Estimating gestational age using the anthropometric measurements of newborns in North Shewa Zone public hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background: The accurate estimation of gestational age is crucial in identifying prematurity and other health problems in newborns and in providing appropriate perinatal care. Although there are numerous methods for measuring gestational age, they are not always applicable. During these situations, it becomes challenging to ascertain whether a baby has been born prematurely or not. Therefore, this study aims to estimate gestational age by utilizing newborn anthropometric parameters. Purpose: The objective of this study is to estimate the gestational age of newborns in public hospitals located in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, by using anthropometric parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a facility from February 2022 to April 2022, using an interview-based questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric parameters that were measured include foot length (FL), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and chest and head circumference (CHC). The study's sample size had a total of 420 participants. The data were cleaned, edited, manually checked for completeness, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred into SPSS for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regressions. Finally, the data were presented using statements and tables. Results: There is a significant and positive correlation between anthropometric parameters, including head circumference (r: 0.483), MUAC (r: 0.481), foot length (r: 0.457), and chest circumference (r: 0.482) with gestational age. All anthropometric parameters demonstrated positive and significant estimates of gestational age. The combination of the four measurements yielded the strongest estimate of gestational age. Gestational age can be calculated by the formula: Gestational age (Weeks) = 9.78 + 0.209*CHC + 0.607*MUAC + 0.727*FL + 0.322*HC. Conclusion: Gestational age can be measured using head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, foot length, and chest circumference. Utilizing the four anthropometric parameters in combination exhibits greater efficacy in estimating gestational age than using them individually. Therefore, it is recommended to use these alternative approaches when standard methods are not applicable.

Maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of the South West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia, 2022.

Background: Maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care is a multidimensional assumption of satisfaction with self and with the physical environment of the delivery ward and quality of care. Maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care affects the selection of birthplace and helps to identify gaps between actual and intended healthcare outcomes. This study aims to assess factors that affect maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care. Objectives: To assess maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals in the South-west Shewa Zone, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study approach among 420 mothers was conducted between April 14 and June 14, 2022. Systematic random sampling was used to select mothers for face-to-face interviews every two intervals. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. P-values of <0.25 in association with study variables were transferred to multivariable logistic regression models. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed, and p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariable model. The results of this study are presented using text, tables, and charts. Results: Data were collected from 420 participants, and 413 mothers completed the interview, giving a response rate of 98.33%. The overall maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care was 245 (59.32%) [95% CI: 55-64]. Mothers who were considered normal during labor and delivery (AOR = 2.57 (95% CI: 1.30-5.07), had a labor duration of 12 h or less (AOR = 1.59 (95% CI: 1.03-2.44), and experienced a waiting time of <15 min (AOR = 2.06 (95% CI: 1.21-3.52) were significantly associated with maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care. Conclusion and Recommendations: More than half of mothers were satisfied with the overall intrapartum care they received. Health facility managers and healthcare providers work together to improve maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care.

Prevalence and determinants of maternal near miss in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2015-2023.

BACKGROUND: One of the most challenging problems in developing countries including Ethiopia is improving maternal health. About 303,000 mothers die globally, and one in every 180 is at risk from maternal causes. Developing regions account for 99% of maternal deaths. Maternal near miss (MNM) resulted in long-term consequences. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the prevalence and predictors of maternal near miss in Ethiopia from January 2015 to March 2023. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis cover both published and unpublished studies from different databases (PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library) to search for published studies whilst searches for unpublished studies were conducted using Google Scholar and Google searches. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Duplicated studies were removed using Endnote X8. The paper quality was also assessed based on the JBI checklist. Finally, 21 studies were included in the study. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 17 software. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effect model. Heterogeneity and publication bias was evaluated using Cochran's Q test, (Q) and I squared test (I2). Subgroup analysis based on study region and year of publication was performed. RESULT: From a total of 705 obtained studies, twenty-one studies involving 701,997 pregnant or postpartum mothers were included in the final analysis. The national pooled prevalence of MNM in Ethiopia was 140/1000 [95% CI: 80, 190]. Lack of formal education [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.10], Lack of antenatal care [AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.33, 3.03], history of cesarean section [AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.91, 5.24], anemia [AOR = 4.86, 95% CI: 3.24, 6.47], and having chronic medical disorder [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.29] were among the predictors of maternal near misses from the pooled estimate. CONCLUSION: The national prevalence of maternal near miss was still substantial. Antenatal care is found to be protective against maternal near miss. Emphasizing antenatal care to prevent anemia and modifying other chronic medical conditions is recommended as prevention strategies. Avoiding primary cesarean section is recommended unless a clear indication is present. Finally, the country should place more emphasis on strategies for reducing MNM and its consequences, with the hope of improving women's health.