Prevalence and management of ectopic and molar pregnancies in 17 countries in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean: a secondary analysis of the WHO multi-country cross-sectional survey on abortion.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited global data on ectopic pregnancy (EP) and molar pregnancy (MP), making it important to understand their epidemiology and management across different regions. Our study aimed to describe their prevalence for both conditions, severity of their complications and management among women in selected health facilities across 17 countries in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the WHO multi-country survey on abortion. Data were collected from 280 healthcare facilities across 11 countries in Africa and 6 in LAC. Sociodemographic information, signs and symptoms, management and clinical outcomes were extracted from medical records. Facility-level data on post-abortion care (PAC) capabilities were also collected, and facilities were classified accordingly. χ2 or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical data. RESULTS: The total number of women with EP and MP across both regions was 9.9% (2 415/24 424) where EP accounted for 7.8% (1 904/24 424) and MP for 2.1% (511/24 424). EP presented a higher severity of complications than MP. At admission, 49.8% of EP had signs of peritoneal irritation. The most common surgical management for EP was laparotomy (87.2%) and for MP, uterine evacuation (89.8%). Facilities with higher scores in infrastructure and capability to provide PAC more frequently provided minimal invasive management using methotrexate/other medical treatment (34.9%) and laparoscopy (5.1%). CONCLUSION: In Africa and LAC, EP and MP cause significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The disparity in the provision of good quality care highlights the need to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based recommendations in the clinical and surgical management of EP and MP.

Scientific production in sexual and reproductive health and rights research according to gender and affiliation: An analysis of publications from 1972 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Peer-reviewed literature is commonly used to assess academic progress and research excellency. However, representation in authorship of global health publications is biased and unfair. In order to shed light on current gaps towards attaining gender equality in scientific production and shift power asymmetries in global health research, we conducted an assessment of authorship trends from 1972 to 2021 with a focus on gender and geographic representation in scientific articles authored or co-authored by researchers affiliated with UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and HRP public reports for publications where at least one author was affiliated with HRP. Our main outcome measures were author gender and location of author affiliation, classified by region and country income group. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the publications under analysis as well as the total number of authors from the included papers. We applied a logistic regression model to explore associations between author gender and other characteristics of published articles and a time series analysis to assess how time can influence the inclusion of women as authors in a publication. Python and R were used for all analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,484 publications with 14,424 listed authors representing 5,950 unique authors were included in our analysis: 42.5% were female, 35.1% male, and 22.4% unknown (p<0.0001). First authorship was more likely female (56.9%) and from a high-income country (74.6%, p<0.0001) while last authorship was mostly male (53.7%) also from a high-income country (82.5%, p<0.0001). Females more frequently published papers using qualitative data (61.4%) and reviews/estimates (59.4%) while men published more case control (70.7%) and randomised controlled studies (53.0%), p<0.0001. The adjusted odds of there being a female author increased 4% for every additional year that passed. CONCLUSION: While there are more females authoring articles as compared to the past, they are still lagging behind with regards to seniority and prestige. Likewise, female representation is closely tied to what institution they are affiliated with and where that institution is located. Global health research institutions need to actively promote change by ensuring women are included in research and research outputs, giving them opportunities to lead.

Aetiology and use of antibiotics in pregnancy-related infections: results of the WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS), 1-week inception cohort.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related infections are important contributors to maternal sepsis and mortality. We aimed to describe clinical, microbiological characteristics and use of antibiotics by source of infection and country income, among hospitalized women with suspected or confirmed pregnancy-related infections. METHODS: We used data from WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) on maternal infections in hospitalized women, in 52 low-middle- and high-income countries conducted between November 28th and December 4th, 2017, to describe the frequencies and medians of maternal demographic, obstetric, and clinical characteristics and outcomes, methods of infection diagnosis and causative pathogens, of single source pregnancy-related infection, other than breast, and initial use of therapeutic antibiotics. We included 1456 women. RESULTS: We found infections of the genital (n = 745/1456, 51.2%) and the urinary tracts (UTI) (n = 531/1456, 36.5%) to be the most frequent. UTI (n = 339/531, 63.8%) and post-caesarean skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) (n = 99/180, 55.0%) were the sources with more culture samples taken and microbiological confirmations. Escherichia coli was the major uropathogen (n = 103/118, 87.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 21/44, 47.7%) was the commonest pathogen in SSTI. For 13.1% (n = 191) of women, antibiotics were not prescribed on the same day of infection suspicion. Cephalosporins (n = 283/531, 53.3%) were the commonest antibiotic class prescribed for UTI, while metronidazole (n = 303/925, 32.8%) was the most prescribed for all other sources. Ceftriaxone with metronidazole was the commonest combination for the genital tract (n = 98/745, 13.2%) and SSTI (n = 22/180, 12.2%). Metronidazole (n = 137/235, 58.3%) was the most prescribed antibiotic in low-income countries while cephalosporins and co-amoxiclav (n = 129/186, 69.4%) were more commonly prescribed in high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in antibiotics used across countries could be due to availability, local guidelines, prescribing culture, cost, and access to microbiology laboratory, despite having found similar sources and pathogens as previous studies. Better dissemination of recommendations in line with antimicrobial stewardship programmes might improve antibiotic prescription.

Fortalecimiento de la investigación local para abordar la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las personas migrantes de Venezuela y América Central

[EXTRACTO] La evidencia que surge de este número especial destaca las necesidades específicas de las personas migrantes latinoamericanas respecto a la respuesta de los sistemas de salud a la salud sexual y reproductiva y las enfermedades infecciosas. Si bien hay políticas relacionadas con la salud de las personas migrantes y refugiadas, y se observan esfuerzos para fortalecer los sistemas de salud en los países de acogida, las personas migrantes de América Latina aún enfrentan una gran cantidad de dificultades al recurrir a los sistemas de salud para atender sus necesidades de SDSR. La pandemia de COVID-19 exacerbó aún más estos desafíos. Se necesitan políticas de SDSR que puedan llevarse a la práctica para poder responder adecuadamente a las necesidades de las personas migrantes.

Strengthening locally led research to respond to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrants from Venezuela and Central America

[EXTRACT] The evidence emerging from this special issue highlights the specific needs of Latin American migrants with regards to health system response to sexual and reproductive health and infectious diseases. While policies relating to the health of ref- ugees and migrants and efforts to strengthen health systems in host countries exist, migrants in Latin America still face a myr- iad of challenges when navigating health systems in addressing their SRHR needs. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacer- bated these challenges. Specific SRHR actionable policies are needed to ensure the needs of migrants are fully met.

Fortalecimiento de la investigación local para abordar la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las personas migrantes de Venezuela y América Central / Strengthening locally led research to respond to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrants from Venezuela and Central America

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Strengthening locally led research to respond to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrants from Venezuela and Central America

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Issues related to pregnancy, pregnancy prevention and abortion in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a WHO qualitative study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: WHO has generated standardised clinical and epidemiological research protocols to address key public health questions for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. We present a standardised protocol with the aim to fill a gap in understanding the needs, attitudes and practices related to sexual and reproductive health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on pregnancy, pregnancy prevention and abortion. METHODS AND ANALYSIS PLAN: This protocol is a prospective qualitative research, using semi-structured interviews with at least 15 pregnant women at different gestational ages and after delivery, 6 months apart from the first interview. At least 10 partners, 10 non-pregnant women and 5 healthcare professionals will be interviewed once during the course of the research. Higher number of subjects may be needed if a saturation is not achieved with these numbers. Data collection will be performed in a standardised way by skilled trained interviewers using written notes or audio-record of the interview. The data will be explored using the thematic content analysis and the researchers will look for broad patterns, generalisations or theories from these categories. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The current protocol was first technically assessed and approved by the WHO scientific committee and then approved by its ethics review committee as a guidance document. It is expected that each country/setting implementing such a generic protocol adapted to their conditions also obtain local ethical approval. Comments for the user's consideration are provided the document, as the user may need to modify methods slightly because of the local context in which this study will be carried out.

Mass media campaigns to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections: a systematic review.

Introduction: The worldwide increase in unnecessary caesarean sections (CSs) is a major global health issue. Mass media campaigns have been used in several countries to reduce this trend. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify, critically appraise and synthesise the findings, including the barriers and enablers, of mass media campaigns directed at lay people to reduce unnecessary CS. Methods: We included any study design that reported health communication mass media campaigns directed at lay people with the specific objective of reducing unnecessary CS, created by any agent, in any format. We searched seven electronic databases without language restrictions, from inception to February 2019. Experts in the field were contacted. Results: The search yielded 14 320 citations; 50 were selected for full-text reading; and one was included. Six other reports were included. The seven campaigns were conducted in 2009-2017, mostly in Latin America. Most campaigns were independent efforts by non-governmental or activist organisations. Only one campaign conducted formative research and pretested the intervention. All campaigns used indirect communication, mostly through internet channels; two campaigns also used direct communication with the public. None assessed their effects on CS rates. Only two campaigns measured their impacts on participants' knowledge, attitudes and birth preferences but only in the short term. The main barriers were lack of financial and human resources. The main enablers were the enthusiasm of volunteers, the participation of famous persons/celebrities and the involvement of communication professionals. Conclusions: There are few mass media campaigns directed at lay people to reduce CS. Most campaigns did not use key principles recommended for the creation and implementation of health communication interventions, and none assessed their effects in reducing CS rates. If media campaigns can play a role in modifying population views towards CS, there is a need for more rigorous studies including impact assessment. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019120314.

[Regionalization of perinatal health care in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina]. / Regionalización de la atención materna perinatal en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Improve the performance of the regionalization policy in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, as a strategy to improve perinatal health care by analyzing implementation processes and building consensus among decision makers and stakeholders around an action plan. METHODS: Implementation research was conducted using mixed methodology. A needs assessment established tracer indicators to measure adherence to the components of the policy. Actors were studied to identify the barriers and facilitators of implementation. Training was provided on the development of consensus- and evidence-based policies, through workshops in which policy briefs were prepared and through a deliberative dialogue. RESULTS: There were improvements in the number of births in appropriate hospitals and in the number of births in maternity hospitals with Essential Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CONE). Barriers were identified in the referral systems and in communication on policy, which resulted in an initial agreement on the need for guidelines and specific technical training on the transfer of babies and mothers. CONCLUSIONS: The participation of health workers in identifying barriers and strategies to overcome them, and the use of tools to report this to management, permit the adoption of consensus- and evidence-based strategies to improve policy implementation.

Regionalización de la atención materna perinatal en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina / Regionalization of perinatal health care in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina

Objetivo. Se buscó mejorar el desempeño de la política de regionalización en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, como estrategia para mejorar la atención en salud perinatal mediante el diagnóstico de los procesos de implementación, y la construcción de consensos entre decisores y partes interesadas alrededor de un plan de acción. Métodos. Se realizó una investigación en implementación con metodología mixta. Mediante un diagnóstico de situación, se establecieron indicadores trazadores para medir la adherencia a los componentes de la política. A través de un análisis de actores, se identificaron barreras y facilitadores a la implementación. Por medio de talleres para la elaboración de un resumen de políticas y un diálogo deliberativo se brindó capacitación sobre la elaboración de políticas basadas en consenso y evidencia. Resultados. Hubo mejoras en la cantidad de nacimientos ocurridos en hospitales adecuados y en aquellos ocurridos en maternidades con Condiciones Obstétricas y Neonatales Esenciales (CONE). Se identificaron barreras en el sistema de referencia y en la comunicación sobre la política, lo que resultó en un acuerdo inicial en el uso de guías y capacitación técnica específica con respecto al traslado de bebés y madres. Conclusiones. La participación de agentes de salud en la identificación de las barreras y las estrategias para sortearlas y la utilización de herramientas para informar a la gestión permiten la adopción de estrategias consensuadas y basadas en evidencias para mejorar la implementación de una política.

Objective. Improve the performance of the regionalization policy in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, as a strategy to improve perinatal health care by analyzing implementation processes and building consensus among decision makers and stakeholders around an action plan. Methods. Implementation research was conducted using mixed methodology. A needs assessment established tracer indicators to measure adherence to the components of the policy. Actors were studied to identify the barriers and facilitators of implementation. Training was provided on the development of consensus- and evidence- based policies, through workshops in which policy briefs were prepared and through a deliberative dialogue. Results. There were improvements in the number of births in appropriate hospitals and in the number of births in maternity hospitals with Essential Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CONE). Barriers were identified in the referral systems and in communication on policy, which resulted in an initial agreement on the need for guidelines and specific technical training on the transfer of babies and mothers. Conclusions. The participation of health workers in identifying barriers and strategies to overcome them, and the use of tools to report this to management, permit the adoption of consensus- and evidence-based strategies to improve policy implementation.

Regionalización de la atención materna perinatal en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina / Regionalization of perinatal health care in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina

RESUMEN Objetivo Se buscó mejorar el desempeño de la política de regionalización en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, como estrategia para mejorar la atención en salud perinatal mediante el diagnóstico de los procesos de implementación, y la construcción de consensos entre decisores y partes interesadas alrededor de un plan de acción. Métodos Se realizó una investigación en implementación con metodología mixta. Mediante un diagnóstico de situación, se establecieron indicadores trazadores para medir la adherencia a los componentes de la política. A través de un análisis de actores, se identificaron barreras y facilitadores a la implementación. Por medio de talleres para la elaboración de un resumen de políticas y un diálogo deliberativo se brindó capacitación sobre la elaboración de políticas basadas en consenso y evidencia. Resultados Hubo mejoras en la cantidad de nacimientos ocurridos en hospitales adecuados y en aquellos ocurridos en maternidades con Condiciones Obstétricas y Neonatales Esenciales (CONE). Se identificaron barreras en el sistema de referencia y en la comunicación sobre la política, lo que resultó en un acuerdo inicial en el uso de guías y capacitación técnica específica con respecto al traslado de bebés y madres. Conclusiones La participación de agentes de salud en la identificación de las barreras y las estrategias para sortearlas y la utilización de herramientas para informar a la gestión permiten la adopción de estrategias consensuadas y basadas en evidencias para mejorar la implementación de una política.

ABSTRACT Objective Improve the performance of the regionalization policy in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, as a strategy to improve perinatal health care by analyzing implementation processes and building consensus among decision makers and stakeholders around an action plan. Methods Implementation research was conducted using mixed methodology. A needs assessment established tracer indicators to measure adherence to the components of the policy. Actors were studied to identify the barriers and facilitators of implementation. Training was provided on the development of consensus- and evidence-based policies, through workshops in which policy briefs were prepared and through a deliberative dialogue. Results There were improvements in the number of births in appropriate hospitals and in the number of births in maternity hospitals with Essential Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CONE). Barriers were identified in the referral systems and in communication on policy, which resulted in an initial agreement on the need for guidelines and specific technical training on the transfer of babies and mothers. Conclusions The participation of health workers in identifying barriers and strategies to overcome them, and the use of tools to report this to management, permit the adoption of consensus- and evidence-based strategies to improve policy implementation.

Maternidad Segura y Centrada en la Familia: la cultura organizacional de maternidades de la provincia de Buenos Aires / Safe and family-centered maternity hospitals: organizational culture of maternity hospitals in the province of Buenos Aires

Introducción. En 2010, se lanzó la iniciativa Maternidad Segura y Centrada en la Familia con el propósito de transformar las grandes maternidades públicas en espacios donde se implementaran prácticas seguras y se garantizaran los derechos de mujeres, recién nacidos y sus familias, lo que propuso un cambio de paradigma en la atención perinatal. El artículo reporta los hallazgos acerca de la cultura organizacional como insumo para la implementación de la iniciativa. Población y métodos. Se seleccionó una muestra no probabilística de 29 hospitales públicos de la provincia de Buenos Aires adheridos a la iniciativa. Durante 2011 y 2012, se aplicó una encuesta autoadministrada anónima a los integrantes de los servicios de Neonatología y Obstetricia, en la que se recogió información sobre tres dimensiones de la cultura organizational: clima organizational, prácticas seguras y facilitación para el cambio. Resultados. Se recolectaron 1828 encuestas; el 51% expresó la necesidad de mejorar la comunicación mediante más reuniones y el 60% evaluó positivamente algunos aspectos del liderazgo. La sobrecarga de trabajo fue reconocida como la principal causa de conflictos por el 60%. Aproximadamente, 25% expresó acuerdo y compromiso con la transformación de las maternidades en dirección a la iniciativa. La adhesión a las prácticas resultó dispar según cuáles fueran, aunque la mitad de los encuestados reportó que había razones legítimas para el cambio. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico de la cultura organizacional demostró que falta consolidar el compromiso con la iniciativa Maternidad Segura y Centrada en la Familia y que la evaluación del liderazgo no es integral. La sobrecarga de trabajo y las fallas de comunicación son las más importantes fuentes de conflicto.

Introduction. In 2010, the Safe and Family-Centered Maternity Hospitals initiative was launched in order to transform large public maternity centers into settings where safe practices are implemented and the rights of women, newborn infants and families are warranted. As a result, the paradigm of perinatal care was modified. This article reports on the findings of organizational culture as a component for the implementation of the initiative. Population and Methods. The sample was selected in a non-probabilistic way and was made up of 29 public hospitals located in the province of Buenos Aires that participated in the initiative. During 2011 and 2012, an anonymous, self-administered survey was completed by members of the Department of Neonatology and the Department of Obstetrics. The survey collected information on three dimensions of the organizational culture: organizational environment, safe practices, and facilitation of change. Results. A total of 1828 surveys were collected; 51% of survey respondents stated that there is a need to improve communicationby having more meetings, while 60% made a positive assessment of various aspects of leadership. Work overload was described as the main cause of conflicts by 60%. Approximately 25% agreed and showed commitment with the initiative of transforming maternity centers. Adherence to practices was dissimilar depending on the practice, but half of survey respondents reported that there were genuine reasons for change. Conclusions. The assessment of the organizational culture showed that commitment to the Safe and Family-Centered Maternity Hospitals initiative is yet to be consolidated, and the evaluation of leadership is not comprehensive. Work overload and communication failures are the main reasons for conflict.

[Safe and family-centered maternity hospitals: organizational culture of maternity hospitals in the province of Buenos Aires]. / Maternidad Segura y Centrada en la Familia: la cultura organizacional de maternidades de la provincia de Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: In 2010, the Safe and Family-Centered Maternity Hospitals initiative was launched in order to transform large public maternity centers into settings where safe practices are implemented and the rights of women, newborn infants and families are warranted. As a result, the paradigm of perinatal care was modified. This article reports on the findings of organizational culture as a component for the implementation of the initiative. POPULATION AND METHODS: The sample was selected in a non-probabilistic way and was made up of 29 public hospitals located in the province of Buenos Aires that participated in the initiative. During 2011 and 2012, an anonymous, self-administered survey was completed by members of the Department of Neonatology and the Department of Obstetrics. The survey collected information on three dimensions of the organizational culture: organizational environment, safe practices, and facilitation of change. RESULTS: A total of 1828 surveys were collected; 51% of survey respondents stated that there is a need to improve communication by having more meetings, while 60% made a positive assessment of various aspects of leadership. Work overload was described as the main cause of conflicts by 60%. Approximately 25% agreed and showed commitment with the initiative of transforming maternity centers. Adherence to practices was dissimilar depending on the practice, but half of survey respondents reported that there were genuine reasons for change. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of the organizational culture showed that commitment to the Safe and Family-Centered Maternity Hospitals initiative is yet to be consolidated, and the evaluation of leadership is not comprehensive. Work overload and communication failures are the main reasons for conflict.

Introducción. En 2010, se lanzó la iniciativa Maternidad Segura y Centrada en la Familia con el propósito de transformar las grandes maternidades públicas en espacios donde se implementaran prácticas seguras y se garantizaran los derechos de mujeres, recién nacidos y sus familias, lo que propuso un cambio de paradigma en la atención perinatal. El artículo reporta los hallazgos acerca de la cultura organizacional como insumo para la implementación de la iniciativa. Población y métodos.Se seleccionó una muestra no probabilística de 29 hospitales públicos de la provincia de Buenos Aires adheridos a la iniciativa. Durante 2011 y 2012, se aplicó una encuesta autoadministrada anónima a los integrantes de los servicios de Neonatología y Obstetricia, en la que se recogió información sobre tres dimensiones de la cultura organizacional: clima organizacional, prácticas seguras y facilitación para el cambio. Resultados. Se recolectaron 1828 encuestas; el 51% expresó la necesidad de mejorar la comunicación mediante más reuniones y el 60% evaluó positivamente algunos aspectos del liderazgo. La sobrecarga de trabajo fue reconocida como la principal causa de conflictos por el 60%. Aproximadamente, 25% expresó acuerdo y compromiso con la transformación de las maternidades en dirección a la iniciativa. La adhesión a las prácticas resultó dispar según cuáles fueran, aunque la mitad de los encuestados reportó que había razones legítimas para el cambio. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico de la cultura organizacional demostró que falta consolidar el compromiso con la iniciativa Maternidad Segura y Centrada en la Familia y que la evaluación del liderazgo no es integral. La sobrecarga de trabajo y las fallas de comunicación son las más importantes fuentes de conflicto.