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Thomas J, Kuliukas L, Frayne J, Bradfield Z. Factors influencing referral to maternity models of care in Australian general practice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296537. [PMID: 38771817 PMCID: PMC11108194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Australian maternity system, general practitioners play a vital role in advising and directing prospective parents to maternity models of care. Optimising model of care discussions and the decision-making process avoids misaligning women with over or under specialised care, reduces the potential for disruptive care transitions and unnecessary healthcare costs, and is critical in ensuring consumer satisfaction. Current literature overwhelmingly focusses on women's decision-making around model of care discussions and neglects the gatekeeping role of the General Practitioner (GP). This study aimed to explore and describe the factors influencing Australian GPs decision-making when referring pregnant women to maternity models of care. METHODS This study used a qualitative descriptive approach. General practitioners (N = 12) with experience referring women to maternity models of care in Australia participated in a semi-structured interview. Interviews occurred between October and November 2021 by telephone or videoconference. Reflexive thematic analysis was facilitated by NVivo-12 data management software to codify and interpret themes from the data. FINDINGS Two broad themes were interpreted from the data. The first theme entitled 'GP Factors', incorporated three associated sub-themes including '1) GPs Previous Model of Care Experience', '2) Gaps in GP Knowledge' and '3) GP Perception of Models of Care'. The second theme, entitled 'Woman's Factors', encapsulated two associated sub-themes including the '4) Woman's Preferences' and '5) Access to Models'. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence regarding general practitioner perspectives of the factors influencing model of care decision-making and referral. Predominant findings suggest that gaps in GP knowledge regarding the available models of care are present and are largely informed by prior personal and professional experience. Most GPs described referring to models of care they perceive positively and centring their model of care discussions on the woman's preferences and accessibility. The exploration and description of factors influencing model of care decisions provide unique insight into the ways that all stakeholders can experience access to a broader range of models of care including midwifery-led continuity of care models aligned with consumer-demand. In addition, the role of national primary health networks is outlined as a means to achieving this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Thomas
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lesley Kuliukas
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Frayne
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Albany, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Zoe Bradfield
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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Sharma E, Puthussery S, Tseng PC, Harden A, Li L. Development, acceptability and feasibility of a community-based intervention to increase timely initiation of antenatal care in an area of high ethnic diversity and low socio-economic status in the UK. Midwifery 2023; 126:103812. [PMID: 37690314 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal care plays an important role in preventing adverse maternal and new-born outcomes. Women from ethnic minority backgrounds and of low socio-economic status are at greater risk of initiating antenatal care later than the recommended 10 weeks. There is a paucity of research exploring the development and evaluation of community-based interventions to increase the timely initiation of antenatal care. OBJECTIVE To develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a co-produced community-based intervention to increase uptake of antenatal care in an area with high ethnic diversity and low socio-economic status. DESIGN The intervention was developed using co-production workshops and conversations with 20 local service users and 14 stakeholders, underpinned by the theory of Diffusion of Innovation. The intervention was evaluated, on the domains of acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility. Questionnaires (n=36), interviews (n=10), and focus groups (n=13) were conducted among those who received the intervention. Observations (n=13) of intervention sessions were conducted to assess intervention fidelity. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using SPSS and NVivo software respectively. RESULTS Over 91% of respondents positively ranked the intervention. Qualitative findings with respect to 'acceptability' included four subthemes: how the intervention was communicated, the characteristics of the person delivering the intervention and their knowledge, and the reassurance offered by the intervention. The 'adoption' theme included three sub-themes: being informed helps women to engage with antenatal care, the intervention provides information for future use, and onwards conveyance of the intervention information. The 'appropriateness' theme included three sub-themes: existing gap in information, nature of information given as part of the intervention, and talking about pregnancy in public. The 'feasibility' theme included two sub-themes: value of delivering the intervention in areas of high footfall and relational aspect of receiving the intervention. Observations showed intervention fidelity of 100%. CONCLUSION The community-based intervention, coproduced with women and maternity care stakeholders, was positively evaluated, and offered an innovative and promising approach to engage and educate women about the timely initiation of antenatal care in an ethnically diverse and socio-economically deprived community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Sharma
- Maternal and Child Health Research Centre, Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square Rm B201, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3JU.
| | - Shuby Puthussery
- Maternal and Child Health Research Centre, Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square Rm B201, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3JU.
| | - Pei-Ching Tseng
- Maternal and Child Health Research Centre, Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square Rm B201, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3JU.
| | - Angela Harden
- School of Health Sciences, Division of Health Services Research and Management, City, University of London, Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB.
| | - Leah Li
- Population, Policy & Practice Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, Guildford Street, London WC1N 1EH.
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Lee SI, Hope H, O'Reilly D, Kent L, Santorelli G, Subramanian A, Moss N, Azcoaga-Lorenzo A, Fagbamigbe AF, Nelson-Piercy C, Yau C, McCowan C, Kennedy JI, Phillips K, Singh M, Mhereeg M, Cockburn N, Brocklehurst P, Plachcinski R, Riley RD, Thangaratinam S, Brophy S, Hemali Sudasinghe SPB, Agrawal U, Vowles Z, Abel KM, Nirantharakumar K, Black M, Eastwood KA. Maternal and child outcomes for pregnant women with pre-existing multiple long-term conditions: protocol for an observational study in the UK. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068718. [PMID: 36828655 PMCID: PMC9972454 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One in five pregnant women has multiple pre-existing long-term conditions in the UK. Studies have shown that maternal multiple long-term conditions are associated with adverse outcomes. This observational study aims to compare maternal and child outcomes for pregnant women with multiple long-term conditions to those without multiple long-term conditions (0 or 1 long-term conditions). METHODS AND ANALYSIS Pregnant women aged 15-49 years old with a conception date between 2000 and 2019 in the UK will be included with follow-up till 2019. The data source will be routine health records from all four UK nations (Clinical Practice Research Datalink (England), Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (Wales), Scotland routine health records and Northern Ireland Maternity System) and the Born in Bradford birth cohort. The exposure of two or more pre-existing, long-term physical or mental health conditions will be defined from a list of health conditions predetermined by women and clinicians. The association of maternal multiple long-term conditions with (a) antenatal, (b) peripartum, (c) postnatal and long-term and (d) mental health outcomes, for both women and their children will be examined. Outcomes of interest will be guided by a core outcome set. Comparisons will be made between pregnant women with and without multiple long-term conditions using modified Poisson and Cox regression. Generalised estimating equation will account for the clustering effect of women who had more than one pregnancy episode. Where appropriate, multiple imputation with chained equation will be used for missing data. Federated analysis will be conducted for each dataset and results will be pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval has been obtained from the respective data sources in each UK nation. Study findings will be submitted for publications in peer-reviewed journals and presented at key conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siang Ing Lee
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Holly Hope
- Centre for Women's Mental Health, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dermot O'Reilly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lisa Kent
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Gillian Santorelli
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Bradford, UK
| | | | - Ngawai Moss
- Patient and Public Representative, London, UK
| | - Amaya Azcoaga-Lorenzo
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of St Andrews School of Medicine, St Andrews, UK
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Mostoles, Spain
| | - Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of St Andrews School of Medicine, St Andrews, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Christopher Yau
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Colin McCowan
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of St Andrews School of Medicine, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Katherine Phillips
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Megha Singh
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mohamed Mhereeg
- Data Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Neil Cockburn
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter Brocklehurst
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Richard D Riley
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, University of Birmingham Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sinead Brophy
- Data Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of St Andrews School of Medicine, St Andrews, UK
| | - Zoe Vowles
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kathryn Mary Abel
- Centre for Women's Mental Health, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Mairead Black
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, University of Aberdeen School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kelly-Ann Eastwood
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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Rayment-Jones H, Dalrymple K, Harris JM, Harden A, Parslow E, Georgi T, Sandall J. Project20: maternity care mechanisms that improve access and engagement for women with social risk factors in the UK - a mixed-methods, realist evaluation. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064291. [PMID: 36750277 PMCID: PMC9906302 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate how women access and engage with different models of maternity care, whether specialist models improve access and engagement for women with social risk factors, and if so, how? DESIGN Realist evaluation. SETTING Two UK maternity service providers. PARTICIPANTS Women accessing maternity services in 2019 (n=1020). METHODS Prospective observational cohort with multinomial regression analysis to compare measures of access and engagement between models and place of antenatal care. Realist informed, longitudinal interviews with women accessing specialist models of care were analysed to identify mechanisms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measures of access and engagement, healthcare-seeking experiences. RESULTS The number of social risk factors women were experiencing increased with deprivation score, with the most deprived more likely to receive a specialist model that provided continuity of care. Women attending hospital-based antenatal care were more likely to access maternity care late (risk ratio (RR) 2.51, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.70), less likely to have the recommended number of antenatal appointments (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.99) and more likely to have over 15 appointments (RR 4.90, 95% CI 2.50 to 9.61) compared with community-based care. Women accessing standard care (RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.11) and black women (RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.11) were less likely to have appointments with a known healthcare professional compared with the specialist model. Qualitative data revealed mechanisms for improved access and engagement including self-referral, relational continuity with a small team of midwives, flexibility and situating services within deprived community settings. CONCLUSION Inequalities in access and engagement with maternity care appears to have been mitigated by the community-based specialist model that provided continuity of care. The findings enabled the refinement of a realist programme theory to inform those developing maternity services in line with current policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James M Harris
- Women's Health, Chelsea And Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Angela Harden
- Department of Health Services Research and Management, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Elidh Parslow
- Maternity and Women's Health, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas Georgi
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jane Sandall
- Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
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Escañuela Sánchez T, Linehan L, O'Donoghue K, Byrne M, Meaney S. Facilitators and barriers to seeking and engaging with antenatal care in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3810-e3828. [PMID: 36240064 PMCID: PMC10092326 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Inadequate attendance to antenatal care has been associated with negative maternal and fetal outcomes, including stillbirth. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to antenatal care attendance. A systematic search was conducted in March 2019 and updated in January 2021. Qualitative studies involving pregnant or post-partum women up to 12 months from high-income countries that provided data about facilitators and barriers to antenatal care attendance were sought. Meta-ethnography was used to inform this meta-synthesis. Fifteen studies were included in the analysis. Findings indicate that inadequate antenatal care attendance is influenced at different levels. Aspects like sociodemographic factors, difficulties navigating the health system, administrative delays, lack of flexibility and tailored care, constant change of carer and communication issues also act as barriers. These issues affect women's access to knowledge and the formation of women's beliefs and feelings towards seeking care. On the contrary, having a positive attitude towards the pregnancy, encountering empathetic healthcare professionals and availing of social support acted as facilitators. The reasons why women seek or delay attending antenatal care are multifactorial and can be explained using the Social Determinants of Health Framework. Any response needs to be taken across all levels of influence and not just focused on the individual. A better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to antenatal care might contribute to informing intervention or policy development addressing this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyCork University Maternity Hospital, University College CorkCorkIreland
- INFANT Centre, Cork University HospitalUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Laura Linehan
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyCork University Maternity Hospital, University College CorkCorkIreland
- INFANT Centre, Cork University HospitalUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyCork University Maternity Hospital, University College CorkCorkIreland
- INFANT Centre, Cork University HospitalUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Molly Byrne
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, NUI GalwayNational University of IrelandGalwayIreland
| | - Sarah Meaney
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyCork University Maternity Hospital, University College CorkCorkIreland
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC), Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyCork University Maternity Hospital, University College CorkCorkIreland
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Cosstick E, Nirmal R, Cross-Sudworth F, Knight M, Kenyon S. The role of social risk factors and engagement with maternity services in ethnic disparities in maternal mortality: A retrospective case note review. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 52:101587. [PMID: 35923429 PMCID: PMC9340503 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reasons for ethnic disparities in maternal death in the UK are unclear and may be explained by differences in social risk factors and engagement with maternity services. METHODS In this retrospective systematic case note review, we used anonymised medical records from MBRRACE-UK for all Other than White, and White European/Other women plus a random sample of White British/Irish women who died in pregnancy or up to 1 year afterwards from 01/01/2015 to 12/31/2017. We used a standardised data extraction tool developed from a scoping review to explore social risk factors and engagement with maternity services. FINDINGS Of 489 women identified, 219 were eligible for the study and 196 case notes were reviewed, including 103/119 from Other than White groups, 33/37 White European/Other and a random sample of 60/333 White British/Irish. The presence of three or more social risk factors was 11⋅7% (12/103) in Other than White women, 18⋅2% (6/33) for White European/Other women and 36⋅7% (22/60) in White British/Irish women. Across all groups engagement with maternity services was good with 85⋅5% (148/196) receiving the recommended number of antenatal appointments as was completion of antenatal mental health assessment (123/173, 71⋅1%). 15⋅5% (16/103) of Other than White groups had pre-existing co-morbidities and 51⋅1% (47/92) had previous pregnancy problems while women across White ethnic groups had 3⋅2% (3/93) and 33⋅3% (27/81) respectively. Three or more unscheduled healthcare attendances occurred in 60⋅0% (36/60) of White British/Irish, 39⋅4% (13/33) in White European/Other and 35⋅9% (37/103) of Other than White women. Evidence of barriers to following healthcare advice was identified for a fifth of all women. None of the 17 women who required an interpreter received appropriate provision at all key points throughout their maternity care. INTERPRETATION Neither increased social risk factors or barriers to engagement with maternity services appear to underlie disparities in maternal mortality. Management of complex social factors and interpreter services need improvement. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Nirmal
- University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Fiona Cross-Sudworth
- Institute of Applied Healthcare, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Marian Knight
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Sara Kenyon
- Institute of Applied Healthcare, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Applied Healthcare, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Schönborn C, Castetbon K, De Spiegelaere M. Country of birth as a potential determinant of inadequate antenatal care use among women giving birth in Brussels. A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267098. [PMID: 35427390 PMCID: PMC9012396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the mechanisms explaining perinatal health inequalities could be inadequate antenatal care among some immigrant groups. Few European studies compared antenatal care use between different groups of immigrants taking into account individual characteristics. This research investigates the associations of three birth regions with the use of antenatal care, by also considering socioeconomic and migration-related determinants. METHODS We included 879 mothers born in Belgium, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, and interviewed them in four Brussels hospitals after they gave birth, using an adapted version of the Migrant-Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire. We additionally collected clinical data from hospital records. We carried out descriptive analyses and ran univariate and multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the associations of socioeconomic and migration characteristics with a) late start of antenatal care and b) less than minimum recommended number of consultations. RESULTS The vast majority of women in this study had adequate care in terms of timing (93.9%), frequency of consultations (82.2%), and self-reported access (95.9%). Region of birth was an independent risk factor for late initiation of care, but not for infrequent consultations. Women born in Sub-Saharan Africa were more prone to accessing care late (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.5-7.7), but were not more at risk of infrequent consultations. Women born in North Africa, had similar adequacy of care compared to the Belgium-born population. The three groups also differed in terms of socioeconomic profiles and socioeconomic predictors of antenatal care use. Housing type, professional activity, and health insurance status were important predictors of both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the region of birth was partly associated with adequacy of care, in terms of initiation, but not number of consultations. Further dimensions of adequacy of care (content, quality) should be studied in the future. Socioeconomic factors are also key determinants of antenatal care use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schönborn
- Research Centre in Social Approaches to Health, School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Centre in Health Systems and Policies, School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katia Castetbon
- Research Centre in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research, School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Myriam De Spiegelaere
- Research Centre in Social Approaches to Health, School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Njenga A. Somali Refugee Women’s Cultural Beliefs and Practices Around Pregnancy and Childbirth. J Transcult Nurs 2022; 33:484-490. [DOI: 10.1177/10436596221085299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs and practices of resettled Somali refugee women around pregnancy and childbirth. This study took place in the Midwestern region of the United States. Methodology: Leininger’s theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality served as the theoretical framework for the design of this qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected from 15 Somali refugee women through in-depth interviews. Results: Three major themes emerged from this study. This article focuses on one of the themes: It’s what women believe and do. This theme is reflective and indicative of the Somali refugee women cultural beliefs and practices during pregnancy, and during and after childbirth. Discussion and Conclusion: Somali refugee women approached, managed, and conceptualized pregnancy and childbirth in their cultural context. Western health care providers should strive to understand cultural beliefs and conceptualizations that may influence the utilization of prenatal health care.
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Factors Associated with the Timing and Number of Antenatal Care Visits among Unmarried Compared to Married Youth in Uganda between 2006 and 2016. SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci10120474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal care is an important determinant of pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Although the youth disproportionately experience adverse maternal complications and poor pregnancy outcomes, including maternal mortality, timely and frequent use of antenatal care services among unmarried youth in Uganda remains low. This study examines the factors that are important predictors of the use of antenatal health care services among unmarried and married youth. Binary logistic regression was conducted on the pooled data of the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys among youth who had given birth within five years before each survey to examine the predictors of ANC use. This analysis was among a sample of 764 unmarried, compared to 5176 married youth aged 15–24 years. Overall, married youth were more likely to have more frequent antenatal care visits (56% versus 53%) and start antenatal care early (27% versus 23%) than unmarried youth. Factors significantly associated with use of antenatal care in the first trimester were education and occupation among unmarried youth, and place of residence and access to the radio among married youth. Key predictors of ANC frequency among unmarried youth were parity, education level, pregnancy desire, age group, sex of head of household and region of residence. Among married youth, significant predictors of ANC frequency were parity, pregnancy desire, occupation, access to the radio and region of residence. These findings will help inform health-care programmers and policy makers in initiating appropriate policies and programs for ensuring optimal ANC use for all that could guarantee universal maternal health-care coverage to enable Uganda to achieve the SDG3.
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Reid CN, Fryer K, Cabral N, Marshall J. Health care system barriers and facilitators to early prenatal care among diverse women in Florida. Birth 2021; 48:416-427. [PMID: 33950567 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, women continue to experience barriers to accessing early prenatal care. Given the unique nature of the United States health care system, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to early prenatal care reported by women in Florida. METHODS A mixed-methods study of postpartum women with entry to care after 14 weeks' gestation was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Florida. First, eligible women completed a survey including demographic characteristics and open-ended questions on prenatal care barriers. Second, a semi-structured interview was conducted to contextualize the conditions of access. The qualitative analysis was based on the combined theoretical frameworks of Phillippi and Khan. RESULTS The majority of the 55 participants self-identified as Hispanic (n = 28, 51%), non-Hispanic White (n = 12, 22%), or non-Hispanic Black (n = 9, 16%). Quantitative analysis identified frequent barriers, including the following: "couldn't get an appointment when wanted one" (n = 24, 47%); "didn't have insurance" (n = 21, 41%); and "not aware of pregnancy" (n = 21, 41%). From the combined quantitative and qualitative analyses, three major themes emerged that help to explain barriers faced by birthing people in Florida: personal factors (mental health, awareness of pregnancy, considering abortion, tumultuous life), community conditions (transportation, stigma/fear, social support), and health care system (language barriers, delay at clinic level, cost of care). DISCUSSION Barriers to early prenatal care are multifaceted and operate at personal, societal, and health care systems levels. Prenatal care practitioners have multiple potential targets for interventions at the clinic level to help mitigate barriers to early prenatal care. Strategies should include health care policy reforms to Medicaid access and interventions at the clinic level aimed at fast-tracking access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere N Reid
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly Fryer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Naciely Cabral
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Marshall
- Chiles Center, Sunshine Education and Research Center, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, USA
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Fontein Kuipers YJ, Mestdagh E. The experiential knowledge of migrant women about vulnerability during pregnancy: A woman-centred mixed-methods study. Women Birth 2021; 35:70-79. [PMID: 33745823 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.03.004] [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: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Within maternity care policies and practice, pregnant migrant women are regarded as a vulnerable population. BACKGROUND Women's experiential knowledge is a key element of woman-centred care but is insufficiently addressed in midwifery practice and research that involves migrant women. AIM To examine if pregnant migrant women's experiential knowledge of vulnerability corresponds with sets of criteria of vulnerability, and to explore how migrant women make sense of vulnerability during pregnancy. METHODS A sequential two-phased mixed-methods study, conducted in the Netherlands, integrating survey data of 89 pregnant migrant women and focus group data obtained from 25 migrant mothers - living in deprived areas according to the Dutch socio-economic index. RESULTS Criteria associated with vulnerability were reported by 65.2% of the participants and 62.9% of the participants reported adverse childhood experiences. On a Visual Analogue Scale, ranging from 0 (not vulnerable) to 10 (very vulnerable), participants self-reported sense of vulnerability showed a mean score of 4.2 (±2.56). Women's experiential knowledge of vulnerability significantly correlated with the mean sum score of clinical criteria of vulnerability (r .46, p .002) and with the mean sum score of adverse childhood experiences (r .48, p<.001). Five themes emerged from the focus group discussions: "Look beyond who you think I am and see and treat me for who I really am", "Ownership of truth and knowledge", "Don't punish me for being honest", "Projection of fear" and "Coping with labelling". CONCLUSION Pregnant migrant women's experiential knowledge of vulnerability is congruent with the criteria. Calling upon experiential knowledge is an attribute of the humane woman-midwife relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne J Fontein Kuipers
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, School of Midwifery, Rochussenstraat 198, 3015 EK Rotterdam, Netherlands; Artesis Plantijn University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health & Social Care, Noorderplaats 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Eveline Mestdagh
- Artesis Plantijn University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health & Social Care, Noorderplaats 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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12
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Nellums LB, Powis J, Jones L, Miller A, Rustage K, Russell N, Friedland JS, Hargreaves S. "It's a life you're playing with": A qualitative study on experiences of NHS maternity services among undocumented migrant women in England. Soc Sci Med 2021; 270:113610. [PMID: 33383485 PMCID: PMC7895812 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undocumented migrant women experience complex barriers to maternity services, are less likely to receive the recommended level of maternity care, and have poorer obstetric outcomes than non-migrant women. There are concerns increasing restrictions on entitlement to health services have a detrimental impact on access to services and obstetric outcomes, particularly among undocumented migrant women. The study aimed to investigate the experiences of undocumented migrant women who have been pregnant in England, and factors affecting access to care and health outcomes. METHODS We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews June-December 2017 with a purposive sample of migrant women born outside the UK (aged>18) who had experiences of pregnancy and undocumented status (without permission to reside) in the UK, recruited through Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK. Interpreting services were used on request. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval: Imperial College London Research Ethics Committee (ICREC reference: 17IC3924). RESULTS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants, 10 of whom had their first antenatal appointment after the national target of 13 weeks, and nine of whom reported complications. Themes defining women's experiences of pregnancy included: restricted agency, intersecting stressors, and an ongoing cycle of precarity, defined by legal status, social isolation, and economic status. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new evidence of women's experiences of pregnancy in the UK in the context of increasingly restrictive health policies including charging and data sharing. Six recommendations are made to ensure the UK and other migrant receiving countries work towards reducing inequalities and achieving national and global targets for maternal and child health and universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Nellums
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Clinical Sciences Building, Hucknall Road, NG5 1PB, UK; Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Jaynaide Powis
- Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 ONN, UK
| | - Lucy Jones
- Doctors of the World UK (Médecins du Monde), 29th Floor, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA, UK
| | - Anna Miller
- Doctors of the World UK (Médecins du Monde), 29th Floor, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA, UK
| | - Kieran Rustage
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Neal Russell
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Jon S Friedland
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, UK.
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13
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Gabrhelík R, Skurtveit S, Nechanská B, Handal M, Mahic M, Mravčík V. Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Eur Addict Res 2021; 27:97-106. [PMID: 32702698 DOI: 10.1159/000509048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited knowledge on the adverse outcomes in newborns after maternal methamphetamine (MA) use during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To compare neonatal outcomes in newborns exposed to MA with the newborns of opioid-exposed mothers and of mothers from the general population (GP). METHOD A cohort study using nationwide registries in Czechia (2000-2014). Women hospitalized with a main diagnosis of MA use disorder during pregnancy (n = 258) and their newborns were defined as MA-exposed. The comparison groups consisted of women (n = 199) diagnosed with opioid use disorder during pregnancy, defined as opioid-exposed, and women (n = 1,511,310) with no substance use disorder diagnosis (GP). The neonatal outcomes studied were growth parameters, gestational age, preterm birth, and Apgar score. To explore the associations between MA exposure and neonatal outcomes, regression coefficients (b) and odds ratios from multivariable linear and binary logistic regression were estimated. RESULTS MA-exposed women had similar socio-economic characteristics to opioid-exposed, both of which were worse than in the GP. After adjustment, MA exposure was associated with a more favourable birthweight when compared to the opioid-exposed (adjusted mean differences [aMD] b = 122.3 g, 95% CI: 26.0-218.5) and length (aMD b = 0.6 cm, 0.0-1.1). Unadjusted results from the comparison with the GP showed that the MA group had poorer neonatal outcomes, especially in the growth parameters. Adjustment for background characteristics had a profound effect on the comparison with the GP. After adjustment, MA exposure was associated only with a slightly reduced birthweight (aMD b = -63.0 g, -123.0 to -3.1) and birth length (aMD b = -0.3 cm, -0.6 to 0.0). CONCLUSIONS Although the observed negative outcomes were large in the MA-exposed newborns, the adjustment had a profound effect on the comparison with the GP, indicating the large influence of lifestyle and socio-economic factors in these high-risk pregnancies. MA-exposed newborns had better neonatal outcomes compared to opioids-exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Gabrhelík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia, .,Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia,
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research at the University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Blanka Nechanská
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marte Handal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Mahic
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Viktor Mravčík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czechia
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14
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Dawson P, Jaye C, Gauld R, Hay-Smith J. Barriers to equitable maternal health in Aotearoa New Zealand: an integrative review. Int J Equity Health 2019; 18:168. [PMID: 31666134 PMCID: PMC6822457 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-019-1070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this review was to examine the literature for themes of underlying social contributors to inequity in maternal health outcomes and experiences in the high resource setting of Aotearoa New Zealand. These 'causes of the causes' were explored and compared with the international context to identify similarities and New Zealand-specific differences. METHOD A structured integrative review methodology was employed to enable a complex cross disciplinary analysis of data from a variety of published sources. This method enabled incorporation of diverse research methodologies and theoretical approaches found in the literature to form a unified overall of the topic. RESULTS Six integrated factors - Physical Access, Political Context, Maternity Care System, Acceptability, Colonialism, and Cultural factors - were identified as barriers to equitable maternal health in Aotearoa New Zealand. The structure of the maternal health system in New Zealand, which includes free maternity care and a woman centred continuity of care structure, should help to ameliorate inequity in maternal health and yet does not appear to. A complex set of underlying structural and systemic factors, such as institutionalised racism, serve to act as barriers to equitable maternity outcomes and experiences. Initiatives that appear to be working are adapted to the local context and involve self-determination in research, clinical outreach and community programmes. CONCLUSIONS The combination of six social determinants identified in this review that contribute to maternal health inequity is specific to New Zealand, although individually these factors can be identified elsewhere; this creates a unique set of challenges in addressing inequity. Due to the specific social determinants in Aotearoa New Zealand, localised solutions have potential to further maternal health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Dawson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Chrys Jaye
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robin Gauld
- Otago Business School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Health Systems and Technology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jean Hay-Smith
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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15
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Rayment‐Jones H, Harris J, Harden A, Khan Z, Sandall J. How do women with social risk factors experience United Kingdom maternity care? A realist synthesis. Birth 2019; 46:461-474. [PMID: 31385354 PMCID: PMC6771833 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echoing international trends, the most recent United Kingdom reports of infant and maternal mortality found that pregnancies to women with social risk factors are over 50% more likely to end in stillbirth or neonatal death and carry an increased risk of premature birth and maternal death. The aim of this realist synthesis was to uncover the mechanisms that affect women's experiences of maternity care. METHODS Using realist methodology, 22 papers exploring how women with a wide range of social risk factors experience maternity care in the United Kingdom were included. The data extraction process identified contexts (C), mechanisms (M), and outcomes (0). RESULTS Three themes, Resources, Relationships, and Candidacy, overarched eight CMO configurations. Access to services, appropriate education, interpreters, practical support, and continuity of care were particularly relevant for women who are unfamiliar with the United Kingdom system and those living chaotic lives. For women with experience of trauma, or those who lack a sense of control, a trusting relationship with a health care professional was key to regaining trust. Many women who have social care involvement during their pregnancy perceive health care services as a system of surveillance rather than support, impacting on their engagement. This, as well as experiences of paternalistic care and discrimination, could be mitigated through the ability to develop trusting relationships. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide underlying theory and practical guidance on how to develop safe services that aim to reduce inequalities in women's experiences and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Rayment‐Jones
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and MedicineNorth Wing St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - James Harris
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College HospitalLondonUK
| | - Angela Harden
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East LondonLondonUK
| | - Zahra Khan
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative CareKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jane Sandall
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and MedicineNorth Wing St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College LondonLondonUK
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16
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Wiggins M, Sawtell M, Wiseman O, McCourt C, Greenberg L, Hunter R, Eldridge S, Haora P, Kaur I, Harden A. Testing the effectiveness of REACH Pregnancy Circles group antenatal care: protocol for a randomised controlled pilot trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:169. [PMID: 30459959 PMCID: PMC6234800 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal care is an important public health priority. Women from socially disadvantaged, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups often have difficulties with accessing antenatal care and report more negative experiences with care. Although group antenatal care has been shown in some settings to be effective for improving women's experiences of care and for improving other maternal as well as newborn health outcomes, these outcomes have not been rigorously assessed in the UK. A pilot trial will be conducted to determine the feasibility of, and optimum methods for, testing the effectiveness of group antenatal care in an NHS setting serving populations with high levels of social deprivation and cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity. Outcomes will inform the protocol for a future full trial. METHODS This protocol outlines an individual-level randomised controlled external pilot trial with integrated process and economic evaluations. The two trial arms will be group care and standard antenatal care. The trial will involve the recruitment of 72 pregnant women across three maternity services within one large NHS Acute Trust. Baseline, outcomes and economic data will be collected via questionnaires completed by the participants at three time points, with the final scheduled for 4 months postnatal. Routine maternity service data will also be collected for outcomes assessment and economic evaluation purposes. Stakeholder interviews will provide insights into the acceptability of research and intervention processes, including the use of interpreters to support women who do not speak English. Pre-agreed criteria have been selected to guide the decision about whether or not to progress to a full trial. DISCUSSION This pilot trial will determine if it is appropriate to proceed to a full trial of group antenatal care in this setting. If progression is supported, the pilot will provide authoritative high-quality evidence to inform the design and conduct of a trial in this important area that holds significant potential to influence maternity care, outcomes and experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN66925258. Registered 03 April 2017. Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Wiggins
- University College London Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Mary Sawtell
- University College London Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Octavia Wiseman
- City, University of London, London, UK
- University of East London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Penny Haora
- University of East London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Angela Harden
- University of East London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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17
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Hunter LJ, Da Motta G, McCourt C, Wiseman O, Rayment JL, Haora P, Wiggins M, Harden A. Better together: A qualitative exploration of women's perceptions and experiences of group antenatal care. Women Birth 2018; 32:336-345. [PMID: 30253938 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Childbearing women from socio-economically disadvantaged communities and minority ethnic groups are less likely to access antenatal care and experience more adverse pregnancy outcomes. BACKGROUND Group antenatal care aims to facilitate information sharing and social support. It is associated with higher rates of attendance and improved health outcomes. AIMS To assess the acceptability of a bespoke model of group antenatal care (Pregnancy Circles) in an inner city community in England, understand how the model affects women's experiences of pregnancy and antenatal care, and inform further development and testing of the model. METHODS A two-stage qualitative study comprising focus groups with twenty six local women, followed by the implementation of four Pregnancy Circles attended by twenty four women, which were evaluated using observations, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with participants. Data were analysed thematically. FINDINGS Pregnancy Circles offered an appealing alternative to standard antenatal care and functioned as an instrument of empowerment, mediated through increased learning and knowledge sharing, active participation in care and peer and professional relationship building. Multiparous women and women from diverse cultures sharing their experiences during Circle sessions was particularly valued. Participants had mixed views about including partners in the sessions. CONCLUSIONS Group antenatal care, in the form of Pregnancy Circles, is acceptable to women and appears to enhance their experiences of pregnancy. Further work needs to be done both to test the findings in larger, quantitative studies and to find a model of care that is acceptable to women and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise J Hunter
- City, University of London, Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, UK.
| | - Giordana Da Motta
- City, University of London, Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, UK
| | - Christine McCourt
- City, University of London, Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, UK
| | - Octavia Wiseman
- City, University of London, Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, UK
| | - Juliet L Rayment
- City, University of London, Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, UK
| | - Penny Haora
- University of East London, Institute for Health & Human Development, London, UK
| | - Meg Wiggins
- University College London, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Angela Harden
- University of East London, Institute for Health & Human Development, London, UK; Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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18
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Sawtell M, Sweeney L, Wiggins M, Salisbury C, Eldridge S, Greenberg L, Hunter R, Kaur I, McCourt C, Hatherall B, Findlay G, Morris J, Reading S, Renton A, Adekoya R, Green B, Harvey B, Latham S, Patel K, Vanlessen L, Harden A. Evaluation of community-level interventions to increase early initiation of antenatal care in pregnancy: protocol for the Community REACH study, a cluster randomised controlled trial with integrated process and economic evaluations. Trials 2018; 19:163. [PMID: 29506563 PMCID: PMC5838929 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2526-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The provision of high-quality maternity services is a priority for reducing inequalities in health outcomes for mothers and infants. Best practice includes women having their initial antenatal appointment within the first trimester of pregnancy in order to provide screening and support for healthy lifestyles, well-being and self-care in pregnancy. Previous research has identified inequalities in access to antenatal care, yet there is little evidence on interventions to improve early initiation of antenatal care. The Community REACH trial will assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of engaging communities in the co-production and delivery of an intervention that addresses this issue. Methods/design The study design is a matched cluster randomised controlled trial with integrated process and economic evaluations. The unit of randomisation is electoral ward. The intervention will be delivered in 10 wards; 10 comparator wards will have normal practice. The primary outcome is the proportion of pregnant women attending their antenatal booking appointment by the 12th completed week of pregnancy. This and a number of secondary outcomes will be assessed for cohorts of women (n = approximately 1450 per arm) who give birth 2–7 and 8–13 months after intervention delivery completion in the included wards, using routinely collected maternity data. Eight hospitals commissioned to provide maternity services in six NHS trusts in north and east London and Essex have been recruited to the study. These trusts will provide anonymised routine data for randomisation and outcomes analysis. The process evaluation will examine intervention implementation, acceptability, reach and possible causal pathways. The economic evaluation will use a cost-consequences analysis and decision model to evaluate the intervention. Targeted community engagement in the research process was a priority. Discussion Community REACH aims to increase early initiation of antenatal care using an intervention that is co-produced and delivered by local communities. This pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial, with integrated process and economic evaluation, aims to rigorously assess the effectiveness of this public health intervention, which is particularly complex due to the required combination of standardisation with local flexibility. It will also answer questions about scalability and generalisability. Trial registration ISRCTN registry: registration number 63066975. Registered on 18 August 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2526-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sawtell
- Social Science Research Unit (SSRU), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 18 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0NR, UK.
| | - Lorna Sweeney
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University House, UH250, Stratford Campus, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London, E12 4LZ, UK
| | - Meg Wiggins
- Social Science Research Unit (SSRU), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 18 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0NR, UK
| | - Cathryn Salisbury
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University House, UH250, Stratford Campus, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London, E12 4LZ, UK
| | - Sandra Eldridge
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Yvonne Carter Building, 58 Turner Street, London, E1 2AB, UK
| | - Lauren Greenberg
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Yvonne Carter Building, 58 Turner Street, London, E1 2AB, UK
| | - Rachael Hunter
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, Royal Free Medical School, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- Barts Health NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, Whitechapel, London, E1 1BZ, UK
| | - Christine McCourt
- School of Health Sciences, City University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Bethan Hatherall
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University House, UH250, Stratford Campus, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London, E12 4LZ, UK
| | - Gail Findlay
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University House, UH250, Stratford Campus, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London, E12 4LZ, UK
| | - Joanne Morris
- Barts Health NHS Trust, Newham University Hospital, Glen Rd, Plaistow, London, E13 8SL, UK
| | - Sandra Reading
- Barts Health NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, Whitechapel, London, E1 1BZ, UK
| | - Adrian Renton
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University House, UH250, Stratford Campus, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London, E12 4LZ, UK
| | - Ruth Adekoya
- Social Science Research Unit (SSRU), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 18 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0NR, UK.,Lay Minister, London, UK
| | - Belinda Green
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, 25 Grafton Way, London, WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Belinda Harvey
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, UK
| | - Sarah Latham
- Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Homerton Row, London, E9 6SR, UK
| | - Kanta Patel
- North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, Sterling Way, London, N18 1QX, UK
| | - Logan Vanlessen
- Whittington Health NHS Trust, Magdala Ave, London, N19 5NF, UK
| | - Angela Harden
- Institute for Health and Human Development, University House, UH250, Stratford Campus, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London, E12 4LZ, UK
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19
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Haddrill R, Jones GL, Anumba D, Mitchell C. A tale of two pregnancies: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of women's perceptions about delayed initiation of antenatal care. Women Birth 2017; 31:220-231. [PMID: 29037485 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed access to antenatal care in high income countries is associated with poor maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. The aim was to synthesise the diverse body of evidence around women's views of early antenatal care and barriers to attendance in such countries. Critical Interpretive Synthesis integrates the process of systematic review with the qualitative methods of meta-ethnography and grounded theory, with a focus on theory generation to inform policy, practice and future research. METHODS Database searches were conducted, supplemented with reference and citation tracking and website searching between February 2014 and April 2016. Qualitative data analysis methods were used to extract and summarise the key themes from each study. A taxonomy of constructs was created, with the synthesis developed to thread these together. Fifty-four papers were synthesised, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed method and systematic review, published between 1987 and 2016. FINDINGS Seventeen constructs around the core concept of 'acceptance of personal and public pregnancies' were produced. Acceptance of the 'personal' pregnancy considers the contribution of mindset in the recognition and acceptance of pregnancy, influenced by knowledge of pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy planning and desire. Acceptance of the 'public' pregnancy considers women's assessment of the social consequences of pregnancy, and the relevance and priority of antenatal care. CONCLUSION Critical Interpretive Synthesis offers a systematic yet creative approach to the synthesis of diverse evidence. The findings offer new perspectives on women's perceptions of early pregnancy and attendance for care, which may be used to facilitate timely antenatal provision for all pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Haddrill
- Academic Unit of Midwifery, Social Work, Pharmacy, Counselling & Psychotherapy, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Baines Wing, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Georgina L Jones
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 9HE, UK
| | - Dilly Anumba
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield 4th Floor, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
| | - Caroline Mitchell
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sam Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK
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20
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Barber C, Rankin J, Heslehurst N. Maternal body mass index and access to antenatal care: a retrospective analysis of 619,502 births in England. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:290. [PMID: 28877677 PMCID: PMC5588551 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1475-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late access to antenatal care increases risks of adverse outcomes including maternal and perinatal mortality. There is evidence that BMI influences patient engagement with health services, such as cancer screening services and delayed access to treatment; this association has not been fully explored in the context of antenatal care. This study investigated the association between the stage of pregnancy women access antenatal care, BMI, and other socio-demographic factors. METHODS Retrospective analysis of routine hospital data from 34 NHS maternity units in England, UK, including 619,502 singleton births between 1989 and 2007. Analyses used logistic regression to investigate the association between maternal BMI categories and stage of pregnancy women accessed antenatal care. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate associations, adjusting for maternal age, ethnic group, parity, Index of Multiple Deprivation score and employment status. The primary outcome was late access to antenatal care (>13+6 weeks). Secondary outcomes were trimester of access, and the association between late access and other socio-demographic variables. RESULTS Women with an overweight or obese BMI accessed antenatal care later than women with a recommended BMI (aOR 1.11, 95%CI 1.09-1.12; aOR 1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06 respectively), and underweight women accessed care earlier (aOR 0.77, 95%CI 0.74-0.81). Women with obesity were 42% more likely to access care in the third trimester compared with women with a recommended BMI. Additional significant socio-demographic associations with late access included women from minority ethnic groups, teenagers, unemployment and deprivation. The greatest association was observed among Black/Black British women accessing care in the third trimester (aOR 5.07, 95% CI 4.76, 5.40). CONCLUSIONS There are significant and complex socio-demographic inequalities associated with the stage of pregnancy women access maternity care, particularly for women with obesity accessing care very late in their pregnancy, and among BME groups, teenagers, deprived and unemployed women. These populations are at increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes and require support to address inequalities in access to antenatal care. Interventions to facilitate earlier access to care should address the complex and inter-related nature of these inequalities to improve pregnancy outcomes among high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Barber
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX UK
| | - Nicola Heslehurst
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX UK
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