Uncovering spatial variation in maternal healthcare service use at subnational level in Jimma zone, Ethiopia

Re-directing resources to vulnerable sub-groups and locations is necessary to ensure equitable progress in maternal health. Analysis of disaggregated national data suggest uneven access to essential maternal healthcare services. Of major concern are women who are the most vulnerable and in need of healthcare services, being least likely to access them. Mapping of core maternal healthcare service-use indicators can serve as a decision-making tool. This analysis focuses on services across the continuum of maternal healthcare: antenatal care, maternity waiting home use, delivery care at health facilities, and postnatal care, in three rural woredas in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Effectiveness of upgraded maternity waiting homes and local leader training on improving institutional births : a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Jimma, Ethiopia

The objective of this cluster randomized trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of functional maternity waiting homes (MWH) combined with community mobilization by trained local leaders in improving institutional births in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. MWHs are residential spaces for pregnant women located near to obstetric care facilities, which are being used to tackle physical barriers to access. Findings show both intervention groups exhibited a non-statistically significant higher odds of institutional births compared to usual care. Both the combined MWH and leader training, and leader training alone, led to a small but non-significant increase in institutional births.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Quality assessment of health management information system (HMIS) data for maternal and child health in Jimma zone, Ethiopia

Health management information system (HMIS) data underpin attainment of health targets in low- and middle-income countries. However, the quality of HMIS data is often poor. The study appraised the completeness, timeliness, and internal consistency of eight key maternal and child health (MCH) indicators collected for all the primary health care units (PHCUs) located within three districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Results show that the HMIS may over-report the coverage of key MCH services, namely, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and postnatal care. The quality of data at the zonal level could be improved to inform MCH research and programmatic efforts.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Appendix 7 - CCGH 2017 poster

The poster provides a project snapshot. The study examined the relationship between mosquito net ownership and use, and self-reported malaria infection in pregnant women. As well, it clarifies how pregnant women use antenatal care (ANC) that includes mosquito nets. Determining the malaria infection rate in pregnant women is critical for assessing factors that relate to the risk of infections and complications during pregnancy. Data from a cross-sectional survey confirmed that ANC attendance in Jimma Zone is lower than the Federal Ministry of Health’s target of 95% of pregnant women attending four ANC visits (by 2020).Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Perceptions and experiences related to health and health inequality among rural communities in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: a rapid qualitative assessment

Abstract Background The Safe Motherhood Research Project studies the implementation and scale-up of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) initiatives in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. This qualitative rapid assessment study was undertaken to explore community perceptions and experiences related to health, health inequality and other MNCH themes. Methods We conducted 12 focus group discussions and 24 in-depth interviews with community stakeholder groups (female and male community members, Health Extension Workers, members of the Women Development Army and Male Development Army, and religious leaders) across six rural sites in Jimma Zone. Data were analyzed through thematic coding and the preparation of content summaries by theme. Results Participants described being healthy as being disease free, being able to perform daily activities and being able to pursue broad aspirations. Health inequalities were viewed as community issues, primarily emanating from a lack of knowledge or social exclusion. Poverty was raised as a possible contributor to poor health, however, participants felt this could be overcome through community-level responses. Participants described formal and informal mechanisms for supporting the disadvantaged, which served as a type of safety net, providing information as well as emotional, financial and social support. Conclusions Understanding community perceptions of health and health inequality can serve as an evidence base for community-level initiatives, including MNCH promotion. The findings of this study enable the development of audience-centered MNCH promotion activities that closely align with community priorities and experiences. This research demonstrates the application of rapid qualitative assessment methods to explore the context for MNCH promotion activities