Testing a scalable community-based approach to improve maternal and neonatal health in rural Nepal

Type Journal Article - Journal of perinatology
Title Testing a scalable community-based approach to improve maternal and neonatal health in rural Nepal
Author(s)
Volume 30
Issue 6
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
Page numbers 388-395
URL https://www.nature.com/articles/jp2009181
Abstract
Objective:
The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of improved maternal–neonatal care-seeking and household practices using an approach scalable under Nepal's primary health-care services.

Study Design:
Impact was assessed by pre- and post-intervention surveys of women delivering within the previous 12 months. Each district sample comprised 30 clusters, each with 30 respondents. The intervention consisted primarily of community-based antenatal counseling and dispensing and an early postnatal home visit; most activities were carried out by community-based health volunteers.

Result:
There were notable improvements in most household practice and service utilization indicators, although results regarding care-seeking for danger signs were mixed.

Conclusion:
It is feasible in a Nepal setting to significantly improve utilization of maternal–neonatal services and household practices, using the resources available under the government primary health-care system. This has the potential to significantly reduce neonatal mortality.

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