Research Article
Examining the Grief Levels on Postpartum Mothers’ Psychological Wellbeing Following Perinatal Deaths in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
76-86
Received:
23 August 2025
Accepted:
2 September 2025
Published:
25 September 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Perinatal death refers to the loss of a fetus or neonate between 28 weeks of gestation (or weighing 500 g) and 7 days after birth. Globally, 3.3 million stillbirths and 2.8 million early neonatal deaths occur each year, with 98% reported in low and middle-income countries. These losses significantly impact maternal mental health, often resulting in grief, depression, and anxiety. This study explored grief levels among postpartum mothers in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, following perinatal loss and how this grief affects psychological wellbeing. Methodology: Anchored in Kübler-Ross’s Stages of Grief theory, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was implemented in three phases: baseline, intervention, and post-intervention. A total of 53 mothers and 10 counselling staff were selected using census and purposive sampling from hospital mortality records respectively. 2 data collection instruments were used-Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) and structured questionnaires. SPSS was used to analyze data quantitatively. Descriptive statistics summarized participant data, while correlation, regression and independent and paired t-tests assessed relationships and intervention impacts. Results: Most respondents reported low to moderate grief (82.6%) post-intervention, compared to 71.4% in the control group, with a significant correlation between higher grief scores and depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Conclusion: There was reduced mean scores among the experimental group, compared to higher scores in the control group substantially in despair, indicating that counselling helped reduce unresolved grief. Difficulty Coping also declined significantly suggesting an increase in emotional regulation and resilience, and decrease in Active Grief scores reflected a reduction in intense emotional reactions such as intrusive thoughts on the baby. The study recommended integrating psychosocial support and culturally sensitive and structured grief counselling through community-based systems to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and improve maternal psychological wellbeing.
Abstract: Introduction: Perinatal death refers to the loss of a fetus or neonate between 28 weeks of gestation (or weighing 500 g) and 7 days after birth. Globally, 3.3 million stillbirths and 2.8 million early neonatal deaths occur each year, with 98% reported in low and middle-income countries. These losses significantly impact maternal mental health, ofte...
Show More
Research Article
Introduction of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Primary Healthcare in Edo State, Nigeria: Achievements, Barriers, and Implementation Realities
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
87-96
Received:
28 August 2025
Accepted:
10 September 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
Abstract: Background: Imagine a disaster of finding major placenta previa during delivery in a rural setting without a facility to manage? This would have been averted with a prior obstetric imaging. Antenatal care without imaging is like “groping in the dark”. Unfortunately, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this is obtainable. Due to limited access to ultrasound equipment and/ trained personnel, these often delay the detection of high-risk pregnancy conditions until delivery. The integration of point-of-care ultrasound into antenatal care (ANC) is critical for improving maternal-fetal outcomes. Implementation of the task-shifting strategy following requisite training and quality assurance is an option in the deployment of this technology. Aim: To explore the achievements and barriers of implementation of Obstetric Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Scan (POCUS) in Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Edo state. To conduct a post-training assessment of participants' utilization of and explore the facilitators and barriers to POCUS in the PHCs in Edo state. Methods: It was an exploratory qualitative study conducted in Edo state PHCs, with some elements of implementation research design involving healthcare providers that had undergone basic obstetric ultrasound training. Purposive sampling was used to select one participant from each of the eighteen local government areas of the state. Two health care workers (one nurse and one doctor) were selected from each of the 18 local government areas to participate in an accredited basic ultrasound training program delivered by qualified and experienced trainers. These participants underwent a 3-week training in point-of-care obstetric ultrasound. Four months following the training and deployment of the machines to their stations, in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain the experiences of the participants regarding the service delivery of POCUS. Result: Of the eighteen respondents, 17 had commenced service delivery of POCUS. One was yet to commence work as the PHC was being renovated. A total of 622 obstetric scans were done within 4 months of the introduction of POCUS at the PHC facilities. Four key themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Obstetric ultrasound skills gained; (2) Increase in maternity services utilization at the PHC and improved management of pregnant women; (3) Providers’ perception of clients’ experiences, and (4) Challenges. Conclusion: The introduction of point-of-care obstetric ultrasound scan in PHC facilities in Edo state is a reality and is currently ongoing. Implementation has resulted in increased and satisfactory antenatal service utilization in Edo State PHCs. The trainees reported positive experiences amidst power outages and increased workload challenges.
Abstract: Background: Imagine a disaster of finding major placenta previa during delivery in a rural setting without a facility to manage? This would have been averted with a prior obstetric imaging. Antenatal care without imaging is like “groping in the dark”. Unfortunately, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this is obtainable. Due to limited acc...
Show More
,
Lucy Gitonga
