OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a correlação entre títulos de anticorpos anti-D em gestantes com antecedente de doença hemolítica perinatal (DHPN) e desfecho gestacional adverso. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva (2006-14) envolvendo gestantes Rh negativo, com antecedente de DHPN moderada ou grave, acompanhadas na Clínica Obstétrica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Critérios de inclusão: gestação única com idade gestacional inferior a 32 semanas e ausência de derrames cavitários ou hidropisia fetal durante a 1a avaliação ultrassonográfica; e desfecho perinatal conhecido. Necessidade de transfusão intrauterina (TIU), ou ocorrência de óbito fetal (OF) foram considerados os desfechos de interesse. Análise por curva ROC foi utilizada para examinar a correlação entre os títulos de anticorpos e os desfechos; valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN), acurácia e razões de verossimilhança positiva (RVP) e negativa (RPN) foram calculados para diferentes níveis de corte. RESULTADOS: O estudo envolveu 58 gestações com antecedente moderado (n=18, 31%) ou grave (n=40, 69%) de DHPN. Um total de 29 (50,0%) gestações apresentaram desfecho adverso, sendo que TIU foi realizada em 28 (48,3%, 28/58) casos e OF ocorreu em 7 (12,1%, 7/58). A frequência de desfechos adversos foi diferente entre gestantes com título inicial baixo (< 16: 1/10, 10,0%), moderado (entre 16 e 64: 8/22, 26,9%) e alto ( >= 128: 20/26, 76,9%, p < 0,001). O comportamento dos títulos (declínio, estabilidade ou aumento) não se correlacionou com a necessidade de TIU ou OF (p=0,48). A curva ROC dos títulos iniciais de anticorpos apresentou área sob a curva de 0,78 (intervalo de confiança 95%, IC 95%: 0,66 - 0,90) para predição de desfechos gestacionais adversos, sendo 128 o melhor nível de corte, com sensibilidade de 69,0%, especificidade de 79,3%, VPP de 76,9%, VPN de 71,9%, acurácia de 74,0%, RVP de 3,33 (IC95%: 1,68-7,23) e RVN de 0,39 (IC95%: 0,21 - 0,66). CONCLUSÃO: Gestações com antecedente moderado ou grave de DHPN com títulos de anticorpos anti-D iniciais >= 128 apresentam aumento da chance de ocorrência de desfechos gestacionais adversos (TIU ou OF) de 3,33 vezes em relação àquelas com títulos iniciais baixos. Portanto, a titulação inicial de anti-D auxilia na triagem das gestações com maior chance de anemia fetal moderada ou grave, exigindo vigilância com avaliações mais frequentes do pico de velocidade sistólica da artéria cerebral média / OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between anti-D antibody titers in pregnant women with a previous history of hemolytic disease and adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort (2006-14) involving Rh negative pregnant women with a previous history of moderate or severe hemolytic disease, seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo University Medical School. Inclusion criteria: singleton pregnancies, without fetal effusions or hydrops, first evaluated before 32 weeks of gestation, and known perinatal outcome. Primary outcomes were: need for intrauterine transfusion (IUT) and/or stillbirth (SB). ROC curve analysis was used to examine the correlation between antibody titers and adverse pregnancy outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive (PPV) and negative (NPV) values, accuracy and positive (PLR) and negative (NLR) likelihood ratios were calculated for different cut-offs. RESULTS: The study included 58 singleton pregnancies with a history of moderate (n=18, 31.0%) or severe (n=40, 69.0%) hemolytic disease in a previous pregnancy. Adverse outcome occurred in 29 (50.0%) pregnancies: IUT was performed in 28 (48.3%, 28/58) cases and SB occurred in 7 (12.1%, 7 / 58). The frequency of adverse outcomes was significantly different (p < 0.001) according to initial antibody titers: low ( < 16), 1/10 (10.0%); moderate (between 16 and 64), 8/22 (26.9%); and high ( >= 128), 20/26 (76.9%). ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.90) for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Initial antiD > 128 was considered the best cut-off level, with sensitivity of 69.0%, specificity of 79.3%, PPV of 76.9%, NPV of 71.9%, accuracy of 74.0%, PLR of 3.33 (95% CI: 1.68 to 7.23) and NLR 0.39 (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.66). Antibody levels trend throughout pregnancy (decrease, stability or increase) was not correlated with adverse outcome (p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: Pregnancies with a previous history of moderate to severe hemolytic disease, and initial anti-D antibody titers >= 128, present increased chance (3.33 times) of need for intrauterine transfusion and/or stillbirth compared to those with low initial titers. Therefore, initial anti-D titers improve the screening of pregnancies at higher risk of moderate/severe fetal anemia and will require more frequent monitoring of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity

Background Reproductive health and health events associated with pregnancy including induced abortions are among the most important factors for the health of fertile women. Adverse outcomes have an impact on women’s reproductive health and their overall health as well as the health of their offspring. Pregnancy and child bearing take place within a cultural context. Risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes depend on factors both associated with the individual woman as well as contextual factors. Aims This thesis investigates reproductive health indicators and their determinants for women in a rural district in Vietnam with special focus on adverse pregnancy outcomes and their determinants. In addition, this thesis explores the perspectives and experiences among pregnant women and health care professionals on maternal health care in Vietnam and risks during pregnancy and delivery. Methods The studies used quantitative and qualitative methods.  In the quantitative studies a total of 4,396 women reporting 5,838 pregnancies, and 5,521 infants were included. Parametric and non parametric tests and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.   For the estimation of small for gestational age a population-specific reference curve was constructed based on the mean birth weight at term in the study population. In the qualitative studies data were collected from eight focus group discussions, four with pregnant women and four with health care professionals. Manifest and latent content analysis was applied.  Main findings Women belonging to an ethnic minority or women giving birth at home were at increased risk of stillbirth.  The risk of induced abortion increased with maternal age. Neonatal mortality was estimated to 11.6 per 1000 live births and perinatal mortality to 25.0 per 1000 births. The prevalence of small for gestational age was estimated to 6.4%. Risk factors for small for gestational age included women in farming occupations and post-term birth. There was a marked decrease in perinatal mortality after 33 weeks of gestation. Contextual conditions influenced both pregnant women’s use of maternal health care and the performance of the health care professionals. The use of maternal health care was influenced by economical conditions as well as cultural norms that impeded women’s autonomy. Structural constraints included inadequate financing of the health system, including lack of staff, insufficient professional re-training, and inadequate equipment. Pregnant women in rural Vietnam created a strategy to promote a healthy pregnancy through lifestyle adjustments, gathering of information, and seeking timely medical care. Insights in pregnancy-related conditions were sought from various sources and were influenced both by Vietnamese traditions and modern medical knowledge. Conclusions Knowledge about pregnancy complications and their related signs and symptoms, and a high confidence in the maternal health care probably contribute to the relatively good maternal health status and pregnancy outcomes in Vietnam. To improve perinatal and neonatal outcomes there is a need to ensure access for all pregnant women to delivery units with surgical capacity in case of an obstetrical emergency. Also, a higher proportion of premature infants need to be born at units with access to neonatal care. This may be achieved by an improved system for referral including capacity of medical care during transportation. Other desirable improvements include antenatal identification of small for gestational age foetuses. In our study the induced abortion rate increased with maternal age and was highest among married women, indicating that induced abortions may be used as a method for family planning. The cultural norms in Vietnam limit women’s autonomy and reduce their possibility to make independent decisions about their reproductive health. Our studies emphasize the importance of adequate access for all women to maternal health care adjusted for their individual needs. A better understanding is needed of context-specific factors that influence couples’ choice of family planning methods, place of birth, and maternal health care. The communication between pregnant women and health care professionals needs further investigation. This knowledge is essential in order to develop reproductive health services that are accessible, acceptable and affordable to all.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2004. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2006. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Introdução e objetivos – A finalidade prioritária no tratamento do diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) é alcançar níveis de glicemia materna tão próximos da normalidade quanto possível, a fim de reduzir os efeitos adversos associados à hiperglicemia na gestação. A auto verificação da glicemia capilar (perfil glicêmico) é o método mais usado para a monitorização do controle metabólico na gestação complicada por diabetes. Nosso objetivo foi analisar as associações entre os perfis glicêmicos maternos com os principais desfechos da gestação numa população de mulheres com DMG acompanhadas em ambulatório de pré-natal especializado em hospital universitário no sul do Brasil, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Desenho e metodotologia – conduzimos um estudo de coorte prospectiva de gestantes referidas da rede de atenção primária de saúde pública para tratamento do DMG no HCPA, acompanhadas do diagnóstico ao parto. Pesquisamos associações entre os resultados dos perfis glicêmicos com o peso de nascimento e com o risco de recém-nascidos grandes para idade gestacional e de desfechos adversos perinatais. Resultados – acompanhamos 440 mulheres com DMG. A média do índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi 33.3kg/m2. 351 bebês (79.8%) mostraram peso adequado à idade gestacional no nascimento. As médias de glicemia nos perfis pré e pósprandiais aumentaram com o avanço na categoria de peso nascimento. Três ou mais perfis glicêmicos anormais foram o fator de risco mais robusto para o nascimento de bebês grandes (OR 3.15 1.51-6.55) e para o desenvolvimento de desfechos adversos perinatais (OR 2.28 1.59-3.29). O ganho de peso materno durante o tratamento associou-se ao risco de recém-nascido grande para idade gestacional, assim como o IMC pré-gestacional, esse último também fator de risco independente para eventos perinatais adversos. Conclusão – perfis glicêmicos anormais em mais de 2 ocasiões foram o fator de risco mais relacionado ao nascimento de um bebê grande para a idade gestacional e para o desenvolvimento de complicações neonatais. Efeito benéfico do tratamento do DMG, guiado pelos perfis glicêmicos, foi a maioria de recém-nascidos com peso adequado à idade gestacional nessa coorte, apesar da incidência de desfechos perinatais adversos não ter sido diferente entre as categorias de peso fetal de nascimento. / Background and objective – a priority target in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is attaining maternal glucose levels as close as possible to euglycemia, in order to decrease the adverse outcomes linked to hyperglycemia. Self-performed capillary glucose (glycemic profile) is the most widely used method for metabolic monitoring in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. We intended to analyze the associations of maternal glycemic profile to main pregnancy outcomes in a population of GDM women treated in a specialized prenatal clinic at a university hospital in South Brazil, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Research design and methodology – we conducted a prospective cohort study of pregnant women, referred from public primary health care for treatment of GDM at HCPA, between 2008 and 2015. We searched associations of glycemic profiles to birth weight, large for gestational age newborn and adverse neonatal outcomes. Results – we followed 440 GDM women from diagnosis to delivery. Mean prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 33.3kg/m2; 351 babies (79.8%) had appropriate birth weight for gestational age. Mean glucose in pre-prandial and postprandial profiles increased with raising birth weight category. Three or more abnormal glycemic profiles showed the strongest association to a large baby (OR 3.15 1.51-6.55) and to a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes (OR 2.28 1.59- 3.29). Gestational weight gain in the course of treatment was associated to large babies, as pre-pregnancy BMI, the latter also an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome. Conclusion – abnormal maternal glycemic profiles in more than two occasions were the stronger risk factor for delivering a large baby and for developing neonatal complications. A beneficial effect of GDM treatment, guided by glycemic profiles, was that most of our newborns had birth weight appropriate for gestational age, although incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes had been no different across birth weight categories.

Introdução e objetivos – A finalidade prioritária no tratamento do diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) é alcançar níveis de glicemia materna tão próximos da normalidade quanto possível, a fim de reduzir os efeitos adversos associados à hiperglicemia na gestação. A auto verificação da glicemia capilar (perfil glicêmico) é o método mais usado para a monitorização do controle metabólico na gestação complicada por diabetes. Nosso objetivo foi analisar as associações entre os perfis glicêmicos maternos com os principais desfechos da gestação numa população de mulheres com DMG acompanhadas em ambulatório de pré-natal especializado em hospital universitário no sul do Brasil, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Desenho e metodotologia – conduzimos um estudo de coorte prospectiva de gestantes referidas da rede de atenção primária de saúde pública para tratamento do DMG no HCPA, acompanhadas do diagnóstico ao parto. Pesquisamos associações entre os resultados dos perfis glicêmicos com o peso de nascimento e com o risco de recém-nascidos grandes para idade gestacional e de desfechos adversos perinatais. Resultados – acompanhamos 440 mulheres com DMG. A média do índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi 33.3kg/m2. 351 bebês (79.8%) mostraram peso adequado à idade gestacional no nascimento. As médias de glicemia nos perfis pré e pósprandiais aumentaram com o avanço na categoria de peso nascimento. Três ou mais perfis glicêmicos anormais foram o fator de risco mais robusto para o nascimento de bebês grandes (OR 3.15 1.51-6.55) e para o desenvolvimento de desfechos adversos perinatais (OR 2.28 1.59-3.29). O ganho de peso materno durante o tratamento associou-se ao risco de recém-nascido grande para idade gestacional, assim como o IMC pré-gestacional, esse último também fator de risco independente para eventos perinatais adversos. Conclusão – perfis glicêmicos anormais em mais de 2 ocasiões foram o fator de risco mais relacionado ao nascimento de um bebê grande para a idade gestacional e para o desenvolvimento de complicações neonatais. Efeito benéfico do tratamento do DMG, guiado pelos perfis glicêmicos, foi a maioria de recém-nascidos com peso adequado à idade gestacional nessa coorte, apesar da incidência de desfechos perinatais adversos não ter sido diferente entre as categorias de peso fetal de nascimento. / Background and objective – a priority target in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is attaining maternal glucose levels as close as possible to euglycemia, in order to decrease the adverse outcomes linked to hyperglycemia. Self-performed capillary glucose (glycemic profile) is the most widely used method for metabolic monitoring in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. We intended to analyze the associations of maternal glycemic profile to main pregnancy outcomes in a population of GDM women treated in a specialized prenatal clinic at a university hospital in South Brazil, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Research design and methodology – we conducted a prospective cohort study of pregnant women, referred from public primary health care for treatment of GDM at HCPA, between 2008 and 2015. We searched associations of glycemic profiles to birth weight, large for gestational age newborn and adverse neonatal outcomes. Results – we followed 440 GDM women from diagnosis to delivery. Mean prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 33.3kg/m2; 351 babies (79.8%) had appropriate birth weight for gestational age. Mean glucose in pre-prandial and postprandial profiles increased with raising birth weight category. Three or more abnormal glycemic profiles showed the strongest association to a large baby (OR 3.15 1.51-6.55) and to a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes (OR 2.28 1.59- 3.29). Gestational weight gain in the course of treatment was associated to large babies, as pre-pregnancy BMI, the latter also an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome. Conclusion – abnormal maternal glycemic profiles in more than two occasions were the stronger risk factor for delivering a large baby and for developing neonatal complications. A beneficial effect of GDM treatment, guided by glycemic profiles, was that most of our newborns had birth weight appropriate for gestational age, although incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes had been no different across birth weight categories.

L’infection génitale par le Virus du Papillome Humain (VPH) est l’infection transmissible sexuellement la plus fréquente. Sa prévalence la plus élevée est retrouvée chez les femmes en âge de procréer. Bien que la littérature expérimentale s’accorde sur la plausibilité biologique de l’effet du VPH sur les issues négatives de grossesse, les résultats des études observationnelles sont équivoques. Parmi ces issues négatives figure l’accouchement prématuré qui reste une cause majeure de mortalité périnatale et de morbidité à vie dans le monde. La présente thèse avait alors pour but de faire la lumière sur la qualité de la littérature actuelle sur les issues négatives de grossesse en lien avec le VPH en général et d’approfondir l’association entre le VPH et l’accouchement prématuré en particulier. À cette fin, trois objectifs de recherche étaient visés, à savoir: 1) évaluer systématiquement l’ampleur de l’association entre l’infection VPH et les issues négatives de grossesse dans la littérature et la qualité des évidences sur ces relations, 2) estimer l’association entre l’infection VPH pendant la grossesse et l’accouchement prématuré et 3) identifier les déterminants de la transmission du VPH dans le placenta chez les femmes infectées par le VPH au niveau vaginal. Trois analyses ont été menées pour répondre à chacun des objectifs. D’abord, nous avons effectué une revue systématique et des méta-analyses pour chacune des issues négatives de grossesse suivantes: avortement spontané, rupture prématurée et/ou préterme et des membranes, accouchement prématuré, faible poids de naissance, retard de croissance intra-utérine, troubles hypertensifs gestationnels et mortinaissance. Ensuite, en utilisant les données des femmes éligibles de la cohorte prospective HERITAGE (n=899), nous avons estimé l’association entre l’infection VPH (pendant la grossesse et dans le placenta) et l’accouchement prématuré. Dans un modèle de régression logistique, un ajustement pour la confusion a été assuré par pondération par l’inverse de probabilité de l’infection VPH au premier trimestre en fonction des caractéristiques maternelles. Enfin, l’analyse des déterminants du VPH dans le placenta a été réalisée sur l’échantillon de la cohorte de femmes positives au VPH au premier trimestre de grossesse (n=354) en utilisant un modèle d’équations d’estimation généralisée. La revue systématique et les méta-analyses ont montré que l’infection VPH est associée à plusieurs issues négatives de grossesse dont l’accouchement prématuré. Cependant, ces résultats doivent être interprétés avec prudence, compte tenu des limites dans certaines études en raison d’erreur de mesure de l’exposition au VPH, d’une détection du VPH en dehors de la période de grossesse, et d’un contrôle insuffisant pour la confusion. Les résultats de notre étude de cohorte prospective ont montré que la persistance des VPH16/18 pendant la grossesse et la présence du VPH dans le placenta sont associées à l’accouchement prématuré avec un odds ratio ajusté (aOR) de 3,72 (IC 95% 1,47-9,39) et 2,53 (IC 95% 1,06- 6,03) respectivement. Cet effet est indépendant des antécédents de traitement de dysplasies cervicales. Par ailleurs, la présence du VPH dans le placenta est associée à l’origine ethnique autre que blanc (aOR 1,78; IC 95% 1,08-2,96), aux anomalies cervicales (aOR 1,92; IC 95% 1,14-3,24), à l’infection génitale ou urinaire (aOR 2,32; IC 95% 1,15-4,68), à la coinfection VPH au 1er trimestre (aOR 2,56; IC 95% 1,72-3,83), à la persistance d’un VPH à haut risque autre que les génotypes 16/18 (2,31; IC 95% 1,20-4,45) et à la persistance des VPH-16/18 pendant la grossesse (aOR 4,55; IC 95% 2,40-8,66). Dans l’ensemble, les résultats de cette thèse apportent de nouvelles connaissances sur l’infection VPH vaginale pendant la grossesse et dans le placenta. L’association entre l’accouchement prématuré et la persistance du VPH-16/18 en cours de grossesse ou l’infection VPH dans le placenta indique qu’un certain nombre d’accouchements prématurés, jusque-là inexpliqués, pourraient être en lien avec le VPH. Cet effet direct de l’infection VPH sur l’accouchement prématuré vient s’ajouter à celui, déjà montré, du traitement cervical des lésions dysplasiques. Le VPH placentaire est associé aux marqueurs d’une réponse immunitaire inadéquate contre le VPH vaginal. Nos résultats plaident en faveur de la couverture vaccinale optimale contre le VPH dans le but d’alléger le fardeau des naissances prématurées. / Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genital infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Its highest prevalence is found in women of childbearing age. Although experimental studies agree on the biological plausibility of detrimental effect of HPV on pregnancy outcomes, observational studies yielded contradictory findings. Among these negative outcomes there is preterm delivery, which remains a major cause of perinatal mortality and lifelong morbidity worldwide. Therefore, this thesis aimed to shed light on the quality of the current literature on negative outcomes related to HPV in general and specifically to further investigate the association between HPV and preterm birth. We targeted three research objectives: 1) systematic assessment of the association between HPV infection and negative pregnancy outcomes in the literature and the quality of the evidence on these relationships, 2) estimate the association between HPV infection during pregnancy and preterm delivery; and 3) to identify the determinants of HPV transmission in the placenta in women infected with in the first trimester. Three analyzes were carried out to meet each of the objectives. We performed a systematic review and meta-analyzes for each of the following negative pregnancy outcomes: spontaneous abortion, premature and / or preterm rupture and membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, intra-uterine growth retardation, pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders and stillbirth. Using data from eligible women in the HERITAGE prospective cohort (n = 899), we assessed the association between HPV infection (during pregnancy and in the placenta) and preterm birth. In a logistic regression model, we adjusted for confounding by inverse propensity treatment weighting of HPV infection in the first trimester based on maternal characteristics. Finally, the analysis of the determinants of HPV in the placenta was performed on the sample of the cohort of HPV positive women in the first trimester of pregnancy (n = 354) using a generalized estimation equations model. The systematic review and meta-analyzes showed that HPV infection is associated with several negative pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, given the limitations in some studies regarding misclassification of HPV exposure, inappropriate HPV time-point detection, and insufficient control for confusion. Our prospective cohort study showed that the persistence of HPV16/18 during pregnancy and the presence of any HPV in the placenta are associated with preterm birth with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.72 (CI 95 % 1.47-9.39) and 2.53 (95% CI 1.06-6.03) respectively. These findings are independent of the history of cervical dysplasia treatment. In addition, the presence of any HPV in the placenta is associated with ethnic origin other than white (aOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.08-2.96), cervical abnormalities (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.14-3.24), genital or urinary infection (aOR 2.32; 95% CI 1.15-4.68), HPV coinfection in the 1st trimester (aOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.72-3.83), persistence of high-risk HPV other than genotypes 16/18 (2.31; 95% CI 1.20-4.45) and persistence of HPV-16/18 during pregnancy (aOR 4.55; 95% CI 2.40-8.66). Overall, our findings provide new evidence on vaginal HPV infection during pregnancy and in the placenta. The association between preterm birth and persistence of HPV-16/18 during pregnancy or any HPV infection in the placenta indicates that a number of unexplained preterm deliveries may be related to HPV. This direct effect of HPV infection on preterm birth is in addition to that already shown of cervical treatment of dysplastic lesions. Placental HPV is associated with markers of an inadequate immune response against vaginal HPV. Our results argue in favor of an increase in vaccine coverage against HPV in order to reduce the burden of preterm births.

Background: One in ten people in the U.S. are affected by a substance use disorder (SUD), roughly one third of whom are women. Rates of unintended pregnancy are higher in this population than in the general public. Little is understood about how women with SUD use prescription contraception and think about pregnancy. Methods: By analyzing Medicaid claims data and conducting qualitative interviews with women with SUD, this doctoral thesis seeks to: 1) compare any use of and consistent, continued coverage by prescription contraceptives between women with and without SUD; 2) determine the extent to which SUD is associated with pregnancy, abortion, and adverse feto-maternal outcomes in women who use prescription contraception; and 3) explore facilitators of and barriers to contraceptive utilization by women with SUD, using qualitative interviews. Results: Compared to women without SUD, women with SUD are less likely to use any prescription contraceptive, particularly long-acting reversible methods. Among women who do use long-acting methods, SUD is associated with less continued, consistent coverage by a prescription contraceptive. Among women who use contraception, SUD is also associated with increased odds of abortion. When interviewed, women with SUD report fatalistic attitudes towards pregnancy planning, and have difficulty conceptualizing how susceptibility to pregnancy may change over time. Women with SUD also report that pregnancy has substantial impact on their drug treatment prospects. Conclusions: This study is the first to examine contraceptive utilization by women with SUD who are enrolled in Medicaid or state-subsidized insurance. Our study may help to inform clinical practice and policy development to improve the reproductive health and wellbeing of women with SUD.

Introduction: Evidences indicate that human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) and diabetes (DM) impact pregnancy outcomes but no experience on the integrated service delivery of HIV, DM and pregnancy care. This study explored the domains and levels of integration among DM, HIV and pregnancy care to prepare a service delivery model in Ethiopia. Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed method and the integration theoretical framework guided the study. An exploratory qualitative phase used focused group discussion, in-depth interview and observation to explore the level of integration and to refine a questionnaire for the quantitative phase. The data were transcribed and coded for theme-based analysis. The descriptive quantitative phase described HIV, DM and pregnancy care services, and determined the burden of DM among HIV patients and the prevalence of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Data was analysed using Epi-info. The findings were triangulated, discussed and interpreted. Results: Seven themes were generated: joint plan, shared budget, monitoring system, structural location, the need of policy guide, the practice of integrated service delivery and suggested integration approaches. A coordinated HIV and pregnancy care services were noted. There was a linkage between diabetes and HIV, and diabetes and pregnancy care. The 1.5% of diabetes among HIV, the low number of pregnancies per a mother in diabetes (1.8) and HIV (1.3); the high adverse pregnancy outcomes among HIV (13.4% abortion, 12.4% low birth weight (LBW), 3.5% pre-term birth, 2.1% congenital malformation) and diabetes (3.2% big baby, 3.2% LBW, 3.1% Cesarean-section); the respective absent and low (16.2%) diabetes screening service at anti-natal and HIV clinics, the absent pregnancy care service for diabetic females justified the development of the tripartite integrated service delivery model of diabetes, HIV and pregnancy care. Conclusions: The model suggests active diabetes screening, evaluation and treatment at HIV and antenatal clinics. It considers the coordination between non-communicable diseases (NCD), HIV and maternal health units. Pregnancy care could be coordinated at HIV and NCD units. Full integration can be practiced between HIV and pregnancy care units. Preparing policy guide, building the capacity of health providers, advocating and piloting the model may be prioritized before the implementation of the model. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Objective: To determine if paternal preconception exposure to ionizing radiation through uranium mining increases the risk of congenital anomaly (CA) in offspring. Methods: A population-based matched case-control study was conducted. Cases were infants with CAs recorded in the Canadian Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System and born alive in Ontario 1979-86 (ICD-9 codes 740-759); controls were liveborn infants without CAs identified from Ontario birth certificates and individually matched to cases (case-control file {CCF}). Exposed fathers were identified through the linkage of the CCF to the Mining Master File or the National Dose Registry file, which include those who worked in Ontario uranium mines 1952-1986. For men who linked with a case or control child, radon, gamma and total gonadal doses were estimated for three preconception periods: entire, 3-months and 6-months. Odds ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Linkage of 28,991 uranium miners and 40,482 case-control pairs of fathers and offspring in the CCF identified 431 discordant pairs. There was no evidence of increased risk of a child having a CA if the father was ever a uranium miner before conception of the child (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.74–1.08). Since gamma radiation (especially during the 6-month preconception period) is more biologically relevant to gonads than radon, further analyses were performed on 117 discordant pairs where data on gamma exposures were available. When ever/never miner, exposed to gamma (yes/no), and gamma dose-response variables were all in the model, there was no ever/never miner effect (OR=1.20, 95% CI=0.85–1.69, p-value=0.30), an inverse association for exposure to gamma (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.25–0.71, p-value=0.001), but most importantly, there was no statistically significant dose-response relationship between gamma dose during the 6-month preconception period and all CAs (OR=1.15 per loge {mSv+0.01}, 95% CI=0.83–1.59, p-value=0.40). Similarly, no dose-response relationship was observed for exposure to gamma radiation in the 3-month preconception period, or for radon or total gonadal radiation in the 3- or 6-month preconception periods. Conclusion: There was no increased risk of a CA among liveborn children of Ontario uranium miners who were exposed to radon, gamma or total radiation during the 3- or 6-month periods before conception.