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IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected the provision of and demand for routine health services in the world. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary maternal and child health (MCH) services in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThe studies searched original studies reporting on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary MCH services. Four scientific databases (Pubmed, AJOL, CAIRN, CINAHL) and one gray literature database (Google Scholar) were used for this search. We also searched through the snowball citation approach and study reference lists.ResultsThe influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary MCH services has been mixed in sub-Saharan Africa. Attendance at some health centers declined for antenatal care, deliveries, immunization, and pneumonia cases. Other health centers did not experience a significant influence of the pandemic on some of these services. In fact, antenatal care increased in a number of health centers. MCH service indicators which declined during COVID-19 were linked on the demand side to regulatory measures against COVID-19, the perceived unavailability of resources for routine services, the perceived negative attitude of staff in these facilities, the perceived transmission risk in primary health care facilities and the perceived anticipated stigma. On the supply side, factors included the lack of equipment in primary facilities, the lack of guidelines for providing care in the pandemic context, the regulatory measures against COVID-19 taken in these facilities, and the lack of motivation of providers working in these facilities.ConclusionThis study recommends prioritizing the improvement of infection prevention measures in primary health care facilities for resilience of MCH indicators to epidemic crises. Improvement efforts should be tailored to the disparities in preventive measures between health centers. The identification of best practices from more resilient health centers could better guide these efforts.

IntroductionGlobally, 600,000 mothers (15-49 years) die every year due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Wide variations are seen in cultural practices and beliefs surrounding this period of a woman's life. The present study explores the cultural beliefs and practices of women and families during pregnancy and the postnatal period in order to understand what behavioral management strategies are required to improve maternal and infant outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.MethodsThe study was conducted in a rural area of Punjab, from December 2019 to March 2021. A total of 20 women (up to 3 months postpartum, age >18 years, were interviewed.ResultsIn general, women described eating varied and fairly healthy diets during pregnancy, especially nutritious warm food, following traditional practices. Other cultural practices included restrictions on movement and mobile phone use and the use of unsafe home remedies to promote infant safety and wellbeing, such as using gripe water, applying black pencil to the baby's eyes, and feeding the baby honey. A few were not inclined to engage with these and other cultural expectations, preferring instead to follow contemporary practices influenced by social media. These practices included being accompanied by a family member during delivery, celebrating the baby's birth regardless of sex, and early bathing post-delivery.DiscussionIt can be concluded that while many traditional practices are still followed in India, there are new beliefs and behaviors arising from an intersection between culture and technology. Developing strategies that acknowledge older beliefs and modern approaches is essential to promoting better antenatal and postpartum care.

Introduction: The use of contraceptive methods is very low in Guinea, particularly among adolescents and young people. The purpose of this study is to analyze the experiences and expectations of adolescents and young people regarding the use of contraceptive methods in 2019 in Conakry, Guinea.Methods: We conducted a 6-month qualitative and descriptive study. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with adolescents and young people, health providers and health policy makers. Two approaches of deductive and inductive analysis were used to synthesize the main insights from the data.Findings: Twenty-six participants were included in this study. Adolescents and young people have personal, family and community experiences that positively or negatively influence their contraceptive needs and preferences. Positive experiences include the relative cost of injectable forms, perceived absence of side effects of implants, proven efficacy and duration of action of the modern method used (implants and injectable form). Negative experiences included cost of implants remain high (15 Euros), perceived side effects including weight gain, pill compliance, method indiscretion, and low sensation of sexual pleasure for the condom. The preferences of the young participants were dominated by Implants and injectable forms that better meet their contraceptive needs. In terms of needs, the expectations expressed revolved around needs related to the health system, including sex education, reduction in the cost of some contraceptives (implants), availability of contraceptive methods, and equity in the provision of family planning services to adolescents and young people.Conclusion: Exploring the contraceptive experiences, needs and preferences of adolescents and young people reveals decision-making dilemmas. Adolescents and young people expressed their experiences in terms of the cost of preferred contraceptives (implants), side effects, proven efficacy, and duration of action. However, their decisions are still influenced by availability, equity in service delivery, and the involvement of parents and religious leaders in sex education. Decision-makers should then place particular emphasis on improving health service delivery, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, availability of preferred contraceptive methods at affordable cost, and a program on sexuality education with the involvement of parents and religious leaders and the promotion of condom use.