Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Study Protocol: Using Demand-Side Financing To Meet The Birth Spacing Needs Of The Underserved In Punjab Province In Pakistan, Syed Khurram Azmat, Moazzam Ali, Waqas Hameed, Ghulam Mustafa, Ghazanfer Abbas, Muhammad Ishaque, Mohsina Bilgrami, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: High fertility rates, unwanted pregnancies, low modern contraceptive prevalence and a huge unmet need for contraception adversely affect women’s health in Pakistan and this problem is compounded by limited access to reliable information and quality services regarding birth spacing especially in rural and underserved areas. This paper presents a study protocol that describes an evaluation of a demand-side financing (DSF) voucher approach which aims to increase the uptake of modern contraception among women of the lowest two wealth quintiles in Punjab Province, Pakistan.

Methods/Design: This study will use quasi-experimental design with control arm and be implemented in: six government …

Sexual Violence And Sub-Saharan Migrants In Morocco: A Community-Based Participatory Assessment Using Respondent Driven Sampling, Ines Keygnaert, Abdessamad Dialmy, Altay Manço, Jeroen Keygnaert, Nicole Vettenburg, Kristien Roelens, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The European Union contracted Morocco to regulate migration from so-called “transit migrants” from Morocco to Europe via the European Neighbourhood Policy. Yet, international organisations signal that human, asylum and refugee rights are not upheld in Morocco and that many sub-Saharan migrants suffer from ill-health and violence. Hence, our study aimed at 1) investigating the nature of violence that sub-Saharan migrants experience around and in Morocco, 2) assessing which determinants they perceive as decisive and 3) formulating prevention recommendations.

Methods: Applying Community-Based Participatory Research, we trained twelve sub-Saharan migrants as Community Researchers to conduct in-depth interviews with peers, using Respondent …

Maternal And Perinatal Health Research Priorities Beyond 2015: An International Survey And Prioritization Exercise, Joao Paulo Souza, Mariana Widmer, Ahmet Metin Gülmezoglu, Theresa Anne Lawrie, Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe, Guillermo Carroli, Caroline Crowther, Sheena M. Currie, Therese Dowswell, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Maternal mortality has declined by nearly half since 1990, but over a quarter million women still die every year of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal-health related targets are falling short of the2015 Millennium Development Goals and a post-2015 Development Agenda is emerging. In connection with this, setting global research priorities for the next decade is now required.

Methods: We adapted the methods of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to identify and set global research priorities for maternal and perinatal health for the period 2015 to 2025. Priority research questions were received from various international …

Newborn Care In Indonesia, Lao People’S Democratic Republic And The Philippines: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment, Els Duysburgh, Birgit Kerstens, Melissa Diaz, Vini Fardhdiani, Katherine Ann Reyes, Khamphong Phommachanh, Marleen Temmerman, Basil Rodriques, Nabila Zaka

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Between 1990 and 2011, global neonatal mortality decline was slower than that of under-five mortality. As a result, the proportion of under-five deaths due to neonatal mortality increased. This increase is primarily a consequence of decreasing post-neonatal and child under-five mortality as a result of the typical focus of child survival programmes of the past two decades on diseases affecting children over four weeks of age. Newborns are lagging behind in improved child health outcomes. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive, equity-focussed newborn care assessment and to explore options to improve newborn survival in Indonesia, …

One-Year Evaluation Of The Impact Of An Emergency Obstetric And Neonatal Care Training Program In Western Kenya, Rachel F. Spitzer, Sarah Jane Steele, David Caloia, Julie Thorne, Alan D. Bocking, Astrid Christoffersen-Deb, Aaron Yarmoshuk, Loise Maina, Johanna Sitters, Elkanah Omenge

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To determine the impact of introducing an emergency obstetric and neonatal care training program on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya.

Methods: A prospective chart review was conducted of all deliveries during the 3-month period (November 2009 to January 2010) before the introduction of the Advances in Labor and Risk Management International Program (AIP), and in the 3-month period (August–November 2011) 1 year after the introduction of the AIP. All women who were admitted and delivered after 28 weeks of pregnancy were included. The primary outcome was the direct obstetric case …

Use Of Antenatal Corticosteroids And Tocolytic Drugs In Preterm Births In 29 Countries: An Analysis Of The Who Multicountry Survey On Maternal And Newborn Health, Joshua P. Vogel, João Paulo Souza, A Metin Gülmezoglu, Rintaro Mori, Pisake Lumbiganon, Zahida Qureshi, Guillermo Carroli, Malinee Laopaiboon, Bukola Fawole, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Despite the global burden of morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth, little evidence is available for use of antenatal corticosteroids and tocolytic drugs in preterm births in low-income and middle-income countries. We analysed data from the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health (WHOMCS) to assess coverage for these interventions in preterm deliveries.

Methods: WHOMCS is a facility-based, cross-sectional survey database of birth outcomes in 359 facilities in 29 countries, with data collected prospectively from May 1, 2010, to Dec 31, 2011. For this analysis, we included deliveries after 22 weeks’ gestation and we excluded births that …

Intimate Partner Violence After Disclosure Of Hiv Test Results Among Pregnant Women In Harare, Zimbabwe, Simukai Shamu, Christina Zarowsky, Tamara Shefer, Marleen Temmerman, Naeemah Abrahams

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: HIV status disclosure is a central strategy in HIV prevention and treatment but in high prevalence settings women test disproportionately and most often during pregnancy. This study reports intimate partner violence (IPV) following disclosure of HIV test results by pregnant women.

Methods: In this cross sectional study we interviewed 1951 postnatal women who tested positive and negative for HIV about IPV experiences following HIV test disclosure, using an adapted WHO questionnaire. Multivariate regression models assessed factors associated with IPV after disclosure and controlled for factors such as previous IPV and other known behavioural factors associated with IPV.

Results: Over …

Prevalence And Evolution Of Intimate Partner Violence Before And During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study, An-Sofie Van Parys, Ellen Deschepper, Kristien Michielsen, Marleen Temmerman, Hans Verstraelen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) before and during pregnancy is associated with a broad range of adverse health outcomes. Describing the extent and the evolution of IPV is a crucial step in developing interventions to reduce the health impact of IPV. The objectives are to study the prevalence of psychological abuse, as well as physical & sexual violence, and to provide insight into the evolution of IPV 12 months before and during pregnancy.

Methods: Between June 2010 and October 2012, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 antenatal care clinics in Belgium. Consenting pregnant women were asked to complete a …

Women's Empowerment And Contraceptive Use: The Role Of Independent Versus Couples' Decision-Making, From A Lower Middle Income Country Perspective, Waqas Hameed, Syed Khurram Azmat, Moazzam Ali, Muhammad Ishaque Sheikh, Ghazunfer Abbas, Marleen Temmerman, Bilal Iqbal Avan

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: There is little available evidence of associations between the various dimensions of women’s empowerment and contraceptive use having been examined - and of how these associations are mediated by women’s socio-economic and demographic statuses. We assessed these phenomena in Pakistan using a structured-framework approach.

Methods: We analyzed data on 2,133 women who were either using any form of contraceptive or living with unmet need for contraception. The survey was conducted during May - June 2012, with married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in three districts of Punjab. The dimensions of empowerment were categorized broadly into: economic decision making, …

Global Causes Of Maternal Death: A Who Systematic Analysis, Lale Say, Doris Chou, Alison Gemmill, Özge Tunçalp, Ann-Beth Moller, Jane Daniels, A Metin Gülmezoglu, Marleen Temmerman, Leontine Alkema

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Data for the causes of maternal deaths are needed to inform policies to improve maternal health. We developed and analyzed global, regional, and sub-regional estimates of the causes of maternal death during 2003–09, with a novel method, updating the previous WHO systematic review.

Methods: We searched specialized and general bibliographic databases for articles published between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2012, for research data, with no language restrictions, and the WHO mortality database for vital registration data. On the basis of pre-specified inclusion criteria, we analyzed causes of maternal death from datasets.

We aggregated country level estimates to …

Spousal Discordance On Fertility Preference And Its Effect On Contraceptive Practice Among Married Couples In Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, Tizta Tilahun, Gily Coene, Marleen Temmerman, Olivier Degomme

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: To assess spousal agreement levels regarding fertility preference and spousal communication, and to look at how it affects contraceptive use by couples. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to collect quantitative data from March to May 2010 in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, using a multistage sampling design covering six districts. In each of the 811 couples included in the survey, both spouses were interviewed. Concordance between the husband and wife was assessed using different statistics and tests including concordance rates, ANOVA, Cohen’s Κ and McNemar’s test for paired samples. Multivariate analysis was computed to ascertain factors associated with contraceptive use. …

Effects Of Hazardous And Harmful Alcohol Use On Hiv Incidence And Sexual Behaviour: A Cohort Study Of Kenyan Female Sex Workers, Matthew F. Chersich, Wilkister Bosire, Nzioki King’Ola, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Aims: To investigate putative links between alcohol use, and unsafe sex and incident HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: A cohort of 400 HIV-negative female sex workers was established in Mombasa, Kenya. Associations between categories of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the incidence at one year of unsafe sex, HIV and pregnancy were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Violence or STIs other than HIV measured at one year was compared across AUDIT categories using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Participants had high levels of hazardous (17.3%, 69/399) and harmful drinking (9.5%, 38/399), while 36.1% abstained from alcohol. …

Attendance At Cervical Cancer Screening And Use Of Diagnostic And Therapeutic Procedures On The Uterine Cervix Assessed From Individual Health Insurance Data (Belgium, 2002-2006), Marc Arbyn, Valérie Fabri, Marleen Temmerman, Cindy Simoens

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To assess the coverage for cervical cancer screening as well as the use of cervical cytology, colposcopy and other diagnostic and therapeutic interventions on the uterine cervix in Belgium, using individual health insurance data.

Methods: The Intermutualistic Agency compiled a database containing 14 million records from reimbursement claims for Pap smears, colposcopies, cervical biopsies and surgery, performed between 2002 and 2006. Cervical cancer screening coverage was defined as the proportion of women aged 25-64 that had a Pap smear within the last 3 years.

Results: Cervical cancer screening coverage was 61% at national level, for the target population of …

Family Planning Versus Contraception: What's In A Name?, Maria I. Rodríguez, Lale Say, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

No abstract provided.

It's About Time: Who And Partners Release Programming Strategies For Postpartum Family Planning, Mary Eluned Gaffield, Shannon Egan, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Since 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been receiving an increasing number of requests from country programs for strategies to create or strengthen voluntary family planning programs for women in the first year after childbirth. During this extended postpartum period, 95% of women in low- and middle-income countries want to avoid a pregnancy within the next 2 years, but 70% are not using contraception.

Sexual And Reproductive Health Of Migrants: Does The Eu Care?, Ines Keygnaert, Aurore Guieu, Gorik Ooms, Nicole Vettenburg, Marleen Temmerman, Kristien Roelens

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

The European Union (EU) refers to health as a human right in many internal and external communications, policies and agreements, defending its universality. In parallel, specific health needs of migrants originating from outside the EU have been acknowledged. Yet, their right to health and in particular sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is currently not ensured throughout the EU. This paper reflects on the results of a comprehensive literature review on migrants' SRH in the EU applying the Critical Interpretive Synthesis review method. We highlight the discrepancy between a proclaimed rights-based approach to health and actual obstacles to migrants' attainment of …

International Standards For Fetal Growth Based On Serial Ultrasound Measurements: The Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study Of The Intergrowth-21st Project, Aris T. Papageorghiou, Eric O. Ohuma, Douglas G. Altman, Tullia Todros, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Ann Lambert, Yasmin A. Jaffer, Enrico Bertino, Michael G. Gravett, J Alison Noble, Ruyan Pang, Cesar G. Victora, Fernando C. Barros, Maria Carvalho, Laurent J. Salomon, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Stephen H. Kennedy, José Villar

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: In 2006, WHO produced international growth standards for infants and children up to age 5 years on the basis of recommendations from a WHO expert committee. Using the same methods and conceptual approach, the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS), part of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project, aimed to develop international growth and size standards for fetuses.

Methods: The multicentre, population-based FGLS assessed fetal growth in geographically defined urban populations in eight countries, in which most of the health and nutritional needs of mothers were met and adequate antenatal care was provided. We used ultrasound to take fetal anthropometric measurements prospectively from …

Pregnancy Outcomes In Benghazi, Libya, Before And During The Armed Conflict In 2011, Z. Bodalal, K. Agnaeber, N. Nagelkerke, B. Stirling, Marleen Temmerman, O. Degomme

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Stressful life events experienced by pregnant women may lead to adverse obstetric outcomes. This study in Benghazi compared the rates of preterm, low-birth-weight and caesarean-section births at Al-Jamhouria hospital in the months before and during the armed conflict in Libya in 2011. Data were collected on all women admitted to the delivery ward during February to May 2011 (the months of the most active fighting in the city) (n = 7096), and October to December 2010 (the months immediately before the war) (n = 5935). Compared with the preceding months there was a significant rise during the conflict in the …

A Cross-Sectional Study On Attitudes Toward Gender Equality, Sexual Behavior, Positive Sexual Experiences, And Communication About Sex Among Sexually Active And Non-Sexually Active Adolescents In Bolivia And Ecuador, Sara De Meyer, Lina Jaruseviciene, Apolinaras Zaborskis, Peter Decat, Bernardo Vega, Kathya Cordova, Marleen Temmerman, Olivier Degomme, Kristien Michielsen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: It is widely agreed upon that gender is a key aspect of sexuality however, questions remain on how gender exactly influences adolescents’ sexual health.

Objective: The aim of this research was to study correlations between gender equality attitudes and sexual behavior, sexual experiences and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in 2 Latin American countries.

Design: In 2011, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 5,913 adolescents aged 14–18 in 20 secondary schools in Cochabamba (Bolivia) and 6 secondary schools in Cuenca (Ecuador). Models were built using logistic regressions to assess the …

Sexual Violence And Sub-Saharan Migrants In Morocco: A Community-Based Participatory Assessment Using Respondent Driven Sampling, Ines Keygnaert, Abdessamad Dialmy, Altay Manço, Jeroen Keygnaert, Nicole Vettenburg, Kristien Roelens, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The European Union contracted Morocco to regulate migration from so-called “transit migrants” from Morocco to Europe via the European Neighbourhood Policy. Yet, international organisations signal that human, asylum and refugee rights are not upheld in Morocco and that many sub-Saharan migrants suffer from ill-health and violence. Hence, our study aimed at 1) investigating the nature of violence that sub-Saharan migrants experience around and in Morocco, 2) assessing which determinants they perceive as decisive and 3) formulating prevention recommendations.

Methods: Applying Community-Based Participatory Research, we trained twelve sub-Saharan migrants as Community Researchers to conduct in-depth interviews with peers, using Respondent …

Characterisation Of The Vaginal Microflora Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Positive And Negative Women In A Sub-Urban Population Of Kenya, Teresa N. Kiama, Rita Verhelst, Paul M. Mbugua, Mario Vaneechoutte, Hans Verstraelen, Benson Estambale, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Lactobacilli predominate normal vaginal microflora and are important in maintenance of vaginal health. The current study set out to identify and compare culture isolates of vaginal microflora of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive (HIV+ ) and HIV negative (HIV- ) women at different phases during menstrual cycle from a sub-urban population of Kenya. Seventy four (74) women, 41 HIV+ and 33 HIV- , followed up two consecutive menstrual cycles, had high vaginal swabs taken to prepare Gram stains for six visits and anaerobic cultures for four. All 751 isolates identified by t-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) belong to 51 species. …

Characteristics Of Participants In An Hiv Prevention Intervention For Youth In Rwanda: Results From A Longitudinal Study, Hanne Celis, Brian A. Jingwa, Olivier Degomme, Ronan Van Rossem, Marleen Temmerman, Kristien Michielsen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: This paper studies determinants of participation in a peer-led school-based HIV prevention intervention in Rwanda.

Methods: A baseline survey among 1071 students (mean age 17 years) assessed potential determinants of participation, while a follow-up six months in the intervention measured actual participation in the intervention. Statistical models were built using multivariate linear and multinomial regression analysis predicting overall participation, participation in group discussions and individual counseling.

Results: Those who recently had sex, had been tested for HIV, feel more susceptible to HIV, have a higher sexual self-concept, a more positive future perspective (only for non-sexually active), and boys, were …

Intimate Partner Violence And Pregnancy: A Systematic Review Of Interventions, An-Sofie Van Parys, Annelien Verhamme, Marleen Temmerman, Hans Verstraelen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) around the time of pregnancy is a widespread global health problem with many negative consequences. Nevertheless, a lot remains unclear about which interventions are effective and might be adopted in the perinatal care context.

Objective: The objective is to provide a clear overview of the existing evidence on effectiveness of interventions for IPV around the time of pregnancy.

Methods: Following databases PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and expanded by hand search. The search was limited to English peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials published from 2000 to 2013. This review …

Rwandan Young People’S Perceptions On Sexuality And Relationships: Results From A Qualitative Study Using The ‘Mailbox Technique’, Kristien Michielsen, Pieter Remes, John Rugabo, Ronan Van Rossem, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

This study aimed to gain more insight into young Rwandans’ perceptions on sex and relationships, which is essential for formulating effective sexual and reproductive health (SRH) promotion interventions. Using a ‘mailbox technique’, this paper studies the spontaneous thoughts of Rwandan young people on sexuality. Mailboxes were installed in five secondary schools in the Bugesera district and students were invited to write about their ideas, secrets, wishes, desires and fears on sexuality and relationships. Of the 186 letters collected, 154 addressed SRH topics. The letters were analysed in NVivo 9 using a theoretical model on vulnerability. Two stereotypical sexual interactions co-exist: …

Sexual And Gender-Based Violence In The European Asylum And Reception Sector: A Perpetuum Mobile?, Ines Keygnaert, Sonia F. Dias, Olivier Degomme, Walter Deville, Patricia Kennedy, Andras Kovats, Sara De Meyer, Nicole Vettenburg, Kristien Roelens, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants are at risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and subsequent ill-health in Europe; yet, European minimum reception standards do not address SGBV. Hence, this paper explores the nature of SGBV occurring in this sector and discusses determinants for ‘Desirable Prevention’.

Methods: Applying community-based participatory research, we conducted an SGBV knowledge, attitude and practice survey with residents and professionals in eight European countries. We conducted logistic regression using mixed models to analyse the data in R.

Results: Of the 562 respondents, 58.3% reported cases of direct (23.3%) or peer (76.6%) victimization. Our results …

Sexual Health Is Dead In My Body: Participatory Assessment Of Sexual Health Determinants By Refugees, Asylum Seekers And Undocumented Migrants In Belgium And The Netherlands, Ines Keygnaert, Nicole Vettenburg, Kristien Roelens, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Although migrants constitute an important proportion of the European population, little is known about migrant sexual health. Existing research mainly focuses on migrants’ sexual health risks and accessibility issues while recommendations on adequate sexual health promotion are rarely provided. Hence, this paper explores how refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands define sexual health, search for sexual health information and perceive sexual health determinants.

Methods: Applying Community-based Participatory Research as the overarching research approach, we conducted 223 in-depth interviews with refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Framework Analysis Technique …

Identifying Factors Associated With The Uptake Of Prevention Of Mother To Child Hiv Transmission Programme In Tigray Region, Ethiopia: A Multilevel Modeling Approach, Wondwossen Lerebo, Steven Callens, Debra Jackson, Christina Zarowsky, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) remains a challenge in low and middle-income countries. Determinants of utilization occur – and often interact - at both individual and community levels, but most studies do not address how determinants interact across levels. Multilevel models allow for the importance of both groups and individuals in understanding health outcomes and provide one way to link the traditionally distinct ecological- and individual-level studies. This study examined individual and community level determinants of mother and child receiving PMTCT services in Tigray region, Ethiopia.

Methods: A multistage probability sampling method was used for this …

Promoting Reproductive Options For Hiv-Affected Couples In Sub-Saharan Africa, Okeoma Mmeje, Craig R. Cohen, Alfred Murage, John Ong’Ech, James Kiarie, Sheryl Van Der Poel

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

HIV-affected couples have unique challenges that require access to information and reproductive services which prevent HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and offspring while allowing couples to fulfill their reproductive goals. In high HIV prevalent regions of sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-affected couples require multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) to enhance their reproductive healthcare options beyond contraception and prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to include assistance in childbearing. The unique characteristics of the condom and its accepted use in conjunction with safer conception interventions allow HIV-serodiscordant couples an opportunity to maintain reproductive health, prevent HIV/STI transmission, and achieve their reproductive goals while …

Successes And Challenges Of Establishing A Cervical Cancer Screening And Treatment Program In Western Kenya, Kareem Khozaim, Elkanah Omenge, Astrid Christoffersen-Deb, Peter Itsura, John Oguda, Hellen Muliro, Jackline Ndiema, Grace Mwangi, Matthew Strother, Susan Cu-Uvin

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To describe the challenges and successes of integrating a public-sector cervical screening program into a large HIV care system in western Kenya.

Methods: The present study was a programmatic description and a retrospective chart review of data collected from a cervical screening program based on visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) between June 2009 and October 2011.

Results: In total, 6787 women were screened: 1331 (19.6%) were VIA-positive, of whom 949 (71.3%) had HIV. Overall, 206 women underwent cryotherapy, 754 colposcopy, 143 loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP), and 27 hysterectomy. Among the colposcopy-guided biopsies, 27.9% had severe dysplasia and …

International Standards For Early Fetal Size And Pregnancy Dating Based On Ultrasound Measurement Of Crown–Rump Length In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy, A. T. Papageorghiou, S. H. Kennedy, L. J. Salomon, E. O. Ohuma, L. Cheikh Ismail, F. C. Barros, A. Lambert, Maria Carvalho, Y. A. Jaffer, E. Bertino, M. G. Gravett, D. G. Altman, M. Purwar, J. A. Noble, R. Pang, C. G. Victora, Z. A. Bhutta, J. Villar

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: There are no international standards for relating fetal crown–rump length (CRL) to gestational age (GA), and most existing charts have considerable methodological limitations. The INTERGROWTH-21^st Project aimed to produce the first international standards for early fetal size and ultrasound dating of pregnancy based on CRL measurement.

Methods: Urban areas in eight geographically diverse countries that met strict eligibility criteria were selected for the prospective, population-based recruitment, between 9 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks' gestation, of healthy well-nourished women with singleton pregnancies at low risk of fetal growth impairment. GA was calculated on the basis of a …