OBJECTIVE The prenatal period is the best time for health interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different methods of anticipatory guidance presentation on the change of knowledge and attitude of pregnant women regarding oral healthcare in the mother, infant and toddler. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this quasi-experimental study, 90 pregnant women attended one health ...

Abstract Introduction: Unplanned pregnancy and its complications are a global problem that affects women, families, and the community. Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between pregnancy intention, pregnancy outcomes, postpartum depression, and maternal role adaptation in pregnant women referred to healthcare centers of Robat Karim City, Iran.  Materials and Methods: Thi...

BACKGROUND Disrespectful and abusive treatment during childbirth is a violation of women's right to dignified, respectful healthcare throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Although reports point out that marginalized groups in society such as single mothers are particularly vulnerable to abusive and disrespectful care, there is a lack of in-depth research exploring single mothers' encounters at t...

Background Social accountability or citizen-led accountability has been promoted in many low- and middle-income countries to improve the quality, access to and use of maternal health services. Experiences with social accountability in maternal health services in Nepal have not yet been documented. This study identifies existing social accountability structures and activities in maternal h...

BACKGROUND Wars affect maternal health services by destroying health systems. Eritrea experienced two wars with neighbouring Ethiopia. Despite this, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Eritrea fell by 69% from 1590 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 501 in 2015. This study aimed to examine facilitators of and barriers to the utilisation of and access to maternal health services in Eritrea. ...

BACKGROUND Burnout among maternal healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa may have a negative effect on services provided and efforts to mitigate high maternal mortality rates. In Malawi, research on burnout is limited and no empirical research has been conducted specifically among maternal health staff. Therefore, the aims of the study were to examine the prevalence and degree of burnout repo...

This qualitative study aimed to identify psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to low utilization of maternal healthcare services in Kalomo, Zambia. Twelve focus group discussions (n = 141) and 35 in-depth interviews were conducted in six health centre catchment areas. Focus group discussions comprised women of reproductive age (15-45 years), who gave birth within the last year; i...

Pregnant women living in urban slums are a vulnerable group having limited access to urban healthcare facilities. Slums in the same city may differ from each other in their characteristics and health indicators. Hazardous maternal health practices are also common in the slums. Barriers to avail of healthcare services are well documented. This cross-sectional study was carried out in two urban s...

BACKGROUND Effective maternal and child healthcare delivery requires a proper and adequate funding of the health sector. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of government-community healthcare co-financing on maternal and child healthcare services' delivery. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional study with an intervention component, conducted amongst 240 women from Igboukwu (intervention area...

Background & aim: During the postpartum period, women experience physiological changes, which can have negative impacts on their quality of life. Women’s knowledge regarding postpartum complications and care can help them successfully pass this critical period. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal knowledge on postpartum care in healthcare centers of Mashhad, Iran in 2013. Methods:In ...