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Mekonnen BD, Tsega SS. Association between preconception care and family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078299. [PMID: 38719286 PMCID: PMC11086204 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inconsistent findings on the associations of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes have not been systematically reviewed in Ethiopia. Thus, this review aims to estimate the pooled association of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, Scopus and Global Health were searched from inception to 28 July 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Observational studies that reported preconception care as an outcome variable and the use of family planning before pregnancy or previous adverse birth outcomes as exposure variables were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently conducted study screening, data extraction and quality assessment. A fixed-effects model was used to determine the pooled association of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS Eight studies involving a total of 3829 participants were included in the review. The pooled meta-analysis found that women with a history of family planning use had a higher likelihood of using preconception care (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.52) than those women who did not use family planning before their current pregnancy. Likewise, the pooled meta-analysis found that women with prior adverse birth outcomes had a higher chance of using preconception care (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.06 to 10.74) than women with no history of prior adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSION This review indicated that utilisation of preconception care had a positive association with previous use of family planning and prior adverse birth outcomes. Thus, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders should strengthen the integration of preconception care with family planning and other maternal healthcare services. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023443855.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sintayehu Simie Tsega
- Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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DiPietro Mager N. Descriptive Report of a Pharmacist-Directed Preconception Care Outreach Program in a Rural Maternity Care Desert. PHARMACY 2023; 11:176. [PMID: 37987386 PMCID: PMC10661288 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11060176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Preconception care is the prevention and management of biomedical, behavioral, and social risk factors to improve pregnancy outcomes and overall health for reproductive-age patients. A community-based pharmacist-directed preconception care outreach program was developed for women ages 18-45 years living in a rural maternity care desert to help them identify potential health risks and provide them with the needed education, counseling, or referrals to address these risks. Supervised student pharmacists, pharmacy practice residents, and pharmacy faculty from a local University collaborated to provide this program at four community events in conjunction with a mobile health clinic. A summative evaluation was performed after the events concluded, modeled after the RE-AIM framework. One hundred and forty-one women were served by the outreach program. Nearly 98% reported at least one preconception health risk, and 45% reported a barrier preventing them from being able to have an appointment with a physician in the last year. The outreach program was feasible to implement and can be adapted to different settings. Pharmacist-directed outreach programs in rural communities may benefit patients who are not receiving or do not have access to such care in traditional healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie DiPietro Mager
- Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810, USA
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Silverio SA, Karki P, Lakhani S, Alter M, Weinman J, Flynn AC. 'People still want a face and that's where we can fill in': a qualitative study of community pharmacists' experiences of providing healthcare advice about preconception and pregnancy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2023; 31:38-45. [PMID: 36472949 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore community pharmacists' practices and attitudes towards the provision of healthcare advice regarding preconception and pregnancy. METHODS A qualitative focus group study was conducted virtually with community pharmacists around urban areas of London in October 2021. A topic guide was utilised to cover pharmacy practice, barriers and confidence in counselling women, education and training and thoughts on how to improve preconception and pregnancy health services. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. KEY FINDINGS Eleven community pharmacists participated. Three themes were identified: 'Community Driven Needs'; 'Needs of Community Pharmacists'; 'Shared Needs and Understanding' which were related through a central organising concept of 'Unmet Needs in Pharmacy-led Preconception and Pregnancy Care'. Community pharmacists are frequently consulted by women before and during pregnancy, however, a discord was uncovered between current pharmacy practice and the needs of the community. A clear need was identified for the incorporation of risk minimisation counselling focusing on smoking, alcohol intake and drug use. Education and organisational factors were reported as challenges to providing advice. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists can play a pivotal role in providing information and support to women before and during pregnancy. Our findings suggest integration of community pharmacy-led structured counselling may be a useful public health strategy to optimise pregnancy health. Our work highlights educational and organisational barriers which hinder the ability of pharmacists to promote preconception and pregnancy health. These must be addressed, and we provide recommendations for change to both policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Silverio
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Pujan Karki
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Marsha Alter
- The Middlesex Pharmaceutical Group of LPCs, London, UK
| | - John Weinman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angela C Flynn
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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DiPietro Mager NA, Bright DR. Promising practices and pockets of excellence: Community pharmacists supporting wellness for reproductive-age women. Health Serv Res 2022; 57:1384-1389. [PMID: 36039563 PMCID: PMC9643084 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - David R. Bright
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesFerris State University College of PharmacyBig RapidsMichiganUSA
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DiPietro Mager N, Bright D, Shipman AJ. Beyond Contraception: Pharmacist Roles to Support Maternal Health. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10060163. [PMID: 36548319 PMCID: PMC9780787 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
While contraception prescribing by pharmacists has seen rapid growth in recent years, pharmacist-provided services that can impact maternal health encompass more than just contraception. Each phase of maternal health-preconception, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy-has unique needs, and pharmacists are well equipped to provide services to meet those needs and are more accessible than other healthcare providers. While pharmacist-provided maternal health services may lead to significant savings to the healthcare system, additional research to more fully capture the value of pharmacist-provided maternal health services is needed. Robust implementation of a pharmacist-provided maternal health services program will require partnerships between providers, payers, and pharmacists. Infant and maternal mortality, preterm birth, and unintended pregnancies are significant public health issues, and pharmacists should be seen as a capable workforce who can provide needed maternal health care and serve as a gateway into the healthcare system for those capable of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie DiPietro Mager
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810, USA
| | - David Bright
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Allie Jo Shipman
- National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, Richmond, VA 23235, USA
- Correspondence:
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Eastwood KA, Allen-Walker VA, Maxwell M, McKinley MC. Raising awareness of pre-conception care in community pharmacies: a feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:44. [PMID: 35219338 PMCID: PMC8881876 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing evidence to support the introduction of pre-conception interventions to optimise the health of mothers and their future children. At present, there is poor awareness regarding the importance of pre-conception care (PCC) amongst healthcare professionals and couples planning a pregnancy. Community pharmacies are ideally placed to reach a range of prospective couples planning a pregnancy and could effectively provide information about PCC. Methods This study assessed feasibility of an intervention to raise awareness of PCC in community pharmacies in Northern Ireland over 3 months. Inclusion criteria: women of childbearing age (16–45 years) engaging with services at participating pharmacies. Study resources: campaign posters, information cards, crib sheets for pharmacy staff. A mixed methods approach was employed, including, brief information provision for women, record of staff interactions with customers, customer feedback cards and qualitative interviews with pharmacy staff. Descriptive statistics assessed distribution of study resources and staff interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis framework. Results There were eight participating pharmacies, three of which consented to post-study interviews. Three pharmacies chose not to deliver the planned intervention. Distribution of campaign cards (n = 456) varied (0–86%). Analysis of customer feedback cards (n = 9) demonstrated that the majority of respondents were happy to receive information on pre-conception health. Of the women who responded to this question (n = 8), all were ‘extremely likely’ or ‘likely’ to act on the information provided. Four main themes emerged from analysis of staff interviews: (1) training and experience in providing health advice, (2) intervention resources, (3) understanding the aims of the intervention, (4) perceived value of the intervention. Barriers to intervention delivery included non-engagement from pharmacies and need for additional training of staff. Conclusions An intervention to raise awareness of PCC within a community pharmacy setting was feasible and acceptable to both women and staff in participating pharmacies. This study indicates that a number of factors must be considered to enhance implementation and effectiveness of PCC interventions in this setting. In particular, better understanding of non-engagement, provision of adequate training and support for staff, and exploring incentives for pharmacies to prioritise PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Eastwood
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK. .,Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK.
| | - V A Allen-Walker
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK
| | - M Maxwell
- Hearty Lives, Carrickfergus, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Museum and Civic Centre, Street, Carrickfergus, Antrim, BT38 7DG, UK
| | - M C McKinley
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK.,Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5BN, UK
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Scott PA, Quotah OF, Dalrymple KV, White SL, Poston L, Farebrother J, Lakhani S, Alter M, Blair M, Weinman J, Flynn AC. Community Pharmacist-Led Interventions to Improve Preconception and Pregnancy Health: A Systematic Review. PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9040171. [PMID: 34698302 PMCID: PMC8544701 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9040171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Community pharmacist-led interventions are effective in improving health outcomes; however, their impact in improving preconception and pregnancy health is not clear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of community pharmacist-led interventions which aimed to improve health outcomes of preconception and pregnant women. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, consistent with PRISMA guidelines, was performed. Five electronic databases were searched up to February 2021. Results: Four studies, three in pregnant women and one in preconception women, were identified. The studies focused on improving micronutrient status and smoking cessation. The studies increased knowledge about, and use of, iron supplements, and improved iron status and smoking cessation rates in pregnant women, while improving knowledge regarding, and increasing the use of, preconception folic acid. The studies were ranked as weak to moderate quality. Conclusion: This review provides preliminary evidence for the potential benefit of community pharmacist-led interventions to improve the health of women before and during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly A. Scott
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (P.A.S.); (O.F.Q.); (K.V.D.); (S.L.W.); (L.P.)
| | - Ola F. Quotah
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (P.A.S.); (O.F.Q.); (K.V.D.); (S.L.W.); (L.P.)
| | - Kathryn V. Dalrymple
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (P.A.S.); (O.F.Q.); (K.V.D.); (S.L.W.); (L.P.)
| | - Sara L. White
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (P.A.S.); (O.F.Q.); (K.V.D.); (S.L.W.); (L.P.)
| | - Lucilla Poston
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (P.A.S.); (O.F.Q.); (K.V.D.); (S.L.W.); (L.P.)
| | - Jessica Farebrother
- Human Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Shivali Lakhani
- The Middlesex Pharmaceutical Group of LPCs, 1278 High Road, Whetstone, London N20 9HH, UK; (S.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Marsha Alter
- The Middlesex Pharmaceutical Group of LPCs, 1278 High Road, Whetstone, London N20 9HH, UK; (S.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Mitch Blair
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - John Weinman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK;
| | - Angela C. Flynn
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
- Correspondence:
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Pharmacy-based initiatives to reduce unintended pregnancies: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1673-1684. [PMID: 33582078 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacy contraception services are thought to improve access, with the potential to reduce the persistent sexual and reproductive health inequities observed globally. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify the range of pharmacy-based initiatives addressing unintended pregnancy in the primary literature and examine their feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness. METHOD Using the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Reviews, we searched seven bibliographic databases using combinations of keywords and subject headings for related to contraception and community pharmacy. Studies of any design undertaken in high income countries for reproductive-aged women were eligible provided they evaluated intervention or legislation after the implementation of these initiatives. Included articles were critically appraised and findings summarised narratively. RESULTS We identified 49 articles, 80% of which involved pharmacist supply of emergency contraception (EC), 14% of regular contraception methods, and 6% involved adjuncts of EC dispensing: counselling (2%) and bridging initiatives to link clients with regular contraception (4%). EC initiatives were perceived as feasible and were facilitated by interdisciplinary partnerships but there are persistent barriers to the provision of initiatives congruous with the retail pharmacy setting. Furthermore, consumers may be reluctant to receive contraceptive counselling from pharmacists but often value the convenience and anonymity pharmacy services offer. Overall, interventions improved access to contraceptive products but did not consistently reduce inequities, and the health benefits of pharmacy initiatives are either small (EC) or lacking description in the literature (other contraceptive methods and contraceptive counselling). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy initiatives may not negate all barriers to access or reduce unintended pregnancy rates, however they are valued by pharmacists and consumers. Evidence gaps including the lack of description of health outcomes of regular contraception provision, contraceptive counselling and the perceived barriers and facilitators of access and provision from end-user perspectives, should be pursued in future research, to establish initiatives' utility and effectiveness.
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Roath ED, Bright DR, DiPietro Mager NA. Retrospective evaluation of preconception care opportunities in a chain community pharmacy setting. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:325-330. [PMID: 33583748 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Certain prescription medications should be avoided during pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal harm. Identification of these medications to minimize exposure may be achieved through the integration of preconception care recommendations into medication therapy management (MTM) services. The primary objective of this study was to identify missed opportunities for pharmacists to provide preconception care support related to medications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for reproductive-aged women who received MTM consultations at a regional supermarket pharmacy chain. Secondary objectives examined the concurrent use of prenatal vitamins, folic acid, or hormonal contraception in patients receiving medications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS The study examined all MTM and prescription drug claims submitted by a regional chain of supermarket pharmacies from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, to identify female patients aged 15-45 years who received MTM services. Prescription claims were cross-referenced to determine which of these patients also received medications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. To identify patients with long-term use of opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a restriction based on days supplied was then applied. RESULTS Of the 2020 female patients who received MTM services and filled at least 1 prescription during the study period, 731 (36.2%) were found to have received at least 1 medication associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for the minimal days' threshold. Of these, 509 (69.6%) lacked evidence of concurrent prescription contraception, and 74 (10.1%) had a concurrent prescription for folic acid or prenatal vitamins. CONCLUSION The use of medications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes was widespread in this sample of reproductive-aged women. The findings of this study indicate the need for additional research to investigate the implementation of targeted MTM interventions to build standard workflow processes and facilitate pharmacists' management of this critical clinical issue.
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