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Galbally M, Watson S, MacMillan K, Sevar K, Howard LM. Intimate partner violence across pregnancy and the postpartum and the relationship to depression and perinatal wellbeing: findings from a pregnancy cohort study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-024-01455-z. [PMID: 38459991 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the prevalence of emotional and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) across pregnancy and the first year postpartum in those with and without clinical depression and assess the association between maternal childhood trauma, current stressful life events and depression and IPV over the perinatal period. METHODS Data were obtained from 505 pregnant women from the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS), a cohort study with data collected across pregnancy until 12 months postpartum. Maternal antenatal depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) with repeat measurement of perinatal depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Trauma was measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and experiences of physical and emotional intimate partner violence using items in the Stressful Life Events Scale. RESULTS Women experiencing IPV across the perinatal period were significantly more likely to score over 13 on the EPDS (p < .001) at each timepoint in pregnancy and the postpartum and physical IPV was associated with clinical depression. Further, a history of childhood trauma and current additional stressful life events were significantly associated with reporting current IPV in the perinatal period. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the risk factors of childhood trauma and current stressful life events for reporting experiences of IPV in the perinatal period. Furthermore, women experiencing IPV reported higher depressive symptoms, providing evidence supporting the value of assessing those women who screen higher on the EPDS for IPV. Together these findings also support trauma informed care across pregnancy and the postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Galbally
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
- Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
- Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Stuart Watson
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Kelli MacMillan
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Katherine Sevar
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Louise M Howard
- Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Willey SM, Gibson ME, Blackmore R, Goonetilleke L, McBride J, Highet N, Ball N, Gray KM, Melvin G, Boyd LM, East CE, Boyle JA. Perinatal mental health screening for women of refugee background: Addressing a major gap in pregnancy care. Birth 2024; 51:229-241. [PMID: 37859580 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mental health disorders affect up to 20% of all women. Women of refugee background are likely to be at increased risk, yet little research has explored this. This study aimed to assess if women of refugee background are more likely to screen risk positive for depression and anxiety than non-refugee women, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); and if screening in pregnancy using the EPDS enables better detection of depression and anxiety symptoms in women of refugee background than routine care. METHODS This implementation study was conducted at an antenatal clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Women of refugee and non-refugee backgrounds were screened for depression using English or translated versions of the EPDS and a psychosocial assessment on a digital platform. The psychosocial assessment records of 34 women of refugee background receiving routine care (no screening) were audited. RESULTS Overall, 274 women completed the EPDS; 43% of refugee background. A similar proportion of women of refugee and non-refugee backgrounds had EPDS scores of ≥9 (39% vs. 40% p = 0.93). Women receiving the combined EPDS and psychosocial screening were more likely to receive a referral for further support than women receiving routine care (41% vs. 18%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION Similarly, high proportions of women of refugee and non-refugee backgrounds were at increased risk of experiencing a current depressive disorder in early pregnancy, suggesting pregnancy care systems should acknowledge and respond to the mental health needs of these women. Screening appeared to facilitate the identification and referral of women compared to routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Willey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Peninsula Campus, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Melanie E Gibson
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
- Te Tātai Hauora o Hine - National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa, Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Blackmore
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, Hawthorn, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline McBride
- Monash Refugee Health and Wellbeing, Monash Health, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Highet
- Centre of Perinatal Excellence, Victoria, Flemington, Australia
| | - Natahl Ball
- Monash Health, Maternity Services, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Kylie M Gray
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Glenn Melvin
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Victoria, Burwood, Australia
| | | | - Christine E East
- School of Nursing and Midwifery/Judith Lumley Centre & Mercy Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Boyle
- Health Systems and Equity, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Buultjens M, Gill J, Fielding J, Lambert KA, Vondeling K, Mastwyk SE, Sloane S, Fedele W, Karimi L, Milgrom J, von Treuer K, Erbas B. Maternity care during a pandemic: Can a hybrid telehealth model comprising group interdisciplinary education support maternal psychological health? Women Birth 2022; 36:305-313. [PMID: 36184532 PMCID: PMC9551992 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The transition to parenthood is one of the most challenging across the life course, with profound changes that can impact psychological health. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), came the rapid implementation of remote antenatal care, i.e., telehealth, with fewer in-person consultations. A change in service delivery in addition to the cancellation of antenatal education represented a potential threat to a woman’s experience – with likely adverse effects on mental health and wellbeing. Aim To explore a hybrid model of pregnancy care, i.e., telehealth and fewer in-person health assessments, coupled with concurrent small group interdisciplinary education delivered via video conferencing, extending into the postnatal period. Methods Using a quasi-experimental design with an interrupted time series and a control group, this population-based study recruited low-risk women booking for maternity care at one community health site affiliated with a large public hospital in Victoria, Australia. Findings Whilst there was no difference in stress and anxiety scores, a significant interactive effect of the hybrid model of care with time was seen in the DASS depression score (−1.17, 95% CI: −1.81, −0.53) and the EPDS (−0.83, 95% CI: −1.5, −0.15). Discussion The analyses provide important exploratory findings regarding the positive effects of a hybrid model of care with interdisciplinary education in supporting mental health of first-time mothers. Conclusion This study demonstrates that small group online education scheduled in conjunction with individual pregnancy health assessments can be executed within a busy antenatal clinic with promising results and modest but dedicated staff support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Buultjens
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jessica Gill
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Fielding
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katrina A Lambert
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kirsty Vondeling
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sally E Mastwyk
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarita Sloane
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wendy Fedele
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leila Karimi
- School of Applied Health, Psychology Department, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jeannette Milgrom
- Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), Australia and Melbourne School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Blackmore R, Boyle JA, Gray KM, Willey S, Highet N, Gibson-Helm M. Introducing and integrating perinatal mental health screening: development of an equity-informed evidence-based approach. Health Expect 2022; 25:2287-2298. [PMID: 35510587 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a time of increased risk for developing or re-experiencing mental illness. Perinatal mental health screening for all women is recommended in many national guidelines but a number of systems-level and individual barriers often hinder policy implementation. These barriers result in missed opportunities for detection and early intervention and are likely to be experienced disproportionately by women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including women of refugee backgrounds. The objectives of this study were to develop a theory-informed, evidence-based guide for introducing and integrating perinatal mental health screening across health settings; and to synthesise the learnings from an implementation initiative and multi-sectoral partnership between the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), and a university-based research centre. COPE is a non-governmental organisation commissioned to update the Australian perinatal mental health guidelines, train health professionals and implement digital screening. METHODS In this case study, barriers to implementation were prospectively identified and strategies to overcome them were developed. A pilot perinatal screening program for depression and anxiety with a strong health equity focus was implemented and evaluated at a large public maternity service delivering care to a culturally diverse population of women in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, including women of refugee background. Strategies identified pre-implementation and post-evaluation were mapped to theoretical frameworks. An implementation guide was developed to support future policy, planning and decision-making by healthcare organisations. RESULTS Using a behavioural change framework (COM-B), the key barriers, processes, and outcomes are described for a real-world example designed to maximise accessibility, feasibility, and acceptability. A program logic model was developed to demonstrate the relationships of the inputs, which included stakeholder consultation, resource development, and a digital screening platform, with the outcomes of the program. A seven-stage implementation guide is presented for use in a range of healthcare settings. CONCLUSIONS These findings describe an equity-informed, evidence-based approach that can be used by healthcare organisations to address common systems and individual level barriers to implement perinatal depression and anxiety screening guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION These results present strategies that were informed by prior research involving patients and staff from a large public antenatal clinic in Melbourne, Australia. This involved interviews with health professionals from the clinic such as midwives, obstetricians, perinatal mental health and refugee health experts, and interpreters. Interviews were also conducted with women of refugee background who were attending the clinic for antenatal care. A steering committee was formed to facilitate the implementation of the perinatal mental health screening program comprising staff from key hospital departments, GP liaison, refugee health and wellbeing, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) COPE and academic experts in psychology, midwifery, obstetrics and public health. This committee met fortnightly for two years to devise strategies to address the barriers, implement and evaluate the program. A community advisory group was also formed which involved women from eight different countries, some of refugee background, who had recently given birth at the health service. This committee met bi-monthly and was instrumental in planning the implementation and evaluation such as recruitment strategies, resources, and facilitating an understanding of the cultural complexity of the women participating in the study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Blackmore
- Monash Centre for Health, Research & Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Boyle
- Monash Centre for Health, Research & Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kylie M Gray
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR), University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Centre for Developmental Psychiatry & Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Willey
- Monash Centre for Health, Research & Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Highet
- Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Gibson-Helm
- Monash Centre for Health, Research & Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Women's Health Research, Te Tātai Hauora O Hine, Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Seidi PA, Abas NQ, Jaff D, Dunstan R, Soltan L, Brumwell A, Wilson M, Nicholson T, Palmquist AEL. Assessment of Perinatal Depression Risk among internally displaced Yazidi Women in Iraq: a descriptive cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:359. [PMID: 35468737 PMCID: PMC9040272 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04658-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yazidi survivors of a 2014 genocidal attack by the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have complex medical and mental health needs in the perinatal and postpartum period. Few studies have assessed perinatal mental health needs for this population of women who are living in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Methods The specific aim of this formative cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of perinatal depressive symptoms, specifically the risk of perinatal depression symptoms, among a purposive sample of Yazidi women living in camps for internally displaced persons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. One hundred twenty-two pregnant and recently postpartum (<1 year) Yazidi women completed a Kurdish-language version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. Pregnant and postpartum participants’ responses were analyzed together, in order to assess an overall combined risk of perinatal mental health issues for the study population. Logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association of participant characteristics with an elevated risk of perinatal depressive symptoms. Results Participants were 17-45 years of age (mean 32 years, SD 7.63) Among the 122 women, 67.2% (n=82) were pregnant and 32.8% (n=40) were <1 year postpartum. Overall, 78% (n=95) of participants were at an elevated risk of depression (EPDS >10), and 53% (n=65) of all participants were at risk of moderate to severe depression (EPDS >12). Thoughts of self-harm (EPDS item 10) were reported among 97% (n=118) of participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated that increased risk of perinatal depressive symptoms was significantly associated with reports of health problems during pregnancy (OR=3.22, 95% [CI]:1.08-9.61) and marital status (OR=16.00; 95% [CI]: 0.42-0.50). Age (OR= 0.84; 95% [CI]: 0.75–0.94) and level of education (OR=0.15; 95% [CI]: 0.42-0.50) had protective effects. Conclusions Rates of perinatal depressive symptoms risk among internally displaced Yazid pregnant and postpartum women are higher than the general Kurdish-speaking population in Iraq (28.4%). Culturally responsive trauma informed perinatal and postpartum care services, which include both community-based and clinical strategies for perinatal depressive symptoms and suicide prevention for this population, are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Am Seidi
- Research Center, University of Garmian, Kurdistan, Iraq. .,Research Center, University of Garmian Kalar, Kurdistand, Sulaimania, Iraq.
| | | | - Dilshad Jaff
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Raven Dunstan
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lein Soltan
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Aunchalee E L Palmquist
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Magwood O, Kassam A, Mavedatnia D, Mendonca O, Saad A, Hasan H, Madana M, Ranger D, Tan Y, Pottie K. Mental Health Screening Approaches for Resettling Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063549. [PMID: 35329237 PMCID: PMC8953108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Refugees and asylum seekers often face delayed mental health diagnoses, treatment, and care. COVID-19 has exacerbated these issues. Delays in diagnosis and care can reduce the impact of resettlement services and may lead to poor long-term outcomes. This scoping review aims to characterize studies that report on mental health screening for resettling refugees and asylum seekers pre-departure and post-arrival to a resettlement state. We systematically searched six bibliographic databases for articles published between 1995 and 2020 and conducted a grey literature search. We included publications that evaluated early mental health screening approaches for refugees of all ages. Our search identified 25,862 citations and 70 met the full eligibility criteria. We included 45 publications that described mental health screening programs, 25 screening tool validation studies, and we characterized 85 mental health screening tools. Two grey literature reports described pre-departure mental health screening. Among the included publications, three reported on two programs for women, 11 reported on programs for children and adolescents, and four reported on approaches for survivors of torture. Programs most frequently screened for overall mental health, PTSD, and depression. Important considerations that emerged from the literature include cultural and psychological safety to prevent re-traumatization and digital tools to offer more private and accessible self-assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Magwood
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Azaad Kassam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
- Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, 1365 Richmond Rd #2, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7, Canada
- Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre, 291 Argyle, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8, Canada
| | - Dorsa Mavedatnia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (D.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Oreen Mendonca
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
| | - Ammar Saad
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 5B2, Canada
| | - Hafsa Hasan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Maria Madana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (D.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Dominique Ranger
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yvonne Tan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen’s University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Walker R, Morris H, Lang S, Hampton K, Boyle J, Skouteris H. Co-designing preconception and pregnancy care for healthy maternal lifestyles and obesity prevention. Women Birth 2019; 33:473-478. [PMID: 31812498 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM A recognised gap exists between current and recommended practices in the provision of lifestyle advice and weight management support for women across preconception and pregnancy care. BACKGROUND Preconception and pregnancy are critical stages for promoting healthy maternal lifestyles and obesity prevention. Co-design is a novel approach with the potential to strengthen existing models of care to facilitate the implementation of clinical practice guidelines promoting preconception and pregnancy health, especially in relation to preconception weight management and preventing excessive gestational weight gain. AIM AND METHODS The aims of this discussion paper are to (i) define co-design in the context of preconception and pregnancy care, (ii) outline key considerations when planning co-design initiatives and (iii) describe co-design opportunities in preconception and pregnancy care for promoting women's health and obesity prevention. DISCUSSION While several definitions of co-design exist, one critical element is the meaningful involvement of all key stakeholders. In this discussion, we specifically identified the involvement of women and expanding the role of practice nurses in primary care may assist to overcome barriers to the provision of healthy lifestyle advice and support for women during preconception. Co-designing pregnancy care will involve input from women, nurses, midwives, obstetricians, allied health and administration and management staff. Additional attention is required to co-design care for women considered most at-risk. CONCLUSION There is potential to enhance current provision of preconception and pregnancy care using co-design. Nursing and midwifery professions are active across both preconception and pregnancy and therefore, they have an important role to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Walker
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 41-52 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Heather Morris
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 41-52 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Sarah Lang
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 1 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Kerry Hampton
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Boyle
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 41-52 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 41-52 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Warwick Business School, Warwick University, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
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