What are the implications of using Robson’s classification system in a Moroccan case study?

Today, cesarean section rates are increasing worldwide for varied and complex reasons. To examine this more closely, several countries have adopted the 10-group classification of cesarean sections, also known as the Robson classification. This classification aims to monitor and compare cesarean section rates in a standard, reliable, and indication-based way. In the vision of improving the quality of care and especially rationalizing cesarean section rates, this descriptive and retrospective study, which lasted ten months, considered a population of parturients who had given birth by cesarean section at the maternity ward of the Cheikh Khalifa Hospital in Casablanca. Using Robson’s classification system, data on deliveries can be compared between different regions of Morocco or between different time periods. This allows assessment of trends, geographic outcomes, and temporal variations in environment-related obstetric outcomes, which can help identify specific maternal health issues and develop targeted policies. We first listed all cesarean deliveries and then classified them into ten groups (Robson’s classification) to highlight the contribution of each group to the overall cesarean rate and to explain the discrepancies for which we proposed recommendations. This study considered 890 cases, of which 541 required a cesarean section, a 61% rate higher than that recommended by the WHO (15%) and the national rate (21%). Robson’s classification identified group 10 as contributing most to the overall cesarean rate (43.4%). Namely, this group included singleton pregnancies with a cephalic presentation, gestational age < 37 weeks, and a scarred uterus. This group’s relative size and cesarean section rate were 68% and 63%, respectively. Cesarean section should be considered a surgical procedure, considering the potential maternal and neonatal risks involved and ensuring that the indication for cesarean section is tangible, based on the Robson classification, among other things

Trends in health facility deliveries and caesarean sections by wealth quintile in Morocco between 1987 and 2012.

OBJECTIVES: To examine trends in the utilisation of facility-based delivery care and caesareans in Morocco between 1987 and 2012, particularly among the poor, and to assess whether uptake increased at the time of introduction of policies or programmes aimed at improving access to intrapartum care. METHODS: Using data from nationally representative household surveys and routine statistics, our analysis focused on whether women delivered within a facility, and whether the delivery was by caesarean; analyses were stratified by relative wealth quintile and public/private sector where possible. A segmented Poisson regression model was used to assess whether trends changed at key events. RESULTS: Uptake of facility-based deliveries and caesareans in Morocco has risen considerably over the past two decades, particularly among the poor. The rate of increase in facility deliveries was much faster in the poorest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.07-1.11) than the richest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.02-1.02). A similar pattern was observed for caesareans (annual increase among poorest RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.19 vs. annual increase among richest RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.10). We found no significant acceleration in trend coinciding with any of the events investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Morocco's success in improving uptake of facility deliveries and caesareans is likely to be the result of the synergistic effects of comprehensive demand and supply-side strategies, including a major investment in human resources and free delivery care. Equity still needs to be improved; however, the overall trend is positive

Why is the implementation of Robson’s classification required in Morocco?

In Morocco, the Ministry of Health has mobilized several efforts to improve maternal and newborn health over the past decades. Despite progress, the high risk of death during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal is still a concern. Obstetricians highly regard this and require them to undertake ongoing research to promote optimal pregnancy and birth outcomes. Medical techniques such as cesarean section have led to significant progress. However, the frequency of cesarean sections has increased recently, despite World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations to stay within 15%. Controlling the rate of cesarean sections has become a significant public health concern, given the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with cesarean sections and the associated costs. Through a review of the literature, this research interprets and analyses the relevant data to highlight the contribution of Robson’s classification to controlling C-section indications and, consequently, their rates. Indeed, several original scientific studies recommend its adoption because of its objectivity and contribution to the effective reduction of cesarean section rates. Finally, as a main recommendation, the adoption of Robson’s classification in Morocco as a simple tool for evaluation, monitoring, and audit of cesarean section rates and its use is strongly recommended for better control of cesarean section rates and indications. The training of practitioners should support it

Aetiology and use of antibiotics in pregnancy-related infections: results of the WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS), 1-week inception cohort

Background Pregnancy-related infections are important contributors to maternal sepsis and mortality. We aimed to describe clinical, microbiological characteristics and use of antibiotics by source of infection and country income, among hospitalized women with suspected or confirmed pregnancy-related infections. Methods We used data from WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) on maternal infections in hospitalized women, in 52 low-middle- and high-income countries conducted between November 28th and December 4th, 2017, to describe the frequencies and medians of maternal demographic, obstetric, and clinical characteristics and outcomes, methods of infection diagnosis and causative pathogens, of single source pregnancy-related infection, other than breast, and initial use of therapeutic antibiotics. We included 1456 women. Results We found infections of the genital (n = 745/1456, 51.2%) and the urinary tracts (UTI) (n = 531/1456, 36.5%) to be the most frequent. UTI (n = 339/531, 63.8%) and post-caesarean skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) (n = 99/180, 55.0%) were the sources with more culture samples taken and microbiological confirmations. Escherichia coli was the major uropathogen (n = 103/118, 87.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 21/44, 47.7%) was the commonest pathogen in SSTI. For 13.1% (n = 191) of women, antibiotics were not prescribed on the same day of infection suspicion. Cephalosporins (n = 283/531, 53.3%) were the commonest antibiotic class prescribed for UTI, while metronidazole (n = 303/925, 32.8%) was the most prescribed for all other sources. Ceftriaxone with metronidazole was the commonest combination for the genital tract (n = 98/745, 13.2%) and SSTI (n = 22/180, 12.2%). Metronidazole (n = 137/235, 58.3%) was the most prescribed antibiotic in low-income countries while cephalosporins and co-amoxiclav (n = 129/186, 69.4%) were more commonly prescribed in high-income countries. Conclusions Differences in antibiotics used across countries could be due to availability, local guidelines, prescribing culture, cost, and access to microbiology laboratory, despite having found similar sources and pathogens as previous studies. Better dissemination of recommendations in line with antimicrobial stewardship programmes might improve antibiotic prescription

Maternal and Child Health Services in the Context of the Ebola Virus Disease: Health Care Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Rural Guinea

The objective of this study was to document maternal and child health care workers‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices on service delivery before, during and after the 2014 EVD outbreak in rural Guinea. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in ten health districts between October and December 2015, using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Overall 299 CHWs (94% response rate) participated in the study, including nurses/health technicians (49%), midwives (23%), managers (16%) and physicians (12%). Prior to the EVD outbreak, 87% of CHWs directly engaged in managing febrile cases within the facility, while the majority (89% and 63%) referred such cases to another facility and/or EVD treatment centre during and after the EVD outbreak, respectively. Compared to the period before the EVD outbreak when approximately half of CHWs (49%) reported systematically measuring body temperature prior to providing any care to patients, most CHWs reported doing so during (98%) and after the EVD outbreak (88%). The main challenges encountered were the lack of capacity to screen for EVD cases within the facility (39%) and the lack of relevant equipment (10%). The majority (91%) of HCWs reported a decrease in the use of services during the EVD outbreak while an increase was reported by 72% of respondents in the period following the EVD outbreak. Infection prevention and control measures established during the EVD outbreak have substantially improved self-reported provider practices for maternal and child health services in rural Guinea. However, more efforts are needed to maintain and sustain the gain achieved.Key words: Maternal and child health, practices, Ebola, Guine

Frequency and management of maternal infection in health facilities in 52 countries (GLOSS): a 1-week inception cohort study

Background: Maternal infections are an important cause of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. We report the main findings of the WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study, which aimed to assess the frequency of maternal infections in health facilities, according to maternal characteristics and outcomes, and coverage of core practices for early identification and management. Methods: We did a facility-based, prospective, 1-week inception cohort study in 713 health facilities providing obstetric, midwifery, or abortion care, or where women could be admitted because of complications of pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum, or post-abortion, in 52 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). We obtained data from hospital records for all pregnant or recently pregnant women hospitalised with suspected or confirmed infection. We calculated ratios of infection and infection-related severe maternal outcomes (ie, death or near-miss) per 1000 livebirths and the proportion of intrahospital fatalities across country income groups, as well as the distribution of demographic, obstetric, clinical characteristics and outcomes, and coverage of a set of core practices for identification and management across infection severity groups. Findings: Between Nov 28, 2017, and Dec 4, 2017, of 2965 women assessed for eligibility, 2850 pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected or confirmed infection were included. 70·4 (95% CI 67·7–73·1) hospitalised women per 1000 livebirths had a maternal infection, and 10·9 (9·8–12·0) women per 1000 livebirths presented with infection-related (underlying or contributing cause) severe maternal outcomes. Highest ratios were observed in LMICs and the lowest in HICs. The proportion of intrahospital fatalities was 6·8% among women with severe maternal outcomes, with the highest proportion in low-income countries. Infection-related maternal deaths represented more than half of the intrahospital deaths. Around two-thirds (63·9%, n=1821) of the women had a complete set of vital signs recorded, or received antimicrobials the day of suspicion or diagnosis of the infection (70·2%, n=1875), without marked differences across severity groups. Interpretation: The frequency of maternal infections requiring management in health facilities is high. Our results suggest that contribution of direct (obstetric) and indirect (non-obstetric) infections to overall maternal deaths is greater than previously thought. Improvement of early identification is urgently needed, as well as prompt management of women with infections in health facilities by implementing effective evidence-based practices. Funding: UNDP–UNFPA–UNICEF–WHO–World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, WHO, Merck for Mothers, and United States Agency for International Development

La morbidité maternelle du post-partum au Maroc: Une information nécessaire pour une réponse appropriée

Cette thèse concerne la morbidité maternelle de l’accouchement et du post-partum. Elle cherche à mieux comprendre le phénomène en mesurant son ampleur, identifiant ses déterminants. Cette thèse a cherché également à explorer les conséquences de la morbidité maternelle sévère (near miss) lors de l’accouchement et dans le post-partum. Ceci, afin de contribuer à l’amélioration de la prise en charge de la mère et de son nouveau-né.Notre cadre d’analyse s’est appuyé sur deux modèles conceptuels complémentaires. le premier modèle utilisé est celui de Geller et al (2002) qui montre la progression de l’état de santé des femmes tout au long du continuum de la grossesse et le degré d’évolution des complications; celles-ci pouvant éventuellement survenir en post-partum (Geller et al 2002). Le deuxième modèle est celui de Graham et al (2006), qui montre l’importance de décrire les différents facteurs influençant l’évolution de la santé de la femme pendant la grossesse, l’accouchement et en post-partum; à savoir les facteurs liés à l’environnement de la femme et ceux en rapport avec le système de santé. Les résultats de notre recherche sont structurés comme suit:La première étude a défini l’ampleur et les catégories de la morbidité en post-partum. Elle en a également comparé la perception par les femmes et celle diagnostiquée par le médecin. Pour faire aboutir notre démarche, nous avons mené une étude descriptive transversale dans le quartier Al Massira de Marrakech pendant une année (en 2011). Nous avons combiné un examen clinique et un examen de laboratoire (NFS, hémoglobine) à un questionnaire administré au 42ème jour après l’accouchement adressé à 1 210 femmes ayant réalisé une consultation du post-partum. Lors de cette consultation, 44% des femmes ont exprimé au moins une plainte. Concernant les problèmes gynécologiques (20%), les problèmes de santé mentale (10%), des hémorroïdes; et les problèmes mammaires représentant respectivement 6% et 5% des femmes. Lors de cette même consultation, selon le diagnostic du médecin, 60% des femmes ont eu un problème de santé. Les diagnostics les plus fréquents portaient sur des problèmes d’ordre gynécologique (22%), d’anémie confirmée en laboratoire (19%), alors que les problèmes liés à la santé mentale ne se sont retrouvés que chez 5% des femmes. L’analyse comparative de la morbidité ressentie et diagnostiquée met par conséquent en avant une divergence entre les plaintes exprimées par les femmes à la consultation du post-partum et la morbidité clinique établie par le médecin. La deuxième étude, a identifié les déterminants d’apparition des cas de near miss. c’est une étude cas-témoins mixte (quantitative et qualitative), dans les deux districts (Marrakech et Al Haouz) du 1er février au 31 juillet 2012. Nous avons inclus dans notre échantillon tous les cas de near miss maternels (80 cas) détectés durant la période de l’étude. Pour les témoins (219 femmes), nous avons sélectionné les parturientes qui ont eu des complications similaires à celles des near miss, sans pour autant arriver à être un épisode near miss. Pour le volet qualitatif, nous avons pris un échantillon de 30 near miss maternels et 30 témoins, avec lesquels nous avons conduit des entretiens approfondis pour retracer leurs itinéraires de prise en charge. L'incidence des near miss maternels était de 12 ‰ accouchements en intra hospitalier. Les troubles hypertensifs (45%) et l’hémorragie sévère (39%) étaient les catégories de causes directes les plus fréquentes des near miss. Les facteurs de risque des épisodes de near miss étaient le faible niveau d’instruction, le non suivi pendant la grossesse et le fait d’avoir eu des complications pendant celle-ci. Concernant les délais de prise en charge, on constate que les femmes ayant accusé un retard de plus de 24 heures avant de se présenter au prestataire de soins ont eu un risque huit fois plus élevé de développer un épisode de near miss. De même, les femmes ayant attendu plus de 60 minutes au niveau des structures de premiers niveaux ont présenté un risque quatre fois plus important de développer un épisode de near miss. Les principales raisons d’être near miss pour le premier délai à la maison étaient le manque de pouvoir décisionnel des femmes, le manque d’argent, et la peur des établissements de santé. Concernant le retard auprès des structures du premier niveau, la majorité des femmes near miss ont rapporté des raisons liées aux nombreuses références successives et sans explication. Elles ont également fait allusion aux comportements peu accueillants des prestataires de soins.La 3ème étude, avait comme objectif de comprendre l’état de santé physique et mentale des femmes near miss à 8 mois en post-partum. Dans ce sens nous avons réalisé une étude en utilisant une cohorte prospective avec des méthodes mixtes (quantitative et qualitative). Nous avons recruté 80 femmes near miss et 188 femmes ayant un accouchement normal au niveau des trois hôpitaux de référence de Marrakech et d’A Haouz. Un échantillon de 20 cas near miss et de 20 cas de femmes ayant eu un accouchement normal a été sélectionné pour entretiens approfondis. À la consultation de 8 mois en post-partum, 76 cas des near miss et 169 femmes ayant eu un accouchement normal ont eu la consultation médicale. Les femmes near miss étaient plus pauvres et moins instruites que les femmes ayant eu un accouchement sans complication. La proportion des complications graves était plus importante chez les femmes near miss (22%) comparativement aux femmes ayant accouché sans complication (6%) (p = 0,001). Le risque d'avoir une dépression était sept fois plus élevé chez les near miss avec un décès périnatal comparativement à celles avec accouchement normal. Durant les entretiens approfondis, les femmes ont mis l’accent sur le fardeau économique, les complications obstétricales qui ont entraîné des conséquences néfastes et durables sur l’état de santé de la femme et de sa relation avec son conjoint et sa belle-famille.À travers les résultats de notre recherche; nous avons conclu trois points essentiels:  Une meilleure écoute et une compréhension réelle des plaintes exprimées par les femmes sont de facto des éléments phares pour assurer une meilleure qualité de la prise en charge des femmes. La sensibilisation des cliniciens et des sages femmes et la révision du contenu de la formation des médecins, surtout en ce qui concerne les cours en obstétrique, afin d’intégrer le volet relatif à la santé mentale sont également importants. Ces éléments sont importants et pourraient contribuer à une meilleure qualité des soins maternels et néonatals.  L’amélioration de la qualité de prise en charge des femmes et de leurs nouveau-nés est tributaire d’un circuit de référence(s) clairement défini basé sur les profils et les caractéristiques des femmes à orienter rapidement à un niveau plus compétent, et du respect de la filière de soins dans des délais opportuns. Il est enfin primordial de développer des mécanismes de soins de santé maternels et néonatals qui ne se concentrent pas uniquement sur l’épisode de l'accouchement et autour des interventions obstétricales, mais également sur les femmes et leurs nouveau-nés dans le post-partum. Davantage de ressources sont de ce fait nécessaires pour veiller à ce que ces femmes reçoivent des soins adéquats avant et après la sortie de l'hôpital. La sensibilisation et l’implication de la famille et du conjoint à différentes étapes de la grossesse sont essentielles pour le bien-être de la femme et de son nouveau-né.Doctorat en Sciences de la santé Publiqueinfo:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublishe

Measurement of maternal morbidity during postpartum with the WHO-WOICE tools in Morocco

Abstract Background Maternal morbidity refers to any health problems or complications experienced by a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. Many studies have documented the, mostly negative, effects of maternal ill-health on functioning. Although, measurement of maternel morbidity remains underdeveloped. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of non-severe maternal morbidities (including overall health, domestic and sexual violence, functionality, and mental health) in women during postpartum care and further analyze factors associated with compromised mental functioning and clinical health by administration of the WHO’s WOICE 2.0 instrument. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 Health centers in Marrakech, Morocco with WOICE questionnaire included three sections: the first with maternal and obstetric history, sociodemographic data, risk and environment factors, violence and sexual health; the second considers functionality and disability, general symptoms and mental health; and the third includes data on physical and laboratory tests. This paper presents descriptive data on the distribution of functioning status among postpartum women. Results A total of 253 women averaging 30 years of age participated. For self-reported health status of women, more than 40% reported good health, and just 9.09% of women had a health condition reported by the attending physician. Among postpartum women with clinical diagnoses, 16.34% had direct (obstetric) conditions and 15.56% indirect (medical) problems. When screening for factors in the expanded morbidity definition, about 20.95% reported exposure to violence. Anxiety was identified in 29.24% of cases, and depression in 17.78%. Looking into gestational results, just 14.6% delivered by cesarean section and 15.02% had preterm birth. We found also that 97% reported “good baby health” in the postpartum evaluation, with 92% of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion Considering these results, improving the quality of care for women requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased research, better access to care, and improved education and resources for women and healthcare providers

Why is the implementation of Robson’s classification required in Morocco?

In Morocco, the Ministry of Health has mobilized several efforts to improve maternal and newborn health over the past decades. Despite progress, the high risk of death during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal is still a concern. Obstetricians highly regard this and require them to undertake ongoing research to promote optimal pregnancy and birth outcomes. Medical techniques such as cesarean section have led to significant progress. However, the frequency of cesarean sections has increased recently, despite World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations to stay within 15%. Controlling the rate of cesarean sections has become a significant public health concern, given the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with cesarean sections and the associated costs. Through a review of the literature, this research interprets and analyses the relevant data to highlight the contribution of Robson’s classification to controlling C-section indications and, consequently, their rates. Indeed, several original scientific studies recommend its adoption because of its objectivity and contribution to the effective reduction of cesarean section rates. Finally, as a main recommendation, the adoption of Robson’s classification in Morocco as a simple tool for evaluation, monitoring, and audit of cesarean section rates and its use is strongly recommended for better control of cesarean section rates and indications. The training of practitioners should support it