Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the major causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the goal of reducing newborn morbidity and mortality by 2030, low-income countries, including Ethiopia, still confront major challenges. Although various systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) have been conducted on LBW in Ethiopia, there is notable variation among their findings. This umbrella review aimed to consolidate inconsistent findings into a single summary estimate, providing a robust synthesis of evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to bolster health policy development and planning in Ethiopia.Articles were retrieved on PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, HINARI, and Google Scholar. Assessments of Multiple Systematic Reviews checklist scores were used to assess the quality of the included SRMA studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall effect size.A total of eleven SRMA studies (5 prevalence and 6 predictors) involving 190,492 neonates with an outcome of interest were included in the analysis. The summary estimate for the prevalence of LBW was 16% (95% CI: 13, 18%). Being prematurity [POR: 7.86; 95% CI: 5.79, 10.67], not attending antenatal care (ANC) [POR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.49, 3.88], having pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) [POR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.78, 6.36], being a rural resident [POR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.56, 2.94], having a pregnancy interval < 24 months [POR: 2.96; 95% CI: 1.79, 4.9], not having iron-folic acid supplementation (IFAS) [POR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.5], and being a maternal age < 20 [POR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.9] were significantly associated with LBW. This umbrella review revealed more than three out of twenty neonates experienced LBW in Ethiopia. Being premature, not attending antenatal care, having pregnancy-induced hypertension, being a rural resident, having a pregnancy interval < 24 months, not having iron-folic acid supplementation and being a maternal age < 20 were significant predictors of LBW. Therefore, timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and follow-up of women at risk might combat the incidence of LBW in Ethiopia.

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions promoting healthy lifestyle changes offer an adaptable and inexpensive method for accessing health information but require cultural appropriateness and suitability for acceptance and effectiveness in Indigenous populations. No systematic review on effective mHealth interventions for Indigenous women during pregnancy and the early childhood years has been conducted. Objective: This review evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth interventions promoting healthy behaviors for Indigenous mothers and children from conception to 5 years post partum. It also aimed to explore the observed effectiveness differences based on participant engagement, intervention design, and provision of context. Further, the review explored if the interventions were co-designed. Methods: A systematic search of 5 databases was conducted: SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest (Dissertation or Thesis). Studies were included if they were either a randomized controlled trial, pre-post comparison, or a cohort study using mHealth with Indigenous women for maternal and child health following a preregistered PROSPERO protocol (CRD42023395710). HealthInfoNet was searched for gray literature and the reference lists of included studies were hand searched. The initial title and abstract screen for eligibility were performed by 1 reviewer. A full-text screen of eligible studies and a quality appraisal of included studies was performed by 2 reviewers independently. The appraisal tools used were the Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal Tool and the Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange (CREATE). A descriptive synthesis of the extracted data was performed. Results: Of the 663 articles screened, only 3 met the eligibility criteria. Each paper evaluated a different mHealth intervention: Remote Prenatal Education; the SMS Parent Action Intervention (two-way text messaging); and the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) eCHECKUP To Go (web-based screening and intervention). Statistically significant changes were reported in some outcomes, including an increase in the parental participation rate in face-to-face prenatal education; increased rate of breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding (2-12 months); improved overall children's behavior related to sleep, diet, physical activity, screen time, and intake of sugary beverages; improved individual children's behavior related to physical activity and sleep; and decrease in alcohol drinks per week and binge drinking episodes per 2 weeks due to time effect. However, no study provided a sample size calculation for the reported significant outcomes. Also, due to the small number of included studies and each study evaluating a different intervention, it was not possible to combine results to ascertain if the participant engagement, intervention design, or community context had any impact on the effectiveness. Conclusions: Due to the lack of sample size calculation, it was not possible to establish whether differences in the effectiveness were due to the interventions or a type I statistical error. Therefore, caution is required in the interpretation of these findings. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42023395710; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023395710.

Background: Population-wide newborn blood spot screening programmes are a successful public health intervention used to detect whether the baby is at risk of certain rare conditions, with the aim of earlier diagnosis and provision of optimal care and treatment. Evaluating candidate conditions to include in newborn blood spot and genetic sequencing raises questions regarding acceptability to parents/carers. Methods: In the context of the possible expansion of the newborn blood spot screening programme in the United Kingdom, this review aimed to systematically review research on the acceptability to parents of newborn blood spot screening and genetic sequencing. A protocol was developed prior to commencing the review and was registered on the PROSPERO database. A team of researchers carried out the review, with checking at all stages carried out by at least two individuals. We included research published after 2013 with participants who were pregnant or a recent parent of a newborn and were resident in a high-income country. We included quantitative and qualitative studies that investigated the acceptability to parents/carers of newborn blood spot screening or genetic sequencing. Quantitative studies were narratively synthesised, and theories/frameworks identified and evaluated. Qualitative studies were analysed for recurring themes, and a meta-synthesis was carried out to compare and contrast these two types of data. We quality appraised included articles using tools appropriate for their study design. Results: Searches were carried out in September to November 2023 and screening identified 25 relevant research articles. Just over half were from North America, with four existing reviews and nine qualitative studies. Domains of acceptability described in the literature were: support for screening; level of anxiety, information and knowledge; consent; views of the procedure; and support after screening. The research indicated consensus support for blood spot screening, and for expanding to some other conditions, although some parental anxiety was reported. Parents/carers mostly perceived that they had received sufficient information, but the timing of this could be improved. While parents indicated interest in genomic screening, studies highlighted the need for clearer consent procedures and greater support for parents following genomic screening than for blood spot screening. Only three included studies reported using any kind of theoretical framework. Discussion: Most parents/carers found newborn blood spot screening programmes to be acceptable and favoured their large-scale implementation. A minority of parents/carers expressed concerns regarding the acceptability of processes underpinning newborn blood spot screening, such as consent, the timing of receiving information and support available after testing. More research is needed regarding the acceptability of newborn genomic sequencing screening programmes, which are less established compared with newborn blood spot screening programmes. Limitations: The over-representation of studies conducted in the United States has implications for the applicability of findings to other countries where testing is not typically mandatory and health systems differ considerably. Most studies were of cross-sectional design and there was limited representation of people from lower incomes and non-white ethnicity. While the inclusion of studies only in populations of future or very recent parents provided coherence to the findings, unclear reporting of participants may have resulted in under- or overinclusion of some studies. Funding: This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme as award number NIHR159927.

This bibliometric study examines the scholarly landscape of migration and women's health, analyzing 1314 Scopus-indexed articles from 462 journals published between 2000 and 2023. Findings indicate a consistent increase in research output, reflecting growing global interest in this interdisciplinary field. Geographically, high-income countries (HICs), including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, dominate contributions, while low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain underrepresented despite hosting significant migrant populations. International collaborations play a crucial role, with key institutions such as the University of California and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine shaping research efforts. The keyword co-occurrence analysis highlights migration, gender dynamics, mental health, and reproductive health as dominant themes. Persistent gaps in mental and reproductive healthcare access for migrant women emphasize the need for trauma-informed care (TIC), mobile bilingual healthcare services, and inclusive health policies. Disparities in research funding further exacerbate global health inequities, underscoring the necessity of equitable redistribution of resources, including redirecting at least 10 % of HIC research grants to LMIC-led studies. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified pre-existing vulnerabilities, stressing the importance of multilateral collaborations and sustainable policy interventions to enhance migrant healthcare access. This study provides valuable insights into research trends, collaboration networks, and thematic focus areas, offering a foundation for future interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policymaking aimed at promoting health equity for migrant women globally.

目的 整合阴道分娩产妇产后会阴疼痛管理的最佳证据，为临床开展有效会阴疼痛管理提供依据。方法 系统检索临床支持决策系统、国内外指南网站、专业学会或协会网站及相关数据库等，获取阴道分娩产妇产后会阴疼痛管理的相关文献，包括临床决策、证据总结、最佳实践、指南、专家共识、系统评价，检索时限为建库至2023年11月。由2名研究者对文献独立进行质量评价，4名研究者按照标准化提取表格进行证据提取并整合，小组讨论确定最终的最佳证据。结果 纳入20篇文献，其中临床决策3篇，证据总结4篇，指南4篇，专家共识4篇，系统评价5篇。最终从会阴创伤的预防、会阴伤口的缝合、疼痛评估、非药物干预、药物干预、产后健康教育及人员培训7个方面总结了26条证据。结论 总结的阴道分娩产妇产后会阴疼痛的最佳证据较为科学、全面，临床医护人员可结合实际临床情景和患者需求选择证据，制订相关疼痛管理措施，以降低产妇会阴疼痛程度。

目的 整合阴道分娩产妇产后会阴疼痛管理的最佳证据，为临床开展有效会阴疼痛管理提供依据。方法 系统检索临床支持决策系统、国内外指南网站、专业学会或协会网站及相关数据库等，获取阴道分娩产妇产后会阴疼痛管理的相关文献，包括临床决策、证据总结、最佳实践、指南、专家共识、系统评价，检索时限为建库至2023年11月。由2名研究者对文献独立进行质量评价，4名研究者按照标准化提取表格进行证据提取并整合，小组讨论确定最终的最佳证据。结果 纳入20篇文献，其中临床决策3篇，证据总结4篇，指南4篇，专家共识4篇，系统评价5篇。最终从会阴创伤的预防、会阴伤口的缝合、疼痛评估、非药物干预、药物干预、产后健康教育及人员培训7个方面总结了26条证据。结论 总结的阴道分娩产妇产后会阴疼痛的最佳证据较为科学、全面，临床医护人员可结合实际临床情景和患者需求选择证据，制订相关疼痛管理措施，以降低产妇会阴疼痛程度。

目的 对乳腺癌患者性功能障碍发生率及其影响因素进行系统评价。方法 计算机检索国内外关于乳腺癌患者性功能障碍发生率及其影响因素的研究，检索时段为建库到2023年7月31日，由2名研究员独立进行文献筛选和信息提取，并进行质量评估，采用Stata 18.0软件进行Meta分析。结果 总计纳入17项研究，样本量为3 818例。乳腺癌患者的性功能障碍发生率为63.0%[95%CI(54.0%,72.0%)]。亚组分析结果显示，国内外乳腺癌患者的性功能障碍发生率分别为75%和48%,且差异有统计学意义。Meta分析结果显示：年龄(OR=1.12,95%CI:1.04～1.19,P=0.001)、月平均收入(OR=1.87,95%CI:1.23～2.87,P=0.004)、围绝经期(OR=4.32,95%CI:1.90～9.80,P<0.001)、手术方式(OR=2.61,95%CI:1.73～3.94,P<0.001)、化疗(OR=2.29,95%CI:1.38～3.78,P=0.001)、性健康教育(OR=4.68,95%CI:2.95～7.43,P<0.001)、术后时间(O...

Introduction: Globally, there has been a decline in the age of menarche; the decline is higher in poorer countries than in richer ones. The measurement of the decline was based on the reported mean age at menarche (MAM) across the countries. There is a significant knowledge gap in investigating the generational decline in MAM in low- and median-income countries (LMC). In Nigeria, different studies have reported MAM, but none have attempted to investigate the generational shift in the reported MAM in girls residing in rural and urban areas. This review sought to understand if there is a rural-urban disparity in the MAM. Methods: Documents were searched in the relevant bibliometric database and Population intervention, comparison(s) and outcome (PICO) framework were used as eligibility criteria for extracting data from the documents based on some inclusion and exclusion criteria. The population are adolescent schoolgirls in rural and urban settlements in Nigeria. The comparator is the age of menarche of urban versus rural adolescent schoolgirls in Nigeria, while the mean age at menarche (MAM) is the outcome. Data quality assessment was done to critically appraise the included studies and enhance. Data were synthesized using narrative review, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Ten articles were included in the study, following the PRISMA framework. The overall mean evaluation of the risk of bias in the individual studies included in the review was computed to be 88%. Generally, there seems to be a decline in the age at menarche from 1976 to 2023. The rural MAM is higher than the urban MAM, and the gap between the two appears to be narrowing. The t-test showed no statistically significant mean differences between the rural and urban mean age at menarche (T = 2.1009, p value = 0.4679). The mean menarcheal age for girls in rural and urban areas is 13.44 and 13.04, respectively. There is a strong positive correlation between the rural and urban MAMs (Pearson = 0.93, p < 0.001). The Gaussian kernel estimated a bimodal distribution for rural girls, where they are most likely to experience menarche at 11 and 13 years, respectively, while urban girls are most likely to experience menarche at 13 years. In both locations, the incidence of menarche decreases just after the peak at 13 years. Conclusion: Although rural girls have delayed menarche, there is no statistically significant mean difference between the age at menarche reported for rural and urban areas in Nigeria. Interventions in the form of counseling and reproductive education are recommended. The review provides a strong foundation for further research and policy development aimed at improving the health and well-being of adolescent girls in Nigeria and other similar settings. Prospero registration: CRD42024529497.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding the prevalence of preterm birth is critical to improving neonatal care, informing public health strategies, and supporting health care planning. The objective of this study was to explore the problem of preterm birth in Saudi Arabia by estimating the prevalence of preterm birth over a defined period of time. CINAHL, Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database, Embase, and Medline were searched, limiting the search to the human Saudi population, with no date or language restriction. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened to determine eligibility for inclusion. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias utilizing the Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision (LEGEND) tool. Then, data were extracted in a customized data collection form. Among the 14 full texts reviewed, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review, with a total of 50,514 participants for singletons and 336 sets of twins or/and high-order gestation in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Six studies have been entered into the meta-analysis and resulted in a pooled prevalence of preterm birth of 7.89 per 100 live births (95% confidence interval: 6.94 to 8.97). For multiple pregnancies, the average prevalence of preterm birth was 91.3 per 100 live births (95% confidence interval: 88.3 to 94.3). The overall preterm birth rate in Saudi Arabia can be utilized in national health planning and public health policy development. By knowing the prevalence of preterm birth, healthcare practitioners and policymakers can effectively plan for capacity building and healthcare services to provide efficient and proactive care for preterm infants, ultimately improving patient outcomes by reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Background: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is fundamental to the overall wellbeing and development of young people. In Southern Ethiopia, adolescents face significant barriers to accessing and utilizing ASRH services: they include limited information, pervasive cultural stigma, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Addressing these barriers is critical to reducing unintended pregnancies, preventing sexually transmitted infections, and achieving national and international health objectives. Despite the existence of policies aimed at improving ASRH, these challenges persist, highlighting the urgent need for targeted policy reforms and effective implementation strategies to ensure a healthier future for adolescents in the region. Main findings: Recent research has identified substantial barriers to ASRH services in Southern Ethiopia. Key challenges include widespread gaps in knowledge, socio-cultural stigma, and strong influences from family and peers, compounded by limited service availability. The absence of adolescent-friendly care, coupled with insufficient outreach efforts, further restricts access. Healthcare providers also encounter significant obstacles, such as stigma, inadequate training, and a lack of institutional support, which undermine their ability to deliver effective services. Service utilization varies markedly based on geographic location, economic status, and educational attainment, with approximately half of adolescents lacking a comprehensive understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Moreover, persistent stigma, low levels of social support, and limited self-efficacy continue to hinder the uptake of these essential services. Policy implications: To improve ASRH services in Southern Ethiopia, a multi-faceted approach is imperative. Increasing public education through school programs and awareness campaigns can mitigate stigma and misinformation, fostering a more supportive environment. Initiatives such as providing transportation support and establishing mobile health clinics will significantly improve access for adolescents in underserved areas. Strengthening healthcare services by offering specialized training for providers and establishing adolescent-friendly clinics will elevate the quality of care. Engaging families, communities, and peer networks is essential for building a supportive framework that encourages adolescents to utilize SRH services. Finally, implementing skill-building and counseling programs will empower adolescents to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes across the region.

Stunting is a chronic malnutrition problem caused by a lack of nutrients over a long period. This leads to problems later in life, resulting in difficulty in achieving optimal physical and cognitive development. This study analyzes policies, interventions, and addresses of child stunting in Asian, African, and American countries through a systematic review. The design used is a systematic review, articles are collected using electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, ProQuest, PubMed, and SAGE from 2019-2023 using the keywords policy, management, and stunting. As the results of the literature review to reduce stunting rates, stunting policies and programs focus on food security, decentralization of the health system, availability of health services and access to health services, maternal education, access to water, hygiene, sanitation, maternal nutrition, and poverty alleviation- appropriate policy implementation results of holistic and comprehensive policy formulation. Stunting prevention requires cross-program and cross-sector collaboration and is carried out comprehensively.

目的 系统评价乳腺癌患者性健康教育的干预效果。方法 计算机检索Pub Med、Embase、The Cochrane Library及CNKI、CBM等中、英文数据库中乳腺癌患者性健康教育干预相关的随机对照研究和类试验性研究，检索时限为建库～2023年5月4日。双人进行文献筛选、资料提取和质量评价，并进行交叉核对，统计分析采用Rev Man5.4软件。结果 最终纳入23篇文献，共计2 783例乳腺癌患者，文献质量一般。Meta分析结果显示，性健康教育可改善乳腺癌患者的总体性功能[SMD=0.450,95%CI（0.280,0.610）,I2=44%]，提高性满意度[SMD=0.310,95%CI（0.130,0.490）,I2=44%]和性欲水平[SMD=0.800,95%CI（0.500,1.110）,I2=0]，增加阴道润滑度[MD=0.490,95%CI（0.290,0.700）,I2=27%]，改善性交疼痛状况[MD=0.570,95%CI（0.440,0.710）,I2

Maternal obesity rates are increasing significantly, posing substantial risks to both mothers and their children. This study aims to introduce health policies addressing maternal obesity, identify preventive interventions, and highlight scientific gaps necessitating further research.We identified documents through electronic searches in PubMed, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, and grey literature sources (ministry of health websites, national gynecology and obstetrics associations) from January 2013 to August 2023, updated in June 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on English-language documents discussing interventions or health policies that promote weight loss through lifestyle changes during pregnancy.A total of 22 documents (10 studies and 12 guidelines) were included. 12 studies (N=1244) identified via databases; included two Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) from Canada and Singapore. Other 10 CPGs sourced from governmental websites and national associations: England (1), Australia (1), New Zealand (1), combined Australia and New Zealand (1), Canada (3), USA (1), Ireland (1), Germany (1). 10 guidelines focused on obesity in pregnancy, two on weight management during pregnancy. Covered interventions across pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods (9 guidelines); pre-pregnancy and pregnancy (2); exclusively postpartum (1). Seven guidelines offered evidence-based recommendations on maintaining healthy weight in mothers, largely based on expert opinions.Maternal obesity poses significant risks to both mothers and children, underscoring the need for effective health policies and systems. However, few countries have integrated adequate responses into their healthcare policies and guidelines for professionals. Limited evidence exists on optimal practices to improve reproductive health outcomes in obese women. Hence, the crucial need to developing comprehensive guidelines and proactive strategies to manage maternal obesity. These measures can improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Increased focus on research and policymaking is essential to protect the health of mothers and their children.

There is a close relationship between preconception health and maternal and child health outcomes, and the consequences may be passed down from generation to generation. In 2018, Lancet published three consecutive articles emphasizing the importance of the preconception period. Phthalic acid ester (PAE) exposure during this period may affect gametogenesis and epigenetic information in gametophytes, thereby affecting embryonic development and offspring health. Therefore, this article reviews the effects of parental preconception PAE exposure on reproductive/birth outcomes and offspring health, to provide new evidence on this topic. We searched Web of Science, MEDLINE (through PubMed), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), ScienceDirect, and the VIP Journal Library from the date of database establishment to July 3, 2024. Finally, 12 articles were included. Three studies investigated the health hazards (effects on birth weight, abortion, etc.) of women's preconception PAE exposure. Nine studies involved both parents. Nine studies considered the impacts of PAE preconception exposure on reproductive/birth outcomes, focusing on birth weight, pregnancy loss, preterm birth, embryo quality, and placental weight. Three studies considered the impacts of preconception PAE exposure on offspring behavior. The results of this review suggested that parental preconception PAE exposure may have an impact on reproductive/birth outcomes and offspring behavior, including birth weight, child behavior, and dietary behavior. However, studies on the health hazards of preconception PAE exposure are relatively scarce, and the outcomes of current studies are varied. It is necessary to use systematic reviews to verify an accurate research question to provide recommendations for public health policy making.

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health crisis that is exposing children to associated morbidities and premature mortality. However, parents can positively influence physical activity trajectories and improve health outcomes by nurturing fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children. This is the first study to explore the determinants of family FMS practice via a systematic synthesis of qualitative evidence. Methods: Keyword searches were completed in SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies that offered perspectives relating to influences on the FMS of 2-6-year-old children in the family context via qualitative approaches, including visual methodologies that provided an important voice to children, were included. A thematic analysis was used to establish key themes. Results: The emergent themes included parent knowledge and beliefs, self-efficacy of parents to teach, and the home environment. Parents often undervalued FMS and lacked the self-efficacy to teach due to poor understanding, conflicting priorities, and multifaceted societal influences. Children preferred autonomous play and socialisation but were negatively influenced by technology and restrictive household rules. Conclusions: Greater knowledge exchange between stakeholders is necessary to empower parents and enhance FMS application at home. More community initiatives could facilitate greater access to outdoor spaces, facilities, and equipment, which may improve family engagement with FMS.

Children and Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer represent a young population with specific needs, which need to be addressed in a patient- and cancer-driven way. There is an urgent need to support and extend the ongoing initiatives in Belgium. First, multidisciplinary care programmes dedicated to children need to be reviewed, and those for Adolescents and Young Adults need to be developed with close collaboration between paediatric and adult oncology and haematology teams. This needs to be done considering the entire patient journey; from cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up of late effects, transition pathways between paediatric and adult wards, and palliative care. Second, national haemato/oncology precision programmes adapted to this young population with rare cancers, including infrastructure to manage cancer gene predisposition in CAYAs with cancers and their relatives, needs to be developed. This multi-level plan aims to ensure improved outcome with high quality of care for the young population with cancer in Belgium in line with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan initiatives.

Background: Preterm birth, which is child delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is the primary cause of perinatal mortality worldwide. Preterm birth remains a major public health challenge in Rwanda, affecting approximately 13.8% of birth. The World Health Organization estimates that 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. While the association between periodontitis and preterm deliveries is increasingly recognized, little is known about this link in Rwanda. This policy brief aims to bridge this knowledge gap by presenting the findings of a recent study investigating the prevalence of periodontitis among pregnant women in Rwanda and its association with preterm deliveries. This policy brief also aims to inform and guide decision making towards incorporating periodontal screening into the antenatal care package in Rwanda. This has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes and contribute to improved oral health in the future. Policy outcome and implications: Contemporary evidence has shown a six-fold increased risk of preterm delivery for women with periodontitis in Rwanda, with a concerningly high prevalence (60%) among pregnant women. Additionally, nurses working in antenatal clinics displayed insufficient knowledge about gum disease. Actionable recommendations: The adoption of basic periodontal screening within existing antenatal care packages is recommended. This, coupled with nurse training and public awareness campaigns, can empower women and healthcare professionals to prioritize oral health for better pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: Integrating periodontal screening into antenatal care has the potential to significantly reduce preterm deliveries and contribute to a healthier future generation in Rwanda.

Background: Evidence-based practice is defined as using the best available research and clinical evidence by incorporating patients' values and preferences for their health needs. The use of evidence-based intrapartum care practices is an essential tool to improve the quality of obstetrics care. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of evidence-based intrapartum care and associated factors among obstetrics care providers in Ethiopia. Method: Important articles were retrieved from universally accepted and used databases, including Cochran, PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, Web of Science, African OnLine, and repositories of Ethiopian Universities. We extracted articles by using a standard JOANNA Briggs Institute data extraction sheet. To determine the existence of heterogeneity in studies, I 2 statistics and Cochran Q tests were used. The publication bias of the included studies was checked using Egger's test and a Funnel plot. Result: A total of 2035 obstetrics care providers were involved in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The estimated overall rate of evidence-based intrapartum care practice in Ethiopia was 54.45% (95% CI: 43.06, 65.83); I 2 = 96.6%, p < 0.001). The studies with a sample size greater than 300 count for 47.25% (95% CI: 36.14, 65.83). Whereas obstetrics care providers have a decent knowledge of intrapartum care evidence 3.31 times, a positive attitude toward evidence 3.34 times, training 2.21 times, and work experience ⩾5 years 3.31 times associated with the practice of evidence-based intrapartum care. Conclusion: The overall practice of evidence-based intrapartum care among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia is estimated to be low. Therefore, there should be a focused effort on training and disseminating protocols and guidelines to enhance knowledge and foster a positive attitude among obstetrics care providers. Additionally, the Ethiopian government should prioritize the implementation of the 2021 to 2025 National Health Equity Strategic Plan to achieve its objective of improving the quality of health services.