Prevalence and adverse outcomes of twin pregnancy in Eastern Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple pregnancies are much more common today than they were in the past. Twin pregnancies occur in about 4% of pregnancies in Africa. Adverse pregnancy outcome was more common in twin pregnancy than in singleton pregnancy. There is no pooled evidence on the burden and adverse pregnancy outcome of twin pregnancy in eastern Africa. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prevalence and adverse pregnancy outcomes of twin pregnancies. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis covers published and unpublished studies searched from different databases (PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE, DOAJ, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Google search). Finally, 34 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. JBI checklist was used to assess the quality of included papers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 14 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. A forest plot was used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effect model. RESULTS: The prevalence of twin pregnancy in eastern Africa was 3% [95% CI: 2, 3]. The adverse pregnancy outcomes like neonatal intensive care unit admission (78%), low birth weight (44%), low APGAR score (33%), prematurity (32%), stillbirth (30%), neonatal mortality (12%) and maternal complications like hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (25%), postpartum hemorrhage (7%), Cesarean section (37%), premature rupture of membrane (12%) and maternal mortality are more common among twin pregnancy than singleton pregnancy. CONCLUSION: One in every 33 children born a twin in east Africa; admission to neonatal intensive care unit, low birth weight, low APGAR score, prematurity, stillbirth, neonatal mortality and maternal complications are its associated adverse birth outcomes. Since twin pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy, special care is needed during pregnancy, labor and delivery to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Anemia Among Women Using Family Planning at Public Health Facilities in Ambo Town, Central Ethiopia: Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Anemia affects more than a quarter of non-pregnant women over the globe, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate share. Although the use of family planning is beneficial in reducing anemia, lack of scientific study on anemia among family planning users of reproductive-age women is notable, particularly in the study setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of anemia and associated factors in women who used family planning. Methods: A cross-sectional multi-centered study was conducted from March 3 to 29, 2019, among 443 non-pregnant reproductive age (15 to 49 years) women receiving family planning services in Ambo town. Sample size was calculated using Epi-info version 7 software. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Trained data collectors collected data using a structured pretested questionnaire, as well as venous blood and stool samples. Epi-Data and SPSS were used to enter and analyze data. The effect of independent variables on the outcome variable was determined by binary logistic regression analysis with adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. P-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results: This study revealed 28% (95% CI:23.9%, 32.3%) magnitude of anemia. Age of 25-35 years [AOR:2.84, 95% CI:1.74, 4.64], implantable family planning method [AOR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.96], no previous use of family planning [AOR:2.62, 95% CI: 1.62, 4.24], household food insecurity [AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.93], parasite infestations [AOR:2.01, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.63], and regular intake of coffee/tea within 30 minutes post meal [AOR:3.85, 95% CI:1.24, 11.92] were independently associated with anemia. Conclusion: Anemia is a moderate public health concern among reproductive-age women receiving family planning services in the study area. There are missed opportunities to address the anemia burden during family planning services. This study emphasizes the importance of nutritional screening for early detection and targeted interventions for healthcare workers in reducing missed opportunities to prevent and control anemia in vulnerable populations.

Health-care Workers' Willingness to Pay for COVID-19 Vaccines in Eastern Ethiopia: Using Contingent Valuation Method.

Background: Health-care workers (HCWs) are among the highest risk groups for COVID-19 infection. The vaccine is found to be vital for HCWs, their household contacts, and their patients to protect against COVID-19 infection and maintain the safety of health systems. The actual willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors remain uncertain among health-care workers in Ethiopia. Therefore, studying health-care workers' willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 vaccination helps to have an insight on valuation of the vaccine. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 randomly selected health-care workers working in health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from February 3 to March 20, 2021. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to test the associations between outcome and explanatory variables. A p-value of <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. Results: The magnitude of willingness to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine was 42.8%. The median amounts of money respondents willing to pay was 400 ETB (US$ 10.04). Sex (male, AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.39, 3.93), monthly income (>7000 ETB, AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.51), affordability (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.35), fear of side effects (AOR = 3.75; 95% CI: 2.13, 6.60), support vaccinations (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.65, 5.35), the likelihood of getting COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.52) were independent determinants of WTP for a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: Health-care workers' willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccination was found to be low. Detailed health education and training about COVID-19 vaccines are required regarding their side effects, and efficacy to make an informed decision to enhance the willingness to pay for the vaccine. Moreover, the government should consider providing COVID vaccines free of charge for low-income groups and at an affordable price for those who could pay.