Prevention of Maternal and Newborn Infections in Primary Healthcare Settings: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence-Based Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.4858Keywords:
Maternal infection prevention, newborn infection prevention, primary healthcare, infection prevention and control, preventive medicineAbstract
Maternal and newborn infections remain significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in primary healthcare settings globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This comprehensive review examines evidence-based prevention strategies for maternal and neonatal infections delivered at primary health care (PHC) level, incorporating preventive medicine principles. Through systematic examination of peer-reviewed literature, this review identifies key preventive interventions spanning antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods, including screening protocols, infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and quality improvement strategies. Evidence from multiple settings demonstrates that comprehensive, multi-modal prevention approaches incorporating staff education, structural improvements, and clinical practice standardization can significantly reduce maternal and neonatal infection-related morbidity and mortality. The article emphasizes the importance of integrating screening for common maternal infections including sexually transmitted infections, Group B Streptococcus, and urinary tract infections, alongside implementation of rigorous IPC practices and timely antimicrobial interventions. Evidence shows that approximately 40% of preterm births and adverse birth outcomes stem from maternal infections that are often preventable through accessible, evidence-based primary healthcare interventions. This review synthesizes current evidence to provide practical, implementable strategies for healthcare providers in resource-limited settings, emphasizing the critical role of primary healthcare in reducing preventable maternal and neonatal infections.
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