Maternal mental disorders in pregnancy and the puerperium and risks to infant health

Prenatal and postnatal period presents the highest prevalence of mental disorders in women's lives and depression is the most frequent one,affecting approximately one in every five mothers.The aggravating factor here is that during this period psychiatric symptoms affect not only women's health and well-being but may also interfere in the infant's intra and extra-uterine development.Although the causes of the relationship between maternal mental disorders and possible risks to a child's health and development remain unknown,it is suspected that these risks may be related to the use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy,to substance abuse and the mother's lifestyle.Moreover,after delivery,maternal mental disorders may also impair the ties of affection(bonding) with the newborn and the ma-ternal capacity of caring in the post-partum period thus increasing the risk for infant infection and malnutrition,impaired child growth that is expressed in low weight and height for age,and even behavioral problems and vulnerability to presenting mental disorders in adulthood.Generally speaking,research on this theme can be divided into the type of mental disorder analyzed: studies that research minor mental disorders during pregnancy such as depression and anxiety find an association between these maternal disorders and obstetric complications such as prematurity and low birth weight,whereas studies that evaluate severe maternal mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have found not only an association with general obstetric complications as well as with congenital malformations and perinatal mortality.Therefore,the success of infant growth care programs also depends on the mother's mental well being.Such findings have led to the need for new public policies in the field of maternal-infant care geared toward the population of mothers.However,more research is necessary so as to confirm the association between all factors with greater scientific rigor.

Maternal and infant health in urban and rural areas in Morocco: Analysis of the preliminary results of the National Survey on Population and Family Health (EPSF 2011)

Background: The last Moroccan population and family health survey (EPSF 2011) was carried out between November 2010 and March 2011. The final report and the whole database are not yet accessible while a preliminary report was released early March 2012. The information given so far does not allow for a complete evaluation of the present health situation in Morocco. However, a partial equity analysis can be devoted to the comparison of health indicators in terms of gender and urban-rural gaps. Method: 1) Questionnaires: a household questionnaire dealt with household characteristics, general health, housing condition and anthropometric data for children less than six years of age. A second questionnaire was devoted specifically to ever married women and dealt with their resources, marriage, reproductive health, family planning, AIDS/SIDA, healthcare and nutrition. 2) Data collection: data were collected through the national survey using a three-stage stratified sampling design to select 640 clusters covering the 16 Moroccan regions. A total of 15,577 households were randomly drawn, providing a sample of 75,061 individuals (51.1% females and 48.9% males) for investigation. 3) Analysis: in this short report, we relied only on partial data released by the Ministry of Health in a preliminary report. We used absolute differences and relative ratios to study the evolution of gender and urban-rural gaps on the basis of socioeconomic indicators. Results and Discussion: The Moroccan population seems to be in the last phase of its demographic transition. The total fertility rate decreased from 5.6 children per woman in 1980 to 2.5 in 2011. The mean age of first marriage went from 24 years for men and 17.5 years for women in 1960 to 31.5 years and 26.3 in 2011 for men and women respectively. The age structure is showing a trend of ageing population. Generally, health indicators related to reproductive and women’s health improved noticeably and consequently, maternal and infant mortality also decreased. However, while these achievements are praiseworthy as national averages, they remain insufficient in terms of equitable healthcare and access to health services since there is still a long way to go in order to reduce the huge gender gaps and rural-urban disparities. Conclusion: In this short report, we showed that, as averages, health indicators improved noticeably during the last decade but gender inequality and urban-rural disparities are still challenging health decision makers. Moroccan health decision makers are urged to adopt an equitable health strategy, starting by giving access to data for analysis, monitoring and evaluation.

A Case Study on the Impact of Mother-to-Mother Support Groups on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition and Care Practices in Habaswein and Wajir South Districts of North Eastern Kenya

Only about 25% of babies are exclusively breast fed until six months of age in developing countries though they are at a greater risk of infection and infant mortality. The Global Strategy for Maternal, Infant and Young Child Feeding (MI- YCF) Strategy developed by WHO/UNICEF in 2002 was to revitalize world attention to the impact of feeding practices on the nutritional status, growth, development, health and survival of infants and children. The data for this case study was collected through key informant interviews, observations and review of Save the Children nutrition programme reports and surveys. This information was then organized to produce a detailed description of the maternal, infant and young child nutrition programme in Habaswein and Wajir South districts or sub-counties. The maternal and infant young child nutrition (MIYCN) programme was launched in Habaswein and Wajir South districts in January 2012. The MIYCN programme followed recommendations of a Knowledge, Practice and Coverage (KPC) survey report in July 2012. To date, the programme has formed 48 Mother-to-mother Support Groups (MTMSGs), which are actively promoting the uptake of the recommended MIYCN practices in the community. MIYCN indicators have been markedly improved between July 2011 and February 2013 when surveys were conducted. The uptake of kitchen gardening has picked up significantly at Meri site and some mothers now have a changed attitude towards unskilled home deliveries and are conducting referrals for skilled births. The marked improvements in the performance of MIYCN indicators between July 2011 and February 2013 inWajir South and Habaswein districts can be partly attributed to the MIYCN programme established in January 2012. However, a randomized community trial is still required to provide conclusive results on the impact of care support groups on maternal, infant and young child feeding in this region.

Relationship between maternal pathology and infant social withdrawal: Analysis of a 268-outpatient population

Objective: Sustained withdrawal is a sign of infant distress and may be determined by extreme conditions like organic pathology or relationship problems. The Alarm Distress Baby Scale is the best instrument to identify withdrawal in infants between 2 and 24 months of age. The aim of this study was to assess the association between infant social withdrawal behavior and maternal pathology in the perinatal period. Method: The target sample of the study was 134 mother-child couples examined at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli General Pediatric Outpatient Clinic and Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, in Rome. We analyzed the relationship between withdrawal behavior and psychological and organic prenatal/postnatal pathology, using the Chi Square exact test. Results: When the mother suffers from both organic and psychological pathologies in the perinatal period, the risk of withdrawal is increased: the probability of infant withdrawal behavior is increased by maternal organic postnatal pathology by 14 times, by maternal psychological postnatal pathology by 9 times, and by maternal psychological postnatal depression, measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, by almost 4 times. Conclusion: Increased or sustained withdrawal reactions can be observed in unsatisfactory mother-child interaction. Maternal risk factors should be strictly considered in the pediatric clinical evaluation.

Second-child Policy Boosts Maternal and Infant Industry

The past year witnessed the contraction of capital flow into start-ups,the strong fluctuation of the world stock market and a decline in economic growth rate.Almost every industry has been affected by capital shortage.Although the whole market environment is very depressed,the maternal and infant industry has become a light at the end of the tunnel.

Efficacy of Danshen Injection Combined with Phosphocreatine Disodium in Treating Frequent Premature Contractions during Pregnancy and Its Effects on Maternal and Infant Outcomes

[Objectives]To explore the efficacy of Danshen Injection combined with phosphocreatine disodium in treating frequent premature contractions during pregnancy and its effect on maternal and infant outcomes.[Methods]A total of 200 pregnant women with normal pregnancy and frequent premature contractions who were treated in the outpatient department of internal medicine in Women and Children's Hospital of Hubei Province and Xinzhou District People's Hospital of Wuhan Central Hospital during September 2015 and October 2018 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and observation group,100 cases for each group.The observation group was treated with Danshen Injection combined with phosphocreatine disodium,and the control group was treated with phosphocreatine disodium alone.The course of treatment in both groups was one week.During the treatment,the changes of heart rate,heart rhythm,electrocardiogram and 24-h dynamic electrocardiogram(DCG)of both groups were observed.[Results]After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).There were no adverse drug reactions in both groups.However,in the control group,non-sustained ventricular tachycardia(NSVT)was found in 24-h dynamic electrocardiogram(DCG)of 2 pregnant women with premature ventricular contraction.The pregnancy process was smooth,with full-term natural delivery and no fetal malformation.There was no significant difference in gestational age and neonatal weight between the two groups(P>0.05).However,there was a statistically significant difference in Apgar score between the two groups(P<0.05).During the 6-month postpartum follow-up,the mother and child were unharmed,and examination of repeated electrocardiograms showed that the conditions were normal.[Conclusions]Danshen Injection combined with phosphocreatine disodium has better efficacy in the treatment of frequent premature contractions during pregnancy and the maternal and infant outcomes than the treatment with phosphocreatine disodium alone,and it has good safety and can prevent premature contractions from progressing to tachyarrhythmias.

Effect of insulin in combined with Chinese medicine formulae on the serum Mg2+ and visfatin levels, maternal and infant outcome in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective:To explore the effect of insulin in combined with Chinese medicine formulae on the serum Mg2+ and visfatin levels, maternal and infant outcome in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods:A total of 108 pregnant women with GDM who were admitted in our hospital were included in the study and randomized into the observation group (n=55) and the control group (n=53). The patients in the two groups were given diet control, exercise therapy, and subcutaneous injection of insulin. On this basis, the patients in the observation group were given self-made Chinese medicine formulae, continuously for 2 weeks. The blood sugar level, and serum Mg2+ and visfatin (VF) levels before treatment and before delivery in the two groups were detected. The maternal and infant outcome in the two groups was evaluated.Results:The serum HbA1c, FPG, 1 h PBG, 2 h PBG, and VF levels before delivery in the two groups were significantly reduced when compared with before treatment (P<0.05), while the serum Mg2+ level was significantly elevated when compared with before treatment (P<0.05). The improvement of the above indicators before delivery in the observation group was more significant when compared with the control group (P<0.05). The occurrence rate of cesarean section, premature delivery, gestational hypertension, fetal distress, and macrosomia in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusions:Insulin in combined with self-made Chinese medicine formulae can effectively control the blood sugar level in pregnant women with GDM, and improve the maternal and infant outcome.

Clinical Manifestations and Maternal and Infant Outcomes of Pregnancy Complicated with Thrombocytopenia

Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations as well as maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancy complicated with thrombocytopenia.Methods:A total of 478 pregnant women with thrombocytopenia,treated in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from July 2019 to June 2021,were selected as the research group,while 200 nonnal pregnant women,treated during the same period,were selected as the control group to analyze gestational thrombocytopenia(GT),idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP),pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH),adverse maternal and infant outcomes,etc.Results:Among the 478 patients in the research group,the main causes of pregnancy complicated with thrombocytopenia were GT,ITP,and PIH,accounting for 75.51%,6.49%,and 8.79%,respectively,while other causes accounted for 9.21%.There was no significant difference between the research group and the control group in the amoxmt of intrapartum bleeding,premature delivery,stillbirth,thrombocytopenia,and neonatal asphyxia,but there was significant difference in the mode of delivery(P<0.05)・Conclusion:The traditional indexes of coagulation function are not abnormal with decreased platelets in pregnant women with thrombocytopenia,but the indexes of thromboelasticity are abnormal and can reflect the changes of coagulation function.The cesarean section rate of patients with thrombocytopenia in pregnancy increases with the decrease of platelet count,but the mode of delivery should be determined in consideration of specific conditions.

Mode of delivery and its associated maternal and neonatal outcomes

Aim: To determine the association between the mode of delivery and selected neonatal and maternal morbidities and outcomes in NSW, during 1998-2008. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of NSW Midwives Data Collection (MDC) of 981,178 deliveries during 1998-2008. Maternal condition and neonatal outcomes were compared for different modes of delivery. Results: The annual rate of caesarean section has steadily increased from 19% to 31.1% with a mean of 25.9% during the study period. The risk of neonatal death was higher for forceps-assisted delivery compared to vacuum-assisted delivery (adjusted odds ratio 0.85%, 95% CI 0.52 - 1.37), caesarean section (adjusted odds ratio 1.14%, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.3) and normal vaginal delivery. Operative vaginal delivery and caesarean section had significantly increased risk for maternal mortality compared to normal vaginal delivery. Conclusions: There is an association between maternal and neonatal outcome and mode of delivery. Mothers and babies with normal vaginal delivery achieved better outcomes in this community. Caesarean section and operative vaginal delivery are associated with significant maternal and neonatal risk. Breech vaginal delivery carries a significant neonatal risk. More future prospective analyses, such as multicentre controlled studies, should be designed to determine whether and how much the adverse pregnancy outcomes were caused by unnecessary surgical and operative vaginal delivery.

A Theory-Based Dietary Intervention for Overweight, Postpartum Mothers and Their Children Improves Maternal Vegetable Intake

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a dietary intervention to increase target vegetable intake in overweight, postpartum mothers;and their children. Methods: Overweight mothers attending their six-week postpartum follow-up visit and their infants (n = 104 pairs) were randomized to intervention or usual care groups during the time period 2008-2011. Mothers received four 60 minute education sessions with a nutrition professional and eight monthly follow-up phone calls. Counseling began at the obstetrician office and continued at the regularly scheduled pediatric visits. The primary study outcome was the change in maternal target vegetable intake. Secondary outcomes included child target vegetable intake and whether child vegetable intake was modified by exposure to breastfeeding. Mother/child energy intake and weight indices were also assessed. Outcomes were measured at baseline (6-weeks postpartum), 6, 12 (post-intervention), and 18 (follow-up) months. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the impact of the dietary intervention on study outcomes relative to usual care. Results: Mothers randomized to the intervention had greater consumption of target vegetables at 6, 12 and 18 months (P P P = 0.03, respectively). There were no differences between groups in maternal energy intake, body mass index, or child target vegetable or energy intake. The child’s target vegetable intake at 12 months was related to the mother’s intake at 6 months (P = 0.03), however, this relationship was not modified by exposure to breastfeeding. Conclusion: A dietary intervention targeting the diet of the mother/child dyad resulted in improved maternal vegetable intake.

Looking at maternal inequalities (socioeconomic class, age and human immunodeficiency virus status) to predict well-being of neonates during infancy

Background: Infant health inequalities responsible for high infant sicknesses and deaths in our setting could depend to a large extend on maternal inequalities like socioeconomic class (SEC), age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: To look at maternal inequalities (SEC, Age and HIV), to predict well-being of neonates during infancy. Methods: Subjects were selected using systematic random sampling. Maternal education, occupation, age and HIV status were obtained using a questionnaire;their SEC was derived using the Oyedeji’s model. Gestational age (GA) of the neonates was estimated from their mother’s last menstrual period, obstetric ultrasound scan reports or the Dubowitz criteria;and birthweight (BW) was determined using the basinet weighing scale, which has a sensitivity of 50 grams. Results: Ninety mother-neonatal pairs were enrolled, 47 (52.2%) neonates were males and 43 (47.8%) females. Most of the neonates were term 66 (73.3%) and of normal BW 75 (83.4%). A significant association existed between maternal variables and the likely hood of the subjects being less healthy during infancy (χ2 = 126.528, p < 0.005). Maternal age had a negative correlation coefficient with GA (r = -0.200) and BW (r = -0.115) and comparison of MA, GA and BW was significant (F = 2662.92, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The combine effects of maternal SEC, Age and HIV have predicted less healthy neonates during infancy. Neonates in the present work are more prone to sicknesses and ill-health during infancy.

Opportunities to Integrate Primary Health Care Digital Innovations in Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Kenya

Background: Adequate and quality Maternal and Child Health (MNCH) care is considered essential in reduction of maternal and child mortality. More than half of the global maternal deaths (66%) are in sub-Saharan Africa with infant mortality of 51/1000 live births in the WHO Africa region [1]. There is potential to improve access and utilization of health services through investing in Primary Health Care (PHC) digital innovations [2] especially in underserved settings [3]. In the last quarter of the year 2021 after lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions, Tekeleza project, aims to integrate digital health innovations into MNCH care within PHC settings in Kenya. The project team undertook a baseline survey in three rural counties (Kisii, Kajiado and Migori) characterized with low social-economic status to identify opportunities to leverage on the use of evidence-based digital innovations to reverse the adverse trends in Maternal and Child Health. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in 15 Community Health Units (CHUs) in Kenya that were linked to selected Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities from three rural counties. Mixed methods were used to collect data from 404 Households (HHs) selected across the sampled CHUs on Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS). The selected households were assigned unique household or respondent identifiers. The sampling frame for household surveys consisted of all women 18 - 49 years of age, who were either pregnant or in their 18 months post-delivery. From the constructed sampling frame, a simple random sampling procedure was used to select the study sample. An audit was also carried out at the selected PHC facilities and sixty-two (62) Primary Health Workers (PHCWs) including facility managers were interviewed to establish challenges affecting ICT infrastructure and sustainable financing of MNCH services. Findings: The majority of the sampled women (64.9%) were lactating at the time of the study, with 34.4% being pregnant and 0.7% both pregnant and lactating. Despite the high proportions of mothers who received Skilled Birth Attendance, discontinuity in seeking antenatal and postnatal care services was observed in all three counties. The proportion of mothers (n = 404) who reported to have attended at least one ANC was 46.8%. This was attributed to limited access to health facilities, poor staff attitude, and negative cultural practices that got exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. An average of 53.2% of the respondents started attending ANC clinics much later after 12 weeks of gestation to minimize the costs and time they will spend on attending ANC clinics. It also emerged that 68.7% of the respondents had low knowledge levels of selected perinatal and infant care practices. On the making of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) health-seeking decisions, 54.7% of the respondents said, it is their husbands who decide. The PHCWs expressed limited access to Continuing Professional Development (CPDs), a situation that worsened with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Notably, only 54.9% of the PHCWs reported having access to either a Smartphone or desktop at the point of service delivery. Nearly the same proportion (54.8%) has access to the internet at their workstations. Facilities reported delayed reimbursement of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and only 54% of the women interviewed had registered in Linda mama NHIF package meant to enable them to access free maternity care. Only one county (Migori) had significant utilization of CHVs. Conclusion: There is increasing access to Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA) in rural Kenya but discontinuous pregnancy care is still a problem and it got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural PHC facilities have poor ICT infrastructure and despite the 98% rural access to a phone by women, there is limited bankable usage of handheld technology to improve health information literacy on self and infant care among women of reproductive age. Recommendations: Feasibility studies to be conducted on how to sustainably deploy Primary Health Care digital solutions to improve the quality of, access to, and Utilization of Maternal and Child Health (MNCH) services.

Influence of nutritional care during pregnancy on weight control and maternal and infant outcomes in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension

Background Preeclampsia is a common disease in pregnant women,characterized by clinical manifestations such as hypertension and proteinuria,which not only seriously affect the safety of pregnant women,but also jeopardize the safety of the fetus,threatening maternal and infant safety.Currently,in addition to routine hypoglycemic and antihypertensive treatments,auxiliary treatment methods such as exercise and diet are gradually gaining clinical recognition.Therefore,this study aimed to observe the effects of comprehensive nutrition care during pregnancy on weight control during pregnancy and maternal and infant outcomes in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome.Methods A total of 100 cases of preeclampsia patients in our hospital from August 2021 to May 2022 were selected and randomly divided into a nutrition group and a conventional group,with 50 cases in each group.The conventional group received routine care,while the nutrition group received additional comprehensive nutrition care during pregnancy based on routine care.The weight control and blood pressure control during pregnancy and maternal and infant outcomes of the two groups were observed.Results The weight control during pregnancy in the nutrition group was significantly better than that in the conventional group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups before intervention(P>0.05),but both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both groups were lower after intervention,with the nutrition group significantly lower than the conventional group(P<0.05).The incidence of neonatal asphyxia,placental abruption,postpartum hemorrhage,and cesarean section in the nutrition group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group(P<0.05).Conclusions Comprehensive nutrition care during pregnancy can effectively control weight and blood pressure levels in patients with preeclampsia,and improve maternal and infant outcomes.[S Chin J Cardiol 2024;25(3):156-161]

Comparison of three different recombinant hepatitis B vaccines:GeneVac-B,Engerix B and Shanvac B in high risk infants born to HBsAg positive mothers in India

AIM： To evaluate a low cost Indian recombinant hepatitis B vaccine GeneVac-B for its immunogenicity and safety in comparison to Engerix B and Shanvac B vaccine in high risk newborn infants born to （hepatitis B surface antigen） HBsAg positive mothers.METHODS： A total of 158 infants were enrolled in the study. Fifty eight infants were enrolled in the GeneVac-B group while 50 each were included for Engerix B and Shanvac B groups. A three-dose regimen of vaccination; at birth （within 24 h of birth）, 1st mo and 6 too. were adopted with 10 μg dosage administered uniformly in all the three groups. Clinical and immunological parameters were assessed for safety and immunogenicity of the vaccines, in all the enrolled infants.RESULTS： Successful follow up until seven months of age was achieved in 83% （48/58） for GeneVac-B, 76% （38/50） and 64% （32/50） for Engerix B and Shanvac B groups respectively. 100% seroconversion and seroprotection was achieved in all the three groups of infants. The geometric mean titers of anti-HBs one month after the completion of three dose of vaccination were 90.5, 80.9 and 72.5 mTU/mL in GeneVac-B, Engerix B and Shanvac B vaccine group respectively. Furthermore the level of anti-HBs increases with age of babies who were born to HBsAg positive mothers. The GMT values of anti-HBs were 226.7, 193.9 and 173.6 mIU/mL respectively in GeneVac-B, Engerix B and Shanvac B groups one year after the completion of the three doses of vaccine. No systemic reactions were reported in infants during the entire vaccination process of GeneVac-B and the other two vaccines. Clinical safety parameters remained within the normal limits throughout the study period.CONCLUSION： The study concludes that there is no significant difference between the three recombinant hepatitis B vaccines. Administration of these vaccines within 24 h of birth to babies, born to HBsAg positive mothers will reduce the incidence of HBV infection.

Mental health of mothers and their premature infants for the prevention of child abuse and maltreatment

Birth of preterm infants is a stressful event for their parents, particularly for mothers. The mothers of preterm infants often feel hard to relate their infants because they have separated since their first days after delivery. Long term separation and less attractive, less responsive appearance of preterm infants also make it difficult to build mother-child relationships. In addition, the mothers of preterm infants are likely to have mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The mothers’ psychiatric illnesses affect the psychosocial development of preterm infants and are often regarded as a risk factor for child abuse and maltreatment in later life. Child abuse and maltreatment are also prevalent among preterm infants than the full term infants. Intervention from the early period of preterm birth is an important issue for both preterm infants and their mothers. Medical and co-medical professionals should pay attention to developmental outcome of preterm as well as psychosocial conditions of their mothers for the improvement of their mental health.

Evaluation of Adherence to Nevirapine for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission amongst Infants of HIV Positive Mothers in the First 6 Weeks of Life in Lagos Nigeria

Background: Over 90% of infection in children is acquired through mother to child transmission (MTCT). Nevirapine’s efficacy, safety and affordable cost make it the most preferred non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) for paediatric prophylactic use in resource limited settings. There are very few studies on pediatric adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis, especially in very young infants. The objective of the study was to evaluate the adherence to nevirapine for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) amongst infants of HIV positive mothers in the first 6 weeks of life. Methods: This was a questionnaire based prospective cross-sectional multicenter study initiated in July 2015 and concluded in December 2017. The study was carried out at the Aids Prevention in Nigeria (APIN/HIV) human immunodeficiency paediatric clinics of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State, 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba (68NARHY) Lagos, Nigeria and the Holy Family Catholic Hospital, Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State. Nevirapine adherence, in infants of 0 - 6 weeks was measured by maternal verbal reports. Results: Eighty-one (81) infants receiving nevirapine within the age of 0 - 6 weeks completed the study. Majority of the infants started treatment at birth (32%) and after 4 weeks (31%). 54% of the 81 respondents do not miss or skip their doses while 46% of respondents skip doses. Majority of the respondents 18 (49%) missed their doses for 24 - 48 hours while 25% missed their doses because they were away from home and 23% ran out of pills. 85.2% took ≥95% of the prescribed medications (good or high adherence ), 8.2% took 80% - 95% of doses (moderate adherence) while 6.2% took 0.05). Conclusions: The adherence rates found in this study are comparable to other studies in developing countries. But these rates are still low for good clinical outcomes. Different levels of adherence were documented with the majority having good or high adherence. Not all of the infants started treatment at birth and Institutional delivery should be encouraged to improve early initiation of prophylaxis. The finding of patients with low adherence rates among the study population calls for intensification of counselling on adherence and should continue to be an integral part of prevention of mother to child transmission. Improved access to antiretroviral agents and improved care delivery systems are important.

Qualitative Detection of Proviral-DNA of HIV-1 in Infants to Determine the Efficacy of Antiretroviral Therapy in the Prevention of Vertical Transmission of HIV-1 in The Gambia

The priority of The Gambia government is to eliminate maternal to child transmission of HIV and in line with this priority, the country implemented an antiretroviral therapy (ART) program. With this, all HIV infected pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and infants have access to ARV drugs. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vertical transmission of HIV among women receiving the ARV drugs. Dried blood spot samples were collected from 109 HIV-exposed infants enrolled in 13 PMTCT sites across the country. A qualitative detection of proviral-DNA of HIV-1 was performed using the RealTime Abbott PCR assay. Data from 105 mothers were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and association of risk factors to PCR results were analyzed using (Crosstabs) Pearson Chi-Square. The p-value of significant was set at p < 0.05. This study has found that the prevalence of vertical transmission of HIV is 0.0% (0/64) among women that received the ARV prophylaxis then started ART, 7.1% (2/28) among mothers that received HIV prophylaxis only, and 38.4% (5/13) among women who neither receive HIV-prophylaxis nor ART during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Other risk factors of vertical transmission such as late initiation of treatment, default during treatment and first born of twins were found to be significantly associated with vertical transmission p = 0.001, p = 0.022 and p = 0.000 respectively. This study has found that the early intervention of ART at the onset of pregnancy through breastfeeding can eliminates Maternal to Child transmission of HIV-1and a high risk of vertical transmission was found among women who neither receive prophylaxis nor ART. If the effectiveness of the antiretroviral therapy is maintain, The Gambia, in the near future will attain the WHO’s goal to eliminate maternal to child transmission of HIV.

Evaluation on the Influence of the Timing of Twin Pregnancy Termi­nation on the Outcome of Mother and Infants

Objective:Objective:To observe the maternal and infant outcomes of pregnant women with twins terminating their pregnancy at different timings.Methods:Among the twin pregnant women admitted to our hospital from August 2019 to August 2020,50 primiparous women who opted to terminate their pregnancies at 5 different timings of“34--34^(+6) weeks”,“35--35^(+6) weeks”,“36--36^(+6) weeks”,“37--37^(+6) weeks”,“38--38^(+6) weeks”were selected as the research subjects.According to the timing of pregnancy termination,they were divided into 5 groups,each with 10 cases of pregnant women,and the impact of the timing of pregnancy termination on the outcome of the mothers and infants were compared.Results:The“37--37^(+6) weeks”group had the largest amount of postpartum hemorrhage,and the difference in Hb level before and after delivery was the largest.With the increase in gestational week,the weight of both large and small fetuses increased.In terms of neonatal diseases,the comparison between“34--34^(+6) weeks”,“35--35^(+6) weeks”,“36--36^(+6) weeks”and“37--37^(+6) weeks”,“38--38^(+6) weeks”,P<0.05,the comparison between“37--37^(+6) weeks”and“38--38^(+6) weeks”,P>0.05.Conclusions:The extension of the gestational week of twin pregnancies has no effect on postpartum hemorrhage,but it can improve the outcome of infants.

孕产妇母婴健康素养问卷的研制及信效度研究

目的 研制适用于孕产妇的母婴健康素养问卷,为今后评估孕产妇母婴健康素养水平提供测评工具。方法 通过文献查阅和德尔菲(Delphi)专家咨询法筛选确定初选条目,通过预调查修改完善母婴健康素养问卷,并应用其对2022年4—5月期间在重庆市妇幼保健院就诊的350例孕产妇进行测评,评价问卷信度和效度。结果 初始问卷共有64个条目,包括基本知识和理念、健康生活方式与行为和基本技能3个维度。采用临界比值法、相关系数法和内部一致性分析法对项目进行分析筛选,最终形成57个条目的孕产妇母婴健康素养问卷。总问卷Cronbach′s α系数为0.865,重测信度为0.797,分半信度为0.826;经验证性因子分析,模型拟合良好(基本知识与理念:χ^(2)/df=1.869,RMSEA=0.050,GFI=0.854,AGF=0.824;健康生活方式与行为:χ^(2)/df=1.968,RMSEA=0.053,GFI=0.938,AGF=0.916;基本技能:χ^(2)/df=1.555,RMSEA=0.040,GFI=0.974,AGF=0.956)。结论 此次研制的孕产妇母婴健康素养问卷具有较好的信度和效度。

产房家庭协同护理对初产妇心理状况、分娩自我效能及母婴结局的影响

目的:探讨产房家庭协同护理对初产妇心理状况、分娩自我效能及母婴结局影响.方法:选取2020年5月-2021年12月在本院产检并分娩的初产妇为研究对象,按随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组各60例.对照组临产进入产房后常规护理与指导,观察组在对照组的基础上实施家庭成员协同护理.对比分析两组产妇干预前后SAS、SDS评分,分娩自我效能评分,分娩方式,产时VAS评分、产程时间及母婴结局之间的差异.结果:干预后观察组对象SAS评分、SDS评分下降显著,且低于对照组(P<0.05);结果效能、期望效能、自我效能总分提高,且高于对照组(均P<0.05);阴道分娩率显著高于对照组(91.7%比73.3%),中转剖宫产率低于对照组(8.3%比26.7%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).观察组经阴道分娩对象产时VAS评分、第一、二产程时间、产后2h出血量及新生儿Apgar评分均明显好于对照组(P<0.05).结论:产房家庭成员协同护理干预可有效改善初产妇心理状况,提高分娩自我效能,降低产时疼痛水平,缩短产程时间,促进阴道分娩,改善母婴结局.