A randomized controlled trial of the provision of a social support service during pregnancy: the South Manchester Family Worker Project

Support during pregnancy for women at increased risk of low birthweight babies

BACKGROUND

Studies consistently show a relationship between social disadvantage and low birthweight. Many countries have programmes offering special assistance to women thought to be at risk for giving birth to a low birthweight infant. These programmes, collectively referred to in this review as additional social support, may include emotional support, which gives a person a feeling of being loved and cared for, tangible/instrumental support, in the form of direct assistance/home visits, and informational support, through the provision of advice, guidance and counselling. The programmes may be delivered by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals, specially trained lay workers, or a combination of lay and professional workers. This is an update of a review first published in 2003 and updated in 2010.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to assess the effects of programmes offering additional social support (emotional, instrumental/tangible and informational) compared with routine care, for pregnant women believed to be at high risk for giving birth to babies that are either preterm (less than 37 weeks' gestation) or weigh less than 2500 g, or both, at birth. Secondary objectives were to determine whether the effectiveness of support was mediated by timing of onset (early versus later in pregnancy) or type of provider (healthcare professional or lay person).

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 5 February 2018, and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials of additional social support during at-risk pregnancy by either a professional (social worker, midwife, or nurse) or specially trained lay person, compared to routine care. We defined additional social support as some form of emotional support (e.g. caring, empathy, trust), tangible/instrumental support (e.g. transportation to clinic appointments, home visits complemented with phone calls, help with household responsibilities) or informational support (advice and counselling about nutrition, rest, stress management, use of alcohol/recreational drugs).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

This updated review includes a total of 25 studies, with outcome data for 11,246 mothers and babies enrolled in 21 studies. We assessed the overall risk of bias of included studies to be low or unclear, mainly because of limited reporting or uncertainty in how randomisation was generated or concealed (which led us to downgrade the quality of most outcomes to moderate), and the impracticability of blinding participants.When compared with routine care, programmes offering additional social support for at-risk pregnant women may slightly reduce the number of babies born with a birthweight less than 2500 g from 127 per 1000 to 120 per 1000 (risk ratio (RR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.04; 16 studies, n = 11,770; moderate-quality evidence), and the number of babies born with a gestational age less than 37 weeks at birth from 128 per 1000 to 117 per 1000 (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.01, 14 studies, n = 12,282; moderate-quality evidence), though the confidence intervals for the pooled effect for both of these outcomes just crossed the line of no effect, suggesting any effect is not large. There may be little or no difference between interventions for stillbirth/neonatal death (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.41; 15 studies, n = 12,091; low-quality evidence). Secondary outcomes of moderate quality suggested that there is probably a reduction in caesarean section (from 215 per 1000 to 194 per 1000; RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.97; 15 studies, n = 9550), a reduction in the number of antenatal hospital admissions per participant (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.91; 4 studies; n = 787), and a reduction in the mean number of hospitalisation episodes (mean difference -0.05, 95% CI -0.06 to -0.04; 1 study, n = 1525) in the social support group, compared to the controls.Postnatal depression and women's satisfaction were reported in different ways in the studies that considered these outcomes and so we could not include data in a meta-analysis. In one study postnatal depression appeared to be slightly lower in the support group in women who screened positively on the Edinbugh Postnatal Depression Scale at eight to 12 weeks postnatally (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01; 1 study, n = 1008; moderate-quality evidence). In another study, again postnatal depression appeared to be slightly lower in the support group and this was a self-report measure assessed at six weeks postnatally (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; 1 study, n = 458; low-quality evidence). A higher proportion of women in one study reported that their prenatal care was very helpful in the supported group (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.30; 1 study, n = 223; moderate-quality evidence), although in another study results were similar. Another study assessed satisfaction with prenatal care as being "not good" in 51 of 945 in the additional support group, compared with 45 of 942 in the usual care group.No studies considered long-term morbidity for the infant. No single outcome was reported in all studies. Subgroup analysis demonstrated consistency of effect when the support was provided by a healthcare professional or a trained lay worker.The descriptions of the additional social support were generally consistent across all studies and included emotional support, tangible support such as home visits, and informational support.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women need the support of caring family members, friends, and health professionals. While programmes that offer additional social support during pregnancy are unlikely to have a large impact on the proportion of low birthweight babies or birth before 37 weeks' gestation and no impact on stillbirth or neonatal death, they may be helpful in reducing the likelihood of caesarean birth and antenatal hospital admission.

Still too little qualitative research to shed light on results from reviews of effectiveness trials: a case study of a Cochrane review on the use of lay health workers

BACKGROUND

Qualitative research is used increasingly alongside trials of complex interventions to explore processes, contextual factors, or intervention characteristics that may have influenced trial outcomes. Qualitative research conducted alongside trials can also be used to shed light on the results of systematic reviews of effectiveness by looking for factors that can help explain heterogeneous results across trials. In a Cochrane review on the effects of using lay health workers on maternal and child health and infectious disease control, we identified 82 trials. These trials showed promising benefits but results were heterogeneous.

OBJECTIVE

To use qualitative studies conducted alongside these trials to explore factors and processes that might have influenced intervention outcomes.

METHODS

We attempted to identify qualitative research carried out alongside the trials by contacting trial authors, checking papers for references to qualitative research, searching Pubmed for related studies, and carrying out citation searches. For those qualitative studies that we included, we extracted information regarding study objective, data collection and analysis methods, and key themes and categories.

RESULTS

For 52 (63%) of the trials, we found no qualitative research that had been conducted alongside the trials. For 16 (20%) trials, some form of qualitative data collection had been done but was unavailable or had been done before the trial. For 14 (17%) trials, qualitative research had been done during or shortly after the trial, although descriptions of qualitative methods and results were often sparse. Most of these 14 studies aimed to elicit trial participants' perspectives and experiences of the intervention. A common theme was participants' appreciation of the lay health workers' shared circumstances, for instance with regard to social background or experience of the health condition. In six studies, researchers explored the experiences of the lay health workers themselves. Issues included the importance of regular supervision and health professionals' support or lack of support.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative studies carried out alongside trials of complex interventions could offer opportunities to authors of systematic reviews of effectiveness wishing to understand the heterogeneity of trial results. For interventions of lay health worker programmes at least, too few such studies exist at present for these opportunities to be realised.

Support during pregnancy for women at increased risk of low birthweight babies

BACKGROUND

Studies consistently show a relationship between social disadvantage and low birthweight. Many countries have programs offering special assistance to women thought to be at risk for giving birth to a low birthweight infant. These programs may include advice and counseling (about nutrition, rest, stress management, alcohol, and recreational drug use), tangible assistance (e.g., transportation to clinic appointments, household help), and emotional support. The programs may be delivered by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals, specially trained lay workers, or combination of lay and professional workers.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to assess effects of programs offering additional social support compared with routine care, for pregnant women believed at high risk for giving birth to babies that are either preterm or weigh less than 2500 gm, or both, at birth. Secondary objectives were to determine whether effectiveness of support was mediated by timing of onset (early versus later in pregnancy) or type of provider (healthcare professional or lay woman).

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (January 2010).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials of additional support during at-risk pregnancy by either a professional (social worker, midwife, or nurse) or specially trained lay person, compared to routine care. We defined additional support as some form of emotional support (e.g., counseling, reassurance, sympathetic listening) and information or advice or both, either in home visits or during clinic appointments, and could include tangible assistance (e.g., transportation to clinic appointments, assistance with care of other children at home).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors evaluated methodological quality. We performed double data entry.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 17 trials (12,264 women). Programs offering additional social support for at-risk pregnant women were not associated with improvements in any perinatal outcomes, but there was a reduction in the likelihood of antenatal hospital admission (three trials; n = 737; RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92) and caesarean birth (nine trials; n = 4522; RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women need the support of caring family members, friends, and health professionals. While programs which offer additional support during pregnancy are unlikely to prevent the pregnancy from resulting in a low birthweight or preterm baby, they may be helpful in reducing the likelihood of antenatal hospital admission and caesarean birth.

Lay health workers in primary and community health care for maternal and child health and the management of infectious diseases

BACKGROUND

Lay health workers (LHWs) are widely used to provide care for a broad range of health issues. Little is known, however, about the effectiveness of LHW interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of LHW interventions in primary and community health care on maternal and child health and the management of infectious diseases.

SEARCH STRATEGY

For the current version of this review we searched The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (including citations uploaded from the EPOC and the CCRG registers) (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 1 Online) (searched 18 February 2009); MEDLINE, Ovid (1950 to February Week 1 2009) (searched 17 February 2009); MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid (February 13 2009) (searched 17 February 2009); EMBASE, Ovid (1980 to 2009 Week 05) (searched 18 February 2009); AMED, Ovid (1985 to February 2009) (searched 19 February 2009); British Nursing Index and Archive, Ovid (1985 to February 2009) (searched 17 February 2009); CINAHL, Ebsco 1981 to present (searched 07 February 2010); POPLINE (searched 25 February 2009); WHOLIS (searched 16 April 2009); Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index (ISI Web of Science) (1975 to present) (searched 10 August 2006 and 10 February 2010). We also searched the reference lists of all included papers and relevant reviews, and contacted study authors and researchers in the field for additional papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of any intervention delivered by LHWs (paid or voluntary) in primary or community health care and intended to improve maternal or child health or the management of infectious diseases. A 'lay health worker' was defined as any health worker carrying out functions related to healthcare delivery, trained in some way in the context of the intervention, and having no formal professional or paraprofessional certificate or tertiary education degree. There were no restrictions on care recipients.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data using a standard form and assessed risk of bias. Studies that compared broadly similar types of interventions were grouped together. Where feasible, the study results were combined and an overall estimate of effect obtained.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. These showed considerable diversity in the targeted health issue and the aims, content, and outcomes of interventions. The majority were conducted in high income countries (n = 55) but many of these focused on low income and minority populations. The diversity of included studies limited meta-analysis to outcomes for four study groups. These analyses found evidence of moderate quality of the effectiveness of LHWs in promoting immunisation childhood uptake (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.37; P = 0.0004); promoting initiation of breastfeeding (RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.61; P < 0.00001), any breastfeeding (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.39; P = 0.0004), and exclusive breastfeeding (RR 2.78, 95% CI 1.74 to 4.44; P <0.0001); and improving pulmonary TB cure rates (RR 1.22 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.31) P <0.0001), when compared to usual care. There was moderate quality evidence that LHW support had little or no effect on TB preventive treatment completion (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.09; P = 0.99). There was also low quality evidence that LHWs may reduce child morbidity (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.03) and child (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.03; P = 0.07) and neonatal (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.02; P = 0.07) mortality, and increase the likelihood of seeking care for childhood illness (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.05; P = 0.20). For other health issues, the evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions regarding effectiveness, or to enable the identification of specific LHW training or intervention strategies likely to be most effective.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

LHWs provide promising benefits in promoting immunisation uptake and breastfeeding, improving TB treatment outcomes, and reducing child morbidity and mortality when compared to usual care. For other health issues, evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions about the effects of LHWs.

Reducing low birth weight through home visitation: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Poor birth outcomes increase the risk of infant mortality and morbidity, developmental delays, and child maltreatment. This study assessed the effectiveness of a prenatal home-visitation program in reducing adverse birth outcomes among socially disadvantaged pregnant women and adolescents.

DESIGN

As part of a larger RCT, this study examined the effects of home-visitation services on low birth weight (LBW) deliveries.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant women and adolescents eligible for Healthy Families New York (HFNY) were recruited in three communities. Eligibility was based on socioeconomic factors such as poverty, teen pregnancy, and the risk of child maltreatment. Two thirds of the participants were black or Hispanic, and 90% were unmarried.

INTERVENTION

Pregnant women and adolescents were randomized to either an intervention group that received bi-weekly home-visitation services (n=236) or to a control group (n=265). Home visitors encouraged healthy prenatal behavior, offered social support, and provided a linkage to medical and other community services. Services were tailored to individual needs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

An LBW of <2500 grams on birth certificate files. Baseline and birth interviews were conducted from 2000 to 2002, and birth records were collected in 2007. Analyses were done from 2007 to 2008.

RESULTS

The risk of delivering an LBW baby was significantly lower for the HFNY group (5.1%) than for the control group (9.8%; AOR=0.43; 95% CI=0.21, 0.89). The risk was further reduced for mothers who were exposed to HFNY at a gestational age of <or=24 weeks (AOR=0.32; 95% CI=0.14, 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

A prenatal home-visitation program with focus on social support, health education, and access to services holds promise for reducing LBW deliveries among at-risk women and adolescents.

Peer-mentoring for first-time mothers from areas of socio-economic disadvantage: a qualitative study within a randomised controlled trial

Background

Non-professional involvement in delivering health and social care support in areas of socio-economic deprivation is considered important in attempting to reduce health inequalities. However, trials of peer mentoring programmes have yielded inconsistent evidence of benefit: difficulties in implementation have contributed to uncertainty regarding their efficacy. We aimed to explore difficulties encountered in conducting a randomised controlled trial of a peer-mentoring programme for first-time mothers in socially disadvantaged areas, in order to provide information relevant to future research and practice. This paper describes the experiences of lay-workers, women and health professionals involved in the trial.

Methods

Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with women (n = 11) who were offered peer mentor support, lay-workers (n = 11) who provided mentoring and midwives (n = 2) who supervised the programme, which provided support, from first hospital antenatal visit to one year postnatal. Planned frequency of contact was two-weekly (telephone or home visit) but was tailored to individuals' needs.

Results

Despite lay-workers living in the same locality, they experienced difficulty initiating contact with women and this affected their morale adversely. Despite researchers' attempts to ensure that the role of the mentor was understood clearly it appeared that this was not achieved for all participants. Mentors attempted to develop peer-mentor relationships by offering friendship and sharing personal experiences, which was appreciated by women. Mentors reported difficulties developing relationships with those who lacked interest in the programme. External influences, including family and friends, could prevent or facilitate mentoring. Time constraints in reconciling flexible mentoring arrangements with demands of other commitments posed major personal difficulties for lay-workers.

Conclusion

Difficulties in initiating contact, developing peer-mentor relationships and time constraints pose challenges to delivering lay-worker peer support. In developing such programmes, awareness of potential difficulties and of how professional support may help resolve these should improve uptake and optimise evaluation of their effectiveness.

Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN55055030

Aiming to increase birth weight: a randomised trial of pre-pregnancy information, advice and counselling in inner-urban Melbourne

Background

In the 1980s there was substantial interest in early pregnancy and pre-pregnancy interventions to increase birth weight and reduce preterm birth. We developed an inter-pregnancy intervention, implemented in a randomised controlled trial, to be provided by midwives at home soon after women's first birth.

Methods

MCH nurses invited women to take part during their home visit to new mothers. Women's contact details, with their permission, were passed to the study midwife. She had a randomisation schedule to which women's names were added before she met the women or their partners. All women recruited had a home visit from the study midwife with a discussion of their first pregnancy, labour and birth and the postpartum experience. Women in the intervention arm received in addition a pre-pregnancy intervention with discussion of social, health or lifestyle problems, preparation and timing for pregnancy, family history, rubella immunisation, referrals for health problems, and a reminder card. The primary outcome was defined as a birth weight difference in the second birth of 100 g (one-sided) in favour of the intervention. Additional data collected were gestational age, perinatal deaths and birth defects. Analyses used EPI-INFO and STATA.

Results

Intervention and comparison groups were comparable on socioeconomic factors, prior reproductive history and first birth outcomes. Infant birth weight in the second birth was lower (-97.4 g,)) among infants in the intervention arm. There were no significant differences between intervention and comparison arms in the proportion of women having a preterm birth, an infant with low birthweight, or an infant with a birth weight <10^th percentile. There were more adverse outcomes in the intervention arm: ten births <32 weeks), compared with one in standard care, and more infants with a birth weight <2000 g, 16 compared with two in standard care

Conclusion

As the primary outcome was envisaged to be either improved birth weight or no effect, the study was not designed to identify the alternative outcome with confidence. Despite widespread support for pre-pregnancy interventions to improve maternal and perinatal health, this first randomised controlled trial of a multi-component intervention provided at home, did not have a beneficial outcome.

The association between pregnancy processes, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and postpartum depressions--the need for interdisciplinary integration

Pregnancy and peripartum/perinatal periods are characterized by significant biologic as well as psychosocial processes and changes that influence the 2 individuals at focus (mother and fetus), as well as their interactions with the immediate environment. Multiple intertwined pathologic pregnancy processes (hormonal, biologic, stress and other mental occurrences) may lead to fetal distress, preterm delivery (PTD), low birth weight (LBW), and other delivery complications as well as to postpartum disorders. PTD and LBW in particular have been demonstrated to be associated with significant mortality as well as short- and long-term morbidity. Underlying processes and risk factors for PTD, LBW and postpartum disorders may overlap. Their impact on the offspring is compounded. Currently, the multiple clinical and research disciplines that are concerned with the various aspects of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period are not conceptually and practically integrated. Specifically, obstetricians are more concerned with delivery complications, whereas mental health professionals are concerned with postpartum depression. An interdisciplinary approach is needed for better understanding of developmental processes and the development of measurements and interventions to prevent long-term impact on the offspring.

Learning from success and failure in psychosocial intervention: an evaluation of low birth weight prevention trials

The object of the study was to evaluate the research designs of social support interventions for prevention of low birth weight (LBW). A literature search of published articles identified 12 randomized controlled trials of social support to prevent LBW birth. These were evaluated using specific methodological criteria for effective intervention research. Only one study showed a significant reduction in LBW. However, none of the studies met all of the proposed criteria for rigorous intervention research. It is premature to conclude that social support interventions are ineffective in preventing LBW. Specific recommendations for future intervention research design are outlined.

Does the frequency of outpatient visits in addition to the regularly scheduled prenatal visits identify a poor pregnancy outcome?

Do extra outpatient visits, in addition to regularly scheduled visits, identify a pregnancy at risk of an adverse outcome? This prospective investigation analysed additional outpatient visits, by low-risk obstetric patients. One hundred and sixty-two women were evaluated with one to two additional visits and 66 had three or more visits. Antepartum and intrapartum pregnancy complications between groups was similar suggesting that frequency of additional visits does not identify a pregnancy at risk for an adverse outcome.

Lay Home Visiting May Improve Pregnancy Outcomes

Home visiting may be a promising strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes, and home visiting by lay workers may be more accepted by pregnant women. Lay workers may impact on social and environmental risk factors as well as on health care utilization. As with any primary prevention strategy, these programs may be more successful if implemented with responsibility shared between the health care system and the community. This article reviews the state of the science related to lay home visiting during pregnancy in the United States. Using a variety of search terms, an exhaustive review of the literature was conducted using several large electronic databases. Studies of lay home visiting during pregnancy have documented mixed results. Many weaknesses exist in the studies available, including use of descriptive or quasi-experimental designs in most of the studies, absence of a clearly specified set of interventions, and lack of cost analysis. Gaps in our knowledge of the impact of lay home visitors on pregnancy outcomes persist.

Life course influences on insulin resistance: findings from the British Women's Heart and Health Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the independent associations of a broad range of early life risk factors and adult obesity with adult insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 1,394 women, aged 60-79 years, from 23 British towns.

RESULTS

There was a strong (independent of confounding factors, other early life factors, and adult waist-to-hip ratio) inverse association between birth weight and insulin resistance in women in the highest third of BMI (>28.77 kg/m2): -0.12 (95% CI -0.19 to -0.04) log homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score per 1 SD birth weight, but no association between birth weight and insulin resistance in women in the two lowest thirds of BMI (P for interaction = 0.04). Offspring birth weight, own leg length, and childhood manual social class did not interact with adult obesity and were all independently inversely associated with insulin resistance: -0.05 (-0.09 to -0.01) log HOMA score per 1 SD offspring birth weight, -0.09 (-0.12 to -0.06) log HOMA score per 1 SD leg length, and a -0.07 (-0.14 to 0.00) difference in log HOMA score between manual and nonmanual childhood social class. Childhood manual social class and shorter leg length were both independently associated with adverse lipid profiles. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were independently positively associated with insulin resistance and with all other components of the insulin resistance syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Our results suggest that genetic factors, intrauterine environment, early childhood, and adult environmental factors are all relevant in determining adult insulin resistance.

Support during pregnancy for women at increased risk of low birthweight babies

BACKGROUND

Studies consistently show a relationship between social disadvantage and low birthweight. Many countries have programs offering special assistance to women thought to be at risk for giving birth to a low birthweight infant. These programs may include advice and counselling (about nutrition, rest, stress management, alcohol and recreational drug use), tangible assistance (eg transportation to clinic appointments, help with household responsibilities), and emotional support. The programs may be delivered by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals, by specially trained lay workers, or by a combination of lay and professional workers.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of programs offering additional social support for pregnant women who are believed to be at risk for giving birth to preterm or low birthweight babies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (30 January 2003).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials of additional support during at-risk pregnancy by either a professional (social worker, midwife, or nurse) or specially trained lay person, compared to routine care. Additional support was defined as some form of emotional support (eg counselling, reassurance, sympathetic listening) and information/advice, either in home visits or during clinic appointments, and could include tangible assistance (eg transportation to clinic appointments, assistance with the care of other children at home).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Double data entry was performed. Study authors were contacted to request additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen trials involving 13,651 women were included. The trials were generally of good to excellent quality, although 3 used an allocation method likely to introduce bias. Programs offering additional social support for at-risk pregnant women were not associated with improvements in any perinatal outcomes, but there was a reduction in the likelihood of caesarean birth and an increased likelihood of elective termination of pregnancy. Some improvements in immediate maternal psychosocial outcomes were found in individual trials.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women need the support of caring family members, friends, and health professionals. While programs which offer additional support during pregnancy are unlikely to prevent the pregnancy from resulting in a low birthweight or preterm baby, they may be helpful in reducing the likelihood of caesarean birth.

[Threat of premature labor, stress, psychosocial support and psychotherapy: a review of the literature]

From the hypothesis that preterm labour is a physical expression of a difficulty to have a cheerful pregnancy, we wanted to assess from a literature review:--the link between stress, anxiety, and preterm birth for one part--and the medical advantage of psychosocial or psychological support among women having a high risk of preterm birth for another. According to the available publications, stress, psychological disturbances, and anxiety can increase the risk of preterm birth. However, psychosocial support is not associated with an improvement of the perinatal outcome. On the other hand, psychological support for women having a preterm labour, with or without hospitalisation, seems an interesting medical approach to reduce the preterm birth rate.

Does incomplete growth and development predispose teenagers to preterm delivery? A template for research

Pregnant teenagers are in better physical condition, suffer from fewer chronic diseases, and engage in fewer health-risky behaviors than socioeconomically similar pregnant adults, but give birth to a disproportionately large number of preterm infants. This systematic review of the adolescent pregnancy literature defines the unique risks associated with being young and pregnant by examining how the physical and psychosocial changes that are characteristic of puberty and adolescence interact with traditional risk factors for preterm delivery. The need for age-specific interventions is discussed and recommendations for future research are made.

Improving pregnancy outcome and reducing avoidable clinical resource utilization through telephonic perinatal care coordination

The effects of telephonic nursing case management and standard care in a low-income, high-risk pregnancy population, controlling for gestational age at referral and risk factors (medical, demographic, and behavioral) were compared. The hypothesis was that a program of telephonic perinatal nursing care coordination and case management would increase mean gestational ages and mean birth weights and would reduce clinical resource utilization, compared with standard nursing care. The methods focused on a telephonic model developed during the past 16 years that included risk assessment, patient education, coordination of care for home services and clinic appointments, coordination of interventions requested by care providers, and patient advocacy. The patient population, primarily of minority cultural and racial backgrounds, obtained prenatal care from two large obstetric clinics and delivered at a level-3 tertiary care center. They were randomly assigned to treatment (N = 61) and control (N = 50) conditions. Interpreters were used for any contacts with non-English-speaking patients. The results demonstrated increased mean birth weights for the treatment group when intervening variables were controlled. Mean gestational age at delivery was not significantly different between groups. Telephonic case management saved an average of 501.31 dollars per patient in inpatient and outpatient costs combined. In the treatment group, for every dollar spent on case management costs, the savings were 4.08 dollars.

Sociobiological variables and pregnancy outcome

Recent advances are beginning to shed light on the mechanisms whereby adverse psychosocial factors can influence pregnancy outcome. High levels of maternal stress have been linked to endocrine disturbances, which in turn increases the risk of preterm labor considerably. These observations have been supported by experimental animal models. Birth weight is subject to considerable ethnic variation, and on its own is a nonspecific indicator of pregnancy outcome. The benefits of social and psychological intervention have been best documented in the intrapartum situation, whereas antenatal intervention is most likely to be of benefit when focused on improving socioeconomic conditions and access to healthcare providers.

Seeking early care: the role of prenatal care advocates

This exploratory study investigates the role of social support in the initiation of prenatal care by analyzing data from interviews with 36 pregnant women at a public health facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A systematic sample of U.S.-born women aged 19 to 34 who initiated care in each of the three trimesters was interviewed. After controlling for age and education, three variables were found to be associated with earlier estimated gestational age at the time of a woman's first prenatal visit: self-referral to care, more prenatal care advocates, and fewer children. There was no significant effect on the timing of entry to care associated with ethnicity, marital status, transportation availability, rural vs. urban residence, distance of residence from the clinic, or prior prenatal care at the public health facility. These results suggest that first-time mothers are likely to seek early care and that family and friends play a significant support role in encouraging women to begin care.

Cost-benefit of a nursing telephone intervention to reduce preterm and low-birthweight births in an African American clinic population

BACKGROUND

A cost-benefit analysis was performed to estimate the cost-savings obtained from a nursing telephone intervention delivered to pregnant women identified as being at risk for preterm or low-birthweight births.

METHODS

After being screened for eligibility, a total of 1,554 women receiving prenatal care in a clinic located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina were randomized to intervention and control groups. Women in the intervention group received telephone calls from a registered nurse one or two times each week from the 24th through the 37th week of gestation.

RESULTS

No clinical benefits were realized by Caucasian participants. The intervention reduced preterm and low-birthweight births, and resulted in cost savings, for African-American mothers ages 19 and over. No significant differences were seen in the rates of low-birthweight or preterm births and no cost savings were realized from intervention with women ages 18 and younger.

CONCLUSIONS

A prenatal nursing support intervention in a clinic population of pregnant African American women was cost-beneficial for these adults (< or =19 years of age).

Reduced risk of low weight births among indigent women receiving care from nurse-midwives

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of a comprehensive prenatal and delivery programme administered by nurse-midwives on the risk of low weight births among indigent women.

STUDY DESIGN

Historical prospective study. Birth outcomes among the cohort were compared with all county births during the same period, adjusting for maternal age and race. Results are expressed as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals.

SETTING

An enhanced Medicaid funded pre-natal programme administered by nurse-midwives from 1992 to 1994 in Westchester County, New York.

PARTICIPANTS

Indigent mothers (n = 1443), between the ages of 15 and 44, who were residents of Westchester County and indicated having Medicaid or no health care coverage.

RESULTS

There were 1474 live births among cohort mothers. Mean (SD) gestational age was 39.4 (1.9) weeks. Less than 6% of births occurred before 37 weeks gestation. The mean birth weight of cohort infants was 3365.6 (518.6) g. Only 4.1% of the cohort births were less than 2500 g. Compared with all county births, the cohort showed a 41% reduction in the risk of low weight births (RRlbw = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.73, p < .001) and a 56% reduction when compared with county Medicaid births only (RR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.57, p < .005) adjusting for maternal age and race. Larger reductions were found for very low weight births.

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers need not be considered at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes based on their socioeconomic status alone. Moreover, a comprehensive prenatal programme administered by nurse-midwives may promote a reduction in adverse pregnancy outcomes among indigent mothers.

Low-birthweight prevention programs: the enigma of failure

BACKGROUND

Low birthweight is the primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. The purpose of our study was to identify factors associated with the effectiveness and apparent ineffectiveness of comprehensive, multicomponent, prenatal care programs for preventing low birthweight.

METHODS

We reviewed obstetric, pediatric, and public health program evaluations, research reports, and commentaries, published in the English language literature, over the last four decades that pertained to the efficacy of prenatal care for preventing low birthweight.

RESULTS

The heterogeneous nature of the services delivered and the lack of consistency in the definition of variables made it impossible to use rigorous, quantitative techniques to summarize this evaluation of the literature. Two general limitations of research design that emerged from our reviews were the focus on clusters of commonly associated risk factors, which has blurred the causal pathways linking specific risk factors to low birthweight, and the failure to examine process variables. These two methodologic problems have led investigators to erroneous conclusions that overstate the significance of negative intervention outcomes. The success and failure of low-birthweight prevention programs has rarely been examined in relation to evidence that the intervention actually modified the targeted risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Few rigorous evaluations of well-designed programs have been conducted. Without an improvement in intervention designs and evaluation studies, recommendations to support or curtail the funding of comprehensive, multicomponent prenatal care services are inappropriate. Rigorously obtained evidence of the costs and benefits of approaches to the prevention of low birthweight are sorely needed.

A performance indicator of psychosocial services in enhanced prenatal care of Medicaid-eligible women

OBJECTIVE

Psychosocial services for low-income pregnant women vary widely in practice, and validated indicators of effective performance are lacking. The study presented here aims to determine whether a measure of provider compliance with a psychosocial service delivery guideline is associated with improved birth outcomes and therefore meets an important validity criterion of a performance indicator.

METHODS

Data on psychosocial services delivered to 3467 pregnant women came from 27 sites certified by the California Department of Health Services to provide enhanced perinatal services to Medicaid-eligible women. Multivariate regression analyses were used to test the association of adequate service delivery according to a performance guideline with birth outcomes and the dependence of the association on the credentials of the provider and the type of practice setting.

RESULTS

Women who received at least one psychosocial assessment each trimester of care according to the guideline were half as likely as women with inadequate services to have a low birthweight (OR = 0.49; CI 0.34, 0.71) or preterm birth (OR = 0.53; CI 0.40, 0.72) outcome. The effect did not depend on the credentials of the provider or the practice setting type.

CONCLUSIONS

The indicator of the adequacy of psychosocial services according to a performance guideline appears to meet a fundamental criterion for a performance indicator, an association with improved outcomes. This indicator may be useful in monitoring performance of enhanced perinatal services for continuous quality improvement of services to low-income pregnant women.

Role-modeling healthy behavior: peer counseling for pregnant and postpartum women in recovery

The utilization of paraprofessional peer counselors for pregnant and postpartum women in recovery represents a nonthreatening and innovative departure from conventional medical and social service models. However, it must be acknowledged that these are women in recovery confronting the same daily stresses as their clients. In essence, they require the same social support services as their clients. Therefore, program planners must be reminded to build in the necessary social support systems for them at the outset. The rewards in terms of the peer counselors' capacity to engage and retain women with whom they can identify and help is well worth the investment. As a consequence of extensive community outreach and supportive activities undertaken by peer counselors, barriers to client receptivity may be removed, greater compliance and service utilization will be achieved, and the potential for successful recovery will be enhanced.

The association between adequacy of prenatal care utilization and subsequent pediatric care utilization in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between adequacy of prenatal care utilization and subsequent pediatric care utilization.

DESIGN

A longitudinal follow-up of a nationally representative sample of infants born in 1988.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine thousand four hundred forty women who had a live birth in 1988, and whose child was alive at the time of interview, and 8285 women from the original sample who were reinterviewed in 1991.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

There were four outcome measures: number of well-child visits; adequate immunization for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; adequate immunization for polio; and continuity of a regular source of care, as measured by the number of sites for pediatric care.

RESULTS

Children whose mothers had less than adequate prenatal care utilization had significantly fewer well-child visits, and were significantly less likely to have adequate immunizations, even after income, health insurance coverage, content of prenatal care, wantedness of child, sites of prenatal and pediatric care, and maternal and pregnancy risk characteristics were taken into account. Less than adequate prenatal care utilization was not associated with having more than one pediatric care site.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal care utilization can be used to identify and target interventions to women who are at risk for not obtaining well-child care or complete immunizations for their children.

Utilisation of prenatal services and birth outcomes: a community-based study in Israel

The purpose of this paper was to assess several measures of utilisation of prenatal care as predictors of birth outcome in a community where the availability and quality of services were equal for all pregnant women. A case-control study was conducted in a small community in Israel, comparing 189 women whose pregnancy resulted in an unfavourable outcome (perinatal mortality, preterm birth and low birthweight at term) with 384 women, matched by birth order, who had a live, full-term infant weighing 2500 g or more. In a multivariable analysis, adjusting for pregnancy complications, maternal age, parity and socio-economic disadvantage, gestational age at initiation of prenatal care was not an independent predictor of unfavourable outcome; neither was lower than the recommended number of visits for the period under care. However, a higher than expected number of visits was associated with unfavourable outcome [odds ratio (OR) = 6.10, 95% CI 2.09-17.78], as was non-compliance with medical recommendations [OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.24-3.29. The context of prenatal care delivery, as well as the process of care and compliance with recommendations, should be assessed in order to determine the impact of prenatal care on birth outcomes.

Stress, social support and pregnancy outcome: a reassessment based on recent research

We present an assessment of studies published in the last decade that consider the relationship of stress and social support to preterm delivery or fetal growth retardation. Included in the review are all reports on the direct effects of stressors or psychological distress; the indirect effects of stressors or distress through health behaviours such as smoking; and the direct and buffering effects of social support. Although an important stimulus for recent stress research has been the attempt to explain racial and social class differences in birth outcome, the recent data show that stressful life events during pregnancy, though more common in disadvantaged groups, do not increase the risk of preterm birth. In contrast, intimate social support from a partner or family member appears to improve fetal growth, even for women with little life stress. Questions unanswered by the research to date are whether elevated levels of depressive symptoms affect pregnancy outcome, either directly or by encouraging negative health behaviours, and whether chronic (vs. acute) stressors are harmful. Additional research is also needed to determine whether psychosocial factors interact with specific clinical conditions to promote adverse pregnancy outcomes. Focusing on intimate support and how it benefits pregnancy outcome could lead to the design of more effective interventions.

A randomized trial of an empirically-derived social support intervention to prevent low birthweight among African American women

Previous clinical trials of social support interventions to reduce low birthweight (LBW) have not fully capitalized on findings from social science research, and therefore have not used empirically-derived criteria to define a low social support population or to develop the intervention. To overcome limitations of previous studies, this randomized clinical trial tested the hypothesis that an empirically-derived social support intervention would reduce LBW among African American women. Based on prior work, African American women were identified as at-risk for LBW due to inadequate social support if they lacked support from their mothers or male partners. Focus groups were used in this study to develop a culturally-relevant intervention. Adult low-income African American pregnant women (n = 319) were tested for inadequate social support in mid-pregnancy. Of these, 114 (36%) low-support women were identified and randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 56) or control group (n = 58). The intervention was designed to provide the support usually provided by the pregnant woman's mother or male partner. It consisted of four standardized face-to-face sessions at two week intervals and telephone contact in the intervening weeks. Birthweight was obtained blinded from charts or birth certificates, with 99% follow-up. The rate of LBW (below 2500 grams) was 9.1% in the intervention group compared to 22.4% in the control group (P < 0.05). Contrary to previous studies, this social support intervention was effective in reducing the rate of LBW. It is promising that this intervention was successful for African Americans because the rate of LBW is twice as high among African Americans than among Caucasians.

Impact of a social support program on teenage prenatal care use and pregnancy outcomes

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the impact of a resource mothers program (RMP) on prenatal care use, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm birth (PTB). The intervention used paraprofessional women to provide social support to pregnant teenagers through home visiting.

METHODS

Data were obtained by linking RMP, health department, and birth certificate data. Outcomes for primiparous teenagers were compared across two main study groups: a RMP group (n = 1,901) and a comparison group from counties in which the program was not offered (n = 4,613). Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of program participation with simultaneous adjustment for age, race, marital status, and previous pregnancies. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Resource mothers program teenagers were more likely to initiate prenatal care early (OR = 1.48; CI = 1.32-1.66) and to receive adequate prenatal care (OR = 1.58; CI = 1.40-1.78) than teenagers in the other counties. The program had no significant effect on LBW, but unmarried teenagers in the RMP group were less likely to have a PTB than unmarried teenagers in the other counties with an OR of 0.81 (CI = 0.70-0.95). These findings were supported by analyses using a second comparison group.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that PTB contributes heavily to infant mortality, the program's effect on PTB is promising.

Issues inherent in measuring the impact of care coordination on pregnancy outcomes

Care coordination is a Medicaid benefit designed to help low-income women gain access to pregnancy-related services. Measuring the outcomes of care coordination is hampered because experimental designs are difficult to carry out on entitlement programs. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a care coordination-adequacy index, based on number of home visits, onset of home visits, and weeks' gestation at delivery, would outperform a simple count of the number of home visits in predicting birthweight. Data from a pilot project in Indianapolis were used. The adequacy index outperformed "number of home visits" in the prediction of birthweight with this sample. Those who received intermediate level of care coordination delivered infants weighing 162 g more than those who received inadequate care coordination. The adequate level of care coordination did not predict birthweight, which may have resulted from an insufficient number of participants in this category (n = 20). An inherent selection bias based on the length of gestation when admitted to the program is also discussed. Research on care coordination with clear delineation of the measurement issues involved must continue to ensure effective program design and continued funding.

The Latin American trial of psychosocial support during pregnancy: effects on mother's wellbeing and satisfaction. Latin American Network For Perinatal and Reproductive Research (LANPER)

A randomized controlled trial including 2235 women at high risk of low birthweight was conducted in four Latin American institutions. The objective of this trial was to evaluate a psychosocial support intervention during pregnancy aimed at improving perinatal health and mothers' psychosocial conditions. The core of the intervention was four to six home visits where emotional support, counseling and strengthening of the woman's social network was provided. Outcomes were measured at 36 weeks of pregnancy, post-partum and 40 days after delivery. The intervention was not successful in either altering women's perception of social support and satisfaction with the reproductive experience, as well as maternal and newborn's health care. It is concluded that although high levels of psychosocial distress during pregnancy may play an independent role in determining adverse pregnancy outcomes, this adverse effect does not appear to be ameliorated by psychosocial interventions conducted only during pregnancy, particularly those of a magnitude that can be realistically implemented (in content and frequency) at public care services in most developing countries.

Intrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery: the influence of maternal smoking and psychosocial factors

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the influence of psychosocial stress, maternal schooling, social support, psychological well-being, alcohol, and smoking on intrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery.

METHODS

At a Copenhagen university hospital, 2432 pregnant women completed a questionnaire on general health, psychosocial stressors, and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

In 212 cases (8.7%) the women delivered prematurely. Preterm delivery as associated with psychosocial stress (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.14 for each 1-point increase on the psychosocial stressor 5-point scale and 1.92 for the whole scale) and poor school education (adjusted OR=2.62 for 7-9 years of schooling, 1.91 for 10 years, and 1.0 for 11-13 years). In 152 cases (6.3%), infants had a birthweight below the 10th percentile. Intrauterine growth retardation was associated with smoking, daily drinking, school education, and social network variables. In a multiple logistic regression model, intrauterine growth retardation was associated with smoking habits (adjusted OR=2.40 for 0-9 cigarettes daily, 2.68 for 10-15 daily, and 2.88 for more than 15 daily).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial stressors and limited duration of schooling appeared to influence preterm delivery. Smoking habits influenced intrauterine growth retardation.

Home visits during pregnancy: consequences on pregnancy outcome, use of health services, and women's situations

This review of eight randomized controlled trials assessed two different types of home visits during pregnancy: (1) those offering social support to high-risk women; and (2) those providing medical care to women with complications. In both categories, pregnancy outcome was not improved when women received home visits. The summary odds ratio for preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) was 1.0 (95% CI: 0.8 to 1.1). Nor did the home visits decrease the rate of hospital admission for women with complications (mainly threatened preterm labor or toxemia); the corresponding summary odds ratio was 0.9 (95% CI: 0.7 to 1.2). Nevertheless in some trials home visits had positive effects on women (medical knowledge, support levels, health habits, and satisfaction). The randomized controlled trials provide little evidence that programs offering home visits are effective in improving either pregnancy outcome or the use of health services. A better integration of hospital and home services might allow a more rational use of health services for women with complications. In addition, we need to define more precisely the content of home visits providing social support. For this, further research is required on how emotional support, health education, and advice influence the health of women and infants and mother-child interactions.

Psychosocial factors and pregnancy outcome: a review with emphasis on methodological issues

This review focuses on the research concerning the relation between psychosocial factors and pregnancy outcome. The following four outcome measures are dealt with: (1) birth weight, (2) preeclampsia, (3) preterm labour, and (4) intrapartum complications. The most consistent finding concerns the association between maternal exposure to taxing situations and preterm delivery. Three possible pathways are hypothesized: (1) an indirect influence via unhealthy coping and life style behaviour, (2) a direct influence via stress-dependent hormones, and (3) an additional direct influence via psycho-immunological factors. Intervention studies aimed at improving pregnancy outcome show fairly mixed results. It is recommended that studies on the relationship between psychosocial factors and pregnancy outcome should employ a prospective design with due attention to chronic stressors, should include appropriate biochemical assessments, and multivariate techniques are applied.

First Steps: participants and outcomes of a maternity support services program

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of participants in a maternity support program and to compare these characteristics and outcomes with those for women who were eligible for, but did not participate in, the program.

DESIGN

Descriptive, ex post facto.

SETTING

An inland northwest city.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred twenty postpartum patients who received Medicaid during their pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Quantitative data were obtained from a structured interview that gathered demographic information. Subjects also completed the Social Support Apgar, an investigator-designed instrument.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics and overall pregnancy outcomes were similar for program participants and nonparticipants; however, more program participants than nonparticipants quit smoking during their pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings are consistent with results documented by other researchers on the effectiveness of similar programs in different locales. The findings support the need for continued efforts to better define appropriate target populations, interventions, and expectations for these programs.

Preterm birth, low birthweight and the stressfulness of the household role for pregnant women

Whilst there is substantial, if inconclusive, literature on the association between psychosocial factors and birth outcomes, the relationship between persistent stressful aspects of daily life and birth outcomes has not been studied. This paper reports on the association of preterm birth and low birthweight with the psychosocial stresses of the household role. Three hundred and ninety three women who had completed one successful pregnancy (para 1) who booked for antenatal care in a single Glasgow hospital completed questionnaires at 20 and 30 weeks gestation and measures of perceived difficulties with the household role and of the frequency of negative feelings about participation in the role were obtained. Risks of preterm birth and low birthweight were associated with the measures of perceived difficulties at 20 and 30 weeks gestation. The association was strongest for the measure taken at 20 weeks where the odds ratio for those experiencing high levels of perceived difficulty were 2.86 (95% CI = 1.05 - 7.76) for preterm birth and 4.70 (95% CI = 1.53 - 13.38) for low birthweight. Although the frequency of negative feelings about the household role were strongly associated with the level of perceived difficulties, it was not associated with either preterm birth or low birthweight. The gradients of risk associated with problems in the household role were maintained within categories of socio-economic indicators (social class, housing tenure and low income) and self-reported smoking, suggesting that the risks are independent of these other risk factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Psychological distress in pregnancy and preterm delivery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery.

DESIGN

Prospective, population based, follow up study with repeated measures of psychological distress (general health questionnaire), based on the use of questionnaires.

SETTING

Antenatal care clinic and delivery ward, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

SUBJECTS

8719 women with singleton pregnancies attending antenatal care for the initial visit between 1 August 1989 and 30 September 1991; 5872 women (67%) completed all questionnaires.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Preterm delivery. Estimation of gestational age at delivery was mainly based on early ultrasound measurements.

RESULTS

In 197 cases (3.6%) the woman delivered prematurely (less than 259 days). A dose-response relation between psychological distress in the 30th week of pregnancy and risk of preterm delivery was found, but distress measured in the 16th week was not related to preterm delivery. Control of confounding was secured by the use of multivariate logistic regression models. Relative risk for preterm delivery was 1.22 (95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.79) for moderate distress and 1.75 (1.20 to 2.54) for high distress in comparison to low distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological distress later in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Future interventional studies should focus on ways of lowering psychological distress in late pregnancy.

The Latin American trial of psychosocial support during pregnancy: a social intervention evaluated through an experimental design

Perinatal health problems are a public health priority in Latin America. Among the identified risk factors, psychological and social conditions play a crucial role. However, care during pregnancy and delivery in the region is usually hospital-centered and does not address women's psychological and social conditions. The preeminence of research on perinatal health, along with the necessity for testing interventions that represent alternative models to improve women's health, gave the Latin American Network for Perinatal and Reproductive Research grounds to develop a multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate a program of social support and health education during pregnancy. The conceptual framework for this study was based on an ecological model of social support, i.e. a model in which social support and health education play a synergistic role and are meant to modify stressful situations and negative health-related behaviors. The target population consisted of women attending obstetric hospitals before the 22nd gestational week, at high psychological and social risk (n = 2236). The intervention consisted of four to six home visits, carried out by social workers, and had four main components: the reinforcement of pregnant women's social support network, emotional support, health education, and the improvement of health services utilization. The main foci of the intervention were determined after an ethnographic study was carried out to identify stress-producing situations and needs for support during pregnancy. Besides the home visits, the program also offered a hot-line, an office in the hospital, a specially designed poster and booklet, and a 'guided tour' of the health institution. Since this was a multicenter trial, the program's standardization was a crucial methodological aspect that was achieved through the training course for the home-visitors team. Biological and psychosocial outcomes were measured in both experimental and control groups at the 36th week of gestational age, post-partum and at the 40th day after delivery. The attributes of the multicenter population showed an important variability, reflecting differences in the countries or hospitals' population prevalent attributes. The results of the program's implementation were analyzed, demonstrating that home visitors adapted topics discussed during the interviews to the women's conditions and the stage of pregnancy during which the visit took place.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

An assessment of key aetiological factors associated with preterm birth and perinatal mortality

The 4 main causes of preterm births in 303 women with consecutive deliveries in Flinders Medical Centre were premature rupture of the membranes (39%), spontaneous preterm labour (22%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (17%) and antepartum haemorrhage (12%). Premature rupture of the membranes occurred with equal frequency in singleton and multiple pregnancies and there was no difference in the frequency of this cause between the pregnancies with live outcomes and those with perinatal deaths. Spontaneous preterm labour was more common in multiple pregnancies (39%) than in singleton pregnancies (22%). One in 3 of the preterm births and 79% of the pregnancies with perinatal deaths occurred at less than 32 weeks' gestation. As it is unlikely that any single obstetric and social intervention will be able to reduce these causes of preterm birth research must continue to find markers to predict premature rupture of the membranes and spontaneous preterm labour.

Effects of a home visiting program on prenatal care and birthweight: a case comparison study

Recent reports have stressed the importance of social support services to the health and well being of pregnant women and their newborns. The impact of paraprofessional support services on the amount of prenatal care received and birthweight was studied in a sample of 111 low-income women. Paraprofessionals were women who had been on public assistance and successfully attained health and human services for themselves and their infants. They were similar to the patients they served in educational background and ethnicity. A six-week training program prepared them to counsel and assist pregnant women with health and social services, housing, food, transportation and other basic necessities. Women attending a publically-funded prenatal clinic were randomly assigned to a paraprofessional. A comparison group matched for ethnicity, parity and trimester entering prenatal care was also selected. Women followed by a paraprofessional had significantly more prenatal appointments (8.0 vs 6.5 visits) and infants with average higher birthweight (3125 grams) over the matched comparison group (3273 grams). While intensity of contact with a paraprofessional contributed significantly to the amount of prenatal care received by patients of paraprofessionals, the mechanism for improvement in birthweight is unknown.