The effect of calcium supplementation on blood pressure in non-pregnant women with previous pre-eclampsia: An exploratory, randomized placebo controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological findings suggest that the link between poverty and pre-eclampsia might be dietary calcium deficiency. Calcium supplementation has been associated with a modest reduction in pre-eclampsia, and also in blood pressure (BP). METHODS: This exploratory sub-study of the WHO Calcium and Pre-eclampsia (CAP) trial aims to determine the effect of 500mg/day elemental calcium on the blood pressure of non-pregnant women with previous pre-eclampsia. Non-pregnant women with at least one subsequent follow-up trial visit at approximately 12 or 24weeks after randomization were included. RESULTS: Of 836 women randomized by 9 September 2014, 1st visit data were available in 367 women of whom 217 had previously had severe pre-eclampsia, 2nd visit data were available in 201 women. There was an overall trend to reduced BP in the calcium supplementation group (1-2.5mmHg) although differences were small and not statistically significant. In the subgroup with previous severe pre-eclampsia, the mean diastolic BP change in the calcium group (-2.6mmHg) was statistically larger than in the placebo group (+0.8mmHg), (mean difference -3.4, 95% CI -0.4 to -6.4; p=0.025). The effect of calcium on diastolic BP at 12weeks was greater than in those with non-severe pre-eclampsia (p=0.020, ANOVA analysis). CONCLUSIONS: There is an overall trend to reduced BP but only statistically significant in the diastolic BP of women with previous severe pre-eclampsia. This is consistent with our hypothesis that this group is more sensitive to calcium supplementation, however results need to be interpreted with caution.

An assessment of the maternal death notification system in Zimbabwe--2006.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the completeness and usefulness of the maternal death notification system in Zimbabwe for the year 2006. METHODS: As part of the Zimbabwe Maternal and Perinatal Mortality Survey (ZMPMS) maternal death notification forms lodged at the national and provincial levels were collected and analyzed. Data was entered into Stata version 6. The forms were also given to two clinician reviewers who assessed the quality of the information on the forms. RESULTS: A total of 364 forms were found at the provincial level. Of these, 56% had had copies forwarded to national level. Information on antenatal booking status was available on 84% of the forms. The forms had been completed by ten different grades of health worker and cause of death was entered on 80% of the forms. Information on whether the death had been potentially avoidable was entered on 68% of the forms. Five different versions of the maternal death notification form were found in the field and a significant proportion of the forms were missing important demographic variables. CONCLUSION: The maternal death notification system for Zimbabwe was found to be incomplete and not standardized.

Joining the dots: a plea for precise estimates of the maternal mortality ratio in sub-Saharan Africa.

Monitoring of maternal mortality levels in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to assess the achievements of safe motherhood programmes and for MDG-5 has been made difficult because of the lack of precise estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Projections based on the slow rate of decline of the MMR indicate that MDG-5 may not be reached before the end of this century in this region. Measurements done using demographical and health surveys, statistical modelling and censuses are imprecise and do not allow trends in individual countries to be established. SSA countries should be encouraged to measure mortality levels from their own resources, using methods that produce precise estimates such as population-based surveys. Establishment of the trends will lead to country-specific program targets. The less frequent but more precise measurements can be afforded by SSA countries, as a case study from Zimbabwe shows.

Randomised controlled trial of two antenatal care models in rural Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a five-visit antenatal care (ANC) model with specified goals with the standard model in a rural area in Zimbabwe. DESIGN: Cluster randomised controlled trial with the clinic as the randomisation unit. SETTING: Primary care setting in a developing country where care was provided by nurse-midwives. POPULATION: Women booking for ANC in the clinics were eligible. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of antenatal visits, antepartum and intrapartum referrals, utilization of health centre for delivery and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-three rural health centres were stratified prior to random allocation to the new (n = 11) or standard (n = 12) model of care. RESULTS: We recruited 13,517 women (new, n = 6897 and standard, n = 6620) in the study, and 78% (10,572) of their pregnancy records were retrieved. There was no difference in median maternal age, parity and gestational age at booking between women in the standard model and those in the new model. The median number of visits was four for both models. The proportion of women with five or less visits was 77% in the new and 69% in the standard model (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.08-2.2). The likelihood of haemoglobin testing was higher in the new model (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0-5.7) but unchanged for syphilis testing. There were fewer intrapartum transfers (5.4 versus 7.9% [OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.44-0.98]) in the new model but no difference in antepartum or postpartum transfers. There was no difference in rates of preterm delivery or low birthweight. The perinatal mortality was 25/1000 in standard model and 28/1000 in new model. CONCLUSION: In Gutu district, a focused five-visit schedule did not change the number of contacts but was more effective as expressed by increased adherence to procedures and better use of institutional health care.

Best practices for intrapartum care in Zimbabwean health facilities.

Evidence-based interventions to ensure a good outcome during childbirth are widely available. Their applicability in various settings depends on local conditions and the resources available. Best practices during normal labour and delivery are described for Zimbabwean health facilities. Practices that have proved value are encouraged and those without benefit are discouraged.

Best practices for antenatal care in Zimbabwe.

Evidence based recommendations, taken from systematic reviews of available literature form the basis for best practices. The manpower and resources available at health institutions in Zimbabwe have been taken into account in developing these antenatal protocols. Good quality is achieved when all the six visits are undertaken at the recommended times, and the activities are carried out competently by providers displaying a good attitude towards the patients. The providers should assess the quality of antenatal care periodically using indicators of access and the correct performance of procedures.

Best practices for post natal care in Zimbabwe.

The purpose of post natal care for the mother is to avert or alleviate significant mortality and morbidity. During the immediate post partum period, the emphasis will be on monitoring to detect complications and assisting the mother to initiate care of the newborn, especially breastfeeding. In the latter post partum period, the aim is to confirm involution and healing of the genital tract, confirm continued good newborn care by the mother and offer protection against pregnancy to the couple.

Effectiveness of referral system for antenatal and intra-partum problems in Gutu district, Zimbabwe.

We conducted a population-based cohort study to determine the prevalence of antenatal and intra-partum referrals, compliance with advice and perinatal outcomes in referred pregnant women in Gutu district, Zimbabwe. The cohort was composed of 10,572 women who received antenatal care in 23 rural health centres (RHC) in Gutu district between January 1995 and June 1998. Pregnancy records of women with antenatal or intra-partum referral were analysed for indication, compliance and perinatal outcomes. Using women who had no antenatal referral or those who complied as referents, the association of referral with perinatal outcome was expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 30% of women (3,094/10,572) had an antenatal referral. Among women attending RHC in labour, 13% (694/5,338) were referred intra-partum. Nulliparous and women younger than 20 years were more likely to be referred. Nurse - midwives' compliance with referral recommendations was low as 59% women with historical risk factors and 52% with raised blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg) were not referred. Women complied with referral advice except when indication was high parity. Women with antenatal referral were more likely to have hospital delivery, 70% vs 18% (p < 0.001). A total of 13% (993/7,478) of women referred themselves for hospital delivery. The risk of perinatal death was elevated among intra-partum referrals (RR 3.4; 95% CI 1.7 - 6.8), self-referrals (RR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5 - 4.5) and also among women with historical risk factors who were not referred (RR 4.8; 95% CI 2.5 - 9.2). We concluded that although there was a functional referral system in Gutu district its efficiency was reduced by failure of health personnel to comply with referral recommendations. Women took appropriate action for most referral indications.

Relation of parity to pregnancy outcome in a rural community in Zimbabwe.

This population-based cohort study was conducted to compare pregnancy complications and outcome among nulliparous, low (1-5) and high (> or = 6) parity women. Women who registered for antenatal care and gave birth in Guru District, Zimbabwe, between January 1995 and June 1998 were classified into groups by parity. The women were compared for baseline characteristics, utilisation of health facilities and occurrence of pregnancy complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, haemorrhage, pre-term delivery, operative delivery, low birth weight and perinatal death. In estimating risk, primiparous (parity = 1) women were used as referents. Pregnancy records for 10,569 women were analysed. Mean ages of nulliparous and high parity (> or = 6) women were 20.1 and 37.7 years respectively (p < 0.001). Prevalence of anaemia at booking (haemoglobin < or =10.5 g/dl) was reduced in nulliparous compared to multiparous women (11.7% vs 16.8%; p > or = 0.001). Nulliparous women were likely to book early (< or = 20 weeks) for antenatal care, have a higher number of visits (> or = 6) and fewer home births. Nulliparous women had higher risk for low birth weight (RR 1.70; 95% CI 1.36 - 2.13). Compared to low parity women, nulliparous and high parity women had an elevated risk of hypertensive complications RR 1.62 (95% CI 1.37-1.92) and RR 1.64 (95% CI 1.29 - 2.07) respectively. The risk of developing any pregnancy complications was highest in nulliparous women (RR 1.48; 95% 1.31- 1.67). In conclusion, nulliparous women had an increased risk of pregnancy complications. High parity women with no previous complicated pregnancy were at low risk of complications.

Ethics in reproductive health: clinical issues in Zimbabwe.

Reproductive health can present health practitioners with ethical problems because of the complex interaction between cultural practices, the laws of the country and individual personal preferences. In particular, the problems of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, family planning, sexual violence, and domestic abuse require a good knowledge of the laws of the country and the culture in which they operate. The practitioner should at all times respect the patient's autonomy and serve their best interests, whilst keeping in mind the legitimate interest of their partners, spouses, parents or guardians.

Symptoms and findings related to HIV in women in rural Gutu District, Zimbabwe, 1992 to 1993.

OBJECTIVE: To relate self-reported morbidity and clinical findings to HIV-status in rural women in Zimbabwe. DESIGN: A cross sectional study. SETTING: 12 randomly selected villages in rural Gutu District, Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: In 1992 to 1993 all women of fertile age (15 to 44 years) in the selected villages were interviewed and examined (n = 1,213). Retrospectively, HIV status was assessed anonymously from frozen blood samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported morbidity, body mass index (BMI), arm circumference, palpable lymphnodes, prevalence of syphilis, haemoglobin, HIV status. RESULTS: Overall HIV prevalence was 22%. Mean haemoglobin (Hb) was significantly lower (p < 0.005) and anaemia was significantly more common (p < 0.001) among HIV positive women. Syphilis prevalence was 2.2%, a positive syphilis test increased the risk of being HIV positive three-fold. Persistent cough was significantly more common in HIV positives (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.4-6.2). Palpable lymphnodes was the most common clinical finding and generalised lymph adenopathy had a positive predictive value of 67% for HIV. Self-reported morbidity was low and no increased pregnancy loss was reported related to HIV. CONCLUSION: The low morbidity found in 1992 to 1993, in spite of the high prevalence, indicates a fairly short duration of the HIV infection and would also have contributed to the late awareness of the problem.

Effect of a new antenatal care programme on the attitudes of pregnant women and midwives towards antenatal care in Harare.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to study the effect of a new antenatal care (ANC) programme on the attitudes of pregnant women and midwives towards antenatal care. DESIGN: This was a controlled trial in which the attitudes of women and staff using the standard programme of ANC were compared to those using a new one. The new programme contained fewer but objective oriented visits, and was designed to improve consumer and provider satisfaction with ANC. SETTING: Antenatal sessions at primary care clinics in Harare. SUBJECTS: 200 pregnant women and 65 midwives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The satisfaction of pregnant women and staff with ANC, reasons for lack of satisfaction, and time spent waiting for consultations. RESULTS: The new programme did not make any impact on the time spent by women waiting to be seen at the clinics, nor on the time made available for the consultations. There was no significant impact on the degree of satisfaction with the care among the women. In the control clinics, significantly more staff wished the women to make fewer visits, and in the study clinics, significantly more staff thought the use of appointments was appropriate. The major problem limiting access to ANC was lack of money to pay for the booking fees. Other problems mentioned by the women were ignorance regarding the best time to book, lack of privacy and insufficient staff at the clinics. CONCLUSIONS: The solutions to some of the problems identified require infrastructural changes at policy making level, rather than changes within the antenatal care programmes.

PIP: In an effort to increase client and staff satisfaction with antenatal services, a program was introduced in Harare, Zimbabwe, that reduced the number of antenatal visits from 12 to 6, eliminated routines such as urinalysis and weighing at each visit, and scheduled patients for a specific time rather than just a date. The impact of these programmatic changes was investigated in a comparative study of 200 low-income women randomized to attend Harare City Health Department clinics that offered either standard antenatal care or the modified program. There were no significant differences between the two groups of clinic clients in terms of their satisfaction with services received and communication with midwives. A comparison of responses from 28 midwives recruited from standard clinics and 37 assigned to the experimental program indicated those in the former group were significantly more likely to think pregnant women should be required to make fewer prenatal visits while those in the latter group were significantly more supportive of set appointment times; there were no differences in overall satisfaction, however. Observations at the clinics revealed women who were given set appointments ignored them and presented about 2 hours early to avoid waiting in line for their visit, which averaged only 3 minutes in both groups. Key problems identified by both clients and midwives included booking fees, inadequate numbers of midwives at the clinic, privacy concerns, and insufficient seating in the waiting rooms. Improvements in the satisfaction of providers and recipients of antenatal care may require infrastructural rather than programmatic changes.

Health education for pregnancy care in Harare. A survey in seven primary health care clinics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how health education is currently practiced in the antenatal clinics in Harare and to make recommendations for its improvement. DESIGN: This was a descriptive study in which data was collected through subject interviews and by observations of antenatal clinics in progress. SETTINGS: Antenatal sessions at primary care clinics in Harare. SUBJECTS: 100 pregnant women and 65 midwives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The timing, frequency and methods used in health education and the attitude of the pregnant mothers and staff to health education. RESULTS: The results revealed that health education was given once in pregnancy, on the first visit only. The lecture was the most used teaching method. The lecture was full of distractions which affected the concentration of the audience. Midwives decided on the subject matter for health education without consultation with the expectant women. As a result many women could not follow the practical advice given to them. Midwives overestimated their use of other methods of health education. Both the staff and the pregnant women agreed that there should be greater use of written material for women to read at home with their spouses. CONCLUSION: The lecture is not the most appropriate method of health education during pregnancy and greater use should be made of other methods of communication such as the mass media and pamphlets.

PIP: An evaluation of prenatal health education in 7 primary care clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe, during 1989-91 indicated a need for more attention to this program aspect. Interviews were conducted with 65 clinic midwives and 100 randomly selected pregnant women who had made 2 or more prenatal visits. In addition, educational sessions were observed. Health education was provided only once during pregnancy, generally at the end of the day of the first visit. The education usually took the form of a group lecture without visual aids or written handouts. The lecture covered nutrition and hygiene recommendations, pregnancy risk factors, and sexually transmitted diseases. Only 33% of pregnant women indicated they would be able to follow the advice given by the midwives. Midwives identified women's cultural and religious beliefs, noise and inattention during the lecture, the lack of questions from mothers, and women's skepticism about the information imparted as the main obstacles to effective health education. The pregnant women cited the inconvenient time of day the lectures were scheduled, their hurried nature, and the failure of midwives to solicit topics of interest to clients as the main obstacles. Optimally, prenatal education should increase pregnant women's knowledge, correct misconceptions, strengthen confidence, and offer women an opportunity to express their fears and concerns. It is unlikely that a single lecture without written materials to take home can impart any meaningful new knowledge or produce behavioral change. Among this study's recommendations are training of midwives in communication skills, production of a small pamphlet containing answers to the questions most frequently asked during pregnancy, and individualized health education throughout pregnancy.

Randomised controlled trial of a reduced-visits programme of antenatal care in Harare, Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Many of the individual components of antenatal care have been studied in randomised controlled trials, but few studies have compared whole programmes of antenatal care. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that a new programme of antenatal care with fewer goal-oriented visits would give an equivalent or better result in the outcomes associated with pregnancy and delivery. METHODS: In a randomised clinical trial in Harare, Zimbabwe, we compared a new programme of antenatal care with the standard programme. The new programme consisted of fewer but more objectively oriented visits and fewer procedures per visit. Seven primary care clinics were randomly assigned to the two programmes-three to the standard programme and four to the new programme. FINDINGS: Over a 2-year period, 15,994 women were recruited into the study at the time they booked antenatal care. 97% of the women were followed up, 9,394 who had followed the new programme, and 6,138 from clinics with the standard one. Women allocated to the new programme made, as planned, fewer visits than those in the standard programme (median 4 vs 6 visits, respectively). The proportion of antenatal referrals was also lower (13.6 vs 15.3%; odds ratio 0.87 [95% CI 0.79-0.95]) because of significantly fewer referrals for pregnancy-induced hypertension (2.5 vs 3.8%; 0.66 [0.55-0.79]). Nevertheless, there were significantly fewer labour referrals for severe hypertension or eclampsia (2.1 vs 2.6%; 0.81 [0.66-1.00]). The risk for preterm (< 37 weeks) delivery was significantly lower for women on the new programme (10.1 vs 11.5%; 0.86 [0.78-0.96]). There were no other significant differences between the programmes in other major indices of pregnancy outcome, including antenatal referrals for other causes, labour referrals, obstetric interventions, low birthweight, and perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity. INTERPRETATION: An antenatal care programme with fewer more objectively oriented visits can be introduced without adverse effects on the main intermediate outcome pregnancy variables.

PIP: Many of the individual components of prenatal care have been studied in randomized controlled trials, but few studies have compared whole programs of prenatal care. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a new program of prenatal care with fewer goal-oriented visits would give an equivalent or better result in pregnancy and delivery outcomes. A new program of prenatal care was compared with the standard program in a randomized clinical trial in Harare, Zimbabwe. The new program consisted of fewer but more objectively oriented visits and fewer procedures per visit. Seven primary care clinics were randomly assigned to the two programs: three to the standard program and four to the new program. Over a two-year period between July, 1989, and July, 1991, 15,994 women were recruited into the study at the time they were booked for prenatal care. 97% of the women were followed up: 9394 followed the new program and 6138 were from clinics with the standard one. The median number of visits was reduced from 7 to 6 in the standard program and from 7 to 4 in the new program. The proportion of prenatal referrals was also lower (13.6% vs. 15.3%; odds ratio [OR] 0.87 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.95]) because of significantly fewer referrals for pregnancy-induced hypertension (2.5% vs. 3.8%; OR 0.66 [CI 0.55-0.79]). Nevertheless, there were significantly fewer referrals in labor for severe hypertension or eclampsia (2.1% vs 2.6%; OR 0.81 [CI 0.66-1.00]). The risk for preterm ( 37 weeks) delivery was significantly lower for women in the new program (10.1% vs. 11.5%; OR 0.86 [CI 0.78-0.96]). There were no other significant differences between the programs in other major indices of pregnancy outcome, including prenatal referrals for other causes, labor referrals, obstetric interventions, low birth weight, and perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity. A prenatal care program with fewer, more objectively oriented visits can be introduced without adverse effects on the main intermediate outcome pregnancy variables.

Zimbabwean birthweight for gestation standards.

Birthweight for gestation standards were derived in a study of 5,872 women with ascertainable menstrual dates in Harare, Zimbabwe. The smoothed 5th, 50th and 95th centiles of birthweight for gestation were described for 24 to 42 weeks and these fitted linear quadratic functions. Male infants were significantly heavier than females from 36 weeks onwards and parity differences appeared at 38 weeks gestation. The results suggest that in this population, low birthweight should be defined as 2,000gm or less, rather than a birthweight of less than 2,500gm.

PIP: A standard birthweight curve was generated for Zimbabwe from birth weights of 5872 liveborn normal singleton infants from spontaneous labor born between August 1986-May 1987 at the Municipal clinics and maternity hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. Gestational ages, from 24-42 weeks, were ascertained from known menstrual dates or ultrasound dating. The curves were smoothed by polynomial regression at 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th percentiles. The best fit of the smoothed to the actual values occurred near term. Mean birthweights of males and females were significantly different. Male and female infants of multiparous women averaged 4.4% and 3.8% heavier than those of nulliparous women from 38 weeks onward. These infants were midway in weight between other African and European birth weight. It was recommended that low birth weight infants in Zimbabwe be defined as 2000 g rather than 2500 g.

Fetal biparietal diameter and head circumference measurements: results of a longitudinal study in Zimbabwe.

In a longitudinal study in Harare, Zimbabwe, 1233 biparietal diameter and 857 head circumference measurements were obtained from the fetuses of 190 women. Weekly mean values and the two standard deviations were calculated for both the biparietal diameter and head circumference from 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. There was little difference between these values and some Caucasian and African standards. Comparison was also made of the weekly biparietal diameter growth rate between our results and those from one study in West Africa. The possible reasons for the differences are explained.