<i>Background</i>. Domestic violence against women is a serious public health concern and human rights violation among pregnant mothers because of its negative effect on the life of both the mother and the fetus. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among pregnant women.<i> Methods.</i> An institution based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 women using a systematic random sampling technique. Binary logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to identify the associated factors.<i> Results.</i> Overall, the prevalence of domestic violence was found to be 25.4%. Of this, the prevalence of psychological, physical, and sexual violence was 24.5%, 8.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. Low educational status (AOR = 4.59, CI: 1.496, 14.070), rural residency (AOR = 5.53, CI: 2.311, 13.249), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 4.34, CI: 2.345, 8.020), and late initiation of antenatal care (AOR = 5.41, CI: 1.493, 19.696) were factors associated with domestic violence at <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-3.42943pt" id="M1" height="10.2124pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -6.78297 7.83752 10.2124" width="7.83752pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-113" d="M570 304C570 398 525 448 414 448C385 448 343 445 312 434L329 511L321 518C297 504 262 482 244 460L233 411C195 397 159 381 128 358L135 332C160 347 189 360 224 373L111 -147C97 -210 84 -218 17 -231L13 -257L254 -247L259 -218L233 -216C183 -212 177 -202 189 -142L218 -1C238 -10 266 -12 283 -12C351 3 429 48 483 105C543 168 570 242 570 304ZM482 289C482 161 380 33 304 33C278 33 248 51 233 69L303 396C326 400 352 403 369 403C428 403 482 380 482 289Z"/></g></svg> value &lt; 0.05.<i> Conclusion.</i> Overall, more than quarter of the study participants had experienced domestic violence. Lower educational status, rural residency, unplanned pregnancy, and late initiation of antenatal care were factors associated with domestic violence. Thus, the authors suggest strengthening provision of women’s reproductive health information.

Berhanu Boru Bifftu

Berihun Assefa Dachew

Bewket Tadesse Tiruneh

Abarham Zeleke Zewoldie

Domestic Violence among Pregnant Mothers in Northwest Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Factors

<i>Background</i>. An integral part of the Sustainable Development Goal three is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services which include skilled delivery by the year 2030. We examined the determinants of skilled delivery among women in the Northern part of Ghana.<i> Methods</i>. The paper made use of data from the Demographic and Health Survey. Women from the Northern part of Ghana were included in the analysis. Bivariate descriptive analyses coupled with binary logistic regression estimation technique were used to analyse the data.<i> Results</i>. Region of residence, age, household wealth, education, distance to a health facility, religion, parity, partner&#x2019;s education, and getting money for treatment were identified as the determinants of skilled delivery. While the probability of having a skilled delivery was higher in the Upper East Region, it was lower in the Northern and Upper West Regions compared to the Brong Ahafo Region.<i> Conclusion</i>. Our findings call for more attention from the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health in addressing the skilled delivery gaps among women particularly in the Northern and Upper West Regions in ensuring attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal target related to reproductive health care accessibility for all by the year 2030.

Kwamena Sekyi Dickson

Hubert Amu

Determinants of Skilled Birth Attendance in the Northern Parts of Ghana

The objective of this study was to evaluate the views of first-time expectant mothers on breastfeeding. A qualitative study approach using focus group discussions was used to solicit the views of 25 expectant first-time mothers. The results indicated the intention to breastfeed, though some were willing to opt for formula feeding when the need arises. Knowledge on breastfeeding issues was minimal among this group. Common sources of information on breastfeeding issues were obtained from home (relatives), hospital, and television. The need to support and provide adequate education on breastfeeding issues is critical among this category of women.

Freda Intiful

Claudia Osei

Rebecca Steele-Dadzie

Ruth Nyarko

Matilda Asante

Views of First-Time Expectant Mothers on Breastfeeding: A Study in Three Health Facilities in Accra, Ghana

Antenatal care (ANC) is care given to pregnant mothers to timely identify and mitigate pregnancy related problems that can harm mother or fetus. Most of Ethiopian mothers present late for ANC. The aim of this paper was to assess determinants of early antenatal care initiation among pregnant women. Mothers attending Shebedino District Health Centers for ANC between January 12 and February 18, 2015, were invited to the study. Multistage sampling technique and structured questionnaire were used to collect data by trained data collectors. Univariate and bivariate analysis were conducted to study the association between explanatory and outcome variable. Out of 608 women, 132 [21.71&#x25;] had their first ANC within the recommended time [before or at 3 months]. Media access [AOR = 2.11 95&#x25; CI 1.00, 3.22], knowledge about the correct time of ANC booking [AOR = 4.49 95&#x25; CI 2.47, 6.16], and having been advised to book within 12 weeks [AOR = 4.14 95&#x25; CI 3.80, 5.21] were determinants of first-trimester booking. Health professionals and care providers should provide full information, advice, and appropriate care about early ANC for every eligible mother.

Mengesha Boko Geta

Walelegn Worku Yallew

Early Initiation of Antenatal Care and Factors Associated with Early Antenatal Care Initiation at Health Facilities in Southern Ethiopia

<i>Introduction</i>. Vaccination is the administration of a vaccine or a biological substance intended to stimulate a recipient’s immune system to produce antibodies or undergo other changes that provide future protection against specific infectious diseases.<i> Objective</i>. To determine vaccination coverage and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Debre Markos town 2016.<i> Methods</i>. Community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 288 mothers/caretakers to child (12–23 months) pair. Study populations were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Variables with <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.0498209pt" id="M1" height="8.68572pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.6359 8.15071 8.68572" width="8.15071pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-81" d="M600 480C600 590 528 650 384 650H143L137 622C222 614 225 607 210 531L130 127C113 41 106 36 23 28L17 0H294L300 28C204 36 195 42 212 127L243 284L314 263C327 263 339 263 352 264C465 271 600 337 600 480ZM508 481C508 351 402 304 329 304C289 304 265 311 250 317L295 559C302 594 310 606 323 611C335 616 350 619 367 619C455 619 508 573 508 481Z"/></g></svg> value of less than 0.05 in multivariate analysis were considered as statistically significant at 95% CI.<i> Result</i>. About 264 (91.7%) of children were completely vaccinated. Male birth 3.24 (1.16–9.04), wanted pregnancy 2.89 (1.17–7.17), having at least two ANC follow-ups 4.04 (1.35–12.06), and short distance from vaccination site 3.38 (1.29–8.86) were found positively associated with complete immunization.<i> Conclusion and Recommendation</i>. There was relatively high immunization coverage in the study. Child’s sex, ANC follow-up, type of pregnancy, and distance from health institution were factors associated with complete vaccination. Preventing unwanted pregnancy and promoting ANC and postnatal follow-up should be strengthened. Vaccination sites should also be further expanded.

Tenaw Gualu

Abebe Dilie

Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Children Aged 12&#x2013;23 Months in Debre Markos Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

<i>Background.</i> Millennium Development Goal 4 calls for reducing under-five mortality rate by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. The aim of this review was to assess trend of childhood mortality and its determinants from 1990 to 2015 in Ethiopia.<i> Methods.</i> A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed and Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, national medical journals, government websites, and Google Scholar. Original observational study designs and reports conducted entirely or in part in Ethiopia that included a primary outcome variable of childhood mortality and published between 1990 and 2015 were included. Ascertained relevant articles were appraised and the findings were integrated into a systematic review.<i> Results.</i> Childhood mortality has declined in Ethiopia with more pronounced reduction over the last 10 years. Under-five mortality is 72&#x25; lower now than it was 25 years ago, with the pace of decline in infant mortality (83&#x25;) somewhat faster than child mortality (76&#x25;). The corresponding decline in neonatal and postneonatal mortality over the same period was 64&#x25; and 68&#x25;, respectively. Parental sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables and nutritional, environmental, and sanitary factors have been identified to affect child survival.<i> Conclusion.</i> Ethiopia has successfully achieved the Millennium Development Goal 4 to reduce under-five mortality.

Yohannes Mehretie Adinew

Senafikish Amsalu Feleke

Zelalem Birhanu Mengesha

Shimelash Bitew Workie

Childhood Mortality: Trends and Determinants in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2015&#x2014;A Systematic Review

<i>Background.</i> The burden of maternal mortality is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa with an estimation of 500 000 deaths annually. In 2012, about forty million births occurred without a skilled attendant in developing countries. Skilled birth attendance improves maternal and newborn survival. The aim of this study therefore was to establish the level of skilled birth attendance and the associated factors.<i> Methods.</i> A cross-sectional survey was carried out using structured questionnaires as tools of data collection. Systematic sampling was used to select the respondents from the facilities that were stratified. The dependent variable was skilled birth attendance. Descriptive statistics were used to generate proportions and percentages while chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to draw inferences. Association was significant if <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.6370001pt" id="M1" height="9.2729pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.6359 44.8393 9.2729" width="44.8393pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-81" d="M600 480C600 590 528 650 384 650H143L137 622C222 614 225 607 210 531L130 127C113 41 106 36 23 28L17 0H294L300 28C204 36 195 42 212 127L243 284L314 263C327 263 339 263 352 264C465 271 600 337 600 480ZM508 481C508 351 402 304 329 304C289 304 265 311 250 317L295 559C302 594 310 606 323 611C335 616 350 619 367 619C455 619 508 573 508 481Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,11.658,0)"><path id="g117-91" d="M512 -3V55L134 254V256L512 456V514L75 281V230L512 -3Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,22.921,0)"><path id="g113-49" d="M241 635C89 635 35 457 35 312C35 153 89 -12 240 -12C390 -12 443 166 443 312C443 466 390 635 241 635ZM238 602C329 602 354 454 354 312C354 172 330 22 240 22C152 22 124 173 124 313S148 602 238 602Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,29.161,0)"><path id="g113-47" d="M113 -12C146 -12 170 11 170 46C170 78 146 103 114 103S58 78 58 46C58 11 82 -12 113 -12Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,32.125,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-49"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,38.365,0)"><path id="g113-54" d="M153 550H386L412 615L406 623H120L82 318C104 327 142 338 184 338C294 338 347 275 347 187C347 112 305 39 221 39C160 39 119 71 97 89C88 97 80 96 71 90C59 80 50 67 49 57C48 45 52 36 66 23C80 9 123 -12 169 -12C221 -11 288 15 342 59C403 109 431 165 431 225C431 308 366 395 238 395C212 395 165 379 127 364L153 550Z"/></g></svg>.<i> Results.</i> The level of utilisation of skilled birth attendance was 77%. Skilled birth attendance was noted to be associated with age, level of education, average family income, parity, distance to the health facility, timing of initiation of antenatal care, level of facility attended during pregnancy, and birth preparedness status.<i> Conclusion.</i> The level of skilled birth attendance among women in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, despite being higher than in some counties, requires improvement.

Eliphas Gitonga

Skilled Birth Attendance among Women in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

<i>Introduction</i>. The incompleteness of medical records is a significant problem that affects the quality of health care services in many hospitals of Ethiopia. Improving the completeness of patient’s records is an important step towards improving the quality of healthcare.<i> Methods</i>. Pre- and postintervention study was conducted to assess improvement of inpatient medical record completeness in Menelik II Referral Hospital from September 2015 to April 2016. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected using data extraction checklist and independent sample<i> t</i>-test was used to compare statistical difference that exists between pre- and postintervention outcomes at confidence interval of 95% and <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.0498209pt" id="M1" height="8.68572pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.6359 8.15071 8.68572" width="8.15071pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-81" d="M600 480C600 590 528 650 384 650H143L137 622C222 614 225 607 210 531L130 127C113 41 106 36 23 28L17 0H294L300 28C204 36 195 42 212 127L243 284L314 263C327 263 339 263 352 264C465 271 600 337 600 480ZM508 481C508 351 402 304 329 304C289 304 265 311 250 317L295 559C302 594 310 606 323 611C335 616 350 619 367 619C455 619 508 573 508 481Z"/></g></svg> value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.<i> Result.</i> The overall inpatient medical record completeness was found to be 84% after intervention. An enhancement of completeness and reporting of inpatient medical record completeness increased significantly from the baseline 73% to 84% during postintervention evaluation at <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-0.0498209pt" id="M2" height="8.68572pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.6359 8.15071 8.68572" width="8.15071pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-81"/></g></svg> value &lt; 0.05.<i> Conclusion and Recommendation</i>. The finding of this project suggests that a simple set of interventions comprising inpatient medical record format and training healthcare provider showed a significant improvement in inpatient medical record completeness. The Quality Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the study hospital are recommended to design and launch intervention programs to improve medical record completeness.

Kasu Tola

Haftom Abebe

Yemane Gebremariam

Birhanu Jikamo

Improving Completeness of Inpatient Medical Records in Menelik II Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

<i>Introduction</i>. The first two years of life are a critical window of opportunity for ensuring optimal child growth and development. Nutritional deficiencies during this period can lead to impaired cognitive development, compromised educational achievement, and low economic productivity. Improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in children aged 0–23 months is therefore critical to improved nutrition, health, and development.<i> Objective</i>. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of complementary feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers with children aged 6−23 months in Lasta District, Northeast Ethiopia, 2015.<i> Methods</i>. A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 476 mothers who had children aged 6–23 months in the study area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the required sample. A face-to-face interview was done to collect data using structured questionnaire. Data were entered with EPI info version 3.5.1 and cleaning and analysis were done using SPSS version 16. Frequencies distribution and binary and multiple logistic regressions were done.<i> Results</i>. In this study only 56.5% of children aged 6–23 months received appropriate complementary feeding, considering timely introduction, minimum dietary diversity, and meal frequency. Exposure to public media [AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-1.57651pt" id="M1" height="9.92533pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.34882 48.7844 9.92533" width="48.7844pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-50" d="M384 0V27C293 34 287 42 287 114V635C232 613 172 594 109 583V559L157 557C201 555 205 550 205 499V114C205 42 199 34 109 27V0H384Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,6.24,0)"><path id="g113-47" d="M113 -12C146 -12 170 11 170 46C170 78 146 103 114 103S58 78 58 46C58 11 82 -12 113 -12Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,9.204,0)"><path id="g113-53" d="M456 178V225H360V632H320C217 496 115 347 20 206V178H280V106C280 40 276 34 189 27V0H445V27C364 34 360 39 360 106V178H456ZM280 225H82C149 335 214 431 278 520H280V225Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,15.444,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,21.684,0)"><path id="g113-45" d="M95 130C70 130 46 113 46 88C46 72 54 64 59 64C93 55 121 33 121 -3C121 -41 93 -68 44 -88L55 -117C117 -98 186 -56 186 22C186 91 131 130 95 130Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,26.828,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,33.068,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,36.032,0)"><path id="g113-52" d="M285 378C315 398 338 416 353 432C373 451 384 474 384 503C384 579 325 635 236 635H235C182 635 136 610 108 579L65 516L85 496C110 533 150 575 205 575C258 575 300 543 300 481C300 407 232 369 141 339L147 310C163 315 188 321 211 321C268 321 338 284 338 192C338 94 288 40 217 40C160 40 119 68 93 91C85 98 77 97 69 91C60 84 47 71 46 58C44 46 48 35 62 22C75 10 116 -12 162 -12C234 -12 424 62 424 224C424 297 373 359 285 376V378Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,42.272,0)"><path id="g113-54" d="M153 550H386L412 615L406 623H120L82 318C104 327 142 338 184 338C294 338 347 275 347 187C347 112 305 39 221 39C160 39 119 71 97 89C88 97 80 96 71 90C59 80 50 67 49 57C48 45 52 36 66 23C80 9 123 -12 169 -12C221 -11 288 15 342 59C403 109 431 165 431 225C431 308 366 395 238 395C212 395 165 379 127 364L153 550Z"/></g></svg>], occupation of mother [AOR = 9.50; 95% CI: <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-1.57651pt" id="M2" height="9.92533pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.34882 55.0478 9.92533" width="55.0478pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,6.24,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,9.204,0)"><path id="g113-49" d="M241 635C89 635 35 457 35 312C35 153 89 -12 240 -12C390 -12 443 166 443 312C443 466 390 635 241 635ZM238 602C329 602 354 454 354 312C354 172 330 22 240 22C152 22 124 173 124 313S148 602 238 602Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,15.444,0)"><path id="g113-51" d="M412 140C382 77 369 73 315 73H129L270 222C362 320 402 379 402 466C402 571 322 635 234 635C177 635 130 609 99 576L42 495L64 475C90 514 133 568 201 568C274 568 318 519 318 435C318 349 255 267 193 193C144 135 87 78 32 23V0H405C417 45 427 89 440 131L412 140Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,21.684,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-45"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,26.827,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,33.067,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,39.307,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,42.271,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-51"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,48.511,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-54"/></g></svg>], mothers decision making role on how to use family income [AOR = 5.54; 95% CI: <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-1.57651pt" id="M3" height="9.92533pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.34882 55.0478 9.92533" width="55.0478pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,6.24,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,9.204,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,15.444,0)"><path id="g113-58" d="M244 635C114 635 38 519 38 422C38 317 111 240 217 240C236 240 255 244 277 256L345 292C311 140 203 39 59 15L64 -15C89 -15 150 -5 204 17C339 72 440 202 440 386C440 521 368 635 244 635ZM228 602C326 602 352 479 352 390C352 370 351 347 348 324C327 308 293 296 258 296C174 296 124 369 124 458C124 517 152 602 228 602Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,21.685,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-45"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,26.828,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,33.068,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,39.308,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,42.272,0)"><path id="g113-56" d="M447 623H65C61 580 56 530 47 475H76C100 541 106 550 172 550H388C308 376 196 170 91 -1L98 -12L172 -2C268 204 360 408 455 611L447 623Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,48.514,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"/></g></svg>], and use of postnatal care service [AOR = 5.98; 95% CI: <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="vertical-align:-1.57651pt" id="M4" height="9.92533pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.34882 55.0478 9.92533" width="55.0478pt"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,6.24,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,9.204,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-53"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,15.444,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-58"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,21.686,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-45"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,26.829,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-50"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,33.069,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-52"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,39.309,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,42.273,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-58"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,48.514,0)"><path id="g113-55" d="M137 343C167 482 260 545 321 574C357 591 397 603 429 609L423 641C382 634 335 622 295 608C189 570 37 457 37 238C37 84 125 -12 242 -12C362 -12 447 89 447 209C447 311 374 393 267 393C247 393 226 386 204 376L137 343ZM227 337C318 337 361 256 361 173C361 105 336 22 258 22C176 22 126 120 126 240C126 266 127 291 132 310C155 323 189 337 227 337Z"/></g></svg>] were found to be independent predictors of complementary feeding practice.<i> Conclusion and Recommendation</i>. About 43.5% of mothers were not feeding their children complementary food appropriately, which would have negative implication on the health of infants and young children. There was a statistically significant association of inappropriate complementary feeding practices with mothers’ occupation, postnatal care service, media exposure, and mothers’ decision making role on how the money is used. Health professionals should focus on advising and counseling mothers on appropriate complementary feeding during prenatal, delivery, postnatal, and immunization services.

Menberu Molla

Tadese Ejigu

Girma Nega

Complementary Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers Having Children 6&#x2013;23 Months of Age, Lasta District, Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia

<i>Background.</i> The health status of women is an important indicator of the overall economic health and well-being of a country. Maternal health is closely linked with the survival of newborns. For every woman who dies, about thirty others suffer lifelong injuries. Focused antenatal care is one of the interventions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. It recommends four targeted visits during pregnancy within which essential services are offered. The aim of the study was to assess the determinants of uptake of focused antenatal care among women in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya.<i> Methods.</i> This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Stratified sampling was used to select the health facilities while systematic sampling was used to select the respondents. Chi square, Fisher&#x2019;s exact test, and logistic regression were used to analyse the data.<i> Results.</i> The level of uptake of focused antenatal care was slightly more than half (52&#x25;). The determinants of uptake of focused antenatal care are level of education, type of employment, household income, parity, and marital status of the pregnant women.<i> Conclusion.</i> Despite high attendance of at least one antenatal visit in Kenya, the uptake of focused antenatal care is proportionally low.

Determinants of Focused Antenatal Care Uptake among Women in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

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Advances in Public Health publishes original research articles and review articles in all areas of public health.

Advances in Public Health