Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal and Child Health Services: A Comprehensive Analysis of Government Initiatives in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare services globally, with particular challenges observed in maternal and child health (MCH) care. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on MCH services in northern India, focusing on key government programs. METHODS: Data were collected from four major MCH programs in India: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), and the Universal Immunization Program (UIP). The study compared MCH service utilization and outcomes during the pandemic period (March-September 2020) with the same period in 2019. RESULTS: Preliminary findings indicated a significant reduction in the utilization of MCH services during the pandemic, with a decrease observed in institutional deliveries, antenatal care visits, and immunization coverage. For instance, institutional deliveries declined by 30% compared with the previous year, with a similar decrease observed in antenatal care visits. Immunization coverage also decreased by approximately 25%, indicating a substantial decline in preventive care services. Challenges in accessing essential treatments for sick infants have also been reported, with a 40% decrease in the utilization of free treatment services under the JSSK program. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted MCH services in northern India, highlighting the vulnerability of these essential health programs during public health emergencies. Addressing the challenges identified in this study is crucial to ensuring the continuity and resilience of MCH services in similar settings.

Association between obtaining injury prevention information and maternal and child health services during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 disrupted the delivery of public maternal and child health services to caregivers of preschool children, leading to decreased opportunities for injury prevention education. We aim to 1) explore the timing, content, and methods of providing injury prevention information desired by pregnant women and mothers and 2) identify mothers who experienced difficulty in obtaining injury prevention information owing to reduced maternal and child health services. METHODS: From March 24 to 29, 2022, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study and web-based survey. Of the registered monitors of the internet research company Rakuten Insight, 675 mothers raising their first child aged 0-2 during the COVID-19 period (February 2020 to March 2022) were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Over half of the mothers wanted injury prevention information throughout their pregnancy. They preferred receiving information through traditional face-to-face services provided by local governments, such as antenatal classes or checkups. However, 34.1% of mothers said they did not obtain the information they needed; this was particularly true of unemployed mothers, had children aged 0-1, and had children with illnesses requiring hospital visits. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers who could not obtain injury prevention information were originally disadvantaged mothers concerning access to information. The decrease in maternal and child health services may have widened this information gap. These findings can inform recommendations for caregivers, particularly those susceptible to information gaps during emergencies, and offer insights into future injury prevention education strategies.

Itinerários terapêuticos de mulheres quilombolas do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Therapeutic itineraries of quilombola women in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo Os quilombolas são grupos étnico-raciais de ancestralidade negra e tiveram seus territórios consolidados no Brasil em regiões com acesso difícil e distante dos grandes centros. O objetivo desse estudo é conhecer o itinerário terapêutico (IT) adotado por mulheres quilombolas em comunidades tradicionais localizadas no norte do estado de Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa com o modelo teórico utilizando o sistema de cuidados à saúde de Arthur Kleinman. O estudo se deu em 23 comunidades quilombolas do norte de Minas Gerais. Foram entrevistadas 40 mulheres quilombolas, com idades entre 25 e 89 anos. A análise dos dados foi realizada seguindo os IT. Emergiram unidades de análise que foram agrupadas em três categorias: as mulheres quilombolas e o significado da saúde e do cuidado; o sistema de cuidado profissional nas comunidades quilombolas; e itinerário de cuidados nas situações vivenciadas pelas mulheres. O itinerário terapêutico das comunidades se mostra relacionado principalmente às ações de medicina popular. Foi possível observar ainda que existem fragilidades em relação à atenção à saúde devido a fatores como dificuldade de acesso aos serviços institucionalizados.

Abstract Quilombolas are ethnic-racial groups, of black ancestry, and had their territories consolidated in Brazil in regions with difficult access and far from large centers. The objective of this study is to know the therapeutic itinerary (IT) adopted by quilombola women in traditional communities located in the North of the state of Minas Gerais. This is a qualitative study with the theoretical model using the Arthur Kleinman health care system. The study scenario was 23 quilombola communities in northern Minas Gerais. Forty quilombola women aged between 25 and 89 years were interviewed. Data analysis was performed following the IT. Units of analysis emerged that were grouped into three categories: quilombola women and the meaning of health and care; the professional care system in quilombola communities; and route of care in situations experienced by women. The therapeutic itinerary of the communities is mainly related to the actions of popular medicine. It was also possible to observe that there are weaknesses in relation to health care due to factors such as difficulty of access to institutionalized services.

Fatores associados ao aleitamento materno ao nascer em maternidades vinculadas à Rede Cegonha, Brasil, 2016-2017 / Factors associated with breastfeeding at birth in maternity hospitals linked to the Rede Cegonha, Brazil, 2016-2017

Resumo O aleitamento materno (AM) é um direito humano e deve ser iniciado desde o nascimento. A adequação das estratégias da Rede Cegonha (RC) pode contribuir na promoção do AM. O objetivo foi identificar os fatores associados ao AM na primeira e nas 24 horas de nascidos vivos a termo em maternidades vinculadas à RC. Estudo transversal com dados do segundo ciclo avaliativo 2016-2017 da RC, que abrangeu todo o Brasil. Foram obtidas razões de chance por meio de regressão logística binária segundo modelo hierarquizado, com intervalos de confiança a 95% e p-valor < 0,01. A prevalência de AM na primeira hora foi de 31%, e nas 24 horas, de 96,6%. Aumentaram as chances de AM na primeira hora: presença de acompanhante na internação, contato pele a pele, parto vaginal, assistência ao parto por enfermeira e acreditação da unidade na Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança. Resultados semelhantes nas 24 horas, e associação com idade materna inferior a 20 anos. O AM na primeira hora foi menos satisfatório do que nas 24h, provavelmente pela elevada prevalência de cesariana, fator associado à menor chance de AM precoce. A capacitação dos profissionais sobre AM de forma contínua e a presença de enfermeiro obstetra no parto são recomendadas para ampliar o AM na primeira hora.

Abstract Breastfeeding (BF) is a human right, and it must start from birth. The adequacy of Rede Cegonha (RC) strategies can contribute to the promotion of BF. The objective was to identify factors associated with BF in the first and 24 hours of live births at full-term maternity hospitals linked to CR. Cross-sectional study with data from the second evaluation cycle 2016-2017 of the RC that covered all of Brazil. Odds ratios were obtained through binary logistic regression according to a hierarchical model, with 95% confidence intervals and p-value < 0.01. The prevalence of BF in the first hour was 31% and in the 24 hours 96.6%. The chances of BF in the first hour increased: presence of a companion during hospitalization, skin-to-skin contact, vaginal delivery, delivery assistance by a nurse and accreditation of the unit in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Similar results at 24 hours, and association with maternal age below 20 years. BF in the first hour was less satisfactory than in the 24 hours, probably due to the high prevalence of cesarean sections, a factor associated with a lower chance of early BF. Continuous training of professionals about BF and the presence of an obstetric nurse during childbirth are recommended to expand BF in the first hour.

Evaluation of implementation outcomes of an integrated group postpartum and well-child care model at clinics in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Persistently elevated rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidities in Malawi indicate the need for increased quality of maternal and well-child care services. The first-year postpartum sets the stage for long-term health for the childbearing parent and infant. Integrated group postpartum and well-child care may improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine implementation outcomes for this model of care. METHODS: We used mixed methods to examine implementation outcomes of integrated group postpartum and well-child care. We piloted sessions at three clinics in Blantyre District, Malawi. During each session we evaluated fidelity using a structured observation checklist. At the end of each session, we administered three surveys to health care workers and women participants, the Acceptability of Intervention Measure, the Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and the Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Focus groups were conducted to gain greater understanding of people's experience with and evaluation of the model. RESULTS: Forty-one women with their infants participated in group sessions. Nineteen health care workers across the three clinics co-facilitated group sessions, 9 midwives and 10 health surveillance assistants. Each of the 6 sessions was tested once at each clinic for a total of 18 pilot sessions. Both women and health care workers reported group postpartum and well-child care was highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible across clinics. Fidelity to the group care model was high. During each session as part of structured observation the research team noted common health issues, the most common one among women was high blood pressure and among infants was flu-like symptoms. The most common services received within the group space was family planning and infant vaccinations. Women reported gaining knowledge from health promotion group discussions and activities. There were some challenges implementing group sessions. CONCLUSION: We found that clinics in Blantyre District, Malawi were able to implement group postpartum and well-child care with fidelity and that it was highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible to women and health care workers. Due to these promising results, we recommend future research examine the effectiveness of the model on maternal and child health outcomes.

The Effect of Community Health Information System on Health Care Services Utilization in Rural Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: The Health Extension Program (HEP) was introduced in 2003 to extend primary health care services by institutionalizing the former volunteer-based village health services. However, this program is not comprehensively evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2019 comprehensive national assessment of HEP involved (1) assessment through quantitative and qualitative primary data, (2) a thorough systematic review of the HEP literature, and (3) a synthesis of evidence from the two sources. The assessment included household survey(n=7122), a survey of health extension workers (HEWs) (n=584) _, and an assessment of health posts (HPs)(n=343) and their supervising health centers (HCs)(n=179) from 62 randomly selected woredas. As part of the comprehensive assessment. OUTPUT AND RESULTS: The outputs were (a) full and abridged reports, (b) 40 posters, (c) seven published, three under review scientific papers and (d) seven papers in this special issue. During the one-year period preceding the study, 54.8% of women, 32.1% of men, and 21.9% of female youths had at least a one-time interaction with HEWs. HPs and HEWs were universally available. There were critical gaps in the skills and motivation of HEWs and fulfillment of HP standards: 57.3% of HEWs were certified, average satisfaction score of HEWs was 48.6%, and 5.4% of HPs fulfilled equipment standards. CONCLUSIONS: The findings informed policy and program decisions of the Ministry of Health, including the design of the HEP Optimization Roadmap 2020­2035 and the development Health Sector Transformation Plan II. It is also shared with global community through published papers.

The Effect of Community Health Information System on Health Care Services Utilization in Rural Ethiopia.

Background: In Ethiopia, the community health information system (CHIS) is implemented at the health post (hp) level with the aim of improving service delivery and use. We conducted a national level assessment of CHIS utilization and explored the associations of CHIS utilization with use of antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), institutional delivery and child immunization in rural Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study measuring community-based health service use and HP based CHIS assessment from March to May 2019. Data were collected from 343 HPs and 2,864 women who delivered in the last five years, and multistage sampling was used to select the study subjects. We used descriptive statistics for CHIS implementation and service utilization and multilevel logistic regression to investigate the association of CHIS implementation with maternal and child health care services use. Results: Fifty five percent of the HPs were implementing CHIS. These HPs were using a paper-based household data collection tool called family folder (FF). Of the HPs, one third implemented lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) based data quality check and 60.4% documented and followed execution of decisions. Overall, among the eligible women, 40% used ANC, close to 50% of currently married women used ANC services; 28% of women that fall in the high wealth index category used PNC within 48 hours after delivery; and 86.1% of women who had at least a high school education delivered at a health facility. Implementation of CHIS and family folder utilization and conducting LQAS based data quality check in the HPs were significantly associated with increased odds of ANC, delivery, and vaccination services use. Conclusion: We found that better implementation of CHIS was associated with better maternal and child health service use which implies that increasing utilization of CHIS at HPs will improve mother and child health service use.

Percepciones sobre la lactancia materna y características sociodemográficas de un grupo de madres adolescentes colombianas / Perceptions about breastfeeding and sociodemographic characteristics of a group of Colombian adolescent mothers

La baja adherencia a la lactancia materna en los primeros seis meses de vida del bebé es un gran problema en Colombia. Investigar las percepciones de las madres adolescentes es esencial para el incentivo a la lactancia materna exclusiva. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las percepciones sobre la lactancia materna y describir las características sociodemográficas de madres adolescentes lactantes que participan en el Programa de Crecimiento y Desarrollo de la Corporación Hospital San Juan de Dios UniRemington en Colombia. Se trata de un estudio observacional cualitativo transversal realizado entre 2020 y 2021 mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas. Estas se realizaron según un guión de preguntas abiertas a madres adolescentes que amamantan a bebés menores de 2 años, utilizando grabadora de audio, diarios de campo y datos sociodemográficos obtenidos de registros hospitalarios. La muestra y resultados se basearon en la saturación de datos, según las narrativas organizados en temas a partir del análisis temático junto con repeticiones de observaciones y descripciones de datos sociodemográficos. De las diez jóvenes, el 70% tenía un bajo nivel de escolarización y su percepción de la lactancia estaba relacionada con su conocimiento de los beneficios de la lactancia para la nutrición del bebé y el vínculo madre-hijo, pero con muchas dificultades esta realidad se ha convertido en una utopía. Hubo una díada de alegría y dolor en las vivencias. Se concluyó que las percepciones estaban relacionadas con la falta de apoyo médico y familiar para madres adolescentes. Se sugieren más estudios en diferentes poblaciones maternas.

Low adherence to breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby's life is a major problem in Colombia. Investigating the perceptions of adolescent mothers is essential to encourage exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, the objective of this study was to learn about the perceptions of breastfeeding and to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of breastfeeding adolescent mothers who participated in the Growth and Development Program of the Hospital San Juan de Dios UniRemington Corporation in Colombia. This is a cross-sectional qualitative observational study conducted between 2020 and 2021 using semi-structured interviews. These were carried out according to a script of open-ended questions to teenage mothers who were breastfeeding babies under 2 years of age, using tape recorders and field diaries and sociodemographic data obtained from hospital registers. The sample and results were based on data saturation according to narratives organized into themes from the thematic analysis together with repetitions of observations and descriptions of sociodemographic data. Of the ten young women, 70% had a low level of schooling and their perception of breastfeeding was related to their knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding for baby nutrition and mother-child bond, but with many difficulties this reality has become a utopia. There was a dyad of joy and pain in the experiences. It was concluded that the perceptions were related to the lack of medical and family support for adolescent mothers. Further studies in different maternal populations are suggested.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal and Child Health Services and Strategies for Effective Service Implementation in Ethiopia.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global burden to the Health sector of developing countries. However, the effect of COVID-19 on maternal and child health services is scarce and no evidence was documented in the Ethiopian context. Hence, this particular study aimed to examine the effect of the pAndemic and to identify effective strategies in Ethiopia. Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied. For the qualitative, 74 study participants were considered. Study participants were selected purposively and interview guide was used to collect data. Finally audio records were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed thematically. For the quantitative, data were extracted from the DHIS2 reports to assess the trend over time. Results: The qualitative findings indicated that the pandemic affected the MNCH services to be inaccessible and low quality. The trend analysis also showed that the COVID-19 has disrupted MNCH services particularly in the first two months Of the pandemic. Health workers also faced a scarcity of personal protective equipment, work overload and shortage Of resources during the pandemic. As a cope up strategy, the Health system at all levels has established a COVID-19 task force supported by a working guideline. There is also a media prevention program, establishment of quarantine at home, resource mobilization, active surveillance, availing extra ambulances and strong follow-up. Conclusion: Multiple interventions applied to curb the pandemic have lowered MNCH service utilization. The low commitment of health workers, resources shortage and movement restrictions had a an impact on the uptake of MCH services. There should be a balance in resource utilization to COVID and other essential Health services and the government should avail the necessary supplies during the COVID era. Regionally tailored adaptive interventions are also required to improve MNCH service uptake. Extensive media advocacy and HEWs active involvement for community mobilization are also recommended.

Avaliação da satisfação de mães em relação aos serviços públicos de saúde de Montes Claros (MG) / Evaluation of mothers' satisfaction with public health services in Montes Claros (MG) / Evaluación de la satisfacción de las madres con los servicios públicos de salud en Montes Claros (MG)

Este artigo pretendeu avaliar a satisfação das mães em relação aos serviços públicos de saúde de Montes Claros (MG). Para isso, realizou-se estudo transversal de base populacional, composto por amostra representativa de crianças menores de 24 meses da cidade de Montes Claros (MG), a partir de questionário descritivo, aplicado às mães dessas crianças. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva, concluindo-se que, em relação à última consulta realizada, 70% das mães ficaram satisfeitas quanto ao tempo de espera, ao serviço de informação, à qualidade do serviço e à estrutura da unidade. Apesar de 40,1% terem relatado que tiveram consultas marcadas duas vezes ou mais no ano, consideraram o atendimento favorável. Portanto, a satisfação das mães quanto ao serviço de saúde, ao atendimento, ao acesso à atenção primária e à estrutura da unidade influenciam positivamente no tratamento da criança.

This article aimed to evaluate mothers' satisfaction with public health services in Montes Claros (MG). To that end it carried out a population-based cross-sectional study, consisting of a representative sample of children younger than 24 months in the city of Montes Claros (MG), based on a descriptive questionnaire applied to mothers with children younger than 24 months. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, concluding that 70% of the mothers, regarding the last consultation, were satisfied with the waiting time, information service, quality of service, and structure of the unit. Although 40.1% reported that they had consultations scheduled 2 times a year or less, they considered the service favorable. Thus, the mothers' satisfaction with the health service, the care, the access to primary care, and the structure of the unit positively influence the child's treatment.

Este artículo pretendió evaluar la satisfacción de las madres con los servicios públicos de salud en Montes Claros (Minas Gerais, Brasil). Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal de base poblacional, constituido por una muestra representativa de niños menores de 24 meses de la ciudad de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, a partir de un cuestionario descriptivo aplicado a madres con hijos menores de 24 meses. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva, y se obtuvo que con relación a la última consulta el 70% de las madres se mostraron satisfechas con el tiempo de espera, el servicio de información, la calidad del servicio y la satisfacción con la estructura de la unidad. Aunque el 40,1% refirió tener consultas programadas menor o igual a dos veces al año, considerándose favorable el servicio. Por tanto, la satisfacción de las madres con el servicio de salud, la atención, el acceso a la atención primaria y la estructura de la unidad influyen positivamente en el tratamiento del niño.

"If I Was Educated, I Would Call the Ambulance and Give Birth at the Health Facility"-A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Inequities in the Utilization of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services in Northern Ethiopia.

In earlier studies, we have shown that the utilization of maternal health services in rural Ethiopia was distributed in a pro-rich fashion, while the coverage of child immunization was equitably distributed. Hence, this study aimed to explore mothers' and primary healthcare workers' perceptions of inequities in maternal, newborn, and child health services in rural Ethiopia, along with the factors that could influence such differentials. A qualitative study was conducted from November to December 2019 in two rural districts in Tigray, Ethiopia. Twenty-two in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were carried out with mothers who had given birth during the last year before the survey. We also interviewed women's development group leaders, health extension workers, and health workers. The final sample was determined based on the principle of saturation. The interviews and focus group discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two major themes emerged during the analysis that characterized the distribution of the service utilization and perceived causes of inequity. These were: (1) perceptions of the inequity in the use of maternal and child health services, and (2) perceived causes of inequity in maternal and child health service utilization. The mothers perceived antenatal care, facility-based delivery, and care-seeking for sick children to be inequitably distributed, while immunization was recognized as an equitable service. The inequity in the maternal and child health services was linked to poverty, lack of education, lack of access, and poor-quality services. The poor, the uneducated, and women who were distant from health facilities had a low utilization rate of services. The weak implementation of community-based equity-oriented policies, such as community-based health insurance, was perceived to result in health inequities. Mothers and primary healthcare providers in rural Ethiopia experienced weaknesses in delivering equitable services. The narratives could inform efforts to provide universal health coverage for mothers, newborns, and children by improving access and empowering women through poverty alleviation and education.

Oferta das boas práticas do parto em maternidades da Rede Cegonha segundo a Teoria de Resposta ao Item / Supply of best childbirth practices in maternity units of Rede Cegonha according to Item Response Theory

Resumo Este estudo objetivou elaborar uma escala interpretável para mensurar o nível de oferta das boas práticas no trabalho de parto e parto em maternidades da Rede Cegonha (RC) a partir da percepção dos trabalhadores. A escala foi composta por dezessete itens relacionados às boas práticas, obtidos a partir do instrumento utilizado na pesquisa "Avaliação da atenção ao parto e nascimento em maternidades da RC". O modelo logístico de três parâmetros da Teoria de Resposta ao Item foi utilizado para criação da escala e análise dos itens. A escala foi composta por três níveis âncoras. No primeiro nível âncora, tem-se maternidades que ofertavam adequadamente estratégias para o acolhimento e estimulando a gestante a deambular no trabalho de parto. As maternidades do segundo nível incluíram também a oferta adequada do direito a acompanhante de livre escolha da mulher, massagem, bola e diferentes posições de parto. Por fim, têm-se as maternidades do terceiro nível ofereciam também adequadamente banqueta de parto, bem como os itens já citados. Os achados deste estudo mostraram a contribuição de cada item na mensuração do nível de oferta das boas práticas de atenção ao trabalho de parto e parto e a construção de uma escala interpretativa para avaliação das maternidades da RC.

Abstract This study aimed to develop an intelligible scale to measure the level of supply of best practices in labor, childbirth and delivery in maternity units in the Rede Cegonha (RC) based on the workers' perception. The scale consisted of seventeen items related to best practices, based on the instrument used in the "Evaluation of care during delivery and birth in maternity hospitals in the RC" research The three-parameter logistic model of Item Response Theory was used to create the scale and analyze the items. The scale consisted of three levels. In the first level, there are maternity hospitals that adequately offered strategies for welcoming and encouraging the pregnant woman to circulate during labor. The second level maternity wards also included the adequate offer of the right to a companion of choice, massage, ball and different birth positions. Finally, the third level maternity hospitals also offered an adequate delivery stool, as well as the items already mentioned. The findings of this study showed the contribution of each item in measuring the level of supply of best practices in care for labor, childbirth and delivery and the construction of an intelligible scale to assess RC maternity hospitals.

The Impact of Mobile Health Interventions on Antenatal and Postnatal Care Utilization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Analysis.

Despite many efforts, the utilization of full antenatal and postnatal care remains a significant concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We planned to retrieve the relevant literature and pooled the data for meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of mobile health (mHealth) intervention on antenatal and postnatal care utilization in low- and middle-income countries. We searched the literature through major electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, Clinical key, Google Scholar, and Ovid with selected keywords and explored the reference list of articles. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan software version 5.4; p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The effect of variables was measured in odds ratio (OR) with a fixed-effects model. Six published interventional studies were selected as per the eligibility and participants, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framed for systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was restricted to articles in the English language, articles published online, and preprinted articles until September 2020. Outcome variables include antenatal and postnatal care utilization by pregnant and delivered mothers. The results have been presented in the form of a forest plot. The findings of this meta-analysis depicted the significant increase in four or more antenatal care (ANC) attendance (OR = 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49-2.19), tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.17-2.27), compliance to iron supplementation (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.18-3.00), and postnatal care attendance (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.15-2.99) among those pregnant mothers who received mHealth intervention compared with the control group. This meta-analysis creates evidence for the effectiveness of mHealth with pooled data of interventional studies with limited sample sizes. Technology is changing, but even with limited support such as short messaging service (SMS), there was an improvement in antenatal and postnatal service utilization. This meta-analysis concluded that mHealth has the potential to increase the utilization of antenatal and postnatal care compared to standard care, although the level of evidence is moderate.

Role of trust in sustaining provision and uptake of maternal and child healthcare: Evidence from a national programme in Nigeria.

Despite increasing attention to implementation research in global health, evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using realist evaluations, in understanding how complex health programmes work remains limited. This paper contributes to bridging this knowledge gap by reporting how, why and in what circumstances, the implementation and subsequent termination of a maternal and child health programme affected the trust of service users and healthcare providers in Nigeria. Key documents were reviewed, and initial programme theories of how context triggers mechanisms to produce intended and unintended outcomes were developed. These were tested, consolidated and refined through iterative cycles of data collection and analysis. Testing and validation of the trust theory utilized eight in-depth interviews with health workers, four focus group discussions with service users and a household survey of 713 pregnant women and analysed retroductively. The conceptual framework adopted Hurley's perspective on 'decision to trust' and Straten et al.'s framework on public trust and social capital theory. Incentives offered by the programme triggered confidence and satisfaction among service users, contributing to their trust in healthcare providers, increased service uptake, motivated healthcare providers to have a positive attitude to work, and facilitated their trust in the health system. Termination of the programme led to most service users' dissatisfaction, and distrust reflected in the reduction in utilization of MCH services, increased staff workloads leading to their decreased performance although residual trust remained. Understanding the role of trust in a programme's short and long-term outcomes can help policymakers and other key actors in the planning and implementation of sustainable and effective health programmes. We call for more theory-driven approaches such as realist evaluation to advance understanding of the implementation of health programmes in LMICs.

Sífilis congênita no Brasil e indicadores propostos pela Rede Cegonha no âmbito do cuidado pré-natal / Congenital syphilis in Brazil and indicators proposed by Rede Cegonha in the context of prenatal care

Em comparação aos demais países da América Latina, o Brasil tem se destacado ao longo dos anos por apresentar taxas elevadas de notificações de sífilis congênita ­ denunciando, em especial, o evidente déficit das intervenções em saúde durante os cuidados pré-natais. Em 2011, na tentativa de melhorar as condições de saúde materno-infantil no país, foi instituída a Rede Cegonha, política que orienta a implementação de um novo modelo de atenção à saúde da mulher e da criança, a organização da rede de cuidados e a redução da mortalidade materna e infantil. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a incidência de sífilis congênita nos municípios brasileiros conforme indicadores propostos pela Rede Cegonha no âmbito do cuidado pré-natal. Trata-se de um estudo com delineamento observacional, do tipo ecológico misto com caráter analítico, cuja amostra foi composta por 257 municípios com quantidade de habitantes igual ou superior a cem mil (n = 257). Realizou-se análise descritiva das variáveis dependentes e independentes e análise bivariada por Regressão de Poisson por Variância Robusta para os desfechos "incidência de sífilis congênita" e "razão entre sífilis congênita e sífilis em gestante". Na análise de tendência (2015-2019), foram estimadas médias marginais por meio de Análise de Variância (ANOVA) do tipo Split-Plot para os desfechos escolhidos conforme variáveis independentes elencadas. A análise transversal evidenciou que a incidência média de sífilis congênita foi 42% maior nos municípios com IDH até 0,785 (RM=1,42; p<0,001) e 36% maior entre populações com disponibilidade de teste rápido abaixo de 50% (RM =1,36; p<0,005). A razão entre sífilis congênita e sífilis em gestantes foi 33% maior entre municípios com proporção de pobres acima de 6,9% (RM=1,33; p<0,001) e 24% maior entre locais com menos de 50% de disponibilidade de testes rápidos (RM=1,24; p<0,001). Não foi observada significância estatística do Escore de Qualidade do Pré-natal em comparação aos desfechos. A análise de tendência apontou um forte efeito do tempo (anos) na incidência de sífilis congênita (F=0,146; p<0,001) e sobre a razão entre sífilis congênita e sífilis em gestantes (F=0,192; p<0,001). Em contrapartida, notou-se que a interação entre ano e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Médio (IDHM) e ano e "Escore de Qualidade do Pré-Natal" apresentaram efeitos baixos sobre os desfechos. Os achados desse estudo remetem a um cenário nacional preocupante no que concerne à prevenção e controle da sífilis congênita. Todavia, cabe ressaltar, que a disponibilidade de testes rápidos e melhores condições de vida e saúde da população, sobretudo dos aspectos socioeconômicos, estiveram associados a melhores desfechos. A presente pesquisa evidenciou os importantes traços de desigualdade na ocorrência de sífilis congênita, chamando a atenção para estratégias de redução das iniquidades em saúde e melhorias no cuidado pré-natal (AU).

Compared to other Latin American countries, Brazil has stood out over the years for presenting high rates of congenital syphilis notifications ­ denouncing, in particular, the evident deficit of health interventions during prenatal care. In 2011, in an attempt to improve maternal and child health conditions in the country, the "Rede Cegonha" programm was created, a policy that guides the implementation of a new model of health care for women and children, the organization of the care network and the reduction of maternal and child mortality. The objective of this research was to analyze the incidence of congenital syphilis in Brazilian cities according to indicators proposed by "Rede Cegonha" in the context of prenatal care. This is an observational ecological study, whose sample consisted of 257 municipalities with a number of inhabitants equal to or greater than one hundred thousand (n = 257). Descriptive analysis of dependent and independent variables and bivariate analysis by Poisson Regression by Robust Variance were performed for the outcomes "incidence of congenital syphilis" and "ratio between congenital syphilis and syphilis in pregnant women". In the trend analysis (2015- 2019), marginal means were estimated using Split-Plot Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for the outcomes chosen according to the independent variables. The cross-sectional analysis showed that the mean incidence of congenital syphilis was 42% higher in municipalities with HDI up to 0.785 (RM=1.42; p<0.001) and 36% higher among populations with availability of a rapid test below 50% (RM = 1.36; p<0.005). The ratio between congenital syphilis and syphilis in pregnant women was 33% higher among municipalities with a proportion of poor people above 6.9% (RM=1.33; p<0.001) and 24% higher among locations with less than 50% availability of rapid tests (RM=1.24; p<0.001). There was no statistical significance of the "Prenatal Quality Score" compared to the outcomes. Trend analysis showed a strong effect of time (years) on the incidence of congenital syphilis (F=0.146; p<0.001) and on the ratio between congenital syphilis and syphilis in pregnant women (F=0.192; p<0.001). In contrast, it was verified that the interaction between year and Human Development Index (HDI) and year and "Prenatal Quality Score" had low effects on outcomes. The findings of this study refer to a worrying national scenario with regard to the prevention and control of congenital syphilis. However, it is noteworthy that the availability of rapid tests and better living conditions and health of the population, especially regarding socioeconomic aspects, were associated with better outcomes. The present research highlighted the important features of inequality in the occurrence of congenital syphilis, drawing attention to strategies to reduce health inequities and improve prenatal care (AU).

Maternidade em tempos de pandemia de Covid-19: o que nos revelam as mães atendidas em um hospital de referência / Maternidad en tiempos de pandemia de Covid-19: lo que nos revelan las madres atendidas en un hospital de referencia / Maternity in times of the Covid-19 pandemic: what mothers admitted in a reference hospital have to tell us

A pandemia de Covid-19 afetou todas as esferas da nossa vida. Mulheres no período perinatal têm necessidades únicas, demandando diretrizes de saúde e segurança devido aos riscos do isolamento social. Objetivou-se conhecer a vivência de mulheres na gestação ou puerpério no contexto da pandemia durante atendimento em hospital de referência. Estudo qualitativo pautado em referenciais da integralidade do cuidado e cotidiano. Participaram 18 mulheres, gestantes e puérperas. Três temas emergiram: repercussões na gestação e puerpério; repercussões na vida prática; e estratégias de enfrentamento criadas pelas mulheres. Os relatos desvelam diferentes repercussões da pandemia na vida das mulheres e de suas famílias, bem como estratégias e cuidados usados para mitigar os efeitos adversos. Sugere-se o direcionamento de medidas preventivas e políticas públicas que priorizem mulheres grávidas e puérperas, reconhecendo e acolhendo questões subjetivas envolvidas nesse momento na vida da mulher.(AU)

La pandemia de Covid-19 afectó todas las esferas de nuestra vida. Mujeres en el período perinatal tienen necesidades únicas, que demandan directrices de salud y seguridad con relación a los riesgos debido al aislamiento social. El objetivo fue conocer la experiencia de mujeres en la gestación o el puerperio en el contexto de la pandemia durante su atención en un hospital de referencia. Estudio cualitativo pautado en factores referenciales de la integralidad del cuidado y del cotidiano. Participaron 18 mujeres, gestantes y puérperas. Surgieron tres temas: Repercusiones en la gestación y el puerperio, repercusiones en la vida práctica y estrategias de enfrentamiento creadas por las mujeres. Los relatos muestran diferentes repercusiones de la pandemia en la vida de las mujeres y sus familias, así como estrategias y cuidados usados para mitigar los efectos adversos. Se sugiere la dirección de medidas preventivas y políticas públicas para que se prioricen las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas, reconociendo y recogiendo cuestiones subjetivas presentes en ese momento en la vida de la mujer.(AU)

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives. Women in the perinatal period have unique needs, demanding health and safety guidelines regarding the risks associated to social isolation. The objective was to know the women's experience during pregnancy or puerperium in the pandemic while being cared at a hospital. Qualitative study referenced on concepts of integrality of care and daily life. Eighteen pregnant and postpartum participated. Three themes emerged: Repercussions on pregnancy and puerperium, repercussions on practical life, and coping strategies created by women. The reports reveal different repercussions of the pandemic in the lives of women and their families, also the strategies and precautions used to mitigate its adverse effects. We suggest directing preventive measures and public health policies to prioritize pregnant and postpartum women, recognizing and embracing subjective issues involved at this moment in women's lives.(AU)

Acompanhamento dos bebês de alto risco em serviços de saúde: compromisso a favor da vida / Seguimiento del bebé de alto riesgo en los servicios de salud: un compromiso de por vida / Follow-up of high risk babies in health services: a commitment for life

Objetivo: identificar os motivos que levam as mães de bebês de alto risco a abandonarem o acompanhamento no Ambulatório de Alto Risco, ao longo do primeiro ano de vida. Método: estudo descritivo e exploratório, de natureza qualitativa realizado com 16 mães de bebês que foram acompanhados no Ambulatório de Alto Risco vinculado ao Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre os meses de agosto e setembro de 2020, mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas e submetidas à análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Resultados: Emergiram duas categorias: Abandono do acompanhamento infantil de alto risco: desconhecimento atrelado a falta de apoio social; Ansiedade frente ao desconhecido: vivência das mães após o nascimento. Conclusão: os motivos referentes aos aspectos maternos, familiares, sociais e características dos serviços de saúde podem influenciar no abandono do acompanhamento infantil.(AU)

Objective: to identify the reasons that lead mothers of high-risk babies to abandon follow-up at the High-Risk Outpatient Clinic, throughout the first year of life. Method: descriptive and exploratory study, qualitative in nature, conducted with 16 mothers of babies who were followed at the High Risk Outpatient Clinic linked to the Rede Mãe Paranaense Program. Data collection took place between August and September 2020, through semi-structured interviews and submitted to content analysis, thematic modality. Results: Two categories emerged: Abandonment of high-risk child monitoring: lack of knowledge linked to lack of social support; Anxiety in the face of the unknown: mothers' experience after birth. Conclusion: the reasons related to maternal, family, social aspects and characteristics of health services can influence the abandonment of child care.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar los motivos que llevan a las madres de bebés de alto riesgo a abandonar el seguimiento en la Clínica Ambulatoria de Alto Riesgo, a lo largo del primer año de vida. Método: estudio descriptivo y exploratorio, de carácter cualitativo, realizado con 16 madres de bebés que fueron seguidos en la Clínica de Alto Riesgo vinculada al Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense. La recolección de datos se realizó entre agosto y septiembre de 2020, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y sometidas a análisis de contenido, modalidad temática. Resultados: Surgieron dos categorías: Abandono del monitoreo infantil de alto riesgo: desconocimiento vinculado a falta de apoyo social; Ansiedad ante lo desconocido: la experiencia de las madres después del nacimiento. Conclusión: las razones relacionadas con aspectos maternos, familiares, sociales y características de los servicios de salud pueden influir en el abandono del cuidado infantil.(AU)

Social capital and maternal and child health services uptake in low- and middle-income countries: mixed methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Social capital has become an important concept in the field of public health, and is associated with improved health services uptake. This study aimed to systematically review the available literature on the role of social capital on the utilization of maternal and child health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Mixed-methods research review and synthesis using three databases PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct for peer-reviewed literature and Google Scholar and Google search engines for gray literature were performed. Both quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in LMICs, published in English and in grey literature were considered. Prior to inclusion in the review methodological quality was assessed using a standardized critical appraisal instrument. RESULTS: A total of 1,545 studies were identified, of which 13 records were included after exclusions of studies due to duplicates, reading titles, abstracts, and full-text reviews. Of these eligible studies, six studies were included for quantitative synthesis, and seven were included for qualitative synthesis. Of the six quantitative studies, five of them addressed the association between social capital and health facility delivery. Women who lived in communities with higher membership in groups that helps to form intergroup bridging ties had higher odds of using antenatal care services. Synthesized qualitative findings revealed that women received some form of emotional, informational, and instrumental support from their network members. Receiving health information from trusted people and socio-cultural factors influenced the use of maternal and child health services. CONCLUSIONS: Social capital has a great contribution to improve maternal and child health services. Countries aiming at improving maternal and child health services can be benefited from adapting existing context-specific social networks in the community. This review identified limited available evidence examining the role of social capital on maternal and child health services uptake and future studies may be required for an in-depth understanding of how social capital could improve maternal and child health services. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021226923.

Mapping Evidence of Impacts of COVID-19 Outbreak on Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly transformed the pre-existing worldwide sexual and reproductive health environment. The provision and supply of contraceptives, and a wide variety of sexual health, new-born, and maternal health services have been seriously affected. Thus, this scoping review mapped the available evidence on the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on sexual and reproductive health. METHODS: Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework guided this scoping review. A search was conducted from the following databases: Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, WOS, and AJOL. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) chart and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist were used to document the review process. The McMaster critical review checklist was used to determine the quality of the included studies. Thematic analyses were conducted using NVivo version 12. RESULTS: Three studies showed evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and family planning services, six studies reported on maternal and child services and eleven studies reported on sexual health (sexual behavior). Limited access to family planning use, reduction in multiple sexual partnership, decreased transactional sex, and maternal and child services disruption were some impacts reported in the included studies. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated the impacts of COVID-19 on family planning access, multiple sexual partnership, transactional sex, and disruption of maternal and child health services. Interventions that will consider the immediate availability of and access to all sexual and reproductive health services should be prioritized.

Assistência ao parto de adolescentes e mulheres em idade materna avançada em maternidades vinculadas à Rede Cegonha / Childbirth care for adolescents and advanced maternal age in maternities linked to Rede Cegonha

Resumo Com base nas diretrizes da Rede Cegonha, que propõem fortalecimento dos direitos sexuais e dos direitos reprodutivos das mulheres, buscou-se apresentar um breve panorama de questões relacionadas ao planejamento reprodutivo e analisar as práticas obstétricas na atenção ao parto de adolescentes e mulheres em idade avançada, em maternidades vinculadas a Rede Cegonha. Os dados foram extraídos da avaliação conduzida em 2017, com base nas informações da entrevista com as puérperas e do prontuário hospitalar. Para os extremos etários, a alta proporção de gravidez não planejada e a baixa utilização de meios de contracepção indicam problemas no acesso aos programas de planejamento familiar. As adolescentes estão mais expostas à presença de acompanhante e menos ao uso de analgesia no trabalho de parto. As mulheres em idade avançada apresentaram maior chance de uso de analgesia no trabalho de parto e de parir na posição de litotomia, estando menos expostas a prática de amniotomia. Apesar da Rede Cegonha ser uma excelente estratégia para melhoria da assistência ao trabalho de parto e ao parto, ainda é preciso atenção ao uso de intervenções potencialmente desnecessárias ou não recomendadas, com maior incentivo às boas práticas obstétricas.

Abstract Based on the Rede Cegonha guidelines that propose the strengthening of women's sexual and reproductive rights, we sought to present a brief overview of issues related to reproductive planning and to analyze obstetric practices in childbirth care for adolescents and women of advanced age in maternity hospitals linked to Rede Cegonha. Data were extracted from an assessment conducted in 2017, based on information from the interview with puerperal women and from the hospital record. For age extremes, the high proportion of unplanned pregnancies and low use of contraception means problems in accessing family planning programs. Adolescents are more exposed to the presence of a companion and less to the use of analgesia in labor. Advanced maternal age were more likely to use analgesia in labor and to give birth in the lithotomy position, being less exposed to amniotomy. Although Rede Cegonha is an excellent strategy for improving assistance to childbirth, attention is still needed to the use of potentially unnecessary or not recommended interventions, with greater incentive to good obstetric practices.