Predictors of postpartum family planning in Rwanda: the influence of male involvement and healthcare experience.

BACKGROUND: Strengthened efforts in postpartum family planning (PPFP) is a key priority to accelerate progress in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes. This secondary data analysis explores factors associated with PPFP uptake in Rwanda. The purpose of this study was to explore variables that may influence PPFP use for postpartum women in Rwanda including health facility type, respectful maternity care, locus of control, and mental health status. METHODS: This secondary analysis of data from a cluster randomized control trial used information abstracted from questionnaires administered to women (≥ 15 years of age) at two time points-one during pregnancy (baseline) and one after delivery of the baby (follow-up). The dependent variable, PPFP uptake, was evaluated against the independent variables: respectful care, locus of control, and mental health status. These data were abstracted from linked questionnaires completed from January 2017 to February 2019. The sample size provided 97% power to detect a change at a 95% significance level with a sample size of 640 at a 15% effect size. Chi-square testing was applied for the bivariate analyses. A logistic regression model using the generalized linear model function was performed; odds ratio and adjusted (by age group and education group) odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were reported. RESULTS: Of the 646 respondents, although 92% reported not wanting another pregnancy within the next year, 72% used PPFP. Antenatal care wait time (p = < 0.01; Adj OR (Adj 95% CI) 21-40 min: 2.35 (1.46,3.79); 41-60 min: 1.50 (0.84,2.69); 61-450 min: 5.42 (2.86,10.75) and reporting joint healthcare decision-making between the woman and her partner (male) (p = 0.04; Adj OR (Adj 95% CI) husband/partner: 0.59 (0.35,0.97); mother and partner jointly: 1.06 (0.66,1.72) were associated with PPFP uptake. CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate that partner (male) involvement and improved quality of maternal health services may improve PPFP utilization in Rwanda.

Assessing the impact of group antenatal care on gestational length in Rwanda: A cluster-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Research on group antenatal care in low- and middle-income contexts suggests high acceptability and preliminary implementation success. METHODS: We studied the effect of group antenatal care on gestational age at birth among women in Rwanda, hypothesizing that participation would increase mean gestational length. For this unblinded cluster randomized trial, 36 health centers were pair-matched and randomized; half continued individual antenatal care (control), half implemented group antenatal care (intervention). Women who initiated antenatal care between May 2017 and December 2018 were invited to participate, and included in analyses if they presented before 24 weeks gestation, attended at least two visits, and their birth outcome was obtained. We used a generalized estimating equations model for analysis. FINDINGS: In total, 4091 women in 18 control clusters and 4752 women in 18 intervention clusters were included in the analysis. On average, women attended three total antenatal care visits. Gestational length was equivalent in the intervention and control groups (39.3 weeks (SD 1.6) and 39.3 weeks (SD 1.5)). There were no significant differences between groups in secondary outcomes except that more women in control sites attended postnatal care visits (40.1% versus 29.7%, p = 0.003) and more women in intervention sites attended at least three total antenatal care visits (80.7% versus 71.7%, p = 0.003). No harms were observed. INTERPRETATION: Group antenatal care did not result in a difference in gestational length between groups. This may be due to the low intervention dose. We suggest studies of both the effectiveness and costs of higher doses of group antenatal care among women at higher risk of preterm birth. We observed threats to group care due to facility staff shortages; we recommend studies in which antenatal care providers are exclusively allocated to group antenatal care during visits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03154177.

Group antenatal care versus standard antenatal care and effect on mean gestational age at birth in Rwanda: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Group antenatal care has demonstrated promise as a service delivery model that may result in improved outcomes compared to standard antenatal care in socio-demographic populations at disparately high risk for poor perinatal outcomes. Intrigued by results from the United States showing lower preterm birth rates among high-risk women who participate in group antenatal care, partners working together as the Preterm Birth Initiative - Rwanda designed a trial to assess the impact of group antenatal care on gestational age at birth. Methods: This study is a pair-matched cluster randomized controlled trial with four arms. Pairs randomized to group or standard care were further matched with other pairs into quadruples, within which one pair was assigned to implement basic obstetric ultrasound at the health center and early pregnancy testing at the community. At facilities randomized to group care, this will follow the opt-out model of service delivery and individual visits will always be available for those who need or prefer them. The primary outcome of interest is mean gestational age at birth among women who presented for antenatal care before 24 completed weeks of pregnancy and attended more than one antenatal care visit. Secondary outcomes of interest include attendance at antenatal and postnatal care, preterm birth rates, satisfaction of mothers and providers, and feasibility. A convenience sample of women will be recruited to participate in a longitudinal survey in which they will report such indicators as self-reported health-related behaviors and depressive symptoms. Providers will be surveyed about satisfaction and stress. Discussion: This is the largest cluster randomized controlled trial of group antenatal and postnatal care ever conducted, and the first in a low- or middle-income country to examine the effect of this model on gestational age at birth. Trial registration: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03154177 May 16, 2017.