This study looked at why women in semi-urban Karachi, Pakistan, often delay getting proper care for postpartum (PP) sepsis, a serious health risk after childbirth. Interviews with women, family members, birth attendants, and health workers showed that many women don’t recognize the danger signs, rely on others to make health decisions, and often seek help from untrained … [Read more...] about Patterns of care-seeking for postpartum symptoms in urban Karachi, Pakistan: implications for intervention design
Maternal healthcare
Temporary childbirth migration and perinatal healthcare in rural Maharashtra, India
This study looked at how moving back to their parents’ home for childbirth (a common tradition) affects women’s healthcare in rural India. Data from 1,288 women showed that moving didn’t change early pregnancy care or most clinic visits, but women who moved had fewer postnatal visits from community health workers. Longer stays at their parents’ home were linked to fewer … [Read more...] about Temporary childbirth migration and perinatal healthcare in rural Maharashtra, India
“We Only Escort Women to the Health Facility”: Traditional birth attendants and the performance of indicator-driven care in rural Tanzania
In rural Tanzania, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) have shifted their roles due to government pressure and strict policies discouraging home births. To avoid penalties while still supporting pregnant women, TBAs publicly claim they only escort women to health facilities, though they continue to provide various forms of care. This approach allows them to navigate restrictive … [Read more...] about “We Only Escort Women to the Health Facility”: Traditional birth attendants and the performance of indicator-driven care in rural Tanzania
Feasibility of Engaging Community Healthcare Workers to Identify and Enhance Subfertility Care in The Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Subfertility affects many people worldwide, including in Sri Lanka, despite its strong healthcare system. This study evaluated the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to improve fertility care in Jaffna’s Nallur MOH area. Over six months, the program showed positive results, easing the workload of public health midwives, improving referrals for subfertile couples, and … [Read more...] about Feasibility of Engaging Community Healthcare Workers to Identify and Enhance Subfertility Care in The Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Interventions to address postpartum depression in South Asian countries: a scoping review
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects mothers' health, bonding with their babies, and child development. This review examined studies on PPD in South Asia and found 20 studies from only four countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Many used community health workers to deliver culturally adapted mental health support. Some studies showed improved maternal mental health … [Read more...] about Interventions to address postpartum depression in South Asian countries: a scoping review