Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences最新文献

{"title":"Thalassemia in Iraq: Time to Reform Policy.","authors":"Halima Adill Abdulrahman, Ahmed A Mosa, Nawfal R Hussein","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.14","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.14","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thalassemia is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide, particularly within the Middle Eastern demographics. Despite the existence of a nationwide screening program in Iraq and a decline in disease incidence, its optimal effectiveness remains uncertain, as β-thalassemia prevalence continues to rise. This paper seeks to evaluate the weaknesses of the thalassemia screening program in Iraq. It also suggests actionable strategies for policy change to further reduce disease incidence. Additionally, the discussed concepts can be applicable to other regions facing a similar burden. Factors like widespread consanguineous marriage, inadequate public knowledge, and restricted access to prenatal diagnostic services impose further burden on prevention efforts. To attain national elimination of β-thalassemia in Iraq, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with medical organizations, must promptly address these barriers by revising policies and substantially investing in essential services.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"435-439"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898827","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":"Complex Branching Patterns of the Left Brachial Plexus: A Case Report of Five Concurrent Anatomical Variations.","authors":"Jean Paul Rugambwa, Olivier Kubwimana, Julien Gashegu","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.15","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.15","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus are common and may significantly influence surgical approaches, regional anaesthesia, and the interpretation of peripheral nerve injuries. Variations involving the musculocutaneous nerve and its relationship with the median nerve are particularly important given their clinical implications.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>During a routine surgical anatomy dissection course on a formalin-fixed adult male cadaver, a rare variation was identified in the left upper limb. A 4 cm common trunk arising from both the medial and lateral cords of the brachial plexus bifurcated into the median and musculocutaneous nerves. The musculocutaneous nerve did not pierce the coracobrachialis muscle but supplied it via an accessory branch, with an additional branch arising directly from the lateral cord. A distal communicating ansa brachialis between the musculocutaneous and median nerves was also observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case highlights a rare median-musculocutaneous trunk with associated neural communications and atypical muscular innervation. Awareness of such variations is essential for clinicians involved in upper limb surgery, peripheral nerve repair, and regional anaesthesia, as they may alter expected anatomical landmarks, influence surgical strategies, and affect clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"440-444"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898785","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":"Birth Spacing and Undernutrition among Children Under Five Years in Rwanda: A Secondary Data Analysis of RDHS 2019/2020.","authors":"Elisabeth Baraka, Claudine Abibeshya, Jean d'Amour Barabwiriza, Jonathan Habumuremyi, Pacific Faida, Eric Gasangwa, Charles Simugomwa, Josue Tulihokubwayo, Joseph Nshimiyimana, Michael Habtu","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.12","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.12","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Short birth intervals have been linked with increased childhood undernutrition, yet evidence in Rwanda remains limited. Using data from the 2019/2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), this study assessed the association between birth spacing and undernutrition among children under five years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study utilized weighted data from 3,815 children under five from the 2019/2020 RDHS. Undernutrition was defined as either stunting, underweight, or wasting. Birth spacing was categorized as short (<24 months), intermediate (24 - 35 months), and optimal (≥36 months) and multivariable model was used to examine the association.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of undernutrition was 34.1%, and most (69.1%) had a birth interval ≥ 36 months. After adjusting for confounders, optimal birth spacing was associated with lower odds of undernutrition (AOR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6-0.9, p = 0.034). In addition, undernutrition was significantly associated with children from poor households, children of mothers with no education or primary education, and male children, while children of married or cohabiting mothers had lower odds of undernutrition.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Optimal birth spacing is associated with lower odds of child undernutrition. Public health policies should strengthen access and utilization of family planning services, maternal education, and socioeconomic support to enhance child nutrition outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"414-425"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542664/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898893","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":"In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxicity in Novel Nano-Filled Bulk-Fill Flowable Dental Composites.","authors":"Muskan Shreshtha, Solete Pradeep, Sanju Dona, Antony S Delphine Priscilla, Vigneshwar Sambandam","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.13","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nano-filled bulk-fill flowable composites have gained widespread use in restorative dentistry owing to their ease of manipulation, reduced polymerisation shrinkage, and improved physical and esthetic properties. Despite these advantages, the potential leaching of unreacted monomers or residual nanoparticles remains a concern, as such release may compromise the biological safety of these materials. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the cytotoxic potential of a nano-filled bulk-fill flowable composite on 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells using the MTT assay. This evaluation was undertaken to elucidate the material's biosafety profile and its suitability for clinical application.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The in vitro cytotoxicity assessment was performed in accordance with ISO 10993-5 guidelines. The nano-filled light-cured composite was finely ground, and serial extract concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mg/mL were prepared in culture medium. 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were exposed to these extracts for 48 hours, after which cell viability was quantified using the MTT assay by measuring absorbance at 570 nm. Morphological alterations in fibroblasts following exposure were examined using phase-contrast microscopy. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc testing, with significance set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean cell viability was over 90 per cent at all of the concentrations (96.1 per cent, 94.3 per cent, 91.9 per cent), and was not significantly different at any of the controls (p > 0.05). Cells were attached with normal spindle morphology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The tested nano-filled bulk-fill composite was found to be highly biocompatible and exhibit low cytotoxic effects, confirming that it can be used in clinical restorative cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"426-434"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898788","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":"Reproductive Health Knowledge, Contraceptive Practices and Predictors of Unprotected Sexual Intercourse among Female Undergraduates in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.","authors":"Omoruan Augustine Idowu, Ayandele Olusanjo Ayandiji, Phillips Oluwaseun Folusho, Bamidele Akinfemi Philip, Ayegboyin Matthew","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.11","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Unprotected sex among female undergraduates remains a significant reproductive health concern in Nigerian tertiary institutions, yet evidence on socio-cultural predictors remains limited. This study examined reproductive health knowledge and factors associated with contraceptive use and engagement in unprotected sex among female undergraduates at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 286 female undergraduate students selected, using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were employed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed that most respondents (63.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of reproductive health, and the majority (85.0%) perceived institutional reproductive health support services as inadequate. Students in higher academic levels had lower odds of using contraceptives; on the other hand, married students and those influenced by religious values had lower odds of engaging in unprotected sex.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Consistent contraceptive use remains low among female undergraduates, irrespective of the relatively high reproductive health knowledge. Socio-cultural factors were significantly associated with engagement in unprotected sex. Universities should strengthen youth-friendly health services and sexuality education programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"400-413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898760","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":"Breastfeeding with Extra Care: A Qualitative Insight of Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome in Rwanda.","authors":"Joselyne Rugema, Eric Matsiko, Donatilla Mukamana, Leon Mutesa","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.9","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding children with Down syndrome (DS) is challenging due to the infants' physiological characteristics and increased caregiving demands. Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, remains limited. This study aimed to explore the breastfeeding experience and coping strategies among mothers of children with DS in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 23 purposively selected mothers of children with DS. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and meanings within mothers' breastfeeding experiences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four main categories and eight subcategories emerged: 1. challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, 2. physical and time-related burdens, 3. emotional challenges and distress among mothers, and 4. coping strategies to sustain breastfeeding. Mothers reported delayed initiation of breastfeeding, shortened breastfeeding episodes due to persistent feeding difficulties, increased time demands, physical discomfort, financial strain, family conflicts, and significant emotional distress. Lack of adequate information and assistance, and delayed diagnosis further intensify these challenges. Despite these hurdles, mothers employed adaptive coping strategies to sustain breastfeeding.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early diagnosis and management for Down syndrome and strengthening specialized lactation support may improve breastfeeding experiences and outcomes in low-resource settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"369-381"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898864","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":"Parents' Adaptation Process in Providing Care to Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Rwanda: A qualitative study.","authors":"Marie Rose Mukarubayiza, Oliva Bazirete, Gerard Nyiringango, Ward Katie, Pamella Meharry","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.10","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preterm birth remains a global health issue, and prematurity poses a significant health risk to neonates and often requires prolonged care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This experience can be overwhelming for parents, who must adapt emotionally and practically to the demands of caring for their fragile infants. Investigating parental adaptation processes in caring for preterm neonates is essential for designing effective parental involvement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore parents' adaptation process in caring for preterm neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive qualitative design was used. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with purposively selected parents of preterm neonates admitted to six hospitals in Rwanda. Interviews were conducted with 24 participants (4 per hospital), and 6 focus group discussions were held (1 per hospital). Recording, transcription, and thematic analysis were used to identify emerging themes related to parental adaptation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five major themes emerged: 1) Initial Emotional response, 2) Adaptation and coping mechanisms, 3) Adaptation of knowledge and skills in caring for preterm neonates 4) Challenges and barriers in the adaptation process. The fifth is healthcare system adaptation to address parental experiences in NICU settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The parental adaptation process in the NICU is dynamic, shaped by emotional, social, and institutional factors. The adaptation process, clear communication from healthcare providers, and structured parental involvement in neonatal care can significantly ease this transition.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"382-399"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898771","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":"Lived Experiences of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Receiving Treatment at Rwanda Diabetes Association: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Sandrine Niyigena, Girum Sebsible Teshome, Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Philomene Uwimana","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.8","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) poses a significant health burden among children and adolescents, leading to lifelong dependence on insulin therapy, an increased risk of acute and chronic complications, frequent hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and psychological and economic challenges. Managing T1DM during adolescence is particularly challenging due to hormonal changes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus receiving treatment at the Rwanda Diabetes Association.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study follows a qualitative approach with a generic descriptive design. Ten (10) adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus receiving treatment at the Rwanda diabetes association were included in this study using a convenience sampling method. The data were collected using an in-depth interview guide. The final data were imported to ATLAS-ti where thematic analysis was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Adolescents with T1DM experienced fear, denial, emotional distress, and social exclusion. Participants reported that family support and prayer played a vital role in facilitating their adaptation to T1DM. Recommended facilitators were strong maternal support, peer assistance, and guidance from the Rwanda Diabetes Association. Identified barriers were: lack of privacy at school, stigmatization, food insecurity, and emotional fatigue.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the need to strengthen diabetes education in schools, psychosocial support, and improve access to glucometers for adolescents living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"356-368"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898794","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":"Assessment of Prehospital Emergency Care Resources in Urban and Rural Rwanda Using the WHO Health System Framework: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Liberatha Rumagihwa, Priscille Musabirema, Gerard Urimubenshi, Coetzee-Prinsloo Isabel, Jean Claude Byiringiro","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prehospital emergency care is essential for reducing preventable deaths and disabilities from road traffic accidents. Evidence regarding the availability and distribution of prehospital emergency care resources in Rwanda remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study assessed prehospital emergency care resources across three prehospital systems in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study assessed prehospital emergency care resources using a locally adapted WHO prehospital emergency assessment tool. Key informants from one rural and two urban systems were purposively selected. Data were analyzed descriptively using WHO prehospital emergency system building blocks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Prehospital emergency care resources varied across systems. The urban public system employs 99 providers, mostly nurses, and operates 510 ambulances supported by a 24/7 toll-free dispatch system (912). The urban private system has 21 permanent staff members, including 18 prehospital care providers primarily emergency care assistants, and three administrative personnel, supported by 150 volunteers. It operates 12 ambulances and a 24/7 toll-free line (2100). The rural public system has 11 nurses and six ambulances relying on the urban public dispatch system for emergency activation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Rwanda's prehospital system is expanding; however, rural and private systems continue to face resource limitations. These gaps should be addressed to ensure equitable and effective prehospital care.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"311-326"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898872","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":"State of Knowledge and Awareness of Preconception Preparedness among Premarital Couples in Rwanda: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Survey.","authors":"Richard Nsengiyumva, Thiery Claudien Uhawenimana, Olive Bazirete, Darius Gishoma, Ing-Marie Carlsson, HaEun Lee, Jody Rae Lori","doi":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.3","DOIUrl":"10.4314/rjmhs.v9i2.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preconception preparedness (PP) is important for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes by promoting health optimization before conception. However, awareness remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, evidence on premarital couples as a distinct population is scarce.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the status, including level of knowledge and awareness (KA), of PP and identify associated factors among premarital couples in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and July 2024 among 600 couples (n = 1,200) recruited from civil and religious marriage registration offices in 15 districts of Rwanda. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 29 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and multiple logistic regression were used to examine KA levels and associated factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean participant age was 29.5 years (SD, 5.5), 91.2% of participants demonstrated low PP KA, while only 8.8% had fair KA. At the couple level, 95.3% of them had both partners in the low KA category. Females were more likely than males to demonstrate fair KA (12.0% vs. 2.8%). Other factors associated with fair KA included female sex (AOR = 2.1; p = 0.007), secondary or higher education (AOR = 6.3; p = 0.004), and urban residence (AOR = 1.7; p = 0.009). Prior exposure to PP information was uncommon (3.3%) but was associated with higher odds of fair KA (AOR = 3.3; p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Knowledge and awareness of PP are low among the majority of premarital couples in Rwanda. Strengthening community-based educational interventions, integrating PP into premarital counseling, and expanding information dissemination are needed to improve preconception health literacy among couples preparing for parenthood.</p>","PeriodicalId":520910,"journal":{"name":"Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences","volume":"9 2","pages":"281-298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898765","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}