background: neural tube defects (ntds) including spina bifida and anencephaly are the second most common birth defects with 2.8 per 1000 births in northern iran. objectives: this study was conducted to determine the risk factors of neural tube defects in gorgan, north of iran. patients and methods: this hospital-based, case-control study was carried out on all ntd-affected pregnancies (n = 59) ...

BACKGROUND While induced abortion is considered to be illegal and socially unacceptable in Nigeria, it is still practiced by many women in the country. Poor family planning and unsafe abortion practices have daunting effects on maternal health. For instance, Nigeria is on the verge of not meeting the Millennium development goals on maternal health due to high maternal mortality ratio, estimated...

Introduction Preterm birth is still a major health problem throughout the world. Preterm birth results in 75% of neonatal mortality. We sought to identify risk factors which cause preterm birth. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study assessed all preterm neonates born in Asali Hospital in Khorram Abad (either by NVD or C/S) during the first 6 months of 2007. Sampling method was censu...

background: depression is one of the most common and specific problems during pregnancy and after it. maternal postpartum depression compromises mothers’ health and affected social relationship and has negative effect on infant development.  the aimed of this study was to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression and its related factors in isfahanian mothers. methods:this is a cross -...

BACKGROUND Indonesia has shown a nominal increase in antenatal care (ANC) coverage from 93% to 96% in the Indonesia Demographic Health Survey (IDHS)-2012. This is high but for a comprehensive assessment of maternal health coverage in Indonesia, safe delivery services need to be assessed in conjunction with ANC coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study uses survey data from the IDHS-2012 that ...

BACKGROUND To reach global and national goals for maternal and child mortality, countries must identify vulnerable populations, which includes sex workers and their children. The objective of this study was to identify and describe maternal deaths of female sex workers in Cambodia and causes of death among their children. METHODS A convenience sample of female sex workers were recruited by lo...

background: being a mother is considered by many women as their most important role in life. women’s perceptions of their abilities to manage the demands of parenting and the parenting skills they posses are reflected by perceived maternal role competence. the present study was carried out to assess the perceived maternal role competence and its associated factors among mothers. methods: a desc...