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

S. Hodgins, R. McPherson, B. K. Suvedi, R. B. Shrestha, R. C. Silwal, B. Ban, S. Neupane, A. H. Baqui

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)388-395
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Perinatology
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • Care-seeking
  • Community health worker
  • Community-based
  • Essential newborn care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Testing a scalable community-based approach to improve maternal and neonatal health in rural Nepal'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this