RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity (FI) is at a steep risk, especially in low middle-income countries. FI is further compounded in areas that experience environmental and economic instability, thus a reassessment in such critical times is required for burden estimation and to propose targeted interventions. AIMS: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of, and sociodemographic factors associated with FI, as well as the coping strategies utilized in response to FI in peri-urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from November-December 2022 on 400 households in four peri-urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI) questionnaire were used to assess FI. A Poisson regression was used to assess associations between sociodemographic factors and FI. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of FI was found to be 60.2% (n = 241) of which 33.8% (n = 135) were severely food insecure. Age, women's and breadwinners' education, women's occupation, and parity were significantly associated with FI. Participants reported relying on less expensive foods (44%) and borrowing food or help from others (35%) as the most common coping strategies overall in the FI households. CONCLUSION: With more than half the households facing FI and adopting severe measures to cope in these communities, it is pivotal to design and test interventions that can withstand economic and climate catastrophes and help ensure a safety need for food security for the most vulnerable.
RESUMO
Purpose: To understand pregnant women's experience with midwifery-led antenatal care services using the Respectful Maternity Care charter in primary health centers in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was at Rehri Goth and Ibrahim Hyderi, two peri-urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan, where women receive antenatal care services. All pregnant women in their third trimester who consented during the study period were included. The participants were asked about access to care, antenatal care experience, person-centered approach, and general satisfaction with the facility using a pre-designed questionnaire. These themes were mapped onto the universal Respectful Maternity Care charter. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings in each of these themes. Multivariable logistic regression techniques to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: There were 904 women who agreed to participate in this study during January to December 2021. Majority of the women (94%, n=854) were satisfied with the operating hours and cleanliness. More than 90% of the women reported positive experiences regarding privacy, respectful treatment by midwives, and non-discriminatory care. However, 40% (n=362) of the women reported not receiving adequate information and informed consent before a medical procedure, while 65% (n=587) reported poor counseling for birth preparedness. Maternal age, women's occupation, women's education, and parity were found to be significantly associated with respect provided, satisfaction with counseling and the consent process. Conclusion: This study reported satisfaction of pregnant women with the facility's ambiance, respect, and care; however, poor communication skills regarding consent and antenatal counseling were reported. The findings suggest the need for more efficient strategies, such as regular respectful maternity care and technical training to strengthen midwife-patient interactions and enhance overall satisfaction, thus improving maternal and newborn outcomes.
