Factors associated with Nugent-bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy and postpartum among women in rural northwestern Bangladesh.

Community-based longitudinal data on factors linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV) during and after pregnancy in Bangladesh are limited. Using data from a rural randomized trial of vitamin A and β-carotene supplementation, we examined factors associated with Nugent-score-assessed BV. Self-collected vaginal swabs from 1,812 participants were obtained in early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and 3 months postpartum for Nugent scoring.

COVID-19 vaccine coverage among adults in Sarlahi District of Nepal in 2022.

Nepal launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign in January 2021 through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility. Vaccine coverage, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is measured using administrative-level data; however, this source is often subject to biases and limitations. We conducted a household survey in rural Sarlahi District, Nepal, to estimate COVID-19 vaccine coverage and assess associations with participant characteristics among adults.

The effect of prenatal balanced energy and protein supplementation on gestational weight gain: An individual participant data meta-analysis in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Understanding the effects of balanced energy and protein (BEP) supplements on gestational weight gain (GWG) and how the effects differ depending on maternal characteristics and the nutritional composition of the supplements will inform the implementation of prenatal BEP interventions.

Methods And Findings: Individual participant data from 11 randomized controlled trials of prenatal BEP supplements (N = 12,549, with 5,693 in the BEP arm and 6,856 in the comparison arm) in low- and middle-income countries were used. The primary outcomes included GWG adequacy (%) and the estimated total GWG at delivery as continuous outcomes, and severely inadequate (<70% adequacy), inadequate GWG (<90% adequacy), and excessive GWG (>125% adequacy) as binary outcomes; all variables were calculated based on the Institute of Medicine recommendations.

Micronutrient dose response (MiNDR) study among women of reproductive age and pregnant women in rural Bangladesh: study protocol for double-blind, randomised, controlled trials.

Introduction: Optimising the micronutrient status of women before and during reproduction confers benefits to them and their offspring. Antenatal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), given as a daily tablet with nutrients at ~1 recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI) reduces adverse birth outcomes. However, at this dosage, MMS may not fully address micronutrient deficiencies in settings with chronically inadequate diets and infection.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, trust, and communication in Sarlahi District, Nepal.

Background: Strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage require an understanding of the extent and drivers of vaccine hesitancy and trust in government related to COVID-19 vaccine programs, especially in low-resource communities.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional household survey post-COVID-19 vaccine introduction among adults (n = 362) in four municipalities in Sarlahi District, Nepal from August to December 2022. The survey included modules on participant demographics and socioeconomic factors and vaccine hesitancy, information seeking, and trust in authorities related to COVID-19 vaccination.