scholarly journals Impact of antenatal counselling on couples’ knowledge and practice of contraception in Mansoura, Egypt

1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1002-1013
Author(s):  
M. H. Soliman

The impact of antenatal counselling on couples’ knowledge and practice of contraception was investigated. An interview questionnaire was used before and after conducting counselling sessions with 200 pregnant women and 100 spouses. The participants were followed up immediately after delivery and 3 months later. Both the control and study groups displayed a lack of knowledge of contraception. Counselling sessions improved the couples’ knowledge and practice in the study group. Involving husbands in family planning counselling sessions led to joint decisions being made and encouraged women’s use of contraception. The majority of couples retained most of the information given. Integrating family planning counselling into antenatal care in all facilities and involving the husband are recommended

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S265-S265
Author(s):  
Praveen Kumar ◽  
Sara Mohsen ◽  
Oksana Zinchenko ◽  
Philip Verde ◽  
Kathleen Breslin ◽  
...  

AimsRecently, global-remote group studying has been made possible via digital video conferencing platforms. In preparation for the December 2020 MRCPsych part A exam, a study group was formed comprising 30 International Medical Gaduates (IMG) logging-in from different countries via 3 hour Zoom-study sessions hosted daily from 28th September until 12th December 2020 (1800-2100 GMT time). This study demonstrates the impact of online group study in preparation for the MRCPsych A exam for s via data collected through questionnaires.MethodThe data of the study were collected through the questionnaires given to the group study members containing a total of 17 questions, 5 of which were open-ended.The participants totalled 30 International Doctors who responded to an advertisement to form an online study group on Facebook. They logged-in for the sessions from seven different countries: Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Ireland, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The participants represented different working grades incuding experiences in psychiatry ranging from 0 to 5 years.Data were analysed using percentage. The answers given to the open-ended questions were each examined using descriptive interpretation methods.ResultThematic analysis demonstrated that online group study made learning faster and easier. 96.6% support using online study sessions for future exams citing that they fostered cooperation, respect for diverse opinions and motivation for regular studying. 93.1% and partly 6.9% found the experience enjoyable and enabled the cultivation of different ideas. Indeed, 89.7% relied on it as a big part of their preparation with 26 saying it contributed to their passing of the exam success.Almost three quarter of participants in the group also forged friendships and a sense of trust. It also became a platform for expressing opinions comfortably and developing communication and interpersonal skills.Different working hours and time zones represented a challenge with most linking in at odd hours. Cultural differences were ultimately accepted including aspects of delivery of information which made a few participants appear abrupt.ConclusionWith the ease in which social media connects us on a global scale, online study groups connecting IMGs from various backgrounds and diverse cultures not only makes exam preparations stimulating and easier to pass but also fosters interpersonal skills and connections that would be an asset in the long run.


Author(s):  
Gemma Biviá-Roig ◽  
Valentina Lucia La Rosa ◽  
María Gómez-Tébar ◽  
Lola Serrano-Raya ◽  
Juan José Amer-Cuenca ◽  
...  

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze the impact of the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemics on the eating, exercise, and quality-of-life habits of pregnant women. (2) Methods: This was an internet-based cross-sectional survey which collected information about adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical exercise, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and perceived obstacles (in terms of exercise, preparation for delivery, and medical appointments) of pregnant women before and after the confinement. The survey was conducted in 18–31 May 2020. (3) Results: A total of 90 pregnant women participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in the levels of physical activity (p < 0.01) as well as in HRQoL (p < 0.005). The number of hours spent sitting increased by 50% (p < 0.001), 52.2% were unable to attend delivery preparation sessions because these had been cancelled. However, there were no significant differences in the eating pattern of these women (p = 0.672). Conclusions: These results suggest the need to implement specific online programs to promote exercise and reduce stress, thus improving the HRQoL in this population, should similar confinements need to occur again for any reason in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Henri Zango ◽  
Moussa Lingani ◽  
Innocent Valea ◽  
Ouindpanga Sekou Samadoulougou ◽  
Biebo Bihoun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malaria and curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are severe infections associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan countries. These infections are responsible for low birth weight, preterm birth, and miscarriage. In Burkina Faso, many interventions recommended by the World Health Organization were implemented to control the impact of these infections. After decades of intervention, we assessed the impact of these infections on pregnancy outcomes in rural setting of Burkina Faso. Methods Antenatal care and delivery data of pregnant women attending health facilities in 2016 and 2017 were collected in two rural districts namely Nanoro and Yako, in Burkina Faso. Regression models with likelihood ratio test were used to assess the association between infections and pregnancy outcomes. Results During the two years, 31639 pregnant women received antenatal care. Malaria without STI, STI without malaria, and their coinfections were reported for 7359 (23.3%), 881 (2.8 %), and 388 (1.2%) women, respectively. Low birth weight, miscarriage, and stillbirth were observed in 2754 (10.5 %), 547 (2.0 %), and 373 (1.3 %) women, respectively. Our data did not show an association between low birth weight and malaria [Adjusted OR: 0.91 (0.78 – 1.07)], STIs [Adjusted OR: 0.74 (0.51 – 1.07)] and coinfection [Adjusted OR: 1.15 (0.75 – 1.78)]. Low birth weight was strongly associated with primigravidae [Adjusted OR: 3.53 (3.12 – 4.00)]. Both miscarriage and stillbirth were associated with malaria [Adjusted OR: 1.31 (1.07 – 1.59)], curable STI [Adjusted OR: 1.65 (1.06 – 2.59)], and coinfection [Adjusted OR: 2.00 (1.13 – 3.52)]. Conclusion Poor pregnancy outcomes remained frequent in rural Burkina Faso. Malaria, curable STIs, and their coinfections were associated with both miscarriage and stillbirth in rural Burkina. More effort should be done to reduce the proportion of pregnancies lost associated with these curable infections by targeting interventions in primigravidae women.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-195
Author(s):  
Ioan Ferenț ◽  
András Mester ◽  
Monica Chițu ◽  
Annabella Benedek ◽  
Mihaela Rațiu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) occupies an important place in the evaluation of coronary atherosclerotic lesions, both before and after the implantation of bioresorbable stents (BVS), providing an accurate assessment of the treated lesions. Aim of the study: This study aims the prospective follow-up of atherosclerotic plaques electively treated with BVS implantation via CTA evaluation in terms of morphological and virtual histology aspects. Material and methods: This is a prospective observational study which enrolled 30 patients electively treated with BVS implantation, in whom CTA was performed after PTCA in order to assess the morphological and virtual histology aspects of coronary plaques. In order to evaluate the impact determined by pre- and post-implantation procedures, statistical analysis was performed among 6 subgroups. Results: After BVS implantation, a significant reduction was observed in terms of stenosis % (61.63 ± 12.63% in subgroup 1A vs. 24.41 ± 12.48% in subgroup 1B, p <0.0001) and eccentricity index (0.46 ± 0.24 in subgroup 1A vs. 0.43 ± 0.24 in subgroup 1B, p <0.0001). In terms of plaque components, there were significant differences with regard to lipid volume and lipid % (20.07 ± 15.67 mm3 in subgroup 1A vs. 11.05 ± 10.83 mm3 in subgroup 1B, p = 0.01), which presented a significant reduction after BVS implantation. The calcium score evaluated locally (82.97 ± 107.5 in subgroup 1A vs. 96.54 ± 85.73 in subgroup 1B, p = 0.25) and on the target coronary artery (148.2 ± 222.3 in subgroup 1A vs. 206.6 ± 224.0 in subgroup 1B, p = 0.10), as well as the total calcium score (377.6 ± 459.5 in subgroup 1A vs. 529.5 ± 512.9 in subgroup 1B, p = 0.32), presented no significant differences when compared with and without post-dilatation lesions. As far as CT vulnerability markers are concerned, the study groups presented significant differences only in terms of spotty calcifications (66.66% in subgroup 1A vs. 79.16% in subgroup 1B, p = 0.05) and low attenuation (37.5% in subgroup 1A vs. 20.83% in subgroup 1B, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Following the analysis of coronary artery plaques after the implantation of BVS, significant changes were noted both in the morphology of the atherosclerotic plaques treated with these devices and in the lumen and coronary wall.


Author(s):  
Thirupathi C. ◽  
Aanandha Subramaniam K.

Background: Pranayama is a form of breathing exercise. It is a very useful in reducing the weight and improving the respiratory function. The study was designed to assess the effect of pranayama on pulmonary Function among adult male students.Methods: The control and the study groups each consisted of 50 number of male MBBS students aged between 16 to 22 years, studying at Madras Medical College, were recruited for the present study. The study group were taught pranayama and allowed to practice it daily twice in morning and evening for 15 minutes for 10 weeks under supervision. Parameters like weight, BMI, chest expansion, respiratory rate and spirometric parameters like FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were recorded before and after the study.Results: A significant increase in chest expansion, FVC, FEV1 and PEFR with p value <0.05were recorded in study group in comparison with control group.Conclusions: Pranayama improves the lung function among medical students.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (9) ◽  
pp. 04-10
Author(s):  
Firezer Dereje ◽  
Getachew Alemkere ◽  
Yemisrach Tessema Weldeyes ◽  
Meseret Wube

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 968E-969
Author(s):  
Bobby H. Fletcher ◽  
Michael F. Burnett ◽  
Krisanna L. Machtmes ◽  
Jeff S. Kuehny

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the impact of participation in the Master Gardener program on horticultural knowledge and practice. In 1972, the “Master Gardener” concept was initiated in Washington State due to the high demand to answer consumer horticultural questions. The main objective of this program is to increase horticultural knowledge of program participants so they can transfer this information to consumer horticultural clientele. The program quickly spread throughout the United States. It reached Louisiana in 1994 and was expanded throughout most metropolitan areas by 1997. No formal evaluation has been conducted to determine the horticultural knowledge impacts of this program. All 257 participants in the 2004 Louisiana Master Gardener (LMG) program were surveyed before and after participation in this program. The survey used was a researcher-developed instrument designed to measure self-perceived knowledge, tested knowledge, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) used. Data were collected by master gardener coordinators and submitted to the researcher after each phase of data collection (pre and post). Results of the study revealed that the LMG participants were highly educated, mostly Caucasian, and mostly female. Significant improvements were identified in all of the knowledge and practice measurements included in the study. These included self-perceived knowledge, tested knowledge, and use of BMPs. It was concluded that the 2004 Louisiana Master Gardener program was effective in increasing the self-perceived horticultural knowledge and tested horticultural knowledge of program participants. In addition, the study concluded that the 2004 Louisiana Master Gardener program improved the use of BMPs among the participants.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 115-121
Author(s):  
Rosmala Nur ◽  
St. Radiah ◽  
Ulfa Aulia ◽  
Rahma Rahma Dwilarasati ◽  
Nurhaya S. Patui ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are considered as a risk group for exposure to COVID-19. Changes in their hormones and immune systems possibly influence their rate of infection by several viruses, including the coronavirus. This stresses the need to observe necessary precautions, by maintaining social distancing, avoiding crowds, and staying at home. Furthermore, the condition also influences the scope of pregnant women’s antenatal visits. AIM: The study aims to determine the effect of COVID-19 on antenatal visits by pregnant women. Furthermore, it seeks to ascertain the effect of electronic technology antenatal care (e-ANC) on the enhanced participation of midwives and pregnant women in antenatal care (ANC) (i.e., counseling, high-risk early detection on pregnancy, and monitoring of Hb and Fe tablets). Therefore, the impact COVID-19 on women’s reproductive health during the pandemic is also evaluated. METHODS: This research involved pre- and post-test experiments on 30 pregnant women and 20 midwives at areas around the Public Health Centers in Tinggiede and Marawola. A purposive sampling technique was adopted, and the results were analyzed using a paired t-test. RESULTS: The study showed discrepancies in the ANC visits of pregnant women before and after the COVID-19 lockdown period, with p < 0.00. Furthermore, there were also differences in midwife participation in counseling by p < 0.00, high-risk early detection on pregnancy by p < 0.001, Hb monitoring by p < 0.002, and provision of Fe tablets by p < 0.003 during the pandemic. Moreover, the pregnant women showed variations in the frequency of counseling by p < 0.00, high-risk early detection on pregnancy by p < 0.00, Hb monitoring by p < 0.002, and the provision of Fe tablets by p < 0.003. The e-ANC instigated a decline in reproductive health problems before (73.4%) and after (10.0%) the intervention. CONCLUSION: The lockdown period influences the low antenatal visits of pregnant women. However, e-ANC for midwives and pregnant women is developed as an alternative solution to improve ANC (i.e., counseling, high-risk early detection, and monitoring Hb and Fe tablets). This consequently has an effect on the reduced reproductive health problems of pregnant women during the pandemic.


2013 ◽  
Vol 169 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dania Hirsch ◽  
Sigal Levy ◽  
Varda Nadler ◽  
Vered Kopel ◽  
Bracha Shainberg ◽  
...  

ObjectiveHypothyroidism during pregnancy has been associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes. Most studies have focused on subjects with a mild or subclinical disorder. The aims of the present study were to determine the relative rate of severe thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women with hypothyroidism, identify related factors and analyse the impact on pregnancy outcomes.DesignA retrospective case series design was employed.MethodsThe study group included 101 pregnant women (103 pregnancies) with an antenatal serum TSH level >20.0 mIU/l identified from the 2009–2010 computerised database of a health maintenance organisation. Data were collected from the medical records. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of a control group of 205 euthyroid pregnant women during the same period.ResultsThe study group accounted for 1.04% of all insured pregnant women with recorded hypothyroidism during the study period. Most cases had an autoimmune aetiology. All women were treated with levothyroxine (l-T4) during pregnancy. Maximum serum TSH level measured was 20.11–150 mIU/l (median 32.95 mIU/l) and median serum TSH level 0.36–75.17 mIU/l (median 7.44 mIU/l). The mean duration of hypothyroidism during pregnancy was 21.2±13.2 weeks (median 18.5 weeks); in 36 cases (34.9%), all TSH levels during pregnancy were elevated. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included abortions in 7.8% of the cases, premature deliveries in 2.9% and other complications in 14.6%, with no statistically significant differences from the control group. Median serum TSH level during pregnancy was positively correlated with the rate of abortions+premature deliveries and rate of all pregnancy-related complications (P<0.05).ConclusionsAbortions and premature deliveries occur infrequently in women with severe hypothyroidism. Intense follow-up and l-T4 treatment may improve pregnancy outcomes even when target TSH levels are not reached.


2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (11) ◽  
pp. 1802-1815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flor M Muňoz ◽  
Geeta K Swamy ◽  
Somia P Hickman ◽  
Sapeckshita Agrawal ◽  
Pedro A Piedra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant lower respiratory tract disease and hospitalization worldwide. Methods Safety and immunogenicity of RSV fusion (F) protein nanoparticle vaccine or placebo were evaluated in 50 healthy third-trimester pregnant women. Assessments included vaccine tolerability and safety in women and infants, and RSV-specific antibody measures in women before and after vaccination, at delivery and post partum. Results The vaccine was well tolerated; no meaningful differences in pregnancy or infant outcomes were observed between study groups. RSV-specific antibody levels increased significantly among vaccine recipients, including responses competitive with well-described monoclonal antibodies specific for multiple RSV neutralizing epitopes. No significant antibody increase was seen among placebo recipients, although a shallow upward trend across the RSV season was noted. Transplacental antibody transfer was 90%–120% across assays for infants of vaccinated women. Women with an interval of ≥30 days between vaccination and delivery demonstrated higher placental antibody transfer rates than women with an interval <30 days. Half-lives of RSV-specific antibodies in infants approximated 40 days. There was no evidence of severe RSV disease in infants of vaccinated mothers. Conclusions Data from this phase 2 study support a maternal immunization strategy to protect infants from RSV disease. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02247726.


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