1. |
- Litorp, Helena, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Gender norms and women’s empowerment as barriers to facility birth : A population-based cross-sectional study in 26 Nigerian states using the World Values Survey
- 2022
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 17:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundCentral and western Africa struggle with the world’s lowest regional proportion of facility birth at 57%. The aim of the current study was to compare beliefs related to maternal health care services, science/technology, gender norms, and empowerment in states with high vs. low proportions of facility birth in Nigeria.MethodsFace-to-face interviews were performed as part of a nationally representative survey in Nigeria using a new module to measure values and beliefs related to gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights collected as part the 2018 World Values Survey. We compared beliefs related to maternal health care services, science/technology, gender norms, and empowerment between Nigerian states with facility birth proportions > 50% vs. < 25% as presented in the 2018 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey report. Pearson’s chi-squared test, the independent t-test, and univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression were used for analyses. Results were also stratified by gender.ResultsAmong the 1,273 participants interviewed, 653 resided in states with high and 360 resided in states with low proportions of facility birth. There were no significant differences between the groups in perceived safety of facility birth (96% vs. 94%) and confidence in antenatal care (91% vs 94%). However, in states with low proportions of facility birth, participants had higher confidence in traditional birth attendants (61% vs. 39%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1, [1.5–2.8]), men were more often perceived as the ones deciding whether a woman should give birth at a clinic (56% vs. 29%, aOR 2.4 [1.8–3.3]), and participants experienced less freedom over their own lives (56% vs. 72%, aOR 0.56 [0.41–0.76]). Most differences in responses between men and women were not statistically significant.ConclusionsIn order to increase facility births in Nigeria and other similar contexts, transforming gender norms and increasing women’s empowerment is key.
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2. |
- Ashish, K.C. 1982-, et al.
(author)
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Coverage, associated factors, and impact of companionship during labor : A large-scale observational study in six hospitals in Nepal
- 2019
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In: Birth. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0730-7659 .- 1523-536X. ; 47:1, s. 80-88
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Companionship at the time of birth is a nonclinical intervention that has been proven to improve the quality of intrapartum care. This study aims to evaluate the coverage, associated factors, and impact of companionship during labor at public hospitals in Nepal.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in six public hospitals in Nepal. The study was conducted from July 2018 to August 2018. Data were collected on sociodemographic, maternal, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics from patient case notes and through predischarge interviews. Coverage of companionship during labor and its association with intrapartum care was analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to assess the association between companionship during labor and demographic, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics.RESULTS: A total of 63 077 women participated in the study with 19% of them having a companion during labor. Women aged 19-24 years had 65% higher odds of having a companion during labor compared with women aged 35 years and older (aOR 1.65 [95% CI, 1.40-1.94]). Women who were from an advantaged ethnic group (Chhetri/Brahmin) had fourfold higher odds of having a companion than women from a disadvantaged group (aOR 3.84; [95% CI, 3.24-4.52]). Women who had companions during labor had fewer unnecessary cesarean births than those who had no companions (5.2% vs 6.8%, P < .001).CONCLUSIONS: In Nepal, sociodemographic factors affect women's likelihood of having a companion during labor. As companionship during labor is associated with improved quality of care, health facilities should encourage women's access to birth companions.
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3. |
- Egal, Jama Ali, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Incidence and causes of severe maternal outcomes in Somaliland using the sub-Saharan Africa maternal near-miss criteria : A prospective cross-sectional study in a national referral hospital.
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. - : Wiley. - 0020-7292 .- 1879-3479. ; 159:3, s. 856-864
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and causes of severe maternal outcomes and the unmet need for life-saving obstetric interventions among women admitted for delivery in a referral hospital in Somaliland.METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 15, 2019, to March 31, 2020, with women admitted during pregnancy or childbirth or within 42 days after delivery. Data was collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) maternal near-miss (MNM) tools. Descriptive analysis was performed by computing frequencies, proportions and ratios.RESULTS: The MNM ratio were 56 (SSA criteria) and 13 (WHO criteria) per 1,000 live births. The mortality index was highest among women with medical complications (63%), followed by obstetric haemorrhage (13%), pregnancy-related infection (10%) and hypertensive disorders (7.9%) according to the SSA MNM criteria. Most women giving birth received prophylactic oxytocin for postpartum haemorrhage prevention (97%), and most laparotomies (60%) for ruptured uterus were conducted after three hours.CONCLUSION: There is a need to improve the quality of maternal health services through implementation of evidence-based obstetric interventions and continuous in-service training for health care providers. Using the SSA MNM criteria could facilitate such preventive measures in this setting as well as similar low-resource contexts.
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4. |
- Gerde, Per, et al.
(author)
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Regional lung targeting with a fluticasone/salmeterol aerosol using a bolus breath hold method of the PreciseInhale® system : A first evaluation in humans
- 2024
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In: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. - : Elsevier. - 0928-0987 .- 1879-0720. ; 196
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundIn development of inhaled drugs- and formulations the measured concentration in the systemic circulation is often used as a surrogate for local dosimetry in the lungs. To further elucidate regional differences in the fate of drugs in the lungs, different aerodynamic sizes of aerosols have been used to target major airway regions. An alternative approach to achieve regional targeting of aerosols, is to use a defined aerosol bolus together with a bolus breath hold strategy. A small volume of test aerosol is intercalated and stopped at different penetration depths, to achieve increased drug deposition at chosen lung locations. Drug permeation from the lung regions is then investigated by repeatedly sampling venous blood from the systemic circulation.The PreciseInhale® (PI) exposure platform was developed to allow generation of aerosols from different sources, including clinical inhalers, into a holding chamber, for subsequent use with alternative exposure modules in vitro and in vivo. In the current first-in-human study was investigated the feasibility of a new clinical exposure module added to the PI system. By extracting aerosol puffs from a medical inhaler for subsequent delivery to volunteers, it was possible to administer whole lung exposures, as well as regional targeting exposures.MethodsAerosols containing 250 µg/25 µg fluticasone propionate (FP)/salmeterol xinafoate (SMX) were automatically actuated and extracted from the pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) Evohaler Seretide forte into the PI system's holding chamber, then administered to the healthy volunteers using controlled flowrate and volume exposure cycles.Two main comparisons were made by measuring the systemic PK response: I. One label dose directly from the inhaler to the subject was compared to the same dose extracted from the pMDI into the PI system and then administered to the subject. II A small aerosol bolus at a penetration level in the central airways was compared to a small aerosol bolus at a penetration level in the peripheral lung.Results and ConclusionsWhen one inhaler dose was administered via the PI system, the absorbed dose, expressed as AUC24, was approximately twice as high and the CV was less than half, compared to direct inhalation from the same pMDI. Bolus breath hold targeting of drugs from the same aerosol mixture to the peripheral lung and the central airways showed a difference in their appearance in the systemic circulation. Normalized to the same deposited dose, SMX had a 57 % higher Cmax in the peripheral lung compared to the central airways. However, from 6 to 24 h after dosing the systemic concentrations of SMX from both regions were quite similar. FP had parallel concentrations curves with a 23 % higher AUC24 in the peripheral lung with no noticeable elevation around Cmax. The permeability of these two substances from similar sized aerosols was indeed higher in the thinner air/blood barriers of the peripheral lung compared to the central airways, but differences as measured on the venous side of the circulation were not dramatic. In conclusion, the PI system provided better control of actuation, aspiration, and dispensation of aerosols from the clinical inhaler and thereby delivered higher quality read outs of pharmacokinetic parameters such as tmax, Cmax, and AUC. Improved performance, using PI system, can likely also be employed for studying regional selectivity of other responses in the lungs, for use in drug development.
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- Gurung, Rejina, et al.
(author)
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Scaling Up Safer Birth Bundle Through Quality Improvement in Nepal (SUSTAIN) - a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in public hospitals
- 2019
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In: Implementation Science. - : BMC. - 1748-5908. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Each year, 2.2 million intrapartum-related deaths (intrapartum stillbirths and first day neonatal deaths) occur worldwide with 99% of them taking place in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the accelerated increase in the proportion of deliveries taking place in health facilities in these settings, the stillborn and neonatal mortality rates have not reduced proportionately. Poor quality of care in health facilities is attributed to two-thirds of these deaths. Improving quality of care during the intrapartum period needs investments in evidence-based interventions. We aim to evaluate the quality improvement packageScaling Up Safer Bundle Through Quality Improvement in Nepal (SUSTAIN)on intrapartum care and intrapartum-related mortality in public hospitals of Nepal.Methods: We will conduct a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in eight public hospitals with each having least 3000 deliveries a year. Each hospital will represent a cluster with an intervention transition period of 2months in each. With a level of significance of 95%, the statistical power of 90% and an intra-cluster correlation of 0.00015, a study period of 19months should detect at least a 15% change in intrapartum-related mortality. Quality improvement training, mentoring, systematic feedback, and a continuous improvement cycle will be instituted based on bottleneck analyses in each hospital. All concerned health workers will be trained on standard basic neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care. Portable fetal heart monitors (Moyo (R)) and neonatal heart rate monitors (Neobeat (R)) will be introduced in the hospitals to identify fetal distress during labor and to improve neonatal resuscitation. Independent research teams will collect data in each hospital on intervention inputs, processes, and outcomes by reviewing records and carrying out observations and interviews. The dose-response effect will be evaluated through process evaluations.Discussion: With the global momentum to improve quality of intrapartum care, better understanding of QI package within a health facility context is important. The proposed package is based on experiences from a similar previous scale-up trial carried out in Nepal. The proposed evaluation will provide evidence on QI package and technology for implementation and scale up in similar settings.
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6. |
- Gurung, Rejina, et al.
(author)
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Scaling Up Safer Birth Bundle Through Quality Improvement in Nepal (SUSTAIN)-a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in public hospitals.
- 2019
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In: Implementation science : IS. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1748-5908. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Each year, 2.2 million intrapartum-related deaths (intrapartum stillbirths and first day neonatal deaths) occur worldwide with 99% of them taking place in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the accelerated increase in the proportion of deliveries taking place in health facilities in these settings, the stillborn and neonatal mortality rates have not reduced proportionately. Poor quality of care in health facilities is attributed to two-thirds of these deaths. Improving quality of care during the intrapartum period needs investments in evidence-based interventions. We aim to evaluate the quality improvement package-Scaling Up Safer Bundle Through Quality Improvement in Nepal (SUSTAIN)-on intrapartum care and intrapartum-related mortality in public hospitals of Nepal.We will conduct a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in eight public hospitals with each having least 3000 deliveries a year. Each hospital will represent a cluster with an intervention transition period of 2 months in each. With a level of significance of 95%, the statistical power of 90% and an intra-cluster correlation of 0.00015, a study period of 19 months should detect at least a 15% change in intrapartum-related mortality. Quality improvement training, mentoring, systematic feedback, and a continuous improvement cycle will be instituted based on bottleneck analyses in each hospital. All concerned health workers will be trained on standard basic neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care. Portable fetal heart monitors (Moyo®) and neonatal heart rate monitors (Neobeat®) will be introduced in the hospitals to identify fetal distress during labor and to improve neonatal resuscitation. Independent research teams will collect data in each hospital on intervention inputs, processes, and outcomes by reviewing records and carrying out observations and interviews. The dose-response effect will be evaluated through process evaluations.With the global momentum to improve quality of intrapartum care, better understanding of QI package within a health facility context is important. The proposed package is based on experiences from a similar previous scale-up trial carried out in Nepal. The proposed evaluation will provide evidence on QI package and technology for implementation and scale up in similar settings.ISRCTN16741720 . Registered on 2 March 2019.
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7. |
- Gurung, Rejina, et al.
(author)
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The burden of misclassification of antepartum stillbirth in Nepal
- 2019
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In: BMJ Global Health. - : BMJ. - 2059-7908. ; 4:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Globally, every year 1.1 million antepartum stillbirths occur with 98% of these deaths taking place in countries where the health system is poor. In this paper we examine the burden of misclassification of antepartum stillbirth in hospitals of Nepal and factors associated with misclassification.Method A prospective observational study was conducted in 12 hospitals of Nepal for a period of 6 months. If fetal heart sounds (FHS) were detected at admission and during the intrapartum period, the antepartum stillbirth (fetal death ≥22 weeks prior labour) recorded in patient’s case note was recategorised as misclassified antepartum stillbirth. We further compared sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal characteristics of misclassified and correctly classified antepartum stillbirths using bivariate and multivariate analysis.Result A total of 41 061 women were enrolled in the study and 39 562 of the participants’ FHS were taken at admission. Of the total participants whose FHS were taken at admission, 94.8% had normal FHS, 4.7% had abnormal FHS and 0.6% had no FHS at admission. Of the total 119 recorded antepartum stillbirths, 29 (24.4%) had FHS at admission and during labour and therefore categorised as misclassified antepartum stillbirths. Multivariate analysis performed to adjust the risk of association revealed that complications during pregnancy resulted in a threefold risk of misclassification (adjusted OR-3.35, 95% CI 1.95 to 5.76).Conclusion Almost 25% of the recorded antepartum stillbirths were misclassified. Improving quality of data is crucial to improving accountability and quality of care. As the interventions to reduce antepartum stillbirth differ, accurate measurement of antepartum stillbirth is critical.
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8. |
- Gurung, Rejina, et al.
(author)
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The burden of misclassification of antepartum stillbirth in Nepal.
- 2019
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In: BMJ global health. - : BMJ. - 2059-7908. ; 4:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Globally, every year 1.1 million antepartum stillbirths occur with 98% of these deaths taking place in countries where the health system is poor. In this paper we examine the burden of misclassification of antepartum stillbirth in hospitals of Nepal and factors associated with misclassification.A prospective observational study was conducted in 12 hospitals of Nepal for a period of 6 months. If fetal heart sounds (FHS) were detected at admission and during the intrapartum period, the antepartum stillbirth (fetal death ≥22 weeks prior labour) recorded in patient's case note was recategorised as misclassified antepartum stillbirth. We further compared sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal characteristics of misclassified and correctly classified antepartum stillbirths using bivariate and multivariate analysis.A total of 41 061 women were enrolled in the study and 39 562 of the participants' FHS were taken at admission. Of the total participants whose FHS were taken at admission, 94.8% had normal FHS, 4.7% had abnormal FHS and 0.6% had no FHS at admission. Of the total 119 recorded antepartum stillbirths, 29 (24.4%) had FHS at admission and during labour and therefore categorised as misclassified antepartum stillbirths. Multivariate analysis performed to adjust the risk of association revealed that complications during pregnancy resulted in a threefold risk of misclassification (adjusted OR-3.35, 95% CI 1.95 to 5.76).Almost 25% of the recorded antepartum stillbirths were misclassified. Improving quality of data is crucial to improving accountability and quality of care. As the interventions to reduce antepartum stillbirth differ, accurate measurement of antepartum stillbirth is critical.ISRCTN30829654.
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9. |
- Holmbäck, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Effects of a novel weight-loss combination product containing orlistat and acarbose on obesity : A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- 2022
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In: Obesity. - : Wiley. - 1930-7381 .- 1930-739X. ; 30:11, s. 2222-2232
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel, oral, modified-release formulation of the lipase inhibitor orlistat and the glucosidase/amylase inhibitor acarbose (denoted EMP16) on relative body weight after 26 weeks compared with placebo. Methods The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial had a 26-week treatment period, with dose escalation up to 6 weeks. Participants, adults between ages 18 and 75 years, with BMI >= 30 kg/m(2) or >= 28 kg/m(2) with risk factors, were randomly assigned to EMP16 120-mg orlistat/40-mg acarbose (EMP16-120/40), EMP16-150/50, or placebo. The primary end point was relative weight loss from baseline to week 26 assessed in participants with at least one post-baseline weight measurement. Results Of 156 randomized participants, 149 constituted the intention-to-treat population. The mean (95% CI) estimated treatment difference to placebo in relative weight loss after 26 weeks in the intention-to-treat population was -4.70% (-6.16% to -3.24%; p < 0.0001) with EMP16-120/40 and -5.42% (-6.60% to -4.24%; p < 0.0001) with EMP16-150/50. Conclusions This trial indicates that orlistat and acarbose can be successfully combined in a modified-release formulation to provide efficacious weight loss with no unexpected safety issues. EMP16 may be a promising candidate among other medications for improved weight management.
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10. |
- Hvarfner, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Vital Signs Directed Therapy for the Critically Ill : Improved Adherence to the Treatment Protocol Two Years after Implementation in an Intensive Care Unit in Tanzania
- 2020
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In: Emergency Medicine International. - : HINDAWI LTD. - 2090-2840 .- 2090-2859. ; 2020
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Treating deranged vital signs is a mainstay of critical care throughout the world. In an ICU in a university hospital in Tanzania, the implementation of the Vital Signs Directed Therapy Protocol in 2014 led to an increase in acute treatments for deranged vital signs. The mortality rate for hypotensive patients decreased from 92% to 69%. In this study, the aim was to investigate the sustainability of the implementation two years later. An observational, patient-record-based study was conducted in the ICU in August 2016. Data on deranged vital signs and acute treatments were extracted from the patients' charts. Adherence to the protocol, defined as an acute treatment in the same or subsequent hour following a deranged vital sign, was calculated and compared with before and immediately after implementation. Two-hundred and eighty-nine deranged vital signs were included. Adherence was 29.8% two years after implementation, compared with 16.6% (p<0.001) immediately after implementation and 2.9% (p<0.001) before implementation. Consequently, the implementation of the Vital Signs Directed Therapy Protocol appears to have led to a sustainable increase in the treatment of deranged vital signs. The protocol may have potential to improve patient safety in other settings where critically ill patients are managed.
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