BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth最新文献

{"title":"Group B Streptococcus maternal colonization and neonatal sepsis in Belgium between 2012 and 2021: a description of the epidemiological situation and identification of risk factors.","authors":"Zsófia Bognár, Charlotte Leroy, Virginie Van Leeuw, Régine Goemaes, Pierrette Melin, Cécile Meex, Rosalie Sacheli, Fleur Camfferman, Amber Litzroth, Frederik De Keersmaeker, Laura Cornelissen","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07695-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07695-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity. Maternal rectovaginal GBS colonization is a primary risk factor for early onset neonatal GBS infection. In Belgium, pregnant women are screened and, if positive or at risk of transmission, offered intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). We aimed to provide the first comprehensive overview of Belgian data and identify possible risk factors of maternal GBS colonization and neonatal infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We calculated proportions of maternal screening, colonization and incidence of all neonatal GBS infections and identified their risk factors using log binomial regression from national registries' data between 2012-2021.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of all women, 90.2% were screened and of them, 18.5% were GBS colonized. These proportions were stable over time. Risk factors for maternal GBS colonization included Sub-Saharan (aRR = 1.45, [1.41-1.48]) and North-African origin (aRR = 1.31, [1.28-1.34]) and 5 + parity (aRR = 1.21, [1.18-1.25]). Neonatal GBS sepsis incidence showed a gradually decreasing trend in two individual data sources. Flanders' overall neonatal GBS sepsis estimates were around 0.49 cases per 1000 livebirths. Risk factors for neonatal GBS infection included preterm birth (aRR = 7-41, depending on level of prematurity) and very low birthweight (aRR = 14.83, [6.48-33.94]). Babies of colonized women were at higher risk without (aRR = 7.05, [5.05-9.85]) than with IAP (aRR = 4.34, [3.28-5.74]) compared to non-colonized women.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The maternal colonization rate and the neonatal GBS sepsis incidence in Belgium is comparable to European data. We identified already known risk factors and effectiveness of IAP. Mothers at risk for GBS colonization and premature/low birth weight deliveries could benefit most from additional maternal vaccination strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"599"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12096551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144126560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk factors and adverse fetal outcomes in umbilical artery thrombosis: a comparison with single umbilical artery.","authors":"Tong Zhou, Jitai Zhang, Fengli Yin, Wenyao Chen, Huiqiu Xiang","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07710-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07710-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Single umbilical artery (SUA) and umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT) are associated with adverse fetal outcomes, yet comparative data on their risk factors and clinical implications are limited. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors and their impact on pregnancy outcomes associated with SUA and UAT, and to assess the applicability of SUA management strategies to UAT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study investigated pregnancies diagnosed with SUA and UAT at a tertiary hospital from 2017 to 2021. Medical history, birth details, and diagnoses were collected from medical records. Potential causes of SUA and UAT were explored by comparative analyses with a control group and further regression analyses. Logistic regression models evaluated the possible adverse pregnancy outcomes of SUA and UAT, and a comparative analysis of adverse outcomes associated with these two conditions was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Previous cesarean delivery, abnormal umbilical cord insertion and in vitro fertilization (IVF) were identified as independent risk factors for SUA, whereas nulliparity, previous cesarean delivery, abnormal umbilical cord insertion and IVF were identified as independent risk factors for UAT. SUA was associated with low birth weight (LBW), preterm labor, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), congenital heart defects (CHD), and urinary system malformations (USM). UAT was associated with LBW, fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm labor, fetal distress, NRDS, and CHD. Fetuses with UAT had significantly lower birth weight and higher rates of LBW, FGR, preterm labor, and fetal distress compared with SUA.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>UAT encompasses the risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with SUA, suggesting that similar prenatal and postnatal care strategies may be applicable. However, due to the higher risk profile and severity of outcomes in UAT, future research should focus on developing more specialized care options to address these challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"601"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12100902/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144126576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards safer motherhood: a cross-sectional study of seatbelt practice and its correlates with pregnant front passengers in Samarinda, Indonesia.","authors":"Ida Hayati, Suzanna Daud, Ilham Ameera Ismail, Muhammad Syafiee Mohd Rashid, Zaliha Ismail","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07697-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07697-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The use of seatbelts in motor vehicles among pregnant women can reduce morbidity and mortality due to road traffic crashes; however, to date, there are no published studies on seatbelt usage among pregnant women in Indonesia. This research aims to promote the safety of pregnant women when using a motor vehicle. Its objective was to investigate the practices of seatbelt usage among pregnant front passengers and the associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in Samarinda, Indonesia. Pregnant women were asked to complete a self-administered validated and published questionnaire, the SaPeIH-Q, which included sociodemographic information, and an assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to seatbelt usage among pregnant women. Multiple logistic regression (MLogR) was performed via SPSS version 27 to identify independent factors associated with seatbelt usage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 326 pregnant front passengers, only 34.7% used seatbelts, and only 39.3% correctly identified the placement of the three-point seatbelt. The practice of using seatbelts before pregnancy and knowledge of seatbelt usage were significantly associated with using seatbelts during pregnancy (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The seatbelt usage rate among pregnant front passengers was low. Pregnant front passengers who used seatbelts before pregnancy were more likely to use them during pregnancy, and pregnant women with good knowledge were more likely to use seatbelts during pregnancy. The rate of seatbelt use during pregnancy may improve with increasing knowledge of seatbelt usage and the use of seatbelts before pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"596"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12096799/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144118745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Placental histological differences between COVID19 infected and non-infected mothers during third trimester of pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Zarouhie Meguerian, Marianne Bersaoui, Jihad Irani, Elias Chalhoub, Stephanie Antoun, Sarab El Samad, Joe Khalife, Joe Ghanem, Jean Nassar, Joe Feghali, Nadim Hajal, Elie Snaifer, Elie Anastasiades","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07661-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07661-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Covid-19 infection was revealed to be associated with higher risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Knowing that Covid-19 virus can infect the placenta, the aim of this study is to investigate placental histological differences between Covid-19 uncomplicated pregnancies and Covid-19 infected mothers in the 3rd trimester or intrapartum.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective cohort study conducted between the 28th of January 2021 and the 31st of June of the same year at Saint George University Medical Hospital, Beirut-Lebanon. All pregnant women, whether symptomatic or not, were tested for Covid-19 infection via PCR upon presentation for delivery. We randomly collected placentas from Covid-19 uncomplicated gestations and 3rd trimester or intrapartum Covid-19 infected mothers after obtaining an informed consent. Our control population included all previously healthy mothers, singleton, term, and uncomplicated pregnancies regardless of the mode of delivery during the same period of the study. The Covid- 19 infected group had similar medical and obstetrical background only for coronavirus infection during the 3rd trimester or upon admission. Placentas of the two groups were grossly and histologically examined by a single pathologist who was blinded to the placentas of each group. Examination was based on the Amsterdam Consensus Statement guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 22 Covid-19 positive cases and 21 Covid-19 negative cases were included. The results showed no statistical significance for any of the placental pathologies including maternal vascular malperfusion, amniotic fluid infection including maternal response and fetal response, villitis of unknown etiology, intervillositis and chorangiosis and fetal vascular malperfusion, except for the vascular ectasia, were 5 cases were identified in the Covid-19 positive group (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Covid-19 infection during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy is not a risk factor for the development of placental histopathologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"597"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12096507/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144118744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Burden and trend of maternal sepsis and other maternal infections in BRICS countries from 1990 to 2021.","authors":"Jiao Long, Qi Zhang, Chao Ma","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07694-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07694-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal septicemia and other maternal infections (MSMIs) continue to pose considerable challenges to public health on a global scale. However, comprehensive data on their impacts and trends are limited, particularly in BRICS countries, which include Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa. This study aims to compare the global epidemiological trends of MSMIs from 1990 to 2021 to MSMIs trends in BRICS countries and examine the relationship of disease burden with age and social development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using data from the Global Burden of Disease database, this study analyzed the prevalence, incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of MSMIs from 1990 to 2021 globally and in BRICS countries. Temporal trends were assessed through estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and percentage change. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to rigorously evaluate time trends, allowing for the calculation of annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2021, South Africa showed the highest prevalence of MSMIs (156.54 per 100,000), while the Russian Federation exhibited the highest incidence (1,001.51 per 100,000). Deaths and DALYs of MSMIs were lowered in BRICS countries compared to global averages. Between 1990 and 2019, India experienced the greatest decline in both incidence (EAPC = -2.68%) and prevalence (EAPC = -2.65%). Despite the global decline, regional variations in incidence were observed. In China, the incidence increased significantly between 2010 and 2014 (APC = 4.15%; 95% CI: 3.59-4.71%; P < 0.001). Similarly, in the Russian Federation, the incidence rose during three distinct periods: 2000-2004 (APC = 2.52%; 95% CI: 2.0-3.05%; P < 0.001), 2004-2010 (APC = 5.2%; 95% CI: 4.95-5.44%; P < 0.001), and 2010-2015 (APC = 1.79%; 95% CI: 1.46-2.12%; P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MSMIs remain prevalent globally, imposing a substantial disability burden, particularly in BRICS countries. While China exhibits relatively low disease burdens, South Africa faces high prevalence, and global deaths and DALYs from MSMIs remain elevated.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"591"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090595/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Depression among pregnant teenagers receiving antenatal care from primary healthcare facilities in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda.","authors":"Moses Muwanguzi, Sarah Oworinawe, Derrick Mwahuzi, Pavey Lila, Scholastic Ashaba","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07709-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07709-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression is a serious mental health condition whose risk is highest among women during pregnancy. The risk is high among pregnant teenagers due to intertwined developmental, hormone-mediated physical and psychosocial changes of pregnancy, with significant negative impacts on the unborn baby and the mother. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and associated factors among pregnant teenagers in Mbarara city, southwestern Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study where we enrolled pregnant teenagers (13-19 years) attending antenatal care at 4 selected lower healthcare facilities in Mbarara City southwestern Uganda. We collected information on depression, resilience, social support and household food insecurity. Depression was defined as a score > 10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Resilience was assessed using the 14-item Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale, Multi-dimensional Scale of perceived social support (MDSPSS) assessed perceived social support, and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) assessed food insecurity in addition to sociodemographic variables. We run logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with depression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 373 participants were recruited; median age was 19 (IQR: 18-19) years, 59% attained primary level education. The prevalence of depression was 35.9% (95% CI: 31.1% to 41.0%). Factors significantly associated with depression were current alcohol use (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.18 - 3.32, p = 0.010), and food insecurity (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.25 - 4.01, p = 0.006). Factors that reduced the odds of depression included resilience (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91 - 0.97, p = 0.001) and family social support (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88 - 0.99, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In this study the prevalence of depression among pregnant teenagers was significantly high. Mental health services should be integrated in the antenatal care clinics to address the mental health needs of pregnant teenagers. We recommend further studies to explore the lived experiences focusing on the challenges and further understanding of their coping strategies and other possible confounders of depression. In addition, longitudinal studies should be conducted to establish the temporal relationships between the different factors related to depression to support intervention studies that promote the mental health of young mothers.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"595"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090568/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Is she pregnant with Jesus?\" exploring sociocultural obstacles to following medical advice in the context of stillbirth prevention in Nigeria.","authors":"Uchenna Gwacham-Anisiobi, Adetola Oladimeji, Victoria Yesufu, Jennifer J Kurinczuk, Manisha Nair, Jenny McLeish","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07646-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07646-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Each year 182,000 babies are stillborn in Nigeria, representing nearly 10% of the annual global stillbirth burden. Imo state in south-eastern Nigeria has one of the highest levels of maternal health service access in Nigeria, yet this has not translated into good pregnancy outcomes. Many stillbirth prevention initiatives in Nigeria focus on maternal health education but empirical evidence suggests that sociocultural factors impact healthcare choices and outcomes. This study aims to explore women's and health workers' perspectives of the sociocultural barriers to following medical advice during pregnancy and childbirth, and specifically how these barriers may contribute to an increased risk of stillbirth. This study is part of a broader community-based stillbirth prevention mixed-methods research in Imo State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. 38 participants were purposively recruited; 20 women and 18 health workers. Audio recordings were transcribed, translated and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes were identified: (1) trust, where scepticism about health worker motives or competence and trust in community informal networks were highlighted (2) power dynamics within families, with husbands and older female relatives influencing health decisions; (3) personal and community beliefs that undermine confidence in medical interventions, including a pervasive stigma associated with caesarean section; and (4) grassroots proposals for solutions, emphasising the importance of a whole-community approach to maternal health education, mobilising peer voices, engaging traditional leaders and training of traditional birth attendants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides insights into the sociocultural barriers to following medical advice during pregnancy in Nigeria, which include a lack of trust in health professionals, power dynamics within a woman's family, and entrenched cultural and religious beliefs that oppose medical intervention. Women's decisions about pregnancy and childbirth are heavily influenced by family and cultural norms. Culturally sensitive, community-wide interventions which aim to rebuild trust in the health system, involve women as decision-makers in antenatal care, and engage religious and traditional leaders would be beneficial for improving outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"593"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090445/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of maternal hypothyroidism on fetal thyroid gland: a prospective observational study.","authors":"Xinyuan Feng, Huijie Sun, Tianci Liu, Liang Li","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07714-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07714-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal hypothyroidism has been associated with impaired offspring neurodevelopment but the underlying mechanisms are unclear now. We hypothesize that maternal hypothyroidism influences the development of fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and thereby indirectly affects postnatal cognitive development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective observational study included singleton pregnancies with hypothyroidism before 14 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound measurements of fetal thyroid size were performed at 20-24 and 28-32 weeks. The primary outcome was fetal thyroid volumes at two time points; and the secondary outcomes were pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including birthweight, delivery weeks, preterm birth, stillbirth or miscarriage, and neonatal thyroid functions on the third postnatal day.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 136 women participated in this study, comprising 68 with hypothyroidism and 68 with uncomplicated pregnancies. There was no significant difference between the hypothyroidism and control group of fetal thyroid volumes measured at gestation of 20-24 weeks (230.58 ± 63.75mm3 vs. 230.15 ± 75.69mm3, P = 0.98) and 28-32 weeks (491.55 ± 154.88mm3 vs. 450.16 ± 136.13mm3, P = 0.059). Additionally, the incidence of adverse events was also similar between groups. These findings remained unchanged after adjusting for confounding factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of this study suggest that maternal hypothyroidism may not significantly influence the fetal HPT axis. However, it is important to emphasize that this conclusion is based solely on data from mothers with well-controlled hypothyroidism. Moreover, the small prevalence of overt clinical hypothyroidism should be considered when interpreting this finding.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychometric properties of the questionnaire for assessing the childbirth experience in a Chinese sample of postpartum women.","authors":"Xiaoying Zhong, Linqian He, Xinru Liu, Bangjun Wang, Xixi Li, Changqing Pan, Lin Peng","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07659-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07659-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The objective of this paper was to test the psychometric properties of the questionnaire for assessing the childbirth experience (QACE) among Chinese postpartum women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Research instruments included the demographic characteristics form, the QACE, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), known-groups discriminant validity, divergent validity, and internal consistency reliability were assessed for the psychometric properties of QACE.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 235 postpartum women were recruited in this study. Item analysis showed that the critical ratios of all items were greater than 3, and all item-total correlation coefficients were greater than 0.4. The fit indices showed that the original correlated four-factor model of QACE was adequate. In terms of the divergent validity, the QACE subscale and total score were in a significant positive correlation with the EPDS and GAD-7. Regarding reliability, the Cronbach's alpha of the QACE was 0.812, ranging from 0.611 to 0.844 for total scale and sub-scales, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The QACE is a valid and reliable tool for measuring childbirth experience among Chinese women sample of postpartum women.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"592"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study in a rural district in Ghana.","authors":"John Gameli Deku, Faustina Adu Ofosua, Godsway Edem Kpene, Israel Bedzina, Kenneth Ablordey, Florence Shine Edziah, Arnold Togiwe Luuse, Enoch Aninagyei","doi":"10.1186/s12884-025-07720-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12884-025-07720-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intestinal parasitic infection is a common public health problem in developing countries. The disease caused by these infections affects millions of pregnant women worldwide, and may lead to adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. This study aimed to determine the burden of intestinal parasitic infections and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending Pentecost Hospital in the Upper Denkyira West District of Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Pentecost Hospital in the Upper Denkyira West district in the Central region of Ghana. Pregnant women were recruited from June to October 2021. Questionnaires were administered to the participants to obtain socio-demographic, behavioural, and obstetrics characteristics. Non-repetitive fresh stool samples were produced by the participants and processed for parasite detection by direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two hundred and seven pregnant women were enrolled. Most (61.8%) of them were between 20 and 29 years. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 19.3% (95% CI: 14.2-25.3). Eight different parasitic species were identified, among which hookworm (4.8%) was the majority, and identified by both direct wet mount (4.8%) and formol-ether concentration (3.4%) methods. Pregnant women who have experienced a pregnancy loss had 2.912 times increased odds of parasitic infection compared to those with no record of pregnancy loss [aOR = 2.912, 95% CI: 1.210-7.011; p-value = 0.017].</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intestinal parasitic infection was prevalent among pregnant women, with hookworm being the most common parasite. Risk factors included a history of pregnancy loss and handwashing practices. Unexpectedly, women who washed their hands with soap and water had higher infection rates. Public health interventions are essential to mitigate the impact of these infections on maternal and foetal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":9033,"journal":{"name":"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth","volume":"25 1","pages":"587"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12087115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}