Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Action Leveraging Evidence To Reduce Perinatal Mortality And Morbidity (Alert): Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomised Trial In Benin, Malawi, Tanzania And Uganda, Joseph Akuze, Kristi Sidney Annerstedt, Lenka Benova, Effie Chipeta, Jean-Paul Dossou, Mechthild M. Gross, Hussein Kidanto, Bruno Marchal, Helle Mölsted Alvesson, Andrea B. Pembe

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Insufficient reductions in maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in the past decade are a deterrence to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3. The majority of deaths occur during the intrapartum and immediate postnatal period. Overcoming the knowledge-do-gap to ensure implementation of known evidence-based interventions during this period has the potential to avert at least 2.5 million deaths in mothers and their offspring annually. This paper describes a study protocol for implementing and evaluating a multi-faceted health care system intervention to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based interventions and responsive care during this crucial period.

Methods: This is a cluster …

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

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Preconception care (PCC) is a form of preventive health care that is offered to women and couples before conception, with the aim of improving their health status and mitigating various risk factors that could con- tribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes. The levels of PCC utilization are still low globally, especially in developing countries and in rural areas. Little is known regarding PCC use in Kenya that could help in addressing this shortfall. This study aimed to qualitatively assess the determinants of PCC in urban and rural settings in Kenya.

Methods: A qualitative approach was …

Young Key Populations Left Behind: The Necessity For A Targeted Response In Mozambique, Makini A. S. Boothe, Cynthia Semá Baltazar, Isabel Sathane, Henry F. Raymond, Erika Fazito, Marleen Temmerman, Stanley Luchters

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: The first exposure to high-risk sexual and drug use behaviors often occurs during the period of youth (15–24 years old). These behaviors increase the risk of HIV infection, especially among young key populations (KP)–men how have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID). We describe the characteristics of young KP participants in the first Biobehavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys conducted in Mozambique and examine their risk behaviors compared to adult KP.

Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) methodology was used to recruit KP in three major urban areas in Mozambique. RDS-weighted pooled estimates were calculated …

Cesarean Section: More Than A Maternal Health Issue, Marleen Temmerman, Abdu Mohiddin

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

A cesarean section (CS) can be a lifesaving intervention when medically indicated, but it may also lead to adverse short- and long-term health effects for women and children

Muslim Men’S Perceptions And Attitudes On Family Planning: A Qualitative Study In Wajir And Lamu Counties In Kenya, Batula Abdi, Jerry Okal, Gamal Serour, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

In patriarchal societies like Kenya, understanding men’s perceptions and attitudes on family planning is critical given their decision-making roles that affect uptake of contraception. Yet, most programmes mainly target women as primary users of contraceptive methods since they bear the burden of pregnancy. However, women-focused approaches tend to overlook gender power dynamics within relationships, with men wielding excessive power that determines contraception use or non-use. A qualitative study involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted in the two predominantly Muslim communities of Lamu and Wajir counties, Kenya. Open-ended questions explored perspectives, attitudes and men’s understanding of contraception, family …

Inequalities In Early Marriage, Childbearing And Sexual Debut Among Adolescents In Sub-Saharan Africa, Dessalegn Y. Melesse, Réka M. Cane, Aveneni Mangombe, Macellina Y. Ijadunola, Adom Manu, Eniola Bamgboye, Abdu Mohiddin, Rornald M. Kananura, Elsie Akwara, Elsabé Du Plessis

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, inequalities in ASRH have received less attention than many other public health priority areas, in part due to limited data. In this study, we examine inequalities in key ASRH indicators.

Methods: We analyzed national household surveys from 37 countries in SSA, conducted during 1990–2018, to exam- ine trends and inequalities in adolescent behaviors related to early marriage, childbearing and sexual debut among adolescents using data from respondents 15–24 years. Survival analyses were conducted on each survey to obtain estimates for …

Intimate Partner Violence Against Adolescents And Young Women In Sub-Saharan Africa: Who Is Most Vulnerable?, Yohannes Dibaba Wado, Martin K. Mutua, Abdu Mohiddin, Macellina Y. Ijadunola, Cheikh Faye, Carolina V. N. Coll, Aluisio J. D. Barros, Caroline W. Kabiru

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health and human rights issue that affects millions of women and girls. While disaggregated national statistics are crucial to assess inequalities, little evidence exists on inequalities in exposure to violence against adolescents and young women (AYW). The aim of this study was to deter- mine inequalities in physical or sexual IPV against AYW and beliefs about gender based violence (GBV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods: We used data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 27 countries in SSA. Only data from surveys conducted after …

Maternal Sociodemographic Factors And Antenatal Stress, Maheshwari Andhavarapu, James Orwa, Marleen Temmerman, Wangira Musana

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Antenatal stress has been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Understanding key determinants of stress in a vulnerable pregnant population has the potential of informing development of targeted cost-effective interventions to mitigate against these adverse birth outcomes. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from 150 pregnant women attending antenatal care services at a rural referral hospital in Kenya. The participants completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and gave a hair sample for cortisol and cortisone analysis. The association between selected sociodemographic predictors (age, …

Repeat Induced Abortion Among Chinese Women Seeking Abortion: Two Cross Sectional Studies, Longmei Tang, Shangchun Wu, Dianwu Liu, Marleen Temmerman, Wei-Hong Zhang

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: In China, there were about 9.76 million induced abortions in 2019, 50% of which were repeat abortions. Understanding the tendency of repeat induced abortion and identifying its related factors is needed to develop prevention strategies.

Methods: Two hospital-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted from 2005–2007 and 2013–2016 in 24 and 90 hospitals, respectively. The survey included women who sought an induced abortion within 12 weeks of pregnancy. The proportion of repeat induced abortions by adjusting the covariates through propensity score matching was compared between the two surveys, and the zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was established to identify …

Demand Satisfied By Modern Contraceptive Among Married Women Of Reproductive Age In Kenya, Peter Gichangi, Michael Waithaka, Mary Thiongo, Alfred Agwanda, Scott Radloff, Amy Tsui, Linea Zimmerman, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Demand for family planning met/satisfied with modern contraceptive methods (mDFPS) has been proposed to track progress in Family Planning (FP) programs for Sustainable Development Goals. This study measured mDFPS among married women of reproductive age (MWRA) in Kenya to identify which groups were not being reached by FP programs.

Materials and methods: Performance, Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA2020) survey data from 2014–2018 was used. PMA2020 surveys are cross-sectional including women 15–49 years. PMA2020 used a 2-stage cluster design with urban/rural regions as strata with random selection of households. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done using stata V15.

Results: Of …

How The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Is Impacting Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights And Response: Results From A Global Survey Of Providers, Researchers, And Policy-Makers, Margit Endler, Taghreed Al-Haidari, Chiara Benedetto, Sameena Chowdhury, Jan Christilaw, Faysal El Kak, Diana Galimberti, Claudia Garcia-Moreno, Miguel Gutierrez, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: We aimed to give a global overview of trends in access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and what is being done to mitigate its impact.

Material and methods: We performed a descriptive analysis and content analysis based on an online survey among clinicians, researchers, and organizations. Our data were extracted from multiple-choice questions on access to SRHR services and risk of SRHR violations, and written responses to open-ended questions on threats to access and required response.

Results: The survey was answered by 51 people representing 29 …

Psychological And Physiological Stress And Burnout Among Maternity Providers In A Rural County In Kenya: Individual And Situational Predictors, Patience A. Afulani, Linnet Ongeri, Joyceline Kinyua, Marleen Temmerman, Wendy Berry Mendes, Sandra J. Weiss

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Stress and burnout among healthcare workers has been recognized as a global crisis needing urgent attention. Yet few studies have examined stress and burnout among healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa, and even fewer among maternity providers who work under very stressful conditions. To address these gaps, we examined self-reported stress and burnout levels as well as stress-related physiologic measures of these providers, along with their potential predictors.

Methods: Participants included 101 maternity providers (62 nurses/midwives, 16 clinical officers/doctors, and 23 support staff) in western Kenya. Respondents completed Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, the Shirom-Melamed Burnout scale, and other …

Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Embedded Within Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report, Dorothy Makena, Ingrid Gichere, Khadija Warfa

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The presence of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system embedded within an ectopic pregnancy is a rare occurrence. Tubal migration of an intrauterine device is not well understood and has not been extensively studied in literature.

Case presentation: A 34-year-old African woman, para 1, gravida 2, presented with symptoms of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. She underwent a laparoscopy where a ruptured left ectopic pregnancy was found with a levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system inserted 2 years prior embedded within the tube. A left salpingectomy was performed with removal of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. The patient recovered well and proceeded to have an intrauterine …

Early Detection Of Cervical Cancer In Western Kenya: Determinants Of Healthcare Providers Performing A Gynaecological Examination For Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Or Bleeding, Emily Mwaliko, Guido Van Hal, Stefan Van Dongen, Peter Gichangi, Barasa Otsyula, Violet Naanyu, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: In western Kenya, women often present with late-stage cervical cancer despite prior contact with the health care system. The aim of this study was to predict primary health care providers’ behaviour in examining women who present with abnormal discharge or bleeding.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). A sample of primary health care practitioners in western Kenya completed a 59-item questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to identify the determinants of providers’ intention to perform a gynaecological examination. Bivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the external variables and intention. …

Digital News Media Coverage On Sexual And Gender-Based Violence In Kenya: Scoping The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Clara Broekaert, Ceri-Lune Renneboog, Ferdinand Okwaro, Abdu Mohiddin, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kenya is frequently covered in digital news media. As a powerful influencer of public opinion, news media coverage can have a significant societal impact. This scoping review identifies the extent, nature, and themes of all available digital news media coverage on SGBV in Kenya from June 2019 to July 2020. It analyzes changes in coverage since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: The methodological framework for scoping reviews developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) guided the scoping review. The selected articles were analyzed using NVivo.

Results: Analysis of the 340 …

Interpersonal Psychotherapy Delivered By Nonspecialists For Depression And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Kenyan Hiv–Positive Women Affected By Genderbased Violence: Randomized Controlled Trial, Susan M. Meffert, Thomas C. Neylan, Charles E. Mcculloch, Kelly Blum, Craig R. Cohen, Elizabeth Bukusi, Helen Verdel, John C. Markowitz, James G. Kahn, David Bukusi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: HIV–positive women suffer a high burden of mental disorders due in part to gender-based violence (GBV). Comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are typical psychiatric consequences of GBV. Despite attention to the HIV-GBV syndemic, few HIV clinics offer formal mental healthcare. This problem is acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where the world’s majority of HIV–positive women live and prevalence of GBV is high.

Methods and findings: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at an HIV clinic in Kisumu, Kenya. GBV-affected HIV–positive women with both major depressive disorder (MDD) and PTSD were randomized to 12 sessions of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) …

Sexual Behaviour Patterns And Sti Risk: Results Of A Cluster Analysis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Portugal, Karel Blondeel, Sonia Dias, Martina Furegato, Armando Seuc, Ana Gama, Ricardo Fuertes, Luís Mendão, Marleen Temmerman, Igor Toskin

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Portugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.

Design: A cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a …