{"title":"Risk factors and predictive modeling of exclusive breastfeeding failure in mothers separated from their infants.","authors":"Weiwei Wu, Xiangxue Wang","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored factors contributing to exclusive breastfeeding failure in mothers separated from their infants and developed a predictive nomogram model. Clinical data from 258 such mothers admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2023 and June 2024 were analyzed. Among them, 119 experienced breastfeeding failure. Prolonged separation, lack of breastfeeding knowledge, inverted nipples, maternal anxiety, and depression were identified as independent risk factors. The nomogram model showed good predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.739 and positive net benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities. This model could support targeted interventions in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"29 39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504493","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":"Men matter too: Examining the role of male partners in family planning in South Korea and Ethiopia.","authors":"Eun W Nam, Melika G Desalegn","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.15","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Male involvement in family planning (FP) is a critical but often underemphasized aspect of reproductive health. This scoping review examines male participation in FP in Ethiopia and South Korea, with a focus on how cultural, economic, and policy factors shape engagement. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 18 eligible studies published between 2004 and 2024, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative designs. In Ethiopia, male participation remains limited due to entrenched gender norms, low awareness, and health systems and policies that have historically prioritized women. In South Korea, evolving gender norms and significant policy shifts from aggressive anti-natalist campaigns in the 1960s-70s to pro-natalist policies in the 2000s have fostered gradual improvements in male engagement, particularly among younger urban populations. Across both countries, barriers include gender stereotypes, lack of male-centered health services, and weak spousal communication, while facilitators include culturally sensitive education programs and supportive policy reforms. Strengthening open partner communication and embedding male engagement strategies directly into national reproductive health policies are essential for improving contraceptive uptake and achieving more equitable reproductive outcomes. This review highlights the need for context-specific, policy-driven approaches to promote sustained male participation in FP.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"167-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504490","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}
Min Wang, Mary O Oyebamiji, Amechi E Igharo, Elizabeth U Osabohien, Eugene O Ifere
{"title":"Prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B virus among adolescents seeking healthcare services at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Kebbi State, Nigeria.","authors":"Min Wang, Mary O Oyebamiji, Amechi E Igharo, Elizabeth U Osabohien, Eugene O Ifere","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among adolescents seeking healthcare services at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. The rationale for this study is that adolescents represent a critical demographic in the context of infectious diseases, as they often engage in behaviours that increase their risk for HIV and HBV infections. The study made use of a cross-sectional survey involving 300 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years who presented for various health services between January and June 2023. Blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and HBV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. The results revealed prevalence rate of 4.3% for HIV and 7.0% for HBV among the participants. Notably, the prevalence of HIV was higher in males (5.2%) compared to females (3.1%), while HBV showed no significant gender difference. Factors such as age, sexual activity, and history of blood transfusion were significantly associated with increased risk for both infections. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including education on safe practices, routine screening, and vaccination programs, to mitigate the risks of HIV and HBV among adolescents in this region.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"58-71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504491","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":"\"Of course I would tell a friend about self-management with pills\": the role of hotlines in increasing access to self-managed abortion in Kenya.","authors":"Yves-Yvette Young, Lucía B Pizzarossa, Ibtehal Jastaniah, Margot Cohen, Sheilah Warindi, Samantha Ruggiero","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Safe abortion hotlines operating in highly restrictive abortion settings provide critical information about safe self-managed medication abortion. The Mobilizing Activists around Medical Abortion (MAMA) Network has pioneered this model in the African region and supports various safe abortion hotlines across the continent. The aim of this study was to document the experiences of callers using a safe abortion hotline in Kenya and to better understand the role that safe abortion hotlines can play in facilitating access to abortion information. In this paper, we present findings from interviews with 19 hotline callers seeking information about medication abortion from a hotline in Kenya, between February and May 2019. Emergent themes included support from hotline counselors, readiness to self-manage, abortion experiences, preference for medication abortion, and the role of hotlines in reducing abortion stigma. Our findings shed light on important components related to the quality of the care provided by the hotlines and their role in destigmatizing abortion care, while serving as an example of the crucial work of feminist activists in expanding pregnant people's health and autonomy in highly restrictive abortion settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"108-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504480","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":"Clinical application of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in hysterectomy.","authors":"Chenghong Xie, Huarong Cao","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.5","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in hysterectomy. A retrospective analysis of 80 patients who underwent hysterectomy at the Maternity & Child Care Center in Qinhuangdao, China from October 2022 to October 2024 was conducted. The patients were randomly divided into a transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group and a vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery group. The surgical time of 40 cases of the vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery group tended to stabilize, and learning curve showed no marked fluctuations. The anal exhaust time, indwelling catheter time, hospital stay, and degree of pain in vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery group were less than the transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group. On the first day after surgery, compared to the transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group, the vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery group had higher superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and lower malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products levels. We conclude that vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery has less postoperative pain than transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, which reduces patients' postoperative stress responses and facilitates postoperative recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"49-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504484","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":"Analysis of factors influencing blood glucose self-monitoring behavior in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and construction of its prediction model.","authors":"Yanfei Zhu, Jing Zhou, Xiaoe Xie, Chenyang Ding, Chunmei Zhu, Yayan Li, Ping Lan","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) behavior in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to develop a predictive model for clinical intervention. The method of this study was to divide 587 GDM patients admitted to Lishui Maternal and Child Health Hospital from May 2020 to June 2023 into training group (n = 410) and test group (n = 177) by using R 4.3.2 in a ratio of 7:3. The training set cases were divided into target group (n = 109) and non-target group (n = 301) according to whether SMBG was met (monitoring fasting or postprandial 2 h blood glucose 2-4 times per week).Key factors affecting SMBG were identified through univariate analysis and logistic regression, including education level, family income, glucometer possession, and dimensions of the Information-Motivation-Behavior (IMB) model. A nomogram prediction model was developed, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.863 and 0.829 in the training and testing cohorts, respectively, demonstrating good predictive performance. The calibration curve confirmed the accuracy of the model. The findings suggest that SMBG behavior in GDM patients is influenced by socioeconomic and psychological factors, and the developed model provides a valuable tool for clinical assessment and intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"117-128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504481","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":"Reproductive health and the Vatican.","authors":"Lindsay Edouard, Cecilia Maurente Beherns","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Following the repositioning of the Holy See on diverse issues, it is now expected that Pope Leo XIV will further advance policies pertaining to sexual and reproductive health. The role of regional and local interpretation of global policies, whether from church or government, is recognised besides the freedom of individuals and couples regarding their behaviour and practice. There is hope that the Vatican will now prioritise reconciliation in global politics, including a reform of its social doctrine. A strategic approach, drawing upon multilateral diplomacy and artificial intelligence in the search for truth, has much potential for progress leading to interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"11-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504492","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}
Bandile E Ndlazi, David D Mphuthi, Thinavhuyo R Netangaheni
{"title":"Exploring the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents and young people living with vertically acquired HIV in South Africa.","authors":"Bandile E Ndlazi, David D Mphuthi, Thinavhuyo R Netangaheni","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.2","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The implementation of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission and pediatric HIV treatment has led to infected children transitioning into adolescence. Young people living with vertically acquired HIV face complex sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns, including challenges in relationships with parents, dating, and accessing services. This qualitative exploratory-descriptive study involved in-depth interviews with sixteen young individuals aged 18 to 24 who have vertically acquired HIV. Conducted in three healthcare facilities in Gauteng province, South Africa, the study utilised non-probability purposive sampling and thematic analysis for data analysis. Key themes included discomfort with dating, limited family support, and negative sexual experiences. Participants were hesitant to disclose their HIV status due to fear of rejection. Family support was primarily emotional, lacking focus on SRH needs. Healthcare providers often overlook individual sexual health needs, resulting in limited client-focused services. Despite regular healthcare contact, adolescents living with vertically acquired HIV experience unmet SRH communication needs, highlighting the necessity for improved sexual communication opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"19-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504488","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}
Hongrui Jia, Christopher O Solo, Amechi E Igharo, Mamdouh A Saleh Al-Faryan
{"title":"Barriers to utilization of anti-retroviral therapy among HIV positive pregnant women in Birnin Kebbi, North West Nigeria.","authors":"Hongrui Jia, Christopher O Solo, Amechi E Igharo, Mamdouh A Saleh Al-Faryan","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains a significant public health concern, particularly in resource-limited societies. Antiretroviral therapy, which effectively reduces transmission risks and enhances maternal health, is central to global efforts to control HIV among pregnant women. However, uptake of this therapy continues to face various challenges. This study investigates barriers to the utilization of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive pregnant women in Birnin Kebbi, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was adopted, employing key informant and in-depth interviews involving 320 HIV-positive pregnant women accessing antenatal care. Findings show that key barriers include socio-demographic factors such as younger age, low educational attainment and poor socio-economic status. HIV-related stigma significantly discouraged disclosure and delayed healthcare-seeking behaviors. Misconceptions regarding the safety of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy further deterred women from initiating and adhering to treatment. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and geographical accessibility also hindered access to therapy services. This study concludes that interventions focusing on community education to reduce stigma, correcting misconceptions about therapy safety, improving healthcare infrastructure, and integrating antiretroviral therapy into antenatal care could substantially increase utilization, reduce transmission, and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"82-93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504482","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":"Clinical effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets on improvement of intelligence and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","authors":"Wenjin Huang, Yanyan Wang","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.13","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i6.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the impacts of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets on intelligence and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. One hundred and twenty children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder admitted to Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China from January 2023 to January 2025 were included and randomly divided into a control group and a study group. The study group adopted methylphenidate hydrochloride extended release tablets. The control group adopted placebo. Compared with the control group, the study group had an increase in intelligence level scores, self-awareness scores and quality of life scores as well as a decrease in behavior scores and clinical symptoms scores following 12 weeks of treatment. Compared with the control group, 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the study group were higher after 12 weeks of treatment. However, the above indicators showed no differences in the control group between before and after treatment. We conclude that methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets improve the intelligence level, attention and behavior problems, promote self-awareness and quality of life, and improve the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder..</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 6","pages":"141-149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504485","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}