Nigerian trial shows how universal home visits can help reduce maternal risks

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2019-04-09

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Abstract

This study tested the impact of universal home visits carried out by trained female and male “home visitors” in Bauchi State in northern Nigeria. Through follow-up questionnaires, findings show that this focused type of home visits produced clear benefits. The style of home visit was highly successful in transferring knowledge to all participants; home visitors provided pregnant women and their spouses with information about the risk factors and what could be done to avoid them, allowing them to reduce the risks themselves. The visitors shared information either through conversations or short video clips, in the style of locally popular soap operas. The programme is being upscaled.

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PREGNANCY, ANTENATAL CARE, MATERNAL MORTALITY, RURAL HEALTH, HEALTH EQUITY, KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION, AWARENESS RAISING, INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, NIGERIA, SOUTH OF SAHARA

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