Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sayeed Unisa, Preeti Dhillon, Enu Anand, Harihar Sahoo, Praween K. Agarwal
Summary: This study assesses the quality of birthweight data collected in two surveys and its impact on estimates of low birthweight. The findings show high percentages of missing data in recent surveys, particularly among newborns from poor households and marginalized groups. The study also reveals discrepancies in birthweight reporting across different surveys and the health information system.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gashaw Andargie Biks, Hannah Blencowe, Victoria Ponce Hardy, Bisrat Misganaw Geremew, Dessie Abebaw Angaw, Alemakef Wagnew, Solomon Mekonnen Abebe, Tadesse Guadu, Justiniano Sd Martins, Ane Baerent Fisker, Ali Imam, Obed Ernest A. Nettey, Simon Kasasa, Lydia Di Stefano, Joseph Akuze, Doris Kwesiga, Joy E. Lawn
Summary: The study analyzed a population-based survey of over 69,000 women in five Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites, revealing substantial data gaps for birthweight information in household surveys. Improving the accuracy and recording of birthweights, as well as enhancing communication with women, could enhance the availability and quality of survey birthweight data.
POPULATION HEALTH METRICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rahel Mezemir, Oladapo Olayemi, Yadeta Dessie
Summary: Based on the analysis of population and health survey data in Ethiopia, this study found that the rate of cesarean section has increased over time in both urban and rural areas. Several factors, including age, education, parity, and weight, were associated with the likelihood of cesarean section delivery. However, the cesarean section rate in both urban and rural areas was below the recommended level by the World Health Organization (WHO), suggesting the need for intervention efforts to prioritize women living in rural areas, improve women's education, and encourage the use of antenatal care services.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yemisrach B. Okwaraji, Ellen Bradley, Eric O. Ohuma, Judith Yargawa, Lorena Suarez-Idueta, Jennifer Requejo, Hannah Blencowe, Joy E. Lawn
Summary: This study systematically assesses the data quality of low birthweight and preterm births. The findings show that data reporting is highest in North America, Australasia, and Europe, while it is lowest in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. Overall data quality is generally high in North America, Australasia, and Europe, although there are gaps in the availability of gestational age metadata.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dereje Yenealem, Shemsu Kedir, Asmare MekonnenWubie, Daniel Melese, Tamirat Molalign, Nebiyou Yemanebirhan, Awad Mohammed, Negash Nurahmed, Wondimeneh Liknaw, Abrham Kerealeme Lakew, Habtamu Asrat, Getnet Hailu, Addisu Kebede, Abay Sisay, Kassu Desta, Aster Tsegaye
Summary: This study aimed to assess the performance of HIV rapid testing in health facilities enrolled in the Rapid Test Quality Improvement Initiative in Ethiopia. The study found that the overall acceptable performance was 62%, and testing sites that participated in External Quality Assessment/Proficiency Testing schemes had better performance.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Katherine T. Pellino, Alexandra Kershner, Erika L. Peterson
Summary: This study shows that prescribing opioids based on inpatient use after cesarean delivery can reduce the number of opioids prescribed at discharge. The decrease in prescriptions did not lead to an increase in pain-related encounters or additional narcotic prescriptions after discharge.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Brianna L. Doby, Kellie Hanner, Steven Johnson, Tanjala S. Purnell, Malay B. Shah, Raymond J. Lynch
Summary: New metrics using National Center for Health Statistics data were used to assess OPO performance, revealing opportunities for improving donor conversion, especially in older age groups. Process changes in resource allocation and monitoring led to a significant increase in the number of potential donors approached, resulting in a rise in potential donor referrals and improved donor yield. Post-intervention, the OPO's donation performance significantly improved, indicating the effectiveness of using CALC death data for quality improvement initiatives.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Terence S. Fu, Haytham Msallak, Amirpouyan Namavarian, Albino Chiodo, William Elmasri, Brad Hubbard, Jason Xu, Rina Pegoraro, Kevin Higgins, Danny Enepekides, Eric Monteiro, Antoine Eskander
Summary: The study shows that optimizing surgical trays for common otolaryngology procedures can significantly reduce costs and improve operating room efficiency without compromising patient safety. The redesign and adjustment of surgical trays can simplify the preparation process and effectively increase instrument utilization rates.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Daniel N. Lax, Shannon White, Paula Manning, Marielle Kabbouche Samaha
Summary: To improve the accuracy of diagnosis in general child neurology clinics, a standardized algorithm based on scientific evidence was developed and successfully implemented, resulting in significantly higher rates of correct diagnosis of primary headache and appropriate testing.
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nanna Maaloe, Anna Marie Ronne Ortved, Jane Brandt Sorensen, Brenda Sequeira Dmello, Thomas van den Akker, Monica Lauridsen Kujabi, Hussein Kidanto, Tarek Meguid, Ib Christian Bygbjerg, Jos van Roosmalen, Dan Wolf Meyrowitsch, Natasha Housseine
Summary: In order to end the international crisis of preventable deaths in low-income and middle-income countries, evidence-informed and cost-efficient health care along with contextually relevant clinical practice guidelines are urgently needed. There are significant gaps between international recommendations and realistic best practices, highlighting the importance of developing more realistic global guidelines. Developing and adapting high-quality clinical practice guidelines at national and subnational levels in low-income and middle-income countries, through co-creation with end-users, is essential for ensuring successful implementation.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rakhi Dandona, Arpita Paul, G. Anil Kumar
Summary: Low birthweight is a major contributor to malnutrition disability-adjusted life years in India, but the lack of birthweight data is a significant barrier in addressing this issue.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Deep Sangani, Vinay Krupadev, Michael Crawford, Brad Deere, Robert Hendel
Summary: This quality-improvement study found that various interventions significantly increased the referral rate for cardiac rehabilitation-eligible patients through a straightforward and simple strategy. Further efforts are underway to promote additional referrals in order to meet or exceed the >90% best practice standard.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Daniel Spinosa, Tatiana Acosta, Janice Wong, Kelli Kurtovic, Jennifer Mewshaw, Sarah Collins, Noah Kauff, Laura J. Havrilesky, Kyle C. Strickland, Rebecca A. Previs
Summary: The study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using QI for universal screening to diagnose Lynch syndrome in uterine cancer patients, with results showing significant improvements in screening rates and genetic diagnoses post-implementation.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Isha Vasudeva, Janice Hartnett, Laura Bondi, Alexis Newmark, Sarah Lindsay
Summary: This study successfully increased the provision rate of expedited partner therapy through quality improvement interventions, but found a decrease in patient acceptance after the interventions. Future research should further investigate potential barriers to patient acceptance.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Sarah R. Blackstone, Amanda N. Sebring, Claudia Allen, Joseph S. Tan, Rebekah Compton
Summary: This study describes a quality improvement initiative to increase depression screening in five Family Medicine clinics, resulting in a significant increase in the proportion of up-to-date patients from 61.03% in September 2020 to 82.33% in April 2021. Patients aged 65+ and patients with comorbidities were more likely to be up-to-date on screening. Patients with telemedicine visits had lower odds of being up-to-date on depression screening.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Firehiwot Workneh, Dongqing Wang, Ourohire Millogo, Alemayehu Worku, Angela Chukwu, Bruno Lankoande, Nega Assefa, Elena C. Hemler, Michelle L. Korte, Abdramane Soura, Ayoade Oduola, Ali Sie, Wafaie W. Fawzi, Yemane Berhane
Summary: The study found that adults in sub-Saharan African countries have high levels of knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms, transmission methods, and prevention mechanisms, but there is still room for improvement in implementing preventive measures. Factors such as education level, urban residence, and belief in the reality of the pandemic are associated with good knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 symptoms and prevention actions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nega Assefa, Ali Sie, Dongqing Wang, Michelle L. Korte, Elena C. Hemler, Yasir Y. Abdullahi, Bruno Lankoande, Ourohire Millogo, Angela Chukwu, Firehiwot Workneh, Phyllis Kanki, Till Baernighausen, Yemane Berhane, Wafaie W. Fawzi, Ayoade Oduola
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on health services in sub-Saharan African countries, with disruptions in essential health services reported by both healthcare providers and community members. Nurses and HCPs working in private facilities had lower risks of reporting high service interruptions, while health services in Nigeria were more likely to be interrupted compared to Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders is essential to ensure the continuity of routine health services and develop adaptive approaches to healthcare during the pandemic.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nega Assefa, Yasir Y. Abdullahi, Elena C. Hemler, Bruno Lankoande, Isabel Madzorera, Dongqing Wang, Abbas Ismail, Angela Chukwu, Firehiwot Workneh, Frank Mapendo, Ourohire Millogo, Sulemana Watara Abubakari, Lawrence Gyabaa Febir, Isaac Lyatuu, Kassoum Dianou, Till Baernighausen, Abdramane Soura, Kwaku Poku Asante, Emily Smith, Said Vuai, Alemayehu Worku, Japhet Killewo, Mary Mwanyika-Sando, Yemane Berhane, Ali Sie, Raji Tajudeen, Ayo Oduola, Wafaie W. Fawzi
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious negative health and economic impacts in sub-Saharan Africa. Continuous monitoring of these impacts is crucial to formulate interventions to minimize the consequences of COVID-19.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
D. J. Erchick, E. A. Hazel, J. Katz, A. C. C. Lee, M. Diaz, L. S. F. Wu, S. Yoshida, R. Bahl, C. Grandi, A. B. Labrique, M. Rashid, S. Ahmed, A. D. Roy, R. Haque, S. Shaikh, A. H. Baqui, S. K. Saha, R. Khanam, S. Rahman, R. Shapiro, R. Zash, M. F. Silveira, R. Buffarini, P. Kolsteren, C. Lachat, L. Huybregts, D. Roberfroid, L. Zeng, Z. Zhu, J. He, X. Qiu, S. H. Gebreyesus, K. Tesfamariam, D. Bekele, G. Chan, E. Baye, F. Workneh, K. P. Asante, E. B. Kaali, S. Adu-Afarwuah, K. G. Dewey, S. Gyaase, B. J. Wylie, B. R. Kirkwood, A. Manu, R. D. Thulasiraj, J. Tielsch, R. Chowdhury, S. Taneja, G. R. Babu, P. Shriyan, P. Ashorn, K. Maleta, U. Ashorn, C. Mangani, S. Acevedo-Gallegos, M. J. Rodriguez-Sibaja, S. K. Khatry, S. C. LeClerq, L. C. Mullany, F. Jehan, M. Ilyas, S. J. Rogerson, H. W. Unger, R. Ghosh, S. Musange, V. Ramokolo, W. Zembe-Mkabile, M. Lazzerini, M. Rishard, D. Wang, W. W. Fawzi, D. T. R. Minja, C. Schmiegelow, H. Masanja, E. Smith, J. P. A. Lusingu, O. A. Msemo, F. M. Kabole, S. N. Slim, P. Keentupthai, A. Mongkolchati, R. Kajubi, A. Kakuru, P. Waiswa, D. Walker, D. H. Hamer, K. E. A. Semrau, E. B. Chaponda, R. M. Chico, B. Banda, K. Musokotwane, A. Manasyan, J. M. Pry, B. Chasekwa, J. Humphrey, R. E. Black
Summary: The study aims to examine the prevalence of novel newborn types among 541,285 live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021. The results show variations in the prevalence of different newborn types across regions and studies, highlighting the need for further investigation into the mortality risks associated with these types and the implications for targeted interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alison C. Gernand, Kelly Gallagher, Nita S. Bhandari, Patrick Kolsteren, Anne C. C. Lee, Yasir E. Shafiq, Sunita Taneja, James T. Tielsch, Firehiwot Workneh Abate, Estifanos Baye, Yemane Berhane, Ranadip Chowdhury, Trenton Dailey-Chwalibog, Brenda L. de Kok, Neeta D. Dhabhai, Fyezah J. Jehan, Yunhee W. Kang, Joanne Katz, Subarna C. Khatry, Carl Lachat, Sarmila Mazumder, Ameer Muhammad, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Sitanshi Sharma, Leigh P. Martin, Ravi Prakash Upadhyay, Parul A. Christian, Maternal BEP Studies Harmonizat Initiat
Summary: This study aims to harmonize variable definitions across multiple clinical intervention studies in order to facilitate individual participant data meta-analysis. Through consensus, they have identified important shared variables and improved protocols across studies.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Firehiwot Workneh, Alemayehu Worku, Nega Assefa, Yemane Berhane
Summary: This study assessed the change in depression prevalence and associated factors among healthcare providers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed a nearly three-fold increase in depression prevalence in Time 2 compared to Time 1. Depression was positively associated with a positive COVID-19 test result in Time 1, and with being a female healthcare provider and lack of COVID-19 related policy or guidelines at the workplace in Time 2.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Firehiwot Workneh, Sitota Tsegaye, Hanna Amanuel, Michelle Eglovitch, Tigest Shifraw, Fisseha Shiferie, Amare W. Tadesse, Alemayehu Worku, Sheila Isanaka, Anne C. C. Lee, Yemane Berhane
Summary: In rural areas of Ethiopia, pregnant women and their families recognize the importance of a diversified diet during pregnancy. However, limited access to nutritious foods, religious fasting, concerns about having a large infant, and alcohol use pose barriers to achieving dietary diversity. Consequently, locally appropriate counseling and interventions should be developed to increase access to and consumption of diverse foods.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abbas Ismail, Isabel Madzorera, Edward A. Apraku, Amani Tinkasimile, Dielbeogo Dasmane, Pascal Zabre, Millogo Ourohire, Nega Assefa, Angela Chukwu, Firehiwot Workneh, Frank Mapendo, Bruno W. Lankoande, Elena P. Hemler, Dongqing Wang, Sulemana W. Abubakari, Kwaku P. Asante, Till Baernighausen, Japhet Killewo, Ayoade Oduola, Ali Sie, Abdramane Soura, Said W. Vuai, Emily Smith, Yemane Berhane, Wafaie W. Fawzi
Summary: This study examines the economic impacts of COVID-19 on food prices, consumption, and dietary quality in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. The results indicate that higher food prices and lower diet quality persisted during the pandemic, with factors such as economic and social vulnerability and reliance on markets playing a role.
Article
Pediatrics
Fisseha Shiferie, Samson Gebremedhin, Gashaw Andargie, Dawit A. Tsegaye, Wondwossen A. Alemayehu, Legese Alemayehu Mekuria, Tamiru Wondie, Teferi Gedif Fenta
Summary: This study aimed to determine vaccination dropout rates and predictors in children aged 12-35 months in remote and underserved areas of Ethiopia. The study found that factors such as poverty, advanced maternal age, low women empowerment, and limited utilization of maternity care services contributed to vaccination dropout.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fisseha Shiferie, Firehiwot Workneh Abate, Tigest Shifraw, Michelle Eglovitch, Hanna Amanuel, Grace J. Chan, Sheila Isanaka, Amare Worku Tadesse, Alemayehu Worku, Anne C. C. Lee, Yemane Berhane
Summary: In Ethiopia, improving access to basic antenatal and neonatal health services can enhance maternal and newborn survival. This study explored the beliefs and attitudes towards seeking antenatal care among pregnant women, their families, community members, and healthcare providers in rural Amhara, Ethiopia. The findings revealed that early disclosure of pregnancy status was not common, and women were more likely to seek care only when they were sick or experiencing discomfort.
PAN AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Anne Cc Lee, Firehiwot Workneh Abate, Luke C. Mullany, Estifanos Baye, Yoseph Yemane Berhane, Mulatu Melese Derebe, Michelle Eglovitch, Nebiyou Fasil, Ingrid E. Olson, Workagegnehu Tarekegn Kidane, Tigest Shiferaw, Fisseha Shiferie, Fitsum Tsegaye, Sitota Tsegaye, Kalkidan Yibeltal, Grace J. Chan, Parul Christian, Sheila Isanaka, Yunhee Kang, Chunling Lu, Mandefro M. Mengistie, Rose L. Molina, Michele D. Stojanov, Fred Van Dyk, Amare Worku Tadesse, Asresie T. Wondale, Blair J. Wylie, Alemayehu Worku, Yemane Berhane
Summary: The ENAT study aims to examine the impact of enhanced pregnancy interventions on birth outcomes in rural Ethiopia. It is a randomized study implemented in 12 rural health centers, testing the effectiveness of nutrition and infection management packages. The primary outcomes are newborn weight and length. The study has obtained ethical approval and results will be disseminated to stakeholders.
BMJ PAEDIATRICS OPEN
(2022)