Peer-Reviewed Publications

This study examines the relationship between geographic proximity to health facilities and actual healthcare utilization patterns among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing important insights about healthcare access barriers. Key findings: proximity alone does not determine healthcare utilization; cultural preferences, transportation costs, and facility reputation significantly influence decisions; a 15 km threshold was identified beyond which proximity becomes a major barrier.

An evaluation of the accuracy of modelled birth and pregnancy estimates in low- and middle-income countries, providing critical insights for population health planning and resource allocation. The analysis revealed significant variations in estimate accuracy across countries; countries with robust civil registration systems showed 95% accuracy, while those with limited data had accuracy as low as 60%.

This research identifies place-specific risk factors for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, contributing to our understanding of geographic health disparities and informing targeted interventions. The study identified significant spatial clustering of adverse outcomes, with environmental factors, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare infrastructure density as key predictors. Rural areas showed 2.3 times higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to urban areas.

A comprehensive analysis of the health and socio-demographic characteristics of women of reproductive age in Mozambique, providing essential baseline data for maternal health interventions. The study revealed high rates of anemia (45%), malnutrition (32%), and limited access to healthcare services (60% lived more than 5 km from a health facility). Educational attainment and household wealth were strongly associated with health outcomes.