Bahir Dar

This research aims to evaluate whether adding a mother-baby nutrition toolkit to routine prenatal care can improve nutrition for mothers and infants in Amhara, Ethiopia. It addresses the high rates of undernutrition seen in Ethiopian women and children, focusing on the first 1,000 days from pregnancy through early childhood. The study is designed to assess the impact of this toolkit on maternal nutrition and infant growth during pregnancy and the first six months of life, providing evidence to support better nutrition counseling strategies. The study involves two groups one receives the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby Toolkit, which includes a customized bowl with portion markings, a spoon for meal thickness assessment, and a counseling card about meal frequency, food groups, and hygiene the other group receives the standard nutrition education, counseling, and supplementation provided by the Ethiopian government and the Saving Little Lives Initiative. The toolkit is given during pregnancy and early postpartum, with the study lasting through the infants first 10 months. Participants will be monitored at various stages, including early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and multiple postpartum time points. Researchers will measure maternal weight gain, infant birth weight, infant growth scores, maternal arm circumference and height, dietary diversity, breastfeeding exclusivity, and feeding adequacy. Data collection includes baseline assessments and follow-ups at birth, 7 days, 4 months, and 9 months after birth. The study will last until April 2026, with ongoing evaluation of nutrition and growth outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a childbirth education program based on salutogenic and self-efficacy theories to prevent postpartum depression among teenage mothers in Ethiopia. Postpartum depression is a common mental health issue affecting mothers after childbirth, especially prevalent in low-income settings. This study aims to support the integration of mental health promotion into maternity care services to improve the well-being of first-time teenage mothers, addressing a significant public health concern in this population. The study involves an intervention group receiving a six-session childbirth education program, with three sessions before birth and three after. These sessions include two individual face-to-face meetings lasting 60-90 minutes each, two 30-minute phone calls, and two group discussions of 90-120 minutes. The control group will receive usual maternity care. The education program focuses on enhancing mothers ability to manage stress and build confidence during the transition to motherhood. Participants will be involved from late pregnancy through postpartum, attending educational sessions and completing assessments at 6 and 12 weeks after giving birth. Researchers will measure postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, along with assessments of sense of coherence, parenting self-efficacy, social support, and perceived stress. The study includes follow-up visits to evaluate the programs impact on maternal mental health and psychosocial well-being over time.