Inch Ini

Researchers are evaluating an intervention to reduce non-communicable disease NCD risks among pregnant women attending routine antenatal care ANC in urban health centers across four Ethiopian cities. The study focuses on improving maternal health behaviors and pregnancy outcomes by addressing unhealthy diets, low physical activity, and air pollution exposure, factors linked to increased health risks for mothers and newborns and potential long-term NCD development. The trial compares two groups one receiving standard routine ANC and the other receiving structured lifestyle counseling integrated into ANC visits. This counseling targets diet, physical activity, and air pollution behaviors, supported by health worker training, facilitation by trained staff, and a digital ANC eRegistry for clinical decision support. The study is conducted in 77 urban health centers with about 1,268 pregnant women enrolled before 20 weeks gestation and followed through delivery. Participants attend routine ANC visits where data on birth weight and maternal behaviors are collected, alongside assessments of counseling quality and ANC service delivery. Additional biomarker studies analyze maternal and newborn samples for early NCD risk markers. Researchers monitor implementation feasibility and acceptability through surveys, routine data, and interviews. The total study duration covers pregnancy until delivery, with data collected at baseline, during pregnancy, and up to 18 months post-intervention for some measures.