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Hanson C, Annerstedt KS, Alsina MDR, Abeid M, Kidanto HL, Alvesson HM, Pembe AB, Waiswa P, Dossou JP, Chipeta E, Straneo M, Benova L. Stillbirth mortality by Robson ten-group classification system: A cross-sectional registry of 80 663 births from 16 hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. BJOG 2024; 131:1465-1474. [PMID: 38725396 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess stillbirth mortality by Robson ten-group classification and the usefulness of this approach for understanding trends. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Prospectively collected perinatal e-registry data from 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. POPULATION All women aged 13-49 years who gave birth to a live or stillborn baby weighting >1000 g between July 2021 and December 2022. METHODS We compared stillbirth risk by Robson ten-group classification, and across countries, and calculated proportional contributions to mortality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Stillbirth mortality, defined as antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths. RESULTS We included 80 663 babies born to 78 085 women; 3107 were stillborn. Stillbirth mortality by country were: 7.3% (Benin), 1.9% (Malawi), 1.6% (Tanzania) and 4.9% (Uganda). The largest contributor to stillbirths was Robson group 10 (preterm birth, 28.2%) followed by Robson group 3 (multipara with cephalic term singleton in spontaneous labour, 25.0%). The risk of dying was highest in births complicated by malpresentations, such as nullipara breech (11.0%), multipara breech (16.7%) and transverse/oblique lie (17.9%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that group 10 (preterm birth) and group 3 (multipara with cephalic term singleton in spontaneous labour) each contribute to a quarter of stillbirth mortality. High mortality risk was observed in births complicated by malpresentation, such as transverse lie or breech. The high mortality share of group 3 is unexpected, demanding case-by-case investigation. The high mortality rate observed for Robson groups 6-10 hints for a need to intensify actions to improve labour management, and the categorisation may support the regular review of labour progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health, Aga-Khan University, East Africa, Nairobi & Dar-es-Salaam, Kenya
| | | | | | - Muzdalifat Abeid
- Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health, Aga-Khan University, East Africa, Nairobi & Dar-es-Salaam, Kenya
| | - Hussein L Kidanto
- Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health, Aga-Khan University, East Africa, Nairobi & Dar-es-Salaam, Kenya
| | | | - Andrea B Pembe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Waiswa
- Centre of Excellence for Maternal Newborn and Child Health, Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jean-Paul Dossou
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie (CERRHUD), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Effie Chipeta
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Science, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Manuela Straneo
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lenka Benova
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Hoxha I, Grezda K, Udutha A, Taganoviq B, Agahi R, Brajshori N, Rising SS. Systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of midwife care on cesarean birth. Birth 2024; 51:264-274. [PMID: 38037256 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing number of unnecessary cesarean births is a cause for concern and may be addressed by increasing access to midwifery care. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of midwifery care on the likelihood of cesarean births. METHODS We searched five databases from the beginning of records through May 2020. We included observational studies that reported odds ratios or data allowing the calculation of odds ratios of cesarean birth for births with and without midwife involvement in care or presence at the institution. Standard inverse-variance random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate overall odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS We observed a significantly lower likelihood of cesarean birth in midwife-led care, midwife-attended births, among those who received instruction pre-birth from midwives, and within institutions with a midwifery presence. CONCLUSIONS Care from midwives reduces the likelihood of cesarean birth in all the analyses, perhaps due to their greater preference and skill for physiologic births. Increased use of midwives in maternal care can reduce cesarean births and should be further researched and implemented broadly, potentially as the default modality in maternal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilir Hoxha
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Kolegji Heimerer, Prishtina, Kosovo
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | | | - Anirudh Udutha
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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Etcheverry C, Betrán AP, de Loenzien M, Kaboré C, Lumbiganon P, Carroli G, Mac QNH, Gialdini C, Dumont A. Women's caesarean section preferences: A multicountry cross-sectional survey in low- and middle-income countries. Midwifery 2024; 132:103979. [PMID: 38520954 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103979] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the proportion of women's preferences for CS in hospitals with high caesarean section rates and to identify related factors. DESIGN A cross-sectional hospital-based postpartum survey was conducted. We used multilevel multivariate logistic regression and probit models to analyse the association between women's caesarean section preferences and maternal characteristics. Probit models take into account selection bias while excluding women who had no preference. SETTING Thirty-two hospitals in Argentina, Thailand, Vietnam and Burkina Faso were selected. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1,979 post-partum women with no potential medical need for caesarean section were included among a representative sample of women who delivered at each of the participating facilities during the data collection period. FINDINGS The overall caesarean section rate was 23.3 %. Among women who declared a preference in late pregnancy, 9 % preferred caesarean section, ranging from 1.8 % in Burkina Faso to 17.8 % in Thailand. Primiparous women were more likely to prefer a caesarean section than multiparous women (β=+0.16 [+0.01; +0.31]; p = 0.04). Among women who preferred caesarean section, doctors were frequently cited as the main influencers, and "avoid pain in labour" was the most common perceived benefit of caesarean section. KEY CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a high proportion of women prefer vaginal birth and highlight that the preference for caesarean section is linked to women's fear of pain and the influence of doctors. These results can inform the development of interventions aimed at supporting women and their preferences, providing them with evidence-based information and changing doctors' behaviour in order to reduce the number of unnecessary caesarean sections. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY The QUALI-DEC trial is registered on the Current Controlled Trials website (https://www.isrctn.com/) under the number ISRCTN67214403.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Etcheverry
- CEPED, Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, IRD-Université de Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 75006, France.
| | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Myriam de Loenzien
- CEPED, Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, IRD-Université de Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 75006, France
| | - Charles Kaboré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Pisake Lumbiganon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | - Celina Gialdini
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina; Facultat de Ciències de la Salut Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- CEPED, Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, IRD-Université de Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 75006, France
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Etcheverry C, Betrán AP, de Loenzien M, Robson M, Kaboré C, Lumbiganon P, Carroli G, Mac QNH, Gialdini C, Dumont A. How does hospital organisation influence the use of caesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries? A cross-sectional survey in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Vietnam for the QUALI-DEC project. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:67. [PMID: 38233792 PMCID: PMC10792793 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06257-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving the understanding of non-clinical factors that lead to the increasing caesarean section (CS) rates in many low- and middle-income countries is currently necessary to meet the challenge of implementing effective interventions in hospitals to reverse the trend. The objective of this study was to study the influence of organizational factors on the CS use in Argentina, Vietnam, Thailand and Burkina Faso. METHODS A cross-sectional hospital-based postpartum survey was conducted in 32 hospitals (8 per country). We selected women with no potential medical need for CS among a random sample of women who delivered at each of the participating facilities during the data collection period. We used multilevel multivariable logistic regression to analyse the association between CS use and organizational factors, adjusted on women's characteristics. RESULTS A total of 2,092 low-risk women who had given birth in the participating hospitals were included. The overall CS rate was 24.1%, including 4.9% of pre-labour CS and 19.3% of intra-partum CS. Pre-labour CS was significantly associated with a 24-hour anaesthetist dedicated to the delivery ward (ORa = 3.70 [1.41; 9.72]) and with the possibility to have an individual room during labour and delivery (ORa = 0.28 [0.09; 0.87]). Intra-partum CS was significantly associated with a higher bed occupancy level (ORa = 1.45 [1.09; 1.93]): intrapartum CS rate would increase of 6.3% points if the average number of births per delivery bed per day increased by 10%. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that organisational norms and convenience associated with inadequate use of favourable resources, as well as the lack of privacy favouring women's preference for CS, and the excessive workload of healthcare providers drive the CS overuse in these hospitals. It is also crucial to enhance human and physical resources in delivery rooms and the organisation of intrapartum care to improve the birth experience and the working environment for those providing care. TRIAL REGISTRATION The QUALI-DEC trial is registered on the Current Controlled Trials website ( https://www.isrctn.com/ ) under the number ISRCTN67214403.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Etcheverry
- Ceped unit, Université Paris Cité, IRD, Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Inserm, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris, F-75006, France.
| | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Myriam de Loenzien
- Ceped unit, Université Paris Cité, IRD, Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Inserm, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris, F-75006, France
| | | | - Charles Kaboré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Pisake Lumbiganon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | - Celina Gialdini
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina
- Facultat de Ciències de la Salut Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- Ceped unit, Université Paris Cité, IRD, Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Inserm, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris, F-75006, France
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Cleeve A, Annerstedt KS, Betrán AP, Mölsted Alvesson H, Kaboré Wendyam C, Carroli G, Lumbiganon P, Nhu Hung MQ, Zamboni K, Opiyo N, Bohren MA, El Halabi S, Gialdini C, Vila Ortiz M, Escuriet R, Robson M, Dumont A, Hanson C. Implementing the QUALI-DEC project in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Viet Nam: a process delineation and theory-driven process evaluation protocol. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2290636. [PMID: 38133667 PMCID: PMC10763892 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2290636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The project 'Quality Decision-making by women and providers' (QUALI-DEC) combines four non-clinical interventions to promote informed decision-making surrounding mode of birth, improve women's birth experiences, and reduce caesarean sections among low-risk women. QUALI-DEC is currently being implemented in 32 healthcare facilities across Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand, and Viet Nam. In this paper, we detail implementation processes and the planned process evaluation, which aims to assess how and for whom QUALI-DEC worked, the mechanisms of change and their interactions with context and setting; adaptations to intervention and implementation strategies, feasibility of scaling-up, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. We developed a project theory of change illustrating how QUALI-DEC might lead to impact. The theory of change, together with on the ground observations of implementation processes, guided the process evaluation strategy including what research questions and perspectives to prioritise. Main data sources will include: 1) regular monitoring visits in healthcare facilities, 2) quantitative process and output indicators, 3) a before and after cross-sectional survey among post-partum women, 4) qualitative interviews with all opinion leaders, and 5) qualitative interviews with postpartum women and health workers in two healthcare facilities per country, as part of a case study approach. We foresee that the QUALI-DEC process evaluation will generate valuable information that will improve interpretation of the effectiveness evaluation. At the policy level, we anticipate that important lessons and methodological insights will be drawn, with application to other settings and stakeholders looking to implement complex interventions aiming to improve maternal and newborn health and wellbeing.Trial registration: ISRCTN67214403.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cleeve
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Healthcare facility, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Pisake Lumbiganon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Karen Zamboni
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Global Fund, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Newton Opiyo
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Meghan A. Bohren
- Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Soha El Halabi
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Celina Gialdini
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Fundacio Blanquerna, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Vila Ortiz
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ramón Escuriet
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Fundacio Blanquerna, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michael Robson
- The National Maternity Hospital and University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- Université Paris Cité, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Albarqouni L, Abukmail E, MohammedAli M, Elejla S, Abuelazm M, Shaikhkhalil H, Pathirana T, Palagama S, Effa E, Ochodo E, Rugengamanzi E, AlSabaa Y, Ingabire A, Riwa F, Goraya B, Bakhit M, Clark J, Arab-Zozani M, Alves da Silva S, Pramesh CS, Vanderpuye V, Lang E, Korenstein D, Born K, Tabiri S, Ademuyiwa A, Nabhan A, Moynihan R. Low-Value Surgical Procedures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2342215. [PMID: 37934494 PMCID: PMC10630901 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.42215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Overuse of surgical procedures is increasing around the world and harms both individuals and health care systems by using resources that could otherwise be allocated to addressing the underuse of effective health care interventions. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is some limited country-specific evidence showing that overuse of surgical procedures is increasing, at least for certain procedures. Objectives To assess factors associated with, extent and consequences of, and potential solutions for low-value surgical procedures in LMICs. Evidence Review We searched 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Global Index Medicus) for studies published from database inception until April 27, 2022, with no restrictions on date or language. A combination of MeSH terms and free-text words about the overuse of surgical procedures was used. Studies examining the problem of overuse of surgical procedures in LMICs were included and categorized by major focus: the extent of overuse, associated factors, consequences, and solutions. Findings Of 4276 unique records identified, 133 studies across 63 countries were included, reporting on more than 9.1 million surgical procedures (median per study, 894 [IQR, 97-4259]) and with more than 11.4 million participants (median per study, 989 [IQR, 257-6857]). Fourteen studies (10.5%) were multinational. Of the 119 studies (89.5%) originating from single countries, 69 (58.0%) were from upper-middle-income countries and 30 (25.2%) were from East Asia and the Pacific. Of the 42 studies (31.6%) reporting extent of overuse of surgical procedures, most (36 [85.7%]) reported on unnecessary cesarean delivery, with estimated rates in LMICs ranging from 12% to 81%. Evidence on other surgical procedures was limited and included abdominal and percutaneous cardiovascular surgical procedures. Consequences of low-value surgical procedures included harms and costs, such as an estimated US $3.29 billion annual cost of unnecessary cesarean deliveries in China. Associated factors included private financing, and solutions included social media campaigns and multifaceted interventions such as audits, feedback, and reminders. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review found growing evidence of overuse of surgical procedures in LMICs, which may generate significant harm and waste of limited resources; the majority of studies reporting overuse were about unnecessary cesarean delivery. Therefore, a better understanding of the problems in other surgical procedures and a robust evaluation of solutions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Albarqouni
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eman Abukmail
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Majdeddin MohammedAli
- Medicine & Health Sciences Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Sewar Elejla
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | | | | | - Thanya Pathirana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Sujeewa Palagama
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kismu City, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Eulade Rugengamanzi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yousef AlSabaa
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Ale Ingabire
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Francis Riwa
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Burhan Goraya
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Morteza Arab-Zozani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - C. S. Pramesh
- Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eddy Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Korenstein
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Karen Born
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Tabiri
- Department of Surgery, University for Development Studies–School of Medicine and Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Adesoji Ademuyiwa
- Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos
| | - Ashraf Nabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ray Moynihan
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Vila Ortiz M, Gialdini C, Hanson C, Betrán AP, Carroli G, Mølsted Alvesson H. A bit of medical paternalism? A qualitative study on power relations between women and healthcare providers when deciding on mode of birth in five public maternity wards of Argentina. Reprod Health 2023; 20:122. [PMID: 37605278 PMCID: PMC10440876 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01661-5] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether women should be able to decide on mode of birth in healthcare settings has been a topic of debate in the last few decades. In the context of a marked increase in global caesarean section rates, a central dilemma is whether pregnant women should be able to request this procedure without medical indication. Since 2015, Law 25,929 of Humanised Birth is in place in Argentina. This study aims at understanding the power relations between healthcare providers, pregnant women, and labour companions regarding decision-making on mode of birth in this new legal context. To do so, central concepts of power theory are used. METHODS This study uses a qualitative design. Twenty-six semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers were conducted in five maternity wards in different regions of Argentina. Participants were purposively selected using heterogeneity sampling and included obstetrician/gynaecologists (heads of department, specialists working in 24-h shifts, and residents) and midwives where available. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to inductively develop themes and categories. RESULTS Three themes were developed: (1) Healthcare providers reconceptualize decision-making processes of mode of birth to make women's voices matter; (2) Healthcare providers feel powerless against women's request to choose mode of birth; (3) Healthcare providers struggle to redirect women's decision regarding mode of birth. An overarching theme was built to explain the power relations between healthcare providers, women and labour companions: Healthcare providers' loss of beneficial power in decision-making on mode of birth. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis highlights the complexity of the healthcare provider-woman interaction in a context in which women are, in practice, allowed to choose mode of birth. Even though healthcare providers claim to welcome women being an active part of the decision-making processes, they feel powerless when women make autonomous decisions regarding mode of birth. They perceive themselves to be losing beneficial power in the eyes of patients and consider fruitful communication on risks and benefits of each mode of birth to not always be possible. At the same time, providers perform an increasing number of CSs without medical indication when it is convenient for them, which suggests that paternalistic practices are still in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vila Ortiz
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - C Gialdini
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Blanquerna, Universidad Ramón Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina
| | - C Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A P Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G Carroli
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales, Rosario, Argentina
| | - H Mølsted Alvesson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Yaya Bocoum F, Kabore CP, Barro S, Zerbo R, Tiendrebeogo S, Hanson C, Dumont A, Betran AP, Bohren MA. Women's and health providers' perceptions of companionship during labor and childbirth: a formative study for the implementation of WHO companionship model in Burkina Faso. Reprod Health 2023; 20:46. [PMID: 36941676 PMCID: PMC10029160 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A key component of achieving respectful maternal and newborn care is labor companionship. Despite important health benefits for the woman and baby, there are critical gaps in implementing labor companionship for all women globally. The paper aims to present the perceptions and experiences of pregnant women, postpartum women, and health care providers regarding companionship during labor and childbirth, and to identify barriers and facilitating factors to the implementation of labor companionship in Burkina Faso. METHODS This is a formative study to inform the "Appropriate use of cesarean section through QUALIty DECision-making by women and providers" (QUALI-DEC) study, to design, adapt and implement a strategy to optimize the use of the cesarean section, including labor companionship. We use in-depth interviews (women, potential companions, and health workers) and health facility readiness assessments in eight hospitals across Burkina Faso. We use a thematic analysis approach for interviews, and narrative summaries to describe facility readiness assessment. RESULTS In all, 77 qualitative interviews and eight readiness assessments are included in this analysis. The findings showed that all participants acknowledged an existing traditional companionship model, which allowed companions to support women only in the hospital waiting room and post-natal room. Despite recognizing clear benefits, participants were not familiar with companionship during labor and childbirth in the hospital as recommended by WHO. Key barriers to implementing companionship throughout labor and birth include limited space in labor and delivery wards, no private rooms for women, hospital rules preventing companionship, and social norms preventing the choice of a companion by the woman. CONCLUSION Labor companionship was considered highly acceptable in Burkina Faso, but more work is needed to adapt to the hospital environment. Revisions to hospital policies to allow companions during labor and childbirth are needed as well as changes to provide private space for women. Training potential companions about their roles and encouraging women's rights to choose their companions may help to facilitate effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadima Yaya Bocoum
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- African Population Health Research Center, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Saran Barro
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Roger Zerbo
- INSS-CNRST/LARISS et CEFORGRIS-UJKZ/IRL-3189 “Environnement Santé et Sociétés”, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Simon Tiendrebeogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- CEPED, Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, IRD-Université de Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
| | - Ana Pilar Betran
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Meghan A. Bohren
- Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC Australia
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Bohren MA, Hazfiarini A, Vazquez Corona M, Colomar M, De Mucio B, Tunçalp Ö, Portela A. From global recommendations to (in)action: A scoping review of the coverage of companion of choice for women during labour and birth. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001476. [PMID: 36963069 PMCID: PMC10021298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Women greatly value and benefit from the presence of someone they trust to support them throughout labour and childbirth ('labour companion of choice'). Labour companionship improves maternal and perinatal outcomes, including enhancing physiological labour and birth experiences. Despite clear benefits, implementation is slow. We conducted a scoping review to assess coverage and models of labour companionship, including quantitative studies reporting coverage of labour companionship in any level health facility globally. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Global Health from 1 January 2010-14 December 2021. We extracted data on study design, labour companionship coverage, timing and type of companions allowed, and recoded data into categories for comparison across studies. We included data from a maternal health sentinel network of hospitals in Latin America, using descriptive statistics to assess coverage among 120,581 women giving birth in these sites from April 2018-April 2022. In the scoping review, we included 77 studies from 27 countries. There was wide variation in the coverage of labour companionship: almost one-third of studies reported coverage less than 40%, and one-third of studies reported coverage between 40-80%. Husbands or partners were the most frequent companion (37.7%, 29/77), followed by family member or friend (gender not specified) (32.5%, 25/77), family member or friend (female-only) (13.0%, 10/77). Across nine sentinel hospitals in five Latin American countries, there was variation in coverage, with no companion at any time ranging from 14.9%-93.8%. Despite the well-known benefits and factors affecting implementation of labour companionship, more work is needed to improve equitable coverage. Concerted efforts are needed to engage with communities, health workers, health managers, and policy-makers to establish policies, address implementation barriers, and integrate data on coverage into perinatal records and quality processes to ensure that all women have access. Harmonized reporting of labour companionship would greatly enhance understanding at global level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alya Hazfiarini
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martha Vazquez Corona
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mercedes Colomar
- The Latin American Center for Perinatology/Women´s and Reproductive Health Unit, Pan American Health Organization, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Bremen De Mucio
- The Latin American Center for Perinatology/Women´s and Reproductive Health Unit, Pan American Health Organization, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Özge Tunçalp
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anayda Portela
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Rungreangkulkij S, Ratinthorn A, Lumbiganon P, Zahroh RI, Hanson C, Dumont A, de Loenzien M, Betrán AP, Bohren MA. Factors influencing the implementation of labour companionship: formative qualitative research in Thailand. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054946. [PMID: 35623758 PMCID: PMC9327797 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION WHO recommends that all women have the option to have a companion of their choice throughout labour and childbirth. Despite clear benefits of labour companionship, including better birth experiences and reduced caesarean section, labour companionship is not universally implemented. In Thailand, there are no policies for public hospitals to support companionship. This study aims to understand factors affecting implementation of labour companionship in Thailand. METHODS This is formative qualitative research to inform the 'Appropriate use of caesarean section through QUALIty DECision-making by women and providers' (QUALI-DEC) study, to design, adapt and implement a strategy to optimise use of caesarean section. We use in-depth interviews and readiness assessments to explore perceptions of healthcare providers, women and potential companions about labour companionship in eight Thai public hospitals. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, and narrative summaries of the readiness assessment were generated. Factors potentially affecting implementation were mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation behaviour change model (COM-B). RESULTS 127 qualitative interviews and eight readiness assessments are included in this analysis. The qualitative findings were grouped in four themes: benefits of labour companions, roles of labour companions, training for labour companions and factors affecting implementation. The findings showed that healthcare providers, women and their relatives all had positive attitudes towards having labour companions. The readiness assessment highlighted implementation challenges related to training the companion, physical space constraints, overcrowding and facility policies, reiterated by the qualitative reports. DISCUSSION If labour companions are well-trained on how to best support women, help them to manage pain and engage with healthcare teams, it may be a feasible intervention to implement in Thailand. However, key barriers to introducing labour companionship must be addressed to maximise the likelihood of success mainly related to training and space. These findings will be integrated into the QUALI-DEC implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pisake Lumbiganon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Rana Islamiah Zahroh
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre of Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- Centre Population et Developpement (CEPED), Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, IRD-Université de Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
| | - Myriam de Loenzien
- Centre Population et Developpement (CEPED), Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, IRD-Université de Paris, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
| | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, GE, Switzerland
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre of Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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Moudi Z. Analysis of cesarean section rates based on robson's classification and its outcomes at a governmental tertiary referral teaching hospital in the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. Nurs Midwifery Stud 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/nms.nms_135_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Dumont A, de Loenzien M, Nhu HMQ, Dugas M, Kabore C, Lumbiganon P, Torloni MR, Gialdini C, Carroli G, Hanson C, Betrán AP. Caesarean section or vaginal delivery for low-risk pregnancy? Helping women make an informed choice in low- and middle-income countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001264. [PMID: 36962691 PMCID: PMC10022020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Women's fear and uncertainty about vaginal delivery and lack of empowerment in decision-making generate decision conflict and is one of the main determinants of high caesarean section rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to develop a decision analysis tool (DAT) to help pregnant women make an informed choice about the planned mode of delivery and to evaluate its acceptability in Vietnam, Thailand, Argentina, and Burkina Faso. The DAT targets low-risk pregnant women with a healthy, singleton foetus, without any medical or obstetric disorder, no previous caesarean scarring, and eligibility for labour trials. We conducted a systematic review to determine the short- and long-term maternal and offspring risks and benefits of planned caesarean section compared to planned vaginal delivery. We carried out individual interviews and focus group discussions with key informants to capture informational needs for decision-making, and to assess the acceptability of the DAT in participating hospitals. The DAT meets 20 of the 22 Patient Decision Aid Standards for decision support. It includes low- to moderate-certainty evidence-based information on the risks and benefits of both modes of birth, and helps pregnant women clarify their personal values. It has been well accepted by women and health care providers. Adaptations have been made in each country to fit the context and to facilitate its implementation in current practice, including the development of an App. DAT is a simple method to improve communication and facilitate shared decision-making for planned modes of birth. It is expected to build trust and foster more effective, satisfactory dialogue between pregnant women and providers. It can be easily adapted and updated as new evidence emerges. We encourage further studies in LMICs to assess the impact of DAT on quality decision-making for the appropriate use of caesarean section in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Dumont
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Myriam de Loenzien
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Paris University, Paris, France
| | | | - Marylène Dugas
- Interdisciplinary Chair in Health and Social Services for Rural Populations, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada
| | - Charles Kabore
- Research Institute of Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Pisake Lumbiganon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Maria Regina Torloni
- Evidence Based Healthcare Post-Graduate Program, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Celina Gialdini
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales (CREP), Rosario, Argentina
| | | | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Pilar Betrán
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Genève, Switzerland
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