International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 13 (1), pp. 001-007, January, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Gunnera perpensa (Gunneraceae)

Mpumelelo Nkomo¹, Benedicta N. Nkeh-Chungag²*, Learnmore Kambizi¹, Eugene Jamot Ndebia² and Jehu E. Iputo²

¹Botany Department, Walter Sisulu University, PBx 1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.
²Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.

Accepted 16 November, 2024

Abstract

Gunnera perpensa, which belongs to the Gunneraceae family, is used in folk medicine to relieve rheumatoid pain, facilitate childbirth and for healing wounds. In this study, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant extracts were evaluated using the abdominal constriction, hot-plate, formalin, hyperalgesia and fresh egg albumin-induced inflammation. The extracts were administered orally at the test doses of 150 and 200 mg/kg prior to the above-mentioned assays. Both extracts produced significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) inhibition of thermal nociception induced by hot plate respectively. Chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal and sub plantar injections of acetic acid and formalin respectively, were significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) reduced by the extracts in a dose independent manner. The extracts also showed significant antihyperalgesia and anti inflammatory properties (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) respectively. Our findings suggest that G. perpensa possesses both antinociceptive and anti inflammatory activity supporting its traditional use for pain management.

Key words: Gunnera perpensa, hot plate, writhing, formalin, inflammation, pain.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 13 (1), pp. 001-007, January, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the Health Implications of Infant Feeding Choices for HIV-Infected Mothers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Review

Laar, M. E.¹* and Laar, A. K.²

¹Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA. ²Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

Accepted 22 November, 2024

Abstract

Concerns for perinatal HIV transmission and health of infants have led to calls for a religious adoption of WHO recommendations on HIV and infant feeding. That which is not established is how this impacts on the health of mothers. While the dilemma of breastfeeding and risk of transmitting the virus to the infant is fast becoming history, the impact infant feeding choices may have on the health of mothers is not well characterized. This review provides current knowledge on how infant feeding choices of HIV-positive mothers affect their own health. A computer-aided systematic search of literature for articles published between 1985 and 2010 was done. Two independent literature searches were conducted using PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Ten eligible articles, most of which reported no adverse effect of breastfeeding on health of HIV-positive mothers. One study presented findings attributing increased maternal mortality to breastfeeding. Another study concluded that breastfeeding was associated with reduced CD4 counts and lower body mass index, although these effects were not clinically relevant. Several others attributed maternal morbidity and mortality to high levels of plasma HIV viral load. This review does not support the belief that HIV-positive mothers are exposed to an increased risk of adverse conditions when breastfeeding.

Key words: Infant feeding modality, sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-positive mothers, breastfeeding, mixed feeding, formula feeding.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 12 (9), pp. 001-005, September, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Examining Maternal and Health-Related Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Delivery of Low Birth Weight Infants in Rwanda

Claude Bayingana^1,2*, Claude Mambo Muvunyi² and Charlene W. J. Africa¹

¹Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Western Cape, Modderdam Road, Belville
7535, South Africa.
²Department of Clinical Biology, National University of Rwanda, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Butare, Rwanda.

Accepted 22 June, 2024

Abstract

More than 20 million infants in the world (15.5% of all births) are born with low birth weight. Ninety-five percent of them are in developing countries. The objective of this study was to examine different factors which may contribute to preterm delivery of low birth weight (PLBW) in a recent sample of Rwandan birth. The study sample included 200 randomly selected women admitted to the department of obstetrics-gynecology of the teaching hospital of Butare in Rwanda. Mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire and obstetrics records were used in order to identify factors which might pose a health risk to them and their infants. Maternal weight, height, history of previous preterm and healthy conditions of the children in the family showed a significant relationship with PLBW. Maternal level of education, number of pregnancies of the mother, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted disease, antibiotic administration, diabetes, history of heart disease, alcohol consumption and smoking showed a relationship with PLBW but the relationship was not significant. More studies are required for a better understanding of the mechanism leading to preterm delivery of low birth infants.

Key words: Africa, pregnancy, preterm delivery, low birth weight infants.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 12 (9), pp. 001-006, September, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessing the Impact of Emergency Obstetric Care on Maternal Mortality: A Two-Year Study of Service Delivery in Nigeria

L. O. Omo-Aghoja¹*, O. A. Aisien², J. T. Akuse³, S. Bergstrom⁴ and F. E. Okonofua²

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin,
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
³Sefas Medical Centre, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Accepted 25 April, 2024

Abstract

To estimate the maternal mortality ratio, identify the contribution of Type III delays and assess the status of emergency obstetric services in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital, service delivery records of all maternities over 2 years were analyzed. Emergency care facilities in the hospital were physically verified and 10 senior medical/midwifery staff was interviewed in-depth. The maternal mortality ratio was 2,356/100,000 deliveries. The leading causes of death were HIV/AIDS (20.2%), eclampsia (12.4%), puerperal sepsis (11.9%), unsafe abortion (9.5%), and postpartum hemorrhage (4.8%). Associated causes of death were Type III delay (61.9%), Type I delay (28.6%), Type II delay (0%) and 9.5% of the women had no delay. Type III delay was due largely to delayed referral. Other causes were lack of blood, oxygen and necessary equipment in the hospital. Although the hospital had relevant emergency obstetric care facilities, there is inadequate midwifery staff, blood, oxygen supplies and intensive care facilities. Tertiary health institutions engaged in maternity care in Nigeria should step up their emergency obstetric services and reach out to other care providers to build greater understanding of issues relating to safe motherhood.

Key words: Maternal mortality, Nigeria, emergency obstetrics care, safe motherhood, millennium development goals, Type III delay.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 12 (8), pp. 001-006, August, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Understanding Women's Attitudes Toward Delivery Methods in the Postpartum Period: A Descriptive Study in Istanbul, Turkey

Asli Karakuẟ¹ and Nevin Hotun Sahin²*

¹The Vehbi Koc Foundation American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Istanbul University, Sisli 34387, Istanbul, Turkey.

Accepted 13 April 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of the women toward mode of delivery during postpartum period. The descriptive study was conducted in 600 puerpera women at a private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. We collected data with “attitudes toward mode of delivery” (ATMOD) form during face to face interview. The researchers prepared the ATMOD form according to the literature. The ATMOD was 14 attitude statements. Participants answered statements as agree (1), or disagree (2). We evaluated data using the SPSS program. Average age was higher in cesarean deliveries (CD) than vaginal deliveries (VD). 28.1% of women had an elective CD; 71.8% stated that they would advise other potential mothers to opt for a CD; and 82.3% would choose CD in case of another delivery. In the study, women’s overwhelmingly favored VD and regarded CD as an appropriate procedure for abnormal pregnancies. Nevertheless, it was found that participants opted for CD as they think it is easier and less painful. The prenatal training programs aim at assisting couples in choosing VD by attracting their attention on delivery and correct breathing and relaxation techniques and by helping them in feeling less pain.

Key words: Attitudes, childbirth methods, cesarean delivery, prenatal training program, postpartum vaginal delivery, women.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 12 (7), pp. 001-005, July, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Infections and Associated Anemia in Pregnant Women: A Community-Based Study in Ghana

S. E. Baidoo^1,2, S. C. K. Tay^1, K. Obiri-Danso³ and H. H. Abruquah⁴*

¹Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
²Department of Laboratory Technology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
³Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi,
Ghana.
⁴Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Accepted 2 February, 2024

Abstract

Intestinal helminths are among the most common and widespread of human infections, contributing to poor nutritional status, anaemia and impaired growth. Anaemia and iron deficiency in pregnancy is a major public health problem in developing countries, but their causes are not always known. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of anaemia and iron deficiency and their association with helminths, among pregnant women in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A cohort study was carried out in the Sekyere, East district of the Ashanti region of Ghana. One hundred and eight (108) pregnant women were followed until 5-10 weeks postpartum, during the period of (December 2005 - November 2006). Haemoglobin and total serum iron concentrations were evaluated in venous blood samples, and helminths infections evaluated in stool samples in each trimester using standard methods. Most of the 108 pregnant women, 54.9% were found to be anaemic. The highest prevalence of anaemia and low iron stores (57.4 and 32.4%, respectively) were found in the second trimester. Only 17.6% had evidence of helminths infection, with NECATOR AMERICANUS (hookworm) being the commonest (13.9%). There was a significant association between hookworm infection and low iron stores. The study concluded that hookworm infection is a strong predictor of iron status. These findings reinforce the need to provide anthelminthic therapy to infected women before conception as a public health strategy in reducing the prevalence of hookworm infection, and in addition to providing nutritional and iron supplements to effectively control anaemia in pregnancy.

Key words: Intestinal helminth, anaemia, paragravids, primigravids.