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Stoke R, Crawford K, Jardine L, Kumar S. Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements is independent of infant size. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 64:79-86. [PMID: 38237047 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27587] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal movements are often used as a surrogate for fetal wellbeing. Previous research suggests a link between maternal perception of decreased fetal movements (DFM) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal presentation with DFM and birth-weight centile categories at a large Australian perinatal center. METHODS This was a retrospective study of non-anomalous singleton infants born at ≥ 28 + 0 weeks' gestation between January 2016 and October 2020 at the Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. The primary outcome was the rate of DFM according to birth-weight centile category. Maternal demographic characteristics included age, body mass index, ethnicity, parity, medical conditions and previous stillbirth. The association between DFM and birth-weight centile was evaluated using adjusted multinomial regression models. Robust standard errors were used to account for clustering at the patient level. Wald tests and Akaike's and Bayesian information criteria were used to evaluate models. RESULTS Over the 5-year study period, 45 042 women met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 6690 (14.9%) women presented with DFM. Of the DFM cohort, 80.9% (5411/6690) had only one presentation with DFM, and 19.1% (1279/6690) had two or more presentations. The overall stillbirth rate was similar in women with DFM (0.1% (8/6690)) and those without DFM (0.1% (50/38 352)). There was no association between DFM (either single or multiple) and infant birth-weight centile. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that presentation with DFM is not associated with infant size. Clinicians should consider additional risk factors and the overall clinical context when deciding appropriate management. DFM is not necessarily an indication for an immediate or urgent ultrasound scan to assess fetal size. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Stoke
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - K Crawford
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Jardine
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Hayes DJL, Devane D, Dumville JC, Gordijn SJ, Smith V, Walsh T, Heazell AEP. Development of core outcome sets for studies relating to awareness and clinical management of reduced fetal movement. BJOG 2024; 131:64-70. [PMID: 37394688 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to create core outcome sets (COSs) for use in research studies relating to the awareness and clinical management of reduced fetal movement (RFM). DESIGN Delphi survey and consensus process. SETTING International. POPULATION A total of 128 participants (40 parents, 19 researchers and 65 clinicians) from 16 countries. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to identify outcomes in studies of interventions relating to the awareness and the clinical management of RFM. Using these outcomes as a preliminary list, stakeholders rated the importance of these outcomes for inclusion in COSs for studies of: (i) awareness of RFM; and (ii) clinical management of RFM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Preliminary lists of outcomes were discussed at consensus meetings where two COSs (one for studies of RFM awareness and one for studies of clinical management of RFM). RESULTS The first round of the Delphi survey was completed by 128 participants, 66% of whom (n = 84) completed all three rounds. Fifty outcomes identified by the systematic review, after multiple definitions were combined, were voted on in round one. Two outcomes were added in round one, and as such 52 outcomes were voted on in two lists in rounds two and three. The COSs for studies of RFM awareness and clinical management are comprised of eight outcomes (four maternal and four neonatal) and 10 outcomes (two maternal and eight neonatal), respectively. CONCLUSIONS These COSs provide researchers with the minimum set of outcomes to be measured and reported in studies relating to the awareness and the clinical management of RFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter J L Hayes
- Tommy's Stillbirth Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Declan Devane
- Health Research Board Trials Methodology Research Network, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jo C Dumville
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Valerie Smith
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tanya Walsh
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Tommy's Stillbirth Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Escañuela Sánchez T, O Donoghue K, Byrne M, Meaney S, Matvienko-Sikar K. A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention. Women Birth 2023; 36:e495-e508. [PMID: 37179243 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.05.002] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is one of the most devastating pregnancy outcomes that families can experience. Previous research has associated a wide range of risk factors with stillbirth, including maternal behaviours such as substance use, sleep position and attendance and engagement with antenatal care. Hence, some preventive efforts have been focused on tackling the behavioural risk factors for stillbirth. This study aimed to identify the Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) used in behaviour change interventions tacking behavioural risk factors for stillbirth such as substance use, sleep position, unattendance to antenatal care and weight management. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review of the literature was conducted in June 2021 and updated in November 2022 in five databases: CINHAL, Psyhinfo, SociIndex, PubMed and Web of Science. Studies published in high-income countries describing interventions designed in the context of stillbirth prevention, reporting stillbirth rates and changes in behaviour were eligible for inclusion. BCTs were identified using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1. RESULTS Nine interventions were included in this review identified in 16 different publications. Of these, 4 interventions focused on more than one behaviour (smoking, monitoring fetal movements, sleep position, care-seeking behaviours), one focused on smoking, three on monitoring fetal movements and one on sleep position. Twenty-seven BCTs were identified across all interventions. The most commonly used was "Information about health consequences" (n = 7/9) followed by "Adding objects to the environment" (n = 6/9). One of the interventions included in this review has not been assessed for efficacy yet, of the remaining eight, three showed results in the reduction of stillbirth rates. and four interventions produced behaviour change (smoking reductions, increased knowledge, reduced supine sleeping time). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that interventions designed to date have limited effects on the rates of stillbirth and utilise a limited number of BCTs which are mostly focused on information provision. Further research is necessary to design evidence base behaviour change interventions with a greater focus to tackle all the other factors influencing behaviour change during pregnancy (e.g.: social influence, environmental barriers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC), University College Cork. Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Keelin O Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Molly Byrne
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sarah Meaney
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC), University College Cork. Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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4
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Thompson RA, Thompson JMD, Wilson J, Cronin RS, Mitchell EA, Raynes-Greenow CH, Li M, Stacey T, Heazell AEP, O'Brien LM, McCowan LME, Anderson NH. Risk factors for late preterm and term stillbirth: A secondary analysis of an individual participant data meta-analysis. BJOG 2023. [PMID: 36852504 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify independent and novel risk factors for late-preterm (28-36 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks) stillbirth and explore development of a risk-prediction model. DESIGN Secondary analysis of an Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis investigating modifiable stillbirth risk factors. SETTING An IPD database from five case-control studies in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and an international online study. POPULATION Women with late-stillbirth (cases, n = 851), and ongoing singleton pregnancies from 28 weeks' gestation (controls, n = 2257). METHODS Established and novel risk factors for late-preterm and term stillbirth underwent univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling with multiple sensitivity analyses. Variables included maternal age, body mass index (BMI), parity, mental health, cigarette smoking, second-hand smoking, antenatal-care utilisation, and detailed fetal movement and sleep variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Independent risk factors with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for late-preterm and term stillbirth. RESULTS After model building, 575 late-stillbirth cases and 1541 controls from three contributing case-control studies were included. Risk factor estimates from separate multivariable models of late-preterm and term stillbirth were compared. As these were similar, the final model combined all late-stillbirths. The single multivariable model confirmed established demographic risk factors, but additionally showed that fetal movement changes had both increased (decreased frequency) and reduced (hiccoughs, increasing strength, frequency or vigorous fetal movements) aOR of stillbirth. Poor antenatal-care utilisation increased risk while more-than-adequate care was protective. The area-under-the-curve was 0.84 (95% CI 0.82-0.86). CONCLUSIONS Similarities in risk factors for late-preterm and term stillbirth suggest the same approach for risk-assessment can be applied. Detailed fetal movement assessment and inclusion of antenatal-care utilisation could be valuable in late-stillbirth risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J M D Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R S Cronin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Women's Health Division, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - E A Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C H Raynes-Greenow
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Women's Health Division, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Stacey
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A E P Heazell
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - L M O'Brien
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - L M E McCowan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - N H Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Flenady V, Gardener G, Ellwood D, Coory M, Weller M, Warrilow KA, Middleton PF, Wojcieszek AM, Groom KM, Boyle FM, East C, Lawford H, Callander E, Said JM, Walker SP, Mahomed K, Andrews C, Gordon A, Norman JE, Crowther C. My Baby's Movements: a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial of a fetal movement awareness intervention to reduce stillbirths. BJOG 2021; 129:29-41. [PMID: 34555257 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The My Baby's Movements (MBM) trial aimed to evaluate the impact on stillbirth rates of a multifaceted awareness package (the MBM intervention). DESIGN Stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial. SETTING Twenty-seven maternity hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. POPULATION Women with a singleton pregnancy without major fetal anomaly at ≥28 weeks of gestation from August 2016 to May 2019. METHODS The MBM intervention was implemented at randomly assigned time points, with the sequential introduction of eight groups of between three and five hospitals at 4-monthly intervals. Using generalised linear mixed models, the stillbirth rate was compared in the control and the intervention periods, adjusting for calendar time, study population characteristics and hospital effects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Stillbirth at ≥28 weeks of gestation. RESULTS There were 304 850 births with 290 105 births meeting the inclusion criteria: 150 053 in the control and 140 052 in the intervention periods. The stillbirth rate was lower (although not statistically significantly so) during the intervention compared with the control period (2.2/1000 versus 2.4/1000 births; aOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.93-1.50; P = 0.18). The decrease in stillbirth rate was greater across calendar time: 2.7/1000 in the first versus 2.0/1000 in the last 18 months. No increase in secondary outcomes, including obstetric intervention or adverse neonatal outcome, was evident. CONCLUSIONS The MBM intervention did not reduce stillbirths beyond the downward trend over time. As a result of low uptake, the role of the intervention remains unclear, although the downward trend across time suggests some benefit in lowering the stillbirth rate. In this study setting, an awareness of the importance of fetal movements may have reached pregnant women and clinicians prior to the implementation of the intervention. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT The My Baby's Movements intervention to raise awareness of decreased fetal movement did not significantly reduce stillbirth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Flenady
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - G Gardener
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Misericordiae Limited, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - D Ellwood
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Coory
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Weller
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - K A Warrilow
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - P F Middleton
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - A M Wojcieszek
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - K M Groom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - F M Boyle
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - C East
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing & Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hls Lawford
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - E Callander
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J M Said
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - S P Walker
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Mahomed
- Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - C Andrews
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Gordon
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J E Norman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - C Crowther
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Inukollu PR, Sulthana S, Solipuram D, Kunamneni S, Kothagadi AR. An emerging method in evaluation of reduced fetal movements using cerebroplacental ratio: A prospective case-control study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:4203-4209. [PMID: 34496453 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Nearly half of the patients with stillbirths experience reduced fetal movements (RFM) in the preceding week. The standardized evaluation will help reduce stillbirths. Placental dysfunction is the underlying pathophysiology for RFM and low cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). We attempted to determine the application of CPR in evaluation of RFM. METHODS A prospective case-control study with 100 patients each of cases and controls were studied at a tertiary care hospital. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI), umbilical artery PI (UA-PI), and CPR were calculated as multiples of median (MoM) in patients presenting with RFM after 30 weeks and their matched controls and followed up. CPR values of various gestation ranges and single versus multiple episodes of RFM were analyzed. RESULTS Compared to controls, women with RFM showed a significantly low MCA PI MoM (0.94 vs 1.4; p = 0.00008) and low CPR MoM (1.48 vs 1.6; p = 0.015). Women with multiple RFM episodes had lower CPR MoM (1.2 vs 1.5; p < 0.00001) compared to single episode RFM. Multiple RFM episode patients had low MCA PI MoM (1.3 vs 1.4; p = 0.0038) and low CPR MoM (1.2 vs 1.6; p < 0.00001) compared to controls. There was a significantly low CPR in 32-34 weeks (1.35 vs 1.81; p = 0.004) and 36-38 weeks subgroups (1.39 vs 1.58; p = 0.002). No significant difference in birthweight centiles or AGA versus SGA categories between cases and controls was noted questioning current guidelines where ultrasound evaluation is done for RFM patients with FGR. CONCLUSION Incorporation of routine CPR measurements can standardize evaluation of RFM patients, especially those with AGA to pick up patients at risk of poor outcome and bring down stillbirth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranadeep Reddy Inukollu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal University (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Samiya Sulthana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal University (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Divya Solipuram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal University (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Srividya Kunamneni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NRI Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Aravind Reddy Kothagadi
- Department of Health Management and System Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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7
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Interventions relating to fetal movements for improving pregnancy outcomes. Hippokratia 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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8
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Ovadia C, Sajous J, Seed PT, Patel K, Williamson NJ, Attilakos G, Azzaroli F, Bacq Y, Batsry L, Broom K, Brun-Furrer R, Bull L, Chambers J, Cui Y, Ding M, Dixon PH, Estiú MC, Gardiner FW, Geenes V, Grymowicz M, Günaydin B, Hague WM, Haslinger C, Hu Y, Indraccolo U, Juusela A, Kane SC, Kebapcilar A, Kebapcilar L, Kohari K, Kondrackienė J, Koster MPH, Lee RH, Liu X, Locatelli A, Macias RIR, Madazli R, Majewska A, Maksym K, Marathe JA, Morton A, Oudijk MA, Öztekin D, Peek MJ, Shennan AH, Tribe RM, Tripodi V, Türk Özterlemez N, Vasavan T, Wong LFA, Yinon Y, Zhang Q, Zloto K, Marschall HU, Thornton J, Chappell LC, Williamson C. Ursodeoxycholic acid in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:547-558. [PMID: 33915090 PMCID: PMC8192305 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursodeoxycholic acid is commonly used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, yet its largest trial detected minimal benefit for a composite outcome (stillbirth, preterm birth, and neonatal unit admission). We aimed to examine whether ursodeoxycholic acid affects specific adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS In this systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health, MIDIRS, and Cochrane without language restrictions for relevant articles published between database inception, and Jan 1, 2020, using search terms referencing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, ursodeoxycholic acid, and perinatal outcomes. Eligible studies had 30 or more study participants and reported on at least one individual with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and bile acid concentrations of 40 μmol/L or more. We also included two unpublished cohort studies. Individual participant data were collected from the authors of selected studies. The primary outcome was the prevalence of stillbirth, for which we anticipated there would be insufficient data to achieve statistical power. Therefore, we included a composite of stillbirth and preterm birth as a main secondary outcome. A mixed-effects meta-analysis was done using multi-level modelling and adjusting for bile acid concentration, parity, and multifetal pregnancy. Individual participant data analyses were done for all studies and in different subgroups, which were produced by limiting analyses to randomised controlled trials only, singleton pregnancies only, or two-arm studies only. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42019131495. FINDINGS The authors of the 85 studies fulfilling our inclusion criteria were contacted. Individual participant data from 6974 women in 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis, of whom 4726 (67·8%) took ursodeoxycholic acid. Stillbirth occurred in 35 (0·7%) of 5097 fetuses among women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and in 12 (0·6%) of 2038 fetuses among women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy not treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·04, 95% CI 0·35-3·07; p=0·95). Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment also had no effect on the prevalence of stillbirth when considering only randomised controlled trials (aOR 0·29, 95% CI 0·04-2·42; p=0·25). Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment had no effect on the prevalence of the composite outcome in all studies (aOR 1·28, 95% CI 0·86-1·91; p=0·22), but was associated with a reduced composite outcome when considering only randomised controlled trials (0·60, 0·39-0·91; p=0·016). INTERPRETATION Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment had no significant effect on the prevalence of stillbirth in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, but our analysis was probably limited by the low overall event rate. However, when considering only randomised controlled trials, ursodeoxycholic acid was associated with a reduction in stillbirth in combination with preterm birth, providing evidence for the clinical benefit of antenatal ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. FUNDING Tommy's, the Wellcome Trust, ICP Support, and the National Institute for Health Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ovadia
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jenna Sajous
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul T Seed
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kajol Patel
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - George Attilakos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yannick Bacq
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Linoy Batsry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Kelsey Broom
- Bendigo Healthcare Group, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Romana Brun-Furrer
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Bull
- Department of Medicine and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jenny Chambers
- Women's Health Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yue Cui
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Ding
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peter H Dixon
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria C Estiú
- Ramón Sardá Mother's and Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Victoria Geenes
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Monika Grymowicz
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Berrin Günaydin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - William M Hague
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Yayi Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ugo Indraccolo
- Maternal-Infantile Department, Complex Operative Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology Alto Tevere Hospital of Città di Castello, Città di Castello, Italy
| | | | - Stefan C Kane
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ayse Kebapcilar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Katherine Kohari
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jūratė Kondrackienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Maria P H Koster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richard H Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anna Locatelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Rocio I R Macias
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Riza Madazli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Agata Majewska
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kasia Maksym
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jessica A Marathe
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Adam Morton
- Department of Obstetric Medicine, Mater Health Services Public Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Martijn A Oudijk
- Department of Obstetrics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Deniz Öztekin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İzmir Bakircay University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Michael J Peek
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Andrew H Shennan
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Tribe
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Tripodi
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Naciye Türk Özterlemez
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tharni Vasavan
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - L F Audris Wong
- Department of Women's and Newborn, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Yoav Yinon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Qianwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Keren Zloto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jim Thornton
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lucy C Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
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9
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Chan L, Gordon A, Warrilow K, Wojcieszek A, Firth T, Loxton F, Bauman A, Flenady V. Evaluation of Movements Matter: A social media and hospital-based campaign aimed at raising awareness of decreased fetal movements. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 61:846-854. [PMID: 33908059 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Movements Matter campaign aimed to raise awareness of decreased fetal movements (DFM) among pregnant women and inform clinicians of best practice management. AIM To conduct a process evaluation of campaign implementation, and an impact evaluation of the campaign's effects on knowledge and experiences of pregnant women, and attitudes and practices of clinicians in relation to DFM. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional before-after design. Pregnant women and clinicians were sampled at five hospitals. Women were surveyed about their knowledge of DFM, and actions to take if they noticed DFM. Clinicians were asked about their current practices and attitudes about informing women about DFM. Logistic regression was used to calculate campaign effects on outcome measures. RESULTS The Movements Matter campaign reached 653 262 people on social media, as well as being covered on news media and popular women's websites. The evaluation surveyed 1142 pregnant women pre-campaign and 473 post-campaign, and 372 clinicians pre-campaign and 149 post-campaign. Following the campaign, women were more likely to be aware that babies should move the same amount in late pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.81, 95% CI 1.43-2.27), and were more likely to contact their health service immediately if their baby was moving less (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.22-1.91). Clinicians were 2.84 times more likely to recommend women should come in for assessment if they experience DFM (95% CI 1.35-5.97). CONCLUSIONS This evaluation has shown that a campaign using social media and in-hospital education materials led to some increases in knowledge about fetal movements among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Chan
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kara Warrilow
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aleena Wojcieszek
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tracy Firth
- Maternity and Newborn Clinical Network, Safer Care Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Felicity Loxton
- Centres of Clinical Excellence, Safer Care Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Turner JM, Flenady V, Ellwood D, Coory M, Kumar S. Evaluation of Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women With Decreased Fetal Movements. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e215071. [PMID: 33830228 PMCID: PMC8033440 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome with far-reaching economic and psychosocial consequences, but despite significant investment, a screening tool for identifying those fetuses at risk for stillbirth remains elusive. Maternal reporting of decreased fetal movements (DFM) has been found to be associated with stillbirth and other adverse perinatal outcomes. OBJECTIVE To examine pregnancy outcomes of women presenting with DFM in the third trimester at a tertiary Australian center with a clear clinical management algorithm. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study used data on all births meeting the inclusion criteria from 2009 through 2019 at Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. This is a tertiary center and Australia's largest maternity hospital. All singleton births without a known congenital anomaly after 28 weeks' gestation were included. Among 203 071 potential participants identified from the hospital database, 101 597 individuals met the eligibility criteria. Data analysis was performed from May through September 2020. EXPOSURE Presentation to hospital with DFM after 28 weeks gestation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of stillbirth. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to determine the association between DFM and stillbirth, obstetric intervention, and other adverse outcomes, including being born small for gestational age (SGA) and a composite adverse perinatal outcome (at least 1 of the following: neonatal intensive care unit admission, severe acidosis [ie, umbilical artery pH <7.0 or base excess -12.0 mmol/L or less], 5-minute Apgar score <4, or stillbirth or neonatal death). The hypothesis being tested was formulated prior to data collection. RESULTS Among 101 597 women with pregnancies that met the inclusion criteria, 8821 (8.7%) presented at least once with DFM and 92 776 women (91.3%) did not present with DFM (ie, the control population). Women presenting with DFM, compared with those presenting without DFM, were younger (mean [SD] age, 30.4 [5.4] years vs 31.5 [5.2] years; P < .001), more likely to be nulliparous (4845 women [54.9%] vs 42 210 women [45.5%]; P < .001) and have a previous stillbirth (189 women [2.1%] vs 1156 women [1.2%]; P < .001), and less likely to have a previous cesarean delivery (1199 women [13.6%] vs 17 444 women [18.8%]; P < .001). During the study period, the stillbirth rate was 2.0 per 1000 births after 28 weeks' gestation. Presenting with DFM was not associated with higher odds of stillbirth (9 women [0.1%] vs 185 women [0.2%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.23-1.26, P = .16). However, presenting with DFM was associated with higher odds of a fetus being born SGA (aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.27; P = .01) and the composite adverse perinatal outcome (aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.27; P = .02). Presenting with DFM was also associated with higher odds of planned early term birth (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.15-1.38; P < .001), induction of labor (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.53-1.74; P < .001), and emergency cesarean delivery (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.28; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The presence of DFM is a marker associated with increased risk for a fetus. This study's findings of a nonsignificantly lower rate of stillbirth among women with DFM may be reflective of increased community awareness of timely presentation to their obstetric care clinician when concerned about fetal movements and the benefits of tertiary level care guided by a clear clinical management protocol. However, DFM was associated with increased odds of an infant being born SGA, obstetric intervention, early term birth, and a composite of adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Turner
- Mater Research, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- Mater Research, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- National Heath and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Ellwood
- National Heath and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Coory
- National Heath and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- National Heath and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Stillbirth in Australia 1: The road to now: Two decades of stillbirth research and advocacy in Australia. Women Birth 2020; 33:506-513. [PMID: 33092699 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stillbirth is a major public health problem with an enormous mortality burden and psychosocial impact on parents, families and the wider community both globally and in Australia. In 2015, Australia's late gestation stillbirth rate was over 30% higher than that of the best-performing countries globally, highlighting the urgent need for action. We present an overview of the foundations which led to the establishment of Australia's NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE) in 2017 and highlight key activities in the following areas: Opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams; Supporting the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research that incorporates a strong parent voice; Promoting effective translation of research into health policy and/or practice; and the Regional and global work of the Stillbirth CRE. We highlight the first-ever Senate Inquiry into Stillbirth in Australia in 2018. These events ultimately led to the development of a National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan for Australia with the aims of reducing stillbirth rates by 20% over the next five years, reducing the disparity in stillbirth rates between advantaged and disadvantaged communities, and improving care for all families who experience this loss.
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12
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Ellwood DA, Flenady VJ. Stillbirth in Australia 6: The future of stillbirth research and education. Women Birth 2020; 33:537-539. [PMID: 33092704 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The first five papers in the Stillbirths in Australia series have described the current state of stillbirth research and education in Australia, as well as the national approach being adopted to prevention. This final paper in the series asks 'where to from here?'. What does the next 5-10 years hold for those of us working in this field and how much more can be achieved? There are signs that we are moving in the right direction with a national prevention program about to rollout to add to the gains of the last two decades, and evidence of a more consistent approach to bereavement care. However, we must sharpen our equity lens and ensure that all groups are included in these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Ellwood
- Griffith University School of Medicine and Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Vicki J Flenady
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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13
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Gordon A, Chan L, Andrews C, Ludski K, Mead J, Brezler L, Foord C, Mansfield J, Middleton P, Flenady VJ, Bauman A. stillbirth prevention: Raising public awareness of stillbirth in Australia. Women Birth 2020; 33:526-530. [PMID: 33092702 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Prevention of stillbirth remains one of the greatest challenges in modern maternity care. Despite this, public awareness is low and silence is common within families, the community and even healthcare professionals. Australian families and parent advocacy groups given a voice through the Senate Enquiry have made passionate and articulate calls for a national stillbirth awareness campaign. This fourth paper in the Stillbirth in Australia series outlines why stillbirth needs a national public awareness campaign; and provides an overview of good practice in the design, development and evaluation of public awareness campaigns. The cognitive and affective steps required to move from campaign awareness to action and eventually to stillbirth prevention are described. Using these best practice principles, learning from previous campaigns combined with close collaboration with aligned agencies and initiatives should assist a National Stillbirth Prevention Campaign to increase community awareness of stillbirth, help break the silence and contribute to stillbirth prevention across Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Gordon
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Sydney Institute of Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lillian Chan
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Christine Andrews
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Philippa Middleton
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Vicki J Flenady
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia
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14
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Musgrave LM, Kizirian NV, Homer CSE, Gordon A. Mobile Phone Apps in Australia for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes: Systematic Search on App Stores. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e22340. [PMID: 33196454 PMCID: PMC7704277 DOI: 10.2196/22340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are increasingly turning to mobile health platforms to receive health information and support in pregnancy, yet the content of these platforms vary. Although there is great potential to influence health behaviors, little research has assessed the quality of these platforms or their ability to change behavior. In recent years, validated tools to assess app quality have become available. OBJECTIVE To identify and assess the quality and ongoing popularity of the top 10 freely available pregnancy apps in Australia using validated tools. METHODS A systematic search on app stores to identify apps was performed. A Google Play search used subject terms pregnancy, parenting, and childbirth; the iTunes search used alternative categories medical and health and fitness. The top 250 apps from each store were cross-referenced, and the top 100 found in both Google Play and iTunes were screened for eligibility. Apps that provided health information or advice for pregnancy were included. Excluded apps focused on nonhealth information (eg, baby names). The top 10 pregnancy apps were assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A comparative analysis was conducted at 2 time points over 2 years to assess the ongoing popularity of the apps. The MARS score was compared to the download and star rating data collected from iTunes and Google Play in 2017 and 2019. Health behaviors including breastfeeding, healthy pregnancy weight, and maternal awareness of fetal movements were reviewed for apparent impact on the user's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change intentions using the MARS perceived impact section and the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Refined (CALO-RE) taxonomy. RESULTS A total of 2052 free apps were screened for eligibility, 1397 were excluded, and 655 were reviewed and scored. The top 10 apps were selected using download numbers and star ratings. All 10 apps were suboptimal in quality, practicality, and functionality. It was not possible to identify a primary purpose for all apps, and there was overlap in purpose for many. The mean overall MARS app quality score across all 10 apps was 3.01 (range 1.97-4.40) in 2017 and 3.40 (range 2.27-4.44) in 2019. A minority of apps scored well for perceived impact on health behavior using the MARS tool. Using the CALO-RE 40 item taxonomy, the number of behavior change techniques used was low. The mean number of behavior change techniques for breastfeeding was 5 (range 2-11), for pregnancy weight was 4 (range 2-12), and for maternal awareness of fetal movements was 5 (range 2-8). CONCLUSIONS This review provides valuable information to clinicians and consumers about the quality of apps currently available for pregnancy in Australia. Consideration is needed regarding the regulation of information and the potential opportunity to incorporate behavior change techniques to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta M Musgrave
- Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | - Nathalie V Kizirian
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline S E Homer
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Centre for Midwifery, Child, and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown NSW, Australia
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