Alison M El Ayadi
Biographic Data
| ID | 4440538 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Alison M El Ayadi |
| GIVEN NAMES | Alison M |
| FAMILY NAME | El Ayadi |
| SIGNATURE | EL AYADI A M |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of California, San Francisco |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-2674-4887 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 25 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 19 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 25 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
The role of social support in the decision to migrate for childbirth
Temporary Childbirth Migration (TCM), where women return to their natal homes during or after pregnancy, is a common but understudied practice in India and South Asia. This study examines the influence of social support systems on TCM decisions among Indian women, focusing on the roles of husbands, in-laws, and parents. The study was conducted in the Vadu Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Western Maharashtra, India, and involve…
Perceptions About the Relationship Between HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and Fecundity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) enable women living with HIV to safely conceive and give birth without vertical transmission. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 6 people experience infertility and women living with HIV face even higher rates. Research shows that ART and virologic suppression improve fertility/fecundity, yet this benefit is often overlooked in ART adherence education. To map the literature on people’s understandings and…
Understanding Women’s Pregnancy Intentions, Decision-Making, and Factors Influencing Reproductive Choices After Genital Fistula Repair in Uganda
Female genital fistula is a debilitating injury that may affect as many as two million women globally. While studies have examined women’s fertility intentions in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa broadly, few have explored the factors influencing pregnancy decision-making among women who have undergone fistula repair. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 women who had undergone fistula repair. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into Eng…
A qualitative study of abortion decision-making trajectories among pregnant women at their first antenatal care visit in Kampala, Uganda
Background: In Uganda, only about half of women who want to avoid pregnancy are using modern contraceptives, leading to high numbers of unintended pregnancies and elevated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to learn more about women's abortion decision-making before continuing to carry a pregnancy. Methods: We utilised a qualitative study design and interviewed 31 purposively selected single and partnered pregn…
A comprehensive understanding of global female genital fistula and stigma
Female genital fistula, a debilitating birth injury frequently caused by prolonged obstructed labor or surgery in lower resource settings, leads to stigma and poor health, social, and economic outcomes. Fistula-related stigma evidence is lacking, including the nature, dimensions, sources, and influences on health and well-being. This systematic scoping review aimed to (a) examine fistula-related stigma experiences, (b) assess stigma and discrimin…
Defining and Characterizing Temporary Childbirth Migration in India
Women returning to their natal homes for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum is common and understudied in South Asia, with important implications for maternal and newborn health policies, as well as data quality and interpretation. Using data from 1252 women residing in a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in Maharashtra, India we explore timing, duration and associated socio-economic factors with Temporary Childbirth Migration (TCM). Our …
Temporary childbirth migration and perinatal healthcare in rural Maharashtra, India
Mixed influence of Covid-19 on primary maternal and child health services in sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected the provision of and demand for routine health services in the world. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary maternal and child health (MCH) services in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The studies searched original studies reporting on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary MCH services. Four scientific databases (Pubm…
The social, economic, emotional, and physical experiences of caregivers for women with female genital fistula in Uganda
This study aimed to explore the firsthand experiences of informal primary caregivers of women with female genital fistula in Uganda. Caregivers that accompanied women for surgery at Mulago National Teaching and Referral Hospital were recruited between January and September 2015. Caregivers participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically and informed adaptation of a conceptual framework. Of 43 caregivers, 84% …
Depression and HIV Care-seeking Behaviors in a Population-based Sample in North West Province, South Africa
Depression is associated with key HIV-related prevention and treatment behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to identify the association of depressive symptoms with HIV testing, linkage to care, and ART adherence among a representative sample of 18-49 year-olds in a high prevalence, rural area of South Africa. Utilizing logistic regression models (N = 1044), depressive symptoms were inversely associated with reported ever HIV testing (AOR 0.9…
Social support among women with genital fistula in Uganda
Resulting from prolonged obstructed labour, iatrogenic and traumatic aetiologies, female genital fistula in low-resource settings causes a significant physical and psychosocial burden. Social support is an important mechanism to build resilience to health challenges. This study aimed to understand the role of emotional, informational and tangible social support for Ugandan women affected by fistula. Thirty-three participants who had had fistula s…
The supply is there. So why can’t pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural India get the Covid-19 vaccine
Despite COVID-19 vaccines being available to pregnant women in India since summer 2021, little is known about vaccine uptake among this high need population. We conducted mixed methods research with pregnant and recently delivered rural women in northern India, consisting of 300 phone surveys and 15 in-depth interviews, in November 2021. Only about a third of respondents were vaccinated, however, about half of unvaccinated respondents reported th…
Risk Factors for Dual Burden of Severe Maternal Morbidity and Preterm Birth by Insurance Type in California
Risk factors of dual burden differed by insurance type across sociodemographic and perinatal factors, suggesting that care quality may differ by insurance type. Attention to peripartum care access and care quality provided by insurance type is needed to improve maternal and neonatal health
A double-edged sword—telemedicine for maternal care during Covid-19
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rapid implementation of telemedicine for the provision of maternal and newborn healthcare. The objective of this study was to document the experiences with providing telemedicine for maternal and newborn healthcare during the pandemic among healthcare professionals globally. METHODS: The second round of a global online survey of maternal and newborn health professionals was conducted, disseminated …
Validation of an adapted instrument to measure female genital fistula-related stigma
Female genital fistula results in severe physical, psychological, and social sequelae. Qualitative research confirms stigma pervasiveness; however, no quantitative instrument exists to measure fistula-related stigma. We adapted an existing HIV-related stigma instrument to fistula-related stigma and assessed its reliability and validity. We recruited 60 Ugandan women seeking genital fistula surgery (December 2014-June 2015). We used exploratory fa…
A call for a gender-responsive, intersectional approach to address Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing health inequities, including gender disparities, and we must learn from previous global public health threats to build a gender-responsive, intersectional approach to address immediate and long-term consequences. While a narrow gender focus alone can reinforce binary and competing understandings of disease burden by gender, an intersectionality approach encourages understanding of the dimensions of power…
Trends in contraceptive use, unmet need and associated factors of modern contraceptive use among urban adolescents and young women in Guinea
Despite some progress, efforts are still needed to improve FP method use among urban adolescent and young women. Age, administrative region, wealth index, marital status, and ethnic group are significantly associated with modern FP use. Future policies and interventions should place emphasis on improving adolescents' reproductive health knowledge, increasing FP availability and strengthening provision. Efforts should target adolescents aged 15-19…
Feasibility and acceptability of mobile phone data collection for longitudinal follow-up among patients treated for obstetric fistula in Uganda
Rapid dissemination of mobile technology provides substantial opportunity for overcoming challenges reaching rural and marginalized populations. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of longitudinal mobile data capture among women undergoing fistula surgery in Uganda ( n = 60) in 2014-2015. Participants were followed for 12 months following surgery, with data captured quarterly, followed by interviews at 12 months. Participant retention was h…
Women’s experiences of fistula-related stigma in Uganda
Fistula-related stigma is common. The absence of a unifying conceptual framework prevents a nuanced understanding of the nature of fistula-related stigma, comparison across contexts and the ability to contrast with other stigmas. It also hinders intervention development. We conducted in-depth interviews or focus groups with 60 women who had undergone fistula surgery 6-24 months prior at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda in 2014. Transcripts were…
Pregnancy Intentions, Contraceptive Knowledge And Educational Aspirations Among Community College Students
Many community college students not desiring pregnancy have limited awareness of pregnancy risk and prevention
Context matters
Gender, HIV Testing and Stigma
Men “missing” from population-based HIV testing
Men's uptake of HIV testing is critical to the success of "test and treat" strategies in generalized epidemics. This study sought to identify cultural factors and community processes that influence men's HIV testing uptake in the baseline year of an ongoing test-and-treat trial among 334,479 persons in eastern Africa (SEARCH, NCT#01864603). Data were collected using participant observation at mobile community health campaigns (CHCs) (n = 28); foc…
The Role of the Nonpneumatic Antishock Garment in Reducing Blood Loss and Mortality Associated with Post‐Abortion Hemorrhage
Maternal mortality attributable to post‐abortion hemorrhage is often associated with delays in reaching or receiving definitive care. The nonpneumatic antishock garment (NASG), a low‐technology first‐aid device, has been shown to decrease blood loss and mortality among women experiencing hypovolemic shock secondary to obstetric hemorrhage etiologies. Women experiencing post‐abortion hemorrhage face longer delays in receiving definitive treatment …
Household Food Insufficiency, Financial Strain, Work–Family Spillover, and Depressive Symptoms in the Working Class
Objectives. We evaluated the association of household-level stressors with depressive symptoms among low-wage nursing home employees. Methods. Data were collected in 2006 and 2007 from 452 multiethnic primary and nonprimary wage earners in 4 facilities in Massachusetts. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of depressive symptoms with household financial strain, food insufficiency, and work–family spillover (preoccupation with w…
Household Food Insufficiency, Financial Strain, Work–Family Spillover, and Depressive Symptoms in the Working Class
Objectives. We evaluated the association of household-level stressors with depressive symptoms among low-wage nursing home employees. Methods. Data were collected in 2006 and 2007 from 452 multiethnic primary and nonprimary wage earners in 4 facilities in Massachusetts. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of depressive symptoms with household financial strain, food insufficiency, and work–family spillover (preoccupation with w…
Context matters
Pregnancy Intentions, Contraceptive Knowledge And Educational Aspirations Among Community College Students
Many community college students not desiring pregnancy have limited awareness of pregnancy risk and prevention
The Role of the Nonpneumatic Antishock Garment in Reducing Blood Loss and Mortality Associated with Post‐Abortion Hemorrhage
Maternal mortality attributable to post‐abortion hemorrhage is often associated with delays in reaching or receiving definitive care. The nonpneumatic antishock garment (NASG), a low‐technology first‐aid device, has been shown to decrease blood loss and mortality among women experiencing hypovolemic shock secondary to obstetric hemorrhage etiologies. Women experiencing post‐abortion hemorrhage face longer delays in receiving definitive treatment …
Household Food Insufficiency, Financial Strain, Work–Family Spillover, and Depressive Symptoms in the Working Class
Objectives. We evaluated the association of household-level stressors with depressive symptoms among low-wage nursing home employees. Methods. Data were collected in 2006 and 2007 from 452 multiethnic primary and nonprimary wage earners in 4 facilities in Massachusetts. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of depressive symptoms with household financial strain, food insufficiency, and work–family spillover (preoccupation with w…
The Role of the Nonpneumatic Antishock Garment in Reducing Blood Loss and Mortality Associated with Post‐Abortion Hemorrhage
Maternal mortality attributable to post‐abortion hemorrhage is often associated with delays in reaching or receiving definitive care. The nonpneumatic antishock garment (NASG), a low‐technology first‐aid device, has been shown to decrease blood loss and mortality among women experiencing hypovolemic shock secondary to obstetric hemorrhage etiologies. Women experiencing post‐abortion hemorrhage face longer delays in receiving definitive treatment …
Men “missing” from population-based HIV testing
Men's uptake of HIV testing is critical to the success of "test and treat" strategies in generalized epidemics. This study sought to identify cultural factors and community processes that influence men's HIV testing uptake in the baseline year of an ongoing test-and-treat trial among 334,479 persons in eastern Africa (SEARCH, NCT#01864603). Data were collected using participant observation at mobile community health campaigns (CHCs) (n = 28); foc…
Gender, HIV Testing and Stigma
Pregnancy Intentions, Contraceptive Knowledge And Educational Aspirations Among Community College Students
Many community college students not desiring pregnancy have limited awareness of pregnancy risk and prevention
Context matters
Validation of an adapted instrument to measure female genital fistula-related stigma
Female genital fistula results in severe physical, psychological, and social sequelae. Qualitative research confirms stigma pervasiveness; however, no quantitative instrument exists to measure fistula-related stigma. We adapted an existing HIV-related stigma instrument to fistula-related stigma and assessed its reliability and validity. We recruited 60 Ugandan women seeking genital fistula surgery (December 2014-June 2015). We used exploratory fa…
A call for a gender-responsive, intersectional approach to address Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing health inequities, including gender disparities, and we must learn from previous global public health threats to build a gender-responsive, intersectional approach to address immediate and long-term consequences. While a narrow gender focus alone can reinforce binary and competing understandings of disease burden by gender, an intersectionality approach encourages understanding of the dimensions of power…
Trends in contraceptive use, unmet need and associated factors of modern contraceptive use among urban adolescents and young women in Guinea
Despite some progress, efforts are still needed to improve FP method use among urban adolescent and young women. Age, administrative region, wealth index, marital status, and ethnic group are significantly associated with modern FP use. Future policies and interventions should place emphasis on improving adolescents' reproductive health knowledge, increasing FP availability and strengthening provision. Efforts should target adolescents aged 15-19…
Feasibility and acceptability of mobile phone data collection for longitudinal follow-up among patients treated for obstetric fistula in Uganda
Rapid dissemination of mobile technology provides substantial opportunity for overcoming challenges reaching rural and marginalized populations. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of longitudinal mobile data capture among women undergoing fistula surgery in Uganda ( n = 60) in 2014-2015. Participants were followed for 12 months following surgery, with data captured quarterly, followed by interviews at 12 months. Participant retention was h…
Women’s experiences of fistula-related stigma in Uganda
Fistula-related stigma is common. The absence of a unifying conceptual framework prevents a nuanced understanding of the nature of fistula-related stigma, comparison across contexts and the ability to contrast with other stigmas. It also hinders intervention development. We conducted in-depth interviews or focus groups with 60 women who had undergone fistula surgery 6-24 months prior at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda in 2014. Transcripts were…
A double-edged sword—telemedicine for maternal care during Covid-19
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rapid implementation of telemedicine for the provision of maternal and newborn healthcare. The objective of this study was to document the experiences with providing telemedicine for maternal and newborn healthcare during the pandemic among healthcare professionals globally. METHODS: The second round of a global online survey of maternal and newborn health professionals was conducted, disseminated …
The supply is there. So why can’t pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural India get the Covid-19 vaccine
Despite COVID-19 vaccines being available to pregnant women in India since summer 2021, little is known about vaccine uptake among this high need population. We conducted mixed methods research with pregnant and recently delivered rural women in northern India, consisting of 300 phone surveys and 15 in-depth interviews, in November 2021. Only about a third of respondents were vaccinated, however, about half of unvaccinated respondents reported th…
Risk Factors for Dual Burden of Severe Maternal Morbidity and Preterm Birth by Insurance Type in California
Risk factors of dual burden differed by insurance type across sociodemographic and perinatal factors, suggesting that care quality may differ by insurance type. Attention to peripartum care access and care quality provided by insurance type is needed to improve maternal and neonatal health
The social, economic, emotional, and physical experiences of caregivers for women with female genital fistula in Uganda
This study aimed to explore the firsthand experiences of informal primary caregivers of women with female genital fistula in Uganda. Caregivers that accompanied women for surgery at Mulago National Teaching and Referral Hospital were recruited between January and September 2015. Caregivers participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically and informed adaptation of a conceptual framework. Of 43 caregivers, 84% …
Depression and HIV Care-seeking Behaviors in a Population-based Sample in North West Province, South Africa
Depression is associated with key HIV-related prevention and treatment behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to identify the association of depressive symptoms with HIV testing, linkage to care, and ART adherence among a representative sample of 18-49 year-olds in a high prevalence, rural area of South Africa. Utilizing logistic regression models (N = 1044), depressive symptoms were inversely associated with reported ever HIV testing (AOR 0.9…
Social support among women with genital fistula in Uganda
Resulting from prolonged obstructed labour, iatrogenic and traumatic aetiologies, female genital fistula in low-resource settings causes a significant physical and psychosocial burden. Social support is an important mechanism to build resilience to health challenges. This study aimed to understand the role of emotional, informational and tangible social support for Ugandan women affected by fistula. Thirty-three participants who had had fistula s…
Mixed influence of Covid-19 on primary maternal and child health services in sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected the provision of and demand for routine health services in the world. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary maternal and child health (MCH) services in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The studies searched original studies reporting on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary MCH services. Four scientific databases (Pubm…
Understanding Women’s Pregnancy Intentions, Decision-Making, and Factors Influencing Reproductive Choices After Genital Fistula Repair in Uganda
Female genital fistula is a debilitating injury that may affect as many as two million women globally. While studies have examined women’s fertility intentions in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa broadly, few have explored the factors influencing pregnancy decision-making among women who have undergone fistula repair. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 women who had undergone fistula repair. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into Eng…
A qualitative study of abortion decision-making trajectories among pregnant women at their first antenatal care visit in Kampala, Uganda
Background: In Uganda, only about half of women who want to avoid pregnancy are using modern contraceptives, leading to high numbers of unintended pregnancies and elevated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to learn more about women's abortion decision-making before continuing to carry a pregnancy. Methods: We utilised a qualitative study design and interviewed 31 purposively selected single and partnered pregn…
A comprehensive understanding of global female genital fistula and stigma
Female genital fistula, a debilitating birth injury frequently caused by prolonged obstructed labor or surgery in lower resource settings, leads to stigma and poor health, social, and economic outcomes. Fistula-related stigma evidence is lacking, including the nature, dimensions, sources, and influences on health and well-being. This systematic scoping review aimed to (a) examine fistula-related stigma experiences, (b) assess stigma and discrimin…
Defining and Characterizing Temporary Childbirth Migration in India
Women returning to their natal homes for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum is common and understudied in South Asia, with important implications for maternal and newborn health policies, as well as data quality and interpretation. Using data from 1252 women residing in a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in Maharashtra, India we explore timing, duration and associated socio-economic factors with Temporary Childbirth Migration (TCM). Our …
Temporary childbirth migration and perinatal healthcare in rural Maharashtra, India
The role of social support in the decision to migrate for childbirth
Temporary Childbirth Migration (TCM), where women return to their natal homes during or after pregnancy, is a common but understudied practice in India and South Asia. This study examines the influence of social support systems on TCM decisions among Indian women, focusing on the roles of husbands, in-laws, and parents. The study was conducted in the Vadu Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Western Maharashtra, India, and involve…
Perceptions About the Relationship Between HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and Fecundity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) enable women living with HIV to safely conceive and give birth without vertical transmission. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 6 people experience infertility and women living with HIV face even higher rates. Research shows that ART and virologic suppression improve fertility/fecundity, yet this benefit is often overlooked in ART adherence education. To map the literature on people’s understandings and…
Medicine (23 works) · Environmental health (14 works) · Psychology (13 works) · Population (12 works) · Global Maternal and Child Health (10 works) · Family medicine (9 works) · Sociology (9 works) · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (8 works) · Nursing (8 works) · Pregnancy (8 works)