Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and risks of low birth weight and preterm birth in hospitals of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Intimate partner Violence (IPV) can affect any woman, irrespective of their economic status, religion, or culture. This is a human-rights issue and due to its prevalence and adverse effects on pregnancy and birth, it must be given greater attention. Further, there is a lack of data in the Tigray region about adverse birth outcomes due to intimate partner violence during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with low birth weight and preterm birth in Tigray region. Across-sectional study design was used. 647 women were involved in the study. Simple random sampling techniques were employed to select health facilities and systematic sampling was used to select study participants. Data were entered using Epi info version 3.5.1 and was analyzed using SPSSversion 20. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and preterm birth and low birth weight while adjusting for possible confounders. The prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 7.3% and the prevalence of low birth weight and preterm birth were 18.5% and 10.8% respectively. There was a statistically significant association between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and low birth weight. After adjustment for socioeconomic status, women's habits and obstetric factors, the pregnant women who were exposed to intimate partner violence during pregnancy were two times more likely to have a child with a low birth weight (2.39 (95% CI: 1.26-4.55)). The prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, low birth weight, and preterm birth in this study was high. Women who experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy had an increased risk of low birth weight. These findings justify a call to the federal minster of health to take measures aimed at avoiding intimate partner violence during pregnancy to reduce adverse birth outcomes.

Trends and causes of neonatal mortality from 2010 to 2017 at a Health and Demographic Surveillance site in Northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Half of global under-five mortalities is neonatal. The highest rates are found in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. Ethiopia has made progress in reducing under-five mortality, but neonatal mortality remains high. Evidence collected continuously at the community level is crucial for understanding the trends and causes of neonatal mortality. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the trends and causes of neonatal mortality at the Kilte-Awlelo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KAHDSS) site in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2017. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using data from neonates born between 2010 and 2017 at the KAHDSS site. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Causes of death were examined, and neonatal mortality trends were described using simple linear regression. RESULTS: The overall average neonatal mortality rate was 17/1000 live births (LBs). The rate increased from 12 per 1000 LBs in 2010 to 15 per 1000 LBs in 2017. The majority of neonatal deaths occurred during the first week of life, and more than one-half died at home. The leading causes were sepsis, pre-term birth (including respiratory distress), disease related to the perinatal period, birth asphyxia, and neonatal pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The high neonatal mortality in Ethiopia requires urgent attention and action. Sepsis, preterm birth, perinatal diseases, asphyxia, and neonatal pneumonia are the leading causes of death in neonates. Facility- and community-based health services should target the leading causes of neonatal deaths.

Determinants of puerperal sepsis among post-partum mothers in Mekelle city public hospitals, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2021: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Puerperal sepsis is among the leading causes of preventable maternal death not only in developing countries but also in developed countries which is usually reported as the third or fourth common direct cause of maternal death. Although the prevalence of puerperal sepsis is low, it is the significant cause of maternal mortality, morbidities and other long-term complications like secondary infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of puerperal sepsis among post-partum mothers at Mekelle city public hospitals. METHOD: Institution based unmatched case control study was conducted among 444 total sample size (111 cases and 333 controls) in Mekelle city public hospitals from March 21, 2021 to April 20, 2021. Consecutive sampling for the cases and systematic sampling for the controls was used. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the data was entered into Epi data version 4.1 then cleaned, coded and edited and exported to SPSS version 23 statistical software for analysis. Logistic regression was done and variables with a P-value of < 0.25 on Binary logistic regression were taken to multiple logistic regression analysis. At 95% confidence interval, a P-value of < 0.05 was used as cut-off point to declare the association with the dependent variable. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that rural residence (AOR: 3, 95% CI: 1.50-5.90), no ANC follow up (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.08-6.71), duration of rupture of membrane > 24 h (AOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.60-10.58), duration of labor > 24 h (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.86-9.92), number of vaginal examination > = 5 (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.26-6.26), cesarean section mode of delivery (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.48-5.20) and no PNC follow up (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.60-9.36) were the determinant factors of puerperal sepsis in this study. CONCLUSION: The determinants of puerperal sepsis in this study were rural residence, not having antenatal care, prolonged duration of rupture of membrane, prolonged duration of labor, frequent number of vaginal examination, cesarean section and not having postnatal care. It is recommended that strengthening provision of health education on danger signs of pregnancy, parthograph utilization and avoiding of frequent vaginal examinations.

One-year discontinuation among users of the contraceptive pill and injection in South East Tigray region, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the 12 months' discontinuation rate and associated factors among family planning clients using pills and injection. METHODS: A follow-up study was initiated to collect data from 845 family planning users between November 2017 and December 2018. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20, where both are open-source systems. A Cox proportional-hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) for the rate of discontinuation among participants. RESULT: At 12 months, 63.5% of women discontinued the use of their baseline method. For the individual methods, 84% of women that chose the pill discontinued its use and for those using the injectable, 60.7% of women discontinued its use. Using the adjusted Cox proportional-hazards model, pills users (HR = 1.77; 95%CI = [1.4-2.3]), users receiving family planning services in the same room as other maternal health clinic services (HR 1.58; 95%CI = [1.16-2.2]), users served by health officers (HR = 3.7; 95%CI = [1.66-8.2]), and users not intending to use the baseline method continuously (HR = 1.6; 95%CI = [1.16-2.24]) were significantly more likely to discontinue using the baseline method. The main reason cited for discontinuation was side effects of contraception. CONCLUSIONS: The discontinuation rate of the baseline contraceptive method after 12 months was very high. To increase the continuity of contraceptive use, family planning services should be given in a separate room with effective counseling on potential side effects, provided by midwives or nurses who have good counseling skills.

Effective Clinical Teaching Practice and Associated Factors Among Midwifery Educators in Public Universities of Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Although effective clinical teaching realistically improves learners to be competent, in Ethiopia only 31.6% of midwifery graduates have passed the national proficiency standard for graduation. Likewise, research evidence is lacking on effective clinical teaching practice of midwifery educators in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess effective clinical teaching practice and associated factors among midwifery educators in public universities of Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2019 on 424 midwifery educators selected by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through email by using a semi-structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epi-data version 4.2, and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to test the association. The odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value <0.05 were used to ascertain statistical significance. RESULTS: Only 178 (47.3%) of participants had effective clinical teaching practice. Clinical teaching experience (AOR= 4.72; 95% CI=1.97, 11.29), training on higher diploma in teaching profession (AOR=2.78; 95% CI=1.61, 4.82), clinical teaching workshop (AOR=4; 95% CI=1.98, 8.05), students per clinical unit (AOR= 3.71; 95% CI= 1.66, 8.26), giving objectives of clinical learning for students (AOR= 4.74; 95% CI=2.43, 9.25), using performance-based assessment tool (AOR =1.82; 95% CI=1.04, 3.16) and having good interest in clinical teaching (AOR=8.63; 95% CI=2.91, 25.56) were factors positively associated with effective clinical teaching practice. CONCLUSION: Less than half of midwifery educators of Ethiopian Public Universities had effective clinical teaching practice. The educators' clinical teaching experience, training, and adherence to clinical teaching standards were identified to affect effective clinical teaching positively. Therefore, educators should adhere to the standards for effective clinical teaching and receive training on effective teaching.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and risk of still birth in hospitals of Tigray region Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy may represent a time of exceptional vulnerability to intimate partner violence because of changes in women's conditions. Despite the fact that intimate partner violence during pregnancy confers considerable risk to the health of the woman and her fetus, data regarding to association of stillbirth and intimate partner violence is lacking in Tigray region. The objective of this study is to assess intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with still birth among postpartum mothers in hospitals in Tigray Region of Ethiopia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study design was used to assess 648 women about intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with still birth. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select health facilities and systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Data was entered by using Epi info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and stillbirth while adjusting for possible confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of still birth was 3.6%in this study population. There was a statistically significant association between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and still birth. Pregnant women who were exposed to intimate partner violence during pregnancy were three times more likely to have still birth 3.3(95% CI: 1.1-9.7) as compared to those who were not exposed. Another important factor associated with stillbirth was low birthweight 16.7(95% CI,6-46). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of still birth in this study was high. Women who subjected to intimate partner violence during pregnancy had greater risk of having stillbirth baby.

Exploring Factors Influencing Practice of Neonatal Resuscitation with Bag and Mask in Ethiopia: Analysis from 2016 National Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Survey.

BACKGROUND: Globally, more than 7 million children die under the age of five and the highest proportion of death is during the first 28 days of life. For babies who do not breathe at birth, neonatal resuscitation is critical in reducing intra-partum related neonatal deaths by 30%. Yet, there is a dearth of studies on the provision of neonatal resuscitation in Ethiopia. So, this study aimed to assess health facilities provision of neonatal resuscitation with bag and mask and its factors among asphyxiated newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data used were from the Ethiopian 2016 Emergency Obstetric Newborn Care survey, conducted in 3,804 health facilities providing maternal and newborn health services. The analysis included neonatal resuscitation with bag and mask in the previous 3 months before the survey. Descriptive statistics, simple and multivariable regression analyses were performed using SPSS-21 version. RESULTS: The analysis findings show that 72.2% of the health facilities were providing neonatal resuscitation with bag and mask. The result showed that hospitals (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.05, 7.49]), health-care providers not trained in neonatal resuscitation (AOR: 0.64; 95% CI [0.42, 0.99]) and availability of essential equipment (AOR: 1.32; 95% CI [1.15, 1.51]) were more likely to practice neonatal resuscitation. CONCLUSION: Overall practice of health facilities on neonatal resuscitation with bag and mask was at 72.2%. Type of facility, providers trained in neonatal resuscitation and availability of essential equipments were independently affecting the practice of neonatal resuscitation. Incorporating competency-based training, refresher training, and clinical mentorship will improve the practice.

Midwifery as a Future Career: Determinants of Motivation Among Prep Students in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Midwifery is a profession that deals with care and advice during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and postpartum period including support for the newborn. Like other professions, the sustainability of midwives depends on recruiting new professionals who are inspired to train as their future career. In this regard, the inspiration of preparatory students to embracing the profession and secure the future midwife workforce is critical. In Ethiopia, there is no literature on the assessment of students' intention toward the midwifery profession. Hence, this study is crucial to fill data scarcity. OBJECTIVE: To assess the intention and related factors to choose midwifery as a future profession among preparatory students at Harar. METHODOLOGY: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted on preparatory students from March 20 to April 12/2019. Self-administered questionnaires were randomly given to 423 students. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done for variables with p-value <0.2 in binary logistic regression. The odds ratio was used to measure the degree of association. RESULTS: Only 18.1% intended to choose midwifery as a future profession. The odds of considering to choose midwifery is 5 times higher in those who have a health professional mother [AOR= 5.518 p-value 0.009]. Students who have good perceptions are 7 times more likely to choose the profession [AOR= 7.072 p-value 0.00]. Students who perceived low regard toward the profession [AOR= 0.231 p-value 0.001] and blood contact as a barrier to be a midwife [AOR= 0.174 p-value 0.001] are less likely to choose it. CONCLUSION: Preparatory students in Harar have minimal intention to choose midwifery. This is due to a lack of information about the profession, poor perception, low regard to the profession, and fear of blood contact. This finding contributes to the midwifery association and ministry of health to enhance positive perception toward the profession.

Quality of basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC) services from patients' perspective in Adigrat town, Eastern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. 2017: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Most of the maternal and newborn deaths occur at birth or within 24 h of birth. Provision of quality Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) is very crucial and the current recommended intervention to prevent maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers receiving at least one of the signal functions of BEmONC services. A total of 398 women were included in the study. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered Tigrigna version questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to control the effect of confounders. RESULTS: The perceived quality of BEmONC was 66.7%, which is poor. Clients scored lower quality rates on aspects such as the availability of necessary equipment, lack of clean and functional shower and toilet and administration of anti-pain during delivery and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). Quality of BEmONC was lower among rural residents (AOR = 0.273, 95% CI: (0.151-0.830). Whereas, Presence of companion (AOR = 2.259; 95% CI: (3.563-13.452) were found with a higher score of quality of BEmONC compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The overall perception of quality of BEmONC services received was poor. Residence, ANC follow-up, and presence of companion during labor or delivery were found to have a significant association with the perceived quality of BEmONC services.

Late antenatal care initiation: the case of public health centers in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of late initiation of antenatal care visit and associated factors among antenatal care follow up women in Tselemte district health facilities. The data were obtained at health facilities level in a single survey within 1 month and there is no continuation part of this study or previously published part elsewhere. RESULTS: 60.5% of women were late to initiate the first antenatal care visit. Time constraint with household activity (24.4%), distance to health center (17.2%) and fear of long waiting time in health facility (19.5%) were among the reasons mentioned for late initiation of antenatal care visit. Monthly income ≤ $21(400 ETB) (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI 1.07, 19.33), women who accompanied by their husband during antenatal care visit (AOR = 6.99, 95% CI 2.82, 17.31), who had information access on antenatal care (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI 1.88, 12.50) and distance from home to health center (AOR = 5.44, 95% CI 1.54, 19.25) were significantly associated factors with late initiation of antenatal care visit. This study illustrated that large number of pregnant women still late for first antenatal care visit. Husband involvement and health education about the timing of antenatal care initiation should be encouraged in all aspects of maternal care.

Utilization of institutional delivery service and associated factors among mothers in North West Ethiopian.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess institutional delivery and its associated factors in Benishangul-Gumez region, North-West of Ethiopia. The data were obtained at community level in a single survey within 1 month and there is no continuation of this study or previously published part elsewhere. RESULTS: Among the 428 eligible respondents recruited for this study, 427 of them responded completely to the interview, giving a response rate of 99.8%. Of the total (427) respondents, 51.1% women delivered the recent child at health facility in the 12 months preceding the survey. Among the common reasons for home delivery were, labour was urgent (25.8%), home birth was usual habit for them (23.9%) and distance to health center was too far. Age (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.46, 7.97), husband occupation (AOR = 5.16, 95% CI 1.74, 15.31), frequency of antenatal care visit (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI 1.88, 5.94) and maternal knowledge on danger signs of pregnancy and delivery (AOR = 7.18, 95% CI 3.77, 13.66) were significantly associated factors with institutional delivery. Although, the prevalence of institutional delivery has improved when compared to previous reports, strategic modification is important to increase health facility delivery.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight among Term Newborns in Adwa General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.

Background. World health organization estimates that 25 million LBW babies are born annually worldwide and 95% occur in developing countries. Objective. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight among term neonates delivered in Adwa Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates delivered in Adwa Hospital. All live births delivered from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016, were included in this study. The study participants were selected through systematic sampling technique and the data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was entered to Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. To identify independent predictors, bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regressions were employed. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to determine the strength of association. Results. The prevalence of term low birth weight was 10%. The risk factors were mothers aged less than 20 years, mothers whose pregnancy was desired, mothers with a history of abortion, and mothers with normal hemoglobin, iron with folic acid, and HIV status. Conclusion. The burden of LBW obtained in this study was in the same range as in some other countries.