International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (4), pp. 001-011, April, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Socio-Demographic Drivers of Obstetric Danger Sign Recognition Among Women in the Lagos Atlantic Coastal Region

Bamgboye M. Afolabi¹*, Emmanuel N. U. Ezedinachi², Sidney Opara², Iwara Arikpo² and Abiodun Ogunwale³

1Health, Environment and Development Foundation, 34 Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
2Institute of Tropical Disease and Research, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
3Project Hope, Washington DC, USA.

Accepted 29 September, 2025

Implementation of safe motherhood programs in sub-Saharan African nations requires recognition of signs of potential emergency obstetric cases to facilitate immediate care seeking and urgent medical intervention. This questionnaire-based survey aimed to describe the perception of obstetric danger signs among women of reproductive age, living on the Atlantic coastline of rural Lagos. This cross-sectional, descriptive study took place in two non-congruent communities of Lagos State, Nigeria, between October 2012 and March 2013. Epi Info 7 was used to calculate sample size for the projected population in each community. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATA 13 software. A total of 829 females (20% single, 80% married) participated in the study. Among these, about 76 and 79% disagreed that bleeding and high blood pressure were obstetric danger signs, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a positive and significant association between awareness of bleeding as obstetric danger sign as the dependent variable and both knowledge of antenatal care (t=6.53, p=0.000) and knowing a woman who died in pregnancy (t=3.34, p=0.001) as independent variables. Rural women on Atlantic Ocean coastline of Lagos had low perception of obstetric danger signs indicating promotion of acceptable maternal health in this environment.

Key words: Perception, danger signs, obstetrics, reproductive age, Atlantic Ocean coastline, rural.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Formulation, Characterization, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Sertraline-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

Tian-Yuan Zhang2, Dan-Qing Chen3, Jian-Qing Gao2,4 and Yu-Lan Hu1,2*

¹Department of Cultural Heritage and Museology, Zhejiang University, 148 Tian-Mu-Shan Road, Hangzhou 310028,
P.R. China.
²Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.
³Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
⁴Soft Matter Research Center, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.

Accepted 24 November, 2025

Sertraline is a worldwide used antidepressant for perinatal depression. However, the secreting of sertraline into milk arose the concerns for the potentially negative effects on breastfed infants. The present study aims to alter the biodistribution of sertraline by loading the drug into chitosan- nanoparticles. Our results demonstrated an effective way to load the water-soluble sertraline into nanoparticles, and keep the size around 200 nm. The in vivo results demonstrated the difference of sertraline concentration in plasma after the intravenous injection through the marginal ear vein in rabbits. Because of the protection of nanoparticles, the drug concentration in plasma increased 5 h post the injection, which may delay the tissue-distribution of sertraline. Thus, our results indicate that the nanoparticles-encapsulation may change the biodistribution of sertraline and offer a safe window for breastfeeding. Nevertheless, the sertraline in breast milk was still detectable after injection of sertraline-loaded nanoparticles. Thus, it still needs caution for lactating women to have antidepressant drugs during breastfeeding.

Key words: Sertraline, chitosan, nanoparticles, pharmacokinetics.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (3), pp. 001-009, March, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

From Knowledge to Practice: Maternal Feeding Choices and Children’s Oral Health

Luciana Reichert da Silva Assunção1*, Karina Duarte Vilella1, Jéssica Ellen Araújo1, Maria Fernanda Pivetta Petinati1, Débora Emi Shibukawa2, Isabella Naomi Furuie2 and Elaine Machado Benelli3

1Department of Stomatology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Jardim Botânico, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
2Medical School, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Alto da Glória, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Accepted 20 August, 2025

The aim of the present study was to analyze the intentions and knowledge of mothers in the postpartum period regarding the feeding habits and oral health of their children. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 286 mothers at a teaching hospital in Southern Brazil. The variables of interest were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Knowledge scores were analyzed numerically and dichotomized as adequate (score: >5) or poor (score: ≤5). Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed and score ratios (SR) with respective confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Most respondents were less than 25 years of age (55.6%), first-time mothers (56.4%) and demonstrated positive intentions regarding the majority of the aspects addressed. However, 65.4% of the sample demonstrated poor knowledge. Younger mothers, those with a lower income, those with less schooling, first-timers and those who reported intending to use sugar demonstrated less knowledge. Gathering information from the internet was associated with higher knowledge. The multivariate model revealed significant associations with having a university education (SR=1.23; CI: 1.12 to 1.35), having a high school education (SR=1.10; CI: 1.03 to 1.19), gathering information from the internet (SR=1.18; CI: 1.07 to 1.30), having given birth more than once (SR=1.13; CI: 1.06 to 1.21) and intending not to use sugar (SR=1.14; CI: 1.03 to 1.26). Schooling, number of child births, means of information and the use of sugar were independently associated with the knowledge score. There is a need to provide oral health education for women during the postpartum period in order to benefit oral health for both the mother and the baby.

Key words: Feeding behavior, infant, knowledge, mothers, oral health, postpartum period.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 IgG Antibodies in Pregnant Women: Yopougon-Attié Health Center

Boni Cisse C.1,2*, Zaba, F.1, Meite, S.1,2, Mlan, A.1, Inwoley, K.3, Kouassi M’Bengue, A.2, Sevede, D.2, Faye Kette, H.1,2 and Dosso, M.1,2

¹Department of Bacteriology-Virology, Central Laboratory of the University Hospital of Yopougon, Cote D'Ivoire.
2Department of Bacteriology-Virology, Institut Pasteur, Côte D’Ivoire.
3Laboratory of Immunology, CEDRES University Hospital of Treichville, Cote D'Ivoire.

Accepted 12 November, 2025

The seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus II (HSV2) was investigated from April, 2011 to May, 2012 among 170 pregnant women attending consultation in the urban health training Yopougon-Attié, Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). The anti-HSV2 immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies were detected by the principle of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Diagnostic Automation ELISA® kit. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was performed using rapid testing according to the national algorithm. Anti HSV2 IgG serology was positive in 96.5% (164/170) of women. HSV2/HIV coinfection was found in 6.7% (11/164) of parturients. No socio-epidemiological factor was related to the seroprevalence of HSV2 infection. Data from this study suggest a serological surveillance of pregnant women, in particular looking for a recent infection by assaying IgM or by real-time quantitative HSV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Indeed, the high prevalence of HSV2 in this population requires the implementation of a protocol in collaboration with the actors for the health of mother and child.

Key words: Pregnant, herpes simplex virus II (HSV2), seroprevalence, herpes simplex virus II-human immunodeficiency virus (HSV2-HIV) coinfection.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Determinants of Increasing Cesarean Section Rates: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study

Risida Gjonej1*, Albana Poloska1, Mimoza Keta2, Zef Delija2, Flora Zyberaj3, Valbona Bezhani3 and Etleva Smakaj3

1Departament of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Tiranë, Albania.
2Deparatament of Obstetric- Gynecology, Maternity Hospital " Koço Gliozheni " Tiranë, Albania
3Departament of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Tiranë, Albania.

Accepted 17 November, 2025

Cesarean section is a surgical procedure which allows the child to birth through uterus incision. Cesarean birth is a procedure that gives resolve problems such as maternal and fetal complications. To study the incidence of cesarean birth, 1982 to 2000 with 2011 to 2013 years were compared to determine indications that contribute to the trend of the increasing number of cesarean deliveries. We studied the clinical charts of 2011 to 2013 from the statistic department of Maternity Hospital "Koço Gliozheni" Tiranë, Albania. For statistical analysis, Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 11.5 package was used. This is a descriptive study and values will be presented in frequency and percentage. Study of clinical charts of 2011 to 2013 resulted in an average rate of cesarean deliveries of approximately 32.3%. In the year 1982 to 1984, the percentage of cesarean birth was approximately 8.7%, while in 1999 to 2000 the percentage of cesarean birth was approximately 21.7%. Indications that are most important in this study that have contributed to an increase in the number of cesarean births are preeclampsia (9.2%), fetal suffering (13.9%), premature rupture of membranes (9.8%) and the indication which has greater influence in the rising rate of cesarean delivery is previous cesarean births (36.5%). The most frequent reasons for cesarean births in the center where the study was conducted for years January, 2011 till December, 2013 are: previous cesarean section, preeclampsia, fetal suffering. So, previous cesarean births are the most important factor in making decisions about the way of delivery, while in 1982 to 1984 the important factor was fetal suffering. Previous cesarean birth and multiple pregnancies (due to the increased number of in vitro fertilization) represent a growing trend. However, this high percentage of cesarean births in our center is unwarranted, so physicians should be very careful when they select patients for cesarean section. Careful monitoring of the fetus will help in reducing cesarean birth rate in our hospital.

Key words: Cesarean section, fetal and maternal complications, maternal indications, fetal indications.
 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (2), pp. 001-009, February, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Factors Influencing Optimum Iron-Folate Intake Among Antenatal Mothers in Kenya

Juma M.^1,2, Oiye Shadrack O.³ and Konyole Silvernus O.^3,4

1Department of Nursing, Kenya Medical Training Centre, P.O Box 30195, Nairobi, Kenya.
2Great Lakes University of Kisumu, P.O Box 2224-40100, Kisumu, Kenya.
3Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), University of Nairobi, P.O Box 19676 – 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.
4Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya.

Accepted 29 September, 2025

There is depressed prevalence of the optimum iron-folate supplementation in Kenya and in other sub- Saharan Africa countries. The study was motivated by the paucity of area-specific data on predictors of optimum iron-folate supplementation. The aim of the study was to assess the maternal, knowledge and institutional factors that predict 90+ days (optimum) iron-folate supplementation among pregnant women in a rural set-up in Eastern Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study to collect quantitative data from 352 mothers of under-five years old children attending 7 health facilities in Kalama Division of Machakos constituency within Machakos County in lower Eastern Kenya. Using a standard questionnaire, mothers recalled the number of days they had ingested iron-folate supplements in their latest pregnancies. The overall prevalence of optimum supplementation (90+ days) during latest pregnancies was 18.3% and on average the study mothers were supplemented for ~38 days during the antenatal period. Mothers who visited antenatal care (ANC) for ≥4days (odd ratio [OR]: 2.756, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.396-5.445) were more likely to take iron-folate supplements for 90+ days and be supplemented for more days (45.8) than <4 days visitors (26.2 days), p=0.017. Earlier ANC visit was associated with the mean days of supplementation (p=0.006), but not with optimum supplementation (OR: 0.412, 95% CI: 0.236-0.719). Knowledge on supplementation for a minimum of 90 days predicted optimum supplementation (OR: 5.872, 95% CI: 2.945 -11.709). Knowledge on when to start supplementation and importance of supplementation only predicted higher days of supplementation (p<0.05), but not the optimum supplementation. Pregnant women who used tablet form were more likely to be supplemented optimally (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1.004-1.116). Those who were supplemented with a combined form of supplement were more likely to have more days of supplementation (p=0.004), but not optimum (OR: 1.125, 95% CI: 0.419-3.021) compared to those who used single iron and folate supplement. To increase the proportion of pregnant mothers taking iron-folate supplements for 90+ days in low resource rural set-ups, there should be intensified counselling/education on ANC attendance ≥ 4 times and on minimum number of days for optimum iron-folate supplementation. Use of tablets as opposed to syrup increases the likelihood for antenatal ingestion of iron-folate supplements for 90+ days in rural low-resource set-up.

Key words: Predictors, optimum supplementation, iron-folate supplements, pregnant women.