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Research Papers
Effect of socio-demographic factors on focused antenatal care services utilization among pregnant women at an informal settlement health centre in Nairobi, Kenya
This cross-sectional study assessed how socio-demographic factors influence the use of Focused Antenatal Care (FANC) among 272 expectant women in their third trimester at Lunga Lunga Health Centre in Nairobi. Only 9.9% met the recommended eight visits. Logistic regression showed that women with multiple parities, without spouses, and those identifying as Muslim were significantly less likely to complete the recommended visits. Overall, low FANC utilisation in this informal settlement was strongly linked to marital status, parity, and religion, highlighting the need for targeted sensitisation a
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Research Papers
Health facility factors affecting the provision of post-abortion care services in Trans- Nzoia County, Western Kenya
This mixed‑methods cross-sectional study examined health facility factors influencing the provision of post-abortion care (PAC) in 160 primary healthcare facilities across Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The sample included public, private, and faith-based facilities, most of which operated only five days a week, with community health promoters noting the lack of 24‑hour services. Significant barriers to PAC included high service costs, long patient waiting times—largely due to inability to pay—and inadequate nurse staffing. Overall, limited operating hours, insufficient staffing, and lack
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Research Papers
Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Systems through Digital Tools and Task Sharing: Evidence from Rural Kenya
The study evaluated the impact of digital health tools, task sharing, capacity building, and maternal health financing on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) systems in Kisii, Kajiado, and Migori counties in Kenya, under the Tekeleza project1. It aimed to assess how these interventions influenced MNCH service uptake, outcomes, and referral systems, using a mixed-methods approach with data from healthcare providers, community health promoters, and mothers. Read More >>>
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Research Papers
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and policy response on access to and utilization of reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health services in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia.
A cross-sectional qualitative study conducted in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia assessed how the COVID-19 pandemic and related policy responses affected access to and utilization of reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health services. Through 63 in-depth interviews with women of reproductive age, frontline health workers, and government representatives, the study found that services such as antenatal care, delivery, family planning, and immunization were most disrupted. Despite some mitigation efforts, the findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen health systems, particularly suppl
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Research Papers
Exploring the Influence of Sociocultural Factors on the Non-Utilization of Family Planning amongst Women in Ethiopia’s Pastoralist Regions
This study aimed to explore the sociocultural determinants of family planning (FP) utilization among women in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 682 reproductive-aged women selected from three regions in pastoralist districts. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with women who did not use FP. This study revealed that 47% of women did not use FP. Read More >>>
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Research Papers
Impact of quality improvement interventions on facility readiness, quality and uptake of maternal and child health services in developing regions of Ethiopia: a secondary analysis of programme data
This study evaluated the impact of a Quality Improvement (QI) intervention implemented from 2018 to 2021 in health facilities across Ethiopia’s developing regional states. Using data from 56 facilities and detailed monitoring from 28, the study found that QI interventions significantly enhanced facility readiness, service availability, and the quality of maternal and child health services. The study concludes that integrated QI interventions can positively influence health service delivery, though further research is needed to enhance contraceptive service outcomes. Read More
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Research Papers
Walking Together: Towards a Collaborative Model for Maternal Health Care in Pastoralist Communities of Laikipia and Samburu, Kenya
In response to low uptake of skilled birth attendance in pastoralist areas, a collaborative model was developed in Laikipia and Samburu, integrating traditional birth attendants (TBAs) with skilled birth attendants (SBAs) to improve maternal care. Through community engagement and research, the model promotes shared roles in antenatal and postnatal care, respectful maternity practices, and facility redesigns to better serve local needs, aiming to enhance safety and ease the transition to SBA-led births. Read More
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Research Papers
The Effect of Women’s Empowerment in the Utilization of Family Planning in Western Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
This study investigated how women’s empowerment influences family planning use among 746 married women in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. Using structural equation modeling, it found that 72% of participants had used family planning. Key factors associated with use included younger age, access to information and health facilities, awareness of family planning methods, rural residence, older partners, and greater household decision-making power. The findings underscore that women’s empowerment—particularly autonomy in decision-making—is a critical determinant of contraceptive use. The stu
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