The female genital tracts harbor a wide variety of microorganisms’ knowns as microflora mostly constituted by lactobacilli, involved in the healthy state of the vagina without causing infection. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent in pregnant women due to physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy. These infections can result to disabilities or serious health problems both for the mother and the new-born. Vaginal douching has been reported among risky practices associate with UTIs. However, this remains debatable and contradictory when other studies report the benefit effects of vaginal cleaning in infection prevention. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women behaviors and practices regarding genital hygiene. This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted on exhaustive sample of pregnant women coming for antenatal visits in Lafé Sub-divisional Hospital (SDH) and Baleng Catholic Health Center (BCHC) between 16 and 30 September 2013. Data were collected using a paper based standardized questionnaire directly self-administered after obtain a free consent. Overall, 80 pregnant women were enrolled. The majority of them had attended at least primary education (97.5%; n=78/80) and many were lived in couple (81.25%; n=65/80). Almost one on three participants identified antenatal consultation (ANC) as a key element to be taken into account by pregnant women. 70.1% (n=56/80) of women declared wearing undergarments in cotton. Regarding the daily vaginal douching behaviors, the majority (76.3%; n=61/80) of participants used the recommended gynecological measure, while the remaining use self-prescribed measures. Both genital parts (vulva area and vagina) were cleaned and use of water was mostly cited (63.8%; n=51/80). Almost one participant on four (n=29/80) use antiseptic solutions for genital cleaning. Antiseptic solutions were associated with water in 34.5% of cases (n=10/29), and in 65.5% (n=19/29) of cases it was used only for the vagina. Our findings suggest that knowledge and genital hygiene cleaning practices are acceptable among our study population. Risky practices such as use of antiseptic solutions and synthetic underwear’s were reported. Skills of health care providers on good hygiene practices for pregnant should be improved and community-based communication strategies need to be implemented to reach all women of child bearing age.

Varying beliefs, attitudes and practice exist amongst mothers about the first milk (Colostrum) produced by the mammals after parturition

Introduction: COVID-19 presents immediate and long-term nutritional challenges. Improving infant and young children feeding (IYCF) at the community level is a key priority for optimizing the survival, growth, and development of children. The study assessed the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on the feeding behaviors and practices of children under five in households of the Mifi Health District. Methods: This qualitative study used the non-random sampling technique; data was collected during focus groups (FG) among mothers & fathers, face-to-face individual interviews with Key informants (KI), and In-depth interviews (ID), and document review. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and repeated data was deleted. A thematic analysis was carried out. Results: Forty-five participants (76% Female; 24% male), 03 FG, and 30 face-to-face individual interviews were conducted (15 KI; 15 ID). Demographically, 82.2% were Christians; 11.1% Muslims and 6.7% traditionalists. Mothers knew that it’s necessary to exclusively breastfeed children up to six months and incorporate complementary foods beyond six months even during COVID19. They however believe that breastfeeding in public places exposes babies to COVID19; complementary foods from markets are a potential source of infection and an infected mother should not breastfeed. Participants mentioned a reduction in the consumption of meat and fruit in households. The spread of rumors led to increased demand for foodstuff. Mothers reported the need to wash their hands and wear face masks before breastfeeding. Equally, a decrease in attendance of vaccination services was noted. Conclusion: Creating breastfeeding rooms in public places and an intensive sensitization on nutrition in the COVID19 context can improve IYCF. Keywords: Infant and young child feeding; Health crisis; COVID-19; Cameroon, Knowledge attitudes practices