Maternal healthcare

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study on Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in Local Community

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This study looked at how traditional birth attendants in Bangladesh care for mothers and newborns. It found that they use a mix of helpful and risky practices. Many support good habits like cleanliness and physical activity, but some also rely on traditional methods that may not be safe. Their knowledge and training levels varied. The findings show a need for better training … [Read more...] about Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study on Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in Local Community

“Now that they come to our doorsteps to teach us these things…” – Postpartum contraception outcomes from a pre-post effectiveness-implementation study of an integrated community health worker intervention in rural Nepal

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This study looked at whether full-time, paid community health workers could improve contraceptive use after childbirth in remote areas of Nepal. After the program started, many more women used contraception both soon after giving birth and later in the postpartum period. Ongoing support from community health workers helped women make decisions despite fears about side effects … [Read more...] about “Now that they come to our doorsteps to teach us these things…” – Postpartum contraception outcomes from a pre-post effectiveness-implementation study of an integrated community health worker intervention in rural Nepal

How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence

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This review looked at whether community health workers can help prevent and manage depression during and after pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. Sixteen studies showed that CHW-led support programs consistently lowered the risk of depressed mood in the first year after birth, with benefits starting early and lasting up to 12 months. For women already showing moderate symptoms, … [Read more...] about How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence

Working in pairs: male-female village health volunteers supporting maternal health and community engagement in remote and ethnic communities of Lao PDR-a qualitative study

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This study looked at how pairing male and female village health volunteers in remote Lao communities affects maternal health outreach. In areas where most CHWs are men, women often feel uncomfortable discussing pregnancy and childbirth with them. The paired model allowed female volunteers to support mothers directly, while male volunteers engaged husbands and community leaders. … [Read more...] about Working in pairs: male-female village health volunteers supporting maternal health and community engagement in remote and ethnic communities of Lao PDR-a qualitative study

Community Health Worker Interventions for Identifying and Managing Antenatal Depression: A Cluster-Linked Implementation Study

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This study tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could help identify and support pregnant women with depression in rural areas. CHWs were trained to screen women, offer simple counseling, and refer serious cases to health facilities. They screened nearly 1,000 women, and about one in four showed signs of depression. Most accepted and completed the counseling sessions. … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Interventions for Identifying and Managing Antenatal Depression: A Cluster-Linked Implementation Study