Antenatal care (ANC) is a critical maternal health intervention that contributes to the prevention of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality through early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. Although Uganda has achieved high coverage of at least one ANC visit, continuity of care remains suboptimal, with many women not completing the recommended number of ANC visits. This study examined the determinants of optimal ANC utilization among women in Uganda using nationally representative data from the 2024 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS). A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2024 Uganda MIS. The study included 3,477 women aged 15–49 years who had a live birth within the five years preceding the survey. Optimal ANC utilization was defined as attendance of at least four ANC visits during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, while Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) explored underlying patterns among categorical determinants. Associations between explanatory variables and optimal ANC utilization were assessed using survey-weighted modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95
Neonatal mortality remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the high burden, few studies have examined the risk factors linked to these deaths. This study aims to explore factors associated with neonatal mortality in a rural setting of a low-income country. A case-control study matched in the ratio 0f 1:1 by age at admission was conducted at Anaka General Hospital Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Northern Uganda between June 1, 2020, and May 31, 2023. Cases were neonates who died during hospitalization and controls were those discharged alive within 28 days of life. Data was retrospectively extracted from hospital records. Multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with mortality. Overall, 1,282 were recruited, of which 118(9.2
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a major cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence regarding HIE severity, survival outcomes, and predictors of mortality remains limited in Ethiopia. This study assessed the severity, survival outcomes, and predictors of mortality among neonates with HIE admitted to Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), Southwest Ethiopia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 373 neonates diagnosed with HIE following birth asphyxia and admitted to Jimma University Medical Center(JUMC). Data were extracted from medical records using a structured checklist. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to estimate and compare survival experiences. Cox proportional hazards regression identified predictors of mortality, while ordinal logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with increasing HIE severity. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 373 neonates, 121 (32.4
Harmful umbilical cord care practices remain a major public health concern in various developing countries, contributing significantly to neonatal sepsis, which accounts for approximately 15
Pharmacologic mydriasis is essential for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening; however, conventional ophthalmic drops substantially exceed neonatal conjunctival sac volume, leading to systemic absorption and potential adverse effects. Microdrop administration may reduce drug exposure while preserving adequate pupillary dilation. This study aimed to determine whether microdrop administration of phenylephrine and tropicamide is noninferior to standard drops in achieving adequate mydriasis for ROP screening via a bottle adapter. This single-center, randomized, parallel-group noninferiority trial was conducted in a tertiary neonatal unit in Chennai, India. Preterm infants undergoing routine ROP screening were randomized to receive either microdrops (10.26 µL) or standard drops (26.58 µL) of 2.5
