NIDA-Supported Study Shows Significant Association Between Smoking, Mental Disorders in Pregnant Women: Alert to Healthcare Providers: Research Supports the Benefit of Screening for Mental Disorders in Pregnant Women Unable to Quit Smoking

2007 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Quit Smoking

scholarly journals Identifying Patterns of Symptom Distress in Pregnant Women: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6333
Author(s):  
Ching-Fang Lee ◽  
Fur-Hsing Wen ◽  
Yvonne Hsiung ◽  
Jian-Pei Huang ◽  
Chun-Wei Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Symptom Distress ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Distress Symptoms ◽  
Related Symptom ◽  
Experienced Symptom

During pregnancy, a woman’s enlarged uterus and the developing fetus lead to symptom distress; in turn, physical and psychological aspects of symptom distress are often associated with adverse prenatal and birth outcomes. This study aimed to identify the trends in the trajectory of these symptoms. This longitudinal study recruited 95 pregnant women, with a mean age of 32 years, from the prenatal wards of two teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan. Symptom distress was measured by a 22-item scale related to pregnancy-induced symptoms. The follow-up measurements began during the first trimester and were taken every two to four weeks until childbirth. More than half of the pregnant women experienced symptom distress manifested in a pattern depicted to be “Decreased then Increased” (56.8%). Other noticeable patterns were “Continuously Increased” (28.4%), “Increased then Decreased” (10.5%) and “Continuously Decreased” (4.2%), respectively. It is worth noting that most pregnant women recorded a transit and increase in their symptom distress, revealed by their total scores, at the second trimester (mean 22.02 weeks) of pregnancy. The participants’ major pregnancy-related distress symptoms were physical and included fatigue, frequent urination, lower back pain, and difficulty sleeping. The mean scores for individual symptoms ranged from 2.32 to 3.61 and were below the “moderately distressful” level. This study provides evidence that could be used to predict women’s pregnancy-related symptom distress and help healthcare providers implement timely interventions to improve prenatal care.

scholarly journals Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety during Pregnancy and Associations with Pregnancy Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyejung Lee ◽  
Ki-Eun Kim ◽  
Mi-Young Kim ◽  
Chang Gi Park ◽  
Jung Yeol Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Emotional Status ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Latent Trajectory ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
Health Hospital

The purposes of this study were to investigate the trajectory groups of depressive symptoms and anxiety in women during pregnancy and to identify the factors associated with those groups. Participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a women’s health hospital in Seoul, Korea. Pregnant women (n = 136) completed a survey questionnaire that included questions on depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pregnancy stress; additionally, their saliva was tested for cortisol hormone levels three times during their pregnancies. The group-based trajectory modeling approach was used to identify latent trajectory groups. Ordinal logistic regressions were used to explore the association of latent trajectory groups with sociodemographic factors and pregnancy stress. Three trajectory groups of depressive symptoms were identified: low-stable (70%), moderate-stable (25%), and increased (5%). Four trajectory groups of anxiety were identified: very low-stable (10%), low-stable (67%), moderate-stable (18%), and high-stable (5%). The only factor associated with both the depressive symptoms and anxiety trajectory groups was pregnancy stress (p < 0.001). Most participants showed stable emotional status; however, some participants experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety related to higher pregnancy stress. These pregnant women may need additional care from healthcare providers to promote their wellbeing during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Advice and Counselling by Healthcare Providers: A Scoping Review

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 609
Author(s):  
Uchenna Benedine Okafor ◽  
Daniel Ter Goon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Physical Activity Advice ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Physical Activity And Exercise

Background: Despite scientific evidence on prenatal physical activity and exercise, synthesized evidence is lacking on the provision of prenatal physical activity and exercise advice and counselling by prenatal healthcare providers. The scoping review seeks to fill this gap by synthesizing available literature on the provision of prenatal physical activity and exercise advice and counselling by prenatal healthcare providers to women during antenatal visits. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) search framework for scoping reviews was applied to retrieve original research articles on the prenatal physical activity and exercise practices of healthcare providers with pregnant women, published between 2010–2020, and available in English. The search databases included Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, EMBASE, The Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), BIOMED Central, Medline and African Journal Online. Studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were retrieved for analysis. Results: Out of the 82 articles that were retrieved for review, 13 met the eligibility criteria. Seven of the articles were quantitative, four qualitative, one mixed-method and one controlled, non-randomised study, respectively. Three themes emerged as major findings. Healthcare providers affirmed their responsibility in providing prenatal physical activity advice and counselling to pregnant women; however, they seldom or rarely performed this role. Major barriers to prenatal physical activity and exercise included insufficient time, lack of knowledge and skills, inadequate or insufficient training, and lack of resources. Conclusion: This review highlights salient features constraining the uptake of prenatal physical activity and exercise advice/counselling by prenatal healthcare providers in both community and clinical settings. Prenatal physical activity advice and counselling are key components to the promotion of physical activity adherence during and post-partum pregnancy; this requires adequate knowledge of physical activity prescriptions and recommendations, which are personalised and contextual to environment. Research is needed to examine the prenatal physical activity advice and counselling from prenatal healthcare providers on issues hindering effective delivery of the aforementioned in the context of promoting prenatal physical activity in clinical or community settings.

Measurement of Barriers, Attitudes, and Expectations for Sitting Less in Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 956-970
Author(s):  
Bethany Barone Gibbs ◽  
Melissa A. Jones ◽  
Kara M. Whitaker ◽  
Sharon Taverno Ross ◽  
Kelliann K. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Household Chores ◽  
Prenatal Interventions ◽  
Specific Barriers ◽  
In Pregnancy

Objective: Our objective was to develop, validate, and describe findings from an instrument to measure barriers, attitudes, and outcome expectations of sitting less in pregnant women. Methods: This validation (sub-study 1) and descriptive study (sub-study 2) evaluated a new questionnaire measuring sedentary time in pregnant women (N=131) in each trimester. Results: In sub-study 1, construct validity was supported by associations between device-measured sedentary time and questionnaire scores. An optimized questionnaire removed infrequently reported and non-correlated items. The original and optimized questionnaires with scoring instructions are provided. In sub-study 2, physical symptoms and work were most commonly reported as major reasons for sitting in pregnancy, followed by leisure, family, and social activities. Some women reported limiting sitting due to boredom/restlessness, to improve energy or health, and to control weight. In the third trimester, some women reported sitting more/less due to pain and encouragement from family, friends, and co-workers. Few women reported household chores or pregnancy risks as reasons to sit, felt sitting was healthy or necessary during pregnancy, or were encouraged to sit by healthcare providers. Conclusions: The developed questionnaire demonstrated validity and identified barriers to and expectations of sitting less during pregnancy. Prenatal interventions to reduce sitting should address general and pregnancy-specific barriers.

scholarly journals Determinants of preconception care among pregnant women in an urban and a rural health facility in Kenya: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Okemo ◽  
D. Kamya ◽  
A. M. Mwaniki ◽  
M. Temmerman
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preconception Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Preventive Health Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
And Child Health

Abstract Background Preconception care (PCC) is a form of preventive health care that is offered to women and couples before conception, with the aim of improving their health status and mitigating various risk factors that could contribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes. The levels of PCC utilization are still low globally, especially in developing countries and in rural areas. Little is known regarding PCC use in Kenya that could help in addressing this shortfall. This study aimed to qualitatively assess the determinants of PCC in urban and rural settings in Kenya. Methods A qualitative approach was employed to assess determinants of PCC using a semi-structured interview guide. The study was conducted from May to October 2017. Selected pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) were recruited by quota sampling, at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinics in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N-urban) and Maragua Level Four Hospital (MLFH-rural). The interviews were thereafter transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Findings A total of 26 women were invited, of whom 21 accepted to participate in in-depth interviews (IDIs). Saturation of themes occurred with 13 interviews (7 at AKUH and 6 at MLFH). Transcription, coding and thematic analysis of the IDIs yielded 12 themes. Eleven of these themes were identified as determinants of PCC. The twelfth theme contained suggested strategies of increasing PCC awareness and utilization, such as using the media, setting up PCC clinics and integrating PCC into other clinics. The dominant themes were awareness about PCC and attitudes towards PCC and pregnancy. The broad determinants of PCC were similar in urban and rural settings – with a few notable exceptions. For example, in the rural setting, women’s level of education and a pervasive history of poor interactions with healthcare providers were major determinants of PCC. Conclusion From this study we conclude that women’s lack of awareness about PCC, in conjunction with attitudes towards PCC and pregnancy impact strongly on its utilization. This lack of awareness could be addressed through health education programs for both the public and for healthcare providers, as well as integrating PCC in the curricula of the later.

scholarly journals Attitudes of Pregnant Women Towards Antenatal Care Services Provided in Primary Health Care Facilities of Mbombela Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 569-575
Author(s):  
Lucia Drigo ◽  
Masane Luvhengo ◽  
Rachel T. Lebese ◽  
Lufuno Makhado
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Primary Health Care Facilities

Background: Pregnant woman’s personal experience of antenatal care services can either be positive or negative; however, knowledge and experience appear to be of paramount importance in shaping their attitudes towards any healthcare-related services. This implies that women's experience of antenatal care services may affect their decision for seeking antenatal care in their present pregnancy, which can lead them to delay seeking care. Purpose: This study sought to explore the attitudes of pregnant women towards antenatal care services provided in primary health care facilities of Mbombela Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive study design was used for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample pregnant women who fail to attend antenatal services as expected. Data were collected through face to face unstructured in-depth interview. A total of eighteen pregnant women participated in the study until data saturation. Data were analysed using Tech’s method of analysis. Results: Results revealed the following theme and sub-themes: Attitudes of pregnant women related to individual perceptions, perceived barriers to utilizing antenatal care services,’ attitudes of healthcare providers, long waiting times in healthcare facilities, lack privacy and confidentiality in healthcare facilities and attitudes of pregnant women related to attendance of antenatal services. Conclusion: Attitudes of pregnant women about antenatal care are shaped by their knowledge and previous encounters with the health care services that they had previously received. It is therefore important to provide women-friendly services. It is recommended that health education regarding the importance of antenatal care services must be given to all women daily in the waiting areas of each primary health care facilities, thus, the healthcare providers should promote the active participation of pregnant women during the health education sessions and provide opportunities to ask questions.

scholarly journals O uso da internet como ferramenta de apoio ao esclarecimento de dúvidas durante a gestaçãoThe use of the Internet as a support tool to clarify questions during pregnancy

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Taiara Maestro Calderon ◽  
Maria Elisa Wotzasek Cestari ◽  
Alyni Cristiny Dobkowski ◽  
Mariana Digieri Cavalheiro
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Google Docs ◽  
Line Form ◽  
On Line ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Search For Information

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period of doubts and anxiety for most pregnant women. Objective: To evaluate the use of the Internet as a support tool to clarify doubts raised by women during pregnancy. Methods: An exploratory and descriptive study. Sample based on accidentalness, for 241 users who responded to the on-line form, built with Google Docs and made available in  one Blog. Results: 98% of pregnant women were between 19 and 39 years, 97% with schooling above 9 years, 99% had follow up with healthcare providers. Regarding the use of the Internet, 99% said they usually search for the pregnancy questions. The doubts consisted mostly in the search for information about the development of the baby, then how to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy, the changes in the woman’s body and feeding care. The choice of the sites, according to the interviewees, occurred mainly through the indication of social networks, friends and acquaintances. Regarding to the resolution of doubts, 97% reported that after the Internet search doubts were resolved. Conclusion: The Internet has been a tool of support for pregnant women who seek effective support on the World Wide Web to clarify their doubts. The significant standard for clarification and education reflected a customer that will search and possibly question the procedures and practices that are performed during prenatal care. However, the search for sites has been based on independent research guidance by health professionals, something which does not ensure the credibility of the sites surveyed by users.

scholarly journals Determinants of Preconception care among Pregnant Women In an Urban and a Rural Health Facility In Kenya: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Khavugwi Okemo ◽  
Dorothy Kamya ◽  
Abraham Mukaindo Mwaniki ◽  
Marleen Temmerman
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preconception Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Preventive Health Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
And Child Health

Abstract BACKGROUNDPreconception care (PCC) is a form of preventive health care that is offered to women and couples before conception, with the aim of improving their health status and mitigating various risk factors that could contribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes. The levels of PCC utilization are still low globally, especially in developing countries and in the rural areas. Little is known regarding PCC use in Kenya that could help in bridging this gap. This study aimed to assess the determinants of PCC in urban and rural settings in Kenya.METHODSSelected pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) were recruited by purposive sampling at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinics in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N-urban) and Maragua Level Four Hospital (MLFH-rural). A qualitative approach was employed to assess determinants of PCC using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.RESULTS A total of 26 women were invited, of whom 21 accepted to participate in in-depth interviews (IDIs). Saturation of themes occurred after 13 interviews (7 at AKUH and 6 at MLFH).Transcription, coding and thematic analysis of the IDIs yielded 12 main themes. Eleven of the main themes were identified as determinants of PCC while the twelfth theme contained suggested strategies of increasing PCC awareness and utilization, such as using the media, setting up PCC clinics and integrating PCC into other clinics. The dominant themes were awareness about PCC and attitudes towards PCC and pregnancy.The broad determinants of PCC were similar in urban and rural settings – with a few notable exceptions. For example, in the rural setting, women’s level of education and a pervasive history of poor interactions with healthcare providers were major determinants of PCC.CONCLUSIONFrom this study we conclude that women’s lack of awareness about PCC, in conjunction with attitudes towards PCC and pregnancy impact strongly on its utilization. This lack of awareness could be addressed through health education programs for both the public and for healthcare providers, as well as integrating PCC in the curricula of nurses and doctors.

scholarly journals Accessibility of maternal health information and its influence on maternal health preferences in rural Tanzania: A case study of Chamwino District

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilda A. Mwangakala
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Maternal Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Leading Role

Background: The access to quality maternal health information amongst pregnant women plays an important role in determining woman’s health behaviour during pregnancy. Yet, access to maternal health information remains a major challenge in Tanzanian rural communities especially for pregnant women leading to low utilisation of skilled maternal health services.Objectives: The study aimed at examining the accessibility of maternal health information amongst pregnant women in rural Tanzania.Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study involving 25 pregnant women, 5 skilled healthcare providers (SHPs) and 5 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) was carried out in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania for a period of 6 months. Data were analysed thematically using the six-stage guide to thematic data analysis with NVivo Software.Results: The acute shortage of healthcare personnel and traditional beliefs influenced pregnant women’s access to quality maternal health information. The majority of women used mothers-in-law and TBAs as their primary source of maternal health information rather than skilled healthcare providers.Conclusion: Despite the acute shortage, healthcare providers need to play a leading role in providing maternal health information amongst the rural populations. Furthermore, skilled health providers need to work in collaboration with the TBAs to increase access to maternal health information and build a well-informed healthy society.

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