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1.
Article En | PAHOIRIS | ID: phr-60079

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To assess changes in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) in Haiti from August 2018 to September 2021, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A retrospective study using surveillance data from the Haitian Unique Health Information System, examining two periods: pre- and peri-COVID-19 pandemic. Health indicators at the national level in the two periods were compared using two-sample t-tests for proportions, and average absolute monthly changes were calculated using variance-weighted regression. Results. There was a statistically significant decline in the proportion of most of the indicators assessed from the pre- to the peri-COVID-19 pandemic period. However, the most affected indicators were the proportions of pregnant women with four antenatal care visits, with five antenatal care visits or more, and those who received a second dose of tetanus vaccine, which decreased by over 4 percentage points during the two periods. Likewise, the proportions of children who received diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), BCG, polio, pentavalent, and rotavirus vaccines also all declined by over 8 percentage points. In contrast, pneu- mococcal conjugate vaccine increased by over 4 percentage points. A statistically significant decrease was also observed in the average absolute monthly changes of several reproductive and child health indicators assessed. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the decline observed in several RMNCAH indicators in Haiti. However, the role played by the sociopolitical crisis and control exercised by armed groups over the population in the last three years cannot be ruled out.


[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar los cambios en materia de salud reproductiva, materna, neonatal, infantil y adolescente que se produjeron en Haití desde agosto del 2018 hasta septiembre del 2021, antes de la pandemia de COVID-19 y durante ella. Metodología. Estudio retrospectivo basado en datos de vigilancia del sistema único de información de salud de Haití para estudiar los periodos pre y peripandémico. La comparación de los indicadores de salud a nivel nacional de estos dos periodos se realizó mediante pruebas de t de dos muestras para comparar proporciones, y se calculó el promedio de la variación mensual absoluta mediante una regresión ponderada por la varianza. Resultados. Al comparar el periodo prepandémico con el peripandémico, se observó un descenso estadísticamente significativo de la mayoría de los indicadores porcentuales evaluados. Sin embargo, los indicadores porcentuales más afectados fueron los de mujeres embarazadas con cuatro visitas de atención prenatal, con cinco visitas de atención prenatal o más, o que recibieron una segunda dosis de la vacuna contra el tétanos; estos indicadores disminuyeron en más de cuatro puntos porcentuales en el segundo periodo en comparación con el primero. Asimismo, las proporciones de niños y niñas que recibieron las vacunas contra la difteria, el tétanos y la tosferina (DTPa), contra la poliomielitis, antirrotavírica, BCG, y pentavalente también disminuyeron en más de ocho puntos porcentuales. En cambio, la proporción de niños y niñas que recibieron la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada aumentó en más de cuatro puntos porcentuales. También se observó un descenso estadísticamente significativo en el promedio de la variación mensual absoluta de varios indicadores de salud reproductiva e infantil. Conclusiones. La pandemia de COVID-19 puede haber contribuido al descenso observado en varios indica- dores relacionados con la salud reproductiva, materna, neonatal, infantil y adolescente en Haití. Sin embargo, no se puede descartar el papel que ha desempeñado en dicho descenso la crisis sociopolítica y el control ejercido por los grupos armados sobre la población en los últimos tres años.


[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Avaliar mudanças na saúde reprodutiva, materna, neonatal, da criança e do adolescente no Haiti entre agosto de 2018 e setembro de 2021, antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Estudo retrospectivo usando dados de vigilância do Sistema Único de Informações de Saúde do Haiti, examinando dois períodos, antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Os indicadores de saúde do país nos dois períodos foram comparados por meio de testes t de duas amostras para proporções, e as variações mensais absolutas médias foram calculadas por meio de regressão linear ponderada. Resultados. Entre o período anterior e o período durante a pandemia de COVID-19, houve uma queda estatisticamente significante na proporção da maioria dos indicadores avaliados. Os indicadores mais afetados, porém, foram as proporções de gestantes com quatro consultas de pré-natal, gestantes com cinco ou mais consultas de pré-natal e gestantes que receberam uma segunda dose de vacina antitetânica, que sofreram uma diminuição de mais de 4 pontos percentuais na comparação entre os dois períodos. Similarmente, as proporções de crianças que receberam vacinas contra difteria, tétano e pertússis (DTPa), BCG, poliomielite, pentavalente e rotavírus também diminuíram em mais de 8 pontos percentuais. Por outro lado, no caso da vacina pneumocócica conjugada houve um aumento de mais de 4 pontos percentuais. Além disso, foi observada uma redução estatisticamente significante nas variações mensais absolutas médias de vários indicadores de saúde reprodutiva e infantil avaliados. Conclusões. A pandemia de COVID-19 pode ter contribuído para a piora observada em vários indicadores de saúde reprodutiva, materna, neonatal, da criança e do adolescente no Haiti. No entanto, não se pode descartar o papel desempenhado pela crise sociopolítica e pelo controle exercido por grupos armados sobre a população nos últimos três anos.


Child Health , Family Planning Services , Maternal Health , Reproductive Health , Women's Health Services , COVID-19 , Haiti , Child Health , Family Planning Services , Maternal Health , Reproductive Health , Women's Health Services , Haiti , Child Health , Family Planning Services , Maternal Health , Reproductive Health , Women's Health Services
3.
BMJ Open ; 14(6): e079361, 2024 Jun 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38830734

BACKGROUND: Despite global efforts to improve maternal health and healthcare, women throughout the world endure poor health during pregnancy. Extreme weather events (EWE) disrupt infrastructure and access to medical services, however little is known about their impact on the health of women during pregnancy in resource-poor settings. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to examine the current literature on the impact of EWE on maternal health to identify the pathways between EWE and maternal health in low-income and middle-income countries to identify gaps. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published before 15 December 2022 and the population of the studies included pregnant and postpartum women (defined at up to 6 weeks postpartum) who were living in low-income and middle-income countries. The exposure of the included study must be related to EWE and the result to maternal health outcomes. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: We searched the literature using five databases, Medline, Global Health, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL in December 2022. We assessed the results using predetermined criteria that defined the scope of the population, exposures and outcomes. In total, 15 studies were included. CHARTING METHODS: We identified studies that fit the criteria and extracted key themes. We extracted population demographics and sampling methodologies, assessed the quality of the studies and conducted a narrative synthesis to summarise the key findings. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The quantitative studies (n=4) and qualitative (n=11) demonstrated an association between EWE and malnutrition, mental health, mortality and access to maternal health services. CONCLUSION: EWE negatively impact maternal health through various mechanisms including access to services, stress and mortality. The results have demonstrated concerning effects, but there is also limited evidence surrounding these broad topics in low-resource settings. Research is necessary to determine the mechanisms by which EWE affect maternal health. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022352915.


Developing Countries , Extreme Weather , Maternal Health , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Poverty , Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology , Health Services Accessibility , Maternal Mortality
4.
Reprod Health ; 21(1): 62, 2024 May 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38698398

BACKGROUND: The burden of maternal and child mortality is high in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While health workers (HWs) with adequate knowledge and practice of maternal and child health (MCH) are crucial to reduce this burden, the skill level of HWs in charge of MCH in the DRC is currently insufficient. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of HWs towards MCH in Kasai and Maniema, two DRC provinces with very high maternal mortality ratios and under-5 mortality rates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 96 health facilities of Kasai and Maniema provinces in 2019. All HWs in charge of MCH were eligible for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire containing 76 questions on knowledge and practice of MCH. Analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, Kendall's correlation test, and a multivariate linear mixed regression model. RESULTS: Among participating HWs, 42.6% were A2 nurses (lowest qualification), 81.9% had no up-to-date training in MCH, and 48.4% had only 1-5 years of experience in MCH. In the two provinces combined, about half of HWs had poor knowledge (50.6%) and poor practice (53.3%) of MCH. Knowledge and practice scores were higher in Maniema than in Kasai (P < 0.001). Good knowledge and practice scores were significantly associated with high qualification (P = 0.001), continuing up-to-date training in MCH (P = 0.009), and 6 years of experience or more in MCH (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In Maniema and Kasai provinces, about half of HWs had poor knowledge and poor practice of MCH. The conversion of A1 nurses into midwives as well as the provision of up-to-date training in MCH, supervision, and mentorship could improve the skill level of HWs and could thus reduce the burden of MCH in the DRC.


This study assessed the knowledge and practice of health workers (HWs) towards maternal and child health (MCH) in Kasai and Maniema, two provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with very high maternal and child mortality rates. About half of surveyed HWs had poor knowledge and poor practice of MCH. Good knowledge and good practice were associated with high qualification, up-to-date training, and 6 years of experience or more in MCH. The conversion of A1 nurses into midwives as well as the provision of up-to-date training in MCH, supervision, and mentorship could improve the skill level of HWs and could thus reduce the burden of MCH in the DRC.


Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Personnel , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Female , Adult , Male , Maternal-Child Health Services/standards , Child Health , Maternal Health , Middle Aged , Pregnancy
5.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0303168, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38758960

INTRODUCTION: Globally, a shift is occurring to recognize the importance of young peoples' health and well-being, their unique health challenges, and the potential they hold as key drivers of change in their communities. In Haiti, one of the four leading causes of death for those 20-24 years old is pregnancy, childbirth, and the weeks after birth or at the end of a pregnancy. Important gaps remain in existing knowledge about youth perspectives of maternal health and well-being within their communities. Youth with lived experiences of maternal near-misses are well-positioned to contribute to the understanding of maternal health in their communities and their potential role in bringing about change. OBJECTIVES: To explore and understand youth perspectives of maternal near-miss experiences that occurred in a local healthcare facility or at home in rural Haiti. METHODS: We will conduct a qualitative, community-based participatory research study regarding maternal near-miss experiences to understand current challenges and identify solutions to improve community maternal health, specifically focused on youth maternal health. We will use Photovoice to seek an understanding of the lived experiences of youth maternal near-miss survivors. Participants will be from La Pointe, a Haitian community served by their local healthcare facility. We will undertake purposeful sampling to recruit approximately 20 female youth, aged 15-24 years. Data will be generated through photos, individual interviews and small group discussions (grouped by setting of near-miss experience). Data generation and analysis are expected to occur over a three-month period. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval will be sought from Centre Médical Béraca in La Pointe, Haiti, and from the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board in Hamilton ON, Canada. We will involve community stakeholders, especially youth, in developing dissemination and knowledge mobilisation strategies. Our findings will be disseminated as an open access publication, be presented publicly, at conferences, and defended as part of a doctoral thesis.


Maternal Health , Humans , Female , Haiti , Pregnancy , Adolescent , Young Adult , Near Miss, Healthcare , Community-Based Participatory Research , Rural Population , Photography , Qualitative Research , Adult
8.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0300982, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38768254

BACKGROUND: Child marriage has been associated with a range of negative maternal and reproductive health outcomes. This study explored these associations in Liberia and Sierra Leone and examined how child marriage intersected with other measures of social disadvantage. METHODS: Data were derived from 631 and 1,325 married or cohabitating women aged 20-24 interviewed in the 2019-2020 Liberia and 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Surveys, respectively. Analyses were stratified by country. Regression models examined associations between age at first marriage (<15, 15-17, and 18+ years) and reproductive and maternal health outcomes, as well as interactions between child marriage and measures of social disadvantage. Multivariable regression results were presented as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Over half of currently married/cohabitating women aged 20-24 in Liberia (52%) and Sierra Leone (54%) married before age 18, and over one in 10 married before age 15. In both countries, after adjusting for other factors, being married before the age of 18 was significantly associated with early fertility, high fertility, and low fertility control. Associations were particularly strong among women who first married before age 15. In Liberia, women who married at age 15-17 had significantly lower odds of skilled attendance at delivery and institutional delivery if they lived in the North Central region. Sierra Leonean women who married before age 15 had lower odds of institutional delivery and lower odds of four or more ANC visits if they lived in the North Western region. CONCLUSION: This study found clear associations between child marriage and negative reproductive health outcomes in Liberia and Sierra Leone, with stronger associations among women married in early adolescence. Child marriage and region of residence intersected to shape young women's access to skilled attendance at birth and institutional delivery. These findings call for further investigation and targeted intervention.


Marriage , Maternal Health , Humans , Female , Liberia/epidemiology , Sierra Leone/epidemiology , Marriage/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Young Adult , Adolescent , Maternal Health/statistics & numerical data , Reproductive Health/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Child , Pregnancy
9.
JMIR Res Protoc ; 13: e56052, 2024 May 24.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38788203

BACKGROUND: Preconception is the period before a young woman or woman conceives, which draws attention to understanding how her health condition and certain risk factors affect her and her baby's health once she becomes pregnant. Adolescence and youth represent a life-course continuum between childhood and adulthood, in which the prepregnancy phase lacks sufficient research. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify, map, and describe existing empirical evidence on preconception interventions that enhance health outcomes for adolescents, young adults, and their offspring. METHODS: We will conduct an evidence gap map (EGM) activity following the Campbell guidelines by populating searches identified from electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. We will include interventional studies and reviews of interventional studies that report the impact of preconception interventions for adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 25 years) on adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. All studies will undergo title or abstract and full-text screening on Covidence software (Veritas Health Innovation). All included studies will be coded using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) Reviewer software (EPPI Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London). Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 and Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) tool will be used to assess the quality of the included trials and reviews. A 2D graphical EGM will be developed using the EPPI Mapper software (version 2.2.4; EPPI Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London). RESULTS: This EGM exercise began in July 2023. Through electronic search, 131,031 publications were identified after deduplication, and after the full-text screening, 18 studies (124 papers) were included in the review. We plan to submit the paper to a peer-reviewed journal once it is finalized, with an expected completion date in May 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This study will facilitate the prioritization of future research and allocation of funding while also suggesting interventions that may improve maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/56052.


Preconception Care , Humans , Adolescent , Preconception Care/methods , Female , Pregnancy , Young Adult , Child Health , Child , Adult , Maternal Health , Evidence Gaps
10.
Syst Rev ; 13(1): 139, 2024 May 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38783327

BACKGROUND: Women who live with disadvantages such as socioeconomic deprivation, substance misuse, poor mental health, or domestic abuse face inequalities in health before, during, and after pregnancy and for their infants through to childhood. Women do not experience these factors alone; they accumulate and interact. Therefore, there is a need for an overview of interventions that work across health and social care and target women at risk of inequalities in maternal or child health. METHODS: Systematic review methodology will be used to identify systematic reviews from high-income countries that describe interventions aiming to reduce inequalities for women who experience social disadvantage during pregnancy. We will describe the range of interventions and their effectiveness in reducing inequalities in maternal or child health. Any individual, hospital, or community-level activity specific to women during the pre-conception, antenatal, or postpartum period up to 1 year after birth will be included, regardless of the setting in which they are delivered. We will search eight electronic databases with the pre-determined search strategy and supplement them with extensive grey literature searches. We will present a narrative synthesis, taking into account the quality assessment and coverage of included studies. DISCUSSION: Inequalities in maternal and child health are a key priority area for national policymakers. Understanding the range and effectiveness of interventions across the perinatal period will inform policy and practice. Identifying gaps in the evidence will inform future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023455502.


Developed Countries , Systematic Reviews as Topic , Humans , Pregnancy , Female , Healthcare Disparities , Socioeconomic Factors , Health Status Disparities , Maternal Health , Research Design , Pregnant Women/psychology
14.
J Med Internet Res ; 26: e49510, 2024 May 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38810250

BACKGROUND: Globally, the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps or interventions has increased. Robust synthesis of existing systematic reviews on mHealth apps may offer useful insights to guide maternal health clinicians and policy makers. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness or impact of mHealth apps on maternal health care delivery globally. METHODS: We systematically searched Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), MEDLINE or PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using a predeveloped search strategy. The quality of the reviews was independently assessed by 3 reviewers, while study selection was done by 2 independent raters. We presented a narrative synthesis of the findings, highlighting the specific mHealth apps, where they are implemented, and their effectiveness or outcomes toward various maternal conditions. RESULTS: A total of 2527 documents were retrieved, out of which 16 documents were included in the review. Most mHealth apps were implemented by sending SMS text messages with mobile phones. mHealth interventions were most effective in 5 areas: maternal anxiety and depression, diabetes in pregnancy, gestational weight management, maternal health care use, behavioral modification toward smoking cessation, and controlling substance use during pregnancy. We noted that mHealth interventions for maternal health care are skewed toward high-income countries (13/16, 81%). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of mHealth apps for maternity health care has drawn attention in research and practice recently. The study showed that research on mHealth apps and their use dominate in high-income countries. As a result, it is imperative that low- and middle-income countries intensify their commitment to these apps for maternal health care, in terms of use and research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022365179; https://tinyurl.com/e5yxyx77.


Mobile Applications , Telemedicine , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Maternal Health Services , Delivery of Health Care , Maternal Health
15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38791741

Early pubertal development induces early sexual activities among adolescents. In Ghana, despite the high sexual activity among Ghanaian adolescents, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are underutilised, primarily due to SRH stigma and a lack of SRH knowledge and information. This study examined the use of SRH services among adolescents aged 15-19 years in Ghana over a ten year period. The study utilised data from the 2007 and 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Surveys (GMHSs). Responses from 2056 and 4909 adolescent females captured in the 2007 and 2017 GMHSs, respectively, were used. The results showed a declining utilisation of SRH services among adolescents from 28.3% in 2007 to 22.5% in 2017. The odds of using family planning among sexually active adolescents increased from 2007 [AOR-0.32, CI-(0.135, 0.77), p < 0.001] to 2017 [AOR-68.62, CI-(36.104, 130.404), p < 0.001]. With increasing age at first sex, adolescents were less likely to use a family planning method in 2007 [AOR-0.94, CI-(0.89,0.99) p < 0.001], but this improved in 2017 [AOR-1.26, CI-(1.220, 1.293), p < 0.001]. Despite this, knowledge of sources for family planning was found to predict its lower utilisation in both 2007 [AOR = 0.15 (95% CI-0.081, 0.283), p < 0.0001] and 2017 [AOR = 0.206 (95% CI-(0.099, 0.426), p < 0.001]. The findings show that even though knowledge of family planning methods predicted low utilisation, knowledge of sources, age at first sex, and educational level positively predicted the utilisation of SRH services from 2007 to 2017. Opportunities for both enhancing the clinical environment and health provider attitudes exist and should be explored for improving SRH outcomes among sexually active adolescents in Ghana.


Reproductive Health Services , Humans , Adolescent , Ghana , Female , Reproductive Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult , Health Surveys , Maternal Health/statistics & numerical data , Family Planning Services/statistics & numerical data , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Sexual Behavior/statistics & numerical data
16.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 1420, 2024 May 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38807108

BACKGROUND: Repeat induced abortion is a serious public health issue that has been linked to adverse maternal health outcomes. However, knowledge about repeat induced abortion and its associated factors among reproductive age women in Ghana is very scarce. The objective of this study is to examine individual and community factors associated with repeat induced abortion in Ghana which would be helpful to design appropriate programmes and policies targeted at improving the sexual and reproductive health of women. METHODS: We used secondary cross-sectional data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. The study included a weighted sample of 4917 women aged 15-49 years with a history of induced abortion. A multivariable complex sample logistic regression analysis was used to investigate individual and community factors associated with repeat induced abortion among women in Ghana. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to measure the association of variables. RESULTS: Of the 4917 reproductive women with a history of abortion, 34.7% have repeat induced abortion. We find that, compared to women who experience single induced abortion, women who experience repeat abortion are age 25-34 years (AOR:2.16;95%CI = 1.66-2.79) or 35-49 years (AOR:2.95;95%CI:2.18-3.99), have Middle/JHS education (AOR:1.69;95%CI = 1.25-12.27), use contraceptive at the time of conception (AOR:1.48: 95%CI = 1.03-2.14), had sexual debut before 18 years (AOR:1.57; 95%CI: 1.33-1.85) and reside in urban areas (AOR:1.29;95%CI = 1.07-1.57). On the other hand, women who reside in Central (AOR:0.68;95%CI: 0.49-0.93), Northern (AOR:0.46;95%CI:0.24-0.88), Upper West (AOR:0.24; 95%CI: 0.12-0.50) and Upper East (AOR:0.49; 95%CI = 0.24-0.99) regions were less likely to have repeat induced abortion. CONCLUSION: The study showed that both individual and community level determinants were significantly associated with repeat induced abortion. Based on the findings, it is recommended to promote sexual and reproductive health education and more emphasis should be given to adult, those with early sexual debut, those with Middle/JHS education and those who live in urban centers.


Abortion, Induced , Humans , Female , Adult , Ghana , Adolescent , Young Adult , Abortion, Induced/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Logistic Models , Health Surveys , Maternal Health/statistics & numerical data
17.
BMJ Glob Health ; 9(Suppl 2)2024 May 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38770812

Currently, about 8% of deaths worldwide are maternal or neonatal deaths, or stillbirths. Maternal and neonatal mortality have been a focus of the Millenium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, and mortality levels have improved since the 1990s. We aim to answer two questions: What were the key drivers of maternal and neonatal mortality reductions seen in seven positive-outlier countries from 2000 to the present? How generalisable are the findings?We identified positive-outlier countries with respect to maternal and neonatal mortality reduction since 2000. We selected seven, and synthesised experience to assess the contribution of the health sector to the mortality reduction, including the roles of access, uptake and quality of services, and of health system strengthening. We explored the wider context by examining the contribution of fertility declines, and the roles of socioeconomic and human development, particularly as they affected service use, the health system and fertility. We analysed government levers, namely policies and programmes implemented, investments in data and evidence, and political commitment and financing, and we examined international inputs. We contextualised these within a mortality transition framework.We found that strategies evolved over time as the contacts women and neonates had with health services increased. The seven countries tended to align with global recommendations but could be distinguished in that they moved progressively towards implementing their goals and in scaling-up services, rather than merely adopting policies. Strategies differed by phase in the transition framework-one size did not fit all.


Health Policy , Infant Mortality , Maternal Mortality , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Female , Maternal Mortality/trends , Pregnancy , Infant , Infant Health , Maternal Health Services , Developing Countries , Maternal Health
18.
Health Aff (Millwood) ; 43(5): 707-716, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38709965

In July 2020, Hong Kong extended statutory paid maternity leave from ten weeks to fourteen weeks to align with International Labour Organization standards. We used the policy enactment as an observational natural experiment to assess the mental health implications of this policy change on probable postnatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scores of 10 or higher) and postpartum emotional well-being. Using an opportunistic observational study design, we recruited 1,414 survey respondents with births before (August 1-December 10, 2020) and after (December 11, 2020-July 18, 2022) policy implementation. Participants had a mean age of thirty-two, were majority primiparous, and were mostly working in skilled occupations. Our results show that the policy was associated with a 22 percent decrease in mothers experiencing postnatal depressive symptoms and a 33 percent decrease in postpartum emotional well-being interference. Even this modest change in policy, an additional four weeks of paid leave, was associated with significant mental health benefits. Policy makers should consider extending paid maternity leave to international norms to improve mental health among working mothers and to support workforce retention.


Depression, Postpartum , Mental Health , Mothers , Parental Leave , Humans , Hong Kong , Female , Adult , Depression, Postpartum/epidemiology , Mothers/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Women, Working/psychology , Women, Working/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy , Maternal Health
19.
Washington, D.C.; OPS; 2024-05-24. (OPS/HSS/CLP/24-0002).
Es | PAHOIRIS | ID: phr-59916

Esta publicación presenta los lineamientos y acuerdos del documento informativo “Estado del acceso a servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva”, elaborado por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud a solicitud de sus Estados Miembros en la 30.ª Conferencia Sanitaria Panamericana. El documento fue presentado y aprobado por unanimidad por los países de la Región de las Américas en la 60.º Reunión delConsejo Directivo, 75.ª Sesión del Comité Regional de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para las Américas, realizada en Washington, D.C., Estados Unidos de América, del 25 al 29 de septiembre del 2023. Su objetivo es describir el estado de situación del acceso a los servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) en la Región de las Américas, identificar respuestas sanitarias y barreras de acceso, y sugerir recomendaciones para los países. El documento desarrollado a partir de una revisión y sistematización de datos, planes e iniciativas, artículos científicos, informes de Naciones Unidas y marcos jurídicos y regulatorios sobre SSR.


Reproductive Health , Adolescent Health , Maternal Health , Women's Health
20.
Washington, D.C.; PAHO; 2024-05-24. (PAHO/HSS/CLP/24-0002).
En | PAHOIRIS | ID: phr-59914

This brief presents the guidelines and agreements in the information document Status of access to sexual and reproductive health services, prepared by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) at the request of its Member States at the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference. It was presented and unanimously approved by the countries of the Region of the Americas at the 60th Meeting of the Directing Council, 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Americas, held in Washington, D.C., USA, September 25-29, 2023. Its objective is to describe the status of access to sexual and reproductive health services in the Americas region, identify health responses and barriers to access, and suggest recommendations for countries. It was developed based on a review and systematization of data, plans and initiatives, scientific papers, United Nations reports, and legal and regulatory frameworks on sexual and reproductive health.


Reproductive Health , Adolescent Health , Maternal Health , Women's Health
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