South African Family Practice最新文献

{"title":"Family physician deployment in South Africa's district health system: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Theresia A Rubler, Klaus B Von Pressentin, Robert J Mash","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6289","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Family physicians (FP) strengthen the quality of district health services. The South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) recommended that, by 2030, there be one FP per district hospital, community health centre or subdistrict without a community health centre. This study aimed to evaluate progress towards achieving the SAAFP's goals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, descriptive survey collected data from senior academics in family medicine at all ten universities for 2024. Data focused on the presence, number and characteristics of employment of FPs across all 52 districts, 242 subdistricts and 607 district health facilities. Descriptive and mixed-effects regression analyses were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>South Africa achieved 18.9% of the SAAFP goals, with enormous variability between provinces. Gauteng achieved 55% coverage, while the Northern Cape had no coverage. The Western Cape (34.5%) and Limpopo (23.4%) exceeded that national average. Family physicians were more likely to be employed in district hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 8.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1-17.4, p  0.001) and metropolitan districts (OR 20.9; 95% CI: 4.0-109.4, p  0.001). Approximately 1 in 10 held medical officer posts (11.7%), and almost all were employed full time (96.3%). A substantial number (40.7%) were joint staff with universities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The deployment of FPs within the district health system has expanded but remains limited relative to SAAFP goals, with ongoing inequities in distribution. Achieving the goals is possible with the commitment of national and provincial policymakers and of human resources for health planners.Contribution: This study provides the first national mapping of FP distribution in the district health system, offering critical insights for workforce planning and policy implementation in support of universal health coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13243783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare simulation and contextually relevant primary care training curricula in Africa.","authors":"Marvin J Jansen, Tasleem Ras","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6281","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Healthcare simulation has emerged as a powerful educational strategy for primary care clinician training across Africa. Simulation-based learning, ranging from high-fidelity manikins to standardised patient scenarios; enables safe, hands-on practice of clinical skills tailored to local health priorities. In undergraduate, postgraduate, and in-service settings, simulation is being used to strengthen competencies in managing common and emergency conditions without risk to patients. This article explores how simulation pedagogy contributes to contextually relevant curricula for Primary Health Care (PHC), highlighting examples of successful programmes in African countries. We discuss the evidence of improved skills, teamwork, and patient outcomes from simulation-based training, alongside the challenges of cost, faculty development, and resource constraints. Innovative solutions such as low-cost simulators, in situ training, and international partnerships are reviewed.Contribution: With growing support from frameworks such as the World Health Organization and national initiatives, simulation offers adaptable, feasible, and pedagogically rich approaches to train competent primary care providers in diverse African contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13243909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of perioperative fasting on metabolic status in elective caesarean section patients.","authors":"Sivesh Seevnarain, David G Bishop","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6303","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obstetric patients exhibit 'accelerated starvation', increasing the risk of ketoacidosis. Fasting guidelines aim to reduce pulmonary aspiration, but prolonged preoperative starvation may cause metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to assess the relationship between fasting duration and the incidence of metabolic disturbances.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a prospective observational study of patients undergoing elective caesarean section at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital. Fasting duration was recorded via questionnaire. Preoperative venous bicarbonate, base excess, glucose and ketone levels were measured to determine the incidence of metabolic disturbances before anaesthesia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We recruited 107 patients. Of which, 30% were acidotic (base excess less than -3). The acidotic group had a longer starvation time than the non-acidotic group (mean starvation time 14.8 h [standard deviation [s.d.] 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.8-15.7] versus 12.75 h [s.d. 3.18, 95% CI 11.8-13.2]; p  0.01). Ketosis occurred in 32% of patients and was associated with longer starvation times (p  0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Starvation periods exceeded recommendations and were associated with metabolic disturbances, including acidosis, hypoglycaemia and elevated ketones in elective caesarean patients. Adherence to fasting guidelines should be reinforced, and patients with extended starvation require further assessment. Future research should focus on optimising fasting durations and improving compliance with established guidelines.Contribution: This study demonstrates the metabolic impact of extended preoperative fasting periods in elective caesarean sections. Findings reinforce the need for quality improvement programmes to reduce prolonged fasting periods in the perioperative period.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13243785/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Admitted patients' recall of their treating doctors' names in adult wards of a South African district hospital.","authors":"Emile H Kotze, Elmar C Van Eeden, Shannon-Lee Rietkerk, Kelefile Moloantoa, Mpumelelo Ndaba, Roux Burger, Cornel Van Rooyen, Johan Botes, Chantelle C Van der Bijl","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6257","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Best practice guidelines suggest that patients should be well acquainted with their healthcare provider, and that doctors should introduce themselves or be introduced by another member of the patient's healthcare team. This aligns with the National Patients' Rights Charter by the National Department of Health, which states that every patient has the right to be treated by a named healthcare provider. Nevertheless, many patients have trouble recalling the name of their doctor. This study aimed to determine whether patients admitted to the adult ward of the National District Hospital in the Free State province, South Africa, could recall their doctor's name.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Structured interviews were conducted with consenting patients to evaluate whether they knew their doctors' names.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Only 10% of patients recalled their doctor's name. Less than half reported that doctors introduced themselves, 41% noticed a name badge, 63% saw their doctor more than once daily and 86% understood the reason for admission. The education levels of the patients showed no discernible influence on the results.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A minority of patients could recall their doctors' names, indicating a potential gap in communication and connection. Many patients expressed uncertainty regarding their doctor's name. This study underscores the importance of improving the visibility, accessibility and consistency of doctor identification methods in healthcare settings to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and optimise patient care experiences.Contribution: This study underscores the necessity for institutions to prioritise and implement strategies to enhance patient-doctor recognition, thereby improving therapeutic relationships and potentially improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protein Creatinine ratio versus 24-h test in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women with pre-eclampsia.","authors":"Sinikeziwe F Mkhize, Jagidesa Moodley, Olive P Khaliq, Terrence Moodley","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6186","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major contributing factor to high rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in South Africa. Early diagnosis is currently a challenge. The objective is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of spot urine protein-creatinine (P/C) ratio (UPCR) in comparison with 24-h urine proteinuria assessment for predicting PE.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective cross-sectional analytical study. A total of 125 women were included in the study and divided into normotensives (n = 25), early onset PE (n = 25), late onset PE (n = 25), chronic hypertension (n = 25) and gestational hypertension (n = 25) groups. Spot urine P/C ratio was determined in a mid-stream urine sample, and the 24-h urine protein was measured by standard laboratory techniques, and comparisons of the results were made between the groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant difference was found in the spot protein-creatinine ratios (PCRs) between normotensives and early onset PE (p  0.0001) and between normotensives and late onset PE groups (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between the 24-h urine and spot protein-creatinine across all groups: normotensives (p = 0.18); early onset PE (p = 0.63); late onset (p = 0.60); chronic hypertension (p = 0.43) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.95). In women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), no statistical significance was noted between the 24-hour test and the spot PCR.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Spot PCR is a reliable test for quantifying proteinuria in all pregnant women, as the results were similar to that of a 24-h urine proteinuria test regardless of their HIV status. This shows that the spot PCR yields accurate results. The 24-hour test is inconvenient for pregnant women with and without HIV and is also expensive and time-consuming.Contribution: The UPCR can be introduced as an additional gold standard of PE analysis, especially in outpatients.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149858/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health system stress: Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on obstetric haemorrhage-related mortality in South Africa using confidential enquiry into maternal deaths data.","authors":"Gomolemo Rakale, Sam T Ntuli, Tshepo Ramarumo, Solly M Seeletse","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6259","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed unprecedented strain on healthcare systems worldwide, potentially exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in maternal healthcare. This study examines the pandemic's impact on obstetric haemorrhage-related mortality in South Africa using the data from the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis of maternal mortality data from 2017-2023, focusing on obstetric haemorrhage mortality trends before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were extracted from national confidential enquiries, including institutional maternal mortality ratios (iMMR) and absolute death numbers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed a significant increase in obstetric haemorrhage mortality during the peak pandemic years (2020-2021), with deaths rising from 179 in 2019 to 237 in 2021, and iMMR increasing from 18.1 to 23.3 per 100 000 live births. This was followed by a substantial decline in subsequent years (2022-2023). The findings suggest that initial pandemic disruptions severely impacted maternity care services, while subsequent recovery reflects adaptive strategies and resource reallocation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in South Africa's ability to maintain essential maternity services during health system shocks.Contribution: The confidential enquiry process provides invaluable insights for strengthening health system resilience and preparing for future emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An audit to detect gender-based violence victim-survivors and to improve their referral care pathways in a primary care clinic's emergency centre in Cape Town, South Africa: A narrative report.","authors":"Mosedi Namane, Salmaan Moosa","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6280","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>South Africa's population experiences high rates of gender-based violence (GBV), with primary care emergency centres (ECs) often being the first point of contact for victim-survivors of violence. The ability of these centres' staff to identify survivors of abuse plays a critical role in connecting them to a multidisciplinary network of support services. During 2025, a medical intern expressed his frustration with a community health centre's lack of readily available guides to refer GBV victim-survivors for psychosocial support. Once, it was established that his perception was shared by other clinicians, the family physician of the facility agreed to work with the intern to 'do a situational analysis audit and fix the problem'.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The folders of the first 100 adults over 18 years old who presented to the EC with injuries in 2025 were reviewed between June and August for identification of physical and nonphysical abuse plus whether their management included appropriate referral for psychosocial support.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Roughly a quarter were GBV, with most being women. Perpetrators were largely known individuals. For sexual violence, the standard management guidelines were followed, and appropriate medico-psychosocial referrals were made. For non-sexual assaults, such referrals were sparse. Where medico-legal action was taken, it tended to be patient initiated.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings pointed to missed opportunities to provide legislated care for abused victims.Contribution: A flowchart, in line with South Africa's National Strategic Plan for GBV, was produced to close the gaps. Its generic design will allow for wider use at the primary level.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149793/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delivery outcomes in women with previous caesarean delivery at Zithulele Hospital - A rural district hospital managed by generalist doctors.","authors":"John D Michell, Parimalaranie Yogeswaran, Zisiwe Mahlati","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6309","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women with previous caesarean deliveries (CD) contribute to rising CD rates globally, yet limited evidence exists from rural South African district hospitals. The social value of this study lay in understanding delivery outcomes and safety of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) in a resource-limited, generalist clinician setting. The study addressed a knowledge gap regarding VBAC practices and feasibility outside tertiary centres in rural South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive study using a retrospective chart review was conducted at Zithulele Hospital, Eastern Cape. Women with previous CD who delivered at the hospital were included. Data were extracted using a data collection form and analysed using descriptive statistics and comparative tests to identify trends and outcomes in the cohort.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 195 records were analysed. The overall hospital CD rate was 23.1%, with women with scarred uteri (Robson group 5) accounting for 25% of all CD. Forty-six per cent achieved VBAC, while 54% delivered by repeat CD; all women with two or more previous CD delivered by CD. Successful VBAC was associated with prior VBAC (p = 0.001) and advanced cervical dilatation at presentation (p  0.001). Maternal complications occurred in 13% of studied population, with 69% following CD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vaginal birth after caesarean was feasible, safe and moderately successful in this rural setting. Caesarean delivery contributed disproportionately to overall CD rates, largely because of scar-related indications.Contribution: This study provides evidence from a rural clinical context supporting VBAC in district hospitals, highlighting practical factors that strengthen counselling and clinical decision-making within district-level obstetric practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149492/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A retrospective review of screening for HIV, syphilis and anaemia on first antenatal care visits at a midwife-run obstetric unit in South Africa.","authors":"Keshena Naidoo, Monjural Hoque, Maariyah Hoque, Somaya Buckus","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6261","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6261","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early enrolment for antenatal care (ANC) is an important strategy in improving perinatal and maternal outcomes. Treatable conditions in pregnancy, such as anaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis can be identified and treated in the early antenatal period, thereby improving maternal and foetal outcomes. However, late enrolment for ANC is a concerning problem, especially in high HIV-prevalence settings, such as South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate screening of pregnant women fro HIV, syphilis and anaemia on the first antenatal visit at a midwife-run obstetric unit in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This audit of maternity case records at a primary health care facility in South Africa focuses on the screening for treatable conditions (i.e. HIV, syphilis and anaemia) among women presenting for their first antenatal visit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data were extracted from the files of 400 (87.7%) of the 456 women who enroled for ANC between July and December 2023. There was good coverage for screening of HIV, syphilis and anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia among women enrolling for ANC was 25% (n = 99), 40.8% (n = 100) of participants were HIV positive (n = 100) and 2.5% (n = 10) tested positive for syphilis. Of concern, less than 20% (n = 72) enrolled for ANC in the first trimester, thereby limiting the effectiveness of ANC interventions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The low uptake of early ANC services is of concern, especially in high HIV-prevalence settings.Contribution: Training of primary health care providers in point-of-care ultrasounds may improve community awareness of the benefits of early ANC. Further investigation is required into the knowledge and perceptions of women regarding ANC services.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-dose aspirin and anaemia risk in pregnancy: A scoping review with emphasis on low- and middle-income contexts.","authors":"Nokwethemba M Ngcobo, Vinogrin Dorsamy, Chauntelle Bagwandeen","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6195","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anaemia remains a major public health concern in pregnancy and is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is widely prescribed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia (PE), yet its effects on haemoglobin (Hb) levels and anaemia risk are poorly characterised.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This scoping review mapped available evidence on the association between LDA use and Hb concentration or anaemia outcomes in pregnant women. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to December 2025. Eligible studies included pregnant women prescribed LDA, a comparator group and reported Hb- or anaemia-related outcomes, with particular focus on low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. Studies were screened, and data were extracted using a standardised charting tool by one reviewer and independently checked by a second reviewer. Evidence was analysed descriptively using a two-stage approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising one case report with a narrative review, four observational cohort studies, four systematic reviews, two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two secondary analyses of RCTs. Most studies evaluated LDA for PE prevention, while only two pregnancy-specific studies directly assessed Hb outcomes. Bleeding-related haematologic endpoints were variably reported, but no study evaluated anaemia incidence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Evidence on the relationship between LDA use and anaemia in pregnancy remains limited and inconclusive. Available studies lack standardised haematologic endpoints, and LMIC-specific data are sparse.Contribution: This review highlights critical evidence gaps and underscores the need for well-designed prospective studies incorporating standardised anaemia-related outcomes in pregnant populations, particularly in LMIC contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}