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Riem MME, Perrykkad K, Watson SJ, Wynter K, van IJzendoorn MH, Galbally M. The role of lack of grandparental support in perinatal depression. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:198-205. [PMID: 38788855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.104] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low social support has been identified as a risk factor for perinatal mental health problems. However, previous studies mainly focused on partner support or general social support and neglected the roles of grandparents. Here, we examine whether a lack of grandparental support is related to increased risk of a diagnosis of perinatal depression. In addition, we examine whether poor grandparental support is related to more depressive symptoms in mothers with and without previously diagnosed perinatal depression and whether perceived grandparental support buffers against parenting difficulties in mothers with perinatal depression. METHODS The sample was drawn from an Australian pregnancy cohort study and consisted of 725 women, including 230 women who met criteria for Major Depression. At 12 months postpartum, women reported on grandparental geographical proximity and hours of grandparental childcare support. Perceived grandparental support was assessed with the Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire and parenting difficulties and depressive symptoms with the Parenting Stress Index and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS Perceived grandparental support was related to fewer depressive symptoms among mothers with perinatal depression. In addition, higher levels of perceived grandparental support were related to lower parenting stress in mothers with and without perinatal depression. LIMITATIONS Intergenerational conflicts and quality of grandparenting were not assessed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that supportive grandparents may prevent the development of more severe perinatal depression in mothers experiencing perinatal mental health problems. Future studies should examine whether involving grandparents in treatment may add to the effectiveness of existing perinatal mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon M E Riem
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kelsey Perrykkad
- Centre for Women's and Children's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J Watson
- Centre for Women's and Children's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Karen Wynter
- Centre for Women's and Children's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Centre for Women's and Children's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan Galbally
- Centre for Women's and Children's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
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Airhihenbuwa CO, Ford C, Iwelunmor J, Griffith DM, Ameen K, Murray T, Nwaozuru U. Decolonization and antiracism: intersecting pathways to global health equity. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38959185 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2024.2371429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, as Black scholars, we address ways that interventions designed to promote equity in health can create pathways for coupling decolonization with antiracism by drawing on the intersection of the health of Africans and African Americans. To frame this intersection, we offer the Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP) and the PEN-3 Cultural Model as antiracism and decolonization tools that can jointly advance research on colonization and racism globally. We argue that racism is a global reality; PHCRP, an antiracism framework, and PEN-3, a decolonizing framework, can guide interventions to promote equity for Africans and African Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandra Ford
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Khadijah Ameen
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Teri Murray
- Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Chua JYX, Choolani M, Chee CYI, Yi H, Chan YH, Lalor JG, Chong YS, Shorey S. Parents' Perceptions of Their Parenting Journeys and a Mobile App Intervention (Parentbot-A Digital Healthcare Assistant): Qualitative Process Evaluation. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e56894. [PMID: 38905628 PMCID: PMC11226932 DOI: 10.2196/56894] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents experience many challenges during the perinatal period. Mobile app-based interventions and chatbots show promise in delivering health care support for parents during the perinatal period. OBJECTIVE This descriptive qualitative process evaluation study aims to explore the perinatal experiences of parents in Singapore, as well as examine the user experiences of the mobile app-based intervention with an in-built chatbot titled Parentbot-a Digital Healthcare Assistant (PDA). METHODS A total of 20 heterosexual English-speaking parents were recruited via purposive sampling from a single tertiary hospital in Singapore. The parents (control group: 10/20, 50%; intervention group: 10/20, 50%) were also part of an ongoing randomized trial between November 2022 and August 2023 that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PDA in improving parenting outcomes. Semistructured one-to-one interviews were conducted via Zoom from February to June 2023. All interviews were conducted in English, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was guided by the thematic analysis framework. The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was used to guide the reporting of data. RESULTS Three themes with 10 subthemes describing parents' perceptions of their parenting journeys and their experiences with the PDA were identified. The main themes were (1) new babies, new troubles, and new wonders; (2) support system for the parents; and (3) reshaping perinatal support for future parents. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the PDA provided parents with informational, socioemotional, and psychological support and could be used to supplement the perinatal care provided for future parents. To optimize users' experience with the PDA, the intervention could be equipped with a more sophisticated chatbot, equipped with more gamification features, and programmed to deliver personalized care to parents. Researchers and health care providers could also strive to promote more peer-to-peer interactions among users. The provision of continuous, holistic, and family-centered care by health care professionals could also be emphasized. Moreover, policy changes regarding maternity and paternity leaves, availability of infant care centers, and flexible work arrangements could be further explored to promote healthy work-family balance for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Yan Xin Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cornelia Yin Ing Chee
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huso Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Yap Seng Chong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Chen Y, Guo Y, Wu Y, Medina A, Zhou H, Darmstadt GL. Maternal empowerment, feeding knowledge, and infant nutrition: Evidence from rural China. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04094. [PMID: 38845456 PMCID: PMC11157471 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal empowerment - the capacity to make decisions within households - is linked to better child feeding and nutritional outcomes, but few studies have considered the mediating role of caregiver knowledge. Further, existing literature centres primarily on the husband-wife dyad while overlooking grandmothers as important childcare decision-makers. Methods We collected primary data through household surveys in 2019 and 2021 from 1190 households with infants zero to six months living in rural western China. We identified the primary and secondary caregivers for each infant and assessed their feeding knowledge and practices, as well as infant nutritional status. We constructed a maternal empowerment index using a seven-item decision-making questionnaire and examined the relationship between maternal empowerment in childcare and household decisions, caregivers' feeding knowledge, and infant feeding practices and nutritional outcomes. Results Mothers had significantly higher levels of feeding knowledge than secondary caregivers (most were grandmothers, 72.7%), with average knowledge scores of 5.4 vs. 4.1, respectively, out of 9. Mothers and secondary caregivers with higher levels of feeding knowledge had significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates by 13-15 percentage points (P < 0.01) and 11-13 percentage points (P < 0.01), respectively. The knowledge of secondary caregivers was even more strongly associated with not feeding formula (15 percentage points, P < 0.01). Mothers empowered to make childcare decisions were more likely to exclusively breastfeed (12-13 percentage points, P < 0.01), less likely to formula feed (9-10 percentage points, P < 0.05), and more likely to have children with higher Z-scores for length-for-age (0.32-0.33, P < 0.01) and weight-for-age (0.24-0.25, P < 0.05). Effects remained after controlling for maternal feeding knowledge. Conclusions While mothers' and grandmothers' feeding knowledge was both important for optimal infant feeding, grandmothers' knowledge was particularly critical for practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Given the disparity in feeding knowledge between the two caregivers, our study further shows that mothers empowered in childcare decision-making were more likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants. This implies that some mothers with adequate knowledge may not practice optimal feeding because of lower decision-making power. Overall, our study highlights the role of secondary caregivers (grandmothers) in infant care and suggests that future child nutritional interventions may benefit from involving secondary caregivers (grandmothers). Registration Parent trial registration: ISRCTN16800789.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yian Guo
- Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yuju Wu
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Alexis Medina
- Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Gary L Darmstadt
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Chapman AJ, Ebido CC, Tening RN, Huang Y, Sougou NM, Kolopaking R, Diallo AH, Anggorowati R, Dial FB, Massonnié J, Firoozmand M, Niang CEHA, Harder MK. Creating culturally-informed protocols for a stunting intervention using a situated values-based approach (WeValue InSitu): a double case study in Indonesia and Senegal. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:987. [PMID: 38589810 PMCID: PMC11003100 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18485-y] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
International development work involves external partners bringing expertise, resources, and management for local interventions in LMICs, but there is often a gap in understandings of relevant local shared values. There is a widespread need to better design interventions which accommodate relevant elements of local culture, as emphasised by recent discussions in global health research regarding neo-colonialism. One recent innovation is the concept of producing 'cultural protocols' to precede and guide community engagement or intervention design, but without suggestions for generating them. This study explores and demonstrates the potential of an approach taken from another field, named WeValue InSitu, to generate local culturally-informed protocols. WeValue InSitu engages stakeholder groups in meaning-making processes which 'crystallize' their envelope of local shared values, making them communicable to outsiders.Our research context is understanding and reducing child stunting, including developing interventions, carried out at the Senegal and Indonesia sites of the UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub. Each national research team involves eight health disciplines from micro-nutrition to epigenetics, and extensive collection of samples and questionnaires. Local culturally-informed protocols would be generally valuable to pre-inform engagement and intervention designs. Here we explore generating them by immediately following the group WeValue InSitu crystallization process with specialised focus group discussions exploring: what local life practices potentially have significant influence on the environments affecting child stunting, and which cultural elements do they highlight as relevant. The discussions will be framed by the shared values, and reveal linkages to them. In this study, stakeholder groups like fathers, mothers, teachers, market traders, administrators, farmers and health workers were recruited, totalling 83 participants across 20 groups. Themes found relevant for a culturally-informed protocol for locally-acceptable food interventions included: specific gender roles; social hierarchies; health service access challenges; traditional beliefs around malnutrition; and attitudes to accepting outside help. The concept of a grounded culturally-informed protocol, and the use of WeValue InSitu to generate it, has thus been demonstrated here. Future work to scope out the advantages and limitations compared to deductive culture studies, and to using other formative research methods would now be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel J Chapman
- Values & Sustainability Research Group, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Chike C Ebido
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Rahel Neh Tening
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ndèye Marème Sougou
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Risatianti Kolopaking
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON) Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Amadou H Diallo
- International Research Laboratory (IRL 3189) Environnement santé et sociétés/CNRS/UCAD, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Rita Anggorowati
- Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON) Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Records and Health Information, Faculty of Health and Technology, Universitas Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Fatou B Dial
- Laboratory of Cultural Anthropology, IFAN, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Jessica Massonnié
- School of Education, Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
- Department of Learning and Leadership, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mahsa Firoozmand
- Values & Sustainability Research Group, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Marie K Harder
- Values & Sustainability Research Group, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Sear R. Whales make waves in the quest to discover why menopause evolved. Nature 2024; 627:496-497. [PMID: 38480938 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
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Gasperowicz M, Benzies KM. Association between social relationship of mentors and depressive symptoms in first-time mothers during the transition from pregnancy to 6-months postpartum. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol 2024; 10:4. [PMID: 38303052 PMCID: PMC10835957 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-024-00175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND First-time motherhood is characterized by high psychosocial distress, which untreated, has serious consequences. Informal social support provided by specially trained mentors may be protective against postpartum depressive symptoms but may vary by women's social relationship with the mentor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of types of mentors on women's depressive symptoms between late pregnancy to 6-months postpartum and the characteristics of women associated with mentor type. METHODS This study was a secondary analysis of data from a community sample of 312 primiparous women from a single-group, longitudinal intervention study of Welcome to Parenthood. Welcome to Parenthood provided education and mentorship for women during the transition from pregnancy to postpartum. Women completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in late pregnancy, and 2- and 6-months postpartum. RESULTS Women who recently relocated were less likely to be mentored by their mothers and more likely to be mentored by friends or volunteers. Women who were mentored by their mothers or sisters scored the lowest on the EPDS; those mentored by their mothers-in-law scored the highest. Women who were mentored by other family, friends, or volunteers scored between the two extremes. EPDS scores of women mentored by each type of mentor decreased from pregnancy to 6-months postpartum; only for mother-, sister-, and volunteer-mentored groups was this decrease significant. CONCLUSIONS During transition to parenthood, support provided by mothers or sisters is best for women's mental health but may not always be available to women who have recently relocated. In such situations, specially trained community volunteers may be the second-best option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Gasperowicz
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, PF3280C - 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Karen M Benzies
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, PF3280C - 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Newman A. Grandmother-inclusive intergenerational approaches: the missing piece of the puzzle for ending FGM/C by 2030? FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1196068. [PMID: 37538352 PMCID: PMC10394619 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1196068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
This brief argues that "grandmother-exclusionary bias" - or the side-lining of female elders as change agents within FGM/C programmes - represents a major obstacle to eradication of these practices. Grandmother-exclusionary bias is prevalent within FGM/C policy and programming. Yet, it goes against evidence of the extensive authority and decision-making roles that grandmothers wield in relation to FGM/C in sub-Saharan Africa, and insights from systems theory and meta-evaluations of FGM/C eradication efforts which stress that sustained change requires engaging those who wield authority over gender and social norms. We use postcolonial and decolonial theory to explain the assumptions about grandmothers which underpin grandmother-exclusionary bias. Finally, we provide recommendations for designing grandmother-inclusive, intergenerational community-led programmes based on a strategy empirically proven to shift social norms underpinning FGM/C.
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Udenigwe O, Okonofua FE, Ntoimo LFC, Yaya S. Seeking maternal health care in rural Nigeria: through the lens of negofeminism. Reprod Health 2023; 20:103. [PMID: 37461037 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01647-3] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feminist scholarship is acutely aware that health is not dependent on behavioural choices alone but on interlocking social determinants that affect people's capacity to lead healthy lives. Women are situated within social structures that impact their health. but there is limited engagement with interpretive tools such as feminist theories that centre the realities of African women, particularly in the context of maternal health. It is imperative that women's control over their reproductive health and autonomy in seeking care, particularly skilled maternal healthcare are understood within this context. This study seeks to examine pregnant women's socio-cultural realities in a Nigerian context and in congruence with articulations of African feminism. Feminist scholarship acknowledges that women are situated within social structures that impact their health. Therefore, this paper seeks to examine pregnant women's socio-cultural realities in a Nigerian context and in congruence with articulations of African feminism. METHOD This is a cross-sectional qualitative study of a total of 64 participants: 39 women and 25 men in Ewato and Okpekpe communities, two Local Government Areas of Edo State in southern Nigeria. The study presents findings from eight sex-and-age desegregated focus group discussions. This study reports on emergent data related to women's decision-making in accessing skilled maternal care. Data were transcribed and translated to English. Using the NVivo 1.6 software, data were coded and analyzed using a conventional approach to content analysis. RESULTS Findings describe ways in which women negotiate authority by ascribing the role of decision-maker to their men spouses while maintaining influence over their pregnancy healthcare decisions and actions. Negofeminism's concepts of alliance, community and connectedness were highlighted through men's constructive involvement in maternal health. Furthermore, women were shown to maneuver patriarchal norms to gain control of their healthcare decisions. CONCLUSION This study offers a different narrative from the dominant view of non-Western women, specifically African women, as oppressed passive victims who are ineffectual in taking charge of their health. From the perspective of negofeminism, women navigate patriarchal environments to yield the best possible maternal health outcomes. The current study can be useful in informing policy and programming that acknowledges women's social embeddedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu Udenigwe
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Friday E Okonofua
- Women's Health and Action Research Centre, KM 11 Lagos-Benin Expressway, Igue-Iyeha, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
- Centre for Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Lorretta F C Ntoimo
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Km 3 Oye-Are Road, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Marphatia AA, Busert-Sebela LK, Gram L, Cortina-Borja M, Reid AM, Manandhar DS, Wells JCK, Saville NM. Maternal mental health and economic autonomy in lowland rural Nepal: Do parents-in-law provide constraint or support? Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:229-243. [PMID: 37475838 PMCID: PMC10355796 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives In patrilocal societies, married women typically co-reside with their parents-in-law, who may act in their son's reproductive interests. These relationships may shape maternal mental health and autonomy. Few studies have examined these dynamics from an evolutionary perspective. Theoretically, marital kin may increase their fitness by increasing maternal investment or by reducing paternity uncertainty. We explored how co-residence with parents-in-law and husband is associated with maternal outcomes to evaluate whether marital kin provide support or constraint. Methodology We analysed data from 444 households in rural lowland Nepal. Maternal mental health was assessed by General Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression models investigated whether, relative to mothers living with both husband and parents-in-law, those co-resident with other combinations of relatives had poorer mental health and lower household economic autonomy (decision-making, bargaining power), adjusting for socio-economic confounders. Results Co-residence with husband only, or neither husband nor parents-in-law, was associated with higher odds of mothers reporting feeling worthless and losing sleep but also earning income and making household expenditure decisions. Husband co-residence was associated with overall maternal distress but also with less unpaid care work and greater decision-making responsibility. There were no differences in maternal outcomes for mothers living with parents-in-law only, relative to those living with both husbands and parents-in-law. Conclusions and implications Co-residence of parents-in-law and husbands was associated with contrasting patterns of maternal mental health and economic autonomy. We suggest that different marital kin place different economic demands on mothers, while restricting their autonomy in different ways as forms of 'mate-guarding'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lu Gram
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mario Cortina-Borja
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alice M Reid
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jonathan C K Wells
- Corresponding author. Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK. Tel: +44 020 7905 2104; E-mail:
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Riem MME, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Cima M, van IJzendoorn MH. Grandparental Support and Maternal Postpartum Mental Health : A Review and Meta-Analysis. HUMAN NATURE (HAWTHORNE, N.Y.) 2023; 34:25-45. [PMID: 36750511 PMCID: PMC9905757 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-023-09440-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Support from grandparents plays a role in mothers' perinatal mental health. However, previous research on maternal mental health has mainly focused on influences of partner support or general social support and neglected the roles of grandparents. In this narrative review and meta-analysis, the scientific evidence on the association between grandparental support and maternal perinatal mental health is reviewed. Searches in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycINFO yielded 11 empirical studies on N = 3381 participants, reporting on 35 effect sizes. A multilevel approach to meta-analysis was applied to test the association between grandparental support and maternal mental health. The results showed a small, statistically significant association (r = .16; 95% CI: 0.09-0.25). A moderator test indicated that the association was stronger for studies reporting on support from the maternal grandmother in particular (r = .23; 95% CI: 0.06-0.29). Our findings suggest that involved grandparents, in particular mother's own mother, constitute a protective factor for the development of maternal postpartum mental health problems. These findings have clear implications for interventions. Future studies should examine whether stimulating high-quality support from grandparents is a fruitful avenue for enhancing maternal postpartum mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon M E Riem
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Cima
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, University of London, London, UK
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Dill SE, Guo Y, Westgard CM, Medina A, Weber AM, Darmstadt GL, Zhou H, Rozelle S, Sylvia S. Effect of the mHealth-supported Healthy Future programme delivered by community health workers on maternal and child health in rural China: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065403. [PMID: 36669837 PMCID: PMC9872510 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Millions of young rural children in China still suffer from poor health and malnutrition, partly due to a lack of knowledge about optimal perinatal and child care among rural mothers and caregivers. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to improve maternal mental health in rural communities. Comprehensive home visiting programmes delivered by community health workers (CHWs) can bridge the caregiver knowledge gap and improve child health and maternal well-being in low-resource settings, but the effectiveness of this approach is unknown in rural China. Additionally, grandmothers play important roles in child care and family decision-making in rural China, suggesting the importance of engaging multiple caregivers in interventions. The Healthy Future programme seeks to improve child health and maternal well-being by developing a staged-based curriculum that CHWs deliver to mothers and caregivers of young children through home visits with the assistance of a tablet-based mHealth system. This protocol describes the design and evaluation plan for this programme. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We designed a cluster-randomised controlled trial among 119 rural townships in four nationally designated poverty counties in Southwestern China. We will compare the outcomes between three arms: one standard arm with only primary caregivers participating in the intervention, one encouragement arm engaging primary and secondary caregivers and one control arm with no intervention. Families with pregnant women or infants under 6 months of age are invited to enrol in the 12-month study. Primary outcomes include children's haemoglobin levels, exclusive breastfeeding rates and dietary diversity in complementary feeding. Secondary outcomes include a combination of health, behavioural and intermediate outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been provided by Stanford University, Sichuan University and the University of Nevada, Reno. Trial findings will be disseminated through national and international peer-reviewed publications and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN16800789.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yuju Wu
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sarah-Eve Dill
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yian Guo
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Michael Westgard
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexis Medina
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ann M Weber
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Gary L Darmstadt
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Huan Zhou
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Scott Rozelle
- Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sean Sylvia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Antelman G, Ferla J, Gill MM, Hoffman HJ, Komba T, Abubakar A, Remes P, Jahanpour O, Mariki M, Mang’enya MA, van de Ven R. Effectiveness of an integrated multilevel early child development intervention on caregiver knowledge and behavior: a quasi-experimental evaluation of the Malezi program in Tanzania. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:19. [PMID: 36600280 PMCID: PMC9811787 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14956-2] [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] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of caregiving and the parent-child relationship is critical for early child development (ECD) and has been shown to be modifiable. This study evaluated an ECD project in Tanzania, assessing the effectiveness of radio messaging (RM) alone and a combined radio messaging/video job aids/ECD (RMV-ECD) intervention. METHODS This two-arm pre-post evaluation study enrolled a cohort of caregivers of children 0-24 months in four districts of Tabora region, following them for 9 months. ECD radio messages were broadcast on popular stations at least 10 times/day reaching all study districts. In two districts, community health workers (CHW), trained in UNICEF's Care for Child Development package, used ECD videos in home- and facility-based sessions with caregivers. We used McNemar's testing (pre-post pairs) within intervention group to describe how the intervention was associated with change in five outcomes: ECD knowledge, early stimulation, father engagement, responsive care, and environment safety. Logistic regression was used to describe the relative benefits of the combined intervention package (RMV-ECD) compared to radio messaging (RM). RESULTS In the RMV-ECD arm, all outcomes at endline except environment safety significantly improved after the intervention with the largest change seen in ECD knowledge (35.8% increase, p < .0001) and the smallest in father engagement (6.7%, p = .015). In the RM arm, ECD knowledge (5.7%, p = .031) and environment safety (18.1%, p = <.0001) improved. High measures of parenting stress were associated with lower likelihood of having good ECD knowledge (AOR 0.50, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.71), father engagement (AOR 0.72, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.99) and responsive care (AOR 0.31, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.54). CONCLUSIONS An intervention that includes mass media, educational video content and CHWs who counsel caregivers in their homes and health facilities was associated with significant improvements in ECD parenting knowledge and behaviors but a relationship with responsive care could not be established. The less costly mass media-only intervention was associated with improved parenting knowledge and household environment safety. Parenting interventions targeting young children could be improved by incorporating more messaging and caregiver coaching in managing parental stress. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05244161 (17/02/2022); retrospectively registered with the US National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Antelman
- grid.463111.0Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Josephine Ferla
- grid.463111.0Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michelle M. Gill
- grid.420931.d0000 0000 8810 9764Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, USA
| | - Heather J. Hoffman
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health Washington DC, Washington DC, USA
| | - Teopista Komba
- grid.463111.0Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amina Abubakar
- grid.470490.eInstitute for Human Development Aga Khan University (South-Central Asia, East Africa, UK), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pieter Remes
- Development Media International, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Ola Jahanpour
- grid.463111.0Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Martha Mariki
- President’s Office Regional and Local Government, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mary A. Mang’enya
- grid.415734.00000 0001 2185 2147Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Roland van de Ven
- grid.463111.0Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Yan SD, S D S, Desai M, Delaney MM, Bobanski L, Rajkumar N, Murthy S, Henrich N. Qualitative assessment of family caregiver-centered neonatal education program in Karnataka, India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000524. [PMID: 36962764 PMCID: PMC10022017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Globally 2.5 million newborns die every year before they reach the age of one month; the majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Among other factors, inadequate knowledge and skills to take care of newborns contribute to these deaths. To fill this gap, training patients and family members on the behaviors needed to improve essential newborn care practices at home is a promising opportunity. One program that aims to do this is the Care Companion Program (CCP) which provides in-hospital, skills-based training on care of mothers and newborns to families. This study uses semi-structured interviews to understand how and why knowledge and behaviors of maternal and newborn care behaviors change (or don't change) as a result of CCP sessions and participants' perception of the impact of CCP on change. Interviews focused on knowledge and behaviors around key neonatal and newborn topics and health seeking behaviors for health complications. Forty-two in-depth interviews were conducted among families with recently-delivered babies at their homes from four districts in Karnataka, India. Respondents have a positive perception about CCP, found training useful and appreciated other family members presence during the training. CCP increased knowledge and awareness and provided critical details to key behaviors like breastfeeding. Respondents were more likely to be receptive toward details on already known topics, like hand washing before touching the baby. Awareness increased on newly learned behaviors, like skin-to-skin care, which don't conflict with cultural norms. The CCP did not influence nonrestrictive maternal diet as much, which cultural norms heavily influence. In-hospital family caregiver education programs, like CCP, can positively influence key neonatal behaviors by imparting knowledge and key skills. However, the effect is not universal across health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley D Yan
- Noora Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sahana S D
- Aurora Health Innovations, Bengaluru, India
| | - Meghna Desai
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Megan Marx Delaney
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lauren Bobanski
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - N Rajkumar
- Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Services, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Natalie Henrich
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Mengesha EW, Tessema GA, Assefa Y, Alene GD. Social capital and its role to improve maternal and child health services in Northwest Ethiopia: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284592. [PMID: 37083885 PMCID: PMC10120927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social capital is a set of shared values that allows individuals or groups receive emotional, instrumental or financial resources flow. In Ethiopia, despite people commonly involved in social networks, there is a dearth of evidence exploring whether membership in these networks enhances uptake of maternal and child health (MCH) services. This study aimed to explore perspectives of women, religious leaders and community health workers (CHWs) on social capital to improve uptake of MCH services in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS We employed a qualitative study through in-depth interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions. A maximum variation purposive sampling technique was used to select 41 study participants (11 in-depth interviews and 4 FGDs comprising 7-8 participants). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was employed using ATLAS.ti software. RESULTS Four overarching themes and 13 sub-themes of social capital were identified as factors that improve uptake of MCH services. The identified themes were social networking, social norms, community support, and community cohesion. Most women, CHWs and religious leaders participated in social networks. These social networks enabled CHWs to create awareness on MCH services. Women, religious leaders and CHWs perceived that existing social capital improves the uptake of MCH services. CONCLUSION The community has an indigenous culture of providing emotional, instrumental and social support to women through social networks. So, it would be useful to consider the social capital of family, neighborhood and community as a tool to improve utilization of MCH services. Therefore, policymakers should design people-centered health programs to engage existing social networks, and religious leaders for improving MCH services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endalkachew Worku Mengesha
- Department of Reproductive Health and Population Studies, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew A Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Getu Degu Alene
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Mwakawanga DL, Mwilike B, Kaneko M, Shimpuku Y. Local knowledge and derived practices of safety during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum: a qualitative study among nurse-midwives in urban eastern Tanzania. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e068216. [PMID: 36521900 PMCID: PMC9756159 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and newborn mortality are still high in low-income and middle-income countries despite global efforts to improve the quality of care by prioritising evidence-based practices and increasing the number of births attended by skilled personnel. During childbirth, women are hesitant to use the health facility services. Concerns about safety and risks during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period are deeply rooted in local health practices and beliefs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of local health knowledge and derived practices among nurse-midwives in urban eastern Tanzania. METHODS An exploratory qualitative study design was carried out in a district hospital in eastern Tanzania. Twenty-one nurse-midwives participated in two focus group discussions. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Based on existing scientific data, local knowledge and derived practices were categorised as potentially beneficial, neither beneficial nor harmful and potentially harmful. Our study identified a wide range of local knowledge and derived practices used by women. These include to refrain from shouting or crying to prevent exhaustion during labour, drinks and foods restrictions during labour and after birth, and use of local herbs to stimulate labour. In addition, midwives reinforced the importance of integrating local knowledge and practices with potential benefits with evidence-based practices. Encouraging and listening to women would offer an opportunity to reduce harmful practices. CONCLUSIONS While non-harmful and beneficial practices for ensuring safety during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period should be accepted and supported as a part of our cultural richness, harmful practices should be discouraged. This can be achieved through antenatal health education and afterbirth health messages on hospital discharge to promote positive childbirth health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorkasi L Mwakawanga
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Global Health Nursing, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Beatrice Mwilike
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Morie Kaneko
- Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies, Center for African Area Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Shimpuku
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Global Health Nursing, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Foong SC, Foong WC, Tan ML, Ho JJ, Omer-Salim A. A Participatory, Needs-Based Approach to Breastfeeding Training for Confinement Centres. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10914. [PMID: 36078639 PMCID: PMC9517788 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With a focus on traditional practices rather than evidence-based practices, breastfeeding support is sub-optimal in confinement centres (CCs). We used a participatory, needs-based approach to develop a training module for CC staff adopting Kern's six-step approach as our conceptual framework. Of 46 identified CCs, 25 accepted our invitation to a dialogue aimed at establishing relationships and understanding their needs. An interactive training workshop was developed from the dialogue's findings. The workshop, attended by 32 CCs (101 participants), was conducted four times over a four-month period. Questions raised by the participants reflected deficits in understanding breastfeeding concepts and erroneous cultural beliefs. Correct answers rose from 20% pre-test to 51% post-test. Post-workshop feedback showed that participants appreciated the safe environment to ask questions, raise concerns and correct misconceptions. An interview conducted 14 months later showed that while some CCs improved breastfeeding support, others made no change due to conflict between breastfeeding and traditional postnatal practices, which was aggravated by a lack of support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A participatory approach established a trustful learning environment, helping CCs appreciate the value of learning and adopting new concepts. However, cultural perceptions take time to change, hence continuous training and support are vital for sustained changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Cheng Foong
- Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
| | - Wai Cheng Foong
- Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
| | - May Loong Tan
- Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
| | - Jacqueline J. Ho
- Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (Formerly Penang Medical College), George Town 10450, Malaysia
| | - Amal Omer-Salim
- World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, George Town 10850, Malaysia
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Bektas G, Boelsma F, Gündüz M, Klaassen EN, Seidell JC, Wesdorp CL, Dijkstra SC. A qualitative study on the perspectives of Turkish mothers and grandmothers in the Netherlands regarding the influence of grandmothers on health related practices in the first 1000 days of a child's life. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1364. [PMID: 35842646 PMCID: PMC9287533 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the importance of the first 1000 days of a child's life in terms of laying the foundations for healthy growth and development, parents are a logical target group for supporting health-related practices with regard to young children. However, little attention is paid to the influence of the wider social community on the health and development of young children during this crucial period. This includes grandmothers, who often have a significant influence on health-related practices of their grandchildren. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the influence of grandmothers on health related practices of their grandchildren during the first 1000 days, from the perspectives of both grandmothers and mothers with a Turkish background. METHOD This qualitative study in the Netherlands collected data during focus group discussions with grandmothers (N = 3), interviews with grandmothers (N = 18) and interviews with mothers (N = 16), all with a Turkish background. Data was collected in the period between June 2019 and April 2021 and analysed using a thematic content analysis. RESULTS The influence of grandmothers and the wider social community on health related practices during the first 1000 days of a child's life is substantial and self-evident. The support of grandmothers is often rooted in various socio-cultural norms and practices. The mothers of young children can experience the guidance and pressure they receive from grandmothers and the wider social community as quite stressful. Conflicting views and practices tend to arise between grandmothers and mothers when a grandmother babysits. Both mothers and grandmothers often find it difficult to discuss these differences openly, for fear this might lead to a family conflict. CONCLUSION This study shows that grandmothers and the wider social community play an influential role in supporting a healthy first 1000 days of a child's life. The strong involvement of grandmothers may lead to tension between the mothers and grandmothers when their ideas about healthy practices are not in agreement and may lead to unhealthy practices. In targeting this wider social community, it is important to consider the various socio-cultural factors that underlie the advice, support, practices and beliefs of the individuals involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülcan Bektas
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorstraat 7, BT, 1081, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Femke Boelsma
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorstraat 7, BT, 1081, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Meryem Gündüz
- Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dokter Meurerlaan 8, 1067, SM, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva N Klaassen
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorstraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob C Seidell
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorstraat 7, BT, 1081, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carline L Wesdorp
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorstraat 7, BT, 1081, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Coosje Dijkstra
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorstraat 7, BT, 1081, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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McClintic EE, Ellis A, Ogutu EA, Caruso BA, Ventura SG, Arriola KRJ, Kowalski AJ, Linabarger M, Wodnik BK, Muga R, Freeman MC, Girard AW. Application of the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, and Behavior (COM-B) Change Model to Formative Research for Child Nutrition in Western Kenya. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac104. [PMID: 35898312 PMCID: PMC9314706 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Interventions aimed at improving dietary intake and feeding practices have alone proven insufficient for combatting stunting resulting from poor nutrition and repeated infections. Objectives To support the development of an integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition, social, and behavior change strategy aimed at reducing stunting, formative research was conducted in 2 program sites in western Kenya. Methods Twenty-nine key informant interviews were conducted with community leaders, health workers, and project staff, and 24 focus group discussions with caregivers of children under 2 y on topics related to feeding, sanitation, and hygiene behaviors. Three frameworks informed the study design and analysis of our formative research: the Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations model for behavior change, which identifies what needs to change in order for behavior change interventions to be effective; the Grandmother Project's Change Through Culture Approach, which values the important role of influential household and community members in producing household health; and Starr and Fornoff's approach to Theory of Change development. Results Caregivers exhibited sufficient psychological capabilities (knowledge and skills) for many of the key maternal and infant nutrition behaviors. However, reflective motivation to perform optimal behaviors was undermined by limitations in physical and social opportunities, including limited time and competing priorities for mothers, limited accessibility and availability of diverse foods, low self-efficacy for exclusive breastfeeding, and fears of negative consequences related to specific foods and recommended practices. Conclusions Interventions that aim to improve maternal and child diets should address the underlying social, cultural, and environmental determinants that contribute to motivations and opportunities to perform recommended practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Ewart McClintic
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Ellis
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily A Ogutu
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sandra Gomez Ventura
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kimberly R Jacob Arriola
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alysse J Kowalski
- Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Molly Linabarger
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Breanna K Wodnik
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Matthew C Freeman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amy Webb Girard
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
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Schneiders ML, Phou M, Tun V, Kelley M, Parker M, Turner C. Grandparent caregiving in Cambodian skip-generation households: Roles and impact on child nutrition. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17 Suppl 1:e13169. [PMID: 34241960 PMCID: PMC8269139 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to understand nutrition-related roles, responsibilities and ethical issues of grandparents caring for their grandchildren in skip-generation households in rural Cambodia. Over the past decade, Cambodia has experienced a rise in economic migration of working age populations. This has resulted in increasing numbers of 'skip-generation' households, in which grandparents and grandchildren co-reside without parents, reflecting potential household vulnerability. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with Cambodian grandparents who were primary caregivers to grandchildren for six months or longer. A total of 39 grandparents were recruited at two sites in north-west Cambodia. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in Khmer and were recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Grandparents in this study looked after an average of three children, aged between two months and 18 years old. Overall, 40% were sole caregivers. Analysis showed that grandparents, particularly grandmothers, played a central role in their grandchildren's health and nutrition. Although grandchildren's health and nutrition were a major priority to grandparents, they reported facing significant challenges to safeguard their grandchildren's and their own nutritional needs. As a result, grandparents frequently faced difficult ethical trade-offs and prioritised their grandchildren's health and nutrition over their own. This study highlights that in order to improve child nutrition, policies and interventions need to be designed in ways that support and enable grandparent caregivers to meet their grandchildren's health and nutritional needs without neglecting their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Leonie Schneiders
- Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research BuildingUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Maly Phou
- FHI 360 Cambodia OfficePhnom PenhCambodia
| | - Vira Tun
- HelpAge CambodiaBattambangCambodia
| | - Maureen Kelley
- Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Michael Parker
- Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Claudia Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research BuildingUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Angkor Hospital for ChildrenSiem ReapCambodia
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research UnitAngkor Hospital for ChildrenSiem ReapCambodia
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Sear R. The male breadwinner nuclear family is not the 'traditional' human family, and promotion of this myth may have adverse health consequences. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200020. [PMID: 33938277 PMCID: PMC8090810 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of social support for parental and child health and wellbeing is not yet sufficiently widely recognized. The widespread myth in Western contexts that the male breadwinner-female homemaker nuclear family is the 'traditional' family structure leads to a focus on mothers alone as the individuals with responsibility for child wellbeing. Inaccurate perceptions about the family have the potential to distort academic research and public perceptions, and hamper attempts to improve parental and child health. These perceptions may have arisen partly from academic research in disciplines that focus on the Western middle classes, where this particular family form was idealized in the mid-twentieth century, when many of these disciplines were developing their foundational research. By contrast, evidence from disciplines that take a cross-cultural or historical perspective shows that in most human societies, multiple individuals beyond the mother are typically involved in raising children: in evolutionary anthropology, it is now widely accepted that we have evolved a strategy of cooperative reproduction. Expecting mothers to care for children with little support, while expecting fathers to provide for their families with little support, is, therefore, likely to lead to adverse health consequences for mothers, fathers and children. Incorporating evidence-based evolutionary, and anthropological, perspectives into research on health is vital if we are to ensure the wellbeing of individuals across a wide range of contexts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Multidisciplinary perspectives on social support and maternal-child health'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sear
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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