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Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Inadequate postnatal care (PNC) increases the risk of maternal mortality. This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic and demographic factors that affect postnatal care utilization. A secondary analysis was conducted in 2019 based on the data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey. The sample included 29,461 married women aged 15–49 interviewed during the survey. This was a cross-sectional study in which a frequency distribution of independent variables for the study sample was carried out, Pearson's chi-square test was conducted for association, and the strength of association was measured using binary logistic regression. The study found that 39.9% of married women used postnatal care services. The findings of this study suggest that place of delivery and women who gave birth at health facilities were more likely to use PNC than women who delivered at home. Women age 30–39 and 20–29 positively associated with PNC use compared with mothers aged < 20 years. Each level of women's educational attainment increased their use of PNC, and women with higher education were more likely to use PNC than those without education. Furthermore, women who visited 1–3 and more than four ANC visits were more likely to use PNC than women who did not visited ANC. Moreover, women exposed to mass media were more likely to use PNC than those who were not exposed to mass media. Finally, women who lived in the northern and western regions were more likely to use PNC than those who lived in the central region, while women who lived in the southern and southeastern regions were less likely to use PNC than those who lived in the central region. Therefore, strengthening the provision of information, education, and communication could be a communication channel to further improve PNC utilization. Meanwhile further studies are needed to focus on the quality of maternal health care and PNC services in Afghanistan in order to obtain more precise information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The empowerment of women has implications on the health and dietary needs of children. Using the survey-based women's empowerment index (SWPER), we examined the association between women's empowerment and dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 21 countries were utilized. Descriptive spatial map was used to present the proportions of dietary diversity among the children. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between SWPER and dietary diversity. Results: Overall, 22.35% of children aged 6–23 months had adequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) in sub-Saharan Africa. The countries with the highest proportions of adequate MDD were Angola, Benin, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. South Africa had the highest proportion of MDD (61.00%), while Liberia reported the least (9.12%). Children born to mothers who had high social independence were more likely to have adequate MDD compared to those with low social independence [aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.21, 1.41]. In addition, children born to women with medium [aOR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.21] and high decision-making [aOR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.14, 1.37] were more likely to receive MDD than those with low decision-making. Conclusions: Insufficient dietary diversity is evident among children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa. MDD in children is influenced by women's empowerment. Policies and interventions promoting women's empowerment can enhance MDD, especially for vulnerable groups in rural and poorer households. It is crucial to leverage media and poverty reduction strategies to improve MDD among children in sub-Saharan African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite technological, political and economic progress, Pakistan is still a traditionally patriarchal society, and cultural norms curb women's freedom of socialization, which contributes to poor mental health. The digital technology spaces are rampant with male dominance, and offline cultural behaviours are replicated. Therefore, the current research in Pakistan intends to focus solely on women, their social media uses and the consequent impact on their psychological well-being. Furthermore, the mediation role of social capital is explored, which is linked to women's socialization. In virtual communication, women can expand their connection or remain limited to known people. Methods: An online survey collected 240 responses from women social media users. The questionnaire was divided into demographics, social media use patterns like access, online time, frequency of use, social media uses, online social capital and psychological well-being. The obtained responses were statistically analyzed using Smart PLS. Results: Pakistani women use social media extensively; however, their uses are culturally influenced. The women use social media and socialize online but do not openly disclose their personalities and emotions to extend the connection. They seek information only from acquaintances and do not trust newly developed online contacts. Therefore, the mediation role of bonding social capital is significant, referring to the importance of close ties and trust in psychological well-being. Though virtual spaces provide an opportunity for bridging social capital, women use social media for socialization; however, it doesn't contribute to women's psychological well-being. Conclusion: Despite the higher penetration of digital technologies, cultural power still rules in developing countries like Pakistan. Social media uses are gender- and culturally specific, contributing to psychological well-being and developing social capital. The results from Pakistani society recommend ensuring a secure digital experience for women to get maximum benefits from social media and enhance their psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]