Publications by authors named "Rikita Merai"
Background: The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) contains 29 evidence-based practices (EBPs) across four pause points spanning admission to discharge. It has been shown to increase EBP uptake and has been tailored to specific contexts. However, little research has been conducted in East Africa on use of the SCC to improve intrapartum care, particularly for preterm birth despite its burden.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Nonviral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase risk of sexually acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Updated risk estimates carefully scrutinizing temporality bias of studies are needed.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42018084299) of peer-reviewed studies evaluating variation in risk of HIV infection among high-risk heterosexuals diagnosed with any of: Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and/or Trichomonas vaginalis.
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) who have bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at increased risk for HIV infection. We enhanced and updated past summary risk estimates.
Methods: We systematically reviewed (PROSPERO No.
Background: Although gains in newborn survival have been achieved in many low-income and middle-income countries, reductions in stillbirth and neonatal mortality have been slow. Prematurity complications are a major driver of stillbirth and neonatal mortality. We aimed to assess the effect of a quality improvement package for intrapartum and immediate newborn care on stillbirth and preterm neonatal survival in Kenya and Uganda, where evidence-based practices are often underutilised.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: As facility-based deliveries increase globally, maternity registers offer a promising way of documenting pregnancy outcomes and understanding opportunities for perinatal mortality prevention. This study aims to contribute to global quality improvement efforts by characterizing facility-based pregnancy outcomes in Kenya and Uganda including maternal, neonatal, and fetal outcomes at the time of delivery and neonatal discharge outcomes using strengthened maternity registers.
Methods: Cross sectional data were collected from strengthened maternity registers at 23 facilities over 18 months.
CDC Grand Rounds: A Public Health Approach to Detect and Control Hypertension.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
November 2016
Article Synopsis
- Hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 90 mmHg, and also includes anyone using medication for blood pressure control.
- It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and strokes, affecting about 75 million U.S. adults aged 18 and older.
- Approximately half of those with hypertension have unmanaged conditions, with 33% unaware they have it, 20% aware but untreated, and 47% aware and treated but not effectively controlling their blood pressure.