trends in urbanization and urban food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa have sparked debates on the potential benefits of urban agriculture to urban livelihoods. Research found that 33% of households engage in urban agriculture, but there is limited statistical significance in the relationship between urban agriculture and household food security. Urban planners and policymakers need to reconsider decisions about issues like housing development, land tenure, and transportation infrastructure to improve households' ability to produce, sell, and access food.
Article
Development Studies
Teresa Janz, Britta Augsburg, Franziska Gassmann, Zina Nimeh
Summary: Despite progress in reducing poverty, urban poverty remains a significant issue in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines urban poverty in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, and finds evidence of poverty traps. Poor households experience upward mobility over time, but richer households face decline and remain vulnerable to falling back into poverty. Improved urban data is needed to identify and assist the vulnerable middle.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Richard Gyan Aboagye, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Francis Arthur-Holmes, Abdul Cadri, Louis Kobina Dadzie, John Elvis Hagan, Oghenowede Eyawo, Sanni Yaya
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, dietary diversity is closely related to the health status of children, with adequate minimum dietary diversity significantly reducing the risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged 6-23 months.
Article
Development Studies
Julia Davies, Jordan Blekking, Corrie Hannah, Andrew Zimmer, Nupur Joshi, Patrese Anderson, Allan Chilenga, Tom Evans
Summary: Traditional markets play a critical role in the rural-urban food systems of sub-Saharan Africa. However, these markets face challenges such as infrastructure deficits, poor waste management, and internal conflict. Our study aims to explore the governance structures of traditional markets to identify effective institutional arrangements for market management.
HABITAT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Desale Bihonegn Asmamaw, Habitu Birhan Eshetu, Wubshet Debebe Negash
Summary: This study identifies factors that affect intention to use contraceptives among married women in sub-Saharan Africa. The results show that age, educational status, and wealth quintile are factors affecting the intention to use contraceptives. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should consider these factors when implementing strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yibeltal T. Wassie, Meley M. Rannestad, Muyiwa S. Adaramola
Summary: The study reveals that rural households in southern Ethiopia primarily rely on fuelwood for cooking but prefer cleaner lighting fuels such as kerosene. Household energy choices are significantly influenced by factors like income level, family size, and access to road. Wealthier and more educated households near road access are more likely to use cleaner lighting fuels, whereas poorer households in areas with limited road access tend to use traditional fuels like kerosene.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tilahun B. Mossie, Haile Mekonnen Fenta, Meseret Tadesse, Animut Tadele
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the disparities in the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and its associated factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study utilized National Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 26 countries in the region with a total of 114,340 participants. The findings revealed that the prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV in Sub-Saharan Africa was 30.58%, 30.22%, and 12.6% respectively. At least one form of IPV was reported by 42.62% of the participants. Disparities were observed across countries and provinces within each country. Factors such as age, education level, decision-making participation, employment status, fear of the spouse, wealth index, having children, maternal literacy, and rural residence were found to influence the odds of IPV.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peter Yiga, Patrick Ogwok, Julian Achieng, Mary Devota Auma, Jan Seghers, Christophe Matthys
Summary: The study investigated determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age in Kampala, Uganda. It found that dietary behaviours were mainly influenced by food skills, social-cultural norms, and environmental factors, while physical activity behaviours were mainly influenced by knowledge gaps, social-cultural norms, and home and physical environment factors.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Goudja Gassara, Jihua Chen
Summary: The study reveals a significant association between household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for reliable guidelines and strategies to combat childhood malnutrition.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Peter Yiga, Bart Van der Schueren, Jan Seghers, Tonny Kiyimba, Patrick Ogwok, Henry Tafiire, Susan Nakaayi Muluta, Christophe Matthys
Summary: This study conducted a complex lifestyle intervention in urban Uganda and found that the intervention resulted in improvements in waist circumference, blood glucose concentration, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity among females of reproductive age.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nele Steenackers, Tim Vanuytsel, Patrick Augustijns, Ellen Deleus, Wies Deckers, Christophe M. Deroose, Gwen Falony, Matthias Lannoo, Ann Mertens, Raf Mols, Roman Vangoitsenhoven, Lucas Wauters, Bart Van der Schueren, Christophe Matthys
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on gastrointestinal motility, pH, and bile acid concentration. The findings showed that both surgeries increased pouch emptying and gastric emptying, and also led to higher pH levels and bile acid concentrations in the intestines. These results highlight the significant impact of these surgeries on gastrointestinal physiology.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tonny Kiyimba, Peter Yiga, Michael Bamuwamye, Patrick Ogwok, Bart Van der Schueren, Christophe Matthys
Summary: This review analyzed data from 46 clinical trials and found that whole polyphenol-rich foods can significantly reduce diastolic and systolic blood pressure, while purified food polyphenol extracts have a larger effect on waist circumference. Significant effects on total cholesterol and triglycerides were observed with purified extracts. These findings indicate that both whole food and purified extracts of polyphenols can reduce cardiometabolic risks, but caution is needed due to high heterogeneity and risk of bias among trials.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Judith Wellens, Eva Vissers, Christophe Matthys, Severine Vermeire, Joao Sabino
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic and incurable conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Despite recent advances in medical management, many patients do not achieve remission and healing of the bowel. Personalized nutrition may be a crucial factor in achieving long-lasting changes in dietary behaviors and improving symptoms and inflammation.
PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Caro Minschart, Nele Myngheer, Toon Maes, Christophe De Block, Inge Van Pottelbergh, Pascale Abrams, Wouter Vinck, Liesbeth Leuridan, Sabien Driessens, Chantal Mathieu, Jaak Billen, Christophe Matthys, Annouschka Laenen, Annick Bogaerts, Katrien Benhalima
Summary: This study aimed to identify risk factors for early postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and glucose intolerance (GI) in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). The results showed that excessive gestational weight gain, lack of breastfeeding, higher dietary fat intake, insulin use during pregnancy, multiparity, lower prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and lower education degree were independent predictors for early PPWR. Women with high PPWR had a more impaired postpartum metabolic profile, breastfed less often, had higher rates of depression and anxiety, and lower quality of life. Additionally, 28% of participants had GI, with women with high PPWR being more likely to have GI. Only 12.9% of women with high PPWR perceived themselves at high risk for diabetes but were more willing to change their lifestyle.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jolan Dupont, Eva Wauters, Lenore Dedeyne, Laura Vercauteren, Nadjia Amini, Laurence Lapauw, Christophe Matthys, Sabine Verschueren, Jos Tournoy, Katrien Koppo, Evelien Gielen
Summary: This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake, nutritional PUFAs status and sarcopenia outcomes in sarcopenic older adults. The results showed no correlation between dietary PUFAs intake and status. However, some markers of PUFAs intake and status were positively associated with sarcopenia outcomes.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Aurelie Van Hoye, Aoife Lane, Kieran Dowd, Jan Seghers, Alex Donaldson, Linda Ooms, Sami Kokko, Susanna Geidne
Summary: A recent literature review shows that the settings-based approach for sports clubs is not well understood and implemented. This study proposes a logic model for health promoting sports clubs (HPSC) and describes the interactions between different levels of the HPSC model based on qualitative research with experts in the field.
HEALTH PROMOTION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vicka Versele, Lara Stas, Dirk Aerenhouts, Tom Deliens, Christophe Matthys, Leonardo Gucciardo, Roland Devlieger, Peter Clarys, Annick Bogaerts
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the changes in diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior during pregnancy and after childbirth in first-time parents, as well as the association with changes in BMI. The results showed that women had decreased fruit intake, increased alcohol intake, increased light-intensity physical activity, and decreased sedentary behavior from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. Decreased fruit intake between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum was associated with increased BMI. Men did not show significant dietary changes, but had increased light-intensity physical activity and decreased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 6 months postpartum. Paternal increases in avoidance food group intake were associated with increased BMI between baseline and 6 weeks postpartum. No associations were found between changes in BMI and changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cordula Stillhart, Adam Asteriadis, Ekaterina Bocharova, Gabriel Eksteen, Fritz Harder, Jonas Kusch, Theodora Tzakri, Patrick Augustijns, Christophe Matthys, Maria Vertzoni, Werner Weitschies, Christos Reppas
Summary: The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on three physiological determinants of oral drug absorption in the advanced age population, namely gastric emptying, luminal fluid volume and composition, and intestinal permeability, in order to identify potential knowledge gaps and directions for further research efforts.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tessy Boedt, Eline Dancet, Naomi Speelman, Carl Spiessens, Christophe Matthys, Sharon Lie Fong
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes of healthcare professionals in Belgian fertility clinics towards promoting a healthy lifestyle and the availability of structured lifestyle modification programs. The results showed that all respondents believed in informing patients about the impact of lifestyle on fertility, and the majority of healthcare professionals agreed that fertility clinics have a responsibility to address unhealthy lifestyles before offering fertility treatment. However, only a few clinics offered structured lifestyle modification programs due to limited resources and expertise. Future studies should focus on developing and evaluating such programs for patients with fertility problems.
GYNECOLOGIC AND OBSTETRIC INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Emily Ruilova Sosoranga, Wout Verbeure, Hannelore Geysen, Theo Thijs, Christophe Matthys, Inge Depoortere, Jan Tack
Summary: This study investigated the effects of oral ingestion of hydroxychloroquine sulfate on appetite and food intake. The results showed that hydroxychloroquine sulfate can reduce subjective hunger by decreasing the secretion of orexigenic hormones, but it does not affect motilin release, hedonic food intake, or insulin levels.
Article
Surgery
Coby Annema, Stefan De Smet, Ellen M. Castle, Yasna Overloop, Joost M. Klaase, Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, Sunita Mathur, Evangelia Kouidi, Maria Jose Perez Saez, Christophe Matthys, Fabienne Dobbels, Pisana Ferrari, Justyna Golebiewska, Anna Mrzljak, Peter Girman, Michael Perch, Victor Lopez-Lopez, Colin White, Dmytro Koval, Sharlene Greenwood, Diethard Monbaliu
Summary: There is increasing evidence and awareness that prehabilitation in waitlisted solid organ transplant candidates may improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. A working group convened by the European Society of Organ Transplantation developed ten recommendations based on a review of the literature and real-world practice. These recommendations aim to optimize patients' physical and mental health before surgery to enhance their ability to overcome stress and promote post-operative recovery.
TRANSPLANT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Correction
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Patrice Cani, Peter Clarys, Antoine Clinquart, Stefaan De Henauw, Nathalie Delzenne, Peter Deriemaeker, Caroline Douny, Isabelle Guelinckx, Inge Huybrechts, Lieven Huybregts, Patrick Kolsteren, Carl Lachat, Isabelle Laquiere, Yvan Larondelle, Jef Leroy, Guy Manghuin-Rogister, Christophe Matthys, Patrick Mullie, Jean Neve, Marie-Louise Scippo, Isabelle Sioen, Anne-Marie Remaut, John Van Camp, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Margareta Vansant
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tessy Boedt, Eline Dancet, Diane De Neubourg, Sofie Vereeck, Jan Seghers, Katleen van der Gucht, Ben Van Calster, Carl Spiessens, Sharon Lie Fong, Christophe Matthys
Summary: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of a blended preconception lifestyle programme on reproductive and lifestyle outcomes of couples undergoing IVF. However, the trial was prematurely stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the results indicate that the programme did not have a meaningful effect on time to ongoing pregnancy or other reproductive and lifestyle outcomes.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
