African Journal Of Reproductive Health[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Identification of risk factors and construction of a predictive model for postoperative new-onset stress urinary incontinence in patients with pelvic organ prolapse: A single-center retrospective study.
Yue Y, Wu W, Zhou J … +1 more , Wang L
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586484 · Publisher ↗
This study was to identify independent risk factors for new-onset stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery and to develop and validate optimized prediction models, thereby providing an...
This study was to identify independent risk factors for new-onset stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery and to develop and validate optimized prediction models, thereby providing an evidence-based tool for clinical decision-making. A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 213 patients who underwent POP surgery. Data on baseline characteristics, preoperative assessments, surgical details, and 12-month postoperative follow-up were collected via the electronic medical record system. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression for feature selection, and both logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) decision tree models were developed. LASSO regression identified preoperative POP-Q stage, abnormal urodynamics with prolapse reduction, postmenopausal duration >10 years, and parity as core risk factors. The logistic regression model achieved an internally validated area under curve (AUC) of 0.78 and accuracy of 83.0%, with external validation AUC of 0.75. After calibration, Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded P=0.65. The CART decision tree model demonstrated an internally validated AUC of 0.84 and accuracy of 87.4%, with external validation AUC of 0.81 and accuracy of 85.2%. Preoperative POP-Q stage and abnormal urodynamics with prolapse reduction are the strongest predictors of new-onset SUI after POP surgery.
Oral diclofenac potassium and intramuscular hyoscine-n-butyl bromide versus oral diclofenac potassium alone for pain relief during hysterosalpingography: a double blind randomized controlled trial.
Ojie CV, Onyeowuzon O, Odionwunaka C … +3 more , Agholor KN, Onyemesili JC, Ebeigbe PN
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586481 · Publisher ↗
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an important diagnostic tool in infertility, often associated with pain and tubal spasms, potentially resulting in false proximal tubal occlusions. This randomised controlled trial compared...
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an important diagnostic tool in infertility, often associated with pain and tubal spasms, potentially resulting in false proximal tubal occlusions. This randomised controlled trial compared oral diclofenac potassium plus intramuscular hyoscine-N-butyl bromide (HBB) with oral diclofenac alone in 138 women undergoing HSG at Central Hospital, Warri. Pain perception, the primary outcome, was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were tubal spasm, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. Baseline characteristics were similar across the groups. Median VAS scores were not significantly different immediately after HSG (3 vs. 4, P = 0.126) or at 30 minutes post-procedure (1 vs. 2, P = 0.083). No significant differences were found in tubal spasm rates (P = 0.526), satisfaction scores (P = 0.054), and Dizziness (26.1%, P = 0.062). The addition of intramuscular HBB to diclofenac potassium did not confer improved outcomes and was associated with more side effects.
The intersection of gender, caste, and health: Disparities in access to healthcare for marginalized women in Pakistan.
Saddique K, Sufyan M, Akram S … +2 more , Ashiq MA, Nasir A
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586475 · Publisher ↗
This review applies Crenshaw's intersectionality theory to analyze the challenges Pakistani women encounter while seeking maternal healthcare services. The theory explains how various social factors such as: femininity,...
This review applies Crenshaw's intersectionality theory to analyze the challenges Pakistani women encounter while seeking maternal healthcare services. The theory explains how various social factors such as: femininity, wealth or poverty, socio-economic class, and caste combine to create barriers to attaining healthcare. Gender bias is still an important socio-economic concern in Pakistan, where women are socially conditioned to fulfill household duties which curtails their freedom to take care of their health. Decisions regarding childbearing tend to be the domain of male relatives or mothers-in-law which further curtails women's autonomy. In addition, women from poorer, more rural areas experience increased financial burdens, lack of educational opportunities, and no access to healthcare markets which makes the situation increasingly difficult. Moreover, large geographical distances and high transportation costs worsen the situation. In addition, lower-caste women, like those of the Kammi caste, are discriminated against in the healthcare system, which further limits their ability to access care. This paper contends that there is a need for mothers' healthcare policies in Pakistan which are compassionate and sensitive to the realities of maternal healthcare services.
Relationship between pregnancy discomforts, quality of life, and prenatal attachment.
Çıtak G, Bulduk H
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586466 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related discomforts, their impact on quality of life, and prenatal attachment. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 pregnant women fol...
This study aimed to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related discomforts, their impact on quality of life, and prenatal attachment. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 pregnant women followed at a university hospital. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Scale of Complaints Related to Pregnancy and Their Impact on Quality of Life (SCPEQL), and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI).Sociodemographic factors affecting quality of life included age, place of residence, and economic status, while obstetric factors included gestational trimester, risk status, and psychological well-being. The most frequently reported symptoms were incontinence, frequent urination (pollakiuria), and fatigue.Overall, prenatal attachment showed a weak, negative, and non-significant relationship with quality of life (p > 0.05). However, a significant positive association was observed between the "hope" subscale of prenatal attachment-which reflects optimism and positive expectations regarding pregnancy-and the "limitation" subscale of quality of life (p < 0.05).The results of this study indicate that pregnant women frequently experience neuropsychological and genitourinary symptoms, which are associated with decreased quality of life and prenatal attachment scores. These findings highlight the essential role of midwives and nurses in implementing targeted interventions to address both physical complaints and psychological well-being of pregnant women.
Association of allostatic load with female infertility: Findings from national health and nutrition examination survey 2017-2020.
Chen H, Xu Z, Hu W … +1 more , Li Y
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586465 · Publisher ↗
Allostatic load (AL), which is often used to observe damage to the organism from chronic stressful stimuli, has been demonstrated to be connected to a number of harmful consequences for health. There is currently no conc...
Allostatic load (AL), which is often used to observe damage to the organism from chronic stressful stimuli, has been demonstrated to be connected to a number of harmful consequences for health. There is currently no conclusive correlation between AL and infertility. The objective of this study was to delve identify possible correlation between AL and infertility. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database, from 814 women of childbearing age from the United States. We investigated the relationship between AL level and infertility using logistic regression analysis. Nine biomarkers were selected from three major systems (cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems) to assess AL level. Regression analysis revealed that, after controlling for the total number of deliveries, marital status, moderate work activity, and family-to-poverty income ratio, each unit increase in AL was associated with a 2.2-fold higher risk of infertility. Therefore, AL warrants greater attention as a modifiable factor related to infertility.
Integrating cultural norms into maternal health: Male engagement through a comprehensive caring model.
Maifita Y, Sansuwito TB, Panduragan SL
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586035 · Publisher ↗
Husband involvement during pregnancy plays a crucial role in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. However, in the Minangkabau culture, which follows a matrilineal system, such involvement is often limited by pre...
Husband involvement during pregnancy plays a crucial role in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. However, in the Minangkabau culture, which follows a matrilineal system, such involvement is often limited by prevailing cultural norms. This study aimed to bridge cultural norms and maternal health by implementing a culturally adapted comprehensive caring training model to increase male involvement during pregnancy. This quantitative study employed a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design involving 92 husbands of pregnant women in Lubuk Alung, Batang Anai, and Empat Koto Aur Melintang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Data on husband involvement were collected before and after the intervention, covering five domains: emotional, informational, physical, participation, and social-spiritual support. Before the intervention, husband involvement was highest in the emotional domain (mean score = 10.07) and lowest in the physical domain (mean score = 7.87). After the training, significant improvements were observed across all domains: emotional (11.93), informational (11.59), physical (11.24), participation (10.93), and social-spiritual (10.67) (all p < 0.05). The comprehensive caring training model effectively enhanced husband involvement in various aspects of pregnancy care, including emotional, financial, informational, social-spiritual, and physical support. This culturally tailored intervention shows promise for improving maternal health outcomes and is recommended as a model for culture-based health strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Indonesia.
Maternal well-being in the postpartum period: The mediating role of breastfeeding self-efficacy, sleep quality, and husband's support.
Oktavia SN, Kanathasan JS
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41584507 · Publisher ↗
Maternal health postpartum is important for both maternal and infant health. Support from husbands is a major factor but its role is still not well understood in our cultural context, in Pariaman, Indonesia. The relation...
Maternal health postpartum is important for both maternal and infant health. Support from husbands is a major factor but its role is still not well understood in our cultural context, in Pariaman, Indonesia. The relationship between husband support and maternal well-being with the mediation of breastfeeding self-efficacy and sleep quality was also an area for investigation in this study. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the months between March to August 202143 among postpartum women in urban and semi-urban areas of Pariaman City, West Sumatra. Validated questionnaires such as the Husband's Support Scale for Postpartum Mothers, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and WHO-5 Well-Being Index were used to measure data analysed by Pearson correlation (cr) and Structural Equation Modeling with bootstrapping. Husband's support was significantly associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.54) and maternal well-being (r = 0.49), and negative with poor sleep (r = -0.41; all p < 0.01). The model showed a moderate direct effect of husband's support on well-being (β = 0.28, p < 0.008) and indirect effects mediated by breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = 0.19) and sleep quality (β = 0.15), accounting for 42% of the variance in well-being. The findings of this study underline that involvement of husband correlates with better well-being of the mother in terms of increased confidence about breastfeeding and better sleep quality.
Effects of cluster six nursing on catheter-associated urinary tract infection in critically ill patients.
Zhao R, Sui J
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41583684 · Publisher ↗
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cluster nursing on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) in critically ill patients. Sixty critically ill patients with CA-UTI admitted to Affiliated...
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cluster nursing on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) in critically ill patients. Sixty critically ill patients with CA-UTI admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University from January 2020 to December 2021 were randomly separated into observation group (OG) and control group (CG). The CG accepted routine intensive care unit (ICU) nursing. The OG accepted cluster nursing management in addition to ICU nursing. Relative to the CG, the OG had lower mortality rate, shorter hospitalization time, lower incidence of complications, better improvements of the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), urine creatinine (Ucr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), higher satisfaction score, lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, higher scores of quality of life and Barthel Index (BI) , and lower depression and anxiety scores. We conclude that cluster nursing can improve the renal function, and improve the prognosis, psychological status, and the quality of life in critically ill patients with urinary tract infections.
Correlation between maternal infections and neonatal health: Evidence from Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan.
Lubis MP, Barus MNG
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41582928 · Publisher ↗
Maternal infections remain a critical but under-addressed determinant of neonatal health in Indonesia, yet hospital-based evidence is limited. This retrospective study reviewed 206 maternal records at Haji Adam Malik Hos...
Maternal infections remain a critical but under-addressed determinant of neonatal health in Indonesia, yet hospital-based evidence is limited. This retrospective study reviewed 206 maternal records at Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan (2015-2018) to examine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis and their associations with neonatal outcomes. HIV prevalence was 6.8% (14/206), substantially higher than national estimates, while hepatitis B was detected in 2.4% (5/206) and no syphilis cases were identified. Overall, one-third of infants (33%) were born with low birth weight and 9.2% had suboptimal Apgar scores. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between HIV infection and elevated maternal leukocyte counts with adverse neonatal outcomes (p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, none of the hepatitis B-reactive mothers had infants with low birth weight or poor Apgar scores, a finding likely due to the very small sample size and potential confounding. These results highlight the disproportionate burden of HIV in Medan, the methodological challenges of small-case analyses, and the urgent need for reliable antenatal infection screening and strengthened prevention of mother-to-child transmission services to reduce preventable neonatal morbidity.
Unveiling youth fertility aspirations: The role of gender attitudes in sub-Saharan Africa.
De Vestel J, Gadeyne S
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41582917 · Publisher ↗
High fertility preferences and strong socio-cultural norms around gender and family slow fertility transitions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We examine how gender attitudes shape fertility preferences among youth aged 15-...
High fertility preferences and strong socio-cultural norms around gender and family slow fertility transitions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We examine how gender attitudes shape fertility preferences among youth aged 15-24 using Demographic and Health Survey data from 10 high-fertility SSA countries (total fertility rate ≥5 in 2015-20). We conduct pooled and country-specific negative binomial regressions separately for men and women, relating attitudes towards wife beating and gender preferences for children to the ideal number of children. Tolerance of wife beating is associated with 7% higher desired fertility for both men and women (IRR=1.07, p<0.001), with substantial cross-country variation in magnitude and direction, particularly among women. Gender preferences (son, daughter, or none versus balanced) show clear differences between men and women; these associations are generally positive for men and mixed for women, although modest in magnitude. This study finds marked variation across and within countries, highlighting context- and gender-specific patterns in how gender attitudes relate to young people's fertility preferences in high-fertility SSA.
AJRH: Celebrating 30 years of advancing reproductive health in Africa.
Okonofua F, Obaseki J
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41582908 · Publisher ↗
The African Journal of Reproductive Health (AJRH) is proud to mark its 30th anniversary with the release of its second January 2026 issue. Since its inception in 19971, in response to the 1994 International Conference on...
The African Journal of Reproductive Health (AJRH) is proud to mark its 30th anniversary with the release of its second January 2026 issue. Since its inception in 19971, in response to the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt, the AJRH has remained committed to its mission of documenting and disseminating high-quality research on reproductive health in Africa and beyond. It was phenomenal that world renowned experts in the fields of public health and reproductive health such as the legendary Professors Allan Rosenfield2, and Kelsey Harrison3, contributed to the first issue of the journal, which was immediately indexed in PubMed (Medline).
Municipal initiatives in supporting postpartum women: A systematic review.
Yüceyılmaz H, Balmumcu A, Demirdöven B
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537672 · Publisher ↗
The postpartum period entails physical, emotional and social changes, and municipalities are well placed to provide support. We conducted a systematic review of municipal initiatives for postpartum women by searching Pub...
The postpartum period entails physical, emotional and social changes, and municipalities are well placed to provide support. We conducted a systematic review of municipal initiatives for postpartum women by searching PubMed and Web of Science (10 January-8 February 2024). Of 147 records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported actions clustered around: prevention of postpartum depression (routine screening, counselling, referral-often via home visits); targeted programs for vulnerable groups; measures to improve accessibility (transport vouchers, e-health/teleconsultation); social protection/insurance; multi-actor collaborations; and home-visiting schemes. Across settings, municipal engagement was associated with earlier detection of depressive symptoms, increased use of maternal services, longer exclusive breastfeeding, and gains in maternal empowerment. Evidence favors integrated approaches that combine health and social support and prioritize equity. Local governments should expand home visits, embed screening and referral in essential services, address transport and insurance barriers, and partner with community and NGO actors to tailor support to context.
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension: A systematic review.
Aryunani A, Qomaruddin MB, Prasetyo B … +2 more , Nuzula F, Mardliyana NE
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537621 · Publisher ↗
Hypertension in pregnant women is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments i...
Hypertension in pregnant women is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in reducing blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension. The articles analyzed were sourced from multiple databases between 2013 and 2023, focusing on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and non-pharmacological treatments. After screening and eligibility assessment, six relevant studies were included. The results revealed that non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga therapy, Qur'anic recitation (Murottal therapy), lavender aromatherapy combined with classical music, the Go-Yoga application, and foot massage with warm water immersion infused with lemon, effectively lowered blood pressure in pregnant women. These interventions primarily work by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving cardiovascular function and hormonal balance. In conclusion, non-pharmacological treatments offer safe and effective alternatives for managing hypertension during pregnancy. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm their long-term safety and efficacy.
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccines and vaccination-related beliefs in Türkiye: A cross-sectional study.
Yılmaz M, Durmaz A, Arıkan İ
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537601 · Publisher ↗
It was aimed to determine the beliefs and opinions of the people participating in our research about vaccination and to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic process affected their belief and opinion about vaccination, an...
It was aimed to determine the beliefs and opinions of the people participating in our research about vaccination and to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic process affected their belief and opinion about vaccination, and if so, in which direction. This descriptive cross-sectional study conducted a Family Health Centre in Kütahya. In this study, a questionnaire form were used to determine opinions about vaccination practices. Of the 377 people participants, 184 (48.8%) were male and 193 (51.2%) were female. While 313 (83%) of the participants were positive, 10 (2.7%) had negative opinions about vaccines and 54 (14.3%) were undecided. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the opinion of 27.3% (n:103) of the participants about vaccination has changed compared to before. It was found that 64 (63.1%) of 103 people who had a change in their opinion of vaccination had a positive change. According to our work, the risks posed by the pandemic have caused positive changes in overall vaccination opinion of the participants.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of gynaecologists towards virginity testing in Egypt: a cross-sectional study.
Mohamed HS, Ibrahim ZM, Lotfy M … +1 more , Ibrahim MF
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537483 · Publisher ↗
This cross-sectional study evaluated gynecologists' attitudes, practices, and knowledge of obstetricians in Egypt towards virginity testing (VT). The study involved 120 gynecologists from private clinics and hospitals in...
This cross-sectional study evaluated gynecologists' attitudes, practices, and knowledge of obstetricians in Egypt towards virginity testing (VT). The study involved 120 gynecologists from private clinics and hospitals in Ismailia, Egypt. The questionnaire was developed in three sections: Section one asked questions on participants' socio demographic backgrounds, while Section two inquired on the gynecologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning VT. Section three of the questionnaire solicited information from the respondents about the characteristics of women who were submitted for VT. The results showed that 82.5% of the participants were unable to adequately identify VT. Sixty-five (54.2%) of the participants reported negative attitudes towards VT. The most common motivation for performing VT was the exclusion of an imperforate hymen in 70% of participants. 68.2% of women who presented for VT were unmarried, and 80.8% were Muslims. Virginity testing is practiced among Egyptian gynecologists despite the lack of accurate knowledge and a positive attitude towards its disadvantages.
Trends in prenatal care among pregnant women in the Marrakesh province, Morocco.
Habibi AA, Oucheg MM, Benksim AA … +1 more , Cherkaoui MM
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537460 · Publisher ↗
This analytical cross-sectional study assessed the evolution of maternal health indicators in the Marrakech province by comparing data from 2014-2015 and 2020-2022. A total of 1,070 pregnant women were surveyed in three...
This analytical cross-sectional study assessed the evolution of maternal health indicators in the Marrakech province by comparing data from 2014-2015 and 2020-2022. A total of 1,070 pregnant women were surveyed in three health facilities using a self-administered questionnaire and non-probability accidental sampling. Statistical analyses (Chi-square, Student's t-tests, and logistic regression with Wald tests) were performed using SPSS 21.0. The results showed a significant improvement in prenatal care utilization over time. The percentage of women completing four recommended antenatal visits (ANC) increased from 36.9% to 49.5%, and early initiation of care in the first trimester rose from 55.3% to 82.8%. Completion rates of ANC1, ANC3, and ANC4, as well as the medicalization of consultations, also improved significantly. Logistic regression revealed strong associations between the 2020-2022 period, rural residence, and enhanced maternal health indicators. These findings underscore the positive impact of public health strategies and the resilience of Morocco's health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of comprehensive psychological intervention and traditional Chinese medicine on treatment adherence and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Wang X, Gao C, Yang S … +1 more , Wang J
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537451 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to explore how comprehensive psychological intervention combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external therapy affects treatment adherence and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergo...
This study aimed to explore how comprehensive psychological intervention combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external therapy affects treatment adherence and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The research included 124 patients from January 2023 to December 2023, randomly assigned to either a control group (n=60) receiving standard chemotherapy and routine care and an intervention group (n=64) receiving additional psychological support (mindfulness training, cognitive restructuring, group therapy) and TCM therapies (moxibustion, acupoint application, herbal fumigation). Results showed that the intervention group had significantly better chemotherapy completion (92.2% vs 85.0%) and dose intensity (89.1% vs 80.0%), with fewer delays (10.9% vs 20.0%) and regimen changes (15.6% vs 26.7%). Quality of life improved notably, particularly in emotional (Δ=16.7) and social functions (Δ=14.2). Psychological metrics also improved, with anxiety and depression rates dropping significantly. Additionally, the intervention group experienced fewer severe side effects such as myelosuppression, nausea, fatigue, and neuropathy. These findings suggest that combining psychological support with TCM therapies enhances treatment adherence, quality of life, and psychological well-being while reducing chemotherapy-related adverse effects, offering a promising approach for supportive care in breast cancer patients.
Determinants of emergency contraceptive use among female senior high school students in the Akuapem south municipality, Ghana.
Gadegbeku C, BediakO C, Djirackor F … +1 more , Asempah F
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537450 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the knowledge, awareness, and use of emergency contraceptives (ECs) among female Senior High School students in the Akuapem South Municipality of Ghana, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (...
This study investigated the knowledge, awareness, and use of emergency contraceptives (ECs) among female Senior High School students in the Akuapem South Municipality of Ghana, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, surveying 300 students from two schools. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and regression models. Results showed while awareness of ECs was high (98%), its actual use was moderate (50%). Attitude (p<0.001) and subjective norms (p<0.001) significantly predicted intention, while perceived behavioural control (p<0.005) predicted actual use of emergency contraceptives. Mean construct scores reflected positive attitudes (M=3.9), low subjective norms (M=2.7), moderate perceived control (M=3.5), weak intentions (M=2.8), and low reported behaviour (M=2.6). Cultural, religious, and moral concerns were major deterrents to EC use. The findings highlighted the need for culturally sensitive interventions to: bridge the gap between awareness and effective use of ECs, that would help reduce unintended pregnancies among students (including adolescents) in Ghana.
Determinants of postpartum lactation insufficiency in caesarean section in Chinese mothers: A cross-sectional study.
Chen Y, Xu R, Wu Q
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537433 · Publisher ↗
This study explored the status of postpartum lactation in caesarean section mothers and identified the factors that influence lactation insufficiency. A total of 265 mothers who delivered via cesarean section between Nov...
This study explored the status of postpartum lactation in caesarean section mothers and identified the factors that influence lactation insufficiency. A total of 265 mothers who delivered via cesarean section between November 2021 and November 2022 were followed for six months. Lactation efficiency was measured by collecting daily milk output using a breast pump from postpartum days 1 to 10; insufficient lactation was defined as a total daily milk volume <500 mL on day 10. Lactation typically began between 25 and 48 hours postpartum (45.1%), with a delayed onset of lactogenesis incidence of 19.6% and an overall lactation insufficiency rate of 48.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified advanced maternal age (>35 years), excessive weight gain during pregnancy (≥5.6 kg/m²), high postpartum pain scores (≥4), gestational diabetes mellitus, and postpartum depression as significant risk factors for insufficient lactation. In contrast, early skin-to-skin contact and suckling significantly reduced the risk. Furthermore, infants in the exclusive breastfeeding group showed significantly better nutritional outcomes, as measured by the Kaup index, compared to partially or non-breastfed infants. These findings underscore the need for targeted clinical interventions during the perinatal period, including effective pain management, mental health support, and promotion of early breastfeeding, to enhance lactation outcomes among cesarean section mothers.
Sexual myths and sexual health attitudes among health profession students in Turkey.
Ozdilek R, Aksoy SD, Dutucu N … +1 more , Solt Kirca A
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41537424 · Publisher ↗
This study was conducted to compare health care students' beliefs about sexual myths and their attitudes towards addressing This study compared health profession students' beliefs in sexual myths and their attitudes towa...
This study was conducted to compare health care students' beliefs about sexual myths and their attitudes towards addressing This study compared health profession students' beliefs in sexual myths and their attitudes toward sexual health in their future profession. Data were collected online from 420 students between January and April 2023. The Sexual Myths Scale and Sexual Health Attitudes Questionnaire were used. Results showed that students generally had moderate belief levels in sexual myths and positive attitudes toward sexual health, with significant differences based on gender and education level. Findings highlight the need for integrating sexual health education into health curricula to promote evidence-based and inclusive professional practice.
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