Article
Economics
Mehreen Mookerjee, Manini Ojha, Sanket Roy
Summary: This study finds that limiting fertility through the use of contraceptives has a positive impact on child health, leading to increased height and reduced likelihood of stunting. The resource-dilution hypothesis is a potential mechanism explaining these findings.
ECONOMIC MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kyunghoon Kim, Hyeong-Moo Shin, Stefanie A. Busgang, Dana Boyd Barr, Parinya Panuwet, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Deborah H. Bennett
Summary: This study measured the concentrations of phenols and parabens in the urine samples of pregnant women in California from 2007 to 2014, finding a decreasing trend in certain substances over time, with levels consistently lower than in pregnant women in other U.S. regions. This may be attributed to national regulations or advocacy campaigns in California.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pooja Singh, Kaushalendra Kumar Singh, Pragya Singh
Summary: Maternal deaths among young women account for 38% of total maternal mortality in India. Utilizing maternal health care services can reduce maternal mortality substantially. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on young women. The study analyzed data from National Family Health Surveys in India from 1992 to 2016 and found that factors such as birth order, education, social group, and wealth quintile influence the utilization of maternal health care services. Efforts should be made to address the low coverage of ANC and SBA among underprivileged young mothers.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lema Tafa, Yoseph Worku
Summary: The study found that the magnitude of PPFP utilization in Addis Ababa was 71.8%, with factors associated with PPFP use including previous family planning information, FP information from health facility visit, antenatal care, counseling about FP during postnatal care, resumption of menses after birth, and commencing sexual activity after birth.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jeanne L. Alhusen, Tina Bloom, Kathryn Laughon, Lillian Behan, Rosemary B. Hughes
Summary: This qualitative study explored the perceptions of barriers to effective family planning services among women with disabilities, revealing multiple obstacles they face including physical/system barriers, financial limitations, and nonresponsive healthcare providers. The findings underscore the need for improved reproductive healthcare, access to family planning services, and prevention of unintended pregnancy among women with disabilities.
DISABILITY AND HEALTH JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa J. W. Liu, James A. G. Crispo, Paxton Bach, Dominique R. Ansell, Dylan Thibault, Allison W. Willis, Jacquelyn J. Cragg
Summary: The objective of this study was to examine trends in amphetamine-related hospitalisations in the USA between 2003 and 2014, including by age and sex. The study found that the hospitalisation rates increased during this period, with higher rates among younger individuals and men. Regional differences were observed, with Western hospitals having higher mortality rates and shorter lengths of stay compared to Northeast hospitals. Males and self-pay patients were more likely to leave against medical advice. The study suggests that the increasing rates of amphetamine-related hospitalisation may be overshadowed by other public health crises, and regional interventions may have the greatest population health benefits.
Article
Economics
Ben D'Exelle, Charlotte Ringdal
Summary: Research found that in rural areas, families are more likely to choose family planning services if the husband is involved, especially when the wife incorrectly believes that the husband disapproves of contraceptives. Therefore, communication between spouses could reduce demand constraints.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Yen Nguyen, Katherine C. McNabb, Jason E. Farley, Nicole Warren
Summary: This article summarizes and evaluates the current evidence on the outcomes of tuberculosis (TB)-associated pregnancies, the state of science regarding family planning during TB treatment, and provides recommendations to improve care and outcomes for TB patients. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines, and a total of 69 studies were included. The findings highlight the importance of integrating family planning services within TB treatment programs to reduce adverse maternal and child outcomes. However, the value of offering family planning to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes in women with TB or drug-resistant TB has received little attention. The review provides recommendations for clinicians, TB programs, and researchers based on the presented evidence.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christian P. Selinger, Helen Steed, Satvinder Purewal, Rebecca Homer, Matthew Brookes, NIHR BioResource
Summary: Women with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) have lower fertility rates and family planning choices are not fully understood.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Faranak Ershadi, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Mirzaei, Nasim Tabrizi, Babak Roshanravan, Adeleh Sahebnasagh, Razieh Avan
Summary: A study was conducted in Birjand, Iran to evaluate the use of family planning methods in married women with epilepsy. The results showed that a significant percentage of patients did not use effective family planning methods.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liza Fuentes, Ayana Douglas-Hall, Christina E. E. Geddes, Megan L. L. Kavanaugh
Summary: Public funding plays a key role in reducing cost barriers to sexual and reproductive health care. This study examines the sociodemographic and healthcare seeking profiles of individuals in three states where public funding for health services has recently changed. The study also investigates the impact of health insurance status on delays or difficulties in accessing preferred contraception. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring access and use of sexual and reproductive health services in the wake of funding shifts.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lois Hawkins, Alida M. Gertz, Opelo Badubi, Ontiretse Sickboy, Aamirah Mussa, Tshego Maotwe, Paul G. Whittaker, Courtney A. Schreiber, Doreen Ramagola-Masire, Chelsea Morroni
Summary: Introducing on-site contraceptive services in an HIV clinic in Botswana encouraged discussions about family planning and increased interest in long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among female patients living with HIV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hildah Nkonde, Bright Mukanga, Victor Daka
Summary: This study explored the influence of male partners on women's choices and utilization of family planning services in Mufulira district, Zambia. The findings revealed key themes such as fear of infidelity, fear of physical abuse, preference for a large family size, disruption of sexual pleasure, and perceived side effects of contraceptives. These themes highlight the influence of culturally driven gender and power dynamics on male partner attitudes towards contraception.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Yong Zhou, Yujin Huang, Qi Yang, Fan Xiao
Summary: Understanding air transport geography is crucial for regional economic development. This study uses Zipf's law to analyze the geographical distribution of air traffic in China from 1980 to 2019 and identify the driving forces behind it. The findings reveal that the distribution follows Zipf's law, with freight flow being more significant than passenger flow. Factors such as international trade, foreign business travelers, and foreign direct investment shape the geographical distribution of air traffic.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mary N. Thiongo, Peter B. Gichangi, Michael Waithaka, Amy Tsui, Linnea A. Zimmerman, Scott Radloff, Marleen Temmerman, Saifuddin Ahmed
Summary: This study reveals that a significant proportion of women miss opportunities for family planning/contraceptive counseling within 2 years postpartum. Programs should address and improve these missed opportunities.
Review
Ophthalmology
Edmund Mushumbusi, John Buchan, Islay Mactaggart, David Macleod, Allen Foster
Summary: The study supports the rationale for focusing eye disease surveys on populations aged 50 and over to significantly reduce sample size while still capturing a high proportion of blindness cases; the scarcity of total population-based surveys highlights the ongoing need for Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness in international service planning.
OPHTHALMIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohammed Limbada, Chiti Bwalya, David Macleod, Osborn Shibwela, Sian Floyd, Diana Nzara, Vasty Situmbeko, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Helen Ayles
Summary: Community delivery of Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a feasible and acceptable approach to increase sustainable ART coverage, with a majority expressing a preference for Home-based delivery (HBD) in a study in Zambia.
Article
Ophthalmology
Jeremy J. Hoffman, Reena Yadav, Sandip D. Sanyam, Pankaj Chaudhary, Abhishek Roshan, Sanjay K. Singh, Sailesh K. Mishra, Simon Arunga, Victor H. Hu, David Macleod, Astrid Leck, Matthew J. Burton
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether the use of low-cost 0.2% chlorhexidine gel is noninferior to 5% topical natamycin for the treatment of filamentous fungal keratitis. The results showed that natamycin treatment is associated with significantly better visual acuity and fewer adverse events compared to chlorhexidine treatment.
Article
Immunology
Mohammed Limbada, David Macleod, Vasty Situmbeko, Ellen Muhau, Osborn Shibwela, Bwalya Chiti, Sian Floyd, Albertus J. Schaap, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Helen Ayles
Summary: This trial compared two community models of ART delivery, home-based delivery and adherence clubs, with standard of care in terms of effectiveness and feasibility for people with stable HIV. The results demonstrated that these alternative community models were as effective as facility-based care in terms of viral suppression.
Article
Microbiology
Jeremy J. Hoffman, Reena Yadav, Sandip Das Sanyam, Pankaj Chaudhary, Abhishek Roshan, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Simon Arunga, Victor H. Hu, David Macleod, Astrid Leck, Matthew J. Burton
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and epidemiological features of microbial keratitis in Nepal and developed a predictor score to determine the microbial aetiology. Fungal infection was found to be the main cause of keratitis, with dematiaceous fungi being particularly prevalent. Serrated infiltrate margins, patent nasolacrimal duct, raised corneal slough, and organic trauma were identified as independent predictors of fungal keratitis.
Article
Ophthalmology
Nyawira Mwangi, Covadonga Bascaran, Stephen Gichuhi, Mathew Kipturgo, Lucy Manyara, David Macleod, Consuela Moorman, Allen Foster
Summary: This study assessed the health system for diabetes and DR in Kenya and explored the need and relevance of integrating diabetes and DR care. The findings indicate that integration of services can address discontinuity of care and a conceptual framework for implementation is proposed.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Luke Nelson Allen, Shona Mackinnon, Iris Gordon, David Blane, Ana Patricia Marques, Stephen Gichuhi, Alice Mwangi, Matthew J. Burton, Nigel Bolster, David Macleod, Min Kim, Jacqueline Ramke, Andrew Bastawrous
Summary: This protocol describes a systematic review that aims to compare the resource requirements, performance characteristics, and acceptability of three different approaches to collect socioeconomic status (SES) data. The review will analyze published and publicly accessible data to assess the relative costs and benefits of each approach. The findings will be useful for policymakers and program managers in various health and non-health settings.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Luke N. Allen, Bakgaki Ratshaa, David Macleod, Nigel Bolster, Matthew Burton, Min Kim, Andrew Bastawrous, Ari Ho-Foster, Hannah Chroston, Oathokwa Nkomazana
Summary: This study will use behavioral economics principles to develop SMS and voice reminder messages to improve attendance rates in a school-based eye screening program in Botswana. The research will use an adaptive trial design and be embedded in a national screening program.
Article
Immunology
James R. Hargreaves, Triantafyllos Pliakas, Graeme Hoddinott, Tila Mainga, Constance Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa, Deborah Donnell, Ethan Wilson, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Yaw Agyei, Nomtha F. Bell-Mandla, Rory Dunbar, Ab Schaap, David Macleod, Sian Floyd, Peter Bock, Sarah Fidler, Janet Seeley, Anne Stangl, Virginia Bond, Helen Ayles, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This study investigated the association between individual and community-level measures of HIV stigma and HIV incidence. The results showed no significant association between measured stigma and HIV infection risk in the study population.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Roxanne Annoh, John Buchan, Stephen Gichuhi, Heiko Philippin, Simon Arunga, Agrippa Mukome, Fisseha Admassu, Karinya Lewis, William Makupa, Juliet Otiti-Sengeri, Min Kim, David MacLeod, Matthew J. Burton, William H. Dean
Summary: Simulation-based surgical education has a positive, immediate, and sustained impact on core surgical skill competency in trabeculectomy among resident ophthalmologists in training.
JOURNAL OF GLAUCOMA
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Heiko Philippin, Einoti Naino Matayan, Karin Marianne Knoll, Edith Macha, Sia Mbishi, Andrew Makupa, Cristovao Daniel Matsinhe, Isac Vasco da Gama, Mario Jorge Monjane, Joyce Awum Ncheda, Francisco Alcides Francisco Mulobuana, Elisante Muna, Nelly Fopoussi Guylene, Gus Gazzard, Ana Patricia Marques, Peter Shah, David Macleod, William Makupa, Matthew J. Burton
Summary: This study compared the performance of the Disc Damage Likelihood Scale (DDLS) and cup:disc ratio (CDR) in functional glaucoma staging. DDLS showed a moderate advantage over CDR in identifying severe/end-stage glaucoma. Clinical examination of the optic disc is important for managing severe/end-stage glaucoma in addition to functional assessment.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manash Shrestha, Josselyn Neukom, Sanjaya Acharya, Muhammad Naeem Habib, Lyndes Wini, Tran Thanh Duong, Ngo Duc Thang, Karma Lhazeen, Kamala Thriemer, Caroline Anita Lynch
Summary: This study aims to develop an Options Assessment Toolkit (OAT) to help National Malaria Programs (NMPs) determine optimal radical cure options for vivax malaria. The toolkit will be developed in four phases using participatory research methods and will be pilot-tested with NMPs in the Asia Pacific region.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Stephen Tuft, Jennifer Evans, Iris Gordon, Astrid Leck, Neil Stone, Timothy Neal, David Macleod, Stephen Kaye, Matthew J. Burton
Summary: This study aims to provide global and regional prevalence estimates of antimicrobial resistance in corneal isolates and their associated minimum inhibitory concentrations. The research will include studies on bacterial, fungal, or amoebic organisms isolated from suspected microbial keratitis, reporting data on resistance or minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials.This study is of great significance for the research of antimicrobial resistance in keratitis, providing guidance for clinical treatment.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Luke N. Allen, Oathokwa Nkomazana, Sailesh Kumar Mishra, Michael Gichangi, David Macleod, Jacqueline Ramke, Nigel Bolster, Ana Patricia Marques, Hilary Rono, Matthew Burton, Min Kim, Bakgaki Ratshaa, Sarah Karanja, Ari Ho-Foster, Andrew Bastawrous
Summary: The research team has developed an equity-focused continuous improvement model that combines the prioritization of disadvantaged groups with expanding service coverage. The model involves collecting sociodemographic data, identifying marginalized groups, engaging with service users to understand barriers and potential solutions, and testing these solutions through embedded trials. This paper provides a rationale for the model, an overview of its elements, and potential applications. Future work will present findings from implementing the model in eye-health programs in Botswana, India, Kenya, and Nepal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Charles R. Cleland, Justus Rwiza, Jennifer R. Evans, Iris Gordon, David MacLeod, Matthew J. Burton, Covadonga Bascaran
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness globally, and there is increasing evidence supporting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diabetic eye care for screening populations at risk in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the implementation of AI in clinical practice is limited. A scoping review was conducted to identify AI tools used for DR in LMICs and report their performance. While the reported sensitivities and specificities were generally high, there was limited information on cost, regulatory approvals, and health outcomes improvement. Further research beyond sensitivities and specificities is needed before wider implementation.
BMJ OPEN DIABETES RESEARCH & CARE
(2023)