Digital Commons Network^™

Contraceptive And Reproductive Health Practices Of Unmarried Women Globally, 1999 To 2018: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Meng-Yao Wang, Marleen Temmerman, Wei-Hong Zhang, Yu Fan, Yi Mu, Si-Ping Mo, Ai Zheng, Jin-Ke Li

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Premarital sex practices and contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) among unmarried women worldwide remain unclear, even though unmarried women tend to have multiple sex partners over time, which makes their sexual behaviors particularly important to the sexual and reproductive health of society more broadly.

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2018. Data on prevalence of premarital sexual intercourse, use of highly prevalent contraceptive methods, as well as CPR overall and at first sexual intercourse were extracted and estimated using a DerSimonian- Laird random effects model. …

Gender Difference In Mortality Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Hiv Co-Infected Adults Aged 15-49 Years In Kenya, Rose J. Kosgei, Steven Callens, Peter Gichangi, Marleen Temmerman, Anne-Beatrice Kihara, Gathara David, Eunice Nyaboe Omesa, Enos Masini, E. Jane Carter

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Setting: Kenya, 2012–2015

Objective: To explore whether there is a gender difference in all-cause mortality among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB)/ HIV co-infected patients treated for tuberculosis (TB) between 2012 and 2015 in Kenya.

Design: Retrospective cohort of 9,026 smear-positive patients aged 15–49 years. All-cause mortality during TB treatment was the outcome of interest. Time to start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was considered as a proxy for CD4 cell count. Those who took long to start of ART were assumed to have high CD4 cell count.

Results: Of the 9,026 observations analysed, 4,567(51%) and 4,459(49%) were women and men, …

Effect Of A Mobile Phone Intervention For Female Sex Workers On Unintended Pregnancy In Kenya (Whisper Or Shout): A Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial, Frances H. Ampt, Megan S. C. Lim, Paul A. Agius, Kelly L'Engle, Griffins Manguro, Caroline Gichuki, Peter Gichangi, Walter Jaoko, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries face high risks of unintended pregnancy. We developed a 12-month, multifaceted short messaging service intervention (WHISPER) for female sex workers in Kenya who had the potential to become pregnant, to improve their contraceptive knowledge and behaviours. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the intervention to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy among sex workers in Kenya compared with an equal-attention control group receiving nutrition-focused messages (SHOUT).

Methods: Our two-arm, cluster-randomised controlled trial was done in sex-work venues in two subcounties of Mombasa, Kenya (Kisauni and Changamwe). …

Factors Related To Maternal Adverse Outcomes In Pregnant Women With Cardiac Disease In Low-Resource Settings, Philippe Amubuomombe Poli, Elkanah Omenge, Ann Mwangi, Felix Ayub Barasa

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Cardiac disease is an important life-threatening complication during pregnancy. It is frequently seen in pregnant women living in resource-limited areas and often results in premature death.

Aim: The aim of this hospital-based longitudinal study was to identify factors related to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with cardiac disease in low-resource settings.

Methods: The study enrolled 91 pregnant women with congenital or acquired cardiac disease over a period of 2 years in Kenya.

Results: Maternal and early neonatal deaths occurred in 12.2% and 12.6% of cases, respectively. The risk of adverse outcomes was significantly …

Health Care Workers’ Perspectives Of The Influences Of Disrespectful Maternity Care In Rural Kenya, Adelaide Lusambili, Stefania Wisofschi, Constance Shumba, Jerim Obure, Kennedy Mulama, Lucy Nyaga, Terrance J. Wade, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

While disrespectful treatment of pregnant women attending health care facilities occurs globally, it is more prevalent in low-resource countries. In Kenya, a large body of research studied disrespectful maternity care (DMC) from the perspective of the service users. This paper examines the perspective of health care workers (HCWs) on factors that influence DMC experienced by pregnant women at health care facilities in rural Kisii and Kilifi counties in Kenya. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with health care workers (HCWs) in these two sites. Data were analyzed deductively and inductively using NVIVO 12. Findings from HCWs reflective narratives identified four areas …

Birth Preparedness And Complication Readiness Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Kenya And Tanzania: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey, James Orwa, Samwel Gatimu, Michaela Mantel, Stanley Luchters, Micheal Mugerwa, Sharon Brownie, Leonard Subi, Secilia Mrema, Lucy Nyaga, Grace Edwards, Loveluck Mwasha, Kahabi Isangula, Edna Selestine, Sofia Jadavji, Rachel Pell, Columba Mbekenga, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in low resource countries. Some of the strategies to avoid the delay include early preparation for the birth and detection of danger signs. We aimed to assess the level of practice and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) in Kenya and Tanzania.

Methods: We conducted community-based multi-stage cross-sectional surveys in Kilifi and Kisii counties in Kenya and Mwanza region in Tanzania and included women who delivered two years preceding the survey (2016–2017). A woman who mentioned at least three out of five BPCR components was …

Preconception Care Among Pregnant Women In An Urban And A Rural Health Facility In Kenya: A Quantitative Study, Joan Okemo, Marleen Temmerman, Mukaindo Mwaniki, Dorothy Kamya

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Preconception care (PCC) aims to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, however, its utilization remains low in developing countries. This pilot study assesses the level and determinants of PCC in an urban and a rural health facility in Kenya. Unselected pregnant women were recruited consecutively at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinics in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N-urban) and Maragua Level Four Hospital (MLFH-rural). The utilization of PCC was defined as contact with any health care provider before current pregnancy and addressing pregnancy planning and preparation. A cross-sectional approach was employed and data were analyzed using SPSS …

Improving Data For Decision-Making: A Toolkit For Cervical Cancer Prevention And Control Programmes, Elkanah Omenge, Edwin Were, Oliver Rode, Kapten Muthoka, Michael Byczkowski, Heike Sartor, Davy Vanden Broeck, Dietmar Schmidt, Miriam Reuschenbach, Magnus Von Knebel Doeberitz

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Screening of unvaccinated women remains essential to mitigate the high morbidity/mortality of cervical cancer. Here, we compared visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), recommended by WHO as the most cost-effective screening approach in LMICs, with HPV-based screening, and usage of p16INK4a/Ki-67 dual stain cytology.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled women participating in a VIA-based cervical cancer screening program in two peri-urban health centers of Kenya. Consenting women had a VIA examination preceded by collection of a liquid-based cytology sample from the cervix stored in PreservCyt medium (Hologic®). Analysis of all samples included a hrHPV DNA test and evaluation of a …

Applying The Robson Classification To Routine Facility Data To Understand The Caesarean Section Practice In Conflict Settings Of South Kivu, Eastern Dr Congo, Guy Mulinganya, Espoir Bwenge Malembaka, Melissa Lukula Akonkwa, Dieudonne´ Mpunga Mukendi, Etienne Kajibwami Birindwa, Ghislain Maheshe Balemba, Marleen Temmerman, Albert Mwembo Tambwe, Bart Criel, Ghislain Bisimwa Balaluka

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa has low Caesarean (CS) levels, despite a global increase in CS use. In conflict settings, the pattern of CS use is unclear because of scanty data. We aimed to examine the opportunity of using routine facility data to describe the CS use in conflict settings.

Methods: We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study in 8 health zones (HZ) of South Kivu province in eastern DR Congo. We reviewed patient hospital records, maternity registers and operative protocol books, from January to December 2018. Data on direct conflict fatalities were obtained from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Based on conflict …

Maternal And Perinatal Outcomes In Women With Eclampsia By Mode Of Delivery At Riley Mother Baby Hospital: A Longitudinal Case-Series Study, Philippe Amubuomombe Poli, Koech Irene, Richard Mogeni, Ann Mwangi, Andrew Cheruiyot, Elkanah Omenge

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Eclampsia, considered a serious complication of preeclampsia, remains a life-threatening condition among pregnant women. It accounts for 12% of maternal deaths and 16–31% of perinatal deaths worldwide. Most deaths from eclampsia occurred in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was performed to determine the optimum mode of delivery, as well as factors associated with the mode of delivery, in women admitted with eclampsia at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital.

Methods: This was a hospital-based longitudinal case-series study conducted at the largest and busiest obstetric unit of the tertiary hospital of western Kenya. Maternal and perinatal variables, such as …

Pregnancy Cohorts And Biobanking In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review, Jeffrey N. Bone, Kelly Pickerill, Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella, Marianne Vidler, Rachel Craik, Lucilla Poston, William Stones, Esperanca Sevene, Marleen Temmerman, Angela Koech

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Technological advances and high throughput biological assays can facilitate discovery science in biobanks from population cohorts, including pregnant women. Biological pathways associated with health outcomes differ depending on geography, and high-income country data may not generalise to low-resource settings. We conducted a systematic review to identify prospective pregnancy cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that include biobanked samples with potential to enhance discovery science opportunity.

Methods: Inclusion criteria were prospective data collection during pregnancy, with associated biobanking in SSA. Data sources included: scientific databases (with comprehensive search terms), grey literature, hand searching applicable reference lists and expert input. Results were …

Nutritional Influences On The Health Of Women And Children In Cabo Delgado, Mozambique: A Qualitative Study, Adelaide Lusambili, Violet Naanyu, Gibson Manda, Lindsay Mossman, Stefania Wisofschi, Rachel Pell, Sofia Jadavji, Jerim Obure, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

In 2017, the Government of Mozambique declared localized acute malnutrition crises in a range of districts across Mozambique including Cabo Delgado. This is in spite of intensive efforts by different non-governmental organizations (NGO) and the Government of Mozambique to expand access to information on good nutritional practices as well as promote nutrition-specific interventions, such as cooking demonstrations, home gardens and the distribution of micronutrient powder to children. This paper examines and discusses key nutritional influences on the health of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique. We conducted 21 key informant interviews (KIIs) with a wide range of …

High Burden Of Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Key Populations In Mozambique: The Urgent Need For An Integrated Surveillance System, Makini A. S. Boothe, Charlotte Comé, Cynthia Semá Baltazar, Noela Chicuecue, Jessica Seleme, Denise Chitsondzo Langa, Isabel Sathane, Henry F. Raymond, Erika Fazito, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Key populations - men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and people who inject drugs (PWID) - are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI) given their sexual risk behaviours along with social, legal and structural barriers to prevention, care and treatment services. The purpose of this secondary analysis is to assess the prevalence of self-reported STIs and to describe associated risk factors among participations of the first Biological Behavioural Surveillance (BBS) in Mozambique.

Methods: Responses from the first BBS surveys conducted in 2011-2014 were aggregated across survey-cities to produce pooled estimates …

Interactions Between The Physical And Social Environments With Adverse Pregnancy Events Related To Placental Disorders—A Scoping Review, Yolisa Prudence Dube, Newton Nyapwere, Laura A. Magee, Marianne Vidler, Sophie E. Moore, Benjamin Barratt, Rachel Craik, Peter Von Dadelszen, Prestige Tatenda Makanga, Marleen Temmerman, Angela Koech, Patricia Okiro, Geoffrey Omuse, Sikolia Wanyonyi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Due to different social and physical environments across Africa, understanding how these environments differ in interacting with placental disorders will play an important role in developing effective interventions.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted, to identify current knowledge on interactions between the physical and social environment and the incidence of placental disease in Africa.

Results: Heavy metals were said to be harmful when environmental concentrations are beyond critical limits. Education level, maternal age, attendance of antenatal care and parity were the most investigated social determinants.

Conclusions: More evidence is needed to determine the relationships between the environment and placental …

Persistence Of Oncogenic And Non-Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Is Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Kenyan Women, Yan Tong, Philip Tonui, Aaron Ermel, Elkanah Omenge, Nelson Wong, Titus Maina, Stephen Kiptoo, Kapten Muthoka, Patrick J. Loehrer, Darron R. Brown

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with oncogenic, or “high-risk” types of human papillomaviruses, and is the most common malignancy in Kenyan women. A longitudinal study was initiated to investigate factors associated with persistent human papillomavirus detection among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected Kenyan women without evidence of cervical dysplasia.

Methods: Demographic/behavioral data and cervical swabs were collected from HIV-uninfected women (n = 82) and HIV-infected women (n = 101) at enrollment and annually for 2 years. Human papillomavirus typing was performed on swabs (Roche Linear Array). Logistic regression models of human papillomavirus persistence were adjusted for demographic …

Video Analysis Of Newborn Resuscitations After Simulation-Based Helping Babies Breathe Training, Ingunn Anda Haug, Kari Holte, Catherine L. Chang, Carolyn Purington, Joar Eilevstjønn, Anita Yeconia, Hussein Kidanto, Hege L. Ersdal

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Simulation-based Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training is currently rolled-out in around 80 low-income countries with various results.

Method: Workflow was analyzed in 76 video-recorded newborn resuscitations performed by regularly HBB-trained nurse-midwives over 3 years in rural Tanzania.

Results: Actual newborn resuscitation practice deviated from HBB intention/guideline: most newborns underwent prolonged suction and stimulation before ventilation; ventilation was delayed and frequently interrupted. Nurse-midwives often worked together.

Conclusions:There is a gap between training intention and clinical practice. HBB trainings should focus more on urgency, ventilation skills, and team training. Combining clinical debriefing with HBB simulations could facilitate continuous learning and …

Detection Of Types Of Hpv Among Hiv-Infected And Hiv-Uninfected Kenyan Women Undergoing Cryotherapy Or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, Elkanah Omenge, Jordan P. Emont, Aaron Ermel, Tao Liu, Victor Omodi, Yan Tong, Peter Itsura, Philip Tonui, Titus Maina, John M. Ong’Echa

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To assess the baseline types of HPV infection among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in western Kenya undergoing cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted of baseline HPV characteristics of women undergoing visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy or LEEP. After a positive VIA in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, data on demographics, CD4 count, and use of antiretroviral therapy and a cervical swab were collected. HPV typing was performed using the Roche Linear Array.

Results: Of 175 participants, 86 (49.1%) were HIV-positive and had a higher prevalence …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Hiv/Hepatitis B And Hiv/Hepatitis C Co-Infections Among People Who Inject Drugs In Mozambique, Cynthia Semá Baltazar, Makini Boothe, Timothy Kellogg, Paulino Ricardo, Isabel Sathane, Erika Fazito, Henry F. Raymond, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: There is scare information about HIV co-infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Mozambique. This information is critical to ensure the treatment necessary to decrease the progression of liver disease and the transmission of both HIV and hepatitis. We assess the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV co-infections as well as associated risk factors among PWID.

Methods: The first Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey was conducted in 2013-2014 among persons who self-reported to have ever injected drugs. Using respondent-driven sampling, PWID aged 18 years and older were recruited …

Intergrowth-21st Project International Inter-Nda Standards For Child Development At 2 Years Of Age: An International Prospective Population-Based Study, Michelle Fernandes, José Villar, Alan Stein, Eleonora Staines Urias, Cutberto Garza, Cesar G. Victora, Fernando C. Barros, Enrico Bertino, Maria Carvalho, Amina Abubakar, Roseline Ochieng

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives To describe the construction of the international INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment (INTER-NDA) standards for child development at 2 years by reporting the cognitive, language, motor and behaviour outcomes in optimally healthy and nourished children in the INTERGROWTH-21st Project.

Design Population-based cohort study, the INTERGROWTH-21st Project.

Setting Brazil, India, Italy, Kenya and the UK.

Participants 1181 children prospectively recruited from early fetal life according to the prescriptive WHO approach, and confirmed to be at low risk of adverse perinatal and postnatal outcomes.

Primary measures Scaled INTER-NDA domain scores for cognition, language, fine and gross motor skills and behaviour; vision outcomes measured …

A Mobile Phone–Based Sexual And Reproductive Health Intervention For Female Sex Workers In Kenya: Development And Qualitative Study, Frances H. Ampt, Kelly L'Engle, Megan S. C. Lim, Kate F. Plourde, Emily Mangone, Collins Mudogo Mukanya, Peter Gichangi, Griffins Manguro, Margaret Hellard, Walter Jaoko, Paul A. Agius, Marleen Temmerman, Winnie Wangari, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) have high rates of both unintended pregnancy and HIV, but few health promotion interventions address their contraceptive needs or other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) concerns. A broader approach integrates contraceptive promotion with HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and management, alcohol awareness, gender-based violence and rights, and health care utilization. The Women's Health Intervention using SMS for Preventing Pregnancy (WHISPER) mobile phone intervention uses a participatory development approach and behavior change theory to address these high-priority concerns of FSWs in Mombasa, Kenya.

Objective: This paper aimed to (1) describe …

Religious, Socio-Cultural Norms And Gender Stereotypes Influence Uptake And Utilization Of Maternal Health Services Among The Digo Community In Kwale, Kenya: A Qualitative Study, Vernon Mochache, George Wanje, Lucy Nyaga, Amyn Lakhani, Hajara El-Busaidy, Marleen Temmerman, Peter Gichangi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Maternal health outcomes in resource-limited settings are typically influenced by supply-side factors affecting the provision of quality health services. The extent to which demand-side factors contribute to this influence is unclear. We aimed to explore how individual and community-wide factors influenced uptake and utilization of maternal health services among the Digo community residing in Kwale County of coastal Kenya.

Methods: Between March and December 2015, we conducted 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with members of the Digo community predominant in Kwale county, Kenya. Respondents were sampled purposively and included female (pregnant and …

Maternal Inflammatory Markers For Chorioamnionitis In Preterm Prelabour Rupture Of Membranes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies, Angela Koech, Geoffrey Omuse, Abraham Mukaindo, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: There is no consensus on the role of inflammatory markers in identifying chorioamnionitis in preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM). We set out to evaluate the accuracy of maternal blood C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin and interleukin 6 (IL6) in diagnosis of histological chorioamnionitis and/or funisitis (HCA/Funisitis) in PPROM.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library from inception to January 2020 for studies where maternal blood CRP, procalcitonin or IL6 was assessed against a reference standard of HCA/Funisitis in PPROM. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess methodological quality. Hierarchical summary …

Delivery Mode For Prolonged, Obstructed Labour Resulting In Obstetric Fistula: A Retrospective Review Of 4396 Women In East And Central Africa, C. J. Ngongo, T. J. Raassen, L. Lombard, J Van Roosmalen, S. Weyers, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To evaluate the mode of delivery and stillbirth rates over time among women with obstetric fistula.

Design: Retrospective record review.

Setting: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia and Ethiopia.

Population: A total of 4396 women presenting with obstetric fistulas for repair who delivered previously in facilities between 1990 and 2014.

Methods: Retrospective review of trends and associations between mode of delivery and stillbirth, focusing on caesarean section (CS), assisted vaginal deliveries and spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

Main outcome measures: Mode of delivery, stillbirth.

Results: Out of 4396 women with fistula, 3695 (84.1%) delivered a stillborn baby. Among …

The Contribution Of Qualitative Research Within The Precise Study In Sub-Saharan Africa, Marina A. S. Daniele, Melisa Martinez-Alvarez, Angela Koech, Marianne Vidler, Tatiana Salisbury, Prestige Tatenda Makanga, Peris Musitia, Meriel Flint-O’Kane, Tanya Wells Brown, Brahima Amara Diallo, Marleen Temmerman, Geoffrey Omuse, Sikolia Wanyonyi, Patricia Okiro

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

The PRECISE Network is a cohort study established to investigate hypertension, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth (described as “placental disorders”) in Kenya, Mozambique and The Gambia. Several pregnancy or birth cohorts have been set up in low- and middle-income countries, focussed on maternal and child health. Qualitative research methods are sometimes used alongside quantitative data collection from these cohorts. Researchers affiliated with PRECISE are also planning to use qualitative methods, from the perspective of multiple subject areas. This paper provides an overview of the different ways in which qualitative research methods can contribute to achieving PRECISE’s objectives, and discusses the …

The Precise (Pregnancy Care Integrating Translational Science, Everywhere) Database: Open-Access Data Collection In Maternal And Newborn Health, Laura A. Magee, Amber Strang, Larry Li, Domena Tu, Warancha Tumtaweetikul, Rachel Craik, Marina Daniele, Angela Koech, Umberto D’Alessandro, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

In less-resourced settings, adverse pregnancy outcome rates are unacceptably high. To effect improvement, we need accurate epidemiological data about rates of death and morbidity, as well as social determinants of health and processes of care, and from each country (or region) to contextualise strategies. The PRECISE database is a unique core infrastructure of a generic, unified data collection platform. It is built on previous work in data harmonisation, outcome and data field standardisation, open-access software (District Health Information System 2 and the Baobab Laboratory Information Management System), and clinical research networks. The database contains globally-recommended indicators included in Health Management …

The Precise (Pregnancy Care Integrating Translational Science, Everywhere) Network’S First Protocol: Deep Phenotyping In Three Sub-Saharan African Countries, Peter Von Dadelszen, Meriel Flint-O’Kane, Lucilla Poston, Rachel Craik, Donna Russell, Rachel M. Tribe, Umberto D’Alessandro, Marleen Temmerman, Angela Koech, Anna Roca

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The PRECISE (PREgnancy Care Integrating translational Science, Everywhere) Network is a new and broadly-based group of research scientists and health advocates based in the UK, Africa and North America.

Methods: This paper describes the protocol that underpins the clinical research activity of the Network, so that the investigators, and broader global health community, can have access to ‘deep phenotyping’ (social determinants of health, demographic and clinical parameters, placental biology and agnostic discovery biology) of women as they advance through pregnancy to the end of the puerperium, whether those pregnancies have normal outcomes or are complicated by one/more of the …

Harnessing The Precise Network As A Platform To Strengthen Global Capacity For Maternal And Child Health Research In Sub-Saharan Africa, Meriel Flint-O’Kane, Peter Von Dadelszen, Prestige Tatenda Makanga, Esperança Sevene, Anna Roca, Peter Dukes, Saba Hinrichs-Krapels, Rachel Craik, Laura A. Magee, Marleen Temmerman, Angela Koech, The Precise Network

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

It is widely acknowledged across the global health sector that research programmes need to be designed and implemented in a way that maximise opportunities for strengthening local capacity. This paper examines how the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) Grand Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) funded PRECISE (PREgnancy Care Integrating translational Science, Everywhere) Network has been established as a platform to strengthen global capacity for research focused on the improvement of maternal, fetal and newborn health in subSaharan Africa. Best practice principles outlined in an ESSENCE on Health Research report have been considered in relation to the PRECISE Network capacity-building activities …

Precise Pregnancy Cohort: Challenges And Strategies In Setting Up A Biorepository In Sub-Saharan Africa, Rachel Craik, Donna Russell, Rachel M. Tribe, Marleen Temmerman, Angela Koech, Patricia Okiro, Geoffrey Omuse, Sikolia Wanyonyi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background and objective: PRECISE is a population-based, prospective pregnancy cohort study designed for deep phenotyping of pregnancies in women with placenta-related disorders, and in healthy controls. The PRECISE Network is recruiting ~ 10,000 pregnant women in three countries (The Gambia, Kenya, and Mozambique) representing sub-Saharan Africa. The principal aim is to improve our understanding of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. This involves the creation of a highly curated biorepository for state of the art discovery science and a rich database of antenatal variables and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our overarching aim is to provide large sample numbers with …

“Children Are A Blessing From God” – A Qualitative Study Exploring The Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Contraceptive Use In Two Muslim Communities In Kenya, Batula Abdi, Jerry Okal, Gamal Serour, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Family planning (FP) is one of the high impact public health interventions with huge potential to enhance the health and wellbeing of women and children. Yet, despite the steady progress made towards expanding access to family planning, major disparities across different regions exist in Kenya. This study explored the socio cultural factors influencing FP use among two Muslim communities in Kenya.

Methods: A qualitative study involving Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) was conducted (from July to October 2018) in two predominant Muslim communities of Lamu and Wajir counties. Open ended questions explore key thematic areas around …

Midwives’ And Women’S Perception On Moyo Fetal Heart Rate Monitor For Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring; A Cross-Sectional Study, Paschal Mdoe, Anita Yeconia, Fanuel Buu, Simeon Kusulla, Ladislaus Blacy, Estomih Mduma, Godfrey Guga, Hussein Kidanto

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The annual global neonatal mortality stands at 2.5 million deaths, 1 million of them dying within the first day of life. An additional 2.6 million are stillborn globally, the majority of them due to intrapartum events. Optimal fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has the potential to timely detect fetuses at risk and, if coupled with timely obstetric responses may save more newborns. Moyo is a new Doppler with nine crystals capable of monitoring FHR both intermittently and continuously.

Aim: To assess women’s and midwives’ opinions on the use of Moyo for intrapartum FHR monitoring.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional …