International Journal of MCH and AIDS最新文献

{"title":"Antenatal Care Utilization and Delivery Location: Evidence from Postpartum Women in Enugu, South East Nigeria.","authors":"Innocent Anayochukwu Ugwu, Calistus Obiora Nevo, Malachy Nwaeze Ezenwaeze","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_381_2026","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_381_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Maternal mortality is high in sub-Saharan African countries. This death can be prevented by increasing the percentage of deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants (SBA). In Nigeria, most women still deliver with traditional birth attendants (TBA), leading to complications and death. This study examined factors associated with antenatal care (ANC) and delivery location among recently delivered women attending an immunization clinic in Enugu, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional survey involving 501 participants. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data through purposive sampling. Independent variables included the socio-demographic characteristics. The dependent variable was the choice of delivery location. Demographic characteristics and descriptive statistics were reported as percentages and frequencies. Associations between the variables were analyzed using chi-square testing. A two-sided p value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants attended ANC (92.8%) and delivered (90.6%) in a healthcare facility with SBA. The most common person influencing the choice of delivery location was \"self\" (54.8%). The most considered factor in choosing a place of delivery was the competence of the doctor/midwife (85.9%). Significant associations were found between choice of place of delivery and age (<i>ꭓ</i> ² = 11.403; p = 0.010), educational status (<i>ꭓ</i> ² = 61.012; p = 0.001), occupation (<i>ꭓ</i> ² = 14.931; p = 0.002), and monthly income (<i>ꭓ</i> ² = 44.440; p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Most women received ANC and gave birth in a healthcare facility, though a few used home, spiritual houses, and TBAs. The choice of care location is associated with personal, socio-demographic, economic, and hospital-related factors. The findings suggest that perceived staff competence and service availability may influence women's decisions about where to seek maternity care.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e008"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13498888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148798775","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":"Perception, Pattern of Use, and Determinants of Family Planning Uptake Among Women of Childbearing Age in Ibadan, South West Nigeria.","authors":"Faith I Olaniyi, Ayodele Ebenezer Owolabi, Gideon Temitope Olowe, Ololade Daniella Olunloyo, Eric Anuoluwapo Ogunleye, Ifeoluwapo O Kolawole","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_47_2024","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_47_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>While some efforts have been made to understand family planning practices as a vital component of reproductive healthcare, previous studies often lack specificity regarding the unique socio-cultural and geographical characteristics of the study area. The study, therefore, examined the perception, pattern of use, and determinants of family planning uptake among women of childbearing age (15-49 years) in a Local Government Area in Southwest Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage sampling, with 190 respondents; data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive data were displayed in frequency tables. The mean and standard deviations were determined. The association between variables was tested using the chi-square at a 5% significance level (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants, 53% held positive perceptions of family planning. Less than half (47.9%) used family planning methods, and only 18.9% used barrier methods. Less than half (42.6%) had never visited family planning clinics, and less than half (49.5%) were unsure about how often they used family planning. Notably, more than one-third (35.3%) had used family planning methods for 1-5 years. Critical determinants of uptake included accessibility, adverse reactions, cost, and husband's acceptance. There was no significant association between age (<i>p</i> = 0.090) or academic attainment (<i>p</i> = 0.569) and perception of family planning, nor between the current method of use (<i>p</i> = 0.09) and perception. However, injectable contraception was significantly associated with positive perception.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address barriers and enhance positive perceptions, particularly regarding access and affordability. Community-based education initiatives should prioritize increasing awareness and accessibility to a variety of contraceptive options, especially injectables, to meet the diverse reproductive health needs of women in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e007"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13424919/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148654378","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 Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Innovative Approaches in Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Challenges and Future Directions.","authors":"Ahmad Abdulhadi, Nasiru Abdullahi, Ibrahim Yusuf, Basheer I Waziri, Kasimu Mamuda, Husna F Ibrahim, Khadija Muhammad, Maryam M Ibrahim, Aisha A Abdullahi, Hassan A Murtala, Muhammad A Abbas, Hamisu M Salihu","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_29_2025","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_29_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB) has continued to be one of the global threats, affecting millions of individuals globally, including the maternal and child health (MCH) populations and individuals with HIV/AIDS. TB infected 10.8 million individuals, leading to 1.25 million deaths across the globe annually, leaving 4 million missing cases contributing to the global TB burden. This study aims to unveil innovative approaches to TB diagnosis, challenges, and the future direction of this field.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted to retrieve studies published between 2019 and 2024 from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The studies were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and screened using the Rayyan tool. The quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 for diagnostic accuracy studies and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology for observational studies. A random effects model was employed to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity, while Egger's test and funnel plots were utilized to evaluate publication bias. R and MetaDTA software were used for all the statistical analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review included 25 studies with sample sizes ranging from 100 to 6,520 participants and assessed various innovative approaches for diagnosing TB, including molecular methods, biomarker-based techniques, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The most common approach was molecular testing, specifically cartridge-based tests. The overall sensitivity of these methods was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-0.86), with a heterogeneity index (I²) of 92.9% and a <i>p</i> < 0.0001. The specificity was recorded at 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.96), with an I² of 94.8% and a <i>p</i> < 0.0001.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>This review reinforces the promise of innovative diagnostic methods, especially cartridge-based molecular tests, for improving TB detection. However, moderate sensitivity and high heterogeneity emphasize the need for cautious implementation and further validation of new tools such as the AI-based and biomarker-based. Strategic investment in research and contextual deployment is critical for closing the TB diagnosis gap globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e006"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13330734/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391852","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":"Determinants of Digitalized Antenatal Education Use among Pregnant Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Nigeria.","authors":"Margaret Omowaleola Akinwaare, Jonah Musa, Chizoma Millicent Ndikom","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_41_2025","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_41_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>The introduction of digital health has been found to improve maternal health globally. However, the use and determinants of digitalized antenatal education (DAE) use among vulnerable populations are yet to be ascertained. Therefore, this study assessed the use and determinants of DAE use among pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency viruses (PWLHIV).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study adopted a descriptive design. Oyo state was randomly selected in Southwestern Nigeria, and 116 PWLHIV, who are receiving antiretroviral therapy, were recruited for the study. Of these, 93 returned completed data, which were included in the data analysis. A validated online questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using STATA version 17. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the use, feasibility, and acceptability of DAE. Logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of DAE use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most (78 [83.9%]) of the participants reported that they have never used DAE. Similarly, 72 (77.4%) reported that they were not familiar with DAE at all. However, 84 (90.3%) of the women believed that it would be highly effective. The feasibility of DAE use is high in 83 (89%) of the participants. Furthermore, the majority of the participants, 73 (78.5%), indicated that DAE addresses their specific needs, and 77 (82.8%) of them reported being very comfortable with using DAE. The level of acceptability of DAE use is high in 73 (78.5%) of the participants. Determinants of DAE use, using adjusted odds ratio (AOR), include internet access (AOR = 1.205 with 95% confidence intervals [CI] of 0.233-6.221 and p = 0.024) and digital literacy (AOR = 14.072 with 95% CI of 2.209-89.634, and p = 0.005).</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Despite the high feasibility and acceptability of DAE in Nigeria, its use is very low among PWLHIV. Strong determinants of use include digital literacy and internet access. Thus, for PWLHIV to meet the global standard in the use of digital health, interventions to improve digital literacy and internet access in low-resource settings are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e004"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13148290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147869686","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":"Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services Among Young Women in Two Districts of Hanoi, Vietnam.","authors":"Océane J Parker, Duc Minh Duong, Thuy Thu Nguyen, Vui Thi Le","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_42_2025","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_42_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>While rapid economic development, urbanization, and investment in Vietnam's healthcare system have made sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services widely available in the past few decades, utilization of those services remains low. This study assessed the level of and factors associated with utilization of SRH services among young women in a peri-urban and a rural district of Hanoi, Vietnam.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted with face-to-face interviews with 250 women aged 18-25 from two districts. The data were collected in 2022-2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall SRH service utilization rate was found to be 43.6%, with rates of 33.9% in the peri-urban district and 53.7% in the rural district. Attitudes toward SRH service utilization were found to be more favorable in the rural district. The most-utilized SRH service components were gynecological examinations, contraception, and counseling, and most participants visited hospitals and private clinic facilities. Being married, having a high monthly income, and parental discussion of SRH were independently associated with utilization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>The low utilization rate indicates a need to address the key barriers to access in future health service interventions. Promoting more affordable SRH care at high-level facilities and equipping parents and community members with the resources to communicate effectively with their children about SRH should be a key focus in improving SRH utilization among young women.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e005"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13148294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147869698","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":"Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Knowledge and Stigma: Findings from a Cross-sectional Survey.","authors":"Wah Wah Myint","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_7_2025","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_7_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encounter HIV stigma that hinders HIV testing and subsequently linkage to care. This study evaluates the relationship between HIV stigma and awareness of HIV testing, drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, and HIV knowledge score among Filipino women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized data of women aged 15-49 (<i>n</i> = 25,284) who heard about HIV from the Philippines' 2022 Demographic and Health Survey. The dependent variable was HIV stigma. The covariates were sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, urban/rural, education level, wealth quintile, current employment status, and marital status), knowledge regarding HIV test kits, drugs to prevent MTCT, and ARV drugs. We calculated descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square test of independence, and multivariable binary logistic regression, fitting covariates. Subgroup analysis was performed to understand the relationship between HIV stigma and HIV knowledge score among individuals aged 15-24 years. All analyses were performed using Stata 18.5.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Approximately 65.7% of women reported HIV stigma. The logistic regression results indicated lower odds of HIV stigma among women who know test kits but never tested for HIV with test kits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.87), those who heard about drugs to prevent MTCT (aOR = 0.75), and those who heard about ARV drugs (aOR = 0.85) compared to their counterparts. Higher odds of HIV stigma were observed among women currently in union (aOR = 1.46) and rural residents (aOR = 1.54) compared to their counterparts. Among women aged 15-24, having a higher HIV knowledge score, especially among those who scored 5, had lower odds of having HIV stigma (aOR = 0.04) than those who achieved a zero knowledge score. All <i>p</i>-values ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Findings suggest an urgent need to address stigma among women, especially those who lack knowledge of HIV test kits and ARV drugs. Further research should explore strategies to reduce HIV stigma, especially among young married rural women.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e003"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13148289/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147869678","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":"Association Between Maternal Periodontitis and Preterm Low Birth Weight in Indian Populations: A Literature Review.","authors":"Amol Jamkhande, Bhagyashree P Agre, Neelam Gavali, Anjali Rajesh Gaikwad, Sanpreet Singh Sachdev","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_47_2025","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_47_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>The objectives are to review and synthesize existing literature on the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm low birth weight (PTLBW) infants in the Indian population, and to evaluate whether periodontitis serves as a modifiable risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and grey literature sources, including OpenGrey and Greylist. The search covered publications from January 2000 to August 2025. Studies were included if they used a case-control design, were conducted in India, and reported odds ratios or equivalent data comparing periodontal health in mothers with and without PTLBW deliveries. A total of <i>n</i> = 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to qualitative synthesis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All included studies demonstrated a positive and statistically significant association between maternal periodontitis and PTLBW outcomes. Periodontal parameters such as plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss were consistently higher in mothers with PTLBW infants. Additional factors such as maternal illiteracy and poor antenatal care were identified as potential contributors. The findings support a biologically plausible mechanism linking periodontal inflammation to systemic effects that may impair fetal growth or trigger premature labor.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>The present literature review highlights the need for integrating oral health assessments into routine antenatal care. Periodontitis is preventable and treatable, and its management during pregnancy could reduce the risk of PTLBW. Public health programs targeting maternal health in resource-constrained settings should include periodontal screening, education, and timely intervention to improve birth outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e001"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13148291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147869700","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":"Beyond Access: Behavior Change and Gendered Realities in the Adoption of Digital Health Tools for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Nigeria.","authors":"Charles Chibuisi Ehiemere, Ishaku Adamu Akyala, Bisayo Adetuyi Ogundipe, Chukwuebuka Clement Nri-Ezedi, Peter Joseph Anzaku, Waryit Esther Yonah, Efe Mary Imokhai, Isaac Onyebuchi Okohu, Idowu Olapemi Makinde, Ngozi Miriam Chimzobam-Nnalue","doi":"10.21106/IJMA_45_2025","DOIUrl":"10.21106/IJMA_45_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Digital health innovations are increasingly being deployed to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) outcomes in Nigeria. However, their adoption and effectiveness are influenced not only by technological access and infrastructure but also by behavioral factors, gender norms, and cultural contexts that shape user engagement and health-seeking behaviors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and African Journals Online, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025. From an initial pool of records, 46 studies met the inclusion criteria following screening. This review synthesized empirical studies, program evaluations, and behavioral frameworks, such as the Fogg Behavior Model and Health Belief Model, to examine how gender dynamics, social hierarchies, and behavioral readiness shape digital MNCH adoption.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings reveal that digital literacy gaps, gendered power relations, sociocultural beliefs, and intra-household decision-making processes significantly affect technology uptake. Interventions that incorporated voice-based content, local languages, and male-inclusive engagement strategies demonstrated higher levels of acceptance and retention in the target population. Behaviorally informed designs, culturally tailored messaging, and the involvement of trusted intermediaries, such as community health workers, were critical success factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Effective digital health interventions must move beyond mere technical provision to integrate behavioral science and gender responsiveness into their design and delivery. Approaches that prioritize the lived realities of users, particularly women's agency within household decision-making, are more likely to achieve equitable and sustainable MNCH outcomes. Policy and program developers should prioritize human-centered, behaviorally intelligent, and gender-transformative digital health models, while future interventions must integrate cultural adaptability, motivational triggers, and inclusive engagement strategies to enhance digital MNCH impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"15 ","pages":"e002"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13148288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147869716","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":"COVID-19 Stressors and Maternal Mental Health in Georgia, United States: Sources, Effects, and Recommendations.","authors":"Elizabeth Armstrong-Mensah, Priya Srinivasan, Dawood Azeemy, Fayja Habib, Ernest Alema-Mensah","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_13_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_13_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>While coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) stressors on women's mental health have been studied in the United States (US), very few have focused on pregnant and postnatal women in Georgia, US. This study sought to identify the sources of the COVID-19 stressors on the mental health of pregnant and postnatal women in Georgia during the pandemic, the effects of COVID-19 stressors on their mental health, and to provide recommendations for protecting the mental health of this population during a future pandemic or health emergency. Although the global health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic officially ended in 2023, and while its devastating effects have been largely overcome, its presence has left an indelible impression on populations worldwide.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 66 study participants across eight domains using Qualtrics. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28 and the Statistical Analysis Software version 9. Qualitative data were manually analyzed using a thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Before the pandemic, anxiety was experienced by 21.2% of the study participants, depression by 12.1%, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by 6.1%. These statistics almost doubled for anxiety (39.4%), more than doubled for depression (27.3%), and increased for PTSD (9.1%) during the pandemic. The fear of getting COVID-19 was the most prevalent stressor for both pregnant and postnatal women (39.4%), as well as the possibility of their babies or they themselves becoming sick. The most widespread effects of stressors caused by the pandemic were worry (50.0%), sadness (42.4%), and loneliness (36.4%). Very few of the study participants who experienced mental health conditions (25.6%) sought care from a mental health professional during the pandemic. Those who did not seek care (74.4%) said they coped by utilizing self-management strategies (cited 14 times), depended on family, partners, and friends for support (cited 11 times), or exercised (cited 7 times).</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>The pandemic had a considerable impact on the mental health of pregnant and postnatal women in Georgia. It is essential for the local government and healthcare providers in Georgia and different parts of the world to be proactive and put in place mechanisms that will help to maintain the mental health of this population during a future pandemic or health emergency.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e022"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12596795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145490495","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":"Partograph Utilization and its Determinant Factors among Healthcare Providers during Childbirth in West Cameroon.","authors":"Armand Duclaire Kemo Djimeli, Bruno Kenfack, Jérôme Ateudjieu","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_3_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_3_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Early detection of abnormal labor progression helps prevent prolonged and stationary labor, which is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of routine partograph use in Western Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers in the Western region, from February 1 to June 30, 2024. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into CSPro 7.3 software and exported to R (4.3.3) for analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed. Statistical significance was determined using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 373 caregivers participated in the study. The prevalence of routine partograph use was 72.1% (95% CI: 67.3; 76.6). Less than two-thirds (59.8%) of healthcare providers had good knowledge of the partograph. On-job-training (AOR = 2.85 [95% CI: 1.45-5.81]) and routine partograph availability (AOR = 390 [95% CI: 75.4-7366]) were significantly associated with partograph use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Partograph use in this study was moderate. Interventions such as periodic on-job training on the partograph and ensuring its routine availability in maternity wards are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e021"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12596784/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145490463","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}