Maternal and Child Health Journal
Volume 18, Issue 7, September 2014
http://link.springer.com/journal/10995/18/7/page/1

Using the Principles of Complex Systems Thinking and Implementation Science to Enhance Maternal and Child Health Program Planning and Delivery
Charlan D. Kroelinger, Kristin M. Rankin…
Abstract
Traditionally, epidemiologic methodologies have focused on measurement of exposures, outcomes, and program impact through reductionistic, yet complex statistical modeling. Although not new to the field of epidemiology, two frameworks that provide epidemiologists with a foundation for understanding the complex contexts in which programs and policies are implemented were presented to maternal and child health (MCH) professionals at the 2012 co-hosted 18th Annual MCH Epidemiology Conference and 22nd CityMatCH Urban Leadership Conference. The complex systems approach offers researchers in MCH the opportunity to understand the functioning of social, medical, environmental, and behavioral factors within the context of implemented public health programs. Implementation science provides researchers with a framework to translate the evidence-based program interventions into practices and policies that impact health outcomes. Both approaches offer MCH epidemiologists conceptual frameworks with which to re-envision how programs are implemented, monitored, evaluated, and reported to the larger public health audience. By using these approaches, researchers can begin to understand and measure the broader public health context, account for the dynamic interplay of the social environment, and ultimately, develop more effective MCH programs and policies.

Commentary
Bringing Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Urban Contexts to the Forefront of the Development Agenda: The Case for Prioritizing the Urban Poor
Blessing Mberu1 , Joyce Mumah1, Caroline Kabiru1 and Jessica Brinton1
African Population and Health Research Centre, APHRC Campus, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, Kitisuru, P. O. Box 10787, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
Published online: 19 December 2013
Abstract
Estimates suggest that over 90 % of population increase in the least developed countries over the next four decades will occur in urban areas. These increases will be driven both by natural population growth and rural–urban migration. Moreover, despite its status as the world’s least urbanized region, the urban population in the sub-Saharan Africa region is projected to increase from under 40 % currently to over 60 % by 2050. Currently, approximately 70 % of all urban residents in the region live in slums or slum-like conditions. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks for the urban poor are severe and include high rates of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and poor maternal and child health outcomes. However, the links between poverty, urbanization, and reproductive health priorities are still not a major focus in the broader development agenda. Building on theoretical and empirical data, we show that SRH in urban contexts is critical to the development of healthy productive urban populations and, ultimately, the improvement of quality of life. We posit that a strategic focus on the sexual and reproductive health of urban residents will enable developing country governments achieve international goals and national targets by reducing health risks among a large and rapidly growing segment of the population. To that end, we identify key research, policy and program recommendations and strategies required for bringing sexual and reproductive health in urban contexts to the forefront of the development agenda.

Efficacy and Effectiveness of Maternal Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy: A Review of the Evidence
Jill M. Manske
Abstract
Influenza vaccine is universally recommended for pregnant women during any trimester of pregnancy. In light of this recommendation, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the available evidence regarding influenza vaccine efficacy and effectiveness during pregnancy. A comprehensive Medline search identified potentially relevant articles published between January 1, 1964 and February 1, 2013. Articles were selected that specifically evaluated the efficacy and effectiveness of maternal influenza vaccine in protecting women and infants from influenza infection. These were reviewed with a particular focus on the methods used to confirm influenza infection. Ten of 476 articles met the inclusion criteria. None of the six studies evaluating maternal outcomes were randomized controlled studies using a laboratory-confirmed influenza diagnosis to measure vaccine efficacy. Two studies included reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmation; four relied solely on clinical outcomes. The reported vaccine effectiveness (VE) ranged from −15 to 70 %. Seven studies examined the potential for maternal vaccination to protect infants. Four of these applied some form of laboratory confirmation, with VE ranging from 41 to 91 %. Vaccination against infectious disease is an unparalleled public health success. However, studies to date demonstrate that influenza vaccine provides only moderate protection from influenza infection in pregnant women. This review found broad heterogeneity among studies, with no uniform outcome measured and little data based on laboratory-confirmed influenza, leading to wide-ranging estimates of effectiveness. Rigorously designed studies assessing clearly defined outcomes are needed to support the development of reasoned public health policy about influenza prevention in this population.