Maternal and Child Health Commons^™

Drink Me And Abort Your Baby: The Herbal Abortion Tea, Maya Lewis

Capstones

For most of history every abortion was a herbal abortion. Herbal abortion is exactly what it sounds like––a series of herbs that, if taken at the right time, in the right form and dosage, can induce a miscarriage. It's risky, under researched and rarely supported. But with women's clinic dwindling all over the country and a president elect who wants to repeal Roe v. Wade, herbal abortion might soon make a major come back–– for better or worse.

Link to capstone project: https://medium.com/@maya.lewis/drink-me-and-abort-your-baby-the-herbal-abortion-tea-46aadd15f659

Antenatal Renal Pelvic Dilatation And Foetal Outcomes - Review Of Cases From A Tertiary Care Center In Karachi, Pakistan, Ruqiya Afroz, Shafia Shakoor, Muhammad Sohail Salat, Shama Munim

Woman and Child Health

Objective: To determine the incidence of antenatal renal pelvic dilatation to evaluate antenatal resolution/ progression and post-natal outcome.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of all women found with renal pelvic dilatation in antenatal scans between January 2011 and December 2013. A cut-off of 5mm was used to diagnose renal pelvic dilatation. Renal pelvic dilatation was categorised into three groups: mild (5-6mm in second trimester and 5-9mm in third trimester), moderate (7-10mm in second trimester and 10-15 in third) and severe (more than 10mm in second trimester and more than …

Safeguarding Maternal And Child Health In South Africa By Starting The Child Support Grant Before Birth: Design Lessons From Pregnancy Support Programmes In 27 Countries, M. F. Chersich, Stanley Luchters, D. Blaauw, F. Scorgie, E. Kern, A. Van Den Heever, H. Rees, E. Peach, S. Kharadi, S. Fonn

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Deprivation during pregnancy and the neonatal period increases maternal morbidity, reduces birth weight and impairs child development, with lifelong consequences. Many poor countries provide grants to mitigate the impact of poverty during pregnancy. South Africa (SA) offers a post-delivery Child Support Grant (CSG), which could encompass support during pregnancy, informed by lessons learnt from similar grants.

Objectives: To review design and operational features of pregnancy support programmes, highlighting features that promote their effectiveness and efficiency, and implications thereof for SA.

Methods: Systematic review of programmes providing cash or other support during pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries.

Results: Thirty-two …

Mapping The Geography Of Child Mortality: A Key Step In Addressing Disparities, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Cortisol In Human Milk Predicts Child Bmi, Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook, Tran Bao Le, Anna Chung, Elyssia Poggi Davis, Laura M. Glynn

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Objective—Breastfeeding is linked to lower rates of childhood obesity. Human milk contains cortisol, known to regulate glucose storage and metabolism. We aimed to test the hypothesis that early exposure to cortisol in human breast milk helps to modulate infant BMI trajectories over the first two years of life.

Methods—Growth curve modeling was used to examine whether infant exposure to cortisol in human milk at 3 months predicted changes in child body mass index percentile (BMIP) at 6, 12, and 24 months of age in 51 breastfeeding mother-child pairs.

Results—Infants exposed to higher milk cortisol levels at 3 …

Association Between Pregnancy Intention And Maternal Characteristics, Outcomes, And Cost Of Care: A Pilot Study, Kristy M. Kelel, Kiley B. Vander Wyst, Danielle M. Greer, Danish Siddiqui

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: An estimated 51% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended. In Wisconsin, unplanned pregnancies account for 40% of all pregnancies and cost $148 million in public funds. Unintended pregnancy, which creates increased hardship for mothers and threatened well-being of infants, has been recognized as an important health, social and economic problem.

Purpose: To determine the pregnancy intentions of postpartum women and the maternal characteristics, outcomes and costs of care associated with unintended pregnancies at a large urban hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Methods: Postpartum women were surveyed prior to discharge. The 20-item survey included whether or not the woman …

Home Visiting Programs For Families Of Children Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing: A Systematic Review, Nannette Nicholson, Patti Martin, Abby Smith, Sheila Thomas, Ahmad A. Alanazi M.Aud.

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Prelingual hearing loss greatly restricts a child’s language development, hindering his or her behavioral, cognitive and social functioning. Although technology such as hearing aids and cochlear implants are an option for providing access to sound, they fail to teach the child how to listen or attend, how to process language (whether visual or spoken), or how to produce language and communicate. Home visiting is widely recognized as a cost-effective intervention service delivery model. Home visiting programs for promoting language development in children who are diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing have been in existence for over 50 years, yet …

Time Trend And Factors Associated With Late Enrollment In Early Intervention Among Children With Permanent Hearing Loss In Louisiana 2008-2013, Tri Tran, Yao Wang, Mary Jo Smith, Brenda Sharp, Terri Ibieta, Jeanette Webb, Wendy Jumonville, Melinda Peat, Susan Berry

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

This study aimed to identify the time trend of and factors associated with late enrollment in early intervention (EI) services among children with permanent hearing loss (HL) born between 2008 and 2013 in Louisiana. 2008-2013 linked Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, birth records, EarlySteps (IDEA, Part C), Parent-Pupil Education Program, and Medicaid data were analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the trend and associations of mother and child’s demographic and hearing loss characteristics with late EI enrollment. Results of data analyses did not show any trend of late enrollment in EI services from 2008 to 2013. Delayed …

Progress In Standardization Of Reporting And Analysis Of Data From Early Hearing Detection And Intervention (Ehdi) Programs, Suhana Alam, Ashley Satterfield, Xidong Deng, Craig A. Mason

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Congenital hearing loss affects one to three of every 1,000 live born infants. If left undetected, it may negatively impact children through delayed speech and language development. To help avoid developmental delays and ensure that deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) infants are identified and receiving services as early as possible, complete and accurate data are crucial. Despite substantial progress made over the years, some children are still delayed in identification and/or lost to the early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) surveillance and tracking systems. Lack of standardization in data reporting contributes to this issue. This article discusses reasons for …

Progress Toward Eliminating Mother To Child Transmission Of Hiv In Kenya: Review Of Treatment Guideline Uptake And Pediatric Transmission At Four Government Hospitals Between 2010 And 2012., Sarah Finocchario-Kessler, Kristine F. Clark, Samoel Khamadi, Brad J. Gautney, Vincent Okoth, Kathy Goggin, Hitsystem Study Team

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

We analyzed prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) data from a retrospective cohort of n = 1365 HIV+ mothers who enrolled their HIV-exposed infants in early infant diagnosis services in four Kenyan government hospitals from 2010 to 2012. Less than 15 and 20 % of mother-infant pairs were provided with regimens that met WHO Option A and B/B+ guidelines, respectively. Annually, the gestational age at treatment initiation decreased, while uptake of Option B/B+ increased (all p's < 0.001). Pediatric HIV infection was halved (8.6-4.3 %), yet varied significantly by hospital. In multivariable analyses, HIV-exposed infants who received no PMTCT (AOR 4.6 [2.49, 8.62], p < 0.001), mixed foods (AOR 5.0 [2.77, 9.02], p < 0.001), and care at one of the four hospitals (AOR 3.0 [1.51, 5.92], p = 0.002) were more likely to be HIV-infected. While the administration and uptake of WHO PMTCT guidelines is improving, an expanded focus on retention and medication adherence will further reduce pediatric HIV transmission.

Chemical Reactions: Marijuana, Opioids, And Our Families, Denise A. Hines Ph.D, Staci Gruber Ph.D, John F. Kelly Ph.D, Kathleen M. Palm Reed, Hilary Smith Connery M.D., Ph.D.

Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise

Chemical Reactions: Marijuana, Opioids, and Our Families is the seventh Massachusetts Family Impact Seminar. This seminar was designed to emphasize a family perspective in policymaking on issues related to the legalization of marijuana and managing the opioid abuse crisis in the Commonwealth. In general, Family Impact Seminars analyze the consequences an issue, policy, or program may have for families.

Women’S Experiences With Prenatal Care: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring The Influence Of The Social Determinants Of Health, Karen A. D'Angelo, Janelle K. Bryan, Brenda Kurz

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background & Purpose: Racial and ethnic disparities pervade birth outcomes in the United States and the state of Connecticut. While Connecticut’s infant mortality rate is less than the national average, rates for the state’s Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities exceed it. This study explored how prenatal care in Connecticut may be enhanced to address these disparities.

Methods: In spring 2013, seven focus groups and two semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=47). Participants also self-administered brief surveys. Recruited by local service providers, participants were 18 or older, pregnant and/or in the first year post-partum at the time. Most self-identified as …

Visualizing Complex Adaptive Systems: A Case Study Of The Missouri Maternal, Infant, And Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, Julie M. Kapp, Sara Schlemper, Riyad Haq, Sofia Campos Vidal Pires, Eduardo J. Simoes

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

Background: The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program was created by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. MIECHV provides comprehensive services to at-risk families through evidence-based home visiting programs.

Purpose: The following question is addressed: Does the Missouri MIECHV system meet the definition of a complex adaptive system (CAS)?

Methods: A systematic review was conducted of documents related to MIECHV programs (federal, state, and local levels), and to affiliated programs with a home visiting and early childhood (aged birth to 5 years) scope. The organizations’ fit was identified for the scope of early childhood home …

Syrian Refugee Women In Jordan: Family Planning Preferences And Barriers In A Host Community, Hilary Smith

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The aims of this pilot study were to research and analyze the availability of birth control and family planning resources among Syrian refugee women at a reproductive age. This study took place in the host community of Karak, Jordan. Syrian women are a vulnerable population based solely on their gender. But being refugee women makes them more vulnerable and sometimes, their needs do not get met. This study is important because it will look into reproductive health aspects for this vulnerable population to ensure that there is satisfaction among women about their own health. This cross-sectional study sought to answer …

Breast Is Best: Determinants Of Breastfeeding In Bali, Leah Hardenbergh

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Breastfeeding greatly benefits the health of newborns, providing them with needed antibodies and protection from numerous diseases, including some of the leading causes of infant mortality. This paper explores breastfeeding practices in Bali, and the wide array of factors that have led to these practices. After discussing how breastfeeding fits into the larger context of maternal and newborn health, I explain factors in Bali that affect a woman’s decision to breastfeed and experience while breastfeeding. Determinants include those related to health, financial position, and social status. I explore the history of formula companies and formula as an alternative to breastmilk, …

Continuous Care In Complex Contexts: Access To Health Services For Noncommunicable Diseases Among Syrian Refugee Women In Jordanian Host Communities, Jennifer Ostrowski

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines how, when and where Syrian refugee women living in a host community in central Jordan access health services related to noncommunicable diseases. Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but can be effectively managed through timely treatment. Examining access to care for these diseases in the context of humanitarian emergencies, such as war and displacement, is particularly important because they require continuous care, which may be interrupted during emergencies, and because they can cause acute complications, which may be exacerbated by emergencies (WHO, 2016).

Previous studies indicate a high burden of NCDs among …

Multi-Sector Analysis Of The Progress And Challenges Of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Eradication In Rural Udaipur, Jessica Ellis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

India is home to 240 million children currently at risk of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, which is spread via unclean water, soil, and food, and causes acute pain and malnutrition. While acknowledging the research debates over WASH and mass drug administration, this study seeks to identify the systemic multidisciplinary issues affecting STH elimination efforts in rural Udaipur. Twenty-three interviews were conducted in villages, government departments, NGOs, and medical sectors to identify the challenges within each approach to deworming, and their experiences with multi-sectoral collaboration. The most recurring issues across disciplines were need for invested local leadership, increase in health literacy of adults, …

A Preliminary Study Of Intergenerational Differences In Masxha Regarding Practice And Attitudes Towards Zulu Traditions During Pregnancy And Birth, Momoko Oyama

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In the Zulu culture, several traditions and rituals are practiced during a woman’s pregnancy and perinatal period. However, as urbanization spreads and western influences strengthen, these rituals risk being lost. This project aims to capture existing knowledge of these traditions and to assess the intergenerational changes in practice and attitudes towards practicing the rituals.

Information on Zulu traditions practiced during a woman’s pregnancy and perinatal period was collected through two interviews and a focus group consisting of three elderly women in Masxha, a Black township in KwaZulu-Natal. Following the interviews and focus group, 32 Masxha residents were recruited to complete …

Comparative Effects Of Ballooning Intracervical Catheter And Prostaglandin Pessary On Cervical Ripening, Raheela Baloch, Qamarunissa Muhabat, Fakhrunissa Waheed, Waqarunissa Ahmed

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Labor is induced to stimulate the uterine contraction in effort to have vaginal birth. Induction may be advocated to reduce fetal or neonatal morbidity and mortality. Indication of labor needs to be considered when risk and benefits analysis indicates that delivering the baby is safe option for mother or both rather than continuing the pregnancy and when there are no clear indications for caesarean section and no contraindication for vaginal delivery.

Solid Waste Management Of Disposable Diaper Sanitation And The Connection To Environmental Awareness For Women In Zanzibar, Micalea Leaska

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This project examined the solid waste management of disposable diapers in three locations, Stone Town, Mangapwani and Vikokotoni, within Zanzibar, Tanzania. Its methods included field observations of the solid waste disposal system in Zanzibar and interviews with women about their rationales for buying and using disposable diapers. For one of the first times, the data collected during this project will further assist to educate women about the benefits of cloth diapers and the negative effects disposable diapers create for Zanzibari families and the environment. This study has observed one of the most growing concerns regarding excess solid waste contributing to …