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Introduction: The third stage of labor is the shortest, most critical, and hazardous stage as it is linked with postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented by 60% with active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL). Few studies have been conducted in different parts of Ethiopia showing rates of AMTSL ranging from 16.7% to 43.3%. Limited information, however, exists about its practice in our study area. Thus, we aimed to assess the practice of AMTSL and associated factors among maternity care providers in public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia., Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used among 270 maternity care providers in public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia. They were recruited using cluster sampling techniques in their health facilities from July 15-October 30/2021. Pretested self-administered questionnaires and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Descriptive, binary, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used for statistically significant associations., Results: Good practice of AMTSL occurred in 40.3% (95% CI: 34.5%-46.1%) of births. Being trained (aOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.60-5.70); presence of birth assistance (aOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.42-6.04); having the highest educational level (aOR 4.21; 95% CI 1.08-16.40); and having good knowledge (aOR 3.00; 95% CI 1.45-6.20) were factors statistically associated with maternity care providers' good practice of AMTSL., Conclusion: Active management of the third stage of labor was practiced with low rates in the study area. Therefore, we suggest that the stakeholders could enhance the presence of birth assistance during all births and provide education to attain higher educational levels and continuously update the maternity care providers' level of knowledge through comprehensive and on-the-job training to increase the good practice of the third stage of labor., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Mistreatment of childbearing women continues despite global attention to respectful care. In Ethiopia, although there have been reports of mistreatment of women during maternity care, the influence of this mistreatment on the continuum of maternity care remains unclear. In this paper, we report the prevalence of mistreatment of women from various dimensions, factors related to mistreatment and also its association to the continuum of maternity care in health facilities., Methods: We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional survey among women who gave birth within three months before the data collection period in Western Ethiopia. A total of 760 women participated in a survey conducted face-to-face at five health facilities during child immunization visits. Using a validated survey tool, we assessed mistreatment in four categories and employed a mixed-effects logistic regression model to identify its predictors and its association with the continuum of maternity care, presenting results as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs)., Results: Over a third of women (37.4%) experienced interpersonal abuse, 29.9% received substandard care, 50.9% had poor interactions with healthcare providers, and 6.2% faced health system constraints. The odds of mistreatment were higher among women from the lowest economic status, gave birth vaginally and those who encountered complications during pregnancy or birth, while having a companion of choice during maternity care was associated to reduced odds of mistreatment by 42% (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: [0.42-0.81]). Women who experienced physical abuse, verbal abuse, stigma, or discrimination during maternity care had a significantly reduced likelihood of completing the continuum of care, with their odds decreased by half compared to those who did not face such interpersonal abuse (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: [0.29-0.83])., Conclusions: Mistreatment of women was found to be a pervasive problem that extends beyond labour and birth, it negatively affects upon maternal continuum of care. Addressing this issue requires an effort to prevent mistreatment through attitude and value transformation trainings. Such interventions should align with a system level actions, including enforcing respectful care as a competency, enhancing health centre functionality, improving the referral system, and influencing communities to demand respectful care., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Access to maternal health services has increased in Ethiopia during the past decades. However, increasing the demand for government birthing facility use remains challenging. In Ethiopia's Afar Region, these challenges are amplified given the poorly developed infrastructure, pastoral nature of communities, distinct cultural traditions, and the more nascent health system. This paper features semi-structured interviews with 22 women who were purposively sampled to explore their experiences giving birth in government health facilities in Afar. We used thematic analysis informed by a cultural safety framework to interpret findings. Our findings highlight how women understand, wield, and relinquish power and agency in the delivery room in government health facilities in Afar, Ethiopia. We found that Afari women are treated as 'others', that they manipulate their care as they negotiate 'cultural safety' in the health system, and that they use trust as a pathway towards more cultural safety. As the cultural safety framework calls for recognizing and navigating the diverse and fluid power dynamics of healthcare settings, the onus of negotiating power dynamics cannot be placed on Afari women, who are already multiply marginalized due to their ethnicity and gender. Health systems must adopt cultural safety in order to ensure health quality. Providers, particularly in regions with rich cultural diversity, must be trained in the cultural safety framework in order to be aware of and challenge the multidimensional power dynamics present in health encounters., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: In Ethiopia, the community health information system (CHIS) is implemented at the health post (hp) level with the aim of improving service delivery and use. We conducted a national level assessment of CHIS utilization and explored the associations of CHIS utilization with use of antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), institutional delivery and child immunization in rural Ethiopia., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study measuring community-based health service use and HP based CHIS assessment from March to May 2019. Data were collected from 343 HPs and 2,864 women who delivered in the last five years, and multistage sampling was used to select the study subjects. We used descriptive statistics for CHIS implementation and service utilization and multilevel logistic regression to investigate the association of CHIS implementation with maternal and child health care services use., Results: Fifty five percent of the HPs were implementing CHIS. These HPs were using a paper-based household data collection tool called family folder (FF). Of the HPs, one third implemented lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) based data quality check and 60.4% documented and followed execution of decisions. Overall, among the eligible women, 40% used ANC, close to 50% of currently married women used ANC services; 28% of women that fall in the high wealth index category used PNC within 48 hours after delivery; and 86.1% of women who had at least a high school education delivered at a health facility. Implementation of CHIS and family folder utilization and conducting LQAS based data quality check in the HPs were significantly associated with increased odds of ANC, delivery, and vaccination services use., Conclusion: We found that better implementation of CHIS was associated with better maternal and child health service use which implies that increasing utilization of CHIS at HPs will improve mother and child health service use., (© 2023 Setegn Tigabu, et al.)

Background: The provision of midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC) is effective in high-resource settings in improving maternal satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MLCC on women's satisfaction with care in a low-income/resource setting., Method: A study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted from August 2019 to September 2020 in four primary hospitals in the north Shoa zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 1178 low-risk women were allocated to one of two groups; the MLCC (intervention group) that received all antenatal, intrapartum, and immediate postnatal care from a primary midwife or backup midwife) (n = 589) and the shared model of care (SMC) group that received care following established practice in Ethiopia, care from different staff members at different times) (n = 589). Data for this paper were collected using face-to-face interviews at the women's home at the end of the postpartum period. The study's outcome was the mean sum-score of satisfaction with care through the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal period continuum, where mean sum-scores range from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest)., Findings: Compared with SMC, MLCC was associated with statistically significantly higher satisfaction with all continuity of care (4.07 vs. 2.79 adjusted mean difference 1.27, 95% CI 1.18-1.35; p < 0.001), during antenatal care (4.14 vs. 2.81 adjusted mean difference 1.33 (95% CI 1.22-1.52), intrapartum care (3.83 vs. 2.71 adjusted mean difference 1.06 (95% CI 0.88-1.23) and postnatal care (5.46 vs. 3.71 adjusted mean difference 1.75 (95% CI 1.54-1.94))., Conclusion: MLCC increased women's satisfaction with maternity care for women at low risk of medical complications. These findings confirm that the MLCC model will be applicable in the Ethiopian health care system with similar settings., (Copyright © 2022 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: In low-resource settings, patient referral to a hospital is an essential part of the primary health care system. However, there is a paucity of study to explore the challenges and quality of referral coordination and communication., Objective: The purpose of this research was to analyze the existing paper-based referral registration logbook for maternal and child health in general and women of reproductive age in particular, to improve referral coordination and evidence-based services in Low-Resource Settings., Methods: This study analyzed the existing paper-based referral registration logbook (RRL) and card-sheet to explore the documentation of the referral management process, and the mechanism and quality of referrals between the health center (Jimma Health Center-case, Ethiopia) and the Hospital. A sample of 459 paper-based records from the referral registration logbook were digitized as part of a retrospective observational study. For data preprocessing, visualization, and analysis, we developed a python-based interactive referral clinical pathway tool. The data collection was conducted from August to October 2019. Jimma Health Center's RRL was used to examine how the referral decision was made and what cases were referred to the next level of care. However, the RRL was incomplete and did not contain the expected referral feedback from the hospital. Hence, we defined a new protocol to investigate the quality of referral. We compared the information in the health center's RRL with the medical records in the hospital to which the patients were referred. A total of 201 medical records of referred patients were examined., Results: A total of 459 and 201 RRL records from the health center and the referred hospital, respectively, were analyzed in the study. Out of 459, 86.5% referred cases were between the age of 20 to 30 years. We found that "better patient management", "further patient management", and "further investigation" were the main health-center referral reasons and decisions. It accounted for 40.08%, 39.22%, and 16.34% of all 459 referrals, respectively. The leading and most common referral cases in the health center were long labor, prolonged first and second stage labor, labor or delivery complicated by fetal heart rate anomaly, preterm newborn, maternal care with breech presentation, premature rupture of membranes, malposition of the uterus, and antepartum hemorrhage. In the hospital RRL and card-sheet, the main referral-in reasons were technical examination, expert advice, further management, and evaluation. We found it overall impossible to match records from the referral logbook in the health center with the patient files in the hospital. Out of 201, only 13.9% of records were perfect matching entries between health center and referred hospital RRL. We found 84%, 14.4%, and 1.6% were appropriate, unnecessary and unknown referrals respectively., Conclusion: The paper illustrates the bottlenecks encountered in the quality assessment of the referrals. We analyzed the current status of the referral pathway, existing communications, guidelines and data quality, as a first step towards an end-to-end effective referral coordination and evidence-based referral service. Accessing, monitoring, and tracking the history of referred patients and referral feedback is challenging with the present paper-based referral coordination and communication system. Overall, the referral services were inadequate, and referral feedback was not automatically delivered, causing unnecessary delays., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: Person-centered care is a pivotal component of strategies to improve the utilization of maternity care during childbirth. However, there is limited information on the level of person-centered care during childbirth in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of person-centered care during childbirth and associated factors in Hawassa city administration health facilities Sidama region, Ethiopia., Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected health facilities in Hawassa city administration from September 5 to October 30, 2021. A multistage sampling technique was employed to enroll the study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. After data collection, it was checked for completeness and consistencies then coded and entered into Epi data version 4.4.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe the study findings. Then simple and multivariable linear regressions were computed. All predictor variables with P-value ≤ 0.25 in the simple linear regression were fitted into the multivariable linear regression model and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Finally, the result of the study was presented in texts, tables, and figures., Result: The mean score of person-centered care during childbirth in Hawassa city was 56 with 95% of CI: [55.1, 57] and with SD ± 11.2. Giving birth at private health institutions (β = 4.3, 95% CI: (2.37, 6.22) and childbirth which was attended by a care provider who had provided ANC for mothers initially (β = 5.48, 95% CI: 3.15, 7.81) had significantly higher positive betas on person-centered care during childbirth. However, mothers who didn't get a formal education (β = -3.00, 95% CI: (-5.27, -.73) and mothers with a dead pregnancy outcome (β = -7.04, 95% CI: -10.4, -3.66) decreases the person-centered care during childbirth., Conclusion: This paper showed that person-centered care during childbirth was low compared with other studies. It shall be beneficial if the city administration health facilities implement midwife-led care to improve person-centered care during childbirth., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Integrating nutrition interventions into antenatal care (ANC) requires adapting global recommendations to fit existing health systems and local contexts, but the evidence is limited on the process of tailoring nutrition interventions for health programmes. We developed and integrated maternal nutrition interventions into ANC programmes in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India by conducting studies and assessments, developing new tools and processes and field testing integrated programme models. This paper elucidates how we used information and data to contextualize a package of globally recommended maternal nutrition interventions (micronutrient supplementation, weight gain monitoring, dietary counselling and counselling on breastfeeding) and describes four country‐specific health service delivery models. We developed a Theory of Change to illustrate common barriers and strategies for strengthening nutrition interventions during ANC. We used multiple information sources including situational assessments, formative research, piloting and pretesting results, supply assessments, stakeholder meetings, household and service provider surveys and monitoring data to design models of maternal nutrition interventions. We developed detailed protocols for implementing maternal nutrition interventions; reinforced staff capacity, nutrition counselling, monitoring systems and community engagement processes; and addressed micronutrient supplement supply bottlenecks. Community‐level activities were essential for complementing facility‐based services. Routine monitoring data, rapid assessments and information from intensified supervision were important during the early stages of implementation to improve the feasibility and scalability of models. The lessons from addressing maternal nutrition in ANC may serve as a guide for tackling missed opportunities for nutrition within health services in other contexts. Key messages: Integrating evidence‐based nutrition interventions into ANC to reach PW at scale is urgently needed for improving maternal and newborn health and nutrition.The Theory of Change and steps for strengthening nutrition interventions based on four‐country experiences provide practical guidance on addressing missed opportunities for nutrition in ANC.Strategic use of data can contextualize global maternal nutrition guidelines, protocols, capacity building and supervision approaches, and improve micronutrient supply chains and record‐keeping as part of health services strengthening.Engaging family and community members to support PW and improving the knowledge and self‐confidence of PW are important elements of all country programme models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In recent years, Ethiopia has made enormous strides in enhancing access to healthcare, especially, maternal and child healthcare. With the onset and spread of COVID-19, the attention of the healthcare system has pivoted to handling the disease, potentially at the cost of other healthcare needs. This paper explores whether this shift has come at the cost of non-Covid related healthcare, especially the use of maternal and child health (MCH) services., Setting: Data covering a 24-month period are drawn from 59 health centres and 29 public hospitals located in urban Ethiopia., Primary and Secondary Outcomes Measures: The primary outcome measures are the use of MCH services including family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, abortion care, delivery and immunisation. The secondary outcome measures are the use of health services by adults including antiretroviral therapy (ART), tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy and dental services RESULTS: There is a sharp reduction in the use of both inpatient (20%-27%, p<0.001) and outpatient (27%-34%, p<0.001) care, particularly in Addis Ababa, which has been most acutely affected by the virus. This decline does not come at the cost of MCH services. The use of several MCH components (skilled birth attendant deliveries, immunisation, postnatal care) remains unaffected throughout the period while others (family planning services, antenatal care) experience a decline (8%-17%) in the immediate aftermath but recover soon after., Conclusion: Concerns about the crowding out of MCH services due to the focus on COVID-19 are unfounded. Proactive measures taken by the government and healthcare facilities to ring-fence the use of essential healthcare services have mitigated service disruptions. The results underline the resilience and agility displayed by one of the world's most resource-constrained healthcare systems. Further research on the approaches used to mitigate disruptions is needed., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Program managers routinely design and implement specialised maternal and newborn health trainings for health workers in low- and middle-income countries to provide better-coordinated care across the continuum of care. However, in these countries details on the availability of different training packages, skills covered in those training packages and the gaps in their implementation are patchy. This paper presents an assessment of maternal and newborn health training packages to describe differences in training contents and implementation approaches used for a range of training packages in Ethiopia and Nepal. We conducted a mixed-methods study. The quantitative assessment was conducted using a comprehensive assessment questionnaire based on validated WHO guidelines and developed jointly with global maternal and newborn health experts. The qualitative assessment was conducted through key informant interviews with national stakeholders involved in implementing these training packages and working with the Ministries of Health in both countries. Our quantitative analysis revealed several key gaps in the technical content of maternal and newborn health training packages in both countries. Our qualitative results from key informant interviews provided additional insights by highlighting several issues with trainings related to quality, skill retention, logistics, and management. Taken together, our findings suggest four key areas of improvement: first, training materials should be updated based on the content gaps identified and should be aligned with each other. Second, trainings should address actual health worker performance gaps using a variety of innovative approaches such as blended and self-directed learning. Third, post-training supervision and ongoing mentoring need to be strengthened. Lastly, functional training information systems are required to support planning efforts in both countries., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background Critical to the improvement of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) in Ethiopia - where 14000 mothers die from pregnancy-, childbirth-, or postpartum-related complications each year - is high-quality research and its effective translation into policy and practice. While Ethiopia has rapidly expanded the number of institutions that train and conduct MNCH research, the absence of a shared research agenda inhibits a coordinated approach to inform critical MNCH policy needs. The HaSET Maternal and Child Health Research Program (MCHRP) conducted a mixed methods formative assessment and prioritization exercise to guide investments in future MNCH research in Ethiopia. Methods We adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method, soliciting 56 priority research questions via key informant interviews. Through an online survey, experts scored these on their ability to generate new, actionable evidence that could inform more effective and equitable MNCH programs in Ethiopia. At a workshop in Addis Ababa, experts scored the questions by answerability and ethics, usefulness, disease burden reduction, and impact on equity. Research priority scores were calculated for both the online survey and workshop scoring and averaged to attain a ranked priority list. We validated and contextualized the results by conducting consensus-building discussions with MNCH experts and two community workshops. In total, approximately 100 participants were involved. Results Average research priority scores ranged from 58.4 to 83.7 out of 100.0. The top identified research priorities speak to critical needs in the Ethiopian context: to improve population coverage of proven interventions like integrated community case management (ICCM), family integrated newborn care, and kangaroo mother care (KMC); to better understand the determinants of outcomes like home deliveries, immunization drop-out, and antenatal and postpartum care-seeking; and to strengthen health system and workforce capabilities. Conclusions This exercise expanded on the CHNRI methodology by comparing prioritization across different audiences, formats, and criteria. Agreement between both scoring rounds and consensus-building discussions was strong, demonstrating the reliability of the CHNRI method. By sharing this research priority list broadly among researchers, practitioners, and donors, we aim to improve coordinated MNCH evidence generation and translation into policy in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) is a nutritional intervention designed to identify and address growth faltering before a child's nutritional status deteriorates into severe malnutrition. Despite GMP being recognized as a priority in Ethiopia's national nutrition program, there is no national aggregated figure to show the extent of GMP service utilization. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess GMP service utilization and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Hinari, EMBASE, Scopus, and grey literature sources like Google Scholar, WorldCat, and Institutional repository. The Joanna Briggs Institution (JBI) quality assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the articles, and articles scoring > 50% were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence and odds ratio of associated factors with 95%CI was computed using STATA version 16. A random-effect model was employed to estimate the effect size, and I-squared statistics and Egger's test were used to assess heterogeneity and identify potential publication bias, respectively. Subgroup analysis was conducted with publication year, sample size, and region to identify the source of heterogeneity. Results: Nine studies with 4,768 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The overall pooled utilization of GMP service among children under two years of age in Ethiopia was 23.21% (95% CI: 16.02, 30.41, I2 = 97.27% & P = 0.0001). Mothers who received counselling on GMP service (OR = 3.16 (95%CI: 2.49-4.00), parents who use family health card (FHC) (OR = 3.29 (95%CI: 1.49–7.28), and mother who use postnatal care (OR = 3.93 (95%CI: 2.40–6.42), and Anti natal care (OR = 3.15 (95%CI: 1.29–7.69) were the factors associated with GMP service utilization among children under two years of age. Conclusions: The utilization of GMP services among children under the age of two in Ethiopia remains inadequate. Therefore, it is crucial to provide health education and counselling focusing on GMP to the mothers/caregivers of the child and encourage utilization of FHC. In addition, integrating GMP with other maternal health services should be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal care (ANC) is the largest health platform globally for delivering maternal nutrition interventions (MNIs) to pregnant women. Yet, large missed opportunities remain in nutrition service delivery. This paper examines how well evidence‐based MNIs were incorporated in national policies and programs in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India. We compared the nutrition content of ANC protocols against global recommendations. We used survey data to elucidate the coverage of micronutrient supplementation, weight gain monitoring, dietary and breastfeeding counselling. We reviewed literature, formative research and program assessments to identify barriers and enabling factors of service provision and maternal nutrition practices. Nutrition information in national policies and protocols was often fragmented, incomplete and did not consistently follow global recommendations. Nationally representative data on MNIs in ANC was inadequate, except for iron and folic acid supplementation. Coverage data from subnational surveys showed similar patterns of strengths and weaknesses. MNI coverage was consistently lower than ANC coverage with the lowest coverage of weight gain monitoring and variable coverage of dietary and breastfeeding counselling. Key common factors associated with coverage were micronutrient supply disruptions; suboptimal counselling on maternal diet, weight gain, and breastfeeding; and limited or no record keeping. Adherence of women to micronutrient supplementation and dietary recommendations was low and associated with late and too few ANC contacts, poor maternal knowledge and self‐efficacy, and insufficient family and community support. Models of comprehensive nutrition protocols and health systems that deliver maternal nutrition services in ANC are urgently needed along with national data systems to track progress. Key points: Delivering nutrition services to all pregnant women is essential for maternal and child health outcomes but remains a challenge.Nutrition gaps in antenatal care (ANC) include lack of specificity in national guidelines and protocols, bottlenecks in micronutrient supplies, low ANC provider knowledge and skills, inadequate supervision to reinforce counseling, and not engaging families to encourage key practices.National protocols for ANC should be more specific for the four nutrition interventions (micronutrient supplements, weight gain monitoring, counseling on diets and counseling on breastfeeding) and assign accountability for coverage and quality.Country models are needed for improving provision and utilisation of nutrition interventions through ANC that are based on comprehensive policy frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of health education intervention (HEI) on maternal health service utilization (MHSU) in southern Ethiopia. Methods: From 10 January to 1 August 2023, a community-based, two-arm, parallel-group cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) was conducted among pregnant mothers in the Northern Zone of Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia. We utilized multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression with robust variance to control for the effects of clustering and potential confounders. The level of significance was adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: The overall utilization of at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit was 90.2% in the treatment group and 59.5% in the comparator group (χ2 = 89.22, p < 0.001). Health facility delivery (HFD) utilization was considerably different between the treatment group (74.3%) and the comparator group (50.8%) (χ2 = 70.50, p < 0.001). HEI significantly increased ANC utilization (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]: 1.32; 99% CI: 1.12–1.56) and HFD utilization (ARR: 1.24; 99% CI: 1.06–1.46). The utilization of at least one postnatal care (PNC) service was 65.4% in the treatment group and 52.1% in the comparator group (χ2 = 19.51, p = 0.01). However, after controlling for the effects of confounders and clustering, the impact of HEI on PNC utilization was insignificant between the two groups (ARR: 1.15; 99% CI: 0.89–1.48). Conclusion: A community-based HEI significantly increased ANC and HFD utilization but did not increase PNC utilization. Expanding the HEI with certain modifications will have a superior effect on improving MHSU. Trial registration number: NCT05865873. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare knowledge and attitudes towards obstetric danger signs and care between females receiving maternal care and their male partners. Methods and Materials: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural setting of Jimma, Ethiopia. Female and their male partners were selected randomly. The number of participants included from each sex was 3235 totaling 6470. Face-to-face data collection was employed using open data kit (ODK) software. A pre-test was performed before the data collection. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was used to compare knowledge and attitudes regarding obstetric danger signs and care. Predictor variables were declared considering a 95% confidence interval, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and P-value less than 0.05. Results: On average, male and female participants identified at least two obstetric danger signs. More females could mention more antenatal, childbirth, and postnatal danger signs than their male partners. Both females and their male partners who listened to the radio at least once per week had a statistically significant positive attitude towards obstetric care. Nonetheless, both had an almost similar magnitude of attitude towards obstetric care irrespective of belonging to different occupational, educational, and other social strata. Males' knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (95% CI = (1.07– 1.62), AOR = 1.32, P < 0.008) and postnatal care (95% CI = (1.16– 1.89), AOR = 1.48, P < 0.002) had a statistically significant association with the females utilization antenatal care (ANC) service, though not delivery care (DC) or postnatal (PNC). Conclusion: There were inequalities in obstetric danger signs knowledge between females and their male partners. Male partners' knowledge of obstetric danger signs is not only significant during pregnancy and delivery but also has a lasting impact on post-natal service utilization, which underscores the importance of their involvement in maternal healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the many supply- and demand-side interventions aimed at increasing uptake of maternal health service utilizations, the maternal and new-born health service utilizations remains low. Religious leaders have the power to inhibit or facilitate effective adoption of maternal health service utilizations to promote maternal health. However, evidence on the roles of religious leaders in promoting maternal health in developing world is not fully known. Therefore this cluster-randomized trial is designed to evaluate the effects of trained religious leaders' engagement in maternal health education in improving maternal health service utilization and knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Methods: A community based cluster randomized control trial in which the study kebeles are randomly assigned into intervention and control groups will be conducted. The sample size is calculated using stata software. Three hundred six pregnant mothers will be enrolled in each group. A baseline study will be conducted before the intervention and post-intervention evaluation will be conducted after four months of intervention. Religious leaders will be selected and trained to lead participatory sessions on maternal health. Data on maternal health service utilizations, knowledge about obstetric danger signs, attitude towards skilled delivery service utilization and perception of pregnancy risk will be collected from a repeated cross sectional household survey. Effect of intervention will be assessed using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equation model. Data will be analyzed using STATA software. For qualitative study, coded transcripts will be further analyzed and summarized in narratives for each theme and sub-themes. Discussion: This is one of the first trials to evaluate the effectiveness of trained religious leaders' engagement in maternal health education and will provide much needed evidence to policy makers about aspects of functionality and the religious leaders engagement required as they scale-up this programme in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations, including Ethiopia, anemia is a significant public health issue. Ethiopia has continued to bear the enormous burden of anemia infections. Over time, the prevalence of anemia has significantly increased in Ethiopia. In addition, there is a paucity of literature and regional variations in the pace of increment expansion. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and risk factors among women in Ethiopia's two most anemic regions. Methods. 2,519 women participated in a community-based cross-sectional study from January 18 to June 27, 2016. In order to determine the causes of anemia in women in two of Ethiopia's most anemic regions, an ordinal logistic regression model was taken into consideration. The applicability of the proportional odds test was evaluated using the chi-square test of the parallelism assumption. A p value of 0.05 or below was used to define crucial and statistically significant predictor variables. Results. The overall prevalence rate of anemia was 56.8% (95% CI (54.8%–58.7%)). The chi-square test of the parallelism assumption indicated that the odds ratios were constant across all cut-off points of women's anemia levels at a 5% significance level (p value = 0.122). Of the severity of anemia levels among women, 48.2, 46.1, and 5.7% had mild, moderate, and severe anemia levels, respectively. In multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses, being born (lived) in the Somali region (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.90), having a parity of 4–5 (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.66), and having ≥6 children (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.7), being a contraceptive user (AOR = 3, 95% CI: 2.5, 3.6), being currently pregnant (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 2.3, 3.4), having no ANC follow-up (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.3), being married women (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.9), and user of unimproved toilet facility (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6) were significantly positively associated with anemia. Conclusions. Finally, the anemia burden was dangerously greater than the national average. The region, usage of contraceptives, being pregnant at the time, ANC follow-up, toilet facilities, parity, and marital status all had a substantial impact on anemia. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence of anemia in certain parts of Ethiopia, public health initiatives that improve maternal health service utilization are required, such as ANC follow-up to minimize parity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Second-trimester abortions are less common than abortions in the first trimester, yet they disproportionately account for a higher burden of abortion-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Health workers play a crucial role in granting or denying access to these services, yet little is known about their experiences. Ethiopia has been successful in reducing mortality due to unsafe abortion over the past decade, but access to second trimester abortion remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to better understand this issue by exploring the experiences of second-trimester abortion providers working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative study with 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 health workers directly involved in providing second-trimester abortions, this included obstetrician and gynaecologist specialists and residents, general practitioners, nurses, and midwives. Data was collected at four public hospitals and one non-governmental clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and analysed using Malterud's text-condensation method. Results: The providers recognized the critical need for second-trimester abortion services and were motivated by their empathy towards women who often sought care late due to marginalisation and poverty making it difficult to access abortion before the second trimester. However, service provision was challenging according to the providers, and barriers like lack of access to essential drugs and equipment, few providers willing to conduct abortions late in pregnancy and unclear guidelines were commonly experienced. This led to highly demanding working conditions. The providers experienced ethical dilemmas pertaining to the possible viability of the fetus and women desperately requesting the service after the legal limit. Conclusions: Second-trimester abortion providers faced severe barriers and ethical dilemmas pushing their moral threshold and medical risk-taking in efforts to deliver second-trimester abortions to vulnerable women in need of the service. Effort is needed to minimize health system barriers and improve guidelines and support for second-trimester abortion providers in order to increase access and quality of second-trimester abortion services in Ethiopia. The barriers forcing women into second trimester abortions also need to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persistent inequalities in coverage of maternal health services in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region home to two-thirds of global maternal deaths in 2017, poses a challenge for countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. This study assesses wealth-based inequalities in coverage of maternal continuum of care in 16 SSA countries with the objective of informing targeted policies to ensure maternal health equity in the region. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 16 SSA countries (Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia). A total of 133,709 women aged 15-49 years who reported a live birth in the five years preceding the survey were included. We defined and measured completion of maternal continuum of care as having had at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit, birth in a health facility, and postnatal care (PNC) by a skilled provider within two days of birth. We used concentration index analysis to measure wealth-based inequality in maternal continuum of care and conducted decomposition analysis to estimate the contributions of sociodemographic and obstetric factors to the observed inequality. Results: The percentage of women who had 1) at least one ANC visit was lowest in Ethiopia (62.3%) and highest in Burundi (99.2%), 2) birth in a health facility was less than 50% in Ethiopia and Nigeria, and 3) PNC within two days was less than 50% in eight countries (Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania). Completion of maternal continuum of care was highest in South Africa (81.4%) and below 50% in nine of the 16 countries (Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Guinea, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda), the lowest being in Ethiopia (12.5%). There was pro-rich wealth-based inequality in maternal continuum of care in all 16 countries, the lowest in South Africa and Liberia (concentration index = 0.04) and the highest in Nigeria (concentration index = 0.34). Our decomposition analysis showed that in 15 of the 16 countries, wealth index was the largest contributor to inequality in primary maternal continuum of care. In Malawi, geographical region was the largest contributor. Conclusions: Addressing the coverage gap in maternal continuum of care in SSA using multidimensional and people-centred approaches remains a key strategy needed to realise the SDG3. The pro-rich wealth-based inequalities observed show that bespoke pro-poor or population-wide approaches are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complete continuum of maternity care has significant value in improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and newborns. Assessing the complete continuum of maternity care is a global priority, particularly in developing countries. Despite the fact that the complete continuum of maternity care prevents more than half of all maternal and neonatal deaths, Ethiopia remains one of the largest contributors to the global burden of maternal and neonatal deaths due to the low implementation of the complete continuum of maternity care. Thus, this study aimed to assess the coverage of the complete continuum of maternity care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in the study area. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study with a multistage sampling technique was conducted among 479 mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in Mekane Selam town. Data were collected from September 1 to November 30/2021 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P- value< 0.05 were used to identify significantly associated factors. Results: The coverage of a complete continuum of maternity care was 42.4% (95% CI: 37.9%, 47%). Respondents with higher educational status (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.52, 11.44), pre-pregnancy contraception utilization (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.80, 6.92), planned pregnancy (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.27, 6.97) and early initiation of antenatal care (AOR = 4.57, 95% CI: 2.86, 7.31) were significantly associated with complete continuum of maternity care. Conclusion: The coverage of complete continuum of maternal care was low in the study area. The coverage could be expanded by making the necessary interventions on the associated factors. It is essential for women to acquire education, utilize contraception, plan their pregnancies, and begin antenatal care at an early age in order to enhance the coverage of complete continuum of maternity care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunization has been promoted as a global strategy aimed at improving child survival. The World Health Organization strives to make immunization services available to everyone, everywhere to save over 50 million lives by 2030. Monitoring the change and identifying the factors contributing to the change in immunization coverage over time and across the nations is imperative for continuing global success in increasing immunization coverage. In this study, we examined the changes and factors that contributed to the change in full immunization coverage over time in Ethiopia (2000 to 2019). Methods: We analyzed data on children aged 12–23 months, extracted from the 2000 and 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) datasets. A total of 3,072 weighted samples (2,076 in 2000 and 966 in 2019) were included in the analysis. A multivariate decomposition analysis technique was used to determine change and identify factors that contributed to the change over time. Statistical significance was defined at a 95% confidence interval with a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: There was a 29.56% (95% CI: 24.84, 34.28) change in full immunization coverage between the two surveys. It increased from 14.62% (95% CI: 12.43, 17.11) in 2000 to 44.18% (95% CI: 37.19, 51.41) in 2019. The decomposition analysis showed that about 75% of explained change was attributed to the differences in the composition of explanatory variables (the endowment effect). Particularly, women aged 35–49 years (-2.11%), those who attended four or more antenatal care visits (17.06%), individual who had postnatal care visits (16.90%), households with two or more under-five children (2.50%), and those with a history of child mortality (17.80%) were significantly attributed to the change. The rest, 25% of the explained change was attributed to the difference in the effects of explanatory variables (coefficient). The change in the coefficient for women who had experienced child death (-20.40%) was statistically significant to the change in full immunization coverage over time. Conclusion: The finding of this study revealed that there was a statistically significant change in full immunization coverage over time. The majority of the change was attributed to the differences in the composition of explanatory variables such as antenatal care and postnatal care visits, age of the mother, and number of living children in the household. Therefore, strengthening maternal health services utilization may enhance immunization coverage in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the difference in coefficient of mothers with a history of child death had a substantial counteracting effect on the change, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and delivering vaccine education to them and the larger community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for improving children's health and survival. In Ethiopia, low immunization coverage and disparity across residences are major public health problems. However, the factors that contributed to the urban-rural disparity have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the change and contributing factors in full immunization coverage across geographic locations (urban-rural) in Ethiopia. Methods: We analyzed data on children aged 12 to 23 months obtained from the 2019 mini-Ethiopian demographic and health survey. A total of 996 weighted samples (299 in urban and 697 in rural areas) were included in the analysis. A multivariate decomposition analysis technique was used to determine the disparity and identify factors that contribute to the disparity across geographical locations. Statistical significance was defined at a 95% confidence interval with a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: The percentage of children aged 12–23 months who received full immunization increased from 36.84% (95% CI:31.59, 42.41) in rural areas to 64.59% (95% CI:47.10, 78.89) in urban areas. The decomposition analysis showed that the observed urban-rural disparity was attributed to a change in the effect of population characteristics (coefficient) across residences. Specifically, receiving 1–3 (β = 0.0895, 95% CI: 0.0241, 0.1550) and 4 or more (β = 0.1212, 95% CI: 0.0224, 0.2199) antenatal care visits, delivering at a health facility (β = 0.1350, 95% CI: 0.0227, 0.2472), and the source of information about immunization status from vaccination cards (β = 0.2666, 95% CI:0.1763, 0.3569) significantly contributed to the widening urban-rural disparity. On the other hand, being of high wealth status (β=-0.141, 95% CI: -0.1945, -0.0876), receiving postnatal care (β=-0.0697, 95% CI: -0.1344, -0.0051), and having four or more living children (β=-0.1774, 95% CI: -0.2971, -0.0577) significantly contributed to narrowing the urban-rural disparity. Conclusions: There was a significant urban-rural disparity in immunization coverage in Ethiopia, with urban children more likely to complete immunization. The change in the composition of population characteristics was not significant for the observed disparity. The observed disparity in full immunization coverage was mainly driven by the coefficients related to maternal healthcare utilization, household wealth status, the number of living children, and the source of immunization information. Therefore, strengthening maternal health services utilization, encouraging mothers to maintain their children's immunization records, and addressing economic inequality, particularly in rural areas, may narrow the urban-rural disparity and enhance immunization coverage nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, which is the leading preventable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite several interventions uterine atony-related postpartum hemorrhage remains a global challenge. Identifying risk factors of uterine atony helps to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and subsequent maternal death. However, evidence about risk factors of uterine atony is limited in the study areas to suggest interventions. This study aimed to assess determinants of postpartum uterine atony in urban South Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based unmatched nested case–control study was conducted from a cohort of 2548 pregnant women who were followed-up until delivery. All women with postpartum uterine atony (n = 93) were taken as cases. Women who were randomly selected from those without postpartum uterine atony (n = 372) were taken as controls. Using a case to control ratio of 1:4, the total sample size was 465. An unconditional logistic regression analysis was done using R version 4.2.2 software. In the binary unconditional logistic regression model variables that have shown association at p < 0.20 were recruited for multivariable model adjustment. In the multivariable unconditional logistic regression model, statistically significant association was declared using 95% CI and p < 0.05. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) used to measure the strength of association. Attributable fraction (AF) and population attributable fraction (PAF) were used to interpret the public health impacts of the determinants of uterine atony. Results: In this study, short inter-pregnancy interval < 24 months (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.61), prolonged labor (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.83), and multiple birth (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.25, 9.56) were determinants of postpartum uterine atony. The findings suggest that 38%, 14%, and 6% of uterine atony in the study population was attributed to short inter-pregnancy interval, prolonged labor, and multiple birth, respectively, which could be prevented if those factors did not exist in the study population. Conclusions: Postpartum uterine atony was related to mostly modifiable conditions that could be improved by increasing the utilization of maternal health services such as modern contraceptive methods, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In approximately 15% of all pregnancies, a potentially fatal complication that necessitates medical attention arises, requiring a significant obstetrical intervention for the pregnant women to survive. Between 70% and 80% of maternal life-threating complication have been treated through emergency obstetric and newborn services. This study investigates women's satisfaction with emergency obstetric and newborn care services in Ethiopia and factors associated with their satisfaction. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched electronic databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, Scopus, and Web of Sciences for primary studies. A standardized data collection measurement tool was used to extract the data. STATA 11 statistical software was used to analyze the data, and I2 tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of maternal satisfaction was predicted using a random-effects model. Results: Eight studies were included. The pooled prevalence of maternal satisfaction with emergency obstetric and neonatal care services was 63.15% (95% confidence interval: 49.48–76.82). Age (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.62–5.12), presence of birth companion (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–5.29), satisfaction with health workers' attitudes (odds ratio = 4.02, 95% confidence interval: 2.91–5.55), educational status (odds ratio = 3.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.42–9.08), length of stay at health facility (odds ratio = 3.71, 95% confidence interval: 2.79–4.94), and antenatal care visits (odds ratio = 2.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–3.24) were associated with maternal satisfaction with emergency obstetric and neonatal care service. Conclusion: This study found a low level of overall maternal satisfaction with emergency obstetric and neonatal care services. To increase maternal satisfaction and utilization, the government should focus on improving the standards of emergency maternal, obstetric, and newborn care by identifying gaps in maternal satisfaction regarding the services provided by healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though the global maternal mortality has shown an impressive decline over the last three decades, the problem is still pressing in low-income countries. To bring this to an end, women in a continuum of maternity care should be retained. This study aimed to assess the status of Ethiopian women's retention in the continuum of maternity care with their possible predictors. Methods: We used data from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini-Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable in this study was retention in the continuum of maternity care, which consists of at least four ANC contacts, delivery in a health facility, and postnatal check within 48 h of delivery. We analyzed the data using STATA version 14 and a binary logistic regression model was used. In the multiple logistic regression model, variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable. A weighted analysis was also done. Results: Of the 3917 women included in this study, only 20.8% of women completed all of the recommended services. Besides, the use of maternal health services favors women living in the biggest city administrations, followed by women living in agrarian regions; however, those living in the pastoralist area were disadvantaged. Having four or more ANC was explained by the maternal secondary level of education [AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.42, 4.54], wealth status [AOR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.45, 4.62], early initiation of ANC [AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 2.55, 4.24], and being in a union [AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16,3.29]. After having four ANC, factor-affecting delivery in a health facility was wealth status [AOR: 8.64; 95% CI: 4.07, 18.36]. The overall completion of care was associated with women's higher level of education [AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.25], richest wealth status [AOR: 5.16; 95% CI: 2.65, 10.07], timeliness of the first ANC visit [AOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.66, 2.85], and third birth order [AOR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.97]. Conclusions: Despite the efforts by the Ethiopian government and other stakeholders, the overall completion of care was quite low. There is also a clear inequality because of women's background characteristics and regional variation. Strategies aiming to empower women through improved educational experience and economic standing have to be implemented in collaboration with other relevant sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal healthcare service is the care given for the woman during her gestation, delivery and postpartum period. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was remains high and a public health problem in Ethiopia. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries account two-thirds of the global total maternal deaths. To curb such high burden related with child births, comprehensive emergency obstetric care is designed as one of the strategies for maternal healthcare services. However, its implementation status was not well investigated. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of comprehensive emergency obstetric and new born care program in terms of Availability, compliance and acceptability dimensions at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A single case study design was employed from 01 to 30 April 2021. A total of 265 mothers who gave birth at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH) during the data collection period for acceptability, 13 key informant interviews (KIIs), 49 non-participatory observations (25 observations during C/S performance and 24 assisted spontaneous vaginal deliver) and 320 retrospective document review were conducted. Availability, compliance and acceptability dimensions were evaluated using 32 indicators. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with acceptability of the services. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were also used to identify associated variables with acceptability. The qualitative data were recorded using tape recorder, transcribed in Amharic and translated to English language. Thematic analysis was done to supplement the quantitative findings. Results: The overall implementation of comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) was 81.6%. Moreover, acceptability, availability and care provider's compliance with the guideline accounted 81, 88.9 and 74.8%, respectively. There were stocked-out of some essential drugs, such as methyldopa, nifidipine, gentamycin and vitamin K injection. CEmONC training gaps, inadequate number of autoclaves, shortage of water supply and long-distance delivery ward to laboratory unit were also the barriers for the CEmONC service. Short waiting time of clients (AOR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.16, 4.90) and maternal educational level (AOR = 5.50, 95%CI: 1.95, 15.60) were positively associated with acceptability of CEmONC services. Conclusion: The implementation status of CEmONC program was good as per our judgment parameter. Compliance of healthcare providers with the guideline was fair and needed improvement. Essential emergency drugs, equipment and supplies were stocked-out. The University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was therefore had better to give great emphasis to expand maternity rooms/ units. The hospital had better to avail the resources and provide continuous capacity building for healthcare providers to enhance the program implementation. Plain Language Summary: Maternal healthcare service is the care given for the woman during her gestation, delivery and postpartum period. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was remains high and a public health problem in Ethiopia. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries account two-thirds of the total global maternal deaths. To curb such high burden related with child births, comprehensive emergency management obstetric and newborn care is designed as one of the strategies for maternal healthcare services. The implementation status of CEmONC program service at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital was good as per the preset judgment parameter. Unavailability of resources such as delivery couch, operational table, maternity and labor ward beds, glove, gauze, blood, vital sign instruments, and essential drugs including methyldopa, nifidipine, gentamycin, and vitamin K were stocked out and the challenges to provide CEmONC services. Healthcare providers' compliance with the implementation protocol were also fairly affected. Moreover, acceptability CEmONC service was also judged as good as per the judgmental evaluation parameter. Hospital had better to fulfil the necessary equipment and drugs to enhance the implementation status of the hospitals. Capacity building of healthcare providers might also a better strategy to improve the compliance. Strengthening awareness creation for women and their husbands had a paramount importance to enhance the acceptability of the services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of maternal health care services tends to rise with women's empowerment. However, disparities in the use of maternal health care services in Ethiopia that are founded on women's empowerment are not sufficiently addressed. In light of women's empowerment equity stratifier, this study seeks to assess inequalities in the uptake of maternal health care services (early antenatal care, four or more antenatal care and postnatal care services). Methods: Drawing on data from the four rounds of Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHSs) conducted between 2000 and 2016, we conducted analysis of inequalities in utilization of maternal health care services using women's empowerment as equity stratifier. We utilized concentration index and concentration curve for assessing the inequalities. We used clorenz and conindex Stata modules to compute the index and curve. Decomposition of the Erreygers normalized concentration index was done to explain the inequalities in terms of other variables' percent contributions. Complex aspect of the EDHSs data was considered during analysis to produce findings consistent with the data generating process. All analyses were done using Stata v16. Results: Utilization of maternal health care services was inequitably distributed between empowered and poorly empowered women, with women in the highly empowered category taking more of the services. For instance, the Erreygers index for quality ANC are 0.240 (95% CI 0.207, 0.273); 0.20 (95% CI 0.169, 0.231) and 0.122 (95% CI 0.087, 0.157), respectively, for the attitude towards violence, social independence and decision-making domains of women's empowerment. Inequalities in the distribution of other variables like wealth, education, place of residence and women's empowerment itself underpin the inequalities in the utilization of the services across the women's empowerment groups. Conclusions: Equity in maternal health care services can be improved through redistributive policies that attempt to fairly distribute the socioeconomic determinants of health such as wealth and education between highly and poorly empowered women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In countries with high maternal mortality and a shortage of healthcare professionals, community pharmacy professionals can provide important maternal healthcare services within their scope of practice. Evidence of community pharmacy professionals' level of involvement in maternal health service provision in Ethiopia is limited. This study aimed to assess the level of involvement of community pharmacy professionals in providing maternal health services in Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey of 238 community pharmacy professionals was conducted from March to July 2020 in 6 cities of Amhara regional state in Ethiopia. Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the mean difference. Key findings: Most community pharmacy professionals were either 'involved' in advising about vitamins (53.4%), provision of contraceptives (52.9%), advising about lifestyle changes (46.2%), responding to minor symptoms (47.5%), nutritional advice during pregnancy (45.0%) and breastfeeding guidance or 'very involved' in advising about screening for chronic disease (41.6%). However, the level of involvement of community pharmacy professionals differed according to study participants' educational qualification/s, years of experience, licensure level, setting type, responsibility in the facility and previous training exposure about maternal health services. Conclusions: Community pharmacy professionals in Ethiopia are involved in providing various maternal health services highlighting the importance that pharmacists can play in improving access and care within this context. However, government attention is needed to enhance their role through policy support and capacity building to improve the quality of service provided which could contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuum of care for Maternal Health Care is continuity of care through pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth as a key strategy in reaching mothers and babies at a crucial time. Despite the widespread drop out from the continuum of care, there is limited understanding of perspectives of providers and clients about factors leading to drop out from care among women in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the underlying reasons for which women walk away from maternal health services in Ethiopia care providers' and clients' perspectives. Methods: The population for the study were comprised of all purposefully selected district health department deputy heads, MCH coordinators, primary health center unit directors, midwives and nurses in charge of maternity department and who have been rendering maternal health services and chosen women among those attending the MCH clinic for maternal health services in order to identify reasons for dropout from the perspective of the service users based on the established criteria. The final sample size was determined based on the level of information saturation and a total of 20 in-depth interviewees were conducted. The unstructured key informant interview (KII) guide was used to collect data to gain an in-depth understanding of the context in which continuum of care for maternal health care takes place and existing barriers. Result: The main themes were identified and compared across all the transcripts to determine similarities and variations in the views of respondents. The major reasons for which women walk away from maternal health services were categorized under three main themes: healthcare system related reasons, community level barriers and individual level barriers. Interpretive analysis was conducted, and elucidations of the results follow the respective themes and verbatim that capture dominant views were considered wherever appropriate to substantiate the findings. Conclusion and recommendations: Women were walk away from maternal health services because of health system, community level and individual level factors. Hence, implementing initiatives to improve both providers and clients side barriers are essential. Furthermore, we recommend more large-scale studies to digging out more context specific barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite efforts to make maternal health care services available in rural Ethiopia, utilisation status remains low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess maternal health care services' status and determinants in rural Ethiopia. Methods: The study used quasi-experimental pre- and post-comparison baseline data. A pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify individual and communal level factors associated with utilisation of antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with a p-value of less than 0.05, indicating statistical significance. Results: Seven hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women participated, with a response rate of 99.3%. Four hundred and sixty-one (63.4%) of the women visited ANC services, while 46.5% (CI: 42–50%) of births were attended by SBA, and 33.4% (CI: 30–36%) had received PNC. Women who reported that their pregnancy was planned (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.8–8.3) and were aware of pregnancy danger signs (aOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 3.8–12) had a higher likelihood of attending ANC services. Among the cluster-level factors, women who lived in lowlands (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–14) and had easy access to transportation (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.7) had higher odds of visiting ANC services. Moreover, women who were employed (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.3–7.3) and attended ANC (aOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.8–5.9) were more likely to have SBA at delivery. The likelihood of being attended by SBA during delivery was positively correlated with shorter travel distances (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4–5.8) and ease of access to transportation (aOR = 10; 95% CI: 3.6–29) to the closest healthcare facilities. Being a midland resident (aOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 1.7–13) and having SBA during delivery (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2–3.50) increased the likelihood of attending PNC service. Conclusions: Overall, maternal health service utilisation is low in the study area compared with the recommended standards. Women's educational status, awareness of danger signs, and pregnancy planning from individual-level factors and being a lowland resident, short travel distance to health facilities from the cluster-level factors play a crucial role in utilising maternal health care services. Working on women's empowerment, promotion of contraceptive methods to avoid unintended pregnancy, and improving access to health care services, particularly in highland areas, are recommended to improve maternal health service utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the relationship between postpartum depression and infant feeding practice may help to reduce the indirect impact of postpartum depression on infant feeding practice. This will further have a positive impact on reducing infant morbidity and mortality attributed to improper feeding practices. Although studies in the country have assessed the prevalence of infant feeding practices, those assessing the association between postpartum depression and infant feeding practices are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to compare appropriate infant feeding practices and their associated factors among postpartum depressed and non-depressed mothers in Eastern Tigray. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to April 2019. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 171 mothers with postpartum depression and 342 mothers without postpartum depression. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from the Monitoring and Evaluating for Breastfeeding Practices toolkit, then entered into Epi- info and exported into SPSS for further analysis. A binary logistic regression was applied to determine the association between postpartum depression and appropriate infant feeding practice. Results: The overall prevalence of appropriate infant feeding practice was 37.6% (95% CI: 33.5%-41.9%). The prevalence was higher among mothers without postpartum depression 42.7% (95% CI: 42.9%-53.2%) than among postpartum depressed mothers 27.5% (95% CI: 24.7%-32.5%). The odds of appropriate infant feeding practice among mothers with infant birth orders of three or above was 58% (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26–0.97) less than those mothers with infant birth orders of three and below. Households with monthly income 1000–1999 ETB (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.01–5.08), 2000–2999 ETB (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.21–4.73) and 3000–3999 ETB (AOR = 5.13; 95% CI: 1.97–13.4) were more likely to practice appropriate infant feeding. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of appropriate infant feeding practices in the study area was low. A significantly higher proportion of mothers without postpartum depression practice appropriate infant feeding compared to mothers with postpartum depression. In addition, households with higher monthly incomes and mothers with infant birth orders three or above were significant determinants of appropriate infant feeding practice. Therefore, strengthening the provisions of nutritional education, integrating maternal mental health with routine maternal health care services, providing economic support to mothers with low income, and health education for multiparous women is a critical interventions to improve appropriate infant feeding practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since its first case of COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, Ethiopia has exerted efforts to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) without imposing a nationwide lockdown. Globally, COVID-19 related disruptions and mitigation measures have impacted livelihoods and food systems, nutrition, as well as access and use of health services. Objective: To develop a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems, health services, and maternal and child nutrition and to synthesize lessons from policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a review of literature and 8 key informant interviews across government agencies, donors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to map the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food and health systems in Ethiopia. We summarized policy responses and identified recommendations for future actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other future emergencies. Results: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt across the food system and include limited agriculture inputs due to travel restrictions and closed borders restricting trade, reduced in-person support by agriculture extension workers, income losses, increases in food prices, and the reduction in food security and dietary diversity. Maternal and child health services were disrupted due to fear of contacting COVID-19, diversion of resources, and lack of personal protective equipment. Disruptions eased over time due to the expansion of social protection through the Productive Safety Net Program, and the increased outreach and home service provision by the health extension workers. Conclusion: Ethiopia experienced disruptions to food systems and maternal and child nutrition services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by expanding existing social protection programs and public health infrastructure and leveraging partnerships with non-state actors, the extent of the impact of the pandemic was largely minimized. Nevertheless, vulnerabilities and gaps remain and there is a need for a long-term strategy that considers the potential for future pandemics and other shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID 19 pandemic has challenged the resilience of the most effective health systems in the world. The Ethiopian Ministry of health tried to ensure the continuation of essential maternal health services during the pandemic. Despite several individual studies conducted on the impact of COVID 19 on maternal health services, no evidence can summarize the extent of impact as a nation and which essential maternal health service is most affected. Method: A systematic review was conducted to summarize the extent of disruption of essential maternal health services and identify the most affected service in the era of the COVID pandemic in Ethiopia. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Comprehensive literature was searched using international databases PubMed, Google scholar, and African Online Journal to retrieve related articles. Descriptive analysis was made to answer the review objective. Result: Overall, 498 articles were retrieved using our search strategy and finally 8 articles were included in the review. We found, ANC (26.35%), skilled birth attendance (23.46%), PNC (30%), family planning (14%), and abortion care (23.7%) maximum disruption of service utilization due to the pandemic. PNC service was the most significantly affected service unit followed by the ANC unit. Conclusion: Essential maternal health services have been significantly disrupted due to COVID 19 pandemic in Ethiopia. It is expected from all stakeholders to prioritize safe and accessible maternity care during the pandemic and the aftermath and take lesson to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most pregnant women in low and lower-middle-income countries do not receive all components of antenatal care (ANC), including counselling on obstetric danger signs. Facility-level ANC guidelines and provider in-service training are major factors influencing ANC counselling. In Ethiopia, little is known about the extent to which guidelines and provider in-service training can increase the quality of ANC counselling. Methods: We examined the effect of national ANC guidelines and ANC provider in-service training on obstetric danger sign counselling for pregnant women receiving ANC using the 2014 Ethiopian service provision assessment plus (ESPA +) survey data. We created two analysis samples by applying a propensity score matching method. The first sample consisted of women who received ANC at health facilities with guidelines matched with those who received ANC at health facilities without guidelines. The second sample consisted of women who received ANC from the providers who had undertaken in-service training in the last 24 months matched with women who received ANC from untrained providers. The outcome variable was the number of obstetric danger signs described during ANC counselling, ranging from zero to eight. The covariates included women's socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, health facility characteristics, and ANC provider characteristics. Results: We found that counselling women about obstetric danger signs during their ANC session varied according to the availability of ANC guidelines (61% to 70%) and provider training (62% to 68%). After matching the study participants by the measured covariates, the availability of ANC guidelines at the facility level significantly increased the average number of obstetric danger signs women received during counselling by 24% (95% CI: 12–35%). Similarly, providing refresher training for ANC providers increased the average number of obstetric danger signs described during counselling by 37% (95% CI: 26–48%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the quality of ANC counselling in Ethiopia needs strengthening by ensuring that ANC guidelines are available at every health facility and that the providers receive regular ANC related in-service training. Plain language summary: Maternal death from preventable pregnancy-related complications remains a global health challenge. In 2017, there were 295,000 maternal deaths worldwide, and about two-thirds of these deaths were from Sub-Saharan Africa. Ethiopia is a Sub-Saharan African country with 401 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017, and this rate is higher than the target indicated in sustainable development goals. Most maternal deaths are due to obstetric complications and could have been averted through early detection and treatment. Providing antenatal care counselling about obstetric danger signs enhances women's awareness of obstetric complications and encourages women to seek treatment from a skilled care provider. However, most women from low-income settings, including Ethiopia, do not receive counselling about obstetric danger signs. Facility-level antenatal care guidelines and provider in-service training improve antenatal care counselling. In Ethiopia, little is known to what extent antenatal care guidelines and provider training increase counselling on obstetric danger signs. The present study used the 2014 Ethiopian service provision assessment data and estimated the effect of antenatal care guidelines and provider training on counselling about obstetric danger signs. The analysis involved a propensity score matching method and included 1725 pregnant women. The study found that antenatal care guidelines at health facilities and antenatal care provider in-service training significantly increase counselling on obstetric danger signs by 24% and 37%, respectively. The finding suggests improving the quality of antenatal care counselling in Ethiopia needs antenatal care guidelines at each antenatal care clinic and refresher training for the providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Ethiopia, quality of maternal and newborn care is poor. This situation has persisted, despite the wide implementation of several capacity building-oriented interventions including clinical mentoring for skilled birth attendants that were anticipated to translate in to high–quality maternal and newborn care on each encounter. The effectiveness of mentoring programs is not yet well documented in the research literature. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a catchment based clinical mentorship in improving the quality of maternal and newborn care in primary level facilities of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a controlled quasi-experimental pre-post study among 19 primary health care facilities, with 10 facilities assigned to the group where the catchment based clinical mentorship program was implemented (intervention group), and 9 facilities to the control group. We assigned the group based on administrative criteria, number of deliveries in each facility, accessibility, and ease of implementation of the intervention. A sample of 1320 women(662 at baseline; 658 at post intervention) and 233 skilled birth attendants(121 at baseline and 112 at end line) were included. We collected data from mothers, skilled birth attendants and facilities. The first round of data collection (baseline) took place two weeks prior the inauguration of the intervention, 05 October to 04 November 2019. The end line data collection occurred from 22 May to 03 July 2020. The primary Outcome was "receipt quality of maternal/newborn care". We analyzed the data using difference in differences (DiD) and logistic regression with Generalized Estimating Equation. The level of significance of predictors was declared at p-value less than 0.05in the multivariable analysis. Intervention: We deployed a team of local clinical mentors working at primary hospitals to provide clinical mentorship, and direct feedback in routine and emergency obstetrical and newborn care to the mentees (all skilled birth attendants performing maternal and newborn health services) functioning in their catchment rural health centers for duration of six months. While visiting a facility, mentors remain at the facility each lasting at least five to seven days per month, over the course of intervention period. Results: A significantly higher proportion of women at intervention facilities received quality of care services, compared with women at comparison facilities. (DiD = 18.4%, p<0.001). Moreover, following the implementation of the intervention we detected a difference in the occurrences of maternal complication outcome during delivery and immediately after birth. This was decreased by 4.5%, with significant differences between intervention and comparison sites (DiD = 4.5%, p = 0.013). We also found a favorable difference in occurrences of neonatal obstetric complications, with a decrease of 4.8% in the intervention site and almost no change in the comparison site (DiD = 4.8%, p = 0.002). Among the determinants of quality of care, we found that providers' job satisfaction (AoR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.26 to 6.91), and making case presentation at regular basis(AoR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.05 to 3.39) were significantly associated to improve the quality of care. However, delivery load(AoR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.93 to 0.98) was negatively associated with quality of care. Conclusions: We conclude that the catchment based clinical mentorship intervention is effective to improve quality of care and reduce childbirth complications in northern Ethiopia. This finding further elaborated that incorporating maternal and newborn health catchment based clinical mentorship activities into the existing health system strengthening strategies can catalyze improvement processes to quality practice and health systems. This is seen as a necessary step to achieve the effective quality universal health care required to meet the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Besides, more attention needs to be given to develop interventions and strategies that directly enhance providers' job satisfaction and reduce delivery work load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has remained to be a significant public health problem worldwide mainly affecting women. Despite a 2 to 3 times higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, around 2 million HIV positive women give birth each year globally. However, there is a dearth of evidences in Ethiopia about the effect of maternal HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes where adverse birth outcomes are still a significant health problem. This study is, therefore, aimed to examine the effect of HIV on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 704 pregnant women (352 women with HIV and 352 women without HIV infection). Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data on socio-demographic, obstetric, clinical, as well as behavioral and psychosocial characteristics were collected using a validated tool. Data on the outcome variables were also collected following delivery. Modified Poisson regression was employed to estimate the relative risk (RR) of HIV on low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and still birth at 95% confidence level. Attributable fraction (AF) was used to report the impact of HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes. Results: Of the total 704 pregnant women enrolled for the study, 96.3% (678) completed the study. The mean age of the study participants was 30.8 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV positive and 27 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV negative women. The cumulative incidence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth were 21.4%, 9.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of LBW was 24.7% among HIV positive and 17.8% among HIV negative women. The incidence of preterm birth was 10.7% among HIV positive and 7.9% among HIV negative women. And the incidence of stillbirth was 3.7% and 4.6% among HIV positive and those HIV negative women. New-borns from women with HIV infection had a higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth than those HIV negative women (Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR) = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06– 2.03) and (ARR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.08– 2.79), respectively. The attributable risk of HIV on low birth weight was 32% (Attributable Fraction (AF) = 32%, 95% CI: 23– 46%), and 43% (AF = 43%, 95% CI: 23– 46%) for preterm birth. Conclusion: Maternal HIV infection increased the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. This implies due attention is required while providing maternal health services primarily antenatal care and delivery services. These services should be aimed at reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes with more attention given to women with HIV infection. Moreover, reinforcement of HIV prevention intervention strategies should be considered at all levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adequate antenatal care is essential for the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. The World Health Organization recommends at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy. In Ethiopia, only 32% of women of childbearing age attend four or more ANC visits. This figure is significantly lower than the average for least developed countries. This study is aimed at calculating the magnitude and identifying the factors associated with optimal antenatal care utilization in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the South Gondar Zone of Northwest Ethiopia from September 2020 to May 2021. A total of 434 participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with the optimal use of antenatal care. Result. The magnitude of optimal antenatal care utilization was 59% (95% CI; 54.20, 63.65). The study showed that mothers who completed their secondary school (AOR = 8.205 ; 95% CI: 3.406, 19.767), women who completed their tertiary school (AOR = 6.406 ; 95% CI: 2.229, 18.416), women whose husbands' level of education is secondary school (AOR = 5.967 ; 95% CI: 2.753, 12.936), those with a planned pregnancy (AOR = 1.912 ; 95% CI: 1.117, 3.271), those with a wanted pregnancy (AOR = 2.341 ; 95% CI: 1.366, 4.009), women whose husbands work in the government or nongovernment sector (AOR = 3.736 ; 95% CI: 2.093, 6.669), those not being exposed to the media (AOR = 0.520 ; 95% CI: 0.345, 0.783), and rural women (AOR = 0.267 ; 95% CI: 0.164, 0.435) were significantly associated with optimal ANC utilization. Conclusion. The findings suggest that more emphasis should be placed on education-based programs for women and their husbands that highlight the benefits of a planned pregnancy, desired pregnancy, and maternal health care. Meanwhile, the government and other concerned bodies should focus on expanding road accessibility, health institutions, and ambulance distribution to improve optimal ANC utilization in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though Ethiopia has expanded Maternity Waiting Homes (MWHs) to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, the utilization rate is low. To maximize the use of MWH, policymakers must be aware of the barriers and benefits of using MWH. This review aimed to describe the evidence on the barriers and benefits to access and use of MWHs in Ethiopia.Methods: Data were sourced from PubMed, Google Scholars and Dimensions. Thirty-one studies were identified as the best evidence for inclusion in this review. We adopted an integrative review process based on the five-stage process proposed by Whittemore and Knafl.Results: The key themes identified were the benefits, barriers and enablers of MWH utilization with 10 sub-themes. The themes about benefits of MWHs were lower incidence rate of perinatal death and complications, the low incidence rate of maternal complications and death, and good access to maternal health care. The themes associated with barriers to staying at MWH were distance, transportation, financial costs (higher out-of-pocket payments), the physical aspects of MWHs, cultural constraints and lack of awareness regarding MWHs, women's perceptions of the quality of care at MWHs, and poor provider interaction to women staying at MWH. Enablers to pregnant women to stay at MWHs were availability of MWHs which are attached with obstetric services with quality and compassionate care.Conclusion: This study synthesized research evidence on MWH implementation, aiming to identify benefits, barriers, and enablers for MWH implementation in Ethiopia. Despite the limited and variable evidence, the implementation of the MWH strategy is an appropriate strategy to improve access to skilled birth attendance in rural Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) often do not utilize maternal health care optimally both because of stigma and other social problems. The current study aims to explore an association between maternal healthcare seeking and violence exposure among Ethiopian women and to assess if educational attainment and wealth status moderate this association. Methods: The analyses included 2836 (weighted) currently married women with one live birth. We focus on the five years preceding the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) who participate, in the domestic violence sub-study. Exposure was determined by maternal reports of physical, emotional, sexual IPV or any form of IPV. The utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and place of delivery were used as proxy outcome variables for uptake of skilled maternal healthcare utilization. Women's education attainment and wealth status were selected as potential moderators, as they can enable women with psychological and financial resources to counteract impact of IPV. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between spousal IPV and maternal health outcomes. Moderation effects by education and wealth status were tested, and the data stratified. Using statistical software Stata MP 16.1, the restricted maximum likelihood method, we obtained the model estimates. Results: About 27.5% of the women who reported exposure to any form of IPV had a health facility delivery. While 23.4% and 22.4% visited four or more antenatal care services among mothers exposed to emotional IPV and sexual IPV, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, only the association between maternal exposure to emotional IPV and adequate use of ANC was statistically significant (OR = 0.73, (95% CI:0.56–0.95)). But we found no significant association between IPV and utilization of health facility delivery. Some moderation effects of education and wealth in the association between IPV and maternal healthcare service utilization outcome were found. Conclusion: Exposure to emotional IPV was associated with poor uptake of maternal health care service utilization for married Ethiopian women. While developing interventions to improve women's maternal healthcare service use, it is crucial to consider the effects of socio-economic variables that moderate the association especially with the intersection of IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin A is a nutrient that is required in a small amount for normal visual system function, growth and development, epithelia's cellular integrity, immune function, and reproduction. Vitamin A has a significant and clinically important effect since it has been associated with a reduction in all-cause and diarrhea mortality. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with national vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6–35 months. Method: The data for this study was extracted from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 2242 women with children aged 6–35 months was included in the study. The analysis was performed using Stata version 14.2 software. Applying sampling weight for descriptive statistics and complex sample design for inferential statistics, a manual backward stepwise elimination approach was applied. Finally, statistical significance declared at the level of p value < 0.05. Result: The overall coverage of vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6–35 months for the survey included was 44.4 95% CI (40.15, 48.74). In the multivariable analysis, mothers who had four or more antenatal visits [AOR = 2.02 (95% CI: 1.34, 3.04)] were two times more likely to receive vitamin A capsules for their children than mothers who had no antenatal visits. Children from middle-wealth quintiles had higher odds of receiving vitamin A capsules in comparison to children from the poorest wealth quintile [AOR = 1.77 (95% CI: 1.14, 2.73)]. Older children had higher odds of receiving vitamin A capsules than the youngest ones. Other factors that were associated with vitamin A supplementation were mode of delivery and region. Conclusion: The coverage of vitamin A supplementation in Ethiopia remains low and it is strongly associated with antenatal visit, household wealth index and age of child. Expanding maternal health services like antenatal care visits should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the barriers and facilitators of maternal health care service use among women in the pastoralist region of Ethiopia. We used a mixed methods design—focus group discussions, key informant interviews, review of the literature and Participatory Ethnographic Evaluation Research (PEER) methods followed by a household survey among randomly chosen pastoralist women of reproductive age (n = 1,499). We used multi-variable regression analyses, and a p value ≤ 0.05 was set to determine statistical significance. In addition, we analysed qualitative data thematically and developed a causal loop diagram using dynamic synthesis methodology to analyse non-linearity, intricate relationships of the variable of interests. In this study, 20.6% of women used modern contraceptive methods, 44.6% had four or more antenatal visits and 38.4% of sampled women received skilled delivery services. We observed multiple individual and community related factors such as education, income and women's and their partner's knowledge, perceptions, husband approval, social norms and value-expectations and providers' gender preferences and health systems factors such as access to health facilities, place of living, provider's cultural competency skills, supplies, delivery positions, economic and political stability, and provider's attitude were linked to maternal health care services utilization among women in pastoralist regions. Approaches towards pastoralists' health care delivery systems should be responsive to their cultural and political ecology and human agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Woman-friendly care plays a crucial role to enhance maternal health service utilization particularly in settings wherever maternal health service utilization is low. However, it doesn't get appropriate attention in our country with low maternal health service utilization. Therefore, this aimed to assess the provision of women-friendly care and its associated factors among mothers attending antenatal care at Jimma public health institutions. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at Jimma public health institutions from December 1 to December 30, 2020. The sample size was calculated using the single population proportion formula and samples were taken after proportional allocation was done for the hospital and health centers using the proportion allocation formula. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1.1 and exported into statistical packages for Social Sciences version 21.0 for cleaning and further analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the association between women-friendly care and explanatory variables. The strength of association was evaluated using an odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval and a p -value less than (<) 0.05 was considered to declare significant associations. RESULTS: A total of 322 pregnant women were involved in this study and 19 questionnaires were incomplete giving a response rate of 94.1%. The proportion of women-friendly care was 60.1%[(95% CI); (55.1–66.1)]. Women-friendly care was significantly associated with marital status AOR = 2.7[(95%CI); (1.32–5.63)], residence AOR = 4.1[(95%CI); (1.97–8.6)], mode of delivery AOR = 0.18[(95%CI); (0.05–0.6)], and choice of the health care provider AOR = 16.5[(95%CI); (6.9–37.6)]. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The provision of women-friendly care in this study was lower than the World Health Organization focused antenatal care recommendation. Therefore, the provision of women-friendly care that reflects factors associated with it during the provision is recommended. Health professionals and other stakeholders should consider that women may refuse to seek care from a provider who "abuses" them or does not treat them well, even if the provider is skilled in preventing and managing complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Male involvement in family planning includes not only using contraceptives but also encouraging and supporting their partners' contraception needs and choices, encouraging peers to use family planning, and influencing policy to make male-related programs more conducive. In Ethiopia, the prevalence and associated factors of male involvement in family planning were highly inconsistent across studies. As a result, the goal of this study was to use a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: Electronic literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, HINAR, Scopus, and Web of Sciences were performed without time restriction to identify the primary studies. Data were extracted using a pretested standardized data extraction format and analyzed using STATA 14 statistical software. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of male involvement. Results: A total of 17 studies were included to give the pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning in Ethiopia, which was 39.66% (95% confidence interval = 29.86, 49.45). Educational status (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99, 95% confidence interval = 1.26, 3.14), discussion of family planning with wife (adjusted odds ratio = 4.15, 95% confidence interval = 2.21, 7.80), knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.26, 2.64), positive attitude about family planning (adjusted odds ratio = 2.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.70, 3.90), and approval of contraceptive use (adjusted odds ratio = 2.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.70, 3.90) were found to be significantly associated with involvement of men in family planning service. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of male involvement in family planning in Ethiopia was significantly low. Male involvement in family planning should be made available, accessible, and advocated for by government and non-governmental organizations, service providers, program planners, and stakeholders. In addition, to increase the role of men in the use of family planning services, a conducive environment for education, behavioral change, and open discussion about reproductive health issues is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with neglected and non-consented care during childbirth in public health facilities in Central Tigray, Ethiopia.Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey supplemented by a qualitative study was conducted from April to May 2020 among women giving birth. We included 415 participants and recruited via a systematic random sampling technique. To collect the data, a pre-tested, face-to-face exit interview using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used. Neglected and non-consented care and its outcomes (yes and no) were the dependent variables, and Socio-demographic data such as (age, educational level, region, and income), and other variables associated with compassionate and respective maternity care were the independent variables. We applied bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine predictors for non-consented and non-confidential care components of disrespect or abuse. The in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis.Results: Among the participants, 82.4% and 78.6% had neglected care and non-consented care among women giving birth respectively. No formal education level (AOR: 0.37, 95%, CI (0.18-0.78)) and primary education level (AOR: 0.18, 95%, CI (0.05-0.57))., mode of delivery (AOR 3.79, 95% CI 1.42-10.09), sex of skilled healthcare providers (AOR: 0.56, 95%, CI (0.34-0.93)), number of deliveries in a health Centre (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI (1.03-3.47)) predicted non-consented care, and history ANC (AOR: 8.10, 95% CI (1.33-49.51)), and federal government employee (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI (0.07-0.78)) predicted neglected care during childbirth. In-depth interview result shows the mode of delivery and sex of healthcare providers were factor associated with non-consented care and women's stay at health facilities were factor associated with neglected care.Conclusion: The level of neglected and non-consented care during delivery was high reflecting substantial mistreatment. Educational level, mode of delivery, sex of skilled healthcare providers, and the number of deliveries in a health Centre were associated with non-consented care, and history ANC and Federal Government employees were associated with neglected care during childbirth. These findings imply the urgent needs or intervention including strengthening of awareness of both patients and healthcare providers on patients' rights and responsibilities and training service providers in patient-centered care and interpersonal communication and relationships to minimize mistreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current data suggest that far more women around the world are exposed to abuse by health care providers while receiving maternity care. This predisposes them to psychological distress; abstain from accessing health facilities for care and end up with avoidable death and disability. Objective: To assess the level of respectful care during delivery among mothers giving birth in public health facilities in Ilu AbaBor, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019. Materials and methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 randomly selected mothers in the post-natal ward from 17 health facilities in 2019. Data were collected through interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 statistical and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed. Results: The proportion of respectful care during maternity care in health care institutions of Ilu Ababor zone was 47.3%. In the multivariable logistic regression; age (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08, 0.81), occupation (AOR 4.16: (1.34, 12.9)), planned pregnancy (AOR 0.28: (0.12, 0.67)), mode of delivery (AOR 0.05: (0.01, 0.33)), and receiving care from providers who had a compassionate and respectful care training (AOR 0.13: (0.06, 0.25)) were independent predictors of respectful care. Conclusions: The proportion of respectful care of the health institution in the Ilu Ababor zone was low compared to the other studies. Variables like; age, occupational status, pregnancy plan, mode of delivery, facing complications during labor and delivery, and taking compassionate and respectful care training were independent predictors of respectful maternity care. This study recommended that the responsible stakeholders should strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the practice and mainstreaming of respectful maternity care, give training for health professionals, and develop guidelines used to monitor, report, and track barriers to the practice of maternity care. Plain English Summary: Respect during maternity care advocates that females' experiences of delivering are a crucial part of service standard: autonomy, dignity, feelings, choices, and preferences must be valued. If a facility is not providing care properly, it affects utilization of maternity services and their satisfaction is also affected by the way they are treated. Two hundred eighty-one (281) post-natal women participated in this research, giving a 98.5% response rate. Most (34.2%) of mothers were in the age category of 25 to 29 years, attained at least primary education (40.9%) while most (87.2%) of them are married, housewives (32%) in occupation, Oromo (66.9%) in ethnicity with a monthly income of less than 1200 ETB (52.3%) and urban (51.2%) residents. In conclusion, the proportion of respectful care at the health institution of Ilu Ababor zone is 47.3%, which is low. Age, occupational status, pregnancy plan, mode of delivery, facing complications during labor and delivery, and taking respectful care training were independent predictors of respectful care at the health facilities. This study recommended that the responsible stakeholders should strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the practice and mainstreaming of respectful maternity care, give training for health professionals, and develop guidelines used to monitor, report, and track barriers to the practice of maternity care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low maternal healthcare service utilization contributes to poor maternal and newborn health outcomes in rural Ethiopia. 'Motivational factors influence women's intention to perform a specific health behavior, and the intention of subsequent home delivery and related risks that may contribute to women's death is less known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the intention of maternal health service utilization among women who gave birth at home in the rural Sehala Seyemit district.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1st to October 15th, 2020, among 653 women. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. First, a semi-structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire were used. The mean of the sum score was also used to categorize the intention as intended and not intended. Second, multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to identify factors associated with women's intention to use maternal health services. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval at a p-value of ≤ 0.05 were used to declare statistical association.Results: Of the women who gave birth at home the intention to use maternal health service was 62.3% (95% CI; 59, 66). Women's age of > 30 years (AOR = 6.04; 95%CI: 2.34, 15.60), short time to reach health facility (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.10), media exposure (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.65), history of obstetric danger signs (AOR = 4.60; 95% CI: 2.33, 9.10), positive subjective norms (AOR = 11.20; 95% CI; 6.77, 18.50) and last delivery assisted by traditional birth attendants (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.33) were factors associated with women's intention to use maternal health services.Conclusion: In this study, maternal health service utilization intention is still unsatisfactory compared to the national target plan. Maternal age, media exposure, obstetric danger signs, distance to a health facility, positive subjective norms, and delivery assistant at delivery were predictors of women's intention to use maternal healthcare services. Improving women's awareness of maternal healthcare services and developing strategies to increase women's access to mass media, skilled birth attendants, and transportation for rural women may enhance their intention to use maternal healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Antenatal care service satisfaction is a measure of the degree to which a woman seeking care is happy with the antenatal care service provided to her. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify factors that determine antenatal care service satisfaction among women in Ethiopia. Methods. PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for eligible studies. In addition, national university digital libraries were also searched. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the included articles. The Cochrane Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity among the included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. The extracted data were analyzed using STATA version 14 software and the results were presented using the forest plot. Results. Of the 274 articles identified through the systematic search of the literature, 13 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. First antenatal care visit (AOR: 0.62 and 95% CI: 0.40, 0.96), women waited <60 min (AOR: 1.87 and 95% CI: 1.40–2.50), women whose privacy was maintained (AOR: 3.91 and 95% CI: 1.97–7.77), women treated respectfully (AOR: 5.07 and 95% CI: 2.34–10.96), and unplanned pregnancies (AOR = 0.28 and 95% CI: 0.10–0.77) were significantly associated with antenatal care service satisfaction. Conclusion. The study assessed the determinants of antenatal care service satisfaction in Ethiopia. First antenatal care visit, waiting time (<60 min) to see the care provider, maintenance of privacy, respectful treatment, and pregnancy unplanned were found to be determinants of antenatal care service satisfaction. Counseling a woman to comply with a minimum required antenatal care visits and compassionate and respectful maternity care will increase maternal satisfaction with the antenatal care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The continuum of care for maternal and newborn health is a systematic approach for delivery of an integrated effective package of life-saving interventions throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum as well as across levels of service delivery to women and newborns. Nonetheless, in low-income countries, coverage of these interventions across the life cycle continuum is low. This study examined the predictors of utilization of maternal and newborn health care services along the continuum of care in Ethiopia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study. We measured maternal and newborn health care utilization practices among women who had live births in the last 12 months preceding the survey in Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Tigray regions of Ethiopia. We fitted multilevel random-effects logistic regression models to examine the predictors of the continuum of care accounting for the survey design, and individual, and contextual characteristics of the respondents. Results: Our analysis revealed that only one-fifth of women utilized maternal and newborn health services across the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum continuum; most women discontinued at the postpartum stage. Continued use of services varied significantly across wealth, model family, prenatal stay at maternity waiting homes, antenatal care in the first trimester, complete antenatal care service, and the administrative region at all antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum stages. Moreover, family conversation during pregnancy [AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.56–2.88], delivery by cesarean [AOR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.82–4.02] and birth notified to health extension workers [AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.56–2.43] were found to be predictors of the continuum of care at the postpartum stage. Conclusion: In Ethiopia, despite good access to antepartum care, compliance with continuity of care across the pathway decreased with significant inequitable distributions, the poorest segment of the population being at most disadvantage. The main modifiable program factors connected to the continued uptake of maternal health services include family conversation, pregnant women conference, complete antenatal care, antenatal care in the first trimester, and birth notification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infant antiretroviral prophylaxis has an important role in reduction of Human immune virus transmission from mother to child during the postpartum period. Male partner involvement was considered as a priority aforementioned area needs to be enhanced in Prevention of Mother-To Child Transmission (PMTCT). PMTCT service utilization can minimize the risk of the transmission of HIV from mother to child and related mortalities. Adequate utilization and adherence to this service has been challenging for some of the women if their partners are not aware or do partners do not support the women. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and determinants of male involvement in PMTCT service in Ethiopia. Methods and materials: We had conducted an extensive search of literature as indicated in the guideline of reporting systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). We had used PubMed, Google Scholar, and cross reference for searching articles. We had used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for critical appraisal of studies. Met-analysis and meta-regression were computed to present the pooled prevalence and determinants of male partner involvement with a 95% confidence interval using Revman. Results: Among a total of 338 studies, 11 studies were included in this analysis. The estimated pooled magnitude of male partner involvement was 40% (95% CI: 29.11–50.69). Knowledge of husband on PMTCT (2.30, 95% CI 1.75, 3.02), perceived responsibility for the women (4.22, 95% CI 2.31, 7.71), being government employee (2.89, 95% CI 2.02, 4.12), cultural barriers (3.44, 95% CI 2.54, 4.65) and educational status of husband (2.4, 95% CI 1.79, 3.50) were the determinants of pooled estimates of male partner involvement in PMTCT activities. Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of male partner involvement was lower than the study conducted in sub Saharan Africa. Knowledge of husband on PMTCT, perceived responsibility for women, occupational status, cultural barriers and educational status of husband were determinants of male partner involvement. Therefore, the existing strategies to improve male involvement should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternity waiting home (MWH) is a direct strategy to improve newborn and maternal survival. The utilization of MWH, however, remains very low in Ethiopia. Men involvement in maternal health programs is a key strategy to increase utilization of maternal health services, including MWH. This study defines men involvement in-terms of men's participation in deciding to admit their spouse to an MWH, accompanying their spouse to an MWH, providing financial support, availing food at an MWH, and taking care of the home or children. Thus, the current study aims to identify factors affecting men's involvement in MWH utilization. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1st to December 30th, 2018. Four hundred three men were involved in the study. Data were analyzed by the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23. Independent predictors were identified by a multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Men's involvement in MWH was 55.6% (50.71, 60.45). Age (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.82–0.94), knowledge about MWH (AOR = 4.74, 95% CI = 2.65–8.49), decision-making power (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.38–11.57), and receiving counseling about MWH during spousal antenatal care visits (AOR = 9.15, 95% CI = 3.34–25.03) had statistically significant associations with men's involvement in MWH utilization. Conclusions: Nearly, half of the male partners were involved in MWH utilization. Men's age, MWH knowledge, decision-making power, and receiving counseling were factors affecting their involvement in MWH utilization. Interventions targeting to improve male involvement in MWH utilization should focus on building men's knowledge about MWH, increasing male involvement in ANC with an appropriate level of counseling about MWH, and changing patriarchal thinking in society with appropriate behavioral interventions such as community-based health education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]