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Background: The provision of health information via whatsapp media can increase knowledge about pregnancy health. Furthermore, good knowledge can lead to awareness, which would eventually cause a pregnant woman to behave in accordance with their knowledge. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Whats-App reminder messages on pregnant women′ knowledge and behavior regarding antenatal health. Design: Quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Setting: It was conducted at Antenatal Clinics in Women Health Hospital, Assiut University. Sample: purposive sample of 100 pregnant women. Tools: Three tools were used in this study (1) structured interviewing questionnaire, (2) knowledge assessment tool, (3) healthy behaviors assessment tool. Results: There is highly statistical significance difference between pre &posttest regarding total knowledge about antenatal health and the healthy behaviors of studied women with p-value 0.001. Conclusion: There was an improvement in the knowledge regarding antenatal health and adherence to healthy behaviors of pregnant women after health promotion by whatsapp reminder messages. Recommendations: Health facilities should start utilizing whatsApp reminder as a policy to promote adherence of pregnant women with the healthy behaviors.

Background: To decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality, it is important to increase awareness about neonatal jaundice in high-risk primigravidas and develop a practical approach toward this. This study aimed to examine the effect of antenatal sessions on postnatal knowledge and practices regarding neonatal jaundice among high-risk primigravidas. Study design: A quasi-experimental, comparative study was utilized. Setting: The study was performed at Antenatal Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecological Specialty Center at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. Subjects: The study included a purposive sample of 122 high-risk primigravid women. Tools: Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and women reported knowledge and practices regarding neonatal jaundice. Results: The mean knowledge and postnatal practice scores were significantly increased in the study group and decreased in the control group. Conclusion: Holding antenatal sessions about neonatal jaundice for high-risk primigravidas were effective in instilling satisfactory knowledge and adequate practical skills about postnatal care for babies exhibiting neonatal jaundice. Recommendations: Maternity, pediatric, and community nurses should be encouraged to take an active role in conducting antenatal sessions suitable for high-risk primigravidas regarding neonatal health problems.

The study examined the behavioural pattern of pregnant mothers towards antenatal clinics and its implications on their nutritional knowledge. The study adopted descriptive cross sectional study with a target population of pregnant women in the some selected villages in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The sample size of the study comprised 200 pregnant women attending their normal antenatal cares clinics in the sixty-six (66) primary health care centres in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. To ensure the validity of the instrument, the questionnaire was being giving to the women during their antenatal visit in the hospitals and lectures in the department of Food Sciences and Technology for scrutiny and suggestions, correction and amendment. The data obtained from the sampled respondents through the use of structured questionnaire were analyzed using frequency, percentage, cumulative percentage, mean and standard deviation. The result of the findings indicated that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that the most observable negative implications of pregnant mothers’ behavioural pattern towards antenatal cares clinic on their nutritional knowledge is that it increases the potential health risks during and after pregnancy while lesser number of the respondents strongly believed that the negative implications could be a reduction in the intake of nutrient capable of preventing anemia in the mother and lacks knowledge on the relevance of balanced diets during pregnancy. Therefore, it was recommended that the relationship existing between pregnant mothers and personnel of antenatal clinics should be made more cordial through increased awareness especially to pregnant mothers on the roles of antenatal cares clinics in ensuring the development of fetus and ensuring good maternal health. This will reduce the nonchalant attitude existed by pregnant mothers in seeking available antenatal care.

Herbal medicines have been used for disease prevention and treatment for both humans and animals worldwide. The present study was designed to determine the herbs used during pregnancy in Jos and to evaluate attitudes of pregnant women. The survey was carried out in antenatal clinics. Information was obtained from pregnant women (17-60 years) through both informal, unstructured conversations and the use of structured questionnaire. Botanical data were focused on the name and part of the herbs or plant used during pregnancy including herbs, herbal preparations and finished products having medicinal properties. In total, 300 pregnant women were enrolled for this study. The respondents were farmers (33.3 %), housewives (26.7%) and students (23.3 %). The most commonly used herbs were, garlic (16.7 %), pawpaw (13.6 %), ginger (13.0 %) and Moringa (8.0 %). Among the parts, bulb was the most used (16.7 %) followed by fruits (14 %). The most common reasons for the use were: herbal medicine is more effective than conventional medicine for some medications (20 %) and more easily accessed than conventional medicine (20 %). Most of the women were advised by family (31.3 %) and believed herbs had fewer side effects. The findings revealed their knowledge on medicinal plants. The women used one or more herbal medicine during pregnancy. Keywords: Pregnant women; Herbal medicine; Medicinal plants; Jos; Nigeria

Aim: To determine the level, sources of awareness, ownership and utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by pregnant women, according to age, parity, trimester, occupation and hospital attended. Study Design: The study was a cross sectional survey of 577 randomly selected pregnant women who were attending antenatal clinic in different hospitals in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. Duration of Study: The study was conducted in February 2016. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants. Results: Of a total of 577 respondents, 566(98.1%) had previous knowledge of ITNs while only 11(1.9%) had no prior knowledge. Also, 218(38.5%) had heard about ITNs from Radio, 184(32.5%) from Television, while 374(66.1%) from Antenatal clinics. A total of 217(46.2%) obtained at least one net at antenatal clinic, 39(8.3%) purchased at least one of the ITNs owned, 49(10.4%) received the net at their Local Government Headquarters while 263(66.9%) received at least one by free distribution at other locations. Respondents from government owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) had the highest ownership rate of 92.7%, while least 65.0% was observed at the privately owned Divine Hospital and Maternity. The ownership of ITNs was dependent on the hospital as there was a significant difference (X2=56.374, df=2, p < .05). Age group 25–34 years had the highest ownership rate of 87.1% while the least 72.8% was in age group 15–24 years. Women in age group 35–44 years had the highest utilization rate of 52.3% while least usage rate was in age group 15-24 years and there was a significant difference (X2=7.042, df=2, p < .05). Conclusion: Public health educators, Doctors and Antenatal heads need to do more in sensitization on the importance of utilization of ITNs during pregnancy for protection against malaria vectors.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has assumed a global health concern since the first case was recorded in Wuhan community China in December 2019. The objective of this paper is to report the level of practice of safety precautions against COVID 19 among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinics in Central Hospital Benin, Benin City in Nigeria. A self- administered questionnaire on the level of practice of safety precautions against covid19 infection was administered to a total of 420 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in central Hospital Benin City for Data collection. The results showed that two hundred and four (48.6%) of the respondents reported that they have recently avoided crowded places. Three hundred and seventy two (88.6%) reported recently wearing mask whenever they left home. Three hundred and twenty four (77.1%) of the respondents had good practice of safety precautions against COVID19. The study showed a good practice of safety precautions against COVID19 and this was influenced by the women’s level of education, occupation and knowledge of COVID-19. However, there is still the need to improve the knowledge of the women attending antenatal clinic regarding COVID-19 through health education seminars. Also up scaling the practice of safety precautions could be done through such health education seminars. Keywords: Pregnant women, Practice, Safety precaution, covid-19

Background: There are no known effective vaccines or drugs for curing the corona 19 virus infection as at present knowlede. This leaves the world with mainly controlling the source of infection and cutting off the transmission route through preventive measures to contain the pandemic. These entail active participation of people, high level of discipline and strict and meticulous adoption of preventive measures. Since it is known that knowledge, precautionary behavior and active social participation of the public are important to control the pandemic, this study sets out to evaluate these in the antenatal population in Ebonyi State. Objective: To evaluate the Knowledge, attitude and practice of the respondents to the corona virus 19 infection and its prevention. Methods: A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was administered to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the chosen Mission hospitals and the only tertiary health institution that offer antenatal care to the bulk of antenatal population in the state. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2016. Result: The participants had very good knowledge of corona virus 19 infection and its prevention but there were some gaps and misconceptions in knowledge and some of their attitudes and perceptions that raised concerns. Their practice of corona virus 19 preventive measures was poor despite their good knowledge. Conclusion: There is need to fashion out programs and policies that will address the gaps and concerns unearthed in the study to enhance the protection of this vulnerable study population and the general public.

Background: Lumbopelvic pain is a substantial problem and can have a significanteffect on the pregnant women's daily activities. Aim: Evaluate the effect of an educationalsession regarding sitting pelvic tilt exercise on pregnant women's knowledge and intensityof lumbopelvic pain. Subjects and Method: A quasi-experimental research designconducted on 70 pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain who chosen by a purposivesample. Setting: Antenatal Clinics at Obstetrics and Gynecology Center in MansouraUniversity Hospital in Egypt. Tools of data collection: There were three tools for datacollection: Tool I: Structured Interview Schedule. Tool II: Structured KnowledgeQuestionnaire. Tool III: Numeric Rating Scale. Results: There were highly statisticallysignificant differences between the pregnant women's knowledge pre, immediate and after 2weeks of intervention (P< 0.001). Also, there were highly statistically significantdifferences between the intensity of lumbopelvic pain pre and post intervention (P< 0.001).Conclusion: The study hypotheses were accepted which indicated that the educationalsession had significant effects in improving the pregnant women's knowledge regardingsitting pelvic tilt exercise and reducing the intensity of lumbopelvic pain.Recommendation: The present study findings recommended that, distribution of a designedbrochure about the sitting pelvic tilt exercise for all pregnant women who attended theantenatal clinics as a part of the routine antenatal care.

Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke among pregnant women is highly prevalent in India. Secondhand smoke exposure is linked with various serious deleterious health problems. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and behavior related to secondhand smoke exposure among pregnant women with smoking husbands in Davangere city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 245 nonsmoking pregnant women with smoking husbands attending two antenatal clinics in Davanagere city using pretested, validated, investigator-administered closed-ended 18 item questionnaire. Responses to items were placed on a 3-point Likert scale. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated in terms of percentages. Results: The mean age of study participants was 26.22 ± 4.11 years. Majority of pregnant women were unaware of secondhand smoke exposure (>60%). They were unaware of its systemic complications such as cardiac problems, respiratory problems, and cancer. They were unaware of the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) on fetus/child (>60%) which indicated poor knowledge of participants toward harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure majority of participants showed favorable attitude (>50%) and felt the need to get educated regarding SHS. Majority reported positive behavior by refraining themselves from secondhand smoke (>50%). Conclusions: Knowledge regarding secondhand smoke exposure among pregnant women with smoking husbands was poor. Inspite of having favorable attitude and behavior toward avoidance of smoke exposure, majority of women felt helpless in refraining their husbands from smoking.

Utilization of health care facilities for child delivery is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, but less than half of mothers use these for child delivery in Nigeria. This study investigated the factors associated with facility delivery in Nigeria, and their variation between the Northern and Southern parts of the country – two regions with distinct socio-cultural make-ups. The study included 33,924 mothers aged 15–49 who had given birth in the last 5 years preceding the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Overall, higher age, being educated, being a Christian, being an urban resident, being exposed to mass media, making joint decisions with partner on health care, beginning antenatal visits in the first trimester and attending antenatal clinics frequently were found to be associated with improved use of a health care facility for child delivery. An average mother in Northern Nigeria had a 38% chance of having a facility-based delivery, whereas the likelihood in the South was 76%. When other factors were adjusted for, age and listening to the radio were significant predictors of facility-based delivery in the South but not in the North. In the North, Christians were more likely than Muslims to have a facility-based delivery, but the reverse was true in the South. Rural women in the South had a 16% greater chance of having a facility-based delivery than urban women in the North. The study results suggest that there is inequality in access to health care facilities in Nigeria, and the differences in the socio-cultural make-up of the two regions suggest that uniform intervention programmes may not yield similar results across the regions. The findings give credence to, and expand on, the Cosmopolitan-Success and Conservative-Failure Hypothesis.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of Urinary tract infection (UTI) and the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated uropathogens in pregnant females among middle socioeconomic settings. Study Design: Retrospective Cross Sectional study. Setting: Jinnah Medical College Hospital Karachi. Period: From Jan 2017 to Dec 2017. Material & Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in Jinnah Medical College Hospital (JMCH) Karachi after taking ethical review board approval. All the pregnant women who were registered in antenatal clinics from January 2017 to December 2017 was included. Data was taken from medical record department and information about age, parity, gravida, miscarriages, microorganisms of the urine samples and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was noted. Results: Five hundred and sixty-four pregnant women of age 17-44 years were registered in the hospital in antenatal clinics during the year 2017. Out of 564 females, 48 (8.50%) presented with urinary tract infection some time during their pregnancy period. Majority of patients (54.2%) were infected with Escherichia coli (E coli), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (16.77%), Pseudomonas spp. (12.5%), Enterococcus spp. (8.3%) and Staphylococus aureus (8.3%). These etiologic agents vary in their sensitivity pattern to antibiotics. Piperacillin-tazobactam had the highest overall sensitivity of (89.6%). This was followed by Meropenem (87.5%), Nitrofurantoin (87.5%) and Fosfomycin (81.3%). Cefixime, Cefotaxime and Amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid had overall sensitivities above 50%. Conclusion: E coli was the common organisms followed by others gram negative and positive organisms. Enteroococus spp. was also a significant bacterial isolates in this settings. Meropenem, Piperacillin-tazobactam, Nitrofurantoin, Fosfomycin were the highly effective antibiotics against isolated uropathogens. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and Cephalosporin also had a good results.

Dental health is an important aspect of health. Further, teeth related dilemmas are common in pregnancy and thus have influences on the growing fetus. The study was conducted to assess awareness and practices regarding dental health among pregnant women, who attended the antenatal clinic at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka in 2018. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of randomly selected 150 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic, by using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Knowledge and practices scores were developed based on the maximum and minimum marks allocated for each section. Pearson Chi-square test was performed to determine the associations. Of the participants, 70% (n=105) were aware regarding the fact that hormonal imbalances during pregnancy may affect their dental health. However, only 21.3% (n=32) had awareness regarding the fact that frequent vomiting during pregnancy period is a risk factor for dental erosion. Further, 56.7% (n=85) of the participants were knowledgeable regarding the influence of mother's dental health on their growing fetus. Most frequent source of knowledge regarding the importance of dental health during pregnancy was the family doctor (40%, n=60) in participants, 54% (n=81) had good knowledge regarding dental health during pregnancy. Regarding overall level of dental care practices, only 33.3% (n=50) had good dental care practices. Age (p=0.02), level of education (p=0.01) and monthly income (p=0.01) showed a significant association with dental care knowledge while, the level of education (p=0.01) showed significant association with dental care practices among participants. Although more than half of the participants had good knowledge regarding dental health, less than one fourth of individuals were following proper dental practices. This study emphasizes the importance of conducting health education programmes to reduce the knowledge practice gap and to highlight the importance of dental care practices during pregnancy for better health outcome towards mother and baby. Keywords: Awareness, Practice, Dental health, Pregnant women, Patriarchy

Peace Uwambaye,1 Cyprien Munyanshongore,2 Michael Kerr,3 Harlan Shiau,4 Gerard Nyiringango,5 Stephen Rulisa6 1Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; 2Department of Community Health, University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kigali, Rwanda; 3Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; 4Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, Division of Periodontics, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA; 5Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda; 6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, RwandaCorrespondence: Peace UwambayeDepartment of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, RwandaTel +250788505856Email upeace1602@gmail.comIntroduction: Oral health is considered an important component of general health; the mouth cannot be considered in isolation from the rest of the body. Studies indicate an association between periodontitis and preterm and lowbirth weight outcomes. One of the opportunities to improve the oral health care of pregnant women during antenatal care consultations is through collaboration with nurses and midwives. It can be of importance if nurses/midwives are equipped with the right knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health. Therefore, this study assessed the existing knowledge, attitude and practices of nurse/midwives working in antenatal clinics in 12 selected health facilities in the Southern Province of Rwanda on periodontal diseases.Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 79 nurses and midwives working at antenatal care clinics and maternity wards. An ANOVA test was used to compare knowledge, attitude and practices mean scores of nurses/midwives about periodontal diseases and their management. A correlation test was also used to ascertain the relationship among knowledge, attitude, practices and other continuous variables.Results: The average age of nurses/midwives was M=33.57, SD=6.1. Nurses had limited knowledge about oral health of pregnant women and had some misunderstandings about oral health, although they had good attitudes. Age, length of service as a nurse or midwife and length of service in antenatal care had no effect on the knowledge, practice and attitude scores of the nurses/midwives. The ANOVA test did not find any significant difference in means for knowledge, attitude, practice and education level (p=0.69, 0.93, 0.27), respectively.Conclusion: Although nurses/midwives have good attitude regarding the management of periodontal diseases of pregnant women, their knowledge is insufficient and it is highly recommended that oral diseases can be included in their curriculum so that they can be in the best position to advise/screen for periodontal diseases during pregnancy.Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, oral health, pregnancy

Pregnant women face many challenges during the pregnancy period. They need quality, reliable and easily accessible information in order to face the challenges. The aim of this study was to identify the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Jaffna teaching hospital. The descriptive survey research strategy was used in the study. The data was collected by using intervieweradministered questionnaire. A sample of four hundred pregnant women was selected from the pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Jaffna teaching hospital using a systematic sampling technique. Collected data from the questionnaires were analyzed using quantitative techniques in SPSS software. Correspondence analysis was performed to find out the association between the information sources that pregnant mothers used and other study variables. Majority of the pregnant women (61%) searched for information either always or often. Family members and friends were the main sources of information used by the greatest number of pregnant women (63%). It was followed by public health midwives (61%) and doctors (49%). Internet was also identified as one of the sources of information used by 29% of the participants. Participants showed less interest in mass media, books and journals. The most needed types of information were pregnancy complications (55.8%), delivery complications (54%), methods of child delivery (52%) and special tests required during pregnancy (48%). The least important type of information was exercise during pregnancy. Unavailability of information was the most restricting barrier in accessing information.

Background One of the congenital central nervous system malformations with great impact on the mental and psychosocial development of children is congenital hydrocephalus and it happens to be one of the most common. A large vacuum exists between knowledge on maternal environmental risk factors associated with congenital hydrocephalus, most especially in our rural community which consists of a large segment of our society. Our study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of mothers on factors existing in the maternal environment that potentially puts an increased risk of developing congenital hydrocephalus. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study design spanning a period of 8 months (March 2018–October 2018), in which the knowledge and perception of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus among mothers attending antenatal clinic in Irrua specialist teaching hospital, a rural tertiary hospital in Irrua, Edo state, Nigeria, were assessed using a random sampling technique. Interviewer-administered questionnaires (reviewed and validated) were used. The data collected were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results The findings showed varying levels of knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus. Less than half (44.0%) of the respondents had poor knowledge, 34.5% had fair knowledge, and 21.6% had good knowledge. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus and respondents’ knowledge of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus. Most (52.6%) had good perception of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus, while 23.3% had poor perception. Conclusion This study revealed a fairly good knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus and its risk factors among mothers, most especially those with a good level of education.

Background In Thailand, maternal complications and poor neonatal outcomes are common in pregnant adolescents. There are attempts to improve outcomes for this group through specialised antenatal clinics, however, neither the way in which these clinics are provided nor the attitudes of healthcare professionals to pregnant adolescents are known. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of healthcare professionals in caring for pregnant adolescent women in Thailand. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare professionals involved in caring for pregnant adolescents across three public hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand. All interviews were analysed thematically. Results The core concept ‘recognising the challenges of providing care for young Thai pregnant women’ explained the provision of care. This concept contained three main themes: 1) having an awareness of the political and societal contexts and environment of care; 2) being aware of attitudes and the need to develop psychosocial skills in caring for adolescent women; and 3) having different approaches to caring for pregnant adolescents. A lack of continuity of care was a significant barrier in terms of structure and process. Effective communication was important to provide quality care. Conclusion Healthcare professionals recognised that there were barriers to providing effective care for adolescent women. These findings may inform healthcare professionals and policymakers in Thailand in relation to the systems of care required and addressing the needs of pregnant adolescents. This would enable Thailand to meet the goal in providing a positive pregnancy experience for all women.

There are significant variations in PMTCT programme implementation in the country. Biennial serosentinel survey among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics provides estimates of HIV and for monitoring the epidemic. The objective of this work was to compare HIV prevalence trend using National ANC HSS data and PMTCT programme data in Gombe state over the last 10 years. Methodology: Cross-sectional comparative study. The HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Gombe State obtained from Gombe State PMTCT programme data from 2004-2014 was compared with the National Biennial sentinel survey for HIV in pregnant women attending ANC in the state over the same period. Results: Women tested for HIV during ANC in Gombe state increased from 4689 in 2004 to 74,737 in 2014. 447,732 women were cumulatively tested for HIV with a positivity rate of 2.1% (9543). ANC HIV positivity rates from PMTCT programme data witnessed a decline from 8.2% (385/4689) in 2004 to 0.6% (497/74,737) in 2014. Conversely, the National biennial HIV sero-prevalence sentinel survey reports for Gombe state in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 were 4.9%, 4.4%, 4.0%, 4.2%, 4.1% and 3.4% respectively. The state PMTCT data showed a significant decline in HIV positivity rates among women, paralleled by increased testing, whereas the national sero-prevalence survey averaged 4.2%. Conclusion: While routine yearly Gombe state PMTCT programme data showed a declining HIV trend, biennially conducted seroprevalence in the state was consistent over the period. Implications are unclear to us; accurate estimation of HIV prevalence is a prerequisite for planning.

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are the second most common cause of healthy life years lost by women in the 15 – 44 years age group in Africa. Aim/Objective: To determine the prevalence of STIs among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) clinics in the West Coast Region of The Gambia. Materials and Methods: Blood, urine, and high vaginal swabs samples from 280 pregnant women attending ANC in Brika- ma District Hospital, Brikama, and Bandung Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Bandung were examined. Serum samples were tested for HIV using western blot technique and for syphilis using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, and rapid plasma regimen. Candida albicans, Group B Streptococcus and Neisseria gonorrhoea were identified using Analytical Profile Index (API). Direct urine microscopy was used to identify C. albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis while Chlamydia trachomatis was identified using Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test. Results: The overall prevalence of STIs was 53.6%. The pathogenic agents isolated were Candida albicans (31.8%), Strep- tococcus agalactiae (15.0%), Treponema pallidum (6.8%), HIV (5.7%), Trichomonas vaginalis (3.9%), Neisseria gonorrhoea (1.8%) and Chlamydia trachomatis (0.7%). STIs were more prevalent among women in the younger age group of 15 – 24 years (54.7%), unemployed (54.0%), Primipara (62.3%), and in the third trimester of pregnancy (72.7%). Conclusion: A high prevalence of STIs was found among pregnant women attending ANC in the West Coast region of The Gambia. Public health intervention programmes should be strengthened to promote the sexual and reproductive health of pregnant women in The Gambia. Keywords: Sexually transmitted infections; pregnant women; antenatal clinics; The Gambia.

IntroductionHIV prevalence estimates is a key indicator to inform the coverage and effectiveness of HIV prevention measures. Many countries including Kenya transitioned from sentinel surveillance to the use of routine antenatal care data to estimate the burden of HIV. Countries in Sub Saharan Africa reported several challenges of this transition, including low uptake of HIV testing and sub national / site-level differences in HIV prevalence estimates.MethodsWe examine routine data from Kwale County, Kenya, for the period January 2015 to December 2019 and predict HIV prevalence among women attending antenatal care (ANC) at 100% HIV status ascertainment. We estimate the bias in HIV prevalence estimates as a result of imperfect uptake of HIV testing and make recommendations to improve the utility of ANC routine data for HIV surveillance. We used a generalized estimating equation with binomial distribution to model the observed HIV prevalence as explained by HIV status ascertainment and region (Sub County). We then used marginal standardization to predict the HIV prevalence at 100% HIV status ascertainment.ResultsHIV testing at ANC was at 91.3%, slightly above the global target of 90%. If there was 100% HIV status ascertainment at ANC, the HIV prevalence would be 2.7% (95% CI 2.3-3.2). This was 0.3% lower than the observed prevalence. Similar trends were observed with yearly predictions except for 2018 where the HIV prevalence was underestimated with an absolute bias of -0.2%. This implies missed opportunities for identifying new HIV infections in the year 2018.ConclusionsImperfect HIV status ascertainment at ANC overestimates HIV prevalence among women attending ANC in Kwale County. However, the use of ANC routine data may underestimate the true population prevalence. There is need to address both community level and health facility level barriers to the uptake of ANC services.Key questionsWhat is already known?▪HIV surveillance estimates from antenatal clinics (ANC) can serve as a useful proxy for HIV prevalence trends in the general female population.▪Kenya has conducted multiple studies which have shown that national HIV prevalence estimates from sentinel surveillance and those from routine program data to be similar.▪However, these studies have also revealed ongoing challenges to the suitability of using routine data as compared to sentinel surveillance including sub optimal uptake of HIV testing and sub national/ site-level differences in HIV prevalence estimates.What are the new findings?▪HIV positive pregnant women are more likely to be tested at ANC as compared to HIV negative women, leading to higher HIV prevalence estimates among women attending ANC.▪Health facility level HIV prevalence estimates are lower than that of the general population.What do the new findings imply?▪HIV positive women are underrepresented in antenatal clinics.▪In Kwale County (and similar contexts), use of routine ANC data is still not a reliable method to estimate HIV prevalence, both at facility and community level.

PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the relationship between domestic violence against women, adaptation to pregnancy, and maternal-fetal antenatal attachment. DESIGN AND METHODS The study consisted of 385 pregnant women who were referred to the antenatal clinics of a public hospital in eastern Turkey. The data were collected using the Domestic Violence against Women Scale (DVAWS), the Maternal-Fetal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), and the Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (PSEQ) to assess adaptation to pregnancy. FINDINGS Pregnant women were exposed to low level of violence (Mean ± SD: 64.42 ± 5.30). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between their DVAWS and PSEQ mean scores. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between their DVAWS and MAAS mean scores. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Findings show that as domestic violence against women increased, adaptation to pregnancy decreased and maternal-fetal attachment increased.

In the current COVID-19 pandemic, a move towards virtual appointments has been vital. This article discusses the implementation of virtual antenatal clinics and the associated challenges

Objective This study was done to determine the patterns of Candida spp. causing vaginitis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antennal clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania. Results A total of 197 (65.6%) out of 300 non-repetitive swabs had positive growth of Candida spp. Candida albicans 125 (63.4%) was the most predominant isolated specie followed by C. tropicalis 35 (17.8%) and C. glabrata 33 (16.8%). Laboratory confirmed candida vaginitis was independently predicted by douching practices (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–7.5 P = 0.007), history of antibiotics use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.02–3.0, P = 0.04) and low social economic status (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.1–3.7 P = 0.02). About two-third of pregnant women with clinical features of vaginitis attending antenatal clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania were confirmed to have Candida vaginitis mainly caused by Candida albicans.

BACKGROUND:The use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)-based asthma management during pregnancy can significantly reduce asthma exacerbations in non-smoking pregnant women. The feasibility of implementing this strategy into antenatal care has not been explored. AIMS:To examine the feasibility of implementing FeNO-based asthma management into antenatal clinics in New South Wales (NSW) Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Semi-structured face-to-face interviews with video elicitation were conducted with healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing antenatal care in one of two hospital-based antenatal clinics in NSW, Australia. The video shown demonstrated the use of the FeNO instrument and other aspects of the management strategy, in antenatal care. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS:A total of 20 interviews were conducted with 15 midwives, four obstetricians, and one general practitioner. Two main themes and ten sub-themes arose: Getting a number (sub-themes: engaging, technically easy, objective, predictive, reassuring); and Resourcing (sub-themes: time and timing, systems, staff, education and cost). Comments included: 'It's easy, fast and effective' and 'the main barrier is time'. All HCPs felt capable of facilitating the FeNO-based management strategy, with appropriate education, and were willing to undertake this strategy, saying: '…it would be perfectly acceptable for a midwife or doctor to do it'; also, 'they don't necessarily need to see a physician, it's something that midwives would take on generally…'. CONCLUSION:Participants in this study considered FeNO-based asthma management for pregnant women to be a feasible addition to antenatal care following appropriate provision of resources and education.

BackgroundShort interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) are associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. However, few studies have explored women’s understanding of ideal IPIs or investigated knowledge of the consequences of short IPIs.MethodsWe performed a prospective questionnaire-based study at two hospitals in Sydney, Australia. We recruited women attending antenatal clinics and collected demographic data, actual IPI, ideal IPI, contraceptive use, and education provided on birth-spacing and contraception following a previous live birth. We explored associations between an IPI ResultsData were collected from 467 women, of whom 344 were pregnant following a live birth. Overall, 72 (20.9%) women had an IPI ConclusionsYounger age and non-use of LARC are significantly associated with IPIs

Background. Women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists belong to the professional group that is the most susceptible to the multifactorial effects of harmful occupational factors. The aim of the study is to assess the occupational risks for development of reproductive disorders among women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists. Material and methods. The professional risk assessment was carried out on the basis of a comprehensive hygienic assessment of working conditions. Results. It has been established that factors of biological, psychophysiological and chemical (in stationary conditions) nature made a significant contribution to the formation of harmful working conditions in working places of women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists (class 3.2 – in the antenatal clinics, class 3.3 – in the obstetric-gynecological hospitals). Conclusion. The working conditions of women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists determine the «average» and «high» degree of risk for reproductive health disorders that requires the development of a set of appropriate preventive measures.

Diabetes is an increasingly common condition observed in antenatal clinics. It describes not only those women with pre-existing diabetes, but also a significant number of women who develop diabetes during their pregnancy (gestational diabetes), which may resolves postnatally. These high-risk pregnancies are known to be associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal complications and require specialist care. This happy time in a woman's life can also be one of anxiety and concern over their baby's health. Having diabetes in pregnancy requires daily monitoring of blood glucose levels, adaptions to dietary intake, frequent hospital visits, additional ultrasound scans and the fear of the baby growing ‘too big’. This article describes the woman's journey from pre-conception to postnatal care and the management, guidance and support offered by the multidisciplinary team to keep her and her baby safe and achieve a successful pregnancy outcome.