Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology最新文献

{"title":"Mistreatment during childbirth and its associated factors during facility-based childbirth in public health facilities of Ilubabor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Endale Tamiru Burayu, Tamiru Endalu Terfa, Abdi Kejela Seboka, Alemnesh Fekede Terefe","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00275-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00275-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mistreatment during childbirth remains a barrier to maternal health in low-resource settings.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the prevalence of mistreatment during childbirth and its associated factors among women in public health facilities of Ilubabor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2025.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2025 among 470 women using multistage sampling and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mistreatment during childbirth was reported by 68.1% (95% CI: 63.9-72.3%) of women. Verbal insults, denial of mobility during labor, refusal of pain relief, and lack of consent for procedures were the most common forms. Significant factors included low maternal education (AOR = 7.10, 95% CI: 3.71-13.58), observed provider burnout (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 2.14-5.10), and high provider workload (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.80-4.06).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High prevalence of mistreatment was observed, driven by low maternal education and multiple provider- and system-level factors. Enhanced training, staffing, and community education are urgently needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13335353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148392642","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":"Validation of the Arabic coronavirus anxiety scale among mothers of infants in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Wid Kattan, Jennifer Barkin, Maryam Almutari, Lujain A Khoja, Marwa Abdelmoaty, Khaled Alghamdi, Sulhi Ali Alfakeh","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00266-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00266-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This research aims to verify the Arabic version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and to evaluate its association with maternal mental health among mothers of infants in the time of COVID-19 widespread in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was performed among the mothers of 1-month- to 1-year-old infants. Data collection was conducted between June and July 2020. Participants completed the Arabic CAS, Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's correlations and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 648 participants, the Arabic CAS showed better internal reliability. With the item loadings varying from 0.56 to 0.7, EFA validated a single-factor structure accounting 65.5% of overall variance. The Arabic CAS then demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89). CAS scores correlated negatively with Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF) and positively with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) supporting construct validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Arabic CAS shown adequate validity and reliability for evaluating COVID-19 linked anxiety among mothers of infants in Saudi Arabia. This tool can be used to detect the distress related to pandemic in postpartum individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13330301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377483","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":"Prevalence, determinants, and sociocultural practices of traditional uvulectomy among neonates in Gondar City, Ethiopia: a community-based mixed-methods study.","authors":"Addisu Ginbu, Mehretie Kokeb","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00274-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00274-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traditional uvulectomy (TU) is a culturally rooted practice performed on neonates in parts of Ethiopia despite its associated health risks. Evidence on its prevalence and determinants in Gondar City remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence, practices, and determinants of TU among neonates aged < 28 days in selected communities of Gondar City, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted in 12 kebeles of Gondar City (5 rural and 7 urban). A total of 633 neonates aged < 28 days and their mothers or caregivers were included. Quantitative data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, and qualitative data through focus group discussions with mothers and traditional healers. TU prevalence was summarized using descriptive statistics. Binary logistic regression identified determinants, reported as crude and adjusted odds ratios (COR and AOR) with 95% confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 633 neonates, the prevalence of traditional uvulectomy among was 84.5%. The procedure was mainly performed at home by traditional healers and was strongly influenced by family and community advice, beliefs about safety, and lower cost than formal healthcare. Multiparity was associated with lower odds of TU (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.26-0.61). Mothers who did not receive antenatal counselling had higher odds of practicing TU, while ANC counselling was protective (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.09-0.24). Home delivery increased the likelihood of TU (AOR = 5.86; 95% CI: 2.51-13.68). Qualitative findings showed that TU was viewed as a safe cultural practice in the community.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Traditional uvulectomy in neonates remains highly prevalent in Gondar City, driven by cultural norms, family influence, and access to traditional healers. Strengthening antenatal counselling, promoting institutional delivery, and implementing culturally sensitive community interventions are essential to reduce TU and improve neonatal health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>Not applicable as this study did not involve a clinical trial.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13326262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148371351","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":"Magnitude and factors associated with urinary incontinence among postpartum women in Northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Alemu Teshale Bicha, Sileshi Ayele Abebe, Abebe Chanie Wagaw, Tsion Haile Beyene, Yemisrach Alemneh Ayanaw, Lakew Asmare","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00273-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00273-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postpartum urinary incontinence is an important but underreported maternal health issue, with limited available evidence from Ethiopia, particularly in Northwest Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and its associated factors among women attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An institution‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted among 423 postpartum women selected via systematic random sampling from January 1 to April 30, 2025. Data were collected by interviewer‑administered questionnaires and analyzed using STATA 17. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 421 women participated (99.50% response rate). The magnitude of postpartum urinary incontinence was 28.00% (95% CI: 24.15%, 32.77%). Thus, parity two or more (AOR = 11.23; 95% CI: 7.32, 15.23), body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.06, 7.44), history of abortion (AOR = 7.61; 95% CI: = 4.43, 12.21), episiotomy (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI: 1.15, 10.85), and constipation (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.14, 9.45) were significantly associated with urinary incontinence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Urinary incontinence was common among postpartum women in the study area. Findings may contribute to the need for weight management counseling, prevention and management of constipation, and focused counseling for women with identified obstetric risk factors such as multiparty, episiotomy, and history of abortion for women with obstetric risk factors such as multiparty, episiotomy, and prior abortion during postpartum care.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13321456/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148364554","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 exclusive breastfeeding practice and maternal knowledge of the lactational amenorrhea method and its associated factors among postpartum mothers in Northeast Ethiopia.","authors":"Delelegn Tsegaye Zikie, Misra Abdulahi Ahmed, Gurmesa Tura Debelew","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00268-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00268-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months postpartum is essential for preventing unintended pregnancy. Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is a safe and effective natural family planning method that provides up to 98% protection when its three criteria are met. Inadequate knowledge of LAM and poor exclusive breastfeeding practices increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. This study assessed the association between exclusive breastfeeding practice and maternal knowledge of LAM and its associated factors among postpartum mothers in Northeast Ethiopia, 2023/24.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was conducted in four hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia. A total of 607 participants were included, and the study period was from March 2023 to June 30, 2023. Data were collected using standardized, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression model was employed using SPSS version 26. Multicollinearity, sensitivity analysis and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were assessed. Variables with p-values less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression model to control for potential confounders. Finally, variables with p-values less than 0.05 at 95% CI were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The prevalence of good exclusive breastfeeding practice was 68.4% (95% CI: 64.0-72.8%), while good maternal knowledge of the lactational amenorrhea method was 56.0% (95% CI: 50.7-61.2%). Maternal knowledge of LAM was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice (χ² = 5.378, p = 0.02). Factors significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice included marital status (AOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9), educational level (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-3.0), and reason for hospital visit (AOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.28-0.73). Factors associated with maternal knowledge of LAM were marital status (AOR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.83-9.0), educational status (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.16-2.76), age (AOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.28-0.63), and hospital level (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.02-2.17).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Two-thirds of participants had good exclusive breastfeeding practices, and 56% were knowledgeable about LAM. Marital status, educational level, and reason for hospital visit were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Structured postnatal education should be provided across all hospitals to improve exclusive breastfeeding practice.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13261981/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148229624","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":"Monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplet pregnancy complicated by TRAP sequence: successful management with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation and favourable outcome.","authors":"Chanchal Singh, Vrunda Appannagari, Naveen Gupta, Shreya Goel, N Mohit, Jayasree Sundar","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00267-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00267-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a case of a 30-year-old G3P2L1 with a spontaneously conceived monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplet pregnancy complicated by a Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) sequence in one fetus. Early ultrasound at 10 weeks 4 days showed MCTA triplets with one hydropic fetus with alobar holoprosencephaly. A review scan at 12 weeks 6 days gestation showed that this fetus with holoprosencephaly had no heart. Colour Doppler showed a single artery in the acardiac fetus, suggestive of twin reverse arterial perfusion (TRAP sequence). Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was successfully performed at 19 weeks and 2 days. The patient required cerclage at 23 weeks due to cervical shortening. She was delivered by Caesarean section at 33 weeks and 5 days in view of fetal growth restriction and abnormal Dopplers in twin 2. Both babies, weighing 1625g and 1460 g, were discharged well after 7 & 11 days of NICU stay. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, ultrasound surveillance, timely intervention, and multidisciplinary care in the management of this extremely rare triplet pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13255490/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148221179","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":"Magnitude and determinants of gestational weight gain in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Getachew Tilaye Mihiret, Yilkal Dagnaw Melesse, Abebaw Abeje Mulueh, Aysheshim Asnake Abneh, Atsede Alle Ewunetie, Haile Amha, Anteneh Lamesgen, Getnet Gedif, Asmamaw Getnet, Alehegn Aderaw Alamneh, Tadele Derbew Kassie, Melkamu Siferih, Menberu Gete","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00270-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00270-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a key determinant of maternal and neonatal health and is strongly associated with pregnancy outcomes as well as long-term risks, including obesity and metabolic disorders. There is conflicting evidence about the magnitude and determinants of GWG in Ethiopia, no comprehensive synthesis has been conducted to summarize the overall prevalence and associated factors of GWG.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Estimate pooled prevalence of GWG categories (inadequate, adequate, and excessive) and identify determinants among pregnant women in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, Sciences Direct, and Google Scholar up to October 2025. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled estimates were calculated via a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed via the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 13 included studies (n = 6,099), the pooled mean GWG was 9.93 kg (95% CI: 8.74-11.12). The pooled prevalence of adequate GWG was 41.3% (95% CI: 30.2-52.5), whereas inadequate GWG was highly prevalent at 52.8% (95% CI: 39.8-65.8). The prevalence of excessive GWG was relatively low 7.7% (95% CI: 4.6-10.9). Factors such as frequent meal intake ( > = 3/day) (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.32-4.52), consumption of animal-source foods (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.21-4.19), and > = 3 antenatal care visits (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.47-4.82) were positively associated with adequate GWG. Pre-pregnancy underweight was a significant risk factor for inadequate GWG (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.45-5.18), whereas urban residence was associated with an increased risk of excessive GWG (OR = 5.22, 95% CI: 2.43-11.22).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ethiopia faces a dual burden of high inadequate GWG prevalence and emerging excessive GWG risk. Integrating tailored nutritional counseling and routine GWG monitoring into antenatal services, alongside context-adapted guidelines, is recommended for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13251280/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148213683","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":"Maternal-neonatal vitamin D gradient at birth in Ilorin, Nigeria: a comparative cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ojuawo Ayodeji, Ojuawo Ayodele, Adesiyun Omotayo, Solomon Ariyibi, Biliaminu Sikiru, Gbenga Popoola, Adebowale Ayobola, Ayokunle Osonuga, Uthman Okikiola Adebayo, Tolutope Adebimpe Oso, Oluwatobi Babajide Ayelaagbe, Afis Akanni Agboola, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno Iii","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00271-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00271-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cord-blood vitamin D concentrations at birth typically trail maternal levels, but the magnitude of this maternal-neonatal gradient and its implications for supplementation policy remains poorly characterised in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To measure the absolute and relative maternal- neonatal vitamin-D gradient at birth among maternal-neonate pairs in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a comparative cross-sectional study, we enrolled 92 healthy parturients and their singleton neonates at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (8.3 °N). Paired maternal venous and umbilical-cord sera were analysed for total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) using Calbiotech^® ELISA. Vitamin-D status was classified using exact measured serum 25(OH)D values as deficient (< 20 ng mL⁻¹), insufficient (20 to 29 ng mL⁻¹), or sufficient (≥ 30 ng mL⁻¹). Paired t-tests, Pearson correlation, McNemar χ², and one-way ANOVA were used to assess maternal-cord differences, associations, and gestational-age effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean maternal 25(OH)D was 28.54 ± 11.01 ng mL⁻¹; while mean cord level was 24.85 ± 9.28 ng mL⁻¹, yielding an absolute gradient of 3.69 ng mL⁻¹ (95% CI 1.0-6.4; t = 2.46, p = 0.015) and a maternal: cord ratio of 1.20 ± 0.29. Concentrations were positively correlated (r = 0.498, p < 0.001). Deficiency was uncommon (2.2% in both groups), yet insufficiency affected 52.2% of mothers and 65.2% of neonates; status discordance was significant (McNemar χ² = 8.97, p = 0.003). Early pre-term neonates (28-< 32 wk) had the highest mean cord 25(OH)D concentration (29.33 ± 8.98 ng mL⁻¹), which remained below the sufficiency threshold of 30.0 ng mL⁻¹, although gestational-age differences were not statistically significant (ANOVA p = 0.19).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A modest but clinically relevant maternal-neonatal vitamin-D shortfall persists at birth in semi-equatorial Ilorin, leaving two-thirds of neonates merely insufficient. Maternal sufficiency alone is an unreliable proxy for neonatal adequacy.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148207161","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 preterm neonatal mortality in two rural district hospitals of Gatsibo, Rwanda.","authors":"Emmanuel Uwambajimana, Albert Ndagijimana, Richard Kalisa","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00272-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00272-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preterm birth remains a critical global health issue, contributing to approximately one-third of neonatal deaths worldwide. In Rwanda, complications of preterm birth contributed to the second cause on neonatal mortality with specifically two district hospitals (i.e. Kiziguro and Ngarama) located in Gatsibo district reported threefold higher preterm neonatal mortality as compared to national average. We aimed to determine the proportion and determinants of preterm neonatal mortality in two rural hospitals in Gatsibo district, Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using records of all preterm neonates admitted to Kiziguro and Ngarama hospital neonatal units, between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were extracted from neonatal files and maternity registers. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the determinants of preterm neonatal mortality. We reported odds ratios, 95% CIs, and p values, and we set the significance at the 95% confidence level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of preterm deaths occurred at Kiziguro district hospital (21.0%, n = 1217). The determinants of preterm neonatal mortality were early gestational age (aOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.30-4.65), neonatal sepsis (aOR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.98-5.69), hypothermia (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.12-2.66), need for special care unit services (aOR = 5.32, 95% CI: 2.61-11.96), poor respiratory support (aOR = 7.63; 95% CI: 3.69-15.80), poor bilirubin management (aOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.50-5.27), and inadequate kangaroo mother care practices (aOR = 51.82, 95% CI: 31.77-84.51).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The proportion of preterm mortality was approximately similar to the national figures. Key determinants associated with preterm neonatal mortality included: early gestational age, maternal infections, inadequate kangaroo mother care (KMC), neonatal sepsis and inadequate respiratory support. Thus, continuous neonatal capacity building, improved KMC practices, appropriate use of neonatal equipment and regular cleanliness are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13244941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201391","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":"Prospective cohort study of postpartum depressive symptoms and associated risk factors among women with and without preeclampsia in Sidama Region, Ethiopia.","authors":"Birhanu Jikamo","doi":"10.1186/s40748-026-00269-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-026-00269-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postnatal depression remains a major public health concern requiring urgent attention; however, despite its substantial impact on maternal well-being, it continues to receive limited priority within maternal health programs. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess postpartum depressive symptoms and associated risk factors among women with and without preeclampsia in the Sidama Region, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cohort study was conducted in selected public health facilities. Participant recruitment and follow-up were carried out from September 1, 2024, to December 1, 2025. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study participants. A total of 540 study participants were enrolled. A two-stage random sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants. Multivariable linear regressions were applied to estimate adjusted β-coefficients with 95% confidence intervals. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 540 women approached, 530 were enrolled in the study, while 10 (1.9%) were lost to follow-up. Among the 530 women enrolled participants, 268 had preeclampsia, yielding an incidence proportion of 50.6%. The mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score among postpartum women was 8.5 ± 4.6, with higher mean scores observed among women with preeclampsia compared with normotensive women. In the multivariable analysis, several factors were significantly associated with higher depressive symptom scores, including no formal education (Adjusted β = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.66), being a housewife (β = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.48), rural residence (β = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.66), blurred vision (β = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.85,1.66), convulsion (β = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.43, 1.98), and any physical impairment (β = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.31,1.63), compared with their respective counterparts. The final model explained 48% of the variability in the outcome (R² = 0.48).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Postpartum depressive symptom scores were higher among women with preeclampsia than among normotensive women. Several sociodemographic, obstetric, and clinical factors were also significantly associated with increased depressive symptom scores. These findings suggest that postpartum depressive symptoms are an important concern among women affected by preeclampsia and should be integrated into routine postpartum follow-up care.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13235095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148159295","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}