Combined Influence of Gestational Diabetes and Gestational Weight Gain on Exclusive Breastfeeding.

Over half of pregnant women in the United States do not meet the recommended gestational weight gain (GWG). In addition, the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing. We examined the combined influence of GDM and GWG on breastfeeding practices on exclusive breastfeeding during the neonatal period and at 3 months postpartum.

Gestational weight gain and unplanned or emergency cesarean delivery in the United States.

Background: In the United States, the rates of cesarean delivery are well above the World Health Organization recommended target. Although obesity is a widely established risk factor for cesarean delivery, there is limited population-based research that examines the relationship between gestational weight gain and cesarean delivery.

Objective: To determine the association between gestational weight gain and unplanned or emergency cesarean delivery.

The Moderating Effect of Urban Versus Rural Residence on the Relationship Between Type of Birth Attendant and Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in Ghana.

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding increases the likelihood of longer duration of breastfeeding. Factors associated with breastfeeding include maternal sociodemographic, behavioral and health-related characteristics, infant health characteristics, and perinatal factors. Research aim: This study aimed to determine the association between type of birth attendant and early initiation of breastfeeding among women in Ghana.

Hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin A deficiency among women in Tanzania.

Objective: To examine the association between hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin A deficiency among women in Tanzania.

Methods: Secondary analysis of data from 8231 women who participated in the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.

The relationship between history of hormonal contraceptive use and iron status among women in Tanzania: A population-based study.

Objectives: Approximately 30% of the Tanzanian women in the reproductive age group are iron deficient. At population-level, there is a dearth of research on the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and iron deficiency. The study objective was to examine the relationship between history of hormonal contraceptive use and iron status among women in Tanzania.

Association Between Risky Sexual Behavior and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Kenya: A Population-Based Study.

Women residing in Eastern Africa are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. Previous studies have identified risky sexual behavior as a major risk factor for cervical cancer. However, population-based studies examining the relationship between sexual behavior and cervical cancer screening are currently lacking.

Association between oral contraceptive use and markers of iron deficiency in a cross-sectional study of Tanzanian women.

Objective: To analyze the associations between oral contraceptive (OC) use and markers of iron deficiency, objectively measured using hemoglobin and soluble transferrin receptor.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was performed of a population-based cross-sectional study using data from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. Weighted percentages were calculated.

Correlates of women's knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its prevention in Tanzania: a population-based study.

Studies that explored women's knowledge on mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV and its prevention (PMTCT) in the general population are currently lacking. This paper examined factors associated with having adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV and PMTCT among a nationally representative sample of women in Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis including 10,299 women from the 2011-2012 Tanzania HIV/AIDS and Malaria Indicator Survey.

Determinants of utilization of sufficient tetanus toxoid immunization during pregnancy: evidence from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2008-2009.

Although the effectiveness of tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization during pregnancy in preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus is well established, in many developing countries, TT immunization programs are underutilized. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with sufficient TT immunization among postpartum women in Kenya. Population based secondary data analysis was conducted using de-identified data from the 2008-2009 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) for 1,370 female participants who had a live birth during or within 12 months of the cross-sectional survey.