Asian Journal of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Neonatal Hypothermia at Birth: Clinical Determinants and Early Neonatal Outcomes in Low-Resource Settings

David A. Adetula — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Neonatal hypothermia at birth remains a significant but preventable contributor to early neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. This review synthesizes existing evidence on the prevalence of neonatal hypothermia at birth, its clinical determinants, and associated early neonatal morbidities and mortality. A narrative review of published observational studies, cohort analyses, and population-based reports was conducted, with neonatal hypothermia defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Maternal, intrapartum, environmental, and neonatal factors reported in the literature were examined, alongside documented short-term neonatal outcomes.

Across diverse low-resource settings, neonatal hypothermia is consistently reported as common at birth, with higher prevalence among preterm and low birth weight infants and in contexts characterized by inadequate thermal care practices, prolonged labor, operative delivery, and suboptimal delivery-room environments. The reviewed evidence demonstrates strong associations between hypothermia at birth and adverse early neonatal outcomes, including respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, neonatal sepsis, increased need for intensive care, and early neonatal mortality. A dose–response relationship is frequently described, whereby moderate to severe hypothermia is associated with progressively higher mortality risk, even after accounting for gestational age and birth weight in adjusted analyses.

These findings highlight neonatal hypothermia as an important marker of vulnerability and adverse early neonatal outcomes, rather than a benign transitional phenomenon. The literature consistently supports the effectiveness of simple, low-cost interventions—including immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact, early initiation of breastfeeding, and maintenance of warm delivery and transport environments—in reducing hypothermia-related morbidity and mortality. Strengthening adherence to evidence-based thermal care practices at birth should remain a priority in neonatal care strategies aimed at improving survival and reducing preventable neonatal deaths.

Neonatal Jaundice: A Retrospective Analysis of Diagnosis, Clinical Spectrum and Short-term Outcomes

David A. Adetula, Chiamaka N. Ukpabi — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Neonatal jaundice remains one of the most common clinical conditions encountered in the early postnatal period, reflecting a wide spectrum of physiological and pathological processes.

Aims: This study aims to describe the clinical spectrum, diagnostic characteristics, and short-term outcomes of neonates presenting with jaundice in a hospital-based setting.

Method: This study employed a retrospective observational design to characterise the clinical spectrum, diagnostic features, and short-term outcomes of neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to the neonatal unit of a tertiary care hospital. Medical records of neonates aged 0–28 days managed for jaundice over the study period were reviewed. Neonates with visible jaundice were evaluated through detailed clinical assessment and relevant laboratory investigations, including serum bilirubin measurements and ancillary tests where indicated.

Results: The clinical spectrum ranged from physiological jaundice to pathological forms associated with prematurity, hemolytic disease, sepsis, and metabolic or hepatic disorders. Most cases are presented within the first week of life, with higher bilirubin levels observed among preterm infants and those with identifiable risk factors. Diagnostic evaluation allowed differentiation between unconjugated and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, guiding appropriate management strategies. The majority of neonates responded favourably to conservative measures such as phototherapy, while a small proportion required intensified interventions, including exchange transfusion. Short-term outcomes were generally favourable, with resolution of jaundice and discharge in stable condition for most infants. However, delayed presentation and severe hyperbilirubinemia were associated with prolonged hospitalisation and increased risk of acute complications.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the heterogeneous nature of neonatal jaundice and underscore the importance of early recognition, risk stratification, and timely diagnostic evaluation. Strengthening neonatal surveillance and caregiver education may further improve outcomes and reduce the burden of preventable complications related to severe hyperbilirubinemia.

Knowledge, Perception and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Caesarean Section in General Hospital, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Uka-Kalu, Ezinne Chioma, Elekeh, Rosemary Ichita, Chukwumaeze, Venessa Grace — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Caesarean Section (CS) is a vital life-saving procedure for managing obstetric complications, yet its utilisation in Nigeria remains suboptimal and is characterised by significant disparities. A major predisposing factor affecting the increase in caesarean section rate in Nigeria is the case of having to contend with CS myths and misconceptions amongst a good number of Nigerians.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of CS among pregnant women attending antenatal care services at General Hospital Aba, Abia State.

Method: The cross-sectional analytic study used convenience sampling and a structured questionnaire to collect data from 427 participants. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review and reliability through a pilot test. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data were analysed using SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The findings showed the majority of respondents were aged 20-39 years (68%), predominantly married (67.4%), and overwhelmingly Christian (96.6%). Most had at least secondary education (60.5%), and were mainly petty traders (51.2%), with an income of 11,000–100,000 naira (85%), predominantly Igbo (94.3%). Antenatal care attendance data indicated that 51.2% attended more than four times, with varied reproductive histories. The study found that 96.1% had heard of CS, with nearly all (99.0%) identifying it as necessary when vaginal delivery is not feasible. Information sources included doctors (55%) and media (30%). Most agreed CS is suitable for delivering big babies (99.2%) and high-risk pregnancies (71.8%), with 97.7% believing CS results in less pain compared to vaginal delivery. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and demographic factors such as age and education. Respondents aged 30-39 years and those with primary education showed notable differences in their knowledge about CS. Perception of CS was significantly associated with age, marital status, education, and ethnicity. Notably, 73.4% preferred vaginal delivery, while 26.6% favoured planned CS. Emotions associated with CS included fear (51.2%) and anxiety (35.2%).

Conclusion: The findings underscore increased awareness and varied perceptions about CS, with significant demographic influences on knowledge and perceptions. The results highlight the need for educational interventions to address knowledge gaps and manage perceptions effectively, especially among different demographics of women.

Household Sanitation Practices and Their Association with Infant Diarrhoea: A Community Based Study in the West Gonja Municipality, Ghana

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Infant diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity in low- and middle-income countries, where inadequate household sanitation, unsafe disposal of child faeces, and limited access to safe drinking water continue to facilitate faecal -oral transmission of enteric pathogens. In northern Ghana, persistent gaps in sanitation infrastructure and environmental hygiene expose infants, who are biologically more vulnerable due to immature immune systems and frequent hand-to-mouth behaviours, to a heightened risk of diarrhoeal disease. However, there is limited municipality-level evidence on how specific household sanitation practices contribute to infant diarrhoea in these settings.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diarrhoeal disease and examine its association with household sanitation and hygiene practices among infants in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region, Ghana.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 caregiver–infant pairs using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires to assess household sanitation practices and the occurrence of infant diarrhoea. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with infant diarrhoea.

Results: The prevalence of diarrhoea among infants was 30.2%. Regarding sanitation practices, 56.8% of households used improved toilet facilities, yet 61.3% shared toilets with other households. Unsafe disposal of child faeces was reported by 38.4% of households, and 36.6% relied on unimproved drinking water sources. Multivariable analysis showed that infants from households sharing toilet facilities were more likely to experience diarrhoea (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.19–3.01). Similarly, unsafe disposal of child faeces (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.13–2.73), use of unimproved water sources (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.07–2.68), and the presence of visible faeces around the household (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.78–4.63) were significantly associated with diarrhoeal disease.

Conclusion: Infant diarrhoea remains a significant public health challenge in the study area and is strongly linked to poor household sanitation and environmental contamination. Strengthening sanitation infrastructure, promoting safe disposal of child faeces, and improving access to clean water are critical strategies for reducing diarrhoeal morbidity among infants.

Predictors of Poor Maternal Outcomes among Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Attending Primary Health Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria

Briggs Nduye Christie Tobin, Abo Inye Anthony — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, with disproportionately higher burdens in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, delays in recognising and managing these disorders contribute substantially to poor maternal outcomes. Evidence from Primary Health Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria, is sparse. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor maternal outcomes among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy managed at Primary Health Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analytic study was conducted across ten functional Primary Health Centres (five in Port Harcourt and five in Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas), for twelve months from January 2024 to December 2024. Case records of a clustered sample size of 360 women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were reviewed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Both crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios were computed. Model performance was assessed with multicollinearity tests, Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit, and the Receiver Operating Curve analysis.

Results: The mean age of participants was 29.8 ± 6.4 years. The majority, 216 (60.0%), were multiparous (parity 1-3). Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were the most frequent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Binary regression identified significant predictors of poor outcomes as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, unbooked patients, delay at presentation >24 hours, delay in referral >6 hours, non-use of magnesium sulphate, and maternal age ≥35, while multivariate analysis confirmed pre- eclampsia, eclampsia, being unbooked, delayed presentation, delay in referral>6 hours, and non-administration of magnesium sulphate as independent predictors. The model demonstrated a good fit (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ² = 5.20, p = 0.74) and excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.82). Cut-off analysis showed that 0.50 provided balanced sensitivity and specificity, while 0.30 favoured sensitivity.

Conclusion: Poor maternal outcomes among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were strongly predicted by referral status, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and inadequate antenatal care. The logistic regression model demonstrated excellent discrimination and can support Primary Health Center -level decision-making.

Impact of Malaria Infection on Red Blood Cell Parameters among Pregnant Women in Southeastern Nigeria

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Salma Abdi Mahmoud — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to maternal anaemia and adverse fetal outcomes. Alterations in erythrocyte parameters reflect both the direct effects of Plasmodium infection and pregnancy-related haematological changes. However, data on the impact of malaria on red blood cell indices in Southeastern Nigeria remain limited.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of malaria infection on erythrocyte indices among pregnant women in Owerri, Nigeria, and compare these parameters with malaria-negative pregnant women and non-pregnant healthy controls.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 150 women, divided into three groups of 50: malaria-positive pregnant women (MP+), malaria-negative pregnant women (MP−), and non-pregnant controls. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW) using an automated haematology analyzer. Malaria status was confirmed by microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, and one-way ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Malaria-positive pregnant women exhibited significantly lower Hb (10.01 ± 1.05 g/dL), PCV (30.05 ± 3.12%), and RBC counts (4.02 ± 0.41 ×10¹²/L) compared with malaria-negative pregnant women (Hb: 10.54 ± 1.02 g/dL; PCV: 31.72 ± 3.48%; RBC: 4.16 ± 0.44 ×10¹²/L) and non-pregnant controls (Hb: 12.25 ± 1.41 g/dL; PCV: 36.78 ± 4.51%; RBC: 4.67 ± 0.56 ×10¹²/L) (p < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed in MCV and MCH, while MCHC and RDW showed no statistically significant variation across groups. Post-hoc analyses indicated that reductions in Hb, PCV, and RBC were most pronounced in malaria-infected pregnant women.

Conclusion: Malaria infection during pregnancy significantly alters erythrocyte parameters, particularly Hb, PCV, RBC, MCV, and MCH, predisposing pregnant women to anaemia and associated complications. These findings highlight the need for routine haematological monitoring and effective malaria prevention and management strategies in endemic regions to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Prenatal Care: Attitude and Compliance among Pregnant Women in Iloilo City, Philippines

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Prenatal care is an absolute action to avoid maternal and neonatal complications; however, there are still lapses that need investigation in terms of women’s attitude and their actual compliance with the standard practice. This study examined the attitudes of pregnant women in Iloilo City towards their actual adherence and the relationship of their attitude and compliance. There are 100 respondents that were purposely selected from a designated barangay to participate in this quantitative descriptive-correlational study. A lying-in was also added for additional participants. The researchers made a decision to use self-administered questionnaires upon measuring the variables and ethical clearance was obtained. The study found that most of the respondents had a good attitude towards prenatal care and they have high recognition of the importance of Antenatal Care (ANC) contact and maternal assessments. In general, the compliance was high, especially in laboratory testing, immunization, and micronutrient intake. However, inconsistencies were discovered in prenatal visit attendance and dental checkup. The study concludes that along with favorable attitudes and high compliance for prenatal care, improvements are still required in particular areas. These verdicts emphasize a greater effort to disseminate better education for maternal health, provide more access to services and improve community-based programs in promoting the importance of follow-up and consistent ANC contact for safer pregnancy areas such as immunization and dental checkups. Strengthening maternal health education, improving access to prenatal services, and enhancing community-based health programs may help promote consistent adherence to prenatal care for safer pregnancy outcomes.

Fetal Outcomes and Prevalence of Abnormal Umbilical Artery Doppler Ultrasound among Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension at Moshi Municipal, Tanzania

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) is characterized by new-onset elevated blood pressure (systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg) after 20 weeks of gestation, with or without proteinuria. PIH may progress to preeclampsia, leading to placental insufficiency and adverse fetal outcomes. Umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive tool that reflects placental vascular resistance and can predict adverse fetal outcome.

Objective: To investigate fetal outcomes, prevalence and maternal factors associated with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings among pregnant women diagnosed with PIH.

Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective cohort study enrolled 136 pregnant women diagnosed with PIH at Moshi Municipal hospitals between August 2024 and May 2025. Participants underwent obstetric ultrasound and umbilical artery Doppler assessment, including resistive index (RI), Pulsatility index (PI), and systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio. Fetal biometric parameters were evaluated, and 116 participants were followed up to one month postpartum to assess fetal outcomes. Logistic regression was used to identify maternal factors associated with abnormal Doppler findings dysfunction caused by obliteration of small arteries within the chorionic villi, ultimately leading to both fetal and maternal compromise.

Results: The prevalence of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound findings was 47.42%. Absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) was observed in 11.2% of participants, while 38.8% had elevated resistive indices. Adverse fetal outcomes included low birth weight (22.4%), severe birth asphyxia (6.1%), stillbirth (6.0%), and preterm delivery (32.8%). Moderate systolic hypertension (AOR = 1.572; P= 0.047; CI: 0.119–2.754) and severe systolic hypertension (AOR = 1.759; P = 0.034; CI: 0.167–3.452) were significantly associated with abnormal Doppler findings. Similarly, moderate diastolic hypertension (AOR = 1.627; p = 0.038; CI: 0.159–2.467) and severe diastolic hypertension (AOR = 1.909; P = 0.021; CI: 0.08–2.890) showed significant associations.

Conclusion: Nearly half of the participants had abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, which were strongly associated with adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm delivery and low birth weight. Elevated maternal blood pressure, particularly diastolic hypertension, significantly increased the likelihood of abnormal Doppler indices. Umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound is an important predictor of fetal compromise in pregnancies complicated by PIH.

Association Between Maternal Anemia and Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Literature Review

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) is a significant obstetric complication affecting 2-4% of pregnancies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2025) reports and others recent studies.

Objective: This review examines the link between maternal anemia and PROM, focusing on prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors, and management. A detailed examination of the current prevalence of anemia among women with PROM, the epidemiological characteristics of affected populations, and the principal risk factors were reviewed. The pathophysiological pathways linking anemia to membrane weakening—including oxidative stress, impaired collagen synthesis, and heightened inflammatory activity—are discussed. Maternal and fetal complications such as chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal sepsis are outlined. Diagnostic modalities (clinical assessment, biochemical markers, ultrasonography) and contemporary management strategies (antibiotic prophylaxis, corticosteroids, and individualized delivery planning) are evaluated. Finally, preventive measures are considered.

Methodology: A systematic search of ten search engines including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library and others (2020-2026) yielded 590 articles. Using search terms "premature rupture of fetal membranes", "anemia", "pregnancy complications", "risk factors", and "management", 450 articles were included after screening.

Results: Anemia contributes to PROM through oxidative stress, impaired collagen synthesis, and inflammation, increasing risks of chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal complications. Key findings show anemia prevalence among PROM cases is significant, while key risk factors include anemia, infection, and lifestyle factors. Diagnostic approaches include clinical assessment, biomarkers, and ultrasonography. Management involves antibiotic prophylaxis, corticosteroids, and tailored delivery planning.

Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current prevalence, risk factors, clinical presentation, pathophysiological mechanisms, maternal and fetal complications, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and prevention measures related to PROM. The findings highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of PROM to prevent maternal and fetal complications. Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches to diagnose and manage PROM promptly

Development of a Birth Trauma Prevention Model in two Teaching Hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Udodiri Obia, Faith Diorgu, Yinka Onasoga — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Birth trauma remains a significant yet under-recognised contributor to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in tertiary maternity care settings. Despite increasing evidence on the determinants of traumatic birth experiences, there is limited integration of structural, clinical, and psychosocial determinants into a unified, context-specific prevention framework suitable for Nigerian tertiary hospitals. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive Birth Trauma Prevention Model applicable to teaching hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This multiphasic model development study involved a systematic review, retrospective review of facility birth records, Delphi rounds, and integrative model design with expert validation. The retrospective phase included all recorded births in 2024 from two tertiary institutions: 1,017 births in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and 1,024 births in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The Delphi phase recruited 30 experts (15 obstetricians and 15 midwives) with advanced graduate degrees using purposive sampling from eligible clinicians in both hospitals. Three professors subsequently participated in model validation. Data were collected using structured data extraction forms, a Delphi consensus questionnaire, and a model appraisal checklist assessing relevance, clarity, and applicability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and agreement indices, while construct validation was determined using the Construct Validity Index (CVI), with ≥0.80 considered acceptable. The retrospective review showed total birth trauma prevalence of 23.99% in UPTH and 22.56% in RSUTH, with episiotomy rates of 21.05% and 20.41%, respectively. Perinatal asphyxia occurred in 1.77% and 1.27% of births, while perineal tears were recorded in 1.18% and 0.88% of vaginal births. Delphi consensus achieved agreement above 80% across core structural, process, and outcome domains integrated into the final model. The overall Construct Validity Index was 0.89, with unanimous agreement on relevance and applicability (1.00 each), and clarity rated at 0.67. The study concludes that the newly developed Birth Trauma Prevention Model demonstrates strong construct validity, contextual relevance, and practical feasibility for tertiary maternity care settings. It is recommended that the model be piloted and integrated into institutional quality improvement frameworks to guide systematic birth trauma prevention strategies.

Trends in Mode of Delivery in Public and Private Sector Hospitals in the Negombo Municipal Council Area (2019 – 2023)

Piyumi Edirisinghe, Neelamani Hewageegana — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: One of the most important decisions in maternity care is the mode of delivery. While normal vaginal delivery is the natural and preferred route for uncomplicated childbirth, lower-segment cesarean section is a lifesaving intervention when medically indicated. However, the increasing use of cesarean section beyond clinically justified levels has become a major public health concern worldwide.

Aims: The present study describes trends in normal vaginal delivery and lower-segment cesarean section in public and private sector hospitals within the Negombo Municipal Council area.

Study Design: Retrospective hospital-based descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: District General Hospital Negombo, Nawaloka Hospital Negombo, and Ave Maria Hospital Negombo, Sri Lanka, using annual institutional delivery data from 2019 to 2023.

Methodology: Annual institutional delivery data from one public hospital and two private hospitals within the Negombo Municipal Council area were reviewed to describe the pattern of normal vaginal delivery and lower-segment cesarean section from 2019 to 2023. Only aggregate institutional data were analyzed. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the annual distribution of delivery mode in the public and private sectors. A Cochran-Armitage test for trend was applied to assess changes in the proportion of lower-segment cesarean sections over time.

Results: In the public sector, lower-segment cesarean section increased from 40% (n = 1639) in 2019 to 46% (n = 1394) in 2023, while normal vaginal delivery decreased from 60% (n = 2418) to 54% (n = 1650). The upward trend in lower-segment cesarean section in the public sector was statistically significant (P < .001). In the private sector, lower-segment cesarean section increased from 74% (n = 345) in 2019 to 84% (n = 679) in 2023, while normal vaginal delivery decreased from 26% (n = 122) to 16% (n = 130). The private-sector upward trend in lower-segment cesarean section was also significant (P = .003). The private sector consistently showed a higher percentage of lower-segment cesarean sections than the public sector throughout the study period.

Conclusion: Lower-segment cesarean section showed an overall rising trend in both sectors, with a markedly higher rate in private hospitals. These findings highlight the need for regular institutional audit, closer review of cesarean indications, and stronger measures to promote appropriate and evidence-based obstetric care.

Urban–Rural Disparities in Male Involvement in Birth Preparedness and Childhood Immunization in Rivers State, Nigeria

Nduye Christie Tobin Briggs — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Male involvement in birth preparedness and childhood immunization improves maternal and child health outcomes but remains underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa. Comparative rural‑urban data from Nigeria's South‑south region are scarce. This study compared male involvement in birth preparedness and childhood immunization between rural and urban communities in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: This community‑based comparative cross‑sectional study enrolled 450 men (225 urban, 225 rural) with a youngest child aged 0‑24 months. Data were collected using an interviewer‑administered questionnaire adapted from validated tools. Male involvement was assessed using composite scores for birth preparedness and childhood immunization. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, with interaction and sensitivity analyses.

Results: Men in urban areas had significantly higher good involvement in birth preparedness (60.9% versus 43.8%, p<0.001) and childhood immunization (57.3% versus 40.4%, p=0.001) compared to men in the rural areas. Independent predictors were urban residence (AOR=2.14), tertiary education (AOR=2.67), high income (AOR=1.89), and knowledge of maternal health services (AOR=3.05). Interaction analysis reported that tertiary education was more impactful in urban areas (AOR=3.21), while high income was more important in rural areas (AOR=2.31). Men in the rural areas were more frequently identified as cultural barriers (58.2% viewed maternal and child health as women’s responsibility) and reported a lack of male‑friendly spaces (61.8%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness of findings.

Conclusion: Male involvement is substantially higher in urban than rural Rivers State. Education drives urban engagement; household income is the key modifiable factor in rural areas. Context‑specific interventions should address economic barriers in rural communities and cultural norms across both settings.

An Empirical Analysis of Socio-economic Correlates of Anemia among Pregnant Women in Jammu and Kashmir, India

Showkat Anwar Bhat — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Anaemia among women of reproductive age remains a major public health concern due to its adverse effects on maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, work productivity, and overall quality of life. Despite various nutritional and health interventions, the prevalence of anaemia continues to remain high in developing regions, particularly in South Asia, indicating the need for focused research and policy attention.An empirical analysis of anaemia among the pregnant women in Jammu and Kashmir was made from the data set of the latest round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) and different correlates associated with anaemia among the pregnant women were estimated. Result analysis shows that severe anaemia was found among the pregnant and its highest prevalence was witnessed in the older age groups of 40–44 years, while the prevalence of moderate anaemia was highest in the age group of 25–29 years. Therefore it was found that with the increasing age of the pregnant woman she has more chance of becoming anaemic, but improvement in the socio-economic status of pregnant women had proved to be successful in reducing the anaemia among them. The educational level and status of the job quality of pregnant women in Jammu and Kashmir have significantly impacted the anaemic level, and more than three-fourth of the non-working pregnant women were found to be either severely or moderately anaemic, and more than three-fourth of the illiterate were severely anaemic. An empirical analysis of the pregnancy histories of women had been conducted, and it was found that the prevalence of the highest anaemia level among the pregnant women was during the 2^nd trimester of their pregnancy, and during the 2nd trimester, the prevalence of severe anaemia was about 53 percent, while the prevalence of moderate anaemia was 60 percent. With the increasing number of ANC visits; a pregnant women had less chance of becoming severely anaemic and also delay in the 1^st ANC visit increases has more chance of becoming anaemic. Furthermore, it was found that less than three-fourths of severely anaemic pregnant women had visited for their first antenatal check-up during the first trimester, while in cases of moderately anaemic and mild anaemic pregnant women, 89 percent of pregnant women had completed their first ANC visit during the first trimester.

Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Patterns among Pregnant Women in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Nine-Year Retrospective Study

Emmanuel Wobo, Simeon Chijioke Amadi, J. J. Atemie Kala-Ada — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Haemoglobinopathies are among the most common genetic disorders worldwide, inherited as autosomal recessive disorders from healthy-carrier parents. Pregnancy in patients with SCD is associated with an increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of antenatal care patients seen at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Rivers State. Rivers State is located in the south-south region of Nigeria. We reviewed the haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns among pregnant women from 1^st January 2015 – 31^st December 2023 conducted in our facility. A total of 16,605 pregnant women seen during the study period were included in the study. The results were retrieved from the antenatal booking registers. Haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns were performed by the alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoretic machines (Helena). The data were computed into Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and analyzed with the IBM SPSS Version 26. The results were collected, collated and analyzed using simple percentages

Results: The median age was 31.61 years, with age range of 15-58 years. Total number of participants were 16605. The age group of 26 to 35 years comprised 67.2% of the participants while participants aged more than 45 years comprised 0.4%. HbAS. HbAS (sickle cell trait) had a prevalence of 21% while HbSS had a prevalence of 0.3%.

Conclusion: This study revealed the uptake and the importance of a community based haemoglobin screening for pregnant women. There is a high prevalence of abnormal Hb genotypes amongst pregnant women when compared with previous studies in our locality and thus reveals a possible reproductive challenge in the future. We therefor advocate for adequate enlightenment, premarital counselling and education on the pattern of inheritance of this disease among the local populace. Furthermore, pregnancy in sickle cell anaemia should be managed in a tertiary facility with haematologist input