Unveiling the strong positive relationship: Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes in the Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) study - a secondary analysis validating neonatal near miss classification.

Background: The near miss concept, denoting near collisions between aircraft, originated in aeronautics, but has recently been transferred to the neonatal context as a way of evaluating the quality of health services for newborns, especially in settings with reduced child mortality. However, there is yet no consensus regarding the underlying criteria. The most common indicators used to assess health care quality include mortality (maternal and neonatal) and life-threatening conditions.

Maternal BMI at the time of birth and selected risk factors associated with severe neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of the WHO Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) project.

The main objective of this secondary analysis was to describe the nutritional status of the Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) project study population and determine possible associations between maternal nutritional status (as reflected by maternal BMI at the time of birth) and severe neonatal outcomes (SNO). We also analysed previous and index maternal pathologies to determine associations with neonatal outcomes. We used the classification designed by Atalah for maternal BMI and compared with the Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study one.

Development of caesarean section prediction models: secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study in two sub-Saharan African countries.

Background: Caesarean section is recommended in situations in which vaginal birth presents a greater likelihood of adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes than normal. However, it is associated with a higher risk of complications, especially when performed without a clear medical indication. Since labour attendants have no standardised clinical method to assist in this decision, statistical tools developed based on multiple labour variables may be an alternative.

Automated phone call and text reminders for childhood immunisations (PRIMM): a randomised controlled trial in Nigeria.

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has high under-5 mortality and low childhood immunisation rates. Vaccine-preventable diseases cause one-third of under-5 deaths. Text messaging reminders improve immunisation completion in urban but not rural settings in sub-Saharan Africa.

Influence of Spirituality and Modesty on Acceptance of Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening.

Introduction: Whereas systematic screening programs have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in developed countries, the incidence remains high in developing countries. Among several barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening, the roles of religious and cultural factors such as modesty have been poorly studied. Knowledge about these factors is important because of the potential to overcome them using strategies such as self-collection of cervico-vaginal samples.