The compliance of mothers to the six items related to their practice of the 10 steps of successful breastfeeding (Immediate breastfeeding initiation, rooming in, breast-feeding on demand, avoiding prelacteal feeding, avoiding use of pacifier, and avoiding use of bottles) are of great importance to achieve better breastfeeding outcomes. The objectives of the study were to estimate the extent of compliance of mothers to these items and to identify some factors associated with this compliance. The study was fulfilled through a cross-sectional approach. It was conducted at the MCH and FH centers in Alexandria Governorate. The study included 390 mothers accompanying their breast-fed infants aged 0-12 months to well baby clinics at those health centers. A pre-designed structured interview questionnaire was constructed to collect the data required from mothers. Only 29.8% of mothers started breastfeeding within the 1st hour after labour, 57.2% of them practiced rooming in, and 78.7% of them regulated breastfeeding according to their infants needs. Prelacteal feeding was given to 58.2% of the infants. 22.8% of mothers used pacifiers and 41% used bottles for their infants. Scoring of the overall compliance of mothers to the 6 points related to their breastfeeding practice of the WHO/UNICEF joint statement showed that 24.1% of mothers scored satisfactory level, 41.3% average level while 34.6% scored as low level of compliance. The level of mothers compliance was positively affected by their level of knowledge about breastfeeding and the six items (χ 2 =267.582, p<0.01) and by the increase in the child order (FET=15.618, p<0.01). It was adversely affected by their social level (χ 2 =19.853, p<0.01), education (χ 2 =28.289, p<0.01) and working status (χ 2 =17.439, p<0.01). It was adversely associated with the history of neonatal asphyxia (FET=17.909, p<0.01), the delivery in health settings (FET=44.278, p<0.01), and the delivery by caesarian section (χ 2 =40.193, p<0.01).

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency anemia, is common in pregnant women. The global prevalence of anemia in pregnancy (AIP) is estimated as 41.8% and in more than 80% of countries in the world, the prevalence of AIP estimated at 29%. AIP is associated with increased maternal, neonatal and perinatal mortality, low birth weight, premature birth, and delayed child development. This study aimed to assess the effect of applying WHO-UNICEF guidelines for AIP control at Hodeida city, Yemen. Methods: Facility based interventional prospective study had conducted in 17 health centers of Hodeida city which had randomly distributed to 8 experimental and 9 control health centers, selecting 250 pregnant women from experimental health centers and equal number from control ones. Experimental health centers had intervened through training on, and managing pregnant women for anemia according WHO-UNICEF guidelines while pregnant women at control health centers had managed according health centers own approaches. Pregnant women at both types’ health centers had followed 3 times till labor for Hb response, pregnancy and labor courses and complications. Data statistically analyzed using SPSS program (Version 22) including descriptive statistics, t test for examining the difference in means of Hb response, pregnancy and labor complications among the experimental and control groups Results: The study revealed statistically significant 20% higher Hb improvement rate in experimental group compared with control group on applying WHO – UNICEF guidelines for AIP control at primary health centers(P = 0.00, t= 4.27). Also, statistically significant decrease of pregnancy complications (P = 0.02, t= -2.445) and labor complications (P = 0.001, t= -3.472) had been reached on applying the protocol. Conclusion: Applying WHO – UNICEF guidelines for AIP control at primary health centers improved Hb response and decreased antenatal and natal complications. Key words: Anemia, Pregnancy, Guidelines, Assessment.

Background: Anemia in pregnancy (AIP) is a global public health problem reaching prevalence as 41.8% globally, and up to 54% in Middle East region. It accounts for 20% of global maternal deaths. In Yemen, prevalence of AIP is 40%. It consists part of high complicated maternal mortality ratio which reached 164 according last Yemeni demographic health survey reports. The study aimed to assess AIP prevalence and determinants at Hodeida city, Yemen. Methods: Cross sectional study conducted on 500 pregnant women who were selected from Hodeida health centers, their data collected through structured pretested questionnaire, Hb of study members had been assessed through hemoglobinometer. Data Analysis: Data statistically analyzed through SPSS program (version 22) using descriptive statistics, Chi square test for investigating the association between AIP and the independent factors. Results: The study revealed AIP prevalence as 55%. It revealed statistically significant determinants of AIP including husband education (P=0.000), mother education (P=0.10), mother concerned health knowledge (P=0.000), suffering from over menses(P=0.000), family socioeconomic level(P=0.000), food sufficiency(P=0.02), food diversity(P=0.087), supplementary feeding support(P=0.05), Khat chewing habit (P=0.094) and post meal tea drinking(P=0.043), while no significant association found for mother age (P=0.144) , parity(P=0.690), pregnancy trimester(P=0.414), breastfeeding(P=0.581) and using contraceptives(P=0.208). Conclusion: Anemia in pregnancy at Hodeida city is a sever public health problem according WHO classification. Socio economic and nutritional factors are representing its roots. Key words: Anemia, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Determinants.