Prevalence and determinants of contraception utilization over time in Migori County, Kenya: Repeated cross-sectional household surveys.

Contraception use and family planning have been shown to save lives and benefit women, their families, and their communities. We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing data from a 2021 survey that was conducted across eight different regions in Migori County, Kenya to examine the potential role that different factors play in meeting family planning targets. Comparisons are made to data collected in 2018/2019 in order to estimate the change over time of contraception uptake. Descriptive statistics were calculated, the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to compare contraception use over time, and multivariable logistic regression was used to model determinants of contraceptive use. Sixty-four percent of respondents in 2021 reported that they currently use some form of contraception, and implants are the most popular contraceptive method. Factors associated with higher contraception usage were region, ages 25-34 years, and marital status. Contraception uptake increased significantly in East Kamagambo following a community-driven sexual and reproductive health intervention by the Lwala Community Alliance, suggesting that increased investment in family planning may be influential. We recommend targeted outreach to population groups with low uptake of contraception and investment in both demand- and supply-side interventions to increase contraceptive uptake. Additional research, especially for populations under 18, is needed to further inform effective investment and policy.

Determinants of modern contraceptive prevalence and unplanned pregnancies in Migori County, Kenya: results of a cross-sectional household survey.

Family planning and contraceptive utilization can have significant effects in reducing unplanned pregnancies and improving maternal and child health indicators. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study analyzing survey response data within six sub-locations of Migori County, Kenya in 2018 and 2019. We utilize this survey data to estimate both the prevalence of contraceptive uptake and unwanted pregnancies in the study populations, and to examine the potential role that different factors play in meeting related family planning targets. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multivariable logistic regression was used to model determinants of contraceptive use and reported unplanned pregnancy. A total of 3,642 female heads of household were included. 63% of respondents reported that they currently use some form of contraception, and the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 36.7%. Our findings reflect the need for family planning programs to focus interventions on those at highest risk. There is a need for additional research and investigation into community and individual beliefs surrounding family planning in order to ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive and locally responsive.

Knowledge of Obstetric and Neonatal Danger Signs among Community Health Workers in the Rongo Sub-County of Migori County, Kenya: Results of a Community-based Cross-Sectional Survey.

In efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, it is recommended that all pregnant women be counseled on signs of pregnancy related complications and neonatal illness. In resource limited settings, such counselling may be task-shifted to lay health workers. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey of community health workers/volunteers in North and East Kamagambo of the Rongo Sub- County of Migori County, Kenya, between January-April 2018. A survey tool was administered through face-to-face interviews to investigate the level of knowledge of obstetric and neonatal danger signs among community health workers in North Kamagambo after one year of participation in the Lwala program, as well as to evaluate baseline knowledge of community health volunteers in East Kamagambo at the beginning of Lwala's expansion and prior to their receiving training from Lwala. The North Kamagambo group identified more danger signs in each category. The percentage of participants with adequate knowledge in the pregnancy, postpartum, and neonatal categories was significantly higher in North Kamagambo than in East Kamagambo. Sixty percent of participants in North Kamagambo knew 3 or more danger signs in 3 or more categories, compared to 24% of participants in East Kamagambo. Location in North Kamagambo (OR 2.526, p=0.03) and a shorter time since most recent training (OR 2.291, p=0.025) were associated with increased knowledge. Our study revealed varying levels of knowledge among two populations of lay health workers. This study highlights the benefit of frequent trainings and placing greater emphasis on identified gaps in knowledge of the labor and postpartum periods.

Interpersonal violence against women and maternity care in Migori County, Kenya: evidence from a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Interpersonal violence (IPV) is an issue of major public health concern, with 24% of Kenyan women reporting physical violence perpetrated by a current husband or partner. IPV has profound impacts on physical and mental health outcomes, particularly for pregnant women; it has been found to increase the risk of perinatal mortality, low birth weight, and preterm birth. This study aims to identify variables associated with IPV and assess the effects of IPV experience on prenatal and peripartum maternal healthcare in Migori County, Kenya. Findings build on a previous study that investigated a smaller region of Migori County. Methods: Responses to cross-sectional household surveys conducted in six wards of Migori County, Kenya in 2021 from female respondents aged 18 and older were analyzed. The survey contained validated screening tools for interpersonal violence. Group-wise comparisons, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to describe community prevalence, factors associated with IPV against women, and the effect of IPV exposure on prenatal and peripartum health care. Results: This study finds that 2,306 (36.7%) of the 6,290 respondents had experienced lifetime IPV. IPV experience was associated with the age group 25-49 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.208; 95%CI: [1.045-1.397]; p = 0.011), monogamous marriage [aOR 2.152; 95%CI: (1.426-3.248); p < 0.001], polygamous marriage [aOR 2.924; 95%CI: (1.826-4.683); p < 0.001], being widowed/divorced/separated [aOR 1.745; 95%CI: (1.094-2.786); p < 0.001], feeling an attitude of "sometimes okay" toward wife beating [aOR 2.002 95%CI: (1.651, 2.428); p < 0.001], having been exposed to IPV in girlhood [aOR 2.525; 95%CI: (2.202-2.896); p < 0.001] and feeling safe in the current relationship [aOR 0.722; 95%CI: (0.609, 0.855); p < 0.001]. A depression score of mild [aOR 1.482; 95%CI: (1.269, 1.73); p < 0.001] and severe [aOR 2.403; 95%CI: (1.429, 4.039); p = 0.001] was also associated with IPV experience, and women who experienced emotional abuse were much more likely to have experienced IPV [aOR 10.462; 95% CI: (9.037, 12.112); p < 0.001]. Adjusted analyses showed that having experienced IPV was negatively associated with attending at least four antenatal care visits during the most recent pregnancy (OR 0.849, p = 0.044) and with having a skilled birth attendant (OR 0.638, p = 0.007). Conclusions: IPV is prevalent in Migori County, Kenya, with increased prevalence among women aged 25-49, those residing in West Kanyamkago, those in a monogamous or polygamous marriage, those who have been widowed/divorced/separated, and those with severe depressive symptoms. Further, IPV exposure is associated with lower use of maternal care services and may lead to worse maternal health outcomes. There is need for enhanced effort in addressing social and gender norms that perpetuate IPV, and this study can contribute to guiding policy interventions and community responses towards IPV.

Predictors of under-five healthcare utilization in Rongo sub-county of Migori County, Kenya: results of a population-based cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: to achieve the sustainable development goal for child survival, we must better understand the socioeconomic characteristics, household behaviors and access to community health services which predict care utilization for children. This study assessed predictors of health care utilization for children under five in Migori County, Kenya. Methods: we used multivariable logistic regression in the context of an integrated health intervention which employed paid, trained, and supervised community health workers (CHWs), inclusive of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). The intervention was delivered with Ministry of Health in one of five geographies included in the study. Results: community health workers (CHW) home visits were associated with a two-fold increase in care seeking for children with respiratory symptoms. Following implementation of a CHW-led malaria intervention, the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests increased, while fever prevalence decreased. Households in the intervention area were three times more likely to seek care for their child´s fever. Increased care utilization for children with fever was positively associated with male partner attendance at antenatal care visits and negatively associated with skilled delivery and recognition of warning signs. Care utilization for respiratory symptoms was positively associated with caregiver education and negatively associated with household size. Care utilization for diarrhea was positively associated with having a recent under-five death in the household. Conclusion: the study suggests that trained and motivated CHWs may be an effective tool for improving care utilization for children. Further, the study builds on evidence of male partner involvement and caregiver education as predictors of child care utilization.

The Prevalence of Interpersonal Violence (IPV) Against Women and its Associated Variables: An Exploratory Study in the Rongo Sub-County of Migori County, Kenya.

Interpersonal violence (IPV) within intimate partner relationships and gender-based violence remain major public health problems worldwide; 44.8% of Kenyan women have reported experiencing IPV beginning after the age of 15 years (National Bureau of Statistics Nairobi, Kenya, 2015). Combatting IPV and its sequelae is integral to promoting gender equality, a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals. We quantify the lifetime prevalence of IPV among women in two rural Kenyan communities, as well as factors associated with IPV in this area, such as educational attainment and severe depression. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey of households in the North and East Kamagambo wards of Migori County, Kenya in May 2018. A questionnaire regarding IPV was given to female respondents. Group-wise comparisons and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to describe community prevalence and factors associated with IPV against women. A total of 873 women completed questions about IPV, representing a population estimate of 11,252 women in the study area. Lifetime IPV prevalence in the study area was 60.3%. Variables associated with IPV included involvement in a polygamous marriage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.13, 2.88]; p = .013), attaining six or fewer years of education (aOR: 1.84; 95% CI: [1.27, 2.66]; p = .001), and IPV exposure in girlhood (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: [1.12, 2.28]; p = .011). IPV was independently associated with experience of emotional abuse (OR: 11.22; 95% CI: [7.02, 17.95]; p < .001) and severe depression (OR: 3.51; 95% CI: [1.03, 11.97]; p = .045). Violence against women is a public health emergency in Migori County, Kenya. Low educational attainment, IPV exposure in girlhood, and polygamy were significantly associated with experience of IPV. Our results provide hyper-local data necessary for targeted interventions and generalizable data with sampling methods for use by other implementing organizations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Prioritising the role of community health workers in the COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable. Community health workers are poised to play a pivotal role in fighting the pandemic, especially in countries with less resilient health systems. Drawing from practitioner expertise across four WHO regions, this article outlines the targeted actions needed at different stages of the pandemic to achieve the following goals: (1) PROTECT healthcare workers, (2) INTERRUPT the virus, (3) MAINTAIN existing healthcare services while surging their capacity, and (4) SHIELD the most vulnerable from socioeconomic shocks. While decisive action must be taken now to blunt the impact of the pandemic in countries likely to be hit the hardest, many of the investments in the supply chain, compensation, dedicated supervision, continuous training and performance management necessary for rapid community response in a pandemic are the same as those required to achieve universal healthcare and prevent the next epidemic.