Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anbrasi Edward, Younghee Jung, Grace Ettyang, Chhea Chhorvann, Casey Risko, Annette E. Ghee, Jane Chege
Summary: This study examined the impact of multilevel community-oriented interventions on reproductive care-seeking for adolescents and adults in Cambodia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Zambia. The results showed no significant differences in the care continuum between adolescents and adults, except for Kenya. In some countries, adolescents in intervention sites showed significantly higher utilization of reproductive care services.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tamala Gondwe, Muloongo Simuzingili, Tiffany L. Green
Summary: This study analyzed data from the U.S. National Survey of Family Growth and found that receiving prenatal care, regardless of the source, reduced the likelihood of not receiving postpartum health care within a year after delivery. Interventions aimed at women who did not receive any prenatal care may be critical for improving postpartum health care use and preventing adverse maternal outcomes.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Michelle Kao Nakphong, Emma Sacks, James Opot, May Sudhinaraset
Summary: This study found that 17.6% of women reported newborn separation at health facilities, with 71.9% being separated for over 10 minutes. 59.9% reported that consent was not obtained for procedures on their newborn. Women whose newborns were separated for more than 10 minutes were 44% less likely to exclusively breastfeed at 2-4 weeks.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Patience A. Afulani, Raymond A. Aborigo, Jerry John Nutor, Jaffer Okiring, Irene Kuwolamo, Beryl A. Ogolla, Edwina N. Oboke, John Baptist K. Dorzie, Osamuedeme J. Odiase, Jody Steinauer, Dilys Walker
Summary: The study evaluated the psychometric properties of a provider-reported PCMC scale, finding inadequate provision of PCMC in Kenya and Ghana. The research showed that provider burnout is a key driver of poor PCMC.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yilin Chen, Enrique M. Saldarriaga, Michalina A. Montano, Kenneth Ngure, Nicholas Thuo, Catherine Kiptinness, Maeve Rafferty, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Andy Stergachis, Melissa Latigo Mugambi, Katrina F. Ortblad, Monisha Sharma
Summary: This study aims to assess user preferences for delivering HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) via online pharmacies through a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The study will be conducted in partnership with MYDAWA in Nairobi, Kenya, with a sample size of over 400 participants. The findings will provide valuable insights for expanding PrEP coverage and improving acceptance of online pharmacy delivery.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Loredana Cena, Matteo Rota, Stefano Calza, Barbara Massardi, Alice Trainini, Alberto Stefana
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted maternal and perinatal healthcare services in Italy, particularly in heavily affected regions like Lombardy and Veneto. Many facilities reported negative effects on their operations, including understaffing and disruptions to routine visits and examinations. This study highlights the unpreparedness of healthcare systems in handling global health emergencies, with specialized maternal and perinatal services being greatly affected.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
George Ayodo, George O. Onyango, Salome Wawire, Nadia Diamond-Smith
Summary: This study identified barriers to the utilization of maternal and newborn services in rural Western Kenya, including poor uptake of ANC services due to unintended pregnancies, limited knowledge, and lack of support. The role of community health workers was appreciated, but poor government infrastructure and issues such as harshness of healthcare providers and poor management of high-risk pregnancies were found to be significant challenges impacting care services. Addressing these barriers could improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns both within health facilities and in the community.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ceejay L. Boyce, Tatiana Sils, Daisy Ko, Annie Wong-on-Wing, Ingrid A. Beck, Sheila M. Styrchak, Patricia DeMarrais, Camlin Tierney, Lynda Stranix-Chibanda, Patricia M. Flynn, Taha E. Taha, Maxensia Owor, Mary Glenn Fowler, Lisa M. Frenkel
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between maternal HIV drug resistance and the risk of vertical transmission and to analyze the dynamics of drug resistance in HIV-infected infants. The results showed that maternal drug resistance and viral load were independent risk factors for vertical transmission during breastfeeding. These findings support efforts to suppress HIV replication during pregnancy and suggest the use of prophylaxis with higher drug resistance barriers for breastfeeding infants.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexander Manu, Sk Massum Billah, John Williams, Stella Kilima, Francis Yeji, Ziaul Matin, Asia Hussein, Fatima Gohar, Priscilla Wobil, Peter Baffoe, Farhana Karim, Projestine Muganyizi, Deus Mogela, Shams El Arifeen, Maya Vandenent, Kyaw Aung, Mrunal Shetye, Kim Eva Dickson, Nabila Zaka, Luwei Pearson, Tedbabe D. Hailegebriel
Summary: The study found that implementing the UNICEF/WHO Every Mother Every Newborn Quality Improvement (EMEN-QI) standards in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Tanzania can significantly reduce neonatal and perinatal mortality rates, as well as improve maternal mortality rates. By implementing this packaged standard, improvements in mortality rates around childbirth can be promoted within existing healthcare systems.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ellen Nolte, Jemima H. Kamano, Violet Naanyu, Anthony Etyang, Antonio Gasparrini, Kara Hanson, Hillary Koros, Richard Mugo, Adrianna Murphy, Robinson Oyando, Triantafyllos Pliakas, Vincent Were, Ruth Willis, Edwine Barasa, Pablo Perel
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the PIC4C model in caring for NCD patients in Kenya, using a combination of in-depth interviews, surveys, and cohort studies to assess implementation and patient needs. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through workshops to stakeholders at various levels.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jacinta Nzinga, Caroline Jones, David Gathara, Mike English
Summary: Embedding researchers within health systems can lead to more socially relevant research and effective uptake of evidence. Collaborating with stakeholders using participatory research methods can enhance research outcomes and facilitate the translation of evidence into policy and practice.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicole Minckas, Lu Gram, Colette Smith, Jenevieve Mannell
Summary: This review examines the postnatal effects of disrespect and abuse experienced by women and newborns during childbirth. The study highlights gaps in research that could improve health outcomes for women and newborns during childbirth. Understanding the consequences of negative birth experiences may help advance the agenda of respectful care.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Catherine N. Morris, Kate Meehan, Hussein Had, Sammy O. Barasa, Hasna Zainul, Michelle Hynes, Ribka Amsalu
Summary: This study aimed to estimate referral compliance for newborn and maternal complications in Bosaso, Somalia, and explore factors influencing compliance. The study found that over 94% of pregnant women and newborns complied with referral and arrived at the hospital within 24 hours, citing trust in medical authority, transportation and healthcare costs, quality of care, and communication as key factors. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare costs and suggests improvements in the referral process and communication.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thilini Agampodi, Gayani Amarasinghe, Anuprabha Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Wickramasinghe, Janith Warnasekara, Imasha Jayasinghe, Ayesh Hettiarachchi, Dilshi Nimesha, Thivanka Dilshani, Subhashinie Senadheera, Suneth Agampodi
Summary: This article presents the experience of a program in Sri Lanka that combines screening and management of antenatal anxiety and depression. The program identifies symptoms and reasons for anxiety and depression through a two-stage screening approach. The findings suggest that most mental health problems in early pregnancy are related to anxiety and can be managed at the primary healthcare level. The program also highlights the importance of combining psychometric tools with clinical interviews for targeted patient-centered care.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Deborah Goldstein, Michael Salvatore, Robert Ferris, Benjamin Ryan Phelps, Thomas Minior
Summary: Ending the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa relies on integrating HIV and primary health care services, with person-centred differentiated service delivery, community-based interventions, and a well supported health workforce. Strategic financing and partnerships with various stakeholders are crucial for successful integration. Integration of HIV programming with primary health care offers hope and opportunity to end the epidemic by 2030.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew F. Chersich, Fiona Scorgie, Veronique Filippi, Stanley Luchters
Summary: Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability to high ambient temperatures in women and newborns. This can lead to various clinical consequences. To adapt to this situation, behavioral changes, health system interventions, building modifications, and climate financing are proposed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Alana Russo, Belinda Lewis, Razia Ali, Atiq Abed, Grant Russell, Stanley Luchters
Summary: This study explores the perspectives and experiences of married Afghan women and men in Melbourne, Australia in terms of sex, sexuality, and intimate relationships. Male participants perceive increased access to sex and sexually explicit materials in Australia, leading to more fulfilling sex lives. Many women also express a growing awareness of sexuality but struggle to prioritize their own pleasure. Concerns about sexual freedom present new challenges for the Afghan community, as men fear women exercising sexual liberties outside the home, and women feel obliged to meet their husbands' desires due to easy access to extramarital sex among men in Australia.
ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Angela Migowa, Sasha Bernatsky, Anthony Ngugi, Helen E. Foster, Peter Muriuki, Adelaide Lusambili, Stanley Luchters
Summary: Delay in diagnosis and access to specialist care is a major problem for children and young people with rheumatic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. It is important to educate and empower non-specialist healthcare workers in pediatric rheumatology to improve early diagnosis and management.
PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joseph Newton Guni, Stanley Wechuli Wanjala, Griffins Manguro, Caroline Gichuki, Megan S. C. Lim, Minh D. Pham, Stanley Luchters, James Orwa
Summary: A perceived stigma index was developed to measure the factors contributing to stigma among sex workers in Kenya. The study identified income and family support, society's awareness of the sex workers' sexual and reproductive history, and different forms of relationship control as major factors contributing to the perceived stigma.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
James Orwa, Samwel Maina Gatimu, Paulino Ariho, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters
Summary: In Kenya, there are disparities in fertility rates among married women of reproductive age. The study found that education level is the main factor affecting the decline in fertility rates between 2003 and 2014.
Article
Immunology
Yasmin Mohamed, Hla Htay, Janet Gare, Andrew J. B. Vallely, Angela Kelly-Hanku, Win Lei Yee, Paul A. Agius, Steven G. Badman, Minh Duc, Claire Nightingale, Xiang-Sheng Chen, Zure Kombati, Amelia Koata, Gloria Munnull, Selina Silim, Win Thein, Tin Maung Zaw, Latt Latt Kyaw, Mark Stoove, Suzanne M. Crowe, David Anderson, Htay Htay Tin, Stanley Luchters
Summary: This study assessed the effect of a point-of-care early infant diagnosis test on time-to-results communication for infants vertically exposed to HIV. The results showed that the point-of-care test reduced time to early infant diagnosis results communication. This study highlights the importance of scaling up point-of-care early infant diagnosis testing in resource-constrained and low HIV-prevalence settings.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stanley W. Wanjala, Moses K. Nyongesa, Rachael Mapenzi, Stanley Luchters, Amina Abubakar
Summary: This study investigated the experiences of HIV-related stigma and its effects among adults living with HIV in rural Kilifi, Kenya. The results revealed that these individuals faced various forms of HIV-related stigma, which affected their treatment and daily lives. HIV-related stigma led to partial or non-disclosure of HIV status, medication non-adherence, and negative impacts on mental health. Therefore, targeted interventions and effective anti-stigma programs are urgently needed to address HIV-related stigma and improve the well-being of adults living with HIV.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Jane Fisher, Thach Tran, Ha Tran, Stanley Luchters, David B. Hipgrave, Hau Nguyen, Thuy Tran, Sarah Hanieh, Julie Anne Simpson, Beverley-Ann Biggs, Tuan Tran
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether a multi-component program could improve cognitive development in 2-year-old children. The findings from the randomized controlled trial conducted in rural Vietnam showed that the program was effective in enhancing children's cognitive scores, suggesting its potential for implementation in other resource-constrained settings.
LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
James Orwa, Marleen Temmerman, Lucy Nyaga, Kennedy Mulama, Stanley Luchters
Summary: A rapid assessment identified poor maternal and newborn indicators in 16 out of 23 government health facilities. The AQCESS project provided support to these facilities with training, equipment, and referral linkages. This study focuses on the facility preparedness of the 16 facilities to deliver maternal and newborn health services at the end of the project implementation.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Jacqueline E. Kawishe, Anthony Ngugi, Stanley Luchters, Helen Foster, Angela Migowa
Summary: This study aimed to translate and determine the diagnostic accuracy and acceptability of a Kiswahili version of the pGALS screening tool among Kiswahili-speaking children. The Kiswahili-pGALS was found to be a useful screening tool to aid early identification of musculoskeletal conditions in Kiswahili-speaking settings, with high sensitivity but low specificity.
PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
F. Scorgie, A. Lusambili, S. Luchters, P. Khaemba, V. Filippi, B. Nakstad, J. Hess, C. Birch, S. Kovats, M. F. Chersich
Summary: Heat exposure during pregnancy can have adverse health effects, but there is a lack of research on the experiences of pregnant women in high temperatures. Qualitative research in rural Kenya found that pregnant women experienced symptoms of heat exhaustion and continued to engage in physically demanding household chores despite the heat. Limited support from family members and gender dynamics within households may contribute to this phenomenon. Climate change risk reduction strategies for pregnant women in low-resource settings should consider these local factors.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Adelaide Lusambili, Peter Khaemba, Felix Agoi, Martha Oguna, Britt Nakstad, Fiona Scorgie, Veronique Filippi, Jeremy Hess, Nathalie Roos, Mathew Chersich, Sari Kovats, Stanley Luchters
Summary: Increasing ambient heat exposure due to climate change affects the health of pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns. Limited evidence exists regarding interventions to prevent heat-related health issues in East Africa. Codesigning and integrating local-indigenous and conventional knowledge is crucial for developing effective climate change adaptation strategies.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yeji Baek, Zanfina Ademi, Thach Tran, Alice Owen, Trang Nguyen, Stanley Luchters, David B. Hipgrave, Sarah Hanieh, Tuan Tran, Ha Tran, Beverley-Ann Biggs, Jane Fisher
Summary: Considering equity in early childhood development (ECD) is important to ensure healthy development for every child. This cost-effectiveness study examined the equity impacts of a multicomponent ECD intervention in rural Vietnam. The intervention showed greater cost-effectiveness in disadvantaged groups, promoting equity while improving child cognitive development.
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Minh D. Pham, Susan M. Sawyer, Paul A. Agius, Elissa C. Kennedy, Ansariadi Ansariadi, Fransiska Kaligis, Tjhin Wiguna, Nisaa R. Wulan, Yoga Devaera, Bernie E. Medise, Aida Riyanti, Budi Wiweko, Karly I. Cini, Thach Tran, Jane Fisher, Stanley Luchters, Peter S. Azzopardi
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs among Indonesian adolescents, with a focus on mental and physical health risks. The study found that a significant proportion of adolescents reported foregoing medical care, and identified factors such as poly-victimisation and seeking care for mental health needs that increased the risk of unmet healthcare needs. The study also highlighted differences in barriers to accessing healthcare between in-school and out-of-school adolescents.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH - SOUTHEAST ASIA
(2023)