Health Extension Postnatal Care Services Utilization and Associated Factors Among Mothers in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia: a Community-Based Mixed-Method Study

Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2642-9756/112

Health Extension Postnatal Care Services Utilization and Associated Factors Among Mothers in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia: a Community-Based Mixed-Method Study

  • Damene Dawit Hadaro 1
  • Temesgen Tantu 2*
  • Muluken Gunta 1
  • Dereje zewudu 3
  • Haile Bekele 1
  • Sitotawu Kolato 4
  • Mekete wondesen 5
  • Maira Cardillo 6

1 Wolaita zone health department, wolaita sodo, Ethiopia.
2 Assistance professor of obstetrics and gynecology in Wolkite University College of medicine and health sciences, Wolkite Ethiopia.
3 Anesthesia in Wolkite University College of medicine and health sciences, Wolkite Ethiopia.
4 Armauer Hansen ResearchInstitutee (AHRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
5 Assistance professor of surgery in Wolkite University College of medicine and health sciences.   
6 Junior Project Manager, Active Citizenship Network, c/o Cittadinanzattiva APS, Via Cereate, 6 - 00183 Rome, Italy.

*Corresponding Author: Temesgen Tantu Arusi, Assistance professor of obstetrics and gynecology in Wolkite University College of medicine and health sciences, Wolkite Ethiopia.

Citation: Damene D. Hadaro., Temesgen Tantu, Muluken Gunta, Dereje Zewudu, et al (2022). Health Extension Postnatal Care Services Utilization and Associated Factors Among Mothers in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia: a Community-Based Mixed-Method Study . J. Women Health Care and Issues. 5(3); DOI:10.31579/2642-9756/112

Copyright: © 2022 Temesgen Tantu Arusi, This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: 05 March 2022 | Accepted: 16 March 2022 | Published: 28 March 2022

Keywords: caregivers; non-communicable diseases (ncds); chronic patients; european union; patients’ rights; civic participation; patients’ advocacy groups (pags)

Abstract

Background: Postnatal care is care provisions being delivered during postnatal period. Lack of care in this period may result in death or disability as well as missed opportunities to promote healthy behaviors affecting women, newborns, and children. We need to understand the level and factors affecting health extension postnatal care services utilization.                                                                                                         

Objective: To determine the prevalence of health extension postnatal care services utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last year in Kindo Didaye district, Southern Ethiopia, 2017.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted from March 1-30, 2017 to get the final sample size of 645 mothers. Descriptive statistics were used to describe study participants. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors among the explanatory variables at P < 0.05.                                                                                                                         

Results:  The prevalence of utilization of Post-natal care services is 32.8%. Having husbands attended secondary and above education, having at least one Antenatal care attendance, last delivery in the health institution, planning to utilize services, visitation, and notification of delivery by Health extension workers were factors to utilize services. The majority of Focus group discussion participants said that Health extension workers were not visiting at their homes and hence mothers might not be encouraged to attend health extension Post-natal care services.                             Conclusion: The prevalence of mothers who utilized health extension Post-natal care services in the district was very low. Thus, focusing on the identified factors could improve and sustain Post-natal care services from rural Health extension workers.

Introduction

Postnatal care (PNC) refers to care provision given to a mother and the baby for a period of six weeks from the time of delivery. PNC is primarily comprised of physical examination, immunization, health education, and family planning services. The federal government of Ethiopia developed a health extension program which is meant to improve access and equity to preventive essential health intervention provided at kebele and HH level through a cadre of health extension workers (HEWs) who will provide basic curative and preventive health services in every rural community. [1-3]          Worldwide, only 30% of the mothers are following PNC services. Analysis of demographic and health survey data from 23 Sub-Saharan African countries found that only 13% of women who delivered at home received PNC within 2 days of birth. Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016 report indicated that 17% and 16.9% of mothers received PNC within 2 days after birth nationally and in Southern Nation respectively. [4-6, 17]              Researches indicate that PNC services utilization is affected by several factors including maternal age, educational level of the women and their husband, occupational status of women and their husband, antenatal care attendance, place of delivery, mode of delivery and parity [5, 7-15] [18,19,20]. It has been estimated that if routine PNC and curative care in the postnatal period reached 90% of babies and their mothers, 10 to 27 percent of newborn deaths in Africa could be averted. In 2015, there were 2.7 million neonatal deaths globally. For too many babies, their day of birth is also their day of death. The maternal mortality rate is 19 times higher in developing countries than in developed, and children in developing countries are 8 times more likely to die before they reach five years. [4, 16].                                                                                                                                   

Even though PNC services utilization plays a critical role in reducing maternal newborn mortality, little is known about the prevalence of utilization from HEWs and its determinants. Hence, if we are interested in ensuring that PNC services are used by the mothers, we need to understand the prevalence and factors affecting PNC services utilization that is critical for countries like Ethiopia with alarmingly high maternal and child mortality so that the programmatic interventions can be concentrated to increase the utilization rates.

Methods 

Study setting and population 

A community-based mixed method was employed among mothers who gave birth in the last year. Kindo Didaye district is located in Wolaita zone, SNNPR state, Ethiopia. The district is divided into 19 rural kebeles and 3 towns and has a projected total population of 123,348 according to the 2007 Ethiopian population and housing survey. The study was conducted from March 1-30, 2017

Sample Size Determination 

Single population proportion formula was used to determine the required sample with the prevalence of PNC utilization from the study conducted in Nepal (57%) [8] and with the assumption of 95 % CI, the margin of error = 5 % resulted in the calculated sample size was 645 mothers. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. First, 8 rural ‘kebeles’ (lowest administrative unit) were selected randomly by lottery method, and the sample size was distributed proportionally to the size of mothers in these kebeles. To prepare the sampling frame, a census was conducted by HEWs of the selected kebeles to identify mothers who gave birth in the last year preceding the study.  Finally, study participants in each kebele were selected by simple random sampling using computer-generated random numbers from the sampling frame (Figure 1). 

Figure 1: Schematic presentation of sampling procedure for to select participant mothers in quantitative method in rural kebeles of Kindo Didaye district, southern Ethiopia, 2017

Participants for FGDs were selected purposively by the principal investigator (PI) using the homogenous method to get rich information on this topic and HEWs led to getting participant mothers.   

 Data Collection Procedures 

For the quantitative part, data were collected by trained data collectors through face-to-face interview techniques using pretested structured questionnaires adopted from reviewing different related literature. The tools consisted of Socio-demographic, economic, cultural, health institution related, reproductive and obstetrics characteristics.  The questionnaire was developed in English and then translated into wolayttatto doonaa (local language), and finally, it was retranslated back to English by another language expert to check the consistency. In addition, it was pretested and revised on 5% of the sample in a similar population in one of the kebeles of Ofa district before actual data collection and modified accordingly. or qualitative data, four focus group discussions (FGDs):  two FGDs with 18 mothers with similar backgrounds in two conveniently selected kebeles, one FGD with 7 HEWs, and one FGD with 7 heads of the health center and experts of district health office. An interview guide was developed in English and translated to wolayttatto doonaa and then it was checked for validity. All interviews in FGDs were audio-recorded.

Data processing and analyses

Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 software and transferred to SPSS version 21.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, tables, graphs, means, and frequency distribution were used to present the information. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors among the explanatory variables with P-value < 0>

5.1 Socio-demographic and Economic Characteristics of the Respondents                                     

5.1.1 Socio-demographic and Economic Characteristics of the Respondents for Quantitative Method

Among 645 mothers planned to be interviewed, 640 mothers were interviewed with a response rate of 99.2%. The mean age of the respondents was 28.15 with a standard deviation of 4.27 years and 477 (74.5%) of the respondents were in the age range of 25-34 years.

Table 1: Socio - demographic and economic characteristics of mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=640).

5.1.2 Socio-demographic and Economic Characteristics of the Respondents for Qualitative Method.

A total of 32 participants were involved in 4 FGDs. The majority (56.25%) of participants were in the age group of 25-34 years. (Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 2: Socio - demographic and economic characteristics of participants of FGDs in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=32).

5.2 Health Institution Related characteristics

Two hundred twenty-five 225(35.2%), 280(43.8%) and 224(35%) of mothers participated in the plan planning HEP, implementation of HEP and construction of HP and/HEWs residence, respectively. (Table ).

Table 3: Health institution related characteristics of mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=640).

5.3 Knowledge and Attitudes Related Characteristics of the Respondents

Four hundred seventeen (65.2%) of mothers had ever heard of PNC services from nearby health posts after delivery. Three hundred seventy-three (58.3%) and 282(44.1%) of the respondents had high knowledge and positive attitude towards health extension PNC service, respectively (Error! Reference source not found.). 

Table 4: Knowledge and attitude of mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=640).

This finding was also supported by the FGD result: “… I gave birth to 5 children still I have not utilized health extension PNC service because I am not aware to start to follow up immediately after delivery…” (35 years old mother). Only 34 (5.3%) of respondents replied that their culture has prevented them from attending health extension PNC services. Generally, it is less common to see cultural practices in recent times. “… It was our tradition and belief that postpartum mothers to hold metal or fire to go out of home otherwise she will be exposed to inflammation (“Mich”) but at this time it is seldom to see these practices…” (36 years old mother who delivered 6 times). Also, another discussant said that “…it is considered as a shame for postnatal mothers to go outside before entering church and market (“soofiyaa giyaa”) but that is also clearing out…” (26 years old HEW.)

5.4 Reproductive and Obstetric characteristics of the respondents                                                         

Four hundred two (62.8%) of the mother’s experience of pregnancy (gravidity) were between two to four.  Regarding the birth order of the study participants, the majority of the mothers (74.1%) gave birth to three or more babies (multipara).  (Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 5: Reproductive and obstetric characteristics of mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=640).

5.5 Health Extension Postnatal Care Services Utilization               

Of the total respondents, only 210 (32.8%) utilized health extension PNC services after delivery within 6 weeks of their last birth but other 21 mothers utilized PNC services from health center/hospital. Immunization service was the most common reported service that mothers received during the postnatal period (Error! Reference source not found.). 

Figure 2: Type of health extension PNC services received by mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=210)

The qualitative finding also showed that: "… HEW visited my home at 6th day post-partum, gave polio vaccination to my baby ……."(32 years old mother).
5.5.1 Reasons for utilizing health extension PNC services utilization

Among health extensionPNC services users, the majority (194) mothers used it to have their baby immunized whereas very few (25) mothers used it for they had faced health problems. (Error! Reference source not found.).

Figure 3: Reasons for utilizing health extension PNC services by mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye District, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=210).

The participants in FGDs also stated that “…HEWs visit us and provide vaccination to the baby that prevents him/her from potential health problems….” (25 years old mother).

5.5.2 Reasons for not utilizing health extension PNC services

HEWs were not visiting my home 247 (57.4%) and being free from any health problem 185 (43%) were considered as the reason for not utilizing (Error! Reference source not found.).

Figure 4: Reasons for not utilizing health extension PNC services among mothers who gave birth in the last one year in Kindo Didaye district, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017 (n=430).

FGD participants also mentioned it as follows: “after giving birth at the health center, I was told that the HEW will visit me……I have been waiting for her home visit but she… (name of HEW) had not visited during this time…” (26 years old mother who gave birth to 2 children). Another discussant said that “our home is far from HP; the road is not accessible and thus difficult for us to come back carrying baby …” (30 years old mother).

5.6 Factors associated with health extension PNC services utilization

Bivariate analysis of the data revealed that educational status of the mother and their husband, average monthly income, knowledge of the mother, number of pregnancies any, ANC follow up, plan for PNC services, the number of deliveries, place of delivery, model HH status,  participation in planning, implementation and construction of HP/HEWs residence, distance from the nearby HP, frequency of HEWs visit during the last pregnancy and notification of birth to HEWs were the factors found to be significantly associated with the outcome variable at p < 0>

Mothers whose husband attended secondary and above education  (AOR = 3.92, 95% CI = (1.77, 8.64)), who have at least one ANC attendance (AOR=2.29, 95% CI: (1.26, 4.19)), who planned to utilize PNC services (AOR=4.73, 95% CI: (2.55, 8.75)), who gave their last birth in a  health institution (AOR: 8.03, 95% CI: (4.70, 13.73)), who were visited every month by HEWs (AOR=4.26, 95% CI: (2.32, 7.81)), and who notified HEWs about their birth through HDA (AOR=3.1, 95% CI: (1.52, 6.35)) are more likely to utilize health extension PNC services than their counterparts. (Table 6)

VariablesUtilized health extensionCOR (95% CI)AOR (95% CI)
Yes (%)No (%)

Maternal age at birth

 

 

 

 

15-24 years

70(64.2)

39(35.8)

1.21(0.60, 2.43)

 

25-34 years

323(67.7)

154(22.3)

1.04(0.57, 1.90)

 

35 years and above

37(68.5)

17(21.5)

1

 

Maternal educational status

 

 

 

 

Cannot read and write

326 (70.6)

136 (29.4)

1

 

Only read and write

23 (69.7)

10 (30.3)

1.04(0.48, 2.25)

 

1-8

72 (57.1)

54 (42.9)

1.80(1.20, 2.70)

 

Grade 9 and above                             9

9(47.4)

10 (52.6)

2.66(1.06, 6.70)

 

Husband's educational status

 

 

 

 

Cannot read and write

199(71.6)

79(28.4)

1

1

Only read and write

71(80.7)

17(19.3)

0.60(0.33,1.09)

1.84(0.79,4.25)

1-8

128(64.7)

70(35.3)

1.38(0.93, 2.04)

1.68(0.94, 2.97)

Grade 9 and above

31(41.3)

44(58.7)

3.57(2.11, 6.06) ***

3.92(1.77, 8.64) **

Occupation of mothers

 

 

 

 

Housewife

328(66.5)

165(33.5)

1

 

Merchant

89(71.8)

35(28.2)

0.78(0.51, 1.21)

 

Others

13(56.5)

10(43.5)

1.53(0.66, 3.56)

 

Occupation of respondent’s husband

 

 

 

 

Farmer

292(66.8)

145(33.2)

1

 

Merchant

44(31.7)

44(31.7)

0.93(0.62, 1.40)

 

Others

43(67.2)

21(32.8)

0.98(0.56, 1.72)

 

Marital form

 

 

 

 

Polygamous

21(72.4)

8(27.6)

1

 

Monogamous

409(66.9)

202(33.1)

1.23(0.56, 2.30)

 

Average monthly income

 

 

 

 

Less than 500

373 (68.4)

172(31.6)

1

 

500-1000

46(61.3)

29 (38.7)

1.37(0.83, 2.25)

 

Above 1000

11(55)

9 (45)

1.77(0.72, 4.36)

 

Model HH status

 

 

 

 

Did not hear about model family

154(79.4)

40(20.6)

1

 

Heard but not at all working towards

53 (89.8)

6 (10.1)

0.44(.17, 1.09)

 

Working towards model family

213(59.3)

146(40.7)

2.64(1.76, 3.96)

 

Graduated as model family

10 (35.7)

18(64.3)

6.93(2.97,16.18)

 

Participation in planning of HES

 

 

 

 

No

334 (80.5)

81 (19.5)

1

 

Yes

96 (42.7)

129 (57.3)

5.54(3.87, 7.93)

 

Participation in implementation of HES

 

 

 

 

No

295 (81.9)

65 (18.1)

1

 

Yes

135 (48.2)

145 (51.8)

4.87(3.41, 6.96)

 

Participation in construction of HP/HEWs residence

 

 

 

 

No

291 (69.9)

125 (30.1)

1

 

Yes

139 (62)

85 (38)

1.42(1.01, 2.00)

 

Distance from nearby HP

 

 

 

 

More than 10 km

13(56.5)

10 (43.5)

1

 

Less than 5 km

292(64.6)

292(64.6)

0.71(.30, 1.66)

 

5-10 km

125 (75.8)

40(24.2)

0.42(0.17, 1.02)

 

Frequency of HEWs visits

 

 

 

 

Not at all

254(90.7)

26(9.3)

1

 

Every month

154(49.8)

155(50.2)

9.83(6.20,15.59) ***

4.26(2.32, 7.81) ***

Every 3 months

22(43.1)

29(56.9)

12.88(6.49,25.56) ***

7.67(3.04, 19.37) ***

Ways to notify HEW about birth

 

 

 

 

Not notified at all/ i do not know

299(86.9)

45(13.1)

1

 

Family members

68(49.3)

70(50.7)

6.84(4.33, 10.81) ***

5.00(2.69, 9.32)***

From health facility

19(29.2)

46(70.8)

16.09(8.66, 29.89) ***

14.15(5.99,33.44)***

Health development army

44(47.3)

49(52.7)

7.40(4.43, 12.37) ***

3.1(1.52, 6.35)**

Knowledge of mothers

 

 

 

 

Low

222 (83.1)

45(16.9)

1

 

High

208 (55.8)

165(44.2)

3.91 (2.68, 5.72)

 

Attitude of mothers

 

 

 

 

Negative

241(67.3)

117(32.7)

1

 

Positive

189(67.0)

93(33)

1.014(0.73, 1.41)

 

Cultural beliefs & practices

 

 

 

 

No

408(67.3)

198(32.7)

1

 

Yes

22 (64.7)

12(35.3)

1.12(0.54, 2.32)

 

Number of pregnancies

 

 

 

 

4 and above

133(73)

49(27)

1

 

1

34(60.7)

22 (39.3)

1.76(0.94, 3.29)

 

2-3

263 (65.4)

139(34.6)

1.43(0.97, 2.11)

 

Number of deliveries

 

 

 

 

4 and above

331(69.8)

143(30.2)

1

 

One

34(61.8)

21(38.8)

0.43(0.80, 2.55)

 

2 -3

65(58.6)

46(41.4)

1.64(1.07, 2.51)

 

Experience of neonatal and postpartum complication

 

 

 

 

Yes

374(67.7)

178(32.3)

1

 

No

22(66.7)

11(33.3)

1.05(0.50, 2.21)

 

ANC services utilization

 

 

 

 

No

276(86.8)

42(13.2)

1

1

Yes

154(47.8)

168(52.2)

7.17(4.85, 10.60) ***

2.29(1.26, 4.19) **

Planned for PNC services utilization

 

 

 

 

No

282(89.5)

33(10.5)

1

 

Yes

148(45.5)

177(54.5)

10.22(6.70,15.58) ***

4.73(2.55, 8.75) ***

Place of delivery

 

 

 

 

At home

369(82.2)

80(17.8)

1

 

At HP/HC/hospital

61(32)

130(68)

9.83(6.66, 14.5) ***

8.03(4.70, 13.73) ***

*p-value < 0>

Table 6: Factors associated with health extension PNC services utilization in bivariate and multivariate analysis among mothers in Kindo Didaye Woreda, Southern Ethiopia, March, 2017

Discussion

The prevalence of health extension PNC services (32.8%) was in line with other community based studies conducted in Ethiopia (31.7%) [7] and (34.8%) [11]. This finding is also in line with some African studies but it is higher than EDHS 2016 report and other studies done in different parts of Ethiopia [6, 17, 18]. Moreover, it was higher than study conducted in Malawi [8] and Burkina Faso [18] which was 11% and 25%, respectively. This may be due to the involvement of HAD in service delivery in Ethiopia and in the case of Malawi, CHWs reside outside their catchment area.

However, the level of utilization found by the current study is lower than the findings in Gondar Zuria (66.8%) [10] and the Sidama zone (37.2%) [12]. A probable reason may be the difference in the level of awareness in study areas; about 84.39% of clients were aware of PNC service in Gondar; whereas, only 65.2% heard about PNC services in current cases. Evidence from FGD also supports this idea, “… we have evaluated the last 6 months performance, and PNC services were much lower than the target, unlike other MCH services that need a lot to do in future…” (One of the participants in FGD 4”).

It is also much lower than study in other parts Nepal (50%) and Bangladesh (57%) [8] and Mozambique (40%) [18]. These large differences could be explained that mothers in those countries had better economic status, educational status, antenatal care and institutional delivery service utilization.Mothers whose husbands attended secondary level and above education were more likely to utilize health Extension PNC services. This finding was in line with studies in conducted Ethiopia and other parts of world [7, 15, 19,20].

Women who utilized ANC services were more likely to use health extension PNC services. This finding is consistent with the research conducted in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad [7, 10, and 18]. Evidence gathered from the FGD participants was also in agreement with the finding. “…I had attended ANC visits during my last pregnancy... That is why I preferred to deliver my children in a health facility and I attended postnatal care at HP.…” (A 29 years-old mother, Gocho kebele).

From the result of this study, mothers who planned for PNC services, advised and got appointment for PNC service were more likely to get health extension PNC services. This finding is in line with study conducted in Addis Ababa and is also supported by the reason given by those women who didn’t utilize health extension PNC services during this study [13].

Studies undertaken in Nigeria and Haramaya found that mothers who gave their last birth in health institutions were more likely to utilize PNC service than home delivery [14, 15] . The current study showed consistent results. FGD discussants also said “If mothers deliver at health institution there is more possibility to receive PNC service from HEWs…” (A 25 years-old mother, Gocho kebele). Studies conducted in Tanzania, Malawi, Nepal and Bangladesh contradicts this finding [8,9]. Facility births were less likely to receive early postnatal care at home by HEWs. This might be due to weak linkages between facilities and CHWs; and due to having false guaranty of well beingness by mothers who gave birth at facility than home. In addition, it is affected by frequency of HEWs home visit during the last pregnancy. This was in line with study conducted in different parts of Ethiopia [10, 21], and world [8, 22].

The other major factor affecting health extension PNC services utilization was timely notification of birth to HEWs. A multi-country study conducted in Malawi, Nepal and Bangladesh witnessed that utilization of PNC services increases with timely notification of HEWs [8]. Comparable evidence was also gathered from FGD participants. “…  If HEWs are not visiting our home, we do not notify because we are not informed to do so unless we face health problem…” (28 years old mother)., “… mothers are discharged with referral slips to HP to receive remaining PNC services even though not much implemented… (head of a health center), One HEW also stated that “… because mothers are identified during pregnancy through HDA, we link with health center for ANC and institutional delivery, they will inform us and if home delivery happens, development team leaders immediately notify using our mobile phone number…”.

Strength and Limitation of the study

Strength

Qualitative design was used to triangulate with the findings of the quantitative data.

Limitation

First, utilization rate presented here is self-reported from mothers so that recall bias is there then there may be over or under estimation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of health extension PNC services utilization by mothers in the district was very low. And health extension PNC services utilization within the most critical period (first 48 hours after delivery) was very low. This study also revealed that husband attendance of secondary and above education, ANC service utilization, plan for PNC service utilization, institutional delivery, frequent home visit by HEWs during the last pregnancy and notification of birth to HEWS by HDA were found to be significantly associated with health extension postnatal care services utilization. In general accessibility of postnatal services alone is not sufficient by itself to increase the coverage of PNC services utilization. Thus, focusing the identified factors could improve and sustain PNC services from rural health extension workers and all these factors need to be considered when designing an implementation plan for PNC services utilization.

Ethical approval

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of college of medicine and health sciences, Jimma University, Ethiopia with ethical clearance letter no. RPGe/88/2017. The IRB has given ethical clearance for both oral and written informed consent

Consent

Informed consent was taken from a parent of the study participants after informing them the aim of the study and they have been told as they can withdraw from the study at any step if they feel so as well as confidentiality was granted.

Data availability

It is available on request from corresponding author

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Funding

The study data collection was funded by College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jimma University, Ethiopia. The funding body has no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript

 

Abbreviations/Acronyms

ANC: Ante Natal Care

CHW: Community Health Worker

EDHS: Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

FGD: Focused Group Discussion

HDA: Health Development Army

HEP: Health Extension Program

HES: Health Extension Service

HEWs: Health Extension Workers

HH: House Hold

HP: Health Post

PNC: Post Natal Care

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

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Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

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Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

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Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

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Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

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Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

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Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

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Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

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Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

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Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

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Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

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Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

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Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

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Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

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Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

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Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

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Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

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Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

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Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

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Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

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Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

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Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

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Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

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Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

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Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

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S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

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Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

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George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

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Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

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Khurram Arshad

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.

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Gomez Barriga Maria Dolores

The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.

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Lin Shaw Chin

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.

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Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my utmost gratitude for your excellent work and for the dedication and speed in the publication process of my article titled "Navigating Innovation: Qualitative Insights on Using Technology for Health Education in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients." I am very satisfied with the peer review process, the support from the editorial office, and the quality of the journal. I hope we can maintain our scientific relationship in the long term.

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Dr Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Monica Gissare, - Editorial Coordinator of Nutrition and Food Processing. ¨My testimony with you is truly professional, with a positive response regarding the follow-up of the article and its review, you took into account my qualities and the importance of the topic¨.

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Dr Maria Regina Penchyna Nieto

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, The review process for the article “The Handling of Anti-aggregants and Anticoagulants in the Oncologic Heart Patient Submitted to Surgery” was extremely rigorous and detailed. From the initial submission to the final acceptance, the editorial team at the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. The reviewers provided constructive and detailed feedback, which was essential for improving the quality of our work. Communication was always clear and efficient, ensuring that all our questions were promptly addressed. The quality of the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” is undeniable. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated exclusively to disseminating high-quality research in the field of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular interventions. The journal's impact factor is currently under evaluation, and it is indexed in reputable databases, which further reinforces its credibility and relevance in the scientific field. I highly recommend this journal to researchers looking for a reputable platform to publish their studies.

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Dr Marcelo Flavio Gomes Jardim Filho

Dear Editorial Coordinator of the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing! "I would like to thank the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing for including and publishing my article. The peer review process was very quick, movement and precise. The Editorial Board has done an extremely conscientious job with much help, valuable comments and advices. I find the journal very valuable from a professional point of view, thank you very much for allowing me to be part of it and I would like to participate in the future!”

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Zsuzsanna Bene

Dealing with The Journal of Neurology and Neurological Surgery was very smooth and comprehensive. The office staff took time to address my needs and the response from editors and the office was prompt and fair. I certainly hope to publish with this journal again.Their professionalism is apparent and more than satisfactory. Susan Weiner

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Dr Susan Weiner

My Testimonial Covering as fellowing: Lin-Show Chin. The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews.

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Lin-Show Chin

My experience publishing in Psychology and Mental Health Care was exceptional. The peer review process was rigorous and constructive, with reviewers providing valuable insights that helped enhance the quality of our work. The editorial team was highly supportive and responsive, making the submission process smooth and efficient. The journal's commitment to high standards and academic rigor makes it a respected platform for quality research. I am grateful for the opportunity to publish in such a reputable journal.

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Sonila Qirko

My experience publishing in International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews was exceptional. I Come forth to Provide a Testimonial Covering the Peer Review Process and the editorial office for the Professional and Impartial Evaluation of the Manuscript.

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Luiz Sellmann