African journal of reproductive health最新文献

{"title":"Application of operation room optimization process with multidisciplinary collaborative management in myomectomy.","authors":"Hongwen Xu, Hui Yu","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.16","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the impact of an optimized operating room process incorporating multidisciplinary team management on outcomes of laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 1,000 patients were enrolled, with 500 undergoing standard perioperative care (control group) and 500 receiving multidisciplinary team-based interventions (observation group). The multidisciplinary team management included preoperative assessment, psychological counseling, and rehabilitation planning; intraoperative coordinated positioning, dual venous access, and temperature control; and postoperative safe transfer, individualized wound care, and nutrition support. Both groups underwent standardized laparoscopic myomectomy. Outcomes assessed included self-care ability, psychological status, ambulation time, comfort level, length of stay, complications, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Postoperatively, the observation group showed significantly higher self-care ability scale scores, reduced anxiety and depression levels, earlier ambulation, improved comfort, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, higher Short Form-36 scores, and greater care satisfaction. These benefits were sustained at a 3-month follow-up. The multidisciplinary team-based perioperative management significantly enhances recovery, psychological well-being, and patient satisfaction in myomectomy, supporting its broader clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"175-183"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of digital health in early detection and treatment of pre eclampsia in the prenatal period at primary healthcare facilities, South Africa: Pregnant women's perspective.","authors":"Mxolisi W Ngwenya, Livhuwani Muthelo, Tebogo M Mothiba, Masenyani O Mbombi","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An average of 76 000 maternal deaths and 500 000 neonatal deaths are reported globally yearly as a result of pre-eclampsia. To deal with this major concern, digital health initiatives are being increasingly used especially in maternal health, as it shows potential to improve the maternal health gap in reaching and achieving the Sustainable Development goals targets 3.1 and 3.2. Surprisingly, little is known about its use and role in early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia among women in their prenatal period in a South African context. Therefore, this poses an inquiry of \"What role digital health might possible play in early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia?\" Thus, this study intends to explore the digital health use in early detection and treatment of pre eclampsia by pregnant women at primary healthcare facilities. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive design were used for the understanding of participants' knowledge and barriers to digital health utilization. The study adopted a purposive sampling method to select participants for interviews and data saturation was reached with the 10th participant. Data was collected using semi structured interviews and was analyzed using an open Tesch's coding. Data quality was enhanced by applying four elements recommended by Lincoln and Guba. The study revealed that there's knowledge inconsistencies on digital health use among women with pre-eclampsia. Despite the knowledge inconsistencies factors such as poor socio-economic status, lack of trust and validation of digital health initiatives, and poor network connectivity prevented the women in using digital health effectively. Nonetheless the study also revealed that families, friends and midwives play an imperative role as a source of support and knowledge on early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia. Therefore, the study recommends that measures to ensure enhanced access to digital health information should be adopted. Moreover, more efforts should be made towards improving the accessibility of the digital health; this includes provision of infrastructure.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"18-29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Angiogenic imbalance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with fetal growth restriction: A case-control study.","authors":"Mehwish Iftikhar, Sumaira Sharif, Sawar Khan, Iftikhar Ali, Madeeha Shahzad Lodhi, Syed Imran Ali Shah, Malik Ihsan Ullah Khan","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a critical condition linked to various etiologies, increasing the risk of fetal complications and mortality. The study investigated the expression levels of angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from normal pregnancies and those affected by FGR. It also examined their association with maternal oxidative stress markers. messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was analyzed using real-time PCR in PBMCs, while oxidative stress (OS) markers were assessed via spectrophotometric assays and ELISA in the maternal blood of 75 cases of FGR and 75 healthy pregnancies. FGR cases exhibited disrupted angiogenic signaling, elevated oxidative and inflammatory responses, indicating a pathological interplay among these systems. Results showed significantly reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) along with increased soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) expression in FGR cases. A notable inverse relationship of sFlt-1 existed with both VEGF and placental growth factor (PlGF), while sFlt-1 positively correlated with OS markers like Malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Additionally, NF-κB expression was strongly linked to MDA, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This understanding highlights the potential for targeted interventions, such as antioxidant therapies or strategies to modulate inflammatory pathways, to improve outcomes in FGR.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"39-53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endometriosis: Emerging barriers to care in sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Uche Menakaya, Charles Muteshi","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Endometriosis is a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, affecting an estimated 176 million women globally¹. In sub-Saharan Africa, its diagnosis and management remain constrained by persistent misconceptions such as the belief that endometriosis is less common among Black women, entrenched socio- cultural taboos around menstruation, limited clinical awareness, and a scarcity of high-quality research2-5. Compounding these barriers are the high costs and limited availability of traditional, invasive diagnostic methods6. Collectively, these factors contribute to the significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of endometriosis in the region, exacerbating health inequities and delaying timely access to appropriate care.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"12-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Borders, bodies, and barriers: Legal vulnerabilities and reproductive health challenges of Afghan women immigrants in the host society of Pakistan.","authors":"Kashif Iqbal, Hu Liang","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to investigate the influence of legal status on reproductive health service availability for Afghan women immigrants and their adopted coping methods with obstacles. The study employed a qualitative design utilizing narrative in-depth interviews with twelve undocumented Afghan women, supplemented by five key informant interviews and field observations. The study findings revealed that legal uncertainty, along with cultural constraints, act as the main factor preventing undocumented women from accessing public healthcare facilities through their inability to present Proof of Registration (PoR) cards and breaking norms. Afghan women avoid hospital care because they face discriminatory treatment in addition to receiving unsupportive attitudes from medical workers and worries of deportation. Male guardianship policies combined with gender norm expectations reduce women's freedom to make reproductive decisions. As a result, many rely on informal healthcare providers, such as traditional birth attendants, despite the risks of maternal and neonatal complications. Using intersectionality and structural violence theories, this research contributes to migration and gender studies, as well as health inequity research, and recommends practical solutions for rights-based care policies. These theoretical frameworks illuminate how intersecting axes of oppression collectively shape reproductive health access and outcomes for undocumented Afghan women in Pakistan.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"124-147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can China's two-child policy reverse fertility decline? An in-depth analysis of fertility behavior and desires.","authors":"Xuehao Huang","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study utilizes data from the 2014 and 2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and applies Difference-in Differences (DID) and Propensity Score Matching-Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) methods to conduct an in-depth analysis of the impact of the universal two-child policy on fertility behavior and family fertility desires in China. The results indicate that although the universal two-child policy aims to increase birth rates, its effects have fallen short of desires. The relaxation of policy restrictions did not significantly encourage families to have a second child and even reduced the desired number of children per family. This study further reveals the complexities and heterogeneity in the policy's implementation, influenced by intersecting economic, social, and cultural factors, thus providing a new perspective for understanding the impact of the universal two-child policy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"74-90"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of facility-based delivery among married adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria: A population based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Tope Olubodun, Olorunfemi Ogundele, Turnwait O Michael","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.14","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of facility-based delivery among married adolescent mothers in Northern Nigeria. We analysed pooled data of 2,628 adolescents aged 15 - 19 years from the NDHS 2008, NDHS 2013 and NDHS 2018. Only 18.26% of the adolescent mothers utilized health facility for delivery. Girls with secondary/higher education (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.15 - 2.90), girls who were of the 'rich' wealth index (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.13 - 2.38), girls who attended more than four antenatal visits, girls who considered distance to health facility not a big problem were more likely to deliver in a health facility. Girls who lived in rural areas (aOR 0.89; 95% CI 0.63 - 1.13) had lower odds of delivering in a health facility. Policy makers and programme managers should of importance, utilize these determinants in designing interventions and policies aimed at increasing health facility delivery for married adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"148-158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Congratulatory Message: Diene Keita appointed Executive Director of UNFPA.","authors":"Friday Okonofua, Lindsay Edouard","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.1","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The African Journal of Reproductive Health warmly congratulates Ms. Diene Keita on her appointment by the UN Secretary-General as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), announced on 29 August 2025. In this capacity, she assumes the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"10-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of combined clindamycin phosphate and medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets in treatment of endometritis.","authors":"Anle Zhang, Long Guo, Qiuping Zhang, Zhaoxuan Fan","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the therapeutic effects of combining clindamycin phosphate tablets (CPT) with medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets (MAT) in treating endometritis. A total of 80 patients with endometritis, admitted between March 2021 and March 2024, were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n=40) received CPT alone at a dosage of 0.3g per administration, 3 times daily; the observation group (n=40) received CPT (same dosage as control group) plus MAT at 6mg per administration, 3 times daily. Both groups continued treatment for 14 days. The observation group demonstrated a significantly higher treatment efficacy (92.50% vs. 75.00%) and better menstrual recovery. Clinical symptoms, such as pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal secretions, resolved more quickly in the observation group. Additionally, inflammatory markers IL-4, TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 decreased significantly post-treatment, while TGF-β1 increased and VCAM-1 decreased, indicating improved endometrial repair. No severe adverse reactions were observed. These findings suggest that the combination of CPT and MAT is more effective than CPT alone in alleviating symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting menstrual normalization in patients with endometritis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"30-38"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction of clinical pregnancy in in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer by transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography and serum hormone levels.","authors":"Yanxia Yu, Jia Xing, Huiqin Xiao, Lijuan Jiang","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i9.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to explore the predictive value of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography combined with serum progesterone and estrogen levels in in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. A total of 100 patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo cycles were investigated. On the day before embryo transfer, two-dimensional ultrasound was used to assess endometrial thickness and blood flow parameters, including the resistance index, pulsatility index, and systolic/diastolic velocity ratio. These measurements were then transitioned to three-dimensional ultrasound, where endometrial volume, flow index, vascularization flow index, and sub endometrial vascularization index were evaluated. On the day of embryo transfer, serum progesterone and estradiol levels were measured. Based on pregnancy outcomes, patients were divided into pregnant and non-pregnant groups. The results showed no significant differences between the groups in terms of endometrial thickness or two-dimensional ultrasound parameters (P>0.05). However, the pregnant group had significantly higher endometrial volume and sub-endometrial vascularization parameters (P<0.05). The combined predictive value of endometrial volume and serum estrogen was 0.735, with sensitivity of 77.3% and specificity of 90.7%. These findings suggest that three-dimensional ultrasonography, in conjunction with serum estrogen levels, can accurately predict clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF-ET.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 9","pages":"54-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}