African journal of reproductive health最新文献

This retrospective study aimed to compare the effects of two hysteroscopic procedures-cold knife resection (HCK) and electrosurgical resection (HER)-on postoperative recovery and quality of life in patients with endometrial polyps (EMP). A total of 120 patients were included, with 53 in the HCK group and 67 in the HER group. The study assessed operative time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, endometrial thickness recovery, complications, recurrence, and quality of life using Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) scores. Results showed that HER had shorter operative times, less bleeding, and quicker recovery, but HCK led to better endometrial thickness recovery. Both procedures were similarly effective in treating EMP, with no significant difference in complication or recurrence rates. At six months postoperatively, HER patients reported significantly better quality of life scores. Multivariate regression identified HER as an independent factor for favorable postoperative quality of life. We conclude that while both methods are safe and effective, HER is superior for faster recovery and improved quality of life. In contrast, HCK appears to be more suitable for women with fertility concerns due to better endometrial preservation. Individualized treatment selection based on patient needs is recommended.

This narrative review synthesises evidence on South African men's perspectives, experiences, and involvement in termination of pregnancy (TOP), an area that remains underexplored in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) research and policy. A systematic search from PubMed, EBSCOHost, Web of Science, Sabinet, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified ten English-language studies published between 2013 and 2025. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis resulting in emergence of four themes: attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding TOP; relational and socioeconomic contexts shaping men's experiences; emotional and psychological responses; and roles in decision-making and support. Limited reproductive health knowledge, socio-economic pressures, dominant norms of masculinity, and marginalisation within healthcare settings constrained men's ability to provide effective support. The review highlights a critical gap in African SRHR practice and underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches that recognise men as emotional stakeholders while safeguarding women's reproductive autonomy. (Afr J Reprod Health.

Globally, thousands of women die due to pregnancy-related complications. The World Health Organization recommends at least eight or more antenatal visits during pregnancy to reduce infant and maternal mortality. This study examined the factors influencing eight or more antenatal visits among South African women aged 15-49, using data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (weighted sample of 3036 women). A two-level binary logistic regression model was used to identify the factors determining the use of eight or more antenatal visits. The findings revealed a low use (17.1%) of eight or more antenatal care visits. Age at birth, birth order, population group, marital status, employment status, media exposure, place of residence, household wealth and province were statistically associated with eight or more antenatal care visits. Women whose age at birth was 20-34, those exposed to the media, those from rich households, and those from the Western Cape had higher odds of eight or more antenatal care visits. Media campaigns may play a valuable role in informing women about the advantages of attending the recommended antenatal care visits.

This study explores how ideological and political education contributes to equipping medical students with ethical sensitivity in providing adolescent reproductive healthcare. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, the research surveyed Chinese medical students through a structured questionnaire assessing their exposure to such education, along with measures of ethical competence, empathy, empowerment orientation, and preparedness for care delivery. Data analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, correlation assessments, regression analysis, and mediation modeling. Results indicated a positive link between ideological and political education and enhanced preparedness for adolescent care. Ethical competence, empathy, and empowerment orientation served as mediators in this relationship, with empathy emerging as the most significant mediator. The findings highlight the importance of integrating values-based training into medical curricula to enhance students' readiness for ethical, gender-sensitive, and adolescent-centered care. This approach aligns strongly with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5.

Maternal healthcare performance varies widely across South Africa, shaped by uneven resources, staffing constraints, and service-delivery pressures. This study explored how healthcare providers experience the conditions that influence maternal care, focusing on infrastructure, staffing, and quality-of-care processes. Using a qualitative case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses, midwives, and medical officers working in public-sector maternity services. Data were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Participants described persistent infrastructure limitations, high workloads linked to inadequate staffing, and challenges in maintaining consistent, timely care. They also highlighted inconsistencies in guideline adherence and communication barriers that affected patient experience. These intersecting factors varied across facilities but collectively shaped the day-to-day delivery of maternal services. The findings underscore the need for context-sensitive strategies that address resource gaps, strengthen staffing capacity, and support more reliable quality-of-care practices.

This research examines numerical data that reflects gender gap and underrepresentation of women in top-rated Netflix Originals during 1st January to 1st December, 2025 to find out if Netflix follows Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) pledges in its original content. We conducted mixed-method analysis on the 4 shortlisted films with 7.5 or above IMDb ratings, and used quantitative content analysis approach to find gender disparity and qualitative content analysis approach (Bechdel Test) to evaluate women's representation in films. The study found that men dominate as lead actors, writers, directors and producers, 75% of the films have a male-driven story, and 3 out of 4 films do not pass the Bechdel Test. The findings indicate imbalance within the selected high-rated sample. The research argues that the relation between streaming platforms and diverse content is more complex than they present in their discourse and aims to contribute to the discussion around this imbalance by encouraging critical thinking.

This study aimed to evaluate the value of combined platelet distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and alanine aminotransferase detection in predicting recurrence risk among patients with recurrent pregnancy loss in early pregnancy. A retrospective case-control study was conducted among 305 patients with early pregnancy RPL from January 2024 to May 2025. Patients were divided into a pregnancy loss group (n=116) and a live birth group (n=189). Peripheral blood platelet distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, alanine aminotransferase, and related laboratory parameters were compared between the groups. Platelet distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the pregnancy loss group than in the live birth group. Multivariate logistic regression identified platelet distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and alanine aminotransferase as independent risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the combined platelet distribution width+neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio+alanine aminotransferase model had an area under the curve of 0.706, outperforming any single marker. These findings suggest that combined detection of platelet distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and alanine aminotransferase may provide a simple and effective tool for early risk stratification in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, reflecting potential platelet activation, inflammatory immune imbalance, and hepatic metabolic stress.

Maternal healthcare is vital for women of reproductive age, but underutilisation contributes to poor health outcomes. Nigeria's maternal mortality remains high despite efforts to strengthen reproductive health services. There is a paucity of empirical evidence on how occupational engagement and health insurance enrolment shape health service utilization in Nigeria. This study analysed pooled data from 49,415 women in the 2018-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys to investigate the influence of occupational status and health insurance on reproductive health service utilisation. Findings showed employed women, particularly professionals, demonstrated better healthcare-seeking behaviours. Health insurance coverage increased the odds of attending ≥8 antenatal care visits (aOR: 1.49, CI: 1.24-1.79) and using skilled delivery assistance (aOR: 1.56, CI: 1.19-2.05), but reduced postnatal health check (aOR: 0.78). Pragmatic policies promoting women's employment, economic empowerment, and universal health insurance are needed to improve outcomes and meet Sustainable Development Goal 3 targets in Nigeria.

This study evaluated the effect of increasing the critical value threshold for hyponatremia combined with systematic intervention on sodium regulation in patients undergoing myomectomy. A retrospective analysis was performed. Patients who underwent myomectomy and received conventional care between March 2014 and March 2019 (n=844) served as the reference group (threshold: 120 mmol/L), while those treated between March 2019 and March 2024 (n=1385) formed the observation group. In the observation group, the hyponatremia critical threshold was raised to 129 mmol/L, alongside targeted interventions including patient education, dynamic sodium monitoring, use of normal saline as the oxytocin solvent, and dietary management. The observation group showed a significantly lower overall incidence of hyponatremia compared with the reference group (21.3% vs. 25.8%, P<0.05). The reduction was more pronounced for moderate-to-severe hyponatremia, decreasing from 5.6% (0.9% severe, 4.7% moderate) to 2.2%, with no severe cases observed. Symptomatic episodes were also reduced (8/31 vs. 25/48). Acute moderate-to-severe hyponatremia occurred predominantly in patients receiving intravenous oxytocin. In conclusion, elevating the hyponatremia critical threshold combined with multidimensional intervention effectively reduces both the incidence and severity of postoperative hyponatremia following myomectomy, supporting its value in early warning and clinical management.

Africa cannot achieve universal health coverage, gender equality, or sustainable development while millions of women, adolescents, and couples continue to experience preventable sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) problems. The continent has made important progress, but the pace is far too slow. In 2023, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 70% of global maternal deaths, with about 182,000 women dying from pregnancy-related causes.1 Although maternal mortality in the region fell by 40% between 2000 and 2023, Africa would need a dramatic acceleration in the annual rate of decline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target by 2030.1,2.