Prevalence of Malaria with Anaemia and HIV Status in Women of Reproductive Age in Onitsha, Nigeria

The major health problems affecting pregnant women in sub-Saharan African are anaemia, malaria and HIV. A case-control study aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria, anaemia and HIV status among women of reproductive age between 20-49 years attending General Hospital, Onitsha was conducted. Blood samples of three hundred and sixty-two apparently healthy gravid women attending antenatal and 181 non-gravid apparently healthy women in Onitsha were recruited using random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Haemoglobin was estimated using automated method, Malaria, diagnosed microscopically using gold standard staining method and HIV screened using qualitative immunochromatographic method, confirmed molecularly. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results revealed that out of the 362 pregnant test groups,125 (34.5%) had malaria parasite (mp) in their blood and were anaemic 53(37.6%) though fewer in control groups ;23,14 (12.7%; 16.1%) (p = 0.195; p =0.055). Out of 347 HIV sero-negative pregnant women, 110 (31.7%) tested HIV positive when confirmed by PCR molecular method while only 1(0.6%) sero-negative controls were confirmed positive with molecular method with statistical significance observed in the test and control groups (p = 0.000; p = 0.000). However, as pregnancy affects HIV serology testing, it is necessary to use molecular method to increase its sensitivity and more enlightment programmes on the importance of balanced diet, compliance to Malaria control and routine gynecological drugs intake in pregnant women.

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Low Proportion of Women who came knowing their HIV Status at First Antenatal Care Visit, Uganda, 2012-2016: A Descriptive Analysis of Surveillance Data

10.21203/rs.2.12401/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Miriam Nakanwagi ◽

Lilian Bulage ◽

Benon Kwesiga ◽

Alex Riolexus Ario ◽

Doreen Agasha Birungi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Test Result

Abstract Background: HIV testing is the cornerstone for HIV care and support services, including Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Knowledge of HIV status is associated with better reproductive health choices and outcomes for the infant’s HIV status. We analyzed trends in known current HIV status among pregnant women attending the first antenatal care (ANC) visit in Uganda, 2012-2016. Methods: We conducted secondary data analysis using District Health Information Software2 data on all pregnant women who came for ANC visit during 2012-2016. Women who brought documented HIV negative test result within the previous four weeks at the first ANC visit or an HIV positive test result and/or own HIV care card were considered as knowing their HIV status. We calculated proportions of women with known current HIV status at first ANC visit, and described linear trends both nationally and regionally. We tested statistical significance of the trend using modified Poisson regression with generalized linear models. For known HIV positive status, we only analyzed data for years 2015-2016 because this is when this data became available. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of women that attended first ANC visits over years 2012-2016. The proportion of women that came with known HIV status increased from 4.4% in 2012 to 6.9% in 2016 and this increase was statistically significant (p<0.001). Most regions had an increase in trend except the West Nile and Mid-Eastern (p<0.001). The proportion of women that came knowing their HIV positive status at first ANC visit was slightly higher than that of women that were newly tested HIV positive at first ANC visit in 2015 and 2016. Conclusion: Although the gap in women that come at first ANC visit without knowing their HIV positive status might be reducing, a large proportion of women who were infected with HIV did not know their status before the first ANC visit indicating a major public health gap. We recommend advocacy for early ANC attendance and hence timely HIV testing and innovations to promptly identify HIV positive women of reproductive age so that timely PMTCT interventions can be made.

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High burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania: a call to address its determinants

Nutrition Journal ◽

10.1186/s12937-021-00726-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Bruno F. Sunguya ◽

Yue Ge ◽

Linda Mlunde ◽

Rose Mpembeni ◽

Germana Leyna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Gis Mapping ◽

Demographic And Health Surveys ◽

Health Coverage ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Anemia In Pregnancy ◽

In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Anemia in pregnancy is behind a significant burden of maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes globally. Efforts to address it need evidence on trends and its pertinent factors as they vary from one area to another. Methods We pooled data of 23,203 women of reproductive age whose hemoglobin levels were measured from two Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS). Of them, 2,194 women were pregnant. Analyses employed descriptive analyses to determine the burden of anemia, its characteristics, and severity; GIS mapping to determine the regional changes of anemia between 2005 and 2015; and logistic regression to determine the remaining determinants of anemia among pregnant women using Stata 15. Results The burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania has remained unprecedently high, and varies between regions. There was no significant decline of anemia in general between the two periods after adjusting for individual, households, reproductive, and child characteristics [AOR = 0.964, 95% CI = 0.774–1.202, p = 0.747). Anemia is currently prevalent in 57% of pregnant women in Tanzania. The prevalence is more likely to be higher among women aged 15–19 years than those aged between 20–34 years. It is more likely to be prevalent among those within large families, with no formal education, food insecurity, lack of health insurance, had no antimalaria during pregnancy, and had low frequency of ANC attendance. On the other hand, delivery in a health facility may be potentially protective against anemia. Conclusions Anemia in pregnancy remained persistently high and prevalent among 57% of pregnant women in Tanzania. Efforts to address anemia are crucial and need to be focused in regions with increasing burden of anemia among pregnant women. It is imperative to address important risk factors such as food insecurity, strengthening universal health coverage, empowering women of reproductive age with education and especially nutritional knowledge and advocating for early antenatal booking, attendance, and facility delivery.

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Venlafaxine prescription claims among insured women of reproductive age and pregnant women, 2011–2016

Birth Defects Research ◽

10.1002/bdr2.1897 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

April D. Summers ◽

Kayla N. Anderson ◽

Elizabeth C. Ailes ◽

Scott D. Grosse ◽

William V. Bobo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age

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Experience of using chlorhexidine in obstetrics and gynecology

HEALTH OF WOMAN ◽

10.15574/hw.2018.129.46 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 46-50

Author(s):

O.V. Kravchenko ◽

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Key Words ◽

Functional Activity ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽

Laboratory Examination ◽

Control Groups ◽

Treatment Results ◽

Regenerative Activity

The objective: generalization of the experience of using chlorhexidine drugs in obstetric and gynecological practice. Materials and methods. The efficacy of using Depantol and Hexicon for non-specific colpitis in patients of adolescent, reproductive age, pregnant women, women in perimenopause, as well as in patients after cervical, vaginal and perineal operations was evaluated and generalized. The surveyed groups contained 30 to 50 patients. The diagnosis of nonspecific vaginitis was verified by clinical and laboratory examination. Criteria for recovery were complete clinical and bacterial sanation. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated immediately after treatment and after 1 and 3 months. The data were compared with the appropriate control groups or with the condition prior to treatment. Results. High efficiency of chlorhexidine preparations in the treatment of nonspecific colpitis in patients of different age categories and conditions was noted. The experience of using Depantol and Gecikon in obstetrics and gynecology is generalized, priorities are determined in the application of these drugs. Conclusion. Preparations of chlorhexidine Geksikon and Depantol are highly effective against the main pathogens of inflammatory nonspecific vulvovaginitis. They do not interfere with the functional activity of lactobacilli, which helps maintain a normal vaginal biocenosis. The drug Geksikon with success can be recommended both for the treatment of gynecological patients of reproductive age, and pregnant women. The use of Depantol, due to the regenerative activity of the dexpanthenol component, is a priority in the treatment of infectious processes in adolescence, perimenopausal age and in patients after operations on the cervix, vagina and perineum. Key words: chlorhexidine preparations, obstetrics and gynecology, Depantol, Geksikon.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Vitamin A Deficiency among Children and Women in Senegal

Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Science ◽

10.15226/jnhfs.2020.001176 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Mane Hélène Faye ◽

Nicole Idohou-Dossou ◽

Abdou Badiane ◽

Anta Agne-Djigo ◽

Papa Mamadou DD Sylla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Subclinical Inflammation ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Factors Associated

Background: Like many developing countries, Senegal does not have data on the extent of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) that is representative of its population. The present survey was conducted to fill this gap and to identify factors associated with VAD, prior to the introduction of a large-scale vitamin A oil fortification program. Procedures: A nationwide representative cross-sectional survey involving 1887 children 12 to 59 months old and 1316 women of reproductive age (WRA) was conducted. Blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations of retinol (PR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alpha-1-acidglycoprotein were measured. PR was adjusted for subclinical inflammation using the BRINDA regression methodology. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with VAD. Findings: The adjusted prevalence of VAD (PR ≤ 0.7 μmol/L) in children was 15.3% and differed by age group, area of residence, and socioeconomic status and half of them had subclinical inflammation. Among WRA, VAD was low (2.3%) and 18.1% had vitamin A insufficiency (VAI). Pregnant women were more affected by VAI (28.4%) and Dakar had lower figures compared with other cities and rural strata. Prevalence of VAI decreased with increasing wealth quintile. In logistic regression, abnormal CRP, poverty, scarce consumption of poultry, oysters, melon, red palm oil, palm kernel oil, Saba senegalensis fruit pulp (Maad) and cowpea, frequent consumption of leeks and consumption of Leptadenia hastata leaves (Mbuum tiakhat), were associated with VAD in children. For women, lower socioeconomic status, fair or poor health status and anemia were negatively associated with VAI. Conclusions: In Senegal, VAD is a moderate public health problem in children and slight among women. Particular attention should be paid to children older than 23 months, pregnant women, rural populations, and poorest households. Nutritional interventions should be implemented alongside morbidity prevention and control. Keywords: vitamin A deficiency, children 12-59 months, women of reproductive age, Senegal.

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A Social Norms-Based Intervention Improves Dietary Diversity among Women in Rural India: The Reduction in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) Project

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082822 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2822

Author(s):

Sameera A. Talegawkar ◽

Yichen Jin ◽

Erica Sedlander ◽

Rohini Ganjoo ◽

Satyaranjan Behera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Norms ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Control Groups ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Diet Diversity ◽

Learning Modules ◽

Food And Agriculture ◽

And Control ◽

Minimum Dietary Diversity

Diet diversity has an important role in the prevention and treatment of anemia. Based on formative research in the community and the theory of normative social behavior, we designed an intervention to improve diet diversity among women of reproductive age. Our study, the Reduction in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) Project, investigated the effect of a social norms-based intervention on diet diversity among women of reproductive age. We randomized villages in Odisha, India, into treatment or control arms, with a minimum of one village buffer between them. We assessed exposure to the intervention by frequency of self-reported images seen from the participatory learning modules, videos watched, and number of hemoglobin tests administered. We assessed diet diversity with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) questionnaire. We used multiple logistic regression to examine the associations between intervention and diet diversity, adjusting for covariates. Compared with baseline, diet diversity score increased in both treatment and control groups. The odds of having a diverse diet was 47% higher in the treatment group. Higher level of exposure to the RANI intervention was associated with a better diet diversity score, indicating that the intervention was effective in improving diet quality.

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‘After they finish their meals, I have my meal from the leftovers; I have to adjust:” Examining How Gender Norms Affect Anemia Rates in Odisha India (P04-122-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz051.p04-122-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Erica Sedlander ◽

Chandni Ladwa ◽

Sameera Talegawkar ◽

Rohini Ganjoo ◽

Rajiv Rimal

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Focus Group ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gender Norms ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Deficiency Anemia ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Iron Supplements ◽

Rich Food ◽

Iron Folic Acid

Abstract Objectives Half of women of reproductive age in India have iron deficiency anemia compared to only 23% of men. Most research focuses on biological reasons for this discrepancy and access to iron-folic acid and iron-rich foods. However, recent research in India shows that inequitable gender norms may affect a woman's ability or desire to take iron supplements and to eat iron-rich food. The objective of this study is to examine how and why gender norms may be affecting high and persistent rates of anemia in India. Methods We conducted 25 key informant interviews and 16 focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, adolescents, husbands and mothers-in-law (n = 148) in Odisha, India. We purposively sampled key informants and randomly sampled focus group participants. We analyzed the data using applied thematic analysis in Nvivo software. Results Our data shows that unequal gender norms impact behaviors that are directly related to high rates of anemia. Women are often serving their husband, children, and in-laws first and “adjusting” to whatever is leftover which may be poor in nutritional qualities and less iron rich. Men are also the main breadwinners but often spend their money on alcohol, money that could be spent on iron-rich food for the household. Women reported that extreme fatigue is a normal part of being a woman and that a woman's plight is to take care of her family at any cost. Given that fatigue, the primary symptom of anemia is normalized; women may be less likely to seek treatment. Women tend to prioritize the health of their family over her own which could affect her ability or desire to go to the health center to get tested for anemia or to obtain iron supplements. Pregnant women are more likely to take iron supplements for the health of the baby, not her own health. While non-pregnant women of reproductive age who were not diagnosed with anemia were not focused on preventive health, only major illnesses and thus, were not taking supplements at all. Conclusions More upstream barriers, like gender norms, may be impinging on a woman's ability to take iron folic acid and to eat iron rich foods. Understanding how gender norms contribute to anemia could change the narrative from a biomedical issue to a social justice issue. Funding Sources The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

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Predictors of Use of Contraception among Married Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Area of Nepal

Journal of Advanced Academic Research ◽

10.3126/jaar.v3i3.16857 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 88-99

Author(s):

Tanuja Kumari Chaudhary ◽

Bhwan Kumari Dangol ◽

Lalita Rai ◽

Mana Kumari Rai

Keyword(s):

Universal Access ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Academic Research ◽

Married Women ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Related Complication ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contraceptive Prevalence

Background: Universal access to family planning is a human right, central to gender equality and women’s empowerment, and a key factor in reducing poverty. Use of contraception can prevent pregnancies related complication, helps in improving the health of mother and children and improve quality of life.Objective: to find out the predictors of use of contraception among married women of reproductive age (15-49 years).Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted to find out the predictors of use of contraception among married women in Morang District. Cluster Random Sampling technique was used and sample size was 281. Data was collected by face to face interview technique by pretested questionnaire. Chisquare, bivariate, multivariable logistic regression model was used, and statistical significance was determined with a 95 % confidence level.Results: Mean age of the respondents was 29.52±5.64 years. Current contraceptive prevalence rate was 39.9%. The significant predictors associated with use of contraception were education status of husband (Adjusted Odd Ratio [AOR]=0.331, 95% CI= 0.144-0.759), being desire of children (AOR=2.564, 95%CI=1.060-6.198), spousal communication on contraception (AOR=5.120, 95%CI=2.460-10.656), husband approval on contraception (AOR=8.048, 95%CI=4.047-16.006), and prior use of contraception (AOR= 0.122, 95% CI=0.055-0.272). The common barriers of utilization of contraception were husband disapproval (57.4%) followed by fear of side effects (29.6%).Conclusion: Contraceptive prevalence rates were low. So, continued joint efforts are required to increase use of contraception to improve maternal and child health. It is recommended to involve male in family planning.Journal of Advanced Academic Research, Vol. 3, No. 3, 2016, page: 89-99

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Circulating Unmetabolized Folic Acid: Relationship to Folate Status and Effect of Supplementation

Obstetrics and Gynecology International ◽

10.1155/2012/485179 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Carolyn Tam ◽

Deborah O'Connor ◽

Gideon Koren

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

The Body ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Folate Intake ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Metabolic Capacity ◽

Acid Status ◽

Status Of Women

There are increasing concerns that exposure to unmetabolized folic acid, which results from folic acid intakes that overwhelm the liver's metabolic capacity, may be associated with adverse effects. In this paper, we examined the folic acid status of women of reproductive age in relation to dietary intake and the effect of folic acid supplementation (1.1 mg or 5 mg). Plasma unmetabolized folic acid was not significantly correlated with folate intake estimated by food frequency questionnaire or biomarkers. The proportion of women with detectable levels of unmetabolized folic acid increased from 65% to 100% after twelve weeks of supplementation (P<0.05); however, the increase in concentrations did not reach statistical significance and the effect was not sustained. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the two doses. This suggests that there are mechanisms by which the body adapts to high folic acid intakes to limit exposure to unmetabolized folic acid.

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Reversible Long Term Contraceptives Utilization among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Areka Town, Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ejhs.v30i6.9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Samson Kastro Dake ◽

Temesgen Lera Abiso

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Married Women ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Age Group ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Reproductive Age Group

BACKGROUND፡ In low income countries, bearing many children is the main factor affecting maternal health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of reversible long term contraceptives utilization and identify factors associated with it among married women of child bearing age in Areka District in South EthiopiaMETHODS: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey involving systematically recruited 346 married women of reproductive age group. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on May 2019. We used SPSS version 25 for data entry and analyses. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to select exposure variables with crude association. Multivariate analysis was done to control for potential confounders and identify predictors of the outcome. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI)was reported, and statistical significance was declared at p<0.05.RESULTS: The prevalence of reversible long term contraceptives utilization among married women of reproductive age group was 134(38.7%). Utilization of Reversible Long Term Contraceptives (RLTCs) was positively associated with being protestant Christian religion follower, advanced educational status, history of abortion, and having a better attitude towards reversible long term contraceptives. In other words, being housewife, being daily laborer, having no radio in the household and making fertility decisions alone were negatively associated.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RLTCs in the study area was high. Women should be empowered educationally through other alternative opportunities to formal school. In addition to electronic media, different community events and community conversations should be used to convey messages on contraceptives particularly RLTCs. Behavioral change communications would benefit women in shaping their attitudestowards RLTCs.

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