African journal of reproductive health最新文献

{"title":"Determinants of early antenatal care booking in Kisumu, Kenya: A hospital-based cross-sectional study applying the Andersen-Newman health service utilization model.","authors":"Reuben N Kere, Jackton Omoto, Patrick N Marwa","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i19.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i19.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Starting antenatal care early is important for healthy pregnancies. In 2016, the World Health Organization updated its antenatal care guidelines, recommending that pregnant women begin antenatal care by 12 weeks of gestation. Kenya adopted this model in 2022, yet only 29% of women initiate antenatal care early, compared with 37.5% in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the proportion of women who booked antenatal care early and the factors associated with early booking. The study used Andersen-Newman's health services utilization model as its conceptual framework. A sample of 292 women was selected through systematic random sampling at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya. Data was collected using questionnaires and the Kenya Mother and Child Health Handbooks. Analyses included descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression. The median time to booking antenatal care was 20.0 weeks (IQR: 16.0-24.0), and only 34.2% of women booked early. The most significant predictor of early antenatal care booking was receiving information from healthcare providers (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.06-3.71; P = 0.036). This study recommends improving healthcare providers' messaging to address social influences from family and friends and to encourage early ANC booking.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178998","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":"Comparison of transperineal ultrasound findings and pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination in women with pelvic organ prolapse: A prospective cross-sectional study.","authors":"Esmaiel Kheradi, Maryam Mirzaei, Rana Eftekhar Vaghefi, Zohreh Salari, Samira Sohbati","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i19.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i19.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate and compare the findings of transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) with those obtained through the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system in women with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This cross-sectional study evaluated 30 women at a gynecological clinic in Kerman, Iran (March-August 2021). Prolapse severity was assessed during maximum Valsalva using both POP-Q and TPUS. Data analysis in SPSS-25 included Cohen's kappa for agreement and Student's t-test for mean comparisons. According to the POP-Q system, Stage II prolapse (POP-Q) was most common in the posterior compartment (78.8%), while TPUS most frequently detected anterior compartment prolapse (56.7%). The highest agreement was between POP-Q stage I anterior prolapse and TPUS anterior findings. Overall agreement was moderate (κ = 0.333), with a significant positive correlation between the two methods' severity assessments. The results indicate a moderate agreement between the POP-Q system and TPUS in the assessment of pelvic organ prolapse. TPUS appears to be a valuable complementary diagnostic tool, particularly for identifying conditions such as enterocele, rectal intussusception, and muscular defects. Further research with larger samples is needed. Given its ability to detect associated pelvic floor abnormalities often missed by physical examination alone, the incorporation of TPUS into the routine diagnostic workup for women with POP symptoms is recommended. Such an approach may improve surgical planning and reduce reoperation rates, and health policymakers should consider including TPUS in clinical guidelines as a standard adjunct to POP-Q assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178963","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":"Gender disparities and sexual double standards in risky sexual behaviors among youth in Togo: A multiple indicator cluster survey.","authors":"Smaila Alidou, Désiré L Dahourou, Ter Te Dah, Dègninou Yehadji Dègninou Yehadji, Samadou Tchakondo, Labanté O Daré, Mohamed G Salifou, Kadari Cissé, Didier K Ekouevi","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored gender disparities in risky sexual behaviors (RSB) among Togolese youth (15-24 years) using 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey data. Results from 1,768 sexually active participants revealed an RSB prevalence of 40.8% (95% CI: 38.1-43.6). Significant gender gaps were observed: males reported higher RSB rates (47.9% vs. 39.9%, p = .002) and were five times more likely than females to report multiple sexual partnerships (AOR = 4.56, p < .001). Median age at first sex was 16 years, significantly lower for girls. While no gender difference was found for non-condom use, factors like alcohol consumption and education levels were strongly associated with RSB. These findings highlight a persistent sexual double standard in Togo. Effective interventions must move beyond individual behaviors to address deep-seated gender norms through integrated family, school, and community-based reproductive health programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102988","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, patterns, and prevention of sexual violence in children: A systematic review.","authors":"Tri N Hatala, Ira Nurmala, Diah Indriani","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.11","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Any act that involves the use of physical force, coercion, or psychological influence to coerce someone into performing, witnessing, or participating in sexual interactions for the sake of profit, retaliation, or other reasons is considered sexual violence. This study aimed to systematically review sexual violence prevention practices in different countries. Scientific sources and literature were reviewed based on the PRISMA standard criteria. This systematic review used four databases; PubMed, ProQuest, science direct, Springer link and SAGE. Literature study on publications from January 2017 to December 2023.The results of our study shows that in global knowledge on sexual violence is limited. The prevalence of sexual violence can be seen from the gender and perpetrators. On average, the victims are girls and the perpetrators are those closest to the victims. Patterns of sexual violence can be seen from the time and place of the incident, the time of the incident during the day and the place at home. Four prevention strategies for sexual violence were identified from this review These include universal prevention programs, the use of information and communications technologies (ICT), sexual education, specific sexual violence education. Sexual violence education to both parents and children can help prevent sexual violence against children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tout acte impliquant l'usage de la force physique, de la contrainte ou d'une influence psychologique pour amener une personne à accomplir, à être témoin ou à participer à des interactions sexuelles — que ce soit à des fins lucratives, par mesure de représailles ou pour toute autre raison — est considéré comme une violence sexuelle. Cette étude visait à examiner systématiquement les pratiques de prévention des violences sexuelles dans différents pays. Les sources scientifiques et la littérature ont été analysées selon les critères de la norme PRISMA. Cette revue systématique a exploité quatre bases de données : PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink et SAGE. L'étude a porté sur des publications parues entre janvier 2017 et décembre 2023. Les résultats montrent que les connaissances mondiales sur les violences sexuelles restent limitées. La prévalence de ces violences peut être analysée sous l'angle du genre et des auteurs des faits : en moyenne, les victimes sont des filles et les agresseurs sont des personnes faisant partie de leur entourage proche. Les caractéristiques de ces violences se définissent notamment par le moment et le lieu de l'incident (souvent au domicile). Quatre stratégies de prévention ont été identifiées dans le cadre de cette revue : les programmes de prévention universelle, l'utilisation des technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC), l'éducation sexuelle et l'éducation spécifique sur les violences sexuelles. Une sensibilisation aux violences sexuelles destinée tant aux parents qu'aux enfants peut contribuer à prévenir les violences sexuelles à l'enc","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102977","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":"Association between socio-demographic factors and the timing of antenatal care initiation in Eersterust, South Africa: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Esther M Mphake, Boitshwarelo Km Ngake, Martin Palamuleni, Ishmael Kalule-Sabiti, Phuti Ngwepe","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite improved health infrastructure in South Africa, antenatal care (ANC) initiation before 20 weeks stipulated by the World Health Organization requires attention.1 Early and regular ANC improves pregnancy outcomes through screening, counselling, and preventive interventions. This descriptive cross-sectional case study investigated socio-demographic factors associated with ANC initiation timing in Eersterust, South Africa.Data from 419 women (aged 18-49 years) were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed at univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression levels. Binary logistic results revealed employment status, country of origin, and parity as significant predictors. Employed respondents [AOR 2.23 (CI: 1.43-3.50)], women with parity of 1 [AOR: 1.80 (CI: 1.04-3.12)], and South African-born women [AOR: 1.54 (CI: 0.94-2.53)] had the highest odds of initiating ANC earlier than 20 weeks.Addressing employment barriers, non-citizenship of South Africa, and high parity may facilitate earlier ANC engagement. These significant factors should inform ANC policy design and review to increase utilization and encourage early initiation. Future programmes should target unemployed women and women with multiple children to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102849","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":"Maternal and umbilical cord blood N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in pregnancies affected by COVID-19: A case-control study.","authors":"Belfin N A Halici, Mehmet M Kirlangic, Ezgi Er, Osman S Sade, Moumperra C Oglou, Chouseın Amet","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to compare maternal and umbilical cord blood pro-BNP levels in pregnant women with a history of COVID-19 infection and to evaluate possible cardiac effects during pregnancy. In this prospective case-control study conducted between January and October 2023, 88 pregnant women were included: 44 with a history of COVID-19 infection after the second trimester and 44 healthy controls. Women with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or severe pregnancy complications were excluded. Maternal venous and umbilical cord arterial blood samples were collected immediately after delivery, and pro-BNP levels were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Maternal pro-BNP levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group, whereas cord blood pro-BNP levels did not differ significantly between groups. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were similar. These findings suggest that prior COVID-19 infection may cause subclinical maternal cardiac stress, while placental mechanisms may protect the fetus from cardiac involvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102919","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":"Determinants of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) service utilization among adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years in Migori County, Kenya.","authors":"Nancy Yienya, Dennis Magu, Caroline Musita","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.9","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite efforts to eradicate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continue to be disproportionately impacted by Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV). In this mixed-methods study, 323 AGYW between the ages of 15 and 24 who attended prenatal and postnatal clinics were assessed for barriers and enablers to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) service utilization at Migori County Referral Hospital, Kenya. Overall, 66.9% achieved optimal PMTCT utilization. Women aged 20-24 had a higher likelihood of optimal utilization than adolescents aged 15-19 years (AOR≈1.9). Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use was associated with greater utilization (AOR≈3.0), whereas unknown HIV status and negative health system experiences significantly reduced uptake. Qualitative findings identified multilevel barriers including stigma, financial constraints, confidentiality concerns, long waiting times, and poor provider attitudes. Key enablers included partner support, PrEP use, prior knowledge of HIV status, respectful care, and integrated service delivery. Interventions such as PrEP integration, adolescent-responsive care, and stigma-free, client-centered services are critical to improving PMTCT uptake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Malgré les efforts visant à éliminer la transmission mère-enfant (TME), les adolescentes et les jeunes femmes (AJF) d’Afrique subsaharienne (ASS) continuent d’être touchées de manière disproportionnée par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH). Dans cette étude à méthodes mixtes, 323 AJF âgées de 15 à 24 ans, ayant fréquenté les services de soins prénatals et postnatals, ont été évaluées afin d’identifier les obstacles et les facteurs facilitant l’utilisation des services de prévention de la transmission mère-enfant (PTME) à l’Hôpital de référence du comté de Migori, au Kenya. Au total, 66,9 % des participantes ont atteint un niveau optimal d’utilisation des services de PTME. Les femmes âgées de 20 à 24 ans étaient plus susceptibles d’avoir une utilisation optimale des services que les adolescentes âgées de 15 à 19 ans (AOR ≈ 1,9). L’utilisation de la prophylaxie pré-exposition (PrEP) était associée à une utilisation accrue des services (AOR ≈ 3,0), tandis qu’un statut sérologique VIH inconnu et des expériences négatives au sein du système de santé réduisaient significativement le recours aux services. Les résultats qualitatifs ont mis en évidence des obstacles à plusieurs niveaux, notamment la stigmatisation, les contraintes financières, les préoccupations relatives à la confidentialité, les longs délais d’attente et les attitudes négatives des prestataires de soins. Les principaux facteurs facilitants comprenaient le soutien du partenaire, l’utilisation de la PrEP, la connaissance préalable du statut sérologique VIH, la qualité respectueuse des soins et l’intégration des services. Des interventions telles que l’intégration de la PrEP, des soins adaptés aux besoins des adoles","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149103006","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":"Ending maternal deaths in Africa: An agenda for the African Academy of Sciences.","authors":"Friday Okonofua, Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo, Lindsay Edouar","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maternal death remains one of Africa's most painful and unacceptable public health failures. In an era in which African countries are producing world-class scientists, developing sophisticated health technologies and embracing artificial intelligence and digital transformation, no woman should die simply because she became pregnant or gave birth. Yet maternal mortality remains disproportionately concentrated in Africa, where many women continue to die from causes that are largely preventable, treatable and increasingly predictable. In 2023, the African region contributed 72.2% of all maternal deaths worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":" 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102862","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":"Neuro-linguistic programming for postoperative pain management: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Nursel Alp Dal, Kerime D Beydağ, Aysel Doğan","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Effective control of pain after cesarean delivery is essential, as poorly managed postoperative pain is a common complication that can impair maternal recovery and early infant care. This prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled trial, conducted in the postpartum unit of Kocaeli University Hospital, Kocaeli, Türkiye, between March 2021 and June 2022, compared the effect of a single neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) session added to standard postoperative care against standard care alone. Seventy-six consenting women were randomized in equal numbers to the intervention (standard care plus NLP) or control (standard care only) group. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention period. Mean follow-up pain scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (2.37±1.792) than in the control group (6.68±2.068; p<0.001), while baseline pain scores and maternal demographic and obstetric characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Adding a single NLP session to standard postoperative care effectively reduced pain after cesarean delivery, supporting its use as a non-pharmacological adjunct in postoperative nursing and midwifery practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102945","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":"Factors influencing compliance with cervical cancer screening guidelines among women aged 30 to 49 years in Morocco.","authors":"Jamila Taouaf, Mohamed Loukid, Saloua Lamtali","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cervical cancer screening (CCS) is vital for its prevention. Morocco is implementing a screening program targeting women aged 30 to 49 years, who are invited to undergo screening tests such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). This study aimed to explore the factors influencing compliance with CSS guidelines among these women. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a face-to-face questionnaire survey among women, attending health centers and recruited from the Department of Gynecology at the University Hospital Mohammed VI in Marrakech, Morocco. The study was conducted between 2024 and 2025, it included 398 women aged 30 to 49 years. The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with compliance. The CCS compliance rate was 7.8%. Factors associated with non-compliance included living area and fear of testing positive. Awareness campaigns and targeted interventions are recommended to increase the screening coverage among this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"30 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149102957","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}