International Journal of MCH and AIDS最新文献

{"title":"Oral Health Status of People with Sickle Cell Disease at a Major Hospital in Cameroon.","authors":"Ashu Michael Agbor, Kepwa Florence Mekendja, Blek Che, Sudeshni Naidoo","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_28_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_28_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Sickle cell disease is a neglected inherited condition that affects the hemoglobin in red blood cells and impacts at least 2% of the West African population. This hemoglobinopathy presents with high mobility and mortality as a result of infections and vaso-occlusive pain crises as a result of structural abnormality of the red blood, making it fragile and rigid. The objective of our study was to describe the oral health status of sickle cell patients in Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the hematology unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital from June to October 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 63 patients, made up of 41 (65%) males and 22 (35%) females, were recruited in the study. The majority, 60 (95%), consumed sugary foods, while 43 (68%) brushed their teeth before meals, and 27 (43%) brushed their teeth once a day. A third, 24 (38%), presented with pallor of the palatal mucosa, and 24 (74.6%) had dental caries. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth index of this population was 2.6 (moderate) and 11 (17.5%) periodontitis. Less than a third, 17 (26.9%) of the patients had been to a dentist, 26 (41.3%) did not see it necessary to consult a dentist, while 23 (37%) thought that oral conditions are not serious. Two-thirds, 38 (60.5%), did not receive any treatment for caries. Tooth extraction 18 (27.9%) was the most common treatment given, 5 (7%) conservative treatment, and no treatment was administered for periodontitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>There was a high prevalence of periodontal diseases, moderate levels of dental caries, and elevated prevalence of oral mucosal lesions like tonsillar hypertrophy, pallor of the palate, lingual mycosis inflammation, and mucositis among sickle cell patients. The poor oral health-seeking behavior of the patients and poor oral hygiene practices might be responsible for the high burden of carious and periodontal diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e010"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12180737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477088","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":"Oral Health Status of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Cameroon.","authors":"Ashu Michael Agbor, Loyick Nguafack Zencha, Henri Essome, Che Bleck Ndikum, Pascal Foumane","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_27_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_27_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Pregnancy is characterized by complex physiological and psychological changes that can affect the oral health of women. There is a paucity of literature on the oral health status of pregnant women in Cameroon. The objective of our study was to describe the oral health status of pregnant women attending the Laquintinie antenatal clinic in Douala, Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study from January 2021 to June 2021 was conducted involving pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at Laquintinie Hospital and provided informed consent. A pretested questionnaire was administered in both French and English. Intraoral and extra-oral examinations were carried out to identify oro-facial pathologies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two hundred ninety-four pregnant women participated in our study, with ages ranging from 17 to 45 years (mean age = 26 years ± 5.1 standard deviation). Of these 144 (51.7%) were employed, 195 (70%) were married, and 168 (60.6%) had tertiary education. More than 20 (70%) were multiparous, and 111 (40%) were in the first trimester of pregnancy. Three-quarters, 210 (75%), had good knowledge of tooth cleaning, 182 (65.2%) brushed their teeth once daily, and 189 (68%) brushed only in the morning. Only a few 9 (3.2%) knew how to take care of their baby's teeth, and 84 (30.1%) had been to a dentist. Halitosis was observed in 82 (29.3%), and all our participants had calculus deposits. The predominant oral pathologies were dental caries 168 (60.2%), gingivitis 143 (51.3%), and periodontitis 126 (45.2%). A third, 92 (33%) of the women had swelling of the gums during pregnancy, while 68 (24.5%) did not experience any change. In addition, 62 (22.2%) experienced bleeding, 43 (15.4%) pain, 10 (3.6%) ulcerations, and 10 (3.6%) epulis (pyogenic granuloma). Three out of four 210 (75.3%) of the women needed restoration for carious lesions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>The oral health status of pregnant women in the Laquintinie antenatal clinic was poor, with a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases ranging from mild to severe gingivitis and gingival epulis.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e009"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12180739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477089","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":"HIV Virologic Suppression and Mental Well-being in Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV.","authors":"Barbara Burmen, Gregory Kurtzman, Anthony A Olashore, Leyla Baghirova-Busang, Ohemaa Poku, Phenyo Morakanyane, Ontibile Tshume, Onkemetse Phoi, Mogomotsi Matshaba, Elizabeth D Lowenthal, Knashawn H Morales, Merrian J Brooks","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_45_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_45_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care programs in resource-limited settings reserve counseling and referral for individuals with identified mental illness for those with HIV virological treatment failure (VTF). Adolescence is a period that may increase the likelihood of internalizing psychiatric disorders (IPDs). We assessed the relationship between HIV VTF and symptoms of IPDs among adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV in Gaborone, Botswana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in Botswana from December 2018 to December 2019 among AYA living with HIV aged 12-24 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine relationships between age, sex, and HIV VTF (≥400 copies/mL) and clinically relevant IPD symptoms, namely, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥10) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score of ≥10).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 553 participants, most were aged 16-19 years (53%) with an equal sex distribution; the minority had VTF using HIV viral load (VL) cutoff levels of ≥400 copies/mL (11%). Close to one-sixth (15%) had clinical depression symptoms; participants aged 16-19 years and 20-24 years were more likely to have clinically relevant depression symptoms when compared to participants who were aged 12-15 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.160, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.094-9.123 and OR 4.748, 95% CI 1.624-13.877, <i>p</i> = 0.0117, for participants aged 15- 19 years and 20-24 years, respectively). Participants with clinically relevant anxiety symptoms (11%) or both clinically relevant anxiety and depression symptoms (8%) did not differ from those without these symptoms by age, gender, or VTF status. Similar results were observed using HIV VL cutoff levels of <1000 copies/mL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>HIV VTF may be a poor proxy for mental well-being among AYAs receiving HIV. Universal screening should be considered for AYA receiving care for HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e007"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12180741/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477085","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":"New Paradigm for Battling Hospital-Acquired Infections in Developing Countries.","authors":"Muhammad A Abbas, Aisha A Abdullahi, Hassan A Murtala, Abubakar L Yusuf, Rahila A Mukhtar, Hamisu M Salihu","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_52_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_52_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose critical threats to maternal and child health in low-resource settings, with Kano State, Nigeria, reporting 6.3% of national HAI burdens and 85% of diphtheria cases. Despite global infection prevention and control (IPC) advancements, implementation gaps persist. This study engaged 50 multidisciplinary stakeholders including Kano State CDC, WHO, UNICEF, healthcare leaders, and community representatives through a three-day participatory workshop to co-develop a context-specific IPC framework. Key outcomes included standardized state IPC guidelines, facility-level monitoring committees, enhanced healthcare worker training, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocols, and dedicated isolation centers. The initiative reduced HAIs by 42% (<i>p < 0.01</i>) in pilot facilities, with notable improvements in pediatric and maternal wards. Barriers such as inconsistent PPE access (reported by 68% of staff) were addressed through localized solutions, including community health worker engagement. Aligned with WHO's Strategic Goal Five and SDG targets for quality care and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reduction, this model demonstrates how stakeholder-driven IPC strategies can mitigate outbreaks in high-burden settings. Findings advocate for scalable, participatory approaches to strengthen health systems, directly impacting maternal-child survival and AMR containment in Nigeria and similar regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e008"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12180738/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477087","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":"Exploring Obstetric Analgesia in Labor Management: Assessing Knowledge and Usage Among Midwives in North-Central Nigeria.","authors":"Onasoga A Olayinka, Shittu B Muhammad, Shittu I B Halimah, Umar N Jibril","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_14_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_14_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Obstetric pain is one of the most severe forms of pain a woman may experience during childbirth. Due to the debilitating effects of excruciating labor discomfort, pain management continues to be an important issue that requires attention. This study assessed the knowledge and utilization of obstetric analgesia in labor-management among midwives in public healthcare facilities in the north-central region of Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. One hundred twenty-three respondents who met the inclusion criteria were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 0.05 level of significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that the respondents' overall knowledge of obstetric analgesia was adequate. The findings also revealed that more than half of the midwives have previously utilized obstetric analgesia to manage labor pain. However, the frequency of utilization of obstetric analgesia was low. A significant association was found between utilization of obstetric analgesia in labor and knowledge (χ² = 16.582, <i>p</i> < 0.001) as well as years of experience (χ² = 17.280, <i>p</i> < 0.015) and nursing rank (χ² = 36.579, <i>p</i> < 0.000); since the <i>p</i>-value < 0.05 significance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Therefore, it was recommended that midwives should be encouraged to frequently utilize obstetric analgesia to manage labor pain in order to improve the birth experience and outcome and to prevent the adverse effects that come with severe labor pain. Furthermore, the government should create policies that favor the utilization of obstetric analgesia in parturition, and midwives should incorporate the benefits of obstetric analgesia into the health education of pregnant women during antenatal counseling to promote its usage.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e002"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11878697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568457","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":"Long-acting Antiretroviral Agents in the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS: A Review of Recent Advances in Sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Ekere James Essien, Osaro Mgbere","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_50_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_50_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Long-acting antiretroviral (LAARV) agents have the potential to enhance treatment and prevention by eliminating the need for daily oral medications and increasing available options. This paper reviewed recent evidence on LAARVs and explores the opportunities and challenges of implementing these innovative prevention and treatment strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Several clinical trials and studies on the effectiveness, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of LAARVs in key populations in SSA are ongoing or recently completed. While the effectiveness, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of LAARVs compared to existing oral therapies have been established, these products are not yet widely used in SSA. Significant logistical challenges in integrating LAARVs into clinic workflows under the poor health systems that are common in SSA necessitate a multi-sectoral, patient-centered approach, including the use of non-traditional healthcare delivery models.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e003"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11878736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568511","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":"Improving HIV Prevention for Key Populations in Nigeria: Insights on Access, Barriers, Stigma, and Service Utilization.","authors":"Godwin Omokhagbo Emmanuel, Olaniyi Felix Sanni, Abang Roger, Paul Umoh, Ochonye Bartholomew Boniface, Amechi Paul, Ismaeel Mohammed Yahaya, Agie Muhmmad Auwal","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_49_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_49_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a significant public health challenge globally, with key populations (KPs) such as female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWIDs) being disproportionately affected. Despite the availability of various HIV prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), the willingness of KPs to access these services remains a critical concern. This study aims to assess the prevalence of HIV and the willingness to access HIV preventive services among KPs in three selected local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 across three LGAs, Gwale, Fagge, and Tarauni, in Kano State, Nigeria, using a snowball sampling technique. A total of 1,320 participants, recruited from brothels and nightclubs, were tested for HIV using self-test kits. Willingness to access HIV services was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall HIV prevalence among KPs was 10.8%. MSM and PWIDs exhibited higher HIV prevalence rates compared to FSWs. Willingness to access HIV preventive services was recorded at 57.7%, with significant influences from geographical location and sexual practices. Participants from Tarauni were more willing to access services, and those engaging in vaginal sex were more likely to seek preventive services. HIV self-testing had a high uptake of 95.9%, while PrEP uptake was 68.0%. Major barriers included stigma, lack of comprehensive services, and limited knowledge of service providers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>This study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions addressing the specific barriers faced by KPs in these regions. Enhancing service accessibility and addressing stigma is essential for reducing HIV transmission and achieving epidemic control in Nigeria by 2030.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e005"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11878721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568510","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":"Implementing WHO Differentiated Service Delivery Model for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Infants Living with HIV: Insights from Kenyan Healthcare Providers.","authors":"John Humphrey, James G Carlucci, Esther Karen Wanjama, Violet Naanyu, Lindah Muli, Joy Marsha Alera, Edwin Were, Alan McGuire, Winstone Nyandiko, Gregory Zimet, Julia Jerono Songok, Kara Wools-Kaloustian","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_43_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_43_2024","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e004"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11878722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568509","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":"HIV Testing, Household and Reproductive Health Decision-Making: The Role of Women Autonomy in a Nationally Representative Study in Cambodia.","authors":"Wah Wah Myint, Aishatu Yusuf, Angela Nguyen, Elfreda Samman","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_36_2024","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMA_36_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Women's autonomy plays a critical role in decision-making of health service use. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and decision-making autonomy among Cambodian women aged 15-49.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used data from the 2021-2022 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and our sample consisted of currently married/cohabiting women aged 15-49 (<i>N</i> = 13,755). The outcome variable was \"ever been tested for HIV.\" Covariates were household decision-making and reproductive health decision-making scores, socio-demographic characteristics (age, place of residency, education, wealth quintiles, and employment status), and HIV knowledge (HIV self-test kits, drugs to prevent HIV in babies during pregnancy, antiretroviral [ARV] drugs, and pre-exposure prophylaxis).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-one percent of studied women reported ever being tested for HIV. The logistic regression results revealed that women with a higher household decision-making score (aOR = 2.09, <i>p</i> < 0.001), reproductive health decision-making score (aOR = 1.72, <i>p</i> < 0.001), from 25 to 29 age groups (aOR = 2.21, <i>p</i> < 0.001), with a higher education (aOR = 1.96, <i>p</i> = 0.001), from the richest groups (aOR = 1.73, <i>p</i> < 0.001), had knowledge of HIV test kits but never get tested (aOR = 1.38, <i>p</i> = 0.035), heard of drugs to avoid HIV transmission to babies during pregnancy (aOR = 1.21, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and heard of ARV drugs (aOR = 1.28, <i>p</i> < 0.001) were more likely to get tested for HIV than their counterparts. Women living in rural areas (aOR = 0.56, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and those who had discriminatory attitudes (aOR = 0.76, <i>p</i> = < 0.001) were less likely to get HIV tests than those in urban areas and those without discrimination.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and global health implications: </strong>Findings revealed that greater autonomy is important for health care use, particularly HIV testing for women in Cambodia.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"14 ","pages":"e001"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11878739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568508","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":"Digital Health Divide: Opportunities for Reducing Health Disparities and Promoting Equitable Care for Maternal and Child Health Populations.","authors":"Mehrete Girmay","doi":"10.25259/IJMA_41_2024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJMA_41_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of telehealth into maternal and child health (MCH) care presents an opportunity to enhance health equity, offering solutions to bridge gaps in access and quality of care. This paper explores the impact and reach of telehealth services on MCH, emphasizing its potential to address disparities in healthcare access, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. Telehealth facilitates improved access to care by reducing geographical barriers, offering convenient and flexible consultation options, and providing cost-effective solutions for low-income families. This paper also crystallizes the importance of telehealth services on the continuity of care through consistent remote monitoring, which is crucial for managing chronic conditions and ensuring timely interventions during pregnancy and early childhood. However, the effective implementation of telehealth in MCH also faces significant challenges, including the digital divide, which limits technology access and digital literacy among vulnerable populations. Enhancing digital literacy is essential for empowering individuals to navigate telehealth services effectively and to make informed health decisions. To advance health equity, it is crucial to address these challenges by expanding technology access, improving digital literacy, and developing supportive policies that ensure comprehensive telehealth coverage while considering the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). This paper explores the importance of leveraging telehealth and other timely interventions to improve MCH equity and justice, including the provision of technological resources and comprehensive policy frameworks. By addressing these factors, telehealth can significantly contribute to reducing health disparities and promoting equitable care for all maternal and child populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":30480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of MCH and AIDS","volume":"13 ","pages":"e026"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11705165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142956040","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}