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Xiang X, Huang Y, Wang Z, Li Z, Dang S. Mediating role of gestational weight gain in the relationship between socioeconomic status and preterm birth: a Chinese population-based study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1886. [PMID: 39010035 PMCID: PMC11247897 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The modifiable mechanisms underlying the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and preterm birth remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preterm birth and maternal SES or gestational weight gain (GWG), as well as the role of GWG in mediating SES disparities in preterm birth. METHODS Data was from a hospital-based sub-study of physical growth and development survey for Chinese newborns with various gestational ages. Singleton newborns aged from 24 to 42weeks' gestation and their mothers were included. Using information from maternal questionnaire, a composite SES was constructed with parental education and family annual income. GWG as mediator was calculated by deducting pre-pregnancy weight from maternal weight at delivery. Logistic regression model was adopted to investigate the association of preterm birth with SES or GWG. Causal mediation analysis was performed to measure mediating effect of GWG on the pathway from SES to preterm birth. RESULTS After controlling for potential confounders, risk of preterm birth was reduced by 12.4% (OR = 0.876, 95%CI:0.855-0.879) for per one-kilogram increase of GWG, and risk of preterm birth was reduced by 24% (OR = 0.760, 95%CI: 0.717-0.806) for per one-unit increase of SES score. Mediation analysis supported a significant association between higher SES and decreased risk of preterm partly through higher GWG, in which estimated proportion mediated by GWG was 13.04% (95%CI: 11.89-16.25). GWG also played a significant role as a mediator when socioeconomic status was indicated by maternal education, paternal education or family income. GWG mediated approximately 11.03% (95% CI: 8.56-18.25) of the total effect of SES on very preterm birth, which was greater than that for moderate preterm birth (6.72%, 95%CI: 2.72-31.52) and late preterm birth (9.04%, 95%CI: 5.24-24.04). A series of sensitive analysis confirmed the robustness of association of interest. CONCLUSION Increased GWG and higher socioeconomic status are strongly associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. GWG mediates socioeconomic disparities in preterm birth, most notably in very preterm birth. Understanding this mechanism will aid in the development of interventions and policy for maternal and child health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Xiang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Xi'an Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ziping Wang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Zongkai Li
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shaonong Dang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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2
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Zeitlin J, Philibert M, Barros H, Broeders L, Cap J, Draušnik Ž, Engjom H, Farr A, Fresson J, Gatt M, Gissler M, Heller G, Isakova J, Källén K, Kyprianou T, Loghi M, Monteath K, Mortensen L, Rihs T, Sakkeus L, Sikora I, Szamotulska K, Velebil P, Verdenik I, Weber G, Zile I, Zurriaga O, Smith L. Socioeconomic disparities in changes to preterm birth and stillbirth rates during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of 21 European countries. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:i58-i66. [PMID: 38946450 PMCID: PMC11215324 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite concerns about worsening pregnancy outcomes resulting from healthcare restrictions, economic difficulties and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, preterm birth (PTB) rates declined in some countries in 2020, while stillbirth rates appeared stable. Like other shocks, the pandemic may have exacerbated existing socioeconomic disparities in pregnancy, but this remains to be established. Our objective was to investigate changes in PTB and stillbirth by socioeconomic status (SES) in European countries. METHODS The Euro-Peristat network implemented this study within the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project. A common data model was developed to collect aggregated tables from routine birth data for 2015-2020. SES was based on mother's educational level or area-level deprivation/maternal occupation if education was unavailable and harmonized into low, medium and high SES. Country-specific relative risks (RRs) of PTB and stillbirth for March to December 2020, adjusted for linear trends from 2015 to 2019, by SES group were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one countries provided data on perinatal outcomes by SES. PTB declined by an average 4% in 2020 {pooled RR: 0.96 [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.94-0.97]} with similar estimates across all SES groups. Stillbirths rose by 5% [RR: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99-1.10)], with increases of between 3 and 6% across the three SES groups, with overlapping confidence limits. CONCLUSIONS PTB decreases were similar regardless of SES group, while stillbirth rates rose without marked differences between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Zeitlin
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOpé), Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Philibert
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOpé), Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | | | - Lisa Broeders
- The Netherlands Perinatal Registry (Perined), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Cap
- National Health Information Center, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Željka Draušnik
- Division of Public Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hilde Engjom
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alex Farr
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeanne Fresson
- Department for Research, Studies, Assessment and Statistics (DREES), French Ministry of Health, Paris, France
| | - Miriam Gatt
- National Obstetric Information System, Directorate for Health Information and Research, Pieta, Malta
| | - Mika Gissler
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Günther Heller
- Social Data Department, Institute for Quality Assurance and Transparency in Healthcare (IQTIG), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jelena Isakova
- Health Statistics Department, Health Information Centre, Institute of Hygiene, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karin Källén
- Department of Evaluation and Analysis, Epidemiology and Methodological Support Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Marzia Loghi
- Directorate for Social Statistics and Welfare, Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Rome, Italy
| | - Kirsten Monteath
- Information Services Division, Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laust Mortensen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Denmark Statistics, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tonia Rihs
- Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Luule Sakkeus
- Estonian Institute for Population Studies, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Izabela Sikora
- The National Perinatal Reporting System, Health Pricing Office, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katarzyna Szamotulska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Research Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Velebil
- Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czechia
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ivan Verdenik
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology—Research Unit, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Guy Weber
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Irisa Zile
- The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Oscar Zurriaga
- Public Health General Directorate, Valencia Regional Public Health Authority, Valencia, Spain
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centre for Network Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucy Smith
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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3
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Page A, McCann R, Maness S, Merriweather M, Dobbs PD. Beyond the First Trimester: Social Determinants of Delayed Prenatal Care at a Community Health Center Using the PRAPARE Tool. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02052-7. [PMID: 38935333 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02052-7] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Social determinants of health have been used to explore associations with pregnancy outcomes and the birth weight of infants; however, research employing individually based social risk measures has not examined associations among underserved populations, including pregnant persons at community health centers. Data were collected from a sample (n = 345) of pregnant persons who sought care at a community health center between January 2019 and December 2020. Social risks of pregnant patients were measured using the PRAPARE tool. First, associations between patients' social risks and trimester in which they initiated care were assessed using ANOVAs, grouping social risk by PRAPARE social determinant domains (persona characteristics, family and home, money and resources, and social and emotional health). ANOVAs were stratified by ethnicity. Next, a multivariate logistic regression examined associations between social measures and seeking care after the first trimester. Patients who sought care in the first trimester reported more financial needs than those who sought care in the second (p = .02) or the third (p = .049). Hispanic patients who sought care in the first trimester reported more monetary needs than those who sought care in the second trimester (p = .048), and non-Hispanic patients who sought care in the first trimester reported greater family and home needs than those who sought care in the second trimester (p = .47). Those who experienced stress were 3.07 times as likely to seek care after the first trimester as those who reported no stress. CHC may reduce social risk among poor and underserved communities by reducing barriers to access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie Page
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, 346 West Ave. Suite 317, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
- St. Francis House NWA Inc. dba. Community Clinic, Springdale, AR, 72764, USA
- Center for Public Health and Technology, University of Arkansas, 346 West Ave. Suite 317, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Rebecca McCann
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, 346 West Ave. Suite 317, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
- Center for Public Health and Technology, University of Arkansas, 346 West Ave. Suite 317, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
- Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 72701, AR, USA
| | - Sarah Maness
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greensville, NC, 27858-4353, USA
| | - Maya Merriweather
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Page D Dobbs
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, 346 West Ave. Suite 317, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
- Center for Public Health and Technology, University of Arkansas, 346 West Ave. Suite 317, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
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Eaves LA, Harrington CE, Fry RC. Epigenetic Responses to Nonchemical Stressors: Potential Molecular Links to Perinatal Health Outcomes. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:145-157. [PMID: 38580766 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00435-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We summarize the recent literature investigating exposure to four nonchemical stressors (financial stress, racism, psychosocial stress, and trauma) and DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and mRNA expression. We also highlight the relationships between these epigenetic changes and six critical perinatal outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, childhood allergic disease, and childhood neurocognition). RECENT FINDINGS Multiple studies have found financial stress, psychosocial stress, and trauma to be associated with DNA methylation and/or miRNA and mRNA expression. Fewer studies have investigated the effects of racism. The majority of studies assessed epigenetic or genomic changes in maternal blood, cord blood, or placenta. Several studies included multi-OMIC assessments in which DNA methylation and/or miRNA expression were associated with gene expression. There is strong evidence for the role of epigenetics in driving the health outcomes considered. A total of 22 biomarkers, including numerous HPA axis genes, were identified to be epigenetically altered by both stressors and outcomes. Epigenetic changes related to inflammation, the immune and endocrine systems, and cell growth and survival were highlighted across numerous studies. Maternal exposure to nonchemical stressors is associated with epigenetic and/or genomic changes in a tissue-specific manner among inflammatory, immune, endocrine, and cell growth-related pathways, which may act as mediating pathways to perinatal health outcomes. Future research can test the mediating role of the specific biomarkers identified as linked with both stressors and outcomes. Understanding underlying epigenetic mechanisms altered by nonchemical stressors can provide a better understanding of how chemical and nonchemical exposures interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cailee E Harrington
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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5
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Vousden N, Geddes-Barton D, Roberts N, Knight M. Interventions to reduce inequalities for pregnant women living with disadvantage in high-income countries: an umbrella review protocol. Syst Rev 2024; 13:139. [PMID: 38783327 PMCID: PMC11112858 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02556-7] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who live with disadvantages such as socioeconomic deprivation, substance misuse, poor mental health, or domestic abuse face inequalities in health before, during, and after pregnancy and for their infants through to childhood. Women do not experience these factors alone; they accumulate and interact. Therefore, there is a need for an overview of interventions that work across health and social care and target women at risk of inequalities in maternal or child health. METHODS Systematic review methodology will be used to identify systematic reviews from high-income countries that describe interventions aiming to reduce inequalities for women who experience social disadvantage during pregnancy. We will describe the range of interventions and their effectiveness in reducing inequalities in maternal or child health. Any individual, hospital, or community-level activity specific to women during the pre-conception, antenatal, or postpartum period up to 1 year after birth will be included, regardless of the setting in which they are delivered. We will search eight electronic databases with the pre-determined search strategy and supplement them with extensive grey literature searches. We will present a narrative synthesis, taking into account the quality assessment and coverage of included studies. DISCUSSION Inequalities in maternal and child health are a key priority area for national policymakers. Understanding the range and effectiveness of interventions across the perinatal period will inform policy and practice. Identifying gaps in the evidence will inform future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023455502.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vousden
- Department of Population Health, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, NuffieldHeadington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - D Geddes-Barton
- Department of Population Health, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, NuffieldHeadington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - N Roberts
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and Department of Oncology, Bodleian Health Care Libraries, Oxford, UK
| | - M Knight
- Department of Population Health, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, NuffieldHeadington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
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6
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Kūkoja K, Villeruša A, Zīle-Velika I. Relationship between Maternal Socioeconomic Factors and Preterm Birth in Latvia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:826. [PMID: 38793009 PMCID: PMC11123435 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Worldwide, preterm birth (PTB) stands as the primary cause of mortality among children under 5 years old. Socioeconomic factors significantly impact pregnancy outcomes, influencing both maternal well-being and newborn health. Understanding and addressing these socioeconomic factors is essential for developing effective public health interventions and policies aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to analyse the relationship between socioeconomic factors (education level, marital status, place of residence and nationality) and PTB in Latvia, considering mother's health habits, health status, and pregnancy process. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Medical Birth Register (MBR) of Latvia about women with singleton pregnancies in 2022 (n = 15,431). Data analysis, involving crosstabs, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression, was performed. Adjusted Odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: Lower maternal education was statistically significantly associated with increased odds of PTB. Mothers with education levels below secondary education had over two times higher odds of PTB (aOR = 2.07, p < 0.001, CI 1.58-2.70) and those with secondary or vocational secondary education had one and a half times higher odds (aOR = 1.58, p < 0.001, CI 1.33-1.87) after adjusting for other risk factors. Study results also showed the cumulative effect of socioeconomic risk factors on PTB. Additionally, mothers facing two or three socioeconomic risk factors in Latvia exhibited one and a half times higher odds of PTB (aOR = 1.59, p = 0.021). Conclusions: The study highlights the cumulative impact of socioeconomic risk factors on PTB, with higher maternal education demonstrating the highest protective effect against it. This underscores the importance of education in promoting optimal foetal development. Since the influence of socioeconomic factors on PTB is not a widely studied issue in Latvia, further research is needed to improve understanding of this complex topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrīne Kūkoja
- Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LV-4201 Valmiera, Latvia
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Anita Villeruša
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Irisa Zīle-Velika
- Department of Research and Statistics, Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, LV-1005 Riga, Latvia;
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7
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O'Carroll JE, Zucco L, Warwick E, Radcliffe G, Moonesinghe SR, El-Boghdadly K, Guo N, Carvalho B, Sultan P. Ethnicity, socio-economic deprivation and postpartum outcomes following caesarean delivery: a multicentre cohort study. Anaesthesia 2024; 79:486-497. [PMID: 38359531 DOI: 10.1111/anae.16241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Disparities relating to postpartum recovery outcomes in different socio-economic and racial ethnic groups are underexplored. We conducted a planned analysis of a large prospective caesarean delivery cohort to explore the relationship between ethnicity, socio-economic status and postpartum recovery. Eligible patients were enrolled and baseline demographic, obstetric and medical history data were collected 18 h and 30 h following delivery. Patients completed postpartum quality of life and recovery measures in person on day 1 (EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, including global health visual analogue scale; Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 item score; and pain scores) and by telephone between day 28 and day 32 postpartum (EQ-5D-5L and pain scores). Socio-economic group was determined according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile of each patient's usual place of residence. Data from 1000 patients who underwent caesarean delivery were included. There were more patients of Asian, Black and mixed ethnicity in the more deprived quintiles. Patients of White ethnicities had shorter postpartum duration of hospital stay compared with patients of Asian and Black ethnicities (35 (28-56 [18-513]) h vs. 44 (31-71 [19-465]) h vs. 49 (33-75 [23-189]) h, respectively. In adjusted models at day 30, patients of Asian ethnicity had a significantly greater risk of moderate to severe pain (numerical rating scale ≥ 4) at rest and on movement (odds ratio (95%CI) 2.42 (1.24-4.74) and 2.32 (1.40-3.87)), respectively). There were no differences in readmission rates or incidence of complications between groups. Patients from White ethnic backgrounds experience shorter postpartum duration of stay compared with patients from Asian and Black ethnic groups. Ethnic background impacts pain scores and recovery at day 1 postpartum and following hospital discharge, even after adjusting for socio-economic group. Further work is required to understand the underlying factors driving differences in pain and recovery and to develop strategies to reduce disparities in obstetric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E O'Carroll
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peri-operative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department for Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London
| | - L Zucco
- Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E Warwick
- Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - G Radcliffe
- Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S R Moonesinghe
- University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Department for Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London
| | - K El-Boghdadly
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peri-operative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - B Carvalho
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peri-operative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - P Sultan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peri-operative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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8
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Elhakeem A, Clayton GL, Soares AG, Taylor K, Maitre L, Santorelli G, Wright J, Lawlor DA, Vrijheid M. Social inequalities in pregnancy metabolic profile: findings from the multi-ethnic Born in Bradford cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:333. [PMID: 38689215 PMCID: PMC11061950 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) associates with adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes and with less favourable metabolic profile in nonpregnant adults. Socioeconomic differences in pregnancy metabolic profile are unknown. We investigated association between a composite measure of SEP and pregnancy metabolic profile in White European (WE) and South Asian (SA) women. METHODS We included 3,905 WE and 4,404 SA pregnant women from a population-based UK cohort. Latent class analysis was applied to nineteen individual, household, and area-based SEP indicators (collected by questionnaires or linkage to residential address) to derive a composite SEP latent variable. Targeted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine 148 metabolic traits from mid-pregnancy serum samples. Associations between SEP and metabolic traits were examined using linear regressions adjusted for gestational age and weighted by latent class probabilities. RESULTS Five SEP sub-groups were identified and labelled 'Highest SEP' (48% WE and 52% SA), 'High-Medium SEP' (77% and 23%), 'Medium SEP' (56% and 44%) 'Low-Medium SEP' (21% and 79%), and 'Lowest SEP' (52% and 48%). Lower SEP was associated with more adverse levels of 113 metabolic traits, including lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and higher triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) traits. For example, mean standardized difference (95%CI) in concentration of small VLDL particles (vs. Highest SEP) was 0.12 standard deviation (SD) units (0.05 to 0.20) for 'Medium SEP' and 0.25SD (0.18 to 0.32) for 'Lowest SEP'. There was statistical evidence of ethnic differences in associations of SEP with 31 traits, primarily characterised by stronger associations in WE women e.g., mean difference in HDL cholesterol in WE and SA women respectively (vs. Highest-SEP) was -0.30SD (-0.41 to -0.20) and -0.16SD (-0.27 to -0.05) for 'Medium SEP', and -0.62SD (-0.72 to -0.52) and -0.29SD (-0.40 to -0.20) for 'Lowest SEP'. CONCLUSIONS We found widespread socioeconomic differences in metabolic traits in pregnant WE and SA women residing in the UK. Further research is needed to understand whether the socioeconomic differences we observe here reflect pre-conception differences or differences in the metabolic pregnancy response. If replicated, it would be important to explore if these differences contribute to socioeconomic differences in pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elhakeem
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Gemma L Clayton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ana Goncalves Soares
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kurt Taylor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Léa Maitre
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gillian Santorelli
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Deborah A Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Dooley J, Jardine J, Ibrahim B, Mongru R, Pradhan F, Wolstenholme D, Lenguerrand E, Draycott T, Bruce F, Iliodromiti S. A positive deviant approach to examining the impact of Covid-19 on ethnic inequalities in maternal and neonatal outcomes. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 40:100971. [PMID: 38692137 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100971] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid and heterogeneous changes were made to maternity care. Identification of changes that may reduce maternal health inequalities is a national priority. The aim of this project was to use data collected about care and outcomes to identify NHS Trusts in the UK where inequalities in outcomes reduced during the pandemic and explore through interviews how the changes that occurred may have led to a reduction in inequalities. METHODS A Women's Reference Group of public advisors guided the project. Analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care data of 128 organisations in England identified "positive deviant" organisations that reduced inequalities, using maternal and perinatal composite adverse outcome indicators. Positive deviant organisations were identified for investigation, alongside comparators. Senior clinicians, heads of midwifery and representatives of women giving birth were interviewed. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed. RESULTS The change in the inequality gap for the maternal indicator ranged from a reduction of -0.24 to an increase of 0.30 per 1000 births between the pre-pandemic and pandemic period. For the perinatal composite indicator, the change in inequality gap ranged from -0.47 to 0.67 per 1000 births. Nine Trusts were identified as positive deviants and 10 as comparators. We conducted 20 interviews from six positive deviant and four comparator organisations. Positive deviants reported that necessary shifts in roles led to productive and novel use of expert staff; comparators reported senior staff 'stepping in' where needed and no benefits of this. They reported proactivity and quick reactions, increased team working, and rapid implementation of new ideas. Comparators found constant changes overwhelming, and no increase in team working. No specific differences in care processes were identified. CONCLUSIONS Harnessing proactivity, flexibility, staffing resource, and increased team working proves vital in reducing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Dooley
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK.
| | - Jen Jardine
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK
| | - Buthaina Ibrahim
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK
| | - Rohan Mongru
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK
| | - Farrah Pradhan
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK
| | - Daniel Wolstenholme
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK
| | - Erik Lenguerrand
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Level 1 Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE11GH, UK
| | - Faye Bruce
- Caribbean and African Health Network, Transformation Community Resource Centre, 1st Floor, Richmond House, 11 Richmond Grove, Manchester, M13 0LN, UK
| | - Stamatina Iliodromiti
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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10
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Phillips K, Nirantharakumar K, Wakerley BR, Crowe FL. Trends in the prevalence and pharmacological management of migraine during pregnancy in the UK, 2000-2018. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024:jnnp-2024-333530. [PMID: 38569874 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-333530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine is common in women of reproductive age. This study aimed to (1) describe the prevalence of migraine in pregnant women in the UK, (2) identify drugs commonly prescribed for migraine during pregnancy and (3) identify characteristics associated with being prescribed medication for migraine during pregnancy. METHODS The Clinical Practice Research Datalink pregnancy register, a database of pregnancy episodes identified in anonymised primary care health records, was used.Crude and age-standardised prevalence of migraine during pregnancy and the proportion of women with migraine prescribed drugs used for migraine management were calculated for each year between 2000 and 2018.Logistic regression was used to describe the relationship between patient characteristics and being prescribed migraine medication during pregnancy. RESULTS 1 377 053 pregnancies were included, of which 187 328 were in women with a history of migraine. The age-adjusted prevalence increased from 11.4% in 2000 to 17.2% in 2018. There was an increase in the rates of prescription for numerous medications for the management of migraine.Older women (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.41 (1.20 to 1.66)), women of black (aOR 1.40 (1.32 to 1.48)) and South Asian ethnicity (aOR 1.48 (1.38 to 1.59)), those living in the most deprived areas (aOR 1.60 (1.54 to 1.66)), women who were obese (aOR 1.39 (1.35 to 1.43)), smokers (aOR 1.15 (1.12 to 1.18)) and those with comorbid conditions were more likely to receive a prescription during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Rates of recorded migraine have increased over the past two decades as well as rates of prescribing in women with migraine. Higher prescribing rates are seen in certain groups, which has the potential to exacerbate health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Phillips
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Midlands Health Data Research UK, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Benjamin R Wakerley
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Francesca L Crowe
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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11
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Novillo-Del-Álamo B, Martínez-Varea A, Nieto-Tous M, Morales-Roselló J. Deprived areas and adverse perinatal outcome: a systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1205-1218. [PMID: 38063892 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07300-5] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to assess if women living in deprived areas have worse perinatal outcomes than those residing in high-income areas. METHODS Datasets of PubMed, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for studies comparing perinatal outcomes (preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, and stillbirth) in deprived and non-deprive areas. RESULTS A total of 46 studies were included. The systematic review of the literature revealed a higher risk for adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, small for gestational age, and stillbirth in deprived areas. CONCLUSION Deprived areas are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. More multifactorial studies are needed to assess the weight of each factor that composes the socioeconomic gradient of health in adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Novillo-Del-Álamo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Martínez-Varea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mar Nieto-Tous
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Morales-Roselló
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
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12
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Cajachagua-Torres KN, Quezada-Pinedo HG, Guzman-Vilca WC, Tarazona-Meza C, Carrillo-Larco RM, Huicho L. Vulnerable newborn phenotypes in Peru: a population-based study of 3,841,531 births at national and subnational levels from 2012 to 2021. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 31:100695. [PMID: 38500961 PMCID: PMC10945436 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Background We aimed to examine the national and subnational prevalence of vulnerable newborn phenotypes in Peru, 2012-2021. Methods Newborn phenotypes were defined using gestational age (preterm [PT], term [T]), birthweight for gestational age using INTERGROWTH-21st standards (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA] or large for gestational age [LGA]), and birthweight (low birthweight [LBW], non-LBW) using the Peruvian National Birth Registry as six (by excluding birthweight) and ten newborn phenotypes (using all three outcomes). Small phenotypes (with at least one classification of PT, SGA, or LBW) were further considered. Using individual-level data, we stratified the phenotypes by maternal educational level, maternal age, healthcare insurance, altitude of residence, and geographic region (Coast, Andes, and Amazon). Findings The prevalence of the five vulnerable newborn phenotypes for the study period was LGA+T (15.2%), AGA+PT (5.2%), SGA+T (4.6%), LGA+PT (0.8%), and SGA+PT (0.7%). The Coast had a higher prevalence of newborns with large phenotypes (19.4%) and the Highlands a higher prevalence of newborns with small phenotypes (12.5%). Mothers with poor socioeconomic status, extreme ages and living at high altitude had a higher prevalence of newborns with small phenotypes, and mothers who were wealthier, more educated, and older had a higher prevalence of infants with large phenotypes. Interpretation Our findings cautiously suggest that socioeconomic and geographic disparities may play a crucial role in shaping vulnerable newborn phenotypes at national and subnational level in Peru. Further studies using longitudinal data are needed to corroborate our findings and to identify individual-level risk factors. Funding Ter Meulen Grant from the KNAW Medical Sciences Fund of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAWWF/1085/TMB406, KNAWWF/1327/TMB202116), Fogarty Program (D43TW011502).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim N. Cajachagua-Torres
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Materna e Infantil and Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral y Sostenible, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Hugo G. Quezada-Pinedo
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Materna e Infantil and Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral y Sostenible, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wilmer Cristobal Guzman-Vilca
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine “Alberto Hurtado”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina Cayetano Heredia (SOCEMCH), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Carla Tarazona-Meza
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Luis Huicho
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Materna e Infantil and Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral y Sostenible, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine “Alberto Hurtado”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Minopoli M, Noël L, Dagge A, Blayney G, Bhide A, Thilaganathan B. Maternal ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation: influence on adverse pregnancy outcomes. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38419266 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relative importance of ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation in determining the likelihood and prevalence of placentally derived composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO) and composite of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO-S). METHODS This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of data obtained in a tertiary maternity unit. Data regarding ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation (as measured with indices of multiple deprivation) were collected for 13 165 singleton pregnancies screened routinely in the first trimester for pre-eclampsia using the Fetal Medicine Foundation combined risk-assessment algorithm. CAPO was defined as the presence of one or more interrelated outcomes associated with placental dysfunction, namely, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, birth weight ≤ 10th centile and stillbirth. CAPO-S was defined as the presence of one or more of the following: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at < 37 + 0 weeks, preterm birth at < 34 + 0 weeks, birth weight ≤ 5th centile and stillbirth at < 37 + 0 weeks. RESULTS The prevalence of CAPO was 16.3% in white women, 29.3% in black women and 29.3% in South Asian women. However, half (51.7%) of all CAPO cases occurred in white women. There was a strong interaction between ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.223. Both ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation influenced the prevalence of CAPO and CAPO-S, with the contribution of ethnicity being the strongest. CONCLUSIONS Black and Asian ethnicity, as well as socioeconomic deprivation, influence the prevalence of placenta-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite this, most adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in white women, who represent the majority of the population and are also affected by socioeconomic deprivation. For these reasons, inclusion of socioeconomic deprivation should be considered in early pregnancy risk assessment for placenta-mediated CAPO. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Minopoli
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Università degli Study di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Noël
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A Dagge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Northern Lisbon University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G Blayney
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Royal Jubilee Maternity Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - A Bhide
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - B Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
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14
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McGowan J, Attal B, Kuhn I, Hinton L, Draycott T, Martin GP, Dixon-Woods M. Quality and reporting of large-scale improvement programmes: a review of maternity initiatives in the English NHS, 2010-2023. BMJ Qual Saf 2024:bmjqs-2023-016606. [PMID: 38050180 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale improvement programmes are a frequent response to quality and safety problems in health systems globally, but have mixed impact. The extent to which they meet criteria for programme quality, particularly in relation to transparency of reporting and evaluation, is unclear. AIM To identify large-scale improvement programmes focused on intrapartum care implemented in English National Health Service maternity services in the period 2010-2023, and to conduct a structured quality assessment. METHODS We drew on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidance to inform the design and reporting of our study. We identified relevant programmes using multiple search strategies of grey literature, research databases and other sources. Programmes that met a prespecified definition of improvement programme, that focused on intrapartum care and that had a retrievable evaluation report were subject to structured assessment using selected features of programme quality. RESULTS We identified 1434 records via databases and other sources. 14 major initiatives in English maternity services could not be quality assessed due to lack of a retrievable evaluation report. Quality assessment of the 15 improvement programmes meeting our criteria for assessment found highly variable quality and reporting. Programme specification was variable and mostly low quality. Only eight reported the evidence base for their interventions. Description of implementation support was poor and none reported customisation for challenged services. None reported reduction of inequalities as an explicit goal. Only seven made use of explicit patient and public involvement practices, and only six explicitly used published theories/models/frameworks to guide implementation. Programmes varied in their reporting of the planning, scope and design of evaluation, with weak designs evident. CONCLUSIONS Poor transparency of reporting and weak or absent evaluation undermine large-scale improvement programmes by limiting learning and accountability. This review indicates important targets for improving quality in large-scale programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James McGowan
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bothaina Attal
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa Hinton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- Department of Women's Health, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, UK
| | - Graham P Martin
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mary Dixon-Woods
- The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Girchenko P, Lahti-Pulkkinen M, Hämäläinen E, Laivuori H, Villa PM, Kajantie E, Räikkönen K. Associations of polymetabolic risk of high maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index with pregnancy complications, birth outcomes, and early childhood neurodevelopment: findings from two pregnancy cohorts. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:78. [PMID: 38267899 PMCID: PMC10807109 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of maternal pregnancy complications, adverse birth outcomes and neurodevelopmental delay in children may be attributable to high maternal pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). However, BMI alone is insufficient for the identification of all at-risk mothers and children as many women with non-obesity(< 30 kg/m2) or normal weight(18.5-24.99 kg/m2) and their children may suffer from adversities. Evidence suggests that BMI-related metabolic changes during pregnancy may predict adverse mother-child outcomes better than maternal anthropometric BMI. METHODS In a cohort of 425 mother-child dyads, we identified maternal BMI-defined metabolome based on associations of 95 metabolic measures measured three times during pregnancy with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. We then examined whether maternal BMI-defined metabolome performed better than anthropometric BMI in predicting gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, gestational weight gain (GWG), Caesarian section delivery, child gestational age and weight at birth, preterm birth, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and childhood neurodevelopment. Based on metabolic measures with the highest contributions to BMI-defined metabolome, including inflammatory and glycolysis-related measures, fatty acids, fluid balance, ketone bodies, lipids and amino acids, we created a set of maternal high BMI-related polymetabolic risk scores (PMRSs), and in an independent replication cohort of 489 mother-child dyads tested their performance in predicting the same set of mother-child outcomes in comparison to anthropometric BMI. RESULTS BMI-defined metabolome predicted all of the studied mother-child outcomes and improved their prediction over anthropometric BMI, except for gestational hypertension and GWG. BMI-related PMRSs predicted gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, Caesarian section delivery, admission to NICU, lower gestational age at birth, lower cognitive development score of the child, and improved their prediction over anthropometric BMI. BMI-related PMRSs predicted gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, Caesarean section delivery, NICU admission and child's lower gestational age at birth even at the levels of maternal non-obesity and normal weight. CONCLUSIONS Maternal BMI-defined metabolome improves the prediction of pregnancy complications, birth outcomes, and neurodevelopment in children over anthropometric BMI. The novel, BMI-related PMRSs generated based on the BMI-defined metabolome have the potential to become biomarkers identifying at-risk mothers and their children for timely targeted interventions even at the level of maternal non-obesity and normal weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Girchenko
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, (Haartmaninkatu 3), P.O BOX 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
- Clinical Medicine Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Marius Lahti-Pulkkinen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, (Haartmaninkatu 3), P.O BOX 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Esa Hämäläinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia M Villa
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Unit, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinical Medicine Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, (Haartmaninkatu 3), P.O BOX 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Whittaker M, Greatholder I, Kilby MD, Heazell AEP. Risk factors for adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies: a narrative review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2240467. [PMID: 37518183 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2240467] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Globally, the incidence of twin pregnancies is rising owing to the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), emigration and deferment of pregnancy until advanced maternal age (AMA). While twin pregnancies have higher absolute risks of adverse outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm delivery, the impact of specific exposures and risk factors related to these outcomes may differ between twin pregnancies and singleton pregnancies. Regarding modifiable factors, data are sometimes based on evidence extrapolated from singleton or whole obstetric populations. Therefore, targeted evidence is required to provide care tailored to twin pregnancies to prevent adverse outcomes. We aimed to comprehensively review the association between different risk factors and adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies, including data on chorionicity, and to compare these to singletons. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review examines the risks associated with chorionicity, AMA, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities, maternal smoking, use of ART, maternal perception of fetal movement, and maternal comorbidities, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Adverse outcomes reported were preterm birth, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), stillbirth and neonatal mortality. As such, fetal mortality and morbidity will be under-represented, as pregnancy loss before 22-24 weeks is omitted. RESULTS Monochorionicity increases the risk of stillbirth, NICU admission, and preterm delivery in twin pregnancy. AMA predisposes twin pregnancies to higher risks of mortality, admission to the NICU, and preterm birth than singleton pregnancies do. Conversely, the impact of BMI, socioeconomic inequalities, smoking, ART, and HDP on adverse outcomes appears to be lower in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies. This attenuation might be explained by the higher baseline risk of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth in twin pregnancies. Some exposures, such as ART use and GDM, appear to be "protective" against perinatal mortality in twin pregnancies, despite being established risk factors for adverse outcomes in singleton pregnancies, potentially related to access to specialist care. There is a paucity of evidence available to counsel mothers of twin pregnancies regarding reduced fetal movement. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes differ between twin and singleton pregnancies. This highlights the need for further studies to examine the association between risk factors and adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies. The resulting data would facilitate tailored guidance for twin pregnancies, contribute to improved antenatal care, and inform wider public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Whittaker
- Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Isabelle Greatholder
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark D Kilby
- West Midlands Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Emeritus Professor of Fetal Medicine, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Illumina UK, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Fair FJ, Soltani H. Factors associated with gestational weight gain in women with morbid obesity. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2288228. [PMID: 38015559 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2288228] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with obesity are at increased risk of excessive gestational weight gain. Women with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or more are known to have different patterns of weight gain than women with lower levels of obesity. This study therefore aimed to determine the characteristics associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) among women with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more. METHODS Secondary analysis was undertaken on a retrospective cohort of women with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more, with a singleton pregnancy referred to an antenatal healthy lifestyle service between 2009 and 2015 (n = 735). GWG was calculated by subtracting weight at the first antenatal appointment from final recorded weight in pregnancy provided the final weight was recorded from at least 34 + 0 weeks gestation. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to determine the association between GWG and different maternal and infant characteristics. RESULTS Average GWG among women with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more was 6.0 (±7.1)kg. Multiple regression showed GWG decreased with increasing BMI and increasing parity. Other socio-demographic factors were also significantly associated with GWG, with higher GWG seen among those with high levels of deprivation, where the highest household occupation was of a manual nature, in older women and women of non-White British ethnicity. CONCLUSION GWG in this cohort of women with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more was within Institute of Medicine recommendations. Using a systems approach to GWG management that incorporates biological, psychological and socio-ecological factors is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie J Fair
- College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hora Soltani
- College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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18
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Dixon-Woods M, Barry Z, McGowan J, Martin G. The state of care in England's maternity services. BMJ 2023; 383:2700. [PMID: 37984976 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p2700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
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19
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Walker S, Spillane E, Stringer K, Trepte L, Davies SM, Bresson J, Sandall J, Shennan A. OptiBreech collaborative care versus standard care for women with a breech-presenting fetus at term: A pilot parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the feasibility of a randomised trial nested within a cohort. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294139. [PMID: 37967120 PMCID: PMC10650999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OptiBreech collaborative care is a multi-disciplinary care pathway for breech presentation at term, with continuity from a breech specialist midwife, including where chosen, for vaginal breech birth (VBB). Pilot randomised trial using unblinded 1:1 parallel group allocation to OptiBreech versus standard care, within a cohort. Participants were women with a breech-presenting fetus > 33 weeks, at four sites in England, January-June 2022. A two-stage consent process was used. Participants consented to undergo random selection to be offered a 'new care process', with a choice to accept it, or not. Primary objectives were to identify recruitment, acceptance, and attrition rates. Randomisation procedures and potential primary outcomes for a substantive study were also feasibility-tested. 68 women were randomised between January-June 2022. The consent process was acceptable to participants, but randomisation was unacceptable to women who specifically sought OptiBreech care. Two women withdrew due to concerns about sharing personal information. More women planned a VBB when randomised to OptiBreech Care (23.5% vs 0, p = .002, 95% CI = 9.3%,37.8%). Women randomised to OptiBreech care had: lower rates of cephalic presentation at birth (38.2% vs 54.5%), higher rates of vaginal birth (32.4% vs 24.2%), lower rates of in-labour caesarean birth (20.6% vs 36.4%), lower rates of neonatal intensive care (5.9% vs 9.1%), and lower rates of severe neonatal morbidity (2.9% vs 9.1%). Randomisation was stopped on the advice of the steering committee before the planned sample of 104, as lack of access to VBB within standard care prohibited comparison of outcomes. Demand for VBB is sufficient for a cohort study, but comparison of outcomes by 1:1 randomisation is not feasible. OptiBreech care would be best evaluated using stepped wedge cluster randomisation. Funded by the United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR300582). Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 14521381.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Walker
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Women’s and Children’s Services, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Spillane
- Kingston Maternity, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Stringer
- Women’s Services, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Trepte
- Women’s and Children’s Services, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siân M. Davies
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacana Bresson
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Sandall
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Shennan
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Women & Children’s Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Raab R, Geyer K, Zagar S, Hauner H. App-Supported Lifestyle Interventions in Pregnancy to Manage Gestational Weight Gain and Prevent Gestational Diabetes: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e48853. [PMID: 37948111 PMCID: PMC10674147 DOI: 10.2196/48853] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are common pregnancy complications that have been shown to be preventable through the use of lifestyle interventions. However, a significant gap exists between research on pregnancy lifestyle interventions and translation into clinical practice. App-supported interventions might aid in overcoming previous implementation barriers. The current status in this emerging research area is unknown. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of planned, ongoing, and completed studies on eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) app-supported lifestyle interventions in pregnancy to manage GWG and prevent GDM. The review assesses the scope of the literature in the field; describes the population, intervention, control, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) characteristics of included studies as well as the findings on GWG and GDM outcomes; and examines app functionalities. METHODS The scoping review was conducted according to a preregistered protocol and followed established frameworks. Four electronic databases and 2 clinical trial registers were systematically searched. All randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of app-supported lifestyle interventions in pregnancy and related qualitative and quantitative research across the different study phases were considered for inclusion. Eligible studies and reports of studies were included until June 2022. Extracted data were compiled in descriptive analyses and reported in narrative, tabular, and graphical formats. RESULTS This review included 97 reports from 43 lifestyle intervention studies. The number of published reports has steadily increased in recent years; of the 97 included reports, 38 (39%) were trial register entries. Of the 39 identified RCTs, 10 efficacy or effectiveness trials and 8 pilot trials had published results on GWG (18/39, 46%); of these 18 trials, 7 (39%) trials observed significant intervention effects on GWG outcomes. Of all 39 RCTs, 5 (13%) efficacy or effectiveness trials reported GDM results, but none observed significant intervention effects on GDM. The RCTs included in the review were heterogeneous in terms of their PICOS characteristics. Most of the RCTs were conducted in high-income countries, included women with overweight or obesity and from all BMI categories, delivered multicomponent interventions, delivered interventions during pregnancy only, and focused on diet and physical activity. The apps used in the studies were mostly mHealth apps that included features for self-monitoring, feedback, goal setting, prompts, and educational content. Self-monitoring was often supported by wearable activity monitors and Bluetooth-connected weight scales. CONCLUSIONS Research in this field is nascent, and the effectiveness and implementability of app-supported interventions have yet to be determined. The complexity and heterogeneity of intervention approaches pose challenges in identifying the most beneficial app features and intervention components and call for consistent and comprehensive intervention and outcome reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Raab
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner Fresenius Centre for Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Geyer
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner Fresenius Centre for Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Zagar
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner Fresenius Centre for Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Hauner
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner Fresenius Centre for Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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21
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Gardosi J, Hugh O. Stillbirth risk and smallness for gestational age according to Hadlock, INTERGROWTH-21st, WHO, and GROW fetal weight standards: analysis by maternal ethnicity and body mass index. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:547.e1-547.e13. [PMID: 37247647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.026] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate growth charts are essential for fetal surveillance, to confirm that growth is proceeding normally and to identify pregnancies that are at risk. Many stillbirths are avoidable through antenatal detection of the small-for-gestational-age fetus. In the absence of an international consensus on which growth chart to use, it is essential that clinical practice reflects outcome-based evidence. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the performance of 4 internationally used fetal weight standards and their ability to identify stillbirth risk in different ethnic and maternal size groups of a heterogeneous population. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed routinely collected maternity data from more than 2.2 million pregnancies. Three population-based fetal weight standards (Hadlock, Intergrowth-21st, and World Health Organization) were compared with the customized GROW standard that was adjusted for maternal height, weight, parity, and ethnic origin. Small-for-gestational-age birthweight and stillbirth risk were determined for the 2 largest ethnic groups in our population (British European and South Asian), in 5 body mass index categories, and in 4 maternal size groups with normal body mass index (18.5-25.0 kg/m2). The differences in trend between stillbirth and small-for-gestational-age rates were assessed using the Clogg z test, and differences between stillbirths and body mass index groups were assessed using the chi-square trend test. RESULTS Stillbirth rates (per 1000) were higher in South Asian pregnancies (5.51) than British-European pregnancies (3.89) (P<.01) and increased in both groups with increasing body mass index (P<.01). Small-for-gestational-age rates were 2 to 3-fold higher for South Asian babies than British European babies according to the population-average standards (Hadlock: 26.2% vs 12.2%; Intergrowth-21st: 12.1% vs 4.9%; World Health Organization: 32.2% vs 16.0%) but were similar by the customized GROW standard (14.0% vs 13.6%). Despite the wide variation, each standard's small-for-gestation-age cases had increased stillbirth risk compared with non-small-for-gestation-age cases, with the magnitude of risk inversely proportional to the rate of cases defined as small for gestational age. All standards had similar stillbirth risk when the small-for-gestation-age rate was fixed at 10% by varying their respective thresholds for defining small for gestational age. When analyzed across body mass index subgroups, the small-for-gestation-age rate according to the GROW standard increased with increasing stillbirth rate, whereas small-for-gestation-age rates according to Hadlock, Intergrowth-21st, and World Health Organization fetal weight standards declined with increasing body mass index, showing a difference in trend (P<.01) to stillbirth rates across body mass index groups. In the normal body mass index subgroup, stillbirth rates showed little variation across maternal size groups; this trend was followed by GROW-based small-for-gestation-age rates, whereas small-for-gestation-age rates defined by each population-average standard declined with increasing maternal size. CONCLUSION Comparisons between population-average and customized fetal growth charts require examination of how well each standard identifies pregnancies at risk of adverse outcomes within subgroups of any heterogeneous population. In both ethnic groups studied, increasing maternal body mass index was accompanied by increasing stillbirth risk, and this trend was reflected in more pregnancies being identified as small for gestational age only by the customized standard. In contrast, small-for-gestation-age rates fell according to each population-average standard, thereby hiding the increased stillbirth risk associated with high maternal body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Hugh
- Perinatal Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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22
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Willmott T, Ormesher L, McBain AJ, Humphreys GJ, Myers JE, Singh G, Lundberg JO, Weitzberg E, Nihlen C, Cottrell EC. Altered Oral Nitrate Reduction and Bacterial Profiles in Hypertensive Women Predict Blood Pressure Lowering Following Acute Dietary Nitrate Supplementation. Hypertension 2023; 80:2397-2406. [PMID: 37702047 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation to lower blood pressure (BP) in pregnant women is highly variable. We aimed to investigate whether differences in oral microbiota profiles and oral nitrate-reducing capacity may explain interindividual differences in BP lowering following nitrate supplementation. METHODS Participants recruited for this study were both pregnant and nonpregnant women, with or without hypertension (n=55). Following an overnight fast, plasma, saliva, and tongue scraping samples were collected for measurement of nitrate/nitrite concentrations, oral NaR (nitrate reductase) activity, and microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Baseline BP was measured, followed by the administration of a single dose of dietary nitrate (400 mg nitrate in 70 mL beetroot juice). Post-nitrate intervention, plasma and salivary nitrate/nitrite concentrations and BP were determined 2.5 hours later. RESULTS Women with hypertension had significantly lower salivary nitrite concentrations (P=0.006) and reduced abundance of the nitrate-reducing taxa Veillonella(P=0.007) compared with normotensive women. Oral NaR activity was not significantly different in pregnant versus nonpregnant women (P=0.991) but tended to be lower in hypertensive compared with normotensive women (P=0.099). Oral NaR activity was associated with both baseline diastolic BP (P=0.050) and change in diastolic BP following acute nitrate intake (P=0.01, adjusted for baseline BP). CONCLUSIONS The abundance and activity of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria impact both baseline BP as well as the ability of dietary nitrate supplementation to lower BP. Strategies to increase oral nitrate-reducing capacity could lower BP and enhance the efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation, in pregnancy as well as in nonpregnant adults. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT03930693.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Willmott
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (T.W., L.O., J.E.M., E.C.C.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences (T.W., A.J.M., G.J.H.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ormesher
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (T.W., L.O., J.E.M., E.C.C.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences (T.W., A.J.M., G.J.H.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Humphreys
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences (T.W., A.J.M., G.J.H.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (T.W., L.O., J.E.M., E.C.C.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gurdeep Singh
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (G.S.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jon O Lundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (J.O.L., E.W., C.N.)
| | - Eddie Weitzberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (J.O.L., E.W., C.N.)
| | - Carina Nihlen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (J.O.L., E.W., C.N.)
| | - Elizabeth C Cottrell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (T.W., L.O., J.E.M., E.C.C.), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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Bihan H, Nachtargeale C, Vicaud E, Sal M, Berkane N, Pinto S, Tatulashvili S, Fermaut M, Carbillon L, Cosson E. Impact of experiencing multiple vulnerabilities on fetal growth and complications in women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:740. [PMID: 37853313 PMCID: PMC10585815 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy living in France, psychosocial deprivation is associated with both earlier and greater exposure to the condition, as well as poorer maternofetal prognosis. We explored the impact of this and two other socioeconomic vulnerability indicators-food insecurity and poor language proficiency-on adherence to prenatal care and maternal and fetal outcomes. METHODS In a socially deprived suburb of Paris, we selected women who delivered between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2018 and received care (nurse, dietician, diabetologist evaluation, advice, regular follow-up to adjust insulin doses if requested) for hyperglycemia in pregnancy. We analyzed the associations between individual psychosocial deprivation, food insecurity, French language proficiency (variables assessed by individual questionnaires) and fetal growth (main outcome), as well as other core maternal and fetal outcomes. RESULTS Among the 1,168 women included (multiethnic cohort, 19.3% of whom were Europeans), 56%, 17.9%, and 27.5% had psychosocial deprivation, food insecurity, and poor French language proficiency, respectively. Forty-three percent were prescribed insulin therapy. Women with more than one vulnerability had more consultations for diabetes. The rates for small (SGA), appropriate (AGA), and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant were 11.4%, 76.5% and 12.2%, respectively. These rates were similar in women with and without psychosocial deprivation, and in those with and without food insecurity. Interestingly, women with poor French language proficiency had a higher odds ratio of delivering a small- or large-for-gestational age infant than those with good proficiency. CONCLUSION We found similar pregnancy outcomes for women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy living in France, irrespective of whether or not they had psychosocial deprivation or food insecurity. Optimized single-center care with specialized follow-up could contribute to reduce inequalities in maternal and fetal outcomes in women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Bihan
- Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition, AP-HP, Avicenne Hospital, Paris 13 University, CRNH-IdF, CINFO, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Bobigny, France.
- Laboratoire Educations Et Promotion de La Santé, LEPS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Bobigny, UR3412, Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Charlotte Nachtargeale
- AP-HP, Unité de Recherche Clinique St-Louis-Lariboisière, Université Denis Diderot, 75009, Paris, France
| | - Eric Vicaud
- AP-HP, Unité de Recherche Clinique St-Louis-Lariboisière, Université Denis Diderot, 75009, Paris, France
| | - Meriem Sal
- Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition, AP-HP, Avicenne Hospital, Paris 13 University, CRNH-IdF, CINFO, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Bobigny, France
| | - Narimane Berkane
- Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition, AP-HP, Avicenne Hospital, Paris 13 University, CRNH-IdF, CINFO, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Bobigny, France
| | - Sara Pinto
- Unit of Endocrinology Diabetology Nutrition, AP-HP, Jean Verdier Hospital, CINFO, CRNH-IdF, Paris 13 University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bondy, France
| | - Sopio Tatulashvili
- Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition, AP-HP, Avicenne Hospital, Paris 13 University, CRNH-IdF, CINFO, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Bobigny, France
| | - Marion Fermaut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AP-HP, Jean Verdier Hospital, Paris 13 University, 93143, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bondy, France
| | - Lionel Carbillon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AP-HP, Jean Verdier Hospital, Paris 13 University, 93143, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bondy, France
| | - Emmanuel Cosson
- Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition, AP-HP, Avicenne Hospital, Paris 13 University, CRNH-IdF, CINFO, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Bobigny, France
- Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (EREN), Inserm (U1153), Université Paris 13, COMUE Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Inra (U1125), Centre d'Epidémiologie Et Statistiques Paris Cité, 93017, CnamBobigny, France
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Langham J, Gurol-Urganci I, Muller P, Webster K, Tassie E, Heslin M, Byford S, Khalil A, Harris T, Sharp H, Pasupathy D, van der Meulen J, Howard LM, O'Mahen HA. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with and without a history of specialist mental health care: a national population-based cohort study using linked routinely collected data in England. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:748-759. [PMID: 37591294 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women with pre-existing mental illnesses have increased risks of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared with pregnant women without pre-existing mental illnesses. We aimed to estimate these differences in risks according to the highest level of pre-pregnancy specialist mental health care, defined as psychiatric hospital admission, crisis resolution team (CRT) contact, or specialist community care only, and the timing of the most recent care episode in the 7 years before pregnancy. METHODS Hospital and birth registration records of women with singleton births between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2018 in England were linked to records of babies and records from specialist mental health services provided by the England National Health Service, a publicly funded health-care system. We compared the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal and neonatal death, preterm birth, and babies being born small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight <10th percentile), and composite indicators for neonatal adverse outcomes and maternal morbidity, between women with and without a history of contact with specialist mental health care. We calculated odds ratios adjusted for maternal characteristics (aORs), using logistic regression. FINDINGS Of 2 081 043 included women (mean age 30·0 years; range 18-55 years; 77·7% White, 11·4% South Asian, 4·7% Black, and 6·2% mixed or other ethnic background), 151 770 (7·3%) had at least one pre-pregnancy specialist mental health-care contact. 7247 (0·3%) had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital, 29 770 (1·4%) had CRT contact, and 114 753 (5·5%) had community care only. With a pre-pregnancy mental health-care contact, risk of stillbirth or neonatal death within 7 days of birth was not significantly increased (0·45-0·49%; aOR 1·11, 95% CI 0·99-1·24): risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) increased (6·5-9·8%; aOR 1·53, 1·35-1·73), as did risk of SGA (6·2- 7·5%; aOR 1·34, 1·30-1·37) and neonatal adverse outcomes (6·4-8·4%; aOR 1·37, 1·21-1·55). With a pre-pregnancy mental health-care contact, risk of maternal morbidity increased slightly from 0·9% to 1·0% (aOR 1·18, 1·12-1·25). Overall, risks were highest for women who had a psychiatric hospital admission any time or a mental health-care contact in the year before pregnancy. INTERPRETATION Information about the level and timing of pre-pregnancy specialist mental health-care contacts helps to identify women at increased risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. These women are most likely to benefit from dedicated community perinatal mental health teams working closely with maternity services to provide integrated care. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Langham
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Ipek Gurol-Urganci
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Patrick Muller
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Kirstin Webster
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Emma Tassie
- King's Health Economics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Margaret Heslin
- King's Health Economics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Byford
- King's Health Economics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Tina Harris
- Centre for Reproduction Research, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Helen Sharp
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dharmintra Pasupathy
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK; Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan van der Meulen
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK.
| | - Louise M Howard
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Mogekwu O, Kapoor S, Carmichael M, Egbase E. Racial disparities in early pregnancy: a narrative review. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:446-452. [PMID: 37581257 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review introduces the recognized body of evidence on social determinants of health, which continue to show that a person's health is determined by their broader environmental and social context and that societal inequities harm health and healthcare outcomes. An area of inequity is race, which, although a social construct, has a significant impact on a person's morbidity and mortality as well as their access and experience of healthcare. Racial disparities in maternal and perinatal outcomes are widely recognized. Therefore, this review focuses on the less commonly addressed early pregnancy setting. RECENT FINDINGS Health inequities are present in the early pregnancy setting, as racial disparities exist in early pregnancy presentations and outcomes. Black women have a higher incidence of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and poorer survival rates from gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. Asian women have a statistically significantly higher incidence of gestational trophoblastic disease. SUMMARY The findings support the need for more consistent and detailed research on the impact of race on early pregnancy outcomes and increasing ethnic diversity among study populations for trials to ensure meaningful and applicable data. Raising awareness of this racial health inequity in early pregnancy is the first step clinicians can take to tackle this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluremi Mogekwu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London
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Girardi G, Longo M, Bremer AA. Social determinants of health in pregnant individuals from underrepresented, understudied, and underreported populations in the United States. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:186. [PMID: 37674167 PMCID: PMC10483713 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01963-x] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Women represent the cornerstone of a family's overall health. Therefore, supporting women's health, particularly in pregnancy, is important to promote public health. Emerging data highlight the contribution of social determinants of health (SDOH) on pregnancy outcomes in understudied, underrepresented, and underreported (U3) populations. Importantly, women are uniquely affected by and more vulnerable to adverse outcomes associated with SDOH. The maternal mortality rate has also increased significantly in the United States, especially among U3 individuals. Factors such as access to safe food, housing and environment, access to education and emergency/health services, and stressors such as interpersonal racism, poverty, unemployment, residential segregation, and domestic violence may make women from U3 populations more vulnerable to adverse reproductive health outcomes. Despite progress in promoting women's health, eliminating social and health disparities in pregnant individuals remains an elusive goal in U3 populations. Moreover, chronic exposure to excessive social/cultural stressors may have a physiologic cost leading to pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, preterm birth, and preeclampsia. Thus, the identification of SDOH-related factors that drive differences in pregnancy-related complications and deaths and the implementation of prevention strategies to address them could reduce disparities in pregnancy-related mortality in U3 populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Girardi
- Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Monica Longo
- Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew A Bremer
- Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, USA
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Nguyen G, Boath A, Heslehurst N. Addressing inequalities and improving maternal and infant outcomes: the potential power of nutritional interventions across the reproductive cycle. Proc Nutr Soc 2023; 82:241-252. [PMID: 36727523 DOI: 10.1017/s002966512300006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Maternal nutrition is essential for optimal health and well-being of women and their infants. This review aims to provide a critical overview of the evidence-base relating to maternal weight, obesity-related health inequalities and dietary interventions encompassing the reproductive cycle: preconception, pregnancy, postnatal and interpregnancy. We provide an overview of UK data showing that overweight and obesity affects half of UK pregnancies, with increased prevalence among more deprived and minoritised ethnic populations, and with significant health and cost implications. The existing intervention evidence-base primarily focuses on the pregnancy period, where extensive evidence demonstrates the power of interventions to improve maternal diet behaviours, and minimise gestational weight gain and postnatal weight retention. There is a lack of consistency in the intervention evidence-base relating to interventions improving pregnancy health outcomes, although there is evidence of the potential power of the Mediterranean and low glycaemic index diets in improving short- and long-term health of women and their infants. Postnatal interventions focus on weight loss, with some evidence of cost-effectiveness. There is an evidence gap for preconception and interpregnancy interventions. We conclude by identifying that interventions do not address cumulative maternal obesity inequalities and overly focus on individual behaviour change. There is a lack of a joined-up approach for interventions throughout the entire reproductive cycle, with a current focus on specific stages (i.e. pregnancy) in isolation. Moving forward, the potential power of nutritional interventions using a more holistic approach across the different reproductive stages is needed to maximise the benefits on health for women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang Nguyen
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Anna Boath
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Nicola Heslehurst
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
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Chen C, Song Y, Tang P, Pan D, Wei B, Liang J, Sheng Y, Liao Q, Huang D, Liu S, Qiu X. Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substance mixtures and intrauterine growth restriction risk: A large, nested case-control study in Guangxi, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115209. [PMID: 37418866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an abnormal fetal growth pattern that can lead to neonatal morbidity and mortality. IUGR may be affected by prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, research linking PFAS exposure to IUGR is limited, with inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the association between PFAS exposure and IUGR by using nested casecontrol study based on Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort (GZBC), in Guangxi, China. A total of 200 IUGR cases and 600 controls were enrolled in this study. The maternal serum concentrations of nine PFASs were measured using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLCMS). The associations single and mixed effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on IUGR risk were assessed using conditional logistic regression (single-exposure), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation (qgcomp) models. In the conditional logistic regression models, the log10-transformed concentrations of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA, adjusted OR: 4.41, 95% CI: 3.03-6.41), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA, adjusted OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.14-3.32), and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS, adjusted OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.15-2.91) were positively associated with risk of IUGR. In the BKMR models, the combined effect of PFASs was positively associated with IUGR risk. In the qgcomp models, we also found an increased IUGR risk (OR=5.92, 95% CI: 2.33-15.06) when all nine PFASs increased by one tertile as a whole, and PFHpA (43.9%) contributed the largest positive weights. These findings suggested prenatal exposure to single and mixtures of PFASs may increase IUGR risk, with the effect being largely driven by the PFHpA concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yanye Song
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Dongxiang Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bincai Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yonghong Sheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qian Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health & Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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Muller P, Karia AM, Webster K, Carroll F, Dunn G, Frémeaux A, Harris T, Knight H, Oddie S, Khalil A, Van Der Meulen J, Gurol-Urganci I. Induction of labour at 39 weeks and adverse outcomes in low-risk pregnancies according to ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation, and parity: A national cohort study in England. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004259. [PMID: 37471395 PMCID: PMC10358943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in obstetric outcomes are well established. However, the role of induction of labour (IOL) to reduce these inequalities is controversial, in part due to insufficient evidence. This national cohort study aimed to identify adverse perinatal outcomes associated with IOL with birth at 39 weeks of gestation ("IOL group") compared to expectant management ("expectant management group") according to maternal characteristics in women with low-risk pregnancies. METHODS AND FINDINGS All English National Health Service (NHS) hospital births between January 2018 and March 2021 were examined. Using the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) dataset, maternal and neonatal data (demographic, diagnoses, procedures, labour, and birth details) were linked, with neonatal mortality data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Women with a low-risk pregnancy were identified by excluding pregnancies with preexisting comorbidities, previous cesarean section, breech presentation, placenta previa, gestational diabetes, or a baby with congenital abnormalities. Women with premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, amniotic fluid abnormalities, or antepartum stillbirth were excluded only from the IOL group. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as stillbirth, neonatal death, or neonatal morbidity, the latter identified using the English composite neonatal outcome indicator (E-NAOI). Binomial regression models estimated risk differences (with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) between the IOL group and the expectant management group, adjusting for ethnicity, socioeconomic background, maternal age, parity, year of birth, and birthweight centile. Interaction tests examined risk differences according to ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and parity. Of the 1 567 004 women with singleton pregnancies, 501 072 women with low-risk pregnancies and with sufficient data quality were included in the analysis. Approximately 3.3% of births in the IOL group (1 555/47 352) and 3.6% in the expectant management group (16 525/453 720) had an adverse perinatal outcome. After adjustment, a lower risk of adverse perinatal outcomes was found in the IOL group (risk difference -0.28%; 95% CI -0.43%, -0.12%; p = 0.001). This risk difference varied according to socioeconomic background from 0.38% (-0.08%, 0.83%) in the least deprived to -0.48% (-0.76%, -0.20%) in the most deprived national quintile (p-value for interaction = 0.01) and by parity with risk difference of -0.54% (-0.80%, -0.27%) in nulliparous women and -0.15% (-0.35%, 0.04%) in multiparous women (p-value for interaction = 0.02). There was no statistically significant evidence that risk differences varied according to ethnicity (p = 0.19). Key limitations included absence of additional confounding factors such as smoking, BMI, and the indication for induction in the HES datasets, which may mean some higher risk pregnancies were included. CONCLUSIONS IOL with birth at 39 weeks was associated with a small reduction in the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, with 360 inductions in low-risk pregnancies needed to avoid 1 adverse outcome. The risk reduction was mainly present in women from more socioeconomically deprived areas and in nulliparous women. There was no significant risk difference found by ethnicity. Increased uptake of IOL at 39 weeks, especially in women from more socioeconomically deprived areas, may help reduce inequalities in adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Muller
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amar M Karia
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kirstin Webster
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fran Carroll
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Dunn
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alissa Frémeaux
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tina Harris
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Reproduction Research, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sam Oddie
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
- Bradford Neonatology, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Khalil
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Van Der Meulen
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ipek Gurol-Urganci
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Quality, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
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Vlachadis N, Vrachnis D, Antonakopoulos N, Tigka M, Loukas N, Parthenis C, Metallinou D, Nanou C, Stavros S, Vrachnis N. Temporal Trends in Stillbirth in Greece: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e37154. [PMID: 37034145 PMCID: PMC10081855 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stillbirths are a major public health issue and a key population health indicator. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate and present time trends in stillbirth in Greece. METHODS Data on all live births and stillbirths were derived from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, covering a 65-year period from 1957 to 2021 and the annual stillbirth rate (SBR) was calculated, defined as the number of stillbirths per 1,000 live births and stillbirths (total births). Trends in the SBR were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis with calculation of the annual percent change (APC) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and level of statistical significance p<0.05. RESULTS The SBR in Greece, after an initial increasing trend (1957-1965: APC=2.6, 95% CI: 0.5 to 4.7, p=0.016), and an all-time high of 15.8 per 1,000 births in 1966, recorded a four decades period of continuous improvement (1965-2003: APC=3.0, 95% CI: -3.2 to -2.8, p<0.001) and reached a historic low in 2008 (3.3 per 1,000 births) (a decrease by 79%). However, the SBR stagnated at an elevated level during the decade 2006-2016 and showed a steeply upward trend during the most recent period 2016-2021 (APC=7.4, 95% CI: 3.0 to 12.1, p=0.001). In 2021, the SBR was 5.3 per 1,000 births, 60% up from 2008. It was estimated that the SBR improvement for the 1967-2021 period resulted in 50,914 stillbirths averted (7.9 per 1,000 births), but the recent increase in the SBR has led to 1,200 additional fetal deaths (1.0 per 1,000 births) during 2009-2021. CONCLUSION After an impressive decline for almost four decades the SBR gradually deteriorated during the economic crisis and finally showed an alarming rising trend after 2015, resulting in an increasing burden of fetal deaths in Greece. Further public health interventions are needed to address preventable risk factors and ensure access to optimized antenatal monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Patras, Rio University Hospital, Patras, GRC
| | - Maria Tigka
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus, GRC
| | - Christos Parthenis
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Elena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Christina Nanou
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
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Bamber JH, Goldacre R, Lucas DN, Quasim S, Knight M. A national cohort study to investigate the association between ethnicity and the provision of care in obstetric anaesthesia in England between 2011 and 2021. Anaesthesia 2023. [PMID: 36893444 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that ethnic inequalities exist in maternity care in the UK, but those specifically in relation to UK obstetric anaesthetic care have not been investigated before. Using routine national maternity data for England (Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care) collected between March 2011 and February 2021, we investigated ethnic differences in obstetric anaesthetic care. Anaesthetic care was identified using OPCS classification of interventions and procedures codes. Ethnic groups were coded according to the hospital episode statistics classifications. Multivariable negative binominal regression was used to model the relationship between ethnicity and obstetric anaesthesia (general and neuraxial anaesthesia) by calculating adjusted incidence ratios for the following: differences in maternal age; geographical residence; deprivation; admission year; number of previous deliveries; and comorbidities. Women giving birth vaginally and by caesarean section were considered separately. For women undergoing elective caesarean births, after adjustment for available confounders, general anaesthesia was 58% more common in Caribbean (black or black British) women (adjusted incidence ratio [95%CI] 1.58 [1.26-1.97]) and 35% more common in African (black or black British) women (1.35 [1.19-1.52]). For women who had emergency caesarean births, general anaesthesia was 10% more common in Caribbean (black or black British) women (1.10 [1.00-1.21]) than British (white) women. For women giving birth vaginally (excluding assisted vaginal births), Bangladeshi (Asian or Asian British), Pakistani (Asian or Asian British) and Caribbean (black or black British) women were, respectively, 24% (0.76 [0.74-0.78]), 15% (0.85 [0.84-0.87]) and 8% (0.92 [0.89-0.94]) less likely than British (white) women to receive neuraxial anaesthesia. This observational study cannot determine the causes for these disparities, which may include unaccounted confounders. Our findings merit further research to investigate potentially remediable factors such as inequality of access to appropriate obstetric anaesthetic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Bamber
- Department of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Goldacre
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, UK
| | - D N Lucas
- Department of Anaesthesia, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK
| | - S Quasim
- Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - M Knight
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
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Cummins A, Baird K, Melov SJ, Melhem L, Hilsabeck C, Hook M, Elhindi J, Pasupathy D. Does midwifery continuity of care make a difference to women with perinatal mental health conditions: A cohort study, from Australia. Women Birth 2023; 36:e270-e275. [PMID: 35941058 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mental health (PMH) conditions are associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth. Midwifery caseload group practice (continuity of care, MCP) improves perinatal outcomes including a 24 % reduction of preterm birth. The evidence is unclear whether MCP has the same effect for women with perinatal mental health conditions. AIM To compare perinatal outcomes in women with a mental health history between MCP and standard models of maternity care. The primary outcome measured the rates of preterm birth. METHODS A retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data of women with PMH conditions between 1st January 2018 - 31st January 2021 was conducted. We compared characteristics and outcomes between groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed adjusting for a-priori selected variables and factors that differ between models of care. RESULTS The cohort included 3028 women with PMH, 352 (11.6 %) received MCP. The most common diagnosis was anxiety and depression (n = 723, 23.9 %). Women receiving MCP were younger (mean 30.9 vs 31.3, p = 0.03), Caucasian (37.8 vs 27.1, p < 0.001), socio-economically advantaged (31.0 % vs 20.2, p < 0.001); less likely to smoke (5.1 vs 11.9, p < 0.001) and with lower BMI (mean 24.3 vs 26.5, p < 0.001) than those in the standard care group. Women in MCP had lower odds of preterm birth (adjOR 0.46, 95 % CI 0.24-0.86), higher odds of vaginal birth (adjOR 2.55, 95 % CI 1.93-3.36), breastfeeding at discharge (adj OR 3.06, 95 % CI 2.10-4.55) with no difference in severe adverse neonatal outcome (adj OR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.57-1.09). CONCLUSIONS This evidence supports MCP for women with PMH. Future RCTs on model of care for this group of women is needed to establish causation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Cummins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Australia.
| | - Kathleen Baird
- Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Sarah J Melov
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Women's and Newborn Health, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Lena Melhem
- Women's and Newborn's Health, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health Districts, Australia
| | - Carolyn Hilsabeck
- Women's and Newborn's Health, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health Districts, Australia
| | - Monica Hook
- Women's and Newborn's Health, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health Districts, Australia
| | - James Elhindi
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Dharmintra Pasupathy
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Women's and Newborn Health, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
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Impact of ethnicity and neighborhood deprivation on preterm birth: How does urban living play a role? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 282:94-100. [PMID: 36701822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.01.019] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women of Black and other non-Western ethnicity and women who live in deprived neighborhoods are at increased risk for preterm birth (PTB). These women may live clustered in certain urban areas. If ethnicity reflects a biological rather than a socioeconomic risk factor, women should have a PTB risk independent of the urban area where they live. In this study we explored the association between urban living and the risk of PTB, combined with knowledge on ethnicity and neighborhood deprivation in these specific urban areas in the Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN National cohort study of 935,381 women (2014-2019) with a singleton pregnancy resulting in live birth between 24.0 and 42.6 weeks. Antepartum death and severe congenital anomalies were excluded. We performed logistic regression analysis and analyzed the impact of living in one of the four main urban areas on PTB. We adjusted for maternal age, parity and fetal gender. We tested for interaction between ethnicity, neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) and urban living. RESULTS Mean PTB rate among singleton pregnancies in The Netherlands is 5.1%. There was a strong ethnic difference in PTB risk, with the highest prevalence among South Asian women (7.9%) and African women (6.6%). In the most deprived neighborhoods the PTB risk was 5.7%. We found a significant interaction between ethnicity and urban living, and between NDI and urban living. South Asian and African women living in urban areas had the greatest risk of PTB, between 7.0% and 8.8%. CONCLUSION Ethnicity remains a fixed biological risk for PTB that cannot be fully explained by socioeconomic status or neighborhood deprivation. Independent of ethnicity and neighborhood deprivation, urban living has a great influence on the risk of preterm birth. Future studies and policies should focus on population-based interventions in those urban areas where South Asian and African ethnic groups live and where the preterm birth risk is the highest.
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Thompson RA, Thompson JMD, Wilson J, Cronin RS, Mitchell EA, Raynes-Greenow CH, Li M, Stacey T, Heazell AEP, O'Brien LM, McCowan LME, Anderson NH. Risk factors for late preterm and term stillbirth: A secondary analysis of an individual participant data meta-analysis. BJOG 2023. [PMID: 36852504 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify independent and novel risk factors for late-preterm (28-36 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks) stillbirth and explore development of a risk-prediction model. DESIGN Secondary analysis of an Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis investigating modifiable stillbirth risk factors. SETTING An IPD database from five case-control studies in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and an international online study. POPULATION Women with late-stillbirth (cases, n = 851), and ongoing singleton pregnancies from 28 weeks' gestation (controls, n = 2257). METHODS Established and novel risk factors for late-preterm and term stillbirth underwent univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling with multiple sensitivity analyses. Variables included maternal age, body mass index (BMI), parity, mental health, cigarette smoking, second-hand smoking, antenatal-care utilisation, and detailed fetal movement and sleep variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Independent risk factors with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for late-preterm and term stillbirth. RESULTS After model building, 575 late-stillbirth cases and 1541 controls from three contributing case-control studies were included. Risk factor estimates from separate multivariable models of late-preterm and term stillbirth were compared. As these were similar, the final model combined all late-stillbirths. The single multivariable model confirmed established demographic risk factors, but additionally showed that fetal movement changes had both increased (decreased frequency) and reduced (hiccoughs, increasing strength, frequency or vigorous fetal movements) aOR of stillbirth. Poor antenatal-care utilisation increased risk while more-than-adequate care was protective. The area-under-the-curve was 0.84 (95% CI 0.82-0.86). CONCLUSIONS Similarities in risk factors for late-preterm and term stillbirth suggest the same approach for risk-assessment can be applied. Detailed fetal movement assessment and inclusion of antenatal-care utilisation could be valuable in late-stillbirth risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J M D Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R S Cronin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Women's Health Division, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - E A Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C H Raynes-Greenow
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Women's Health Division, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Stacey
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A E P Heazell
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - L M O'Brien
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - L M E McCowan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - N H Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Duffy K, Connolly S, Nolan A, Maître B. Perinatal mortality in Ireland: inequalities by socio-economic group and country of birth. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:20-24. [PMID: 36377972 PMCID: PMC9898011 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While perinatal mortality rates have decreased in Ireland in recent years, it is not known if this reduction was shared equally among all groups. The aim of this study is to examine inequalities in perinatal mortality by country of birth and socio-economic group in Ireland between 2004 and 2019. METHODS Data for the analysis was obtained from the National Perinatal Reporting System dataset, which includes all births (including stillbirths) in Ireland. The rate and risk ratios for perinatal death were calculated for mothers' socio-economic group and country of birth for two time periods (2004-11 and 2012-19). Adjustment was made for mothers' age, marital status, parity and country of birth/socio-economic group. A total of 995 154 births and 5710 perinatal deaths were included in the analysis. RESULTS With the exception of African born mothers, the perinatal mortality rate decreased for all groups over time; however, inequalities persisted. Relative to Irish born mothers, the risk for African born mothers increased from 1.63 to 2.00 over time. Adjusting for other variables including socio-economic status reduced but did not eliminate this elevated relative risk. Mothers who were classified as unemployed or engaged in home duties had a higher risk of a perinatal death relative to higher professional mothers, with the relative risk remaining relatively constant over time. CONCLUSIONS Reducing inequalities in health is a key objective of the Irish government. Further research is required to identify why perinatal mortality continues to be higher in some groups so that targeted action can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Duffy
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sheelah Connolly
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Nolan
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bertrand Maître
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Pierce P, Whitten M, Hillman S. The impact of digital healthcare on vulnerable pregnant women: A review of the use of the MyCare app in the maternity department at a central London tertiary unit. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1155708. [PMID: 37153515 PMCID: PMC10161794 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1155708] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digitalisation offers innovative solutions within maternity services; however, vulnerable groups risk being overlooked. University College London Hospital's (UCLH) successful implementation of a digital maternity app, MyCare, gives women access to test results, information about appointments, and enables communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Yet, little is known about access and engagement among vulnerable pregnant women. Methodology Research was conducted over a 3-month period (April-June 2022) in the Maternity Department at UCLH, UK. MyCare datasets were analysed, and anonymised surveys completed by vulnerable pregnant women and HCPs. Results Lower rates of utilisation and engagement with MyCare were seen in vulnerable pregnant women especially among refugee/asylum seekers, those with mental health issues, and those facing domestic violence. Non-users were also more likely to be individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, with a lower average social-deprivation-index decile, whose first language was not English, and with a significant history of non-attendance to appointments. Patient and HCP surveys highlighted various barriers to MyCare engagement, including a lack of motivation, limited language options, low e-literacy levels, and complex app interfaces. Conclusion The use of a single digital tool, without a formulated pathway to identify and assist those not accessing or engaging with it, risks unequal care provision which may exacerbate health inequalities. This research advances the idea that digital exclusion is not necessarily a matter of access to technology, but an issue of a lack of engagement with these tools. Therefore, vulnerable women and HCPs must be integral to the implementation of digital strategies, to ensure no one is left behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy Pierce
- Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Poppy Pierce
| | - Melissa Whitten
- Women’s Health Division, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Hillman
- Women’s Health Division, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lawther L, Close C. Socioeconomic, ethnic inequalities and adverse pregnancy outcomes: time for the disparities to disappear. Evid Based Nurs 2023; 26:42. [PMID: 36198475 DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2022-103514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Lawther
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, County Down, UK
| | - Ciara Close
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, County Down, UK
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Thomson G, Cook J, Crossland N, Balaam MC, Byrom A, Jassat R, Gerrard S. Minoritised ethnic women's experiences of inequities and discrimination in maternity services in North-West England: a mixed-methods study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:958. [PMID: 36550440 PMCID: PMC9773462 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05279-6] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minoritised ethnic perinatal women can experience judgemental and stigmatising care due to systemic racism. Discriminatory care contributes to increased risks of poor maternal and infant outcomes, including higher rates of mental ill-health. This study aimed to explore minoritised ethnic women's experiences of maternity services, including maternity care and mental health support, within a North-West England locality. Here we use an equity lens to report the findings that describe if and how women's personal, cultural, and spiritual needs were met, their experiences of discriminatory and prejudicial care, and to identify recommendations for service provision. METHODS A mixed-methods study was undertaken comprising an online survey, interviews, and community consultations. Questions explored access to and experiences of antenatal care and education; information, communication, and choice; experiences of (dis)respect and judgement; mental health needs and support; cultural/religious needs and support; and overall experiences of maternity care. Eligibility criteria were: women, 18+ years, from self-reported minoritised ethnic backgrounds, who had given birth in the previous 2 years and received maternity care in the locality. Surveys were available in seven languages and distributed via social media, mother-baby groups, and community locations. English-speaking survey participants were invited to take part in a follow-up interview. Community staff were approached to collect data on behalf of the study team. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively (n, %) and merged with qualitative data into descriptive themes. RESULTS Overall, 104 women provided data; most self-identified as Asian (65.0%) or Black (10.7%) and were aged between 30-34 (32.0%) or 25-29 years (23.3%). Four descriptive themes are reported: 'accessing care' details variations and barriers in accessing maternity care; 'communication needs, and resources' describes views on adaptions and resources for specific communication needs; 'meeting religious and cultural needs' outlines how various religious and cultural needs were met by maternity providers; 'discriminatory or stigmatising care' reports on experiences of pejorative and inequitable care. CONCLUSIONS An equity lens helped identify areas of discriminatory and inequitable care. Key recommendations include cultural safety training for staff; service-user engagement and co-production of research and resources, and appropriate facilities and recording systems to facilitate individualised, needs-based maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Thomson
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
| | - Julie Cook
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843Applied Health Research Hub, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
| | - Nicola Crossland
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
| | - Marie-Clare Balaam
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
| | - Anna Byrom
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
| | - Raeesa Jassat
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
| | - Sabina Gerrard
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843School of Nursing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2H2 UK
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Sheikh J, Allotey J, Kew T, Fernández-Félix BM, Zamora J, Khalil A, Thangaratinam S. Effects of race and ethnicity on perinatal outcomes in high-income and upper-middle-income countries: an individual participant data meta-analysis of 2 198 655 pregnancies. Lancet 2022; 400:2049-2062. [PMID: 36502843 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence on the effects of race and ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes is restricted to individual studies done within specific countries and health systems. We aimed to assess the impact of race and ethnicity on perinatal outcomes in high-income and upper-middle-income countries, and to ascertain whether the magnitude of disparities, if any, varied across geographical regions. METHODS For this individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis we used data from the International Prediction of Pregnancy Complications (IPPIC) Network of studies on pregnancy complications; the full dataset comprised 94 studies, 53 countries, and 4 539 640 pregnancies. We included studies that reported perinatal outcomes (neonatal death, stillbirth, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age babies) in at least two racial or ethnic groups (White, Black, south Asian, Hispanic, or other). For our two-step random-effects IPD meta-analysis, we did multiple imputations for confounder variables (maternal age, BMI, parity, and level of maternal education) selected with a directed acyclic graph. The primary outcomes were neonatal mortality and stillbirth. Secondary outcomes were preterm birth and a small-for-gestational-age baby. We estimated the association of race and ethnicity with perinatal outcomes using a multivariate logistic regression model and reported this association with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We also did a subgroup analysis of studies by geographical region. FINDINGS 51 studies from 20 high-income and upper-middle-income countries, comprising 2 198 655 pregnancies, were eligible for inclusion in this IPD meta-analysis. Neonatal death was twice as likely in babies born to Black women than in babies born to White women (OR 2·00, 95% CI 1·44-2·78), as was stillbirth (2·16, 1·46-3·19), and babies born to Black women were at increased risk of preterm birth (1·65, 1·46-1·88) and being small for gestational age (1·39, 1·13-1·72). Babies of women categorised as Hispanic had a three-times increased risk of neonatal death (OR 3·34, 95% CI 2·77-4·02) than did those born to White women, and those born to south Asian women were at increased risk of preterm birth (OR 1·26, 95% CI 1·07-1·48) and being small for gestational age (1·61, 1·32-1·95). The effects of race and ethnicity on preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age babies did not vary across regions. INTERPRETATION Globally, among underserved groups, babies born to Black women had consistently poorer perinatal outcomes than White women after adjusting for maternal characteristics, although the risks varied for other groups. The effects of race and ethnicity on adverse perinatal outcomes did not vary by region. FUNDING National Institute for Health and Care Research, Wellbeing of Women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameela Sheikh
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - John Allotey
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tania Kew
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Borja M Fernández-Félix
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Zamora
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Asma Khalil
- Foetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Kragelund Nielsen K, Davidsen E, Husted Henriksen A, Andersen GS. Gestational Diabetes and International Migration. J Endocr Soc 2022; 7:bvac160. [DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In many countries, immigrant women constitute a substantial proportion of women giving birth. With gestational diabetes being one of the most common complications in pregnancy, understanding gestational diabetes in the context of international migration becomes increasingly relevant. Here, we examine the current evidence related to international migration and gestational diabetes, including short- and long-term adverse outcomes and the experiences of immigrant women with gestational diabetes care and long-term follow-up. Existing evidence focuses on immigrants in high-income countries, and has mainly examined differences in the risk of developing gestational diabetes, or on the experiences of immigrant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Studies suggest that the risk of gestational diabetes may be influenced by migration and that immigrant women likely experience particular barriers to care and follow-up. Current research on perinatal outcomes is inconclusive and studies on long-term outcomes are practically absent. Future research should include data on country of origin and examine the role of premigration and postmigration factors in developing gestational diabetes and its associated short- and long-term outcomes. Understanding these factors will provide useful insights into improving the health and health care needs of migrating populations and enable inclusion of culturally appropriate health care practices, thereby improving the health of our current and future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Davidsen
- Health Promotion Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen , 2730 Herlev , Denmark
| | | | - Gregers S Andersen
- Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen , 2730 Herlev , Denmark
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Rayment-Jones H, Harris J, Harden A, Turienzo CF, Sandall J. Project20: Maternity care mechanisms that improve (or exacerbate) health inequalities. A realist evaluation. Women Birth 2022; 36:e314-e327. [PMID: 36443217 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with low socioeconomic status and social risk factors are at a disproportionate risk of poor birth outcomes and experiences of maternity care. Specialist models of maternity care that offer continuity are known to improve outcomes but underlying mechanisms are not well understood. AIM To evaluate two UK specialist models of care that provide continuity to women with social risk factors and identify specific mechanisms that reduce, or exacerbate, health inequalities. METHODS Realist informed interviews were undertaken throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period with 20 women with social risk factors who experienced a specialist model of care. FINDINGS Experiences of stigma, discrimination and paternalistic care were reported when women were not in the presence of a known midwife during care episodes. Practical and emotional support, and evidence-based information offered by a known midwife improved disclosure of social risk factors, eased perceptions of surveillance and enabled active participation. Continuity of care offered reduced women's anxiety, enabled the development of a supportive network and improved women's ability to seek timely help. Women described how specialist model midwives knew their medical and social history and how this improved safety. Care set in the community by a team of six known midwives appeared to enhance these benefits. CONCLUSION The identification of specific maternity care mechanisms supports current policy initiatives to scale up continuity models and will be useful in future evaluation of services for marginalised groups. However, the specialist models of care cannot overcome all inequalities without improvements in the maternity system as a whole.
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Edge R, Riley PA, Truscott TG. Does iron chelation by eumelanin contribute to the ethnic link with maternal mortality? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 278:107-108. [PMID: 36150313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Edge
- Dalton Cumbrian Facility, Westlakes Science Park, The University of Manchester, Cumbria CA24 3HA, UK
| | - P A Riley
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - T G Truscott
- School of Chemical & Physical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
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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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Ashley R, Goodarzi B, Horn A, de Klerk H, Ku SE, Marcus JK, Mayra K, Mohamied F, Nayiga H, Sharma P, Udho S, Vijber MR, van der Waal R. A call for critical midwifery studies: Confronting systemic injustice in sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn care: Critical Midwifery Collective Writing Group. Birth 2022; 49:355-359. [PMID: 35727708 PMCID: PMC9543423 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ashley
- Department of Anthropology, School of Global StudiesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Bahareh Goodarzi
- Department of Midwifery ScienceAVAG/APH/VUmc/Amsterdam UMCAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Anna Horn
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health SciencesCity, University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Hannah de Klerk
- Department of Midwifery ScienceAVAG/APH/VUmc/Amsterdam UMCAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Susana E. Ku
- Midwifery Services of Lambton KentDepartment of Global HealthMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Jason K. Marcus
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kaveri Mayra
- Human Rights in ChildbirthSan FrancisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Fatimah Mohamied
- Women and Child ServicesQueen Mary Maternity UnitWest Middlesex HospitalLondonUK
| | - Harriet Nayiga
- Midwife‐led Community Transformation (MILCOT) Center, Marginalized Adolescents/young Adults Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsKampalaUganda
| | - Priya Sharma
- Department of Humanities and Social SciencesIndian Institute of Technology BombayMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Samson Udho
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Venkatesh KK, Fareed N, Kiefer MK, Ware CA, Buschur E, Landon MB, Thung SF, Costantine MM, Gabbe SG, Joseph JJ. Differences in Hemoglobin A1c during Pregnancy between Non-Hispanic Black versus White Women with Prepregnancy Diabetes. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1279-1287. [PMID: 35253121 DOI: 10.1055/a-1788-5600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this was to determine whether the change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from early to late pregnancy differs between non-Hispanic Black and White women with prepregnancy diabetes. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective analysis was performed from an integrated prenatal and diabetes care program from 2012 to 2016. We compared HbA1c as a continuous measure and secondarily, HbA1c <6.5%, cross-sectionally, and longitudinally in early (approximately 10 weeks) and late (approximately 31 weeks) pregnancies. Linear and logistic regression were used and adjusted for age, body mass index, White diabetes class, medication use, diabetes type, gestational age at baseline HbA1c measurement, and baseline hemoglobin. RESULTS Among 296 non-Hispanic Black (35%) and White pregnant women (65%) with prepregnancy diabetes (39% type 1 and 61% type 2), Black women were more likely to experience increased community-level social determinants of health as measured by the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and were less likely to have type 1 diabetes and have more severe diabetes versus White women (p < 0.05). Black women had higher mean HbA1c (7.8 vs. 7.4%; beta: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30-1.19) and were less likely to have HbA1c < 6.5% at 10 weeks compared with White women (24 vs. 35%; adjusted odds ratio: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24-0.81) but not after adjusting for SVI. At 31 weeks, both groups had similar mean HbA1c (both 6.5%) and were equally as likely to have HbA1c < 6.5% (57 vs. 54%). From early to late pregnancy, Black women had a higher percentage decrease in HbA1c (1.3 vs. 0.9%; beta = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.27-0.99) and were equally as likely to have an improvement or stable HbA1C < 6.5% from 10 to 31 weeks, with both groups having a similar mean HbA1c (6.5%) at 31 weeks. CONCLUSION Despite experiencing greater community-level social determinants of health, Black women with pregestational diabetes had a larger reduction in HbA1c and were able to equally achieve the target of HbA1c < 6.5% by late pregnancy compared with White women as part of an integrated diabetes and prenatal care program. KEY POINTS · An integrated diabetes and pregnancy care program may decrease racial and ethnic disparities in glycemic control.. · Black women had a larger reduction in HbA1c versus White women.. · Black women were able to equally achieve the target of HbA1c < 6.5% by late pregnancy versus White women..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik K Venkatesh
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Naleef Fareed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Miranda K Kiefer
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Courtney A Ware
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth Buschur
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark B Landon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Stephen F Thung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steven G Gabbe
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joshua J Joseph
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Collin SM, Demirjian A, Swann C, Lamagni T. Race and Ethnicity in Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease in England: 2016-2020. Pediatrics 2022; 150:188785. [PMID: 35979728 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-056080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Collin
- Healthcare-Associated Infection, Fungal, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Use & Sepsis Division, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Demirjian
- Healthcare-Associated Infection, Fungal, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Use & Sepsis Division, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Swann
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health & Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Theresa Lamagni
- Healthcare-Associated Infection, Fungal, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Use & Sepsis Division, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
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47
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Carter J, Anumba D, Brigante L, Burden C, Draycott T, Gillespie S, Harlev-Lam B, Judge A, Lenguerrand E, Sheehan E, Thilaganathan B, Wilson H, Winter C, Viner M, Sandall J. The Tommy's Clinical Decision Tool, a device for reducing the clinical impact of placental dysfunction and preterm birth: protocol for a mixed-methods early implementation evaluation study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:639. [PMID: 35971107 PMCID: PMC9377101 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04867-w] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Disparities in stillbirth and preterm birth persist even after correction for ethnicity and social deprivation, demonstrating that there is wide geographical variation in the quality of care. To address this inequity, Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement developed the Tommy’s Clinical Decision Tool, which aims to support the provision of “the right care at the right time”, personalising risk assessment and care according to best evidence. This web-based clinical decision tool assesses the risk of preterm birth and placental dysfunction more accurately than current methods, and recommends best evidenced-based care pathways in a format accessible to both women and healthcare professionals. It also provides links to reliable sources of pregnancy information for women. The aim of this study is to evaluate implementation of Tommy’s Clinical Decision Tool in four early-adopter UK maternity services, to inform wider scale-up.
Methods
The Tommy’s Clinical Decision Tool has been developed involving maternity service users and healthcare professionals in partnership. This mixed-methods study will evaluate: maternity service user and provider acceptability and experience; barriers and facilitators to implementation; reach (whether particular groups are excluded and why), fidelity (degree to which the intervention is delivered as intended), and unintended consequences. Data will be gathered over 25 months through interviews, focus groups, questionnaires and through the Tommy’s Clinical Decision Tool itself. The NASSS framework (Non-adoption or Abandonment of technology by individuals and difficulties achieving Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability) will inform data analysis. Discussion This paper describes the intervention, Tommy’s Clinical Decision Tool, according to TiDIER guidelines, and the protocol for the early adopter implementation evaluation study. Findings will inform future scale up. Trial registration This study was prospectively registered on the ISRCTN registry no. 13498237, on 31st January 2022.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04867-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Carter
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, 10th Floor, North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK. .,Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.
| | - Dilly Anumba
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF, UK
| | - Lia Brigante
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK
| | - Christy Burden
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Academic Women's Health Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK
| | - Siobhán Gillespie
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF, UK
| | - Birte Harlev-Lam
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK
| | - Andrew Judge
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Erik Lenguerrand
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Elaine Sheehan
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Maternal Medicine Department, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK.,Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0QT, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Hannah Wilson
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, 10th Floor, North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK
| | - Cathy Winter
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,PROMPT Maternity Foundation, Department of Women's Health, The Chilterns, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Maria Viner
- Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK.,Mothers for Mothers, New Fulford Family Centre, Gatehouse Avenue, Bristol, BS13 9AQ, UK
| | - Jane Sandall
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, 10th Floor, North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ, UK
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48
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Black KI, Middleton P, LibSt G, Huda TM, Srinivasan S. Interconception Health: Improving Equitable Access to Pregnancy Planning. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 40:184-192. [PMID: 35901810 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Challenges remain with the implementation of preconception care, as many women do not plan their pregnancies and clinicians do not initiate preconception consultations. However, the interconception period may present a more opportune time to address health issues that impact on pregnancy outcomes and may influence future conceptions. It is also an important time to focus on pregnancy complications that may influence a person's health trajectory. This review discusses the evidence pointing to a need for greater attention on interconception health and focuses on five areas of care that may be particularly important in affecting equitable access to good care before a subsequent pregnancy: interpregnancy intervals, contraception, weight, nutrition, and gestational diabetes follow-up. Several programs internationally have developed models of care for interconception health and this review presents one such model developed in the United States that explicitly seeks to reach vulnerable populations of women who may otherwise not receive preconception care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten I Black
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - GradDip LibSt
- Pregnancy and Perinatal Care, SAHMRI Women and Kids, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tanvir M Huda
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sukanya Srinivasan
- UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine Residency, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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49
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Deprived neighborhoods and spontaneous preterm birth: A national cohort study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 274:88-95. [PMID: 35623155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.05.012] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spontaneous preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Environmental socio-economic factors, such as neighborhood deprivation, are known to negatively affect birth outcomes, including overall preterm birth. However, the role of neighborhood deprivation in spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is unclear. The aim of the study is to 1) to determine the effect of neighborhood deprivation on SPTB birth and 2) to investigate the trend in rates of SPTB between 2010 and 2019 for each quintile of neighborhood deprivation. STUDY DESIGN Based on the national perinatal registry, we included 1,584,225 singleton pregnancies resulting in a birth from 22 to 42 completed weeks of gestation between 2010 and 2019 in the Netherlands. Deprivation scores per neighborhood were derived from the Netherlands Institute of Social Research and were linked to the perinatal registry data, using the woman's home address. The scores were divided into quintiles (Q). Rates of SPTB were calculated, categorized into <37 weeks, <32 weeks and <28 weeks of gestation. We used logistic regression analysis to adjust for maternal age, parity and ethnicity. RESULTS Compared to the most affluent neighborhoods (Q1), women in all other quintiles had a statistically significant increased risk for SPTB. The largest effect was observed in the most deprived neighborhoods (Q5); adjusted odds ratio 1.16 (95% confidence interval 1.13 - 1.19). From 2010 to 2019, we observed an overall decrease of 0.21% in SPTB < 37 weeks (p < 0.0001). All quintiles showed a decrease in SPTBs < 37 weeks, but only in Q1, Q2 & Q5 this decline in SPTB was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women in deprived neighborhoods in the Netherlands are more at risk for spontaneous preterm birth. From 2010 to 2019, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth decreased. Efforts should be made by both governmental and medical professionals to develop intervention programs to reduce spontaneous preterm birth in more deprived neighborhoods.
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50
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McHale P, Maudsley G, Pennington A, Schlüter DK, Barr B, Paranjothy S, Taylor-Robinson D. Mediators of socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1134. [PMID: 35668387 PMCID: PMC9172189 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of preterm birth are substantial with significant inequalities. Understanding the role of risk factors on the pathway from maternal socioeconomic status (SES) to preterm birth can help inform interventions and policy. This study therefore aimed to identify mediators of the relationship between maternal SES and preterm birth, assess the strength of evidence, and evaluate the quality of methods used to assess mediation. METHODS Using Scopus, Medline OVID, "Medline In Process & Other Non-Indexed Citation", PsycINFO, and Social Science Citation Index (via Web of Science), search terms combined variations on mediation, socioeconomic status, and preterm birth. Citation and advanced Google searches supplemented this. Inclusion criteria guided screening and selection of observational studies Jan-2000 to July-2020. The metric extracted was the proportion of socioeconomic inequality in preterm birth explained by each mediator (e.g. 'proportion eliminated'). Included studies were narratively synthesised. RESULTS Of 22 studies included, over one-half used cohort design. Most studies had potential measurement bias for mediators, and only two studies fully adjusted for key confounders. Eighteen studies found significant socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth. Studies assessed six groups of potential mediators: maternal smoking; maternal mental health; maternal physical health (including body mass index (BMI)); maternal lifestyle (including alcohol consumption); healthcare; and working and environmental conditions. There was high confidence of smoking during pregnancy (most frequently examined mediator) and maternal physical health mediating inequalities in preterm birth. Significant residual inequalities frequently remained. Difference-of-coefficients between models was the most common mediation analysis approach, only six studies assessed exposure-mediator interaction, and only two considered causal assumptions. CONCLUSIONS The substantial socioeconomic inequalities in preterm birth are only partly explained by six groups of mediators that have been studied, particularly maternal smoking in pregnancy. There is, however, a large residual direct effect of SES evident in most studies. Despite the mediation analysis approaches used limiting our ability to make causal inference, these findings highlight potential ways of intervening to reduce such inequalities. A focus on modifiable socioeconomic determinants, such as reducing poverty and educational inequality, is probably necessary to address inequalities in preterm birth, alongside action on mediating pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip McHale
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England.
| | - Gillian Maudsley
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Andy Pennington
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Daniela K Schlüter
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Ben Barr
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Shantini Paranjothy
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Aberdeen Health Data Science Research Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - David Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
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