Midwifery Research Journal

Spousal Involvement and its Association with Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Postpartum Mothers in Community Health Settings

Lenora Yakomina Agaki — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Exclusive breastfeeding remains a cornerstone of infant nutrition and maternal health promotion. Despite extensive public health campaigns, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding remains suboptimal in many communities, particularly due to psychosocial and familial factors. One influential determinant is spousal involvement, which plays a critical role in shaping maternal confidence, emotional stability, and breastfeeding sustainability. This study aimed to examine the association between spousal support and exclusive breastfeeding practices among postpartum mothers attending community based maternal and child health services. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed involving 34 breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 6–12 months. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing breastfeeding practices and dimensions of spousal support, including informational, emotional, instrumental, and appraisal support. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test revealed a significant association between overall spousal support and exclusive breastfeeding practices (p < 0.05). Mothers who reported higher levels of spousal involvement were more likely to successfully practice exclusive breastfeeding. These findings highlight the importance of integrating fathers into breastfeeding promotion programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Maternal Anxiety and its Association with COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance among Pregnant Women: A Narrative Review

Maria Imelda Kaesmuti — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnant women represent a vulnerable population during infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Although vaccination is a key strategy to prevent severe maternal and neonatal outcomes, vaccine acceptance among pregnant women remains inconsistent. Psychological factors, particularly maternal anxiety, play an important role in shaping vaccination decisions. This study aimed to examine the association between anxiety levels among pregnant women and their acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. A narrative literature review was conducted using the PICOS framework. Scientific articles were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, limited to publications from 2022 to 2025. A total of 18 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed. The findings indicate that moderate to high levels of anxiety are significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women, particularly when anxiety is driven by misinformation, fear of adverse fetal outcomes, and lack of social support. Conversely, adequate antenatal counseling, family support, and trust in healthcare providers were found to reduce anxiety and improve vaccine acceptance. These results highlight the importance of integrating mental health screening and evidence-based education into antenatal care services to improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake among pregnant women.

The Influence of Dietary Food Taboos and Sleep Patterns on Hemoglobin Levels Among Pregnant Women in a Primary Midwifery Clinic

Lidwina Adinda Saputri Harry — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Adequate hemoglobin (Hb) levels are essential during pregnancy to support maternal health and optimal fetal development. However, sociocultural dietary food taboos and inadequate sleep patterns remain prevalent among pregnant women in many developing regions and may contribute to anemia during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary food taboos, sleep patterns, and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women attending a primary midwifery clinic. A quantitative observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted involving 60 pregnant women recruited through simple random sampling. Data on dietary food taboos and sleep patterns were collected using structured questionnaires, while hemoglobin levels were measured using a digital hemoglobinometer. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings revealed that pregnant women practicing dietary food taboos were significantly more likely to have low hemoglobin levels (p = 0.001). Similarly, inadequate sleep patterns were significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin levels (p = 0.000). Pregnant women who experienced both dietary restrictions and poor sleep quality demonstrated the highest prevalence of anemia. Dietary food taboos and insufficient sleep patterns are significantly associated with low hemoglobin levels among pregnant women. Strengthening nutritional education and promoting adequate rest during pregnancy are crucial strategies to reduce maternal anemia.

Determinants of Pregnancy Complications during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Primary Health Care Services

Verodesi Sumule — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnancy complications remain a leading contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted maternal health services, potentially increasing the risk of pregnancy-related complications due to reduced antenatal care utilization, limited health facility accessibility, and heightened psychological distress among pregnant women. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with pregnancy complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on antenatal care attendance, accessibility of health facilities, and maternal attitudes toward COVID-19. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 166 pregnant women receiving maternal health services at a primary health care center. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Independent variables included antenatal care (ANC) visit frequency, perceived accessibility of health facilities, and maternal attitudes toward COVID-19, while the dependent variable was the occurrence of pregnancy complications. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. The prevalence of pregnancy complications was 31.3%. Significant associations were found between irregular ANC visits and pregnancy complications (p = 0.013), limited accessibility to health facilities and pregnancy complications (p = 0.005), and negative maternal attitudes toward COVID-19 and pregnancy complications (p = 0.004). Reduced utilization of antenatal care services, barriers to accessing health facilities, and negative maternal attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with increased pregnancy complications. Strengthening maternal health service continuity and improving risk communication are essential to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes during public health crises.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Primary Dysmenorrhea among Adolescent Girls: A Narrative Review

Nonlia Selvia Goraai — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent gynecological complaints among adolescent girls and often interferes with daily activities, academic performance, and quality of life. Although pharmacological therapy is commonly used, non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly recommended due to their safety, affordability, and minimal side effects. This study aimed to review and synthesize recent scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents. A narrative literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2022 and 2025 were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Keywords included non-pharmacological therapy, dysmenorrhea, adolescents, and menstrual pain. A total of 17 relevant studies were analyzed. The review demonstrated that non-pharmacological interventions such as warm and cold compresses, dysmenorrhea exercise, yoga, abdominal stretching, breathing relaxation techniques, herbal drinks (e.g., turmeric-based beverages), massage therapy, and acupoint stimulation were effective in reducing pain intensity and improving functional outcomes among adolescents. Non-pharmacological interventions are effective and safe strategies for managing primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents. Health education and school-based reproductive health programs should incorporate these interventions to reduce menstrual pain and its negative impact on adolescents’ daily activities.