Electronic decision-making support systems (CDSSs) can clinicians to make evidence-based, rational clinical decisions about patient management and have been effectively implemented in high-income settings. Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) uses algorithms provide guidelines for sick children primary health care clinics is widely low income countries. A CDSS based on IMCI (eIMCI) was developed South Africa.We undertook a mixed methods study prospectively explore experiences...

There is a high global burden of neonatal mortality, with many newborn babies dying preventable and treatable conditions, particularly in low middle-income countries. Improving quality care could save the lives thousands babies. Quality (QoC) complex multifaceted construct that difficult to measure, but patients' experiences are an important component any measurement QoC. We report findings qualitative study exploring observations health workers (HWs) mothers units South Africa.A case...

Abstract Background Worldwide, over 740 million women make their living in the informal economy and therefore lack formal employment benefits, such as maternity leave, that can improve infant feeding practices. Returning to work is one of biggest challenges face maintaining breastfeeding. This study aimed explore attitudes perceptions towards breastfeeding environment among male female workers. Methods The used a qualitative research design. Purposive snowball sampling was employed. Focus...

Abstract Background Partnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the global north and south have commonly been used as a vehicle to drive health research initiatives. Among these initiatives, include system strengthening, capacity building, human resource training developing countries. However, partnership functioning of many north-south partnerships still carry legacies colonialism through unrecognized behavior patterns, attitudes, belief systems how they function. Even with...

ABSTRACT Mid‐upper‐arm circumference measurement (MUAC) is a simple, cost‐effective approach to identify wasting in children. The Family MUAC intervention supported community health workers (CHWs) mentor mothers and child caregivers measure their children's at home. Sixty‐four CHWs participated seven sites Gauteng KwaZulu‐Natal (KZN), South Africa. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted determine caregivers' ability correctly regularly. Ten households were randomly selected from household...

In South Africa, severe acute malnutrition remains a significant cause of child mortality. Measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is simple, cost-effective approach to identify in communities. The Family MUAC intervention supported community health workers (CHWs) mentor mothers and caregivers measure MUAC, record their findings access nutrition information from the child's Road-to-Health-Book. was implemented seven sites two provinces Africa: Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal. This study aimed...

Objective To understand the views of public and private sector health professionals on commercial milk formula, to describe their exposure companies that market formula within workplaces awareness South African (SA) regulations. Design A qualitative study consisting semistructured interviews. Setting The was conducted in Cape Town Johannesburg, SA. Participants Forty who had regular contact with pregnant or postnatal women were interviewed between February 2020 2021. Results Analysis...

Abstract Background The child support grant (CSG) is the largest unconditional cash transfer program in Africa and aims to alleviate poverty improve health nutrition low-income families South Africa. Among informal working women, CSG an important source of income after childbirth when workers are unable work, but reports suggest that women experience delays accessing CSG. We explore experiences challenges among Durban, Methods undertook a longitudinal mixed-methods cohort study. Women were...

Introduction Despite a supportive policy environment, little attention has been paid to how operationalise respectful maternity care in South Africa. This research provides quantitative, baseline measure of women’s perceptions person-centred (PCMC) identify areas focus for participatory intervention with teams. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional survey postpartum women within 9 weeks postdelivery two rural districts KwaZulu-Natal. 908 were recruited from postnatal clinics and neonatal...

Abstract Background In South Africa almost 2 million women work informally. Informal is characterised by poor job security, low earnings, and unsafe working conditions, with high rates of poverty food insecurity. The peripartum period a vulnerable time for many women. This study explored how mothers navigate the tension between need to take care newborn baby, this affects their feeding plans practices. Methods A mixed methods longitudinal cohort method was employed. workers were recruited in...

Abstract Background Returning to work after childbirth is challenging for working mothers. Childcare quality may have lifelong effects on children’s health, development and cognitive function. Over 60% of women globally are informal workers without employment or maternity protection, but little known about how these care their children. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods longitudinal cohort study among in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa between July 2018 August 2019. Participants were followed...

Abstract Background Despite strong evidence showing the lifelong benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children, global practices remain poor. The International Code Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes is an internationally agreed code practice, adopted by World Health Assembly in 1981, to regulate promotion commercial formula, supported legislation many countries. However, marketing formula remains widespread contributes mother’s decisions feed. We present South African data from a...

Abstract Background Electronic clinical decision-making support systems (eCDSS) aim to assist clinicians making complex patient management decisions and improve adherence evidence-based guidelines. Integrated of Childhood Illness (IMCI) provides guidelines for sick children attending primary health care clinics is widely implemented globally. An electronic version IMCI (eIMCI) was developed in South Africa. Methods We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing with eIMCI the...

Abstract Background There is a high burden of depression globally, including in South Africa. Maternal associated with poverty, unstable income, food insecurity, and lack partner support, may lead to poor outcomes for mothers children. In Africa one-third working women are informal work, which socioeconomic vulnerability. Methods A cross sectional survey explored work setting conditions, security risk among young children (0–3 years). Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal...

Background Regulating the marketing of commercial formula products is a long-term commitment required to protect breastfeeding. Marketing strategies manufacturers, retailers and distributors evolve at rapid rate.Objective The aim this research was describe exposure pregnant women mothers young children in South Africa products, compared international recommendations national legislation.Methods Using mobile phone diaries twenty participants Cape Town Johannesburg documented they were exposed...

Background A high prevalence of disrespectful and abusive behaviour by health workers towards women during labour delivery has been widely described in facilities, particularly Africa, is a worldwide public concern. Such behaviours are barriers to care-seeking, associated with adverse outcomes for mothers newborns. This paper reports experiences care among informal working three facilities Durban, South Africa. Methods qualitative longitudinal study was conducted cohort recruited pregnancy...

Abstract Background Electronic clinical decision-making support systems (eCDSS) aim to assist clinicians making complex patient management decisions and improve adherence evidence-based guidelines. Integrated of Childhood Illness (IMCI) provides guidelines for sick children attending primary health care clinics is widely implemented globally. An electronic version IMCI (eIMCI) was developed in South Africa. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing with eIMCI the when...

Abstract Background Globally, increasing numbers of higher education institutions (HEIs) in non-English-speaking countries have adopted English as a medium instruction (EMI), because the perception that this provides opportunities to attract high-calibre students and academic staff, engage with international research community. We report an evaluation North–South-South collaboration develop health capacity Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) by establishing postgraduate programme nutritional...

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Low- and Middle-income countries (LMIC) face considerable health nutrition challenges, many of which can be addressed through strong academic leadership robust research translated into evidence-based practice. A North-South-South partnership between three universities was established to implement a master's programme in nutritional epidemiology at the Kinshasa School Public Health (KSPH), Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). The aimed develop capacity field DRC. In this article we describe...

Abstract Background: There is a high burden of depression globally, including in South Africa. Maternal associated with poverty, unstable income, food insecurity, and lack partner support, may lead to poor outcomes for mothers children. In Africa one-third working women are informal work, which socioeconomic vulnerability. Methods: A cross sectional survey explored work setting conditions, security risk among young children (0-3years). Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal...

Longitudinal qualitative methodologies have gained increased attention in health and social science research as an appropriate methodology to explore participants’ experiences of change over time but is a challenging implement. We reflect on the methodological aspects novel longitudinal ‘mixed’ mixed-methods study using quantitative methods with both individuals groups, employing various participatory approaches. focus key learnings from our including use structured recruitment process...

Abstract Background: In South Africa almost 2 million women work informally. Informal is characterised by poor job security, low earnings, and unsafe working conditions, with high rates of poverty food insecurity. The peripartum period a vulnerable time for many women. This study explored how mothers navigate the tension between need to needing take care newborn baby, this affects their feeding plans practices. Methods: A mixed methods longitudinal cohort method was employed. workers were...

Abstract Background: There is a high burden of depression globally, including in South Africa. Maternal associated with poverty, unstable income, food insecurity, and lack partner support, may lead to poor outcomes for mothers children. In Africa one-third working women are informal work, which socioeconomic vulnerability. Methods: A cross sectional survey explored work setting conditions, security risk among young children (0-3years). Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal...