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Global Reproductive Health
Number of Followers: 2  Open Access journalISSN (Online) 2473-3709 Published by LWW Wolters Kluwer  [330 journals]
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- Unveiling the influence of reproductive health on poverty: a
cross-sectional study in Magwi County, South Sudan
Authors: Mwanje; Jolem
Abstract:
Objective: To understand the relationship between household poverty and reproductive health characteristics in Magwi County, South Sudan.Background: Household poverty is a significant issue in many countries, including South Sudan. Poverty has been identified as a major obstacle to international development, affecting various aspects of development goals such as food security and health. Despite interventions by organizations like the World Bank, poverty rates in beneficiary countries like South Sudan have not seen significant reductions, suggesting the presence of predictors of poverty from behavioral, structural, and political origins.Methods: The study was conducted using an analytical cross-sectional survey design. The study targeted female and male spouses in households and employed a multistage sampling approach to select participants.Result: The results of the study revealed that the level of household poverty in Magwi County was 42%. The prevalence of household poverty was found to be influenced by reproductive health characteristics. The use of short-acting contraception by women was associated with a higher prevalence of poverty, whereas women who had ever aborted a pregnancy had a lower prevalence of poverty. Unintended pregnancy and inconsistent condom use by men were also associated with higher poverty rates, whereas men with only one sexual partner had lower poverty rates.Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between household reproductive health characteristics and poverty in Magwi County, South Sudan. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches that address both behavioral and structural factors to effectively reduce poverty and improve development outcomes.
PubDate: Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT-
- Coronavirus disease and assisted reproduction in South Africa: a
qualitative study
Authors: Whittaker; Andrea; Manderson, Lenore
Abstract: Objective: Little has been written about the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on assisted reproduction services in low and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-term effects of assisted reproductive technology services in South Africa after 27 months of various lockdowns and restrictions associated with the pandemic.Methods: This article draws on data collected in 2020–2023 as part of a qualitative study of assisted reproduction within sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty-nine infertility specialists and other clinical staff including embryologists, clinic coordinators, ova donor coordinators, and nurses were interviewed and asked about the effects of the pandemic on their clinics and patients. A semistructured in-depth interview technique was used to collect the data. The analysis was conducted using the thematic analysis method.Result: Findings revealed that the immediate effects of the pandemic included the cancellations and deferral of assisted reproductive technology cycles and decreased numbers of cross-border patients. Challenges experienced by clinics in making decisions included whether to treat COVID-positive patients, increased costs of testing, and economic losses. Longer-term effects included the reconsideration of life priorities by both specialists and patients, and improved remote consultations and networking opportunities facilitated by the widespread dissemination of online platforms. There was also increased acceptability of the shipping and use of frozen gametes, leading to a perceived growth of the South African frozen oocyte trade. There was also decreased demand for add-ons, associated with the economic downturn post-pandemic in the region.Conclusion: COVID-19 carried costs (cancellation of cycles, a decrease in international patients, decrease in some procedures with the post-COVID economic downturn) but also unanticipated benefits for the practices and provision of services within infertility clinics in South Africa (increased gamete and embryo shipping; virtual patient consultations; improved virtual networking; greater use of local in vitro fertilization services). Further comparisons postpandemic in other low and middle-income countries are needed to understand the long-term implications.
PubDate: Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT-
- Factors affecting implantation: What really matters'
Authors: Mouhanna; Joelle N.; DeCherney, Alan H.
Abstract: Factors affecting embryo implantation, particularly in assisted reproductive technology, remain controversial and poorly understood. Better understanding and optimization of the process of implantation in assisted reproductive technology is important to improving live birth rate and pregnancy outcomes. In this literature review, we examine the key factors involved in implantation and elaborate on current practice, emerging data, and gaps in knowledge.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT-
