Short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Short birth interval is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and children. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Thus, this study aimed to synthesise evidence related to the definition, classification, prevalence, and predictors of short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods: Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science) were searched for studies published between September 2000 and May 2023 (the last search was conducted for all databases in May 2023). We included original studies published in English that reported on short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Studies that combined birth interval with birth order, used multi-country data and were published as conference abstracts and commentaries were excluded. Three independent reviewers screened the articles for relevancy, and two reviewers performed the data extraction and quality assessment. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. The findings were both qualitatively and quantitatively synthesised and presented. Results: A total of 140 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. About 58% (n = 82) of the studies defined short birth interval, while 42% (n = 58) did not. Out of 82 studies, nearly half (n = 39) measured a birth-to-birth interval, 37 studies measured a birth-to-pregnancy, four measured a pregnancy-to-pregnancy, and two studies measured a pregnancy loss-to-conception. Approximately 39% (n = 55) and 6% (n = 8) of studies classified short birth intervals as <24 months and <33 months, respectively. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional, and about two-thirds had either medium or high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of short birth interval was 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 23.0-44.6, I2 = 99.9%, P < 0.01) among the studies that used the World Health Organization definition. Conclusions: This review's findings highlighted significant variations in the definition, measurement, classification, and reported prevalence of short birth interval across the included studies. Future research is needed to harmonise the definition and classification of short birth interval to ensure consistency and comparability across studies and facilitate the development of targeted interventions and policies. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023426975.

Integration of cervical cancer screening into healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Cervical cancer is a prevalent disease among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where most deaths occur. Integrating cervical cancer screening services into healthcare facilities is essential in combating the disease. Thus, this review aims to map evidence related to integrating cervical cancer screening into existing primary care services and identify associated barriers and facilitators in LMICs. The scoping review employed a five-step framework as proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Five databases (MEDLINE, Maternity Infant Care, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science) were systematically searched. Data were extracted, charted, synthesized, and summarised. A total of 28 original articles conducted in LMICs from 2000 to 2023 were included. Thirty-nine percent of the reviewed studies showed that cervical cancer screening (CCS) was integrated into HIV clinics. The rest of the papers revealed that CCS was integrated into existing reproductive and sexual health clinics, maternal and child health, family planning, well-baby clinics, maternal health clinics, gynecology outpatient departments, and sexually transmitted infections clinics. The cost-effectiveness of integrated services, promotion, and international initiatives were identified as facilitators while resource scarcity, lack of skilled staff, high client loads, lack of preventive oncology policy, territorial disputes, and lack of national guidelines were identified as barriers to the services. The evidence suggests that CCS can be integrated into healthcare facilities in LMICs, in various primary care services, including HIV clinics, reproductive and sexual health clinics, well-baby clinics, maternal health clinics, and gynecology OPDs. However, barriers include limited health system capacity, workload, waiting times, and lack of coordination. Addressing these gaps could strengthen the successful integration of CCS into primary care services and improve cervical cancer prevention and treatment outcomes.

Integration of cervical cancer screening into healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women, with 90% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries. Integrating cervical cancer screening services into healthcare facilities is crucial for overcoming the disease. Thus, this review aims to map existing evidence and identify barriers and facilitators in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: The scoping review will employ a five-step framework as proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. These are (1) formulating the research questions, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting eligible studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results. Five databases (MEDLINE, Maternity and Infant Care, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science) will be systematically searched. Grey literature will also be searched. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not require ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conference presentations.

Short birth interval prevalence, determinants and effects on maternal and child health outcomes in Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Short birth interval (SBI) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, infant and child health outcomes. However, the prevalence and maternal and child health impacts of SBI in the Asia-Pacific region have not been well understood. This study aims to identify and summarise the existing evidence on SBI including its definition, measurement prevalence, determinants and association with adverse maternal and child health outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science (WoS)) will be systematically searched from September 2000 up to May 2023. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised based on the outcomes measured, and where appropriate, meta-analysis will be performed. The risk of bias will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal. Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework will be used to evaluate the quality of cumulative evidence from the included studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not require ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: A protocol will be registered on PROSPERO for each separate outcome before performing the review.Cite Now.

Perspectives of health care professionals' on delivering mHealth sexual and reproductive health services in rural settings in low-and-middle-income countries: a qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In low to middle income countries (LMICs) with limited health care providers (HCPs) and health infrastructure, digital technologies are rapidly being adopted to help augment service delivery. In this sphere, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are increasingly leveraging mobile health (mHealth) technologies to improve service and information provision in rural areas. This systematic review aimed to identify HCPs perspectives on barriers to, and facilitators of, mobile phone based SRH services and information in rural areas of LMICs from current literature. METHODS: Searches were conducted using the following databases: Medline, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twelve full text qualitative studies published in English between January 2000 and December 2020 were included. The methodological quality of papers was assessed by two authors using the critical skills appraisal programme and synthesized using the narrative thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Positive HCPs experiences surrounding the provision of mHealth based SRH services in LMICs included saving consultation time, ability to shift tasks, reduction in travel costs, easy referrals and follow up on clients, convenience in communicating health information confidentially, and the ability to consult groups of clients remotely rather than face-to-face. Barriers to the provision of mHealth reported by HCPs included lack of technological infrastructure, unreliable networks, limited power, the cost of mobile airtime/data and mobile phones and limited technological literacy or skills. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing innovative mHealth based SRH services could bridge a service provision and access gap of SRH information and services in rural areas of LMICs. Despite the advantages of this technology, several challenges associated with delivering mHealth SRH services need to be urgently addressed to enable scale-up and integration of sexual and reproductive mHealth into rural health systems.

Maternal anemia and baby birth size mediate the association between short birth interval and under-five undernutrition in Ethiopia: a generalized structural equation modeling approach.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing the association between short birth interval, a birth-to-birth interval of less than 33 months, and under-five undernutrition have produced inconclusive results. This study aimed to assess the relationship between short birth interval and outcomes of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children aged under-five in Ethiopia, and potential mediation of any associations by maternal anemia and baby birth size. METHOD: Data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) was used. Stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged under-five were outcome variables. Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) was used to examine associations between short birth interval and outcomes, and to assess hypothesized mediation by maternal anemia and baby birth size. RESULTS: Significant associations between short birth interval and stunting (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.35, 1.66) and underweight (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.28, 1.61) were found. There was no observed association between short birth interval and wasting (AOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.90, 1.23). Maternal anemia and baby birth size had a significant partial mediation effect on the association between short birth interval and stunting (the coefficient reduced from ß = 0.337, p < 0.001 to ß = 0.286, p < 0.001) and underweight (the coefficient reduced from ß = 0.449, p < 0.001 to ß = 0.338, p < 0.001). Maternal anemia and baby birth size mediated 4.2% and 4.6% of the total effect of short birth interval on stunting and underweight, respectively. CONCLUSION: Maternal anemia and baby birth size were identified as mediators of the association between short birth interval and under-five undernutrition status. Policies and programs targeting the reduction of under-five undernutrition should integrate strategies to reduce maternal anemia and small baby birth size in addition to short birth interval.

Effects of short birth interval on neonatal, infant and under-five child mortality in Ethiopia: a nationally representative observational study using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of short birth interval (SBI) on neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality in Ethiopia. DESIGN: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey. SETTING: This study used data from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 8448 women who had at least two live births during the 5 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Neonatal mortality (death of the child within 28 days of birth), infant mortality (death between birth and 11 months) and under-five mortality (death between birth and 59 months) were the outcome variables. METHODS: Weighted logistic regression analysis based on inverse probability of treatment weights was used to estimate exposure effects adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: The adjusted ORs (AORs) of neonatal mortality were about 85% higher among women with SBI (AOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.19 to 2.89) than those without. The odds of infant mortality were twofold higher (AOR=2.16, 95% CI=1.49 to 3.11) among women with SBI. The odds of under-five child mortality were also about two times (AOR=2.26, 95% CI=1.60 to 3.17) higher among women with SBI. CONCLUSION: SBI has a significant effect on neonatal, infant and under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Interventions targeting SBI are warranted to reduce neonatal, infant and under-five mortality.

Risk factors for COVID-19 infection, disease severity and related deaths in Africa: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive evidence on risk factors for transmission, disease severity and COVID-19 related deaths in Africa. DESIGN: A systematic review has been conducted to synthesise existing evidence on risk factors affecting COVID-19 outcomes across Africa. DATA SOURCES: Data were systematically searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, MedRxiv and BioRxiv. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies for review were included if they were published in English and reported at least one risk factor and/or one health outcome. We included all relevant literature published up until 11 August 2020. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: We performed a systematic narrative synthesis to describe the available studies for each outcome. Data were extracted using a standardised Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form. RESULTS: Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria of which four were exclusively on Africa and the remaining 11 papers had a global focus with some data from Africa. Higher rates of infection in Africa are associated with high population density, urbanisation, transport connectivity, high volume of tourism and international trade, and high level of economic and political openness. Limited or poor access to healthcare are also associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates. Older people and individuals with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and anaemia experience severe forms COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation and death. Similarly, high burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high prevalence of tobacco consumption and low levels of expenditure on health and low levels of global health security score contribute to COVID-19 related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic, institutional, ecological, health system and politico-economic factors influenced the spectrum of COVID-19 infection, severity and death. We recommend multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to mitigate the identified factors and strengthen effective prevention strategies.

Socioeconomic inequality in short birth interval in Ethiopia: a decomposition analysis.

BACKGROUND: Short birth interval, defined as a birth-to-birth interval less than 33 months, is associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes. Evidence regarding the association of maternal socioeconomic status and short birth interval is inconclusive. Factors contributing to the socioeconomic inequality of short birth interval have also not been investigated. The current study assessed socioeconomic inequality in short birth interval and its contributing factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: Data from 8448 women collected in the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health survey were included in the study. Socioeconomic inequality in short birth interval was the outcome variable. Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI) and concentration curves were used to measure and illustrate socioeconomic-related inequality in short birth interval, respectively. Decomposition analysis was performed to identify factors explaining the socioeconomic-related inequality in short birth interval. RESULTS: The Erreygers normalized concentration index for short birth interval was - 0.0478 (SE = 0.0062) and differed significantly from zero (P < 0.0001); indicating that short birth interval was more concentrated among the poor. Decomposition analysis indicated that wealth quintiles (74.2%), administrative regions (26.4%), and not listening to the radio (5.6%) were the major contributors to the pro-poor socioeconomic inequalities in short birth interval. CONCLUSION: There was a pro-poor inequality of short birth interval in Ethiopia. Strengthening the implementation of poverty alleviation programs may improve the population's socioeconomic status and reduce the associated inequality in short birth interval.

Application of geographically weighted regression analysis to assess predictors of short birth interval hot spots in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Birth interval duration is an important and modifiable risk factor for adverse child and maternal health outcomes. Understanding the spatial distribution of short birth interval, an inter-birth interval of less than 33 months, and its predictors are vital to prioritize and facilitate targeted interventions. However, the spatial variation of short birth interval and its underlying factors have not been investigated in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the predictors of short birth interval hot spots in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study used data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey and included 8,448 women in the analysis. The spatial variation of short birth interval was first examined using hot spot analysis (Local Getis-Ord Gi* statistic). Ordinary least squares regression was used to identify factors explaining the geographic variation of short birth interval. Geographically weighted regression was used to explore the spatial variability of relationships between short birth interval and selected predictors. RESULTS: Statistically significant hot spots of short birth interval were found in Somali Region, Oromia Region, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region and some parts of Afar Region. Women with no education or with primary education, having a husband with higher education (above secondary education), and coming from a household with a poorer wealth quintile or middle wealth quintile were predictors of the spatial variation of short birth interval. The predictive strength of these factors varied across the study area. The geographically weighted regression model explained about 64% of the variation in short birth interval occurrence. CONCLUSION: Residing in a geographic area where a high proportion of women had either no education or only primary education, had a husband with higher education, or were from a household in the poorer or middle wealth quintile increased the risk of experiencing short birth interval. Our detailed maps of short birth interval hot spots and its predictors will assist decision makers in implementing precision public health.

Individual and community level determinants of short birth interval in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 33 months between two consecutive live births to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, determinants of short birth interval have not been well understood in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess individual- and community-level determinants of short birth interval among women in Ethiopia. METHODS: A detailed analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data was performed. A total of 8,448 women were included in the analysis. A two-level multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated individual- and community-level factors and estimate between-community variance. RESULTS: At the individual-level, women aged between 20 and 24 years at first marriage (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.18-1.60), women aged between 25 and 29 years at first marriage (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.20-2.25), having a husband who attended higher education (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.01-1.73), being unemployed (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03-1.31), having an unemployed husband (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.45), being in the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.39-2.39), being in the poorer wealth quintile (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21-2.06), being in the middle wealth quintile (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.24-2.10), being in the richer wealth quintile (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.19-2.00), increased total number of children born before the index child (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03-1.10) and death of the preceding child (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.59-2.45) were associated with increased odds of short birth interval. At the community-level, living in a pastoralist region (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.68-2.39), being a city dweller (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.38-2.22), high community-level female illiteracy (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05-1.45) and increased distance to health facilities (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11-1.56) were associated with higher odds of experiencing short birth interval. Random effects showed significant variation in short birth interval between communities. CONCLUSION: Determinants of short birth interval are varied and complex. Multifaceted intervention approaches supported by policy initiatives are required to prevent short birth interval.

Effects of unintended pregnancy on maternal healthcare services utilization in low- and lower-middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between unintended pregnancy and maternal healthcare services utilization in low- and lower-middle-income countries. METHODS: A systematic literature search of Medline, Cinahl, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Popline, Maternity and Infant Care, and Scopus databases published since the beginning of the Millennium Development Goals (i.e. January 2000) to June 2018 was performed. We estimated the pooled odds ratios using random effect models and performed subgroup analysis by participants and study characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our study found the occurrence of unintended pregnancy was associated with a 25-39% reduction in the use of antenatal, delivery, and postnatal healthcare services. Stratified analysis found the differences of healthcare services utilization across types of pregnancy unintendedness (e.g. mistimed, unwanted). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating family planning and maternal healthcare services should be considered to encourage women with unintended pregnancies to access maternal healthcare services.

Generalized peritonitis after spontaneous rupture of pyonephrosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal fistulization of a pyonephrosis is an extremely rare event which invariably leads to generalized peritonitis. This is a very rare case report on generalized peritonitis after spontaneous rupture of pyonephrosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old male patient from the rural part of Bale zone, Ethiopia, was admitted to Goba Referral Hospital with high-grade fever, diffused abdominal pain and abdominal distension. Initially, he experienced colicky and intermittent pain that made him stay at home for 2-3 days. He then started to develop constant left flank pain which gradually got worse and was associated with urinary frequency of approximately 5-6 times/day, high-grade intermittent fever, chills, rigors and loss of appetite. With the diagnosis of generalized peritonitis, we resuscitated him with two bags of normal saline and one bag of ringer lactate intravenously. During an abdominal ultrasound examination we identified that the left kidney was replaced by an abscess containing sac, and there was a huge intraperitoneal loculated abscess with internal septation and an associated free inter-loop and pelvic echo debris abscess. When we performed an exploratory laparotomy, 1 L-thick abscess from the general peritoneum was aspirated and early fibrinous inter-loop adhesion was identified. In addition, there was a large retroperitoneal cystic abscess containing sac extended from the spleen up to the pelvic brim crossing the midline to the right side and bulged intraperitoneally. Furthermore, a 1.5 cm wide perforation that pour abscess in to peritoneal cavity was found. A total of 4 L of puss was removed from the left kidney. As treatment, since the left kidney lost all function and became a pus-contacting sac, we performed a left-sided nephrectomy and abdominal lavage. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the eighth day. We followed him for 6 months, and kidney function tests were normal and he did not develop any complications. CONCLUSION: This case report highlighted the importance of recognizing the possibility of underlying kidney rupture in a patient with generalized peritonitis. Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) might be the possible cause of pyonephrosis in our case. As a treatment, nephrectomy is a preferable option when the affected kidney is not fully functional and the contralateral kidney is normal.