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Darmstadt GL, Kirkwood B, Gupta S. WHO Global Position Paper and Implementation Strategy on kangaroo mother care call for fundamental reorganisation of maternal-infant care. Lancet 2023; 401:1751-1753. [PMID: 37207686 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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Espinosa CA, Khan W, Khanam R, Das S, Khalid J, Pervin J, Kasaro MP, Contrepois K, Chang AL, Phongpreecha T, Michael B, Ellenberger M, Mehmood U, Hotwani A, Nizar A, Kabir F, Wong RJ, Becker M, Berson E, Culos A, De Francesco D, Mataraso S, Ravindra N, Thuraiappah M, Xenochristou M, Stelzer IA, Marić I, Dutta A, Raqib R, Ahmed S, Rahman S, Hasan ASMT, Ali SM, Juma MH, Rahman M, Aktar S, Deb S, Price JT, Wise PH, Winn VD, Druzin ML, Gibbs RS, Darmstadt GL, Murray JC, Stringer JSA, Gaudilliere B, Snyder MP, Angst MS, Rahman A, Baqui AH, Jehan F, Nisar MI, Vwalika B, Sazawal S, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Aghaeepour N. Multiomic signals associated with maternal epidemiological factors contributing to preterm birth in low- and middle-income countries. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade7692. [PMID: 37224249 PMCID: PMC10208584 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of death in children under five, yet comprehensive studies are hindered by its multiple complex etiologies. Epidemiological associations between PTB and maternal characteristics have been previously described. This work used multiomic profiling and multivariate modeling to investigate the biological signatures of these characteristics. Maternal covariates were collected during pregnancy from 13,841 pregnant women across five sites. Plasma samples from 231 participants were analyzed to generate proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic datasets. Machine learning models showed robust performance for the prediction of PTB (AUROC = 0.70), time-to-delivery (r = 0.65), maternal age (r = 0.59), gravidity (r = 0.56), and BMI (r = 0.81). Time-to-delivery biological correlates included fetal-associated proteins (e.g., ALPP, AFP, and PGF) and immune proteins (e.g., PD-L1, CCL28, and LIFR). Maternal age negatively correlated with collagen COL9A1, gravidity with endothelial NOS and inflammatory chemokine CXCL13, and BMI with leptin and structural protein FABP4. These results provide an integrated view of epidemiological factors associated with PTB and identify biological signatures of clinical covariates affecting this disease.
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Wenani D, Burgoine K, Williams SLA, Musaba M, Gebremichael T, Clarke A, Blanks KJ, Nantale R, Nawanga J, Kiguli S, English M, Waiswa P, Darmstadt GL, Matovu JK, Mukunya D. Perceptions, beliefs, and current practices regarding neonatal skin care and emollient use in eastern Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:223. [PMID: 37147698 PMCID: PMC10163695 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The skin is a major route of infection in the neonatal period, especially in low birthweight (LBW) infants. Appropriate and safe neonatal skin care practices are required to reduce this risk. The perceptions and beliefs of mothers and other caregivers towards various neonatal skin care practices in our setting have been documented. Data from Asia suggests that the application of emollient to the skin of LBW infants can promote growth, reduce serious neonatal infections, and potentially reduce mortality. This is the first study to explore the acceptability of emollients and massage as part of neonatal skin care in a low-resource setting in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that is representative of the majority of government health facilities in Uganda and many in SSA. OBJECTIVE To explore perceptions, beliefs, and current practices regarding neonatal skin care and emollient use in eastern Uganda. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study consisting of three focus group discussions (30 participants), eight in-depth interviews with mothers/caregivers of preterm and term neonates and 12 key informant interviews with midwives, doctors and community health workers involved in neonatal care, to explore the perceptions and practices surrounding neonatal skin care and emollient use. Data collected were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Mothers perceived that skin care began in utero. Skincare practices depended on the place of delivery; for deliveries in a health facility the skincare practices were mainly based on the health worker's advice. Vernix caseosa was often washed off due to its perceived undesirability and was attributed to sexual intercourse in the last trimester. Despite their deleterious attributes found in previous studies, petrolatum-based oils, petrolatum-based jellies and talcum baby powders were the most commonly reported items used in neonatal skin care. In our population, there was high acceptability of emollient therapy use; however, neonatal massage was treated with scepticism as mothers feared damaging the vulnerable neonate. Mothers suggested massage and emollient application be undertaken by health workers, if it becomes an intervention. CONCLUSIONS In eastern Uganda, the perceptions and beliefs of mothers/caregivers toward neonatal skincare influenced their practices of which some could potentially be beneficial, and others harmful. Emollient use would be easily accepted if adequate sensitisation is conducted and using the gatekeepers such as health workers.
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Weber AM, Darmstadt GL. Nurturing the nurturing care environment. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:298-299. [PMID: 37011651 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Darmstadt GL, Mader S, Edmond K. The needs of children born preterm are too often overlooked - Authors' reply. Lancet 2023; 401:1156-1157. [PMID: 37030886 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00243-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
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Rahman M, Jahan F, Billah SM, Yeasmin F, Rahman MJ, Jahir T, Parvez SM, Das JB, Amin R, Hossain K, Grant H, Hasan R, Darmstadt GL, Hoque MM, Shahidullah M, Islam MS, Ashrafee S, Foote EM. Feasibility and acceptability of home-based neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening by community health workers using transcutaneous bilimeters in Bangladesh. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:155. [PMID: 37009866 PMCID: PMC10068237 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-03969-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia risk assessment is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce related morbidity. In Bangladesh and in many low- and middle-income countries, there is no screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Furthermore, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may not be recognized as a medically significant condition by caregivers and community members. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker (CHW)-led, home-based, non-invasive neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening using a transcutaneous bilimeter in Shakhipur, a rural subdistrict in Bangladesh. METHODS We employed a two-step process. In the formative phase, we conducted eight focus group discussions with parents and grandparents of infants and eight key informant interviews with public and private healthcare providers and managers to explore their current knowledge, perceptions, practices, and challenges regarding identification and management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Next, we piloted a prenatal sensitization intervention and home-based screening by CHWs using transcutaneous bilimeters and evaluated the acceptability and operational feasibility of this approach through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with parents, grandparents and CHWs. RESULTS Formative findings identified misconceptions regarding neonatal hyperbilirubinemia causes and health risks among caregivers in rural Bangladesh. CHWs were comfortable with adoption, maintenance and use of the device in routine home visits. Transcutaneous bilimeter-based screening was also widely accepted by caregivers and family members due to its noninvasive technique and immediate display of findings at home. Prenatal sensitization of caregivers and family members helped to create a supportive environment in the family and empowered mothers as primary caregivers. CONCLUSION Adopting household neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening in the postnatal period by CHWs using a transcutaneous bilimeter is an acceptable approach by both CHWs and families and may increase rates of screening to prevent morbidity and mortality.
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Munive A, Donville J, Darmstadt GL. Public leadership for gender equality: A framework and capacity development approach for gender transformative policy change. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 56:101798. [PMID: 36593791 PMCID: PMC9803695 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Public leadership is essential in social change, and pivotal in transforming social and institutional norms related to gender inequality, going well beyond equal representation. It must embrace the potential for all public health leaders, of all genders, to become agents of change who challenge gender injustices and institutionalise gender transformative policies and programmes in public health. To support officials, initially in Ethiopia, and catalyse transformative change, we created a new framework and capacity development approach - Public Leadership for Gender Equality (PL4GE) - which can be customised to respond to each country's context. Drawing from three areas of leadership thought - public, transformative, and feminist leadership - PL4GE takes a public values approach in positioning gender equality as a human right, a common good, and a means to improve health outcomes. PL4GE promotes six key leadership practices - defining purpose and articulating vision, co-creating public value, empowering people, fostering strategic partnerships, navigating power, and embodying personal commitment - and guides public leaders through a capacity development journey of change, facilitating them to identify and activate opportunities for gender transformative change in their work and in turn, more broadly within the public whom they serve. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation INV-002664 to Stanford University.
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Dill SE, Guo Y, Westgard CM, Medina A, Weber AM, Darmstadt GL, Zhou H, Rozelle S, Sylvia S. Effect of the mHealth-supported Healthy Future programme delivered by community health workers on maternal and child health in rural China: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065403. [PMID: 36669837 PMCID: PMC9872510 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Millions of young rural children in China still suffer from poor health and malnutrition, partly due to a lack of knowledge about optimal perinatal and child care among rural mothers and caregivers. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to improve maternal mental health in rural communities. Comprehensive home visiting programmes delivered by community health workers (CHWs) can bridge the caregiver knowledge gap and improve child health and maternal well-being in low-resource settings, but the effectiveness of this approach is unknown in rural China. Additionally, grandmothers play important roles in child care and family decision-making in rural China, suggesting the importance of engaging multiple caregivers in interventions. The Healthy Future programme seeks to improve child health and maternal well-being by developing a staged-based curriculum that CHWs deliver to mothers and caregivers of young children through home visits with the assistance of a tablet-based mHealth system. This protocol describes the design and evaluation plan for this programme. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We designed a cluster-randomised controlled trial among 119 rural townships in four nationally designated poverty counties in Southwestern China. We will compare the outcomes between three arms: one standard arm with only primary caregivers participating in the intervention, one encouragement arm engaging primary and secondary caregivers and one control arm with no intervention. Families with pregnant women or infants under 6 months of age are invited to enrol in the 12-month study. Primary outcomes include children's haemoglobin levels, exclusive breastfeeding rates and dietary diversity in complementary feeding. Secondary outcomes include a combination of health, behavioural and intermediate outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been provided by Stanford University, Sichuan University and the University of Nevada, Reno. Trial findings will be disseminated through national and international peer-reviewed publications and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN16800789.
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Sampath V, Nadeau KC, Ebi KL, Narvaez D, Tessema MT, Pak-Gorstein S, Darmstadt GL. Improving planetary health is integral to improving children's health-a call to action. Pediatr Res 2022:10.1038/s41390-022-02432-x. [PMID: 36564478 PMCID: PMC10287836 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPACT This article summarizes the adverse effects of climate and environmental change on children's health. We call for policy change, education, and advocacy to halt further deterioration of planetary health and for specific measures to prevent the negative effects of climate and environmental change on children's health. We offer an agenda for research, policy change, and healthcare practices to improve the resilience of pediatric populations in the face of climate change.
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Marić I, Contrepois K, Moufarrej MN, Stelzer IA, Feyaerts D, Han X, Tang A, Stanley N, Wong RJ, Traber GM, Ellenberger M, Chang AL, Fallahzadeh R, Nassar H, Becker M, Xenochristou M, Espinosa C, De Francesco D, Ghaemi MS, Costello EK, Culos A, Ling XB, Sylvester KG, Darmstadt GL, Winn VD, Shaw GM, Relman DA, Quake SR, Angst MS, Snyder MP, Stevenson DK, Gaudilliere B, Aghaeepour N. Early prediction and longitudinal modeling of preeclampsia from multiomics. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 3:100655. [PMID: 36569558 PMCID: PMC9768681 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complex disease of pregnancy whose physiopathology remains unclear. We developed machine-learning models for early prediction of preeclampsia (first 16 weeks of pregnancy) and over gestation by analyzing six omics datasets from a longitudinal cohort of pregnant women. For early pregnancy, a prediction model using nine urine metabolites had the highest accuracy and was validated on an independent cohort (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.76, 0.99] cross-validated; AUC = 0.83, 95% CI [0.62,1] validated). Univariate analysis demonstrated statistical significance of identified metabolites. An integrated multiomics model further improved accuracy (AUC = 0.94). Several biological pathways were identified including tryptophan, caffeine, and arachidonic acid metabolisms. Integration with immune cytometry data suggested novel associations between immune and proteomic dynamics. While further validation in a larger population is necessary, these encouraging results can serve as a basis for a simple, early diagnostic test for preeclampsia.
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Darmstadt GL, Al Jaifi NH, Ariff S, Bahl R, Blennow M, Cavallera V, Chou D, Chou R, Comrie-Thomson L, Edmond KM, Feng Q, Grummer-Strawn L, Riera PF, Gupta S, Hassan RU, Hill Z, Idowu AA, Kenner C, Kirabira VN, Klinkott R, De Leon-Mendoza S, Mader S, Manji K, Marriott R, Morgues M, Nangia S, Portela A, Rao S, Shahidullah M, Tran HT, Weeks AD, Worku B, Yunis K, Paul VK. New WHO recommendations for the care of preterm or low birthweight infants have the potential to transform maternal and newborn health-care delivery. Lancet 2022; 400:1828-1831. [PMID: 36400093 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02186-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abdalla S, Pair E, Mehta K, Ward V, Mahapatra T, Darmstadt GL. Improving the precision of maternal, newborn, and child health impact through geospatial analysis of the association of contextual and programmatic factors with health trends in Bihar, India. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04064. [PMID: 36412069 PMCID: PMC9679706 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a scarcity of research that comprehensively examines programme impact from a context-specific perspective. We aimed to determine the conditions under which the Bihar Technical Support Programme led to more favourable outcomes for maternal and child health in Bihar. Methods We obtained block-level data on maternal and child health indicators during the state-wide scale-up of the pilot Ananya programme and data on health facility readiness, along with geographical and sociodemographic variables. We examined the associations of these factors with increases in the levels of indicators using multilevel logistic regression, and the associations with rates of change in the indicators using Bayesian Hierarchical modelling. Results Frontline worker (FLW) visits between 2014-2017 were more likely to increase in blocks with better night lighting (odds ratio (OR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.51). Birth preparedness increased in blocks with increasing FLW visits (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.15-10.21), while dry cord care practice increased in blocks where satisfaction with FLW visits was increasing (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.10-2.11). Age-appropriate frequency of complementary feeding increased in blocks with higher development index (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.16-2.06) and a higher percentage of scheduled caste or tribe (OR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.13-9.09). An increase in most outcomes was more likely in areas with lower baseline levels. Conclusions Contextual factors (eg, night lighting and development) not targeted by the programme and FLW visits were associated with favourable programme outcomes. Intervention design, including intervention selection for a particular geography, should be modified to fit the local context in the short term. Expanding collaborations beyond the health sector to influence modifiable contextual factors in the long term can result in a higher magnitude and more sustainable impact. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02726230.
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Vogel JP, Ramson J, Darmstadt GL, Qureshi ZP, Chou D, Bahl R, Oladapo OT. Updated WHO recommendations on antenatal corticosteroids and tocolytic therapy for improving preterm birth outcomes. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1707-e1708. [PMID: 36400080 PMCID: PMC9681658 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Stepanikova I, Acharya S, Colón-López A, Abdalla S, Klanova J, Darmstadt GL. Maternal gender discrimination and child emotional and behavioural problems: A population-based, longitudinal cohort study in the Czech Republic. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 53:101627. [PMID: 36060515 PMCID: PMC9433606 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender discrimination may be a novel mechanism through which gender inequality negatively affects the health of women and girls. We investigated whether children's mental health varied with maternal exposure to perceived gender discrimination. METHODS Complete longitudinal data was available on 2,567 mother-child dyads who were enrolled between March 1, 1991 and June 30, 1992 in the European Longitudinal Cohort Study of Pregnancy and Childhood-Czech cohort and were surveyed at multiple time points between pregnancy and child age up to 15 years. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered at child age 7, 11, and 15 years to assess child emotional/behavioural difficulties. Perceived gender discrimination was self-reported in mid-pregnancy and child age 7 and 11 years. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression of SDQ scores were estimated. Mediation was tested using structural equation models. FINDINGS Perceived gender discrimination, reported by 11.2% of mothers in mid-pregnancy, was related to increased emotional/behavioural difficulties among children in bivariate analysis (slope = 0.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15, 0.32], p<0.0001) and in the fully adjusted model (slope = 0.18 [95% CI: 0.09, 0.27], p<0.0001). Increased difficulties were evident among children of mothers with more depressive symptoms (slope = 0.04 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.05], p<0.0001), boys (slope = 0.26 [95% CI: 0.19, 0.34], p<0.0001), first children (slope = 0.16 [95% CI: 0.09, 0.23], p<0.0001), and families under financial hardship (slope = 0.09 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.14], p<0.0001). Effects were attenuated for married mothers (slope-0.12 [95% CI: -0.22, -0.01], p<0.05]. Maternal depressive symptoms and financial hardship mediated about 37% and 13%, respectively, of the total effect of perceived gender discrimination on SDQ scores. INTERPRETATION Perceived gender discrimination among child-bearing women in family contexts was associated with more mental health problems among their children and adolescents, extending prior research showing associations with maternal mental health problems. Maternal depressive symptoms and, to a lesser extent, financial hardship both partially mediated the positive relationship between perceived gender discrimination and child emotional/behavioural problems. This should be taken into consideration when measuring the societal burden of gender inequality and gender-based discrimination. Moreover, gender-based discrimination affects more than one gender and more than one generation, extending to boys in the household even moreso than girls, highlighting that gender discrimination is everyone's issue. Further research is required on the intergenerational mechanisms whereby gender discrimination may lead to maternal and child mental health consequences. FUNDING Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Czech Republic and European Structural and Investment Funds.
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Connor NE, Islam MS, Mullany LC, Shang N, Bhutta ZA, Zaidi AKM, Soofi S, Nisar I, Panigrahi P, Panigrahi K, Satpathy R, Bose A, Isaac R, Baqui AH, Mitra DK, Sadeq-ur Rahman Q, Hossain T, Schrag SJ, Winchell JM, Arvay ML, Diaz MH, Waller JL, Weber MW, Hamer DH, Hibberd P, Nawshad Uddin Ahmed ASM, Islam M, Hossain MB, Qazi SA, El Arifeen S, Darmstadt GL, Saha SK. Risk factors for community-acquired bacterial infection among young infants in South Asia: a longitudinal cohort study with nested case-control analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009706. [PMID: 36319031 PMCID: PMC9628539 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Risk factors predisposing infants to community-acquired bacterial infections during the first 2 months of life are poorly understood in South Asia. Identifying risk factors for infection could lead to improved preventive measures and antibiotic stewardship. METHODS Five sites in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan enrolled mother-child pairs via population-based pregnancy surveillance by community health workers. Medical, sociodemographic and epidemiological risk factor data were collected. Young infants aged 0-59 days with signs of possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) and age-matched controls provided blood and respiratory specimens that were analysed by blood culture and real-time PCR. These tests were used to build a Bayesian partial latent class model (PLCM) capable of attributing the probable cause of each infant's infection in the ANISA study. The collected risk factors from all mother-child pairs were classified and analysed against the PLCM using bivariate and stepwise logistic multivariable regression modelling to determine risk factors of probable bacterial infection. RESULTS Among 63 114 infants born, 14 655 were assessed and 6022 had signs of pSBI; of these, 81% (4859) provided blood samples for culture, 71% (4216) provided blood samples for quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 86% (5209) provided respiratory qPCR samples. Risk factors associated with bacterial-attributed infections included: low (relative risk (RR) 1.73, 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.42 to 2.11) and very low birth weight (RR 5.77, 95% CrI 3.73 to 8.94), male sex (RR 1.27, 95% CrI 1.07 to 1.52), breathing problems at birth (RR 2.50, 95% CrI 1.96 to 3.18), premature rupture of membranes (PROMs) (RR 1.27, 95% CrI 1.03 to 1.58) and being in the lowest three socioeconomic status quintiles (first RR 1.52, 95% CrI 1.07 to 2.16; second RR 1.41, 95% CrI 1.00 to 1.97; third RR 1.42, 95% CrI 1.01 to 1.99). CONCLUSION Distinct risk factors: birth weight, male sex, breathing problems at birth and PROM were significantly associated with the development of bacterial sepsis across South Asian community settings, supporting refined clinical discernment and targeted use of antimicrobials.
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Newberry JA, Rao SJ, Matheson L, Anurudran AS, Acker P, Darmstadt GL, Mahadevan SV, Rao GVR, Strehlow M. Paediatric use of emergency medical services in India: A retrospective cohort study of one million children. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04080. [PMID: 36243953 PMCID: PMC9569422 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Millions of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience illness or trauma amenable to emergency medical interventions, but local resources are not sufficient to treat them. Emergency medical services (EMS), including ambulance transport, bridge the gap between local services and higher-level hospital care, and data collected by EMS could be used to elucidate patterns of paediatric health care need and use. Here we conducted a retrospective observational study of patterns of paediatric use of EMS services by children who used EMS in India, a leader in maternal and child EMS development, to inform public health needs and system interventions to improve EMS effectiveness. Methods We analysed three years (2013-2015) of data from patients <18 years of age from a large prehospital EMS system in India, including 1 101 970 prehospital care records across 11 states and a union territory. Results Overall, 38.3% of calls were for girls (n = 422 370), 40.5% were for adolescents (n = 445 753), 65.9% were from rural areas (n = 726 154), and most families were from a socially disadvantaged caste or lower economic status (n = 834 973, 75.8%). The most common chief complaints were fever (n = 247 594, 22.5%), trauma (n = 231 533, 21.0%), and respiratory difficulty (n = 161 120, 14.6%). However, transport patterns, including patient sex and age and type of destination hospital, varied by state, as did data collection. Conclusions EMS in India widely transports children with symptoms of the leading causes of child mortality and provides access to higher levels of care for geographically and socioeconomically vulnerable populations, including care for critically ill neonates, mental health and burn care for girls, and trauma care for adolescents. EMS in India is an important mechanism for overcoming transport and cost as barriers to access, and for reducing the urban-rural gap found across causes of child mortality. Further standardisation of data collection will provide the foundation for assessing disparities and identifying targets for quality improvement of paediatric care.
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Bearer CF, Molloy EJ, Tessema MT, Pak-Gorstein S, Montecillo-Narvaez D, Darmstadt GL, Sampath V, Mulkey S, Nadeau KC. Global climate change: the defining issue of our time for our children's health. Pediatr Res 2022:10.1038/s41390-022-02290-7. [PMID: 36075986 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Arvay ML, Shang N, Qazi SA, Darmstadt GL, Islam MS, Roth DE, Liu A, Connor NE, Hossain B, Sadeq-ur Rahman Q, El Arifeen S, Mullany LC, Zaidi AKM, Bhutta ZA, Soofi SB, Shafiq Y, Baqui AH, Mitra DK, Panigrahi P, Panigrahi K, Bose A, Isaac R, Westreich D, Meshnick SR, Saha SK, Schrag SJ. Infectious aetiologies of neonatal illness in south Asia classified using WHO definitions: a primary analysis of the ANISA study. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2022; 10:e1289-e1297. [PMID: 35961352 PMCID: PMC9380253 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, neonatal mortality accounts for almost half of all deaths in children younger than 5 years. Aetiological agents of neonatal infection are difficult to identify because the clinical signs are non-specific. Using data from the Aetiology of Neonatal Infections in south Asia (ANISA) cohort, we aimed to describe the spectrum of infectious aetiologies of acute neonatal illness categorised post-hoc using the 2015 WHO case definitions of critical illness, clinical severe infection, and fast breathing only. Methods Eligible infants were aged 0–59 days with possible serious bacterial infection and healthy infants enrolled in the ANISA study in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. We applied a partial latent class Bayesian model to estimate the prevalence of 27 pathogens detectable on PCR, pathogens detected by blood culture only, and illness not attributed to any infectious aetiology. Infants with at least one clinical specimen available were included in the analysis. We assessed the prevalence of these aetiologies according to WHO's case definitions of critically ill, clinical severe infection, and infants with late onset, isolated fast breathing. For the clinical severe definition, we compared the prevalence of signs by bacterial versus viral aetiology. Findings There were 934 infants (992 episodes) in the critically ill category, 3769 (4000 episodes) in the clinical severe infection category, and 738 (771 episodes) in the late-onset isolated fast breathing category. We estimated the proportion of illness attributable to bacterial infection was 32·7% in infants in the critically ill group, 15·6% in the clinical severe infection group, and 8·8% among infants with late-onset isolated fast breathing group. An infectious aetiology was not identified in 58–82% of infants in these categories. Among 4000 episodes of clinical severe infection, those with bacterial versus viral attribution had higher proportions of hypothermia, movement only when stimulated, convulsions, and poor feeding. Interpretation Our modelled results generally support the revised WHO case definitions, although a revision of the most severe case definition could be considered. Clinical criteria do not clearly differentiate between young infants with and without infectious aetiologies. Our results highlight the need for improved point-of-care diagnostics, and further study into neonatal deaths and episodes with no identified aetiology, to ensure antibiotic stewardship and targeted interventions. Funding The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Abdalla S, Katz EG, Hartley A, Darmstadt GL. Gender and the impact of COVID-19 on demand for and access to health care: Intersectional analysis of before-and-after data from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. J Glob Health 2022; 12:05024. [PMID: 35959957 PMCID: PMC9373834 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.05024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global health emergencies can impact men and women differently due to gender norms related to health care and social and economic disruptions. We investigated the intersectionality of gender differences of the impact of COVID-19 on health care access with educational and socio-economic factors in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Methods Data were collected by Opinion Research Business International using census data as the sampling frame. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the change in access to health care after the emergence of the pandemic among men and women, stratified by educational level. We also examined the change in demand for various health care services, stratified by self-reported experiences of financial difficulty due to the pandemic. Results Among those reporting a need to seek health care in South Africa, there was a statistically significant decline in the ability to see a health care provider during the pandemic among women, but not among men; this gender gap was more evident in those who did not have post-secondary education (odds ratio (OR) = 0.08, P = 0.041 among women; no change among men) than for those with post-secondary education (OR = 0.20, P = 0.142 among women; OR = 0.50, P = 0.571 among men). South African women financially affected by the pandemic had a significant decline in seeking preventive care during the pandemic (OR = 0.23, P = 0.022). No conclusive effects were noted in Nigeria or Kenya. Conclusions In South Africa, the pandemic and its strict control measures have adversely and disproportionately impacted disadvantaged women, which has implications for the nature of the long-term impact as well as mitigation and preparedness plans.
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Gupta R, Abdalla S, Meausoone V, Vicas N, Mejía-Guevara I, Weber AM, Cislaghi B, Darmstadt GL. Effect of imbalanced sampling and missing data on associations between gender norms and risk of adolescent HIV. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 50:101513. [PMID: 35784444 PMCID: PMC9241092 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite strides towards gender equality, inequalities persist or remain unstudied, due potentially to data gaps. Although mapped, the effects of key data gaps remain unknown. This study provides a framework to measure effects of gender- and age-imbalanced and missing covariate data on gender-health research. The framework is demonstrated using a previously studied pathway for effects of pre-marital sex norms among adults on adolescent HIV risk. METHODS After identifying gender-age-imbalanced Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets, we resampled responses and restricted covariate data from a relatively complete, balanced dataset derived from the 2007 Zambian DHS to replicate imbalanced gender-age sampling and covariate missingness. Differences in model outcomes due to sampling were measured using tests for interaction. Missing covariate effects were measured by comparing fully-adjusted and reduced model fitness. FINDINGS We simulated data from 25 DHS surveys across 20 countries from 2005-2014 on four sex-stratified models for pathways of adult attitude-behaviour discordance regarding pre-marital sex and adolescent risk of HIV. On average, across gender-age-imbalanced surveys, males comprised 29.6% of responses compared to 45.3% in the gender-balanced dataset. Gender-age-imbalanced sampling significantly affected regression coefficients in 40% of model-scenarios (N = 40 of 100) and biased relative-risk estimates away from gender-age-balanced sampling outcomes in 46% (N = 46) of model-scenarios. Model fitness was robust to covariate removal with minor effects on male HIV models. No consistent trends were observed between sampling distribution and risk of biased outcomes. INTERPRETATION Gender-health model outcomes may be affected by sampling gender-age-imbalanced data and less-so by missing covariates. Although occasionally attenuated, the effect magnitude of gender-age-imbalanced sampling is variable and may mask true associations, thus misinforming policy dialogue. We recommend future surveys improve balanced gender-age sampling to promote research reliability. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant OPP1140262 to Stanford University.
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Pu CJ, Patel P, Hornsby G, Darmstadt GL, Davis J. Necessary conditions for sustainable water and sanitation service delivery in schools: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270847. [PMID: 35857721 PMCID: PMC9299385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services confers significant health and economic benefits, especially for children, but only if those services can be delivered on a consistent basis. The challenge of sustainable, school-based WASH service delivery has been widely documented, particularly in resource-constrained contexts. We conducted a systematic review of published research that identifies drivers of, or tests solutions to, this challenge within low- and middle-income countries (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020199163). Authors in the first group employ cross-sectional research designs and interrogate previously implemented school WASH interventions. Most conclude that dysfunctional accountability and information sharing mechanisms drive school WASH service delivery failures. By contrast, most of the interventions developed and tested experimentally by authors in the second group focus on increasing the financial and material resources available to schools for WASH service delivery. Overall, these authors find negligible impact of such infusions of cash, infrastructure, and supplies across a variety of sustainability outcome metrics. Taken together, the evidence suggests that sustainable service delivery depends on three simultaneously necessary components: resources, information, and accountability. Drawing upon theory and evidence from social psychology, public management, and political science, we identify priority knowledge gaps that can meaningfully improve the design of effective interventions. We also highlight the importance of both interdisciplinary collaboration and local expertise in designing WASH programming that aligns with sociocultural and institutional norms, and is thus more likely to generate sustainable impact.
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Bota B, Ward V, Lamoureux M, Santander E, Ducharme R, Hawken S, Potter BK, Atito R, Nyamanda B, Munga S, Otieno N, Chakraborty S, Saha S, Stringer JS, Mwape H, Price JT, Mujuru HA, Chimhini G, Magwali T, Chakraborty P, Darmstadt GL, Wilson K. Unlocking the global health potential of dried blood spot cards. J Glob Health 2022; 12:03027. [PMID: 35841606 PMCID: PMC9288235 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.03027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Duke T, AlBuhairan FS, Agarwal K, Arora NK, Arulkumaran S, Bhutta ZA, Binka F, Castro A, Claeson M, Dao B, Darmstadt GL, English M, Jardali F, Merson M, Ferrand RA, Golden A, Golden MH, Homer C, Jehan F, Kabiru CW, Kirkwood B, Lawn JE, Li S, Patton GC, Ruel M, Sandall J, Sachdev HS, Tomlinson M, Waiswa P, Walker D, Zlotkin S. World Health Organization and knowledge translation in maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:644-649. [PMID: 34969670 PMCID: PMC7613575 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) has a mandate to promote maternal and child health and welfare through support to governments in the form of technical assistance, standards, epidemiological and statistical services, promoting teaching and training of healthcare professionals and providing direct aid in emergencies. The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Experts (STAGE) for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (MNCAHN) was established in 2020 to advise the Director-General of WHO on issues relating to MNCAHN. STAGE comprises individuals from multiple low-income and middle-income and high-income countries, has representatives from many professional disciplines and with diverse experience and interests.Progress in MNCAHN requires improvements in quality of services, equity of access and the evolution of services as technical guidance, community needs and epidemiology changes. Knowledge translation of WHO guidance and other guidelines is an important part of this. Countries need effective and responsive structures for adaptation and implementation of evidence-based interventions, strategies to improve guideline uptake, education and training and mechanisms to monitor quality and safety. This paper summarises STAGE's recommendations on how to improve knowledge translation in MNCAHN. They include support for national and regional technical advisory groups and subnational committees that coordinate maternal and child health; support for national plans for MNCAHN and their implementation and monitoring; the production of a small number of consolidated MNCAHN guidelines to promote integrated and holistic care; education and quality improvement strategies to support guidelines uptake; monitoring of gaps in knowledge translation and operational research in MNCAHN.
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Stylianou A, Blanks KJH, Gibson RA, Kendall LK, English M, Williams S, Mehta R, Clarke A, Kanyuuru L, Aluvaala J, Darmstadt GL. Quantitative decision making for investment in global health intervention trials: Case study of the NEWBORN study on emollient therapy in preterm infants in Kenya. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04045. [PMID: 35972445 PMCID: PMC9185187 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Partners from an NGO, academia, industry and government applied a tool originating in the private sector – Quantitative Decision Making (QDM) – to rigorously assess whether to invest in testing a global health intervention. The proposed NEWBORN study was designed to assess whether topical emollient therapy with sunflower seed oil in infants with very low birthweight <1500 g in Kenya would result in a significant reduction in neonatal mortality compared to standard of care. Methods The QDM process consisted of prior elicitation, modelling of prior distributions, and simulations to assess Probability of Success (PoS) via assurance calculations. Expert opinion was elicited on the probability that emollient therapy with sunflower seed oil will have any measurable benefit on neonatal mortality based on available evidence. The distribution of effect sizes was modelled and trial data simulated using Statistical Analysis System to obtain the overall assurance which represents the PoS for the planned study. A decision-making framework was then applied to characterise the ability of the study to meet pre-selected decision-making endpoints. Results There was a 47% chance of a positive outcome (defined as a significant relative reduction in mortality of ≥15%), a 45% chance of a negative outcome (defined as a significant relative reduction in mortality <10%), and an 8% chance of ending in the consider zone (ie, a mortality reduction of 10 to <15%) for infants <1500 g. Conclusions QDM is a novel tool from industry which has utility for prioritisation of investments in global health, complementing existing tools [eg, Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative]. Results from application of QDM to the NEWBORN study suggests that it has a high probability of producing clear results. Findings encourage future formation of public-private partnerships for health.
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Cislaghi B, Bhatia A, Hallgren EST, Horanieh N, Weber AM, Darmstadt GL. Gender Norms and Gender Equality in Full-Time Employment and Health: A 97-Country Analysis of the World Values Survey. Front Psychol 2022; 13:689815. [PMID: 35769749 PMCID: PMC9234689 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.689815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAlmost nowhere in the world do women participate as much as men in the labor force. Despite differences in countries’ economic, social and cultural contexts, gender norms—unwritten rules of acceptable actions for men and women—have been found to affect women’s labor participation across contexts. Gender norms include those regulating who takes care of children, who is expected to earn more, and in which sectors men and women should work. Importantly, norms affect access to labor markets at times of scarcity: when there’s only work for one, gender norms can dictate whether a woman or man gets the job. Advocates of equal labor force participation point to evidence that employment can contribute to people’s health and well-being; yet the evidence is mixed and contradictory, and mostly comes from high-income countries. In restrictive normative contexts in which women are assigned the role of family caretaker, full time employment (FTE) might be particularly burdensome. At the same time, the literature lacks a cross-country analysis of how gender norms affect women’s FTE and their health when employed full time, despite qualitative research providing clear evidence of the influence of gender norms on labor participation.AimsIn this paper we examine: (1) how gender norms affect women’s access to FTE across 97 countries; (2) associations between FTE and women’s self-reported health self-rated (SRH) across different normative contexts (i.e., countries where it is common vs. uncommon for women to stay home); and (3) how women’s FTE and gender norms changed over time in four countries.DataWe used time-series data from the World Values Survey and European Values Survey conducted in over 100 countries between 1981 and 2014. Both surveys attempt to capture norms, beliefs and values in addition to sociodemographic information among a nationally representative adult population in each country. The sample for the cross-sectional analyses (aims 1 and 2) included 97 countries and 131,132 respondents. The sample for aim 3 included data from Argentina, Egypt, Finland and Japan.VariablesOur outcome of interest was pro-equality norms in the context of access to the labor market for women. Respondents were asked “if jobs are scarce, men should have more right to a job than women do?”. Response options included no, neither or yes. We created a binary variable to represent pro-equality norms. We included employment status and SRH as exposures of interest.AnalysisWe used individual-level data to generate on-average and sex-stratified estimates of the outcome and exposures for each country, at each time point. We estimated the percentage of all respondents, of women, and of men who held pro-equality norms (believe that men should not have more right to a job than women), the percentage who were employed full time, and the average level of SRH. To measure gender inequality in FTE, we also estimated the absolute difference in FTE between women and men for each country at each time point. First, we conducted descriptive, cross-sectional ecological analyses using one survey per country from wave 5 or 6 (whichever was most recent) to examine associations between pro-equality norms and employment status as a proxy for associations between norms and the context of employment in each country. We also examined associations between pro-equality norms and SRH. We then specified adjusted logistic regression models with controls for age, sex and education to examine associations between pro-equality norms and employment status. To examine if the relationship between FTE and SRH varied by normative context, we grouped countries in quartiles of pro-equality norms. Finally, we conducted descriptive ecological analyses of the relationship between pro-equality norms and employment status over time in four countries.ResultsObjective 1: Gender norms intersect with socio-cultural contexts in determining women’s FTE. While in some countries gender norms aligned positively with women’s access to employment (i.e., more equal norms matched more equality in FTE), in Eastern Europe and South America we observed a mismatch. In Eastern Europe we found strong norms against equal access but small sex differences in FTE. In South America, we observed a stark difference in FTE favoring men, despite positive gender norms promoting women’s paid employment. Objective 2: We found the association between SRH and FTE to vary across normative contexts. For instance, while in Scandinavian countries it was protective to be a woman in FTE and harmful not to work full-time, we found the opposite effect in Middle Eastern countries. Objective 3: We found a general tendency to move toward greater equality in norms and FTE over time everywhere in the world. However, political and economic events can generate variations over time and setbacks in progress toward equality.We specifically looked at 4 countries: Argentina, Egypt, Finland and Japan and assessed the effects of economic, political and national legislative changes on FTE over time.ImplicationsThis paper contributes to the conversation on tensions between universal justice and contextual factors affecting one’s health. To achieve purposeful and global universal health and justice, policy makers and global health practitioners must design effective, context-relevant interventions that are deeply and transparently informed by the values they embody. As we strive to achieve global gender equality, its meanings and purposes will vary across contexts in ways that demand people-led conversations and interventions.
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